Top 5 VPNs

Our complete, hands-on rankings — each VPN scored on the same criteria.

The Top 5 VPNs

Independently researched and scored against the same criteria — so the ranking is consistent and fair.

Reviewed by Alex Carter, Lead VPN Analyst & EditorUpdated June 2026How we rank
#1
Editor's Choice

NordVPN

The best all-round VPN

4.9

18,400 reviews

The fastest VPN we tested thanks to its NordLynx protocol, with a huge server network, independently audited no-logs policy, and rock-solid streaming support.

Blazing-fast NordLynx (WireGuard) speeds
Independently audited no-logs policy
Reliably unblocks Netflix & more
Threat Protection, double VPN, dedicated IP
Month-to-month plan is pricey
#2
Most Reliable

ExpressVPN

Premium, reliable, effortless

4.7

14,200 reviews

The most consistent, beginner-friendly VPN — fast Lightway protocol, excellent unblocking, and a privacy-first reputation, at a premium price.

Extremely consistent speeds & reliability
Unblocks almost everything
Audited no-logs, RAM-only servers
Apps for every device, easy to use
The priciest on our list
#3
Best Value

Surfshark

Unlimited devices, unbeatable value

4.6

11,800 reviews

Connect unlimited devices for one low price, with fast WireGuard speeds, solid streaming, and a genuinely feature-rich app.

Unlimited simultaneous devices
Very affordable long-term plans
Fast WireGuard speeds
CleanWeb ad/tracker blocking
Bigger server-count claims than rivals
#4
Best for Privacy

Proton VPN

Privacy-first, open-source, Swiss

4.5

8,600 reviews

From the makers of Proton Mail — Swiss-based, fully open-source and audited, with the only genuinely usable free tier on our list.

Open-source apps, independently audited
Strong Swiss privacy jurisdiction
Genuinely usable free tier
Secure Core & Tor-over-VPN options
Free tier limits servers/speed
#5
Best for Beginners

PureVPN

Affordable, audited, easy to use

4.2

7,100 reviews

An affordable, beginner-friendly VPN with a large server network and a rare always-on independent audit of its no-logs policy.

Affordable long-term plans
Always-on independently audited no-logs
Large network across 70+ countries
Simple, beginner-friendly apps
Speeds trail the top picks
Our #1 Pick for 2026

NordVPN

4.9

The fastest VPN we tested thanks to its NordLynx protocol, with a huge server network, independently audited no-logs policy, and rock-solid streaming support.

Get NordVPN