Best VPN Services
A VPN adds privacy and security to your connection and can help you access content while traveling. But they vary a lot on speed, trustworthiness, and price. Here's an honest comparison of five leading VPNs — what each does best, where each compromises, and how to pick one.
Last reviewed: August 2026 · Plans and pricing change often — confirm current details on each vendor's site.
How we approached this comparison
A VPN asks you to route your traffic through its servers, so trust matters as much as features. We weighed the provider's privacy stance (no-logs policies and independent audits), speed and server network, reliability for streaming, ease of use across devices, and value — with attention to the common trap of cheap long-term plans that renew at much higher rates.
The VPNs at a glance
| VPN | Best for | Value position |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | All-round speed & features | Mid-range |
| ExpressVPN | Ease of use & reliability | Premium |
| Surfshark | Value & unlimited devices | Budget |
| CyberGhost | Streaming & beginners | Budget |
| Proton VPN | Privacy & a real free tier | Mid-range |
The VPNs in detail
NordVPN
NordVPN pairs fast speeds (helped by its WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol) with a large server network and a security feature set that goes beyond the basics. Independently audited no-logs policies and extras like Threat Protection make it a reliable default choice.
Strengths
- Fast, consistent speeds
- Independently audited no-logs policy
- Big server network and useful extras
Watch-outs
- Renewal costs more than the intro deal
- App can feel feature-dense
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is known for a polished, dead-simple experience across every platform and rock-solid reliability, including for streaming. It's typically the priciest of the group, but the "it just works" consistency is why it stays a favorite.
Strengths
- Extremely easy to use everywhere
- Very reliable, including for streaming
- Strong privacy track record
Watch-outs
- Most expensive of the five
- Fewer bundled extras than rivals
Surfshark
Surfshark delivers most of what the premium players offer at a noticeably lower price, and it uniquely allows unlimited simultaneous device connections on one subscription — great for families or anyone with lots of gadgets.
Strengths
- Excellent value
- Unlimited device connections
- Good speeds and modern apps
Watch-outs
- Best price needs a long commitment
- Network smaller than Nord's
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is beginner-friendly and offers servers optimized for specific streaming services, which takes the guesswork out of finding one that works. It's affordable on longer plans and backs them with a generous money-back guarantee.
Strengths
- Streaming-optimized servers
- Simple, approachable apps
- Long money-back window
Watch-outs
- Short-term plans are pricey
- Speeds can vary by server
Proton VPN
From the team behind Proton Mail, Proton VPN has a strong privacy reputation, open-source apps, and independent audits. It's also one of the few reputable providers with a genuinely usable free tier (with no data cap on that plan), making it easy to try.
Strengths
- Strong privacy credentials, audited
- Open-source apps
- Capable free tier to try
Watch-outs
- Top speeds/servers need a paid plan
- Fewer streaming-specific optimizations
How to choose the right VPN for you
For a fast, well-rounded VPN that does nearly everything well, NordVPN is the safe pick. If you value effortless reliability above price, ExpressVPN earns its premium. On a budget or covering a whole household, Surfshark's unlimited devices are hard to beat. Beginners who mainly want streaming will like CyberGhost's optimized servers, and privacy-first users should start with Proton VPN — you can even test it free.
Before subscribing, check the renewal price, whether the no-logs policy has been independently audited, and the money-back guarantee so you can test real-world speeds on your own connection risk-free.
Want the current ratings and sentiment for these VPNs?
Run a live comparison →Frequently asked questions
What is the best VPN overall?
NordVPN and ExpressVPN are consistently ranked at the top for a blend of speed, security, and reliability. Surfshark is the standout value pick, while Proton VPN is favored by privacy-focused users.
Are VPNs legal?
VPNs are legal in most countries and are widely used for privacy and security. A few countries restrict or ban them, and using a VPN never makes otherwise-illegal activity legal. Check the rules where you live and travel.
Which VPN is best for streaming?
NordVPN and ExpressVPN are reliable for accessing streaming libraries and generally maintain fast speeds. Streaming access can change over time as services update their systems, so no VPN can guarantee it permanently.
Explore more categories on our Explore by Category page, or read about our comparison methodology.
This guide reflects widely reported strengths and trade-offs and is for general information only; it is not a substitute for each vendor's official information. Plans, pricing, and streaming access change frequently — verify current details before subscribing. Some outbound links may be affiliate links, which never affect our assessments.