Best VPN services in 2026
This list compares widely used consumer VPNs for people who want more privacy on public Wi-Fi, safer browsing at home or a simple way to protect several devices. We weigh published, independently audited privacy claims most, then security features, value and how easy the apps are to live with.
8 brands scored5 weighted criteriaRegion: GlobalReviewed
Quick picks
Best VPN services by need
Best for privacy purists
Mullvad
Account numbers instead of email sign-up, one flat price and a long record of published audits.
Best free option
Proton VPN
Free tier with no data cap from a Swiss provider with audited no-logs claims.
Longest refund window
CyberGhost
45-day money-back window on longer plans gives the most time to decide.
Ranking
All 8 VPN services, ranked
Showing 8 of 8 VPN services.
- 1
Proton VPN$$
Best for privacy-minded users who want a trustworthy free tier
A Swiss VPN from the team behind Proton Mail, with open-source apps and a free tier that has no data cap. Its no-logs policy has been through four independent audits.
8.7/10, Excellent
- 2
Surfshark$
Best for families and anyone with lots of devices
A value-focused VPN that places no cap on simultaneous devices. Its no-logs claims have been independently assessed, and higher plans add antivirus and alert features.
8.7/10, Excellent
- 3
NordVPN$$
Best for people who want one capable VPN for every device
A feature-rich VPN with apps on every major platform and a run of independent no-logs audits. Plans add extras such as threat protection and password management at higher tiers.
8.4/10, Very good
- 4
Private Internet Access$
Best for tinkerers who want fine control over settings
A long-running VPN with open-source apps, highly configurable settings and no cap on simultaneous devices. Its no-logs claims have been independently audited.
8.3/10, Very good
- 5
Mullvad$$
Best for people who want minimal personal data handed over
A privacy-first Swedish VPN that uses anonymous account numbers instead of email sign-up and charges one flat monthly price. Its apps are open source and its infrastructure has been audited.
8.2/10, Very good
- 6
ExpressVPN$$$
Best for people who value very simple, polished apps
A long-established premium VPN known for simple apps and its own Lightway protocol. It has moved to tiered plans, so features and device limits now depend on the plan chosen.
8.0/10, Very good
- 7
Windscribe$
Best for light users who want a capable free VPN
A Canadian VPN with a generous free tier capped by monthly data, plus paid plans with unlimited devices and a build-your-own pricing option.
8.0/10, Very good
- 8
CyberGhost$
Best for beginners who want time to try before committing
A beginner-friendly VPN with servers labelled for streaming and torrenting, and one of the longest refund windows in the category on longer plans.
7.7/10, Very good
Method
What the score is made of
- 30%Privacy & auditsPublished no-logs policy backed by repeated independent audits and a clear jurisdiction.
- 20%Security featuresModern protocols such as WireGuard, a kill switch, leak protection and extras like multi-hop.
- 20%Value for moneyFair long-term pricing, a usable free tier or refund window, and no surprise renewals.
- 15%Apps & ease of usePolished apps on every major platform, including Linux, with sensible defaults.
- 15%Devices & flexibilityGenerous simultaneous-device limits and options such as router or family use.
Published facts
Side-by-side table
| Brand | Score | Free plan | Money-back window | Simultaneous devices | Independent audit published | Company jurisdiction | Main platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN | 8.7 | Yes | 30 days | 10 on paid plans; 1 on free | Yes | Switzerland | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Surfshark | 8.7 | No | 30 days | Unlimited | Yes | Netherlands | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| NordVPN | 8.4 | No | 30 days | 10 | Yes | Panama | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Private Internet Access | 8.3 | No | 30 days | Unlimited | Yes | United States | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Mullvad | 8.2 | No | Not published | 5 | Yes | Sweden | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| ExpressVPN | 8.0 | No | 30 days | Not published | Yes | British Virgin Islands | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers |
| Windscribe | 8.0 | Yes | Not published | Unlimited | Not published | Canada | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers |
| CyberGhost | 7.7 | No | 45 days | 7 | Yes | Romania | Windows, macOS, Linux (command line), iOS, Android |
Head to head
Popular comparisons
Before you pay
Buying checklist
- Check that the no-logs policy has been independently audited, and how recently.
- Confirm the app supports WireGuard or a comparable modern protocol and has a kill switch.
- Count your devices and compare them against the simultaneous-connection limit.
- Compare the renewal price, not only the first-term discount.
- Note the refund window and whether it applies to monthly plans too.
- Make sure there are native apps for every platform you use, including Linux or routers if needed.
- Read where the company is based and which laws it operates under.
Questions
VPN services: common questions
Do I need a VPN at home?
At home a VPN mainly hides your browsing from your internet provider and masks your IP address from sites you visit. Most sites already use HTTPS, so a VPN is not essential for basic security, but it adds privacy. On public Wi-Fi it is more clearly useful.
Are free VPNs safe to use?
Some are, as long as the provider has a clear business model, such as a paid tier that funds the free one. Proton VPN and Windscribe both offer free plans alongside paid ones. Be wary of unknown free VPNs with no published policies or audits.
What does a no-logs audit actually prove?
An audit means an outside firm reviewed the provider's systems and policies at a point in time and reported whether they matched the no-logs claim. It is a useful signal, not a permanent guarantee, which is why repeated audits carry more weight than a single one.
Will a VPN slow down my internet?
Some slowdown is normal because traffic takes an extra hop through the VPN server. Modern protocols such as WireGuard keep the overhead small, and choosing a nearby server usually helps most.
Is using a VPN legal?
VPNs are legal in most countries, but a few restrict or regulate them. Rules differ by country, so check local law before you travel, and remember that a VPN does not make otherwise unlawful activity lawful.
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