Best VPNs of 2026

Marcus Chen

Editor-in-Chief & Security Lead

March 3, 2026 · 9 min read

We've tested over 40 VPNs across speed, security, streaming, and value. Most aren't worth your money. These 5 are.

1. NordVPN — Best Overall

NordVPN wins because it excels at everything: speed (4% loss on nearby servers), security (4 independent audits), streaming (Netflix in 15+ countries), and price ($3.39/mo). It's the VPN we use daily and recommend to everyone.

Best for: Everyone. Security, streaming, privacy — it does it all.

Price: $3.39/mo (67% off) | Devices: 10 | Countries: 118

2. ExpressVPN — Fastest VPN

ExpressVPN delivers the fastest speeds we've measured, thanks to their proprietary Lightway protocol. It's slightly more expensive than NordVPN but worth it if speed is your top priority — gaming, large downloads, or 4K streaming on distant servers.

Best for: Speed-critical users. Gamers. Power streamers.

Price: $4.99/mo | Devices: 8 | Countries: 105

3. Surfshark — Best Value

Surfshark costs $2.29/mo and includes unlimited simultaneous connections — the only premium VPN to offer this. Cover your entire household on one plan. Speed and security are excellent for the price, though not quite matching NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

Best for: Families. Budget-conscious users. Anyone with lots of devices.

Price: $2.29/mo (87% off) | Devices: Unlimited | Countries: 100

4. CyberGhost — Most Servers

CyberGhost has 11,500+ servers — the largest network of any VPN. They offer dedicated servers optimized for specific streaming services, making it dead simple to unblock Netflix US or BBC iPlayer. At $2.19/mo, it's the cheapest premium option.

Best for: Streaming enthusiasts. Users who want the cheapest premium VPN.

Price: $2.19/mo (84% off) | Devices: 7 | Countries: 100+

5. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Most Customizable

PIA offers 35,000+ servers and deep customization options that power users love — choose your encryption level, protocol, DNS settings, and more. It's open-source, independently audited, and allows unlimited devices.

Best for: Tech-savvy users. Privacy enthusiasts who want full control.

Price: $2.19/mo | Devices: Unlimited | Countries: 91

How We Test

Every VPN on this list was tested for: connection speed (multiple locations), streaming (Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer), security (leak tests, kill switch verification), privacy (logging policy review), and usability (app quality, customer support). We re-test monthly.

Not sure whether you need a VPN or a proxy? Our VPN vs Proxy comparison breaks down the difference.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which VPN is the best overall in 2026?

NordVPN is the best overall VPN in 2026. It excels at speed, security with 4 independent audits, and streaming, and costs $3.39/month on the 2-year plan. It's the VPN we use daily and recommend to most people.

Which VPN is the fastest?

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we've tested, thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol. It's the best choice when speed matters most, such as gaming, large downloads, or 4K streaming on distant servers.

What is the cheapest premium VPN?

CyberGhost and Private Internet Access (PIA) are the cheapest premium VPNs at $2.19/month. Surfshark is also excellent value at $2.29/month and adds unlimited simultaneous connections.

How much does a good VPN cost?

A quality VPN costs about $2–5/month on a long-term plan. Our top picks range from $2.19/month for CyberGhost and PIA to $4.99/month for ExpressVPN, with NordVPN in the middle at $3.39/month.