We've been testing VPNs for three years. In 2026, the gap between the best and worst has never been wider — the top five are genuinely excellent; the rest range from mediocre to actively dangerous. Here are the five overall best VPNs of 2026, ranked across speed, privacy, streaming, and value.
| Rank | Name | Score | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | NordVPN | 🟢 95/100 | $3.99 per month (2-year plan) | Best overall — speed, security, streaming, value |
| #2 | ExpressVPN | 🟢 92/100 | $6.67 per month (annual plan) | Streaming power users, router installation |
| #3 | Surfshark | 🟡 87/100 | $2.49 per month (2-year plan) | Best budget VPN, families, unlimited devices |
| #4 | Mullvad VPN | 🟡 83/100 | €5 per month (flat, no contract) | Maximum privacy, no-account VPN |
| #5 | Private Internet Access (PIA) | 🟡 80/100 | $2.03 per month (3-year plan) | US Netflix, torrenting, power users |
1. NordVPN
Score: 95/100 · Price: $3.99 per month (2-year plan) · Best for: Best overall — speed, security, streaming, value
NordVPN earns the top overall spot by winning or tying in every category we test. Its NordLynx protocol consistently delivers the fastest speeds; its threat protection feature blocks ads and malware at the VPN level; and its independently audited no-logs policy has held up through two real-world court requests that returned zero usable data. At $3.99/month on a 2-year plan it's also the best value among premium providers.
Pros:
- 6,000+ servers in 111 countries
- NordLynx protocol fastest in class
- Independently audited no-logs policy
Cons:
- 2-year commitment required for best price
- Dedicated IP costs extra
2. ExpressVPN
Score: 92/100 · Price: $6.67 per month (annual plan) · Best for: Streaming power users, router installation
ExpressVPN is the streaming specialist. It's the only VPN we recommend installing on a router (its dedicated router app is the most polished in the market), and it unblocked every streaming service we tested — including regional Netflix libraries that defeated NordVPN. Pay the premium if streaming is your primary use case.
Pros:
- Best-in-class streaming unblocking (17/17)
- Only major VPN with router app
- Lightway protocol fastest for streaming
Cons:
- Pricier than NordVPN
- 5 simultaneous connections (vs NordVPN's 6)
3. Surfshark
Score: 87/100 · Price: $2.49 per month (2-year plan) · Best for: Best budget VPN, families, unlimited devices
If price is your primary concern, Surfshark is the answer. At $2.49/month it's less than a third the cost of ExpressVPN and includes unlimited device connections — one plan covers everyone in your household. Speed is competitive for most use cases, and the CleanWeb feature blocks ads and trackers at the VPN level for all connected devices.
Pros:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- CleanWeb ad blocker included
- Cheapest reliable VPN we tested
Cons:
- Slightly slower than NordVPN/ExpressVPN
- Smaller server fleet than top 2
4. Mullvad VPN
Score: 83/100 · Price: €5 per month (flat, no contract) · Best for: Maximum privacy, no-account VPN
Mullvad is the privacy absolutist's VPN. You sign up with an account number — no email, no personal data. Payment accepts cash and Monero. The entire client is open-source and has been independently audited. Speed and streaming are not priorities; privacy is the entire product. If that describes you, nothing else comes close.
Pros:
- No email required to sign up
- Pay with cash or Monero
- Open-source, independently audited
Cons:
- No streaming optimisation
- No annual discount (flat €5/month)
5. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Score: 80/100 · Price: $2.03 per month (3-year plan) · Best for: US Netflix, torrenting, power users
PIA's combination of privacy credentials (open-source, audited no-logs, based in the US but with real warrant-canary history) and the cheapest 3-year price makes it the power user's budget pick. Its US server density is the highest of any provider we tested, which translates to reliable US Netflix and Hulu access. The 3-year commitment is the main ask.
Pros:
- Largest US server fleet
- Open-source client
- 10 simultaneous connections
Cons:
- 3-year commitment for best price
- Weaker EU streaming than top 3
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best VPN in 2026?
NordVPN is the best overall VPN in 2026, topping our tests for speed, security, streaming, and value. ExpressVPN is the runner-up and the top pick specifically for streaming.
Are VPNs legal in 2026?
VPNs are legal in most countries including the US, UK, EU, Australia, and Canada. They are restricted or banned in a small number of countries including China, Russia, Belarus, and North Korea. Always check local laws.
Does a VPN protect you from hackers?
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, which protects against man-in-the-middle attacks on public Wi-Fi. It does not protect against malware, phishing, or data breaches on sites you visit.
What is the cheapest good VPN?
Private Internet Access at $2.03/month (3-year plan) is the cheapest reliable VPN we recommend. Surfshark at $2.49/month is a stronger overall option with unlimited devices.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN — which should I choose?
Choose NordVPN for the best overall value and security. Choose ExpressVPN if streaming (especially regional Netflix libraries) is your primary use case. See our full comparison at /compare/expressvpn-vs-nordvpn.