Best VPN services 2026: Expert tested and recommended

State-controlled ISPs, strict online censorship, ID and age verification, eroding privacy — these are all challenges we are facing in 2026. In addition, our data is constantly being collected, sold, and shared, often without our express consent or knowledge. A virtual private network (VPN) is one of the most accessible tools we can use to protect our right to privacy. A trustworthy VPN encrypts your traffic, disguises your IP address, and limits the risk of data exposure and surveillance. As a bonus, many VPN users will use this software to avoid geo-location blocks and access streaming services worldwide.

In ZDNET’s latest update, we conducted new speed tests and we performed a thorough editorial update of our guide. We also removed TunnelBear from our alternatives due to its recent, heavy restrictions for free users, and added IPVanish as a top pick.

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What is the best VPN service right now?

My pick for the best VPN in 2026 is NordVPN. NordVPN offers the full package for most users — fast speeds, stable connections, an expansive server network, and excellent streaming capabilities. It’s also easy to use with a variety of apps for your Windows, Mac, mobile devices, and even your smart TV. Plans start at $3.09 per month. My second choice is Surfshark. This affordable VPN offers consistent performance across its global servers while remaining user-friendly. Expect to pay $1.78 per month on the lowest-tier two-year plan.

Also: The best smart TV VPNs of 2026

The ZDNET team has decades of experience in the VPN arena. I’ve tested all the VPN services on this list in frequent real-world speed tests and rank them based on the number of servers, security features, price, usability, and other important factors. If you’re interested in signing up for a VPN, pick a trustworthy service that doesn’t drastically impact your speed or internet connection. You should also consider the size and variety of its server network, whether or not it’s right for streaming, and how the VPN provider treats user data.

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All Countries and servers Usability Speed and performance Security Price

The best VPNs of 2026

NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the most widely used VPNs, and for most users, it ticks all the boxes. This makes it my top pick overall in 2026 as the best VPN on the market today.

Why we like it: NordVPN is secure, fast, suitable for streaming, and has all the features you’ll likely need. I found it to be one of the fastest VPNs with the most consistent speed measurements and rapid initial server connectivity.

While it’s worth noting that rival ExpressVPN is often faster, especially on long-distance servers, in my experience, NordVPN speeds and connections tend to be more consistent overall, and I rarely encounter IP-related blocks or excessive CAPTCHA challenges.

NordVPN is fine for basic use but offers many features beyond a mere VPN tunnel. For example, it supports peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing and an optional second layer of encryption via Double VPN. This allows you to set up a dedicated IP address to run a VPN that also acts as a server.

In my tests with Netflix, NordVPN emerged as a top VPN for streaming content with a high success rate in accessing geo-blocked content. When set up with the Privacy Hero 2 router, it also excelled in accessing streaming services worldwide.

Last year, the company launched NordWhisper. The new protocol that allows users to connect to VPN servers from networks that typically limit traditional VPN traffic and enforce restrictive network policies. NordVPN also recently overhauled its desktop apps.

NordVPN’s kill switch activates if your connection suddenly drops, protecting your connection and data. There’s also a handy pause function if you need to access a local website or service and revert to your original IP address.

Review: NordVPN

Who it’s for: Those who want the best overall VPN around. It’s a solid, fast VPN to use across different devices, and for a relatively affordable price. NordVPN is compatible with all major platforms and provides a server network of 135 countries. It also allows you to connect 10 devices simultaneously under one account and is excellent for streaming.

Who should look elsewhere: NordVPN will suit most users’ needs, but if you prioritize speed on faraway servers, ExpressVPN might be the right alternative.

You can pick between three types of plans with two-year, one-year, or one-month contract terms. Your choice depends on whether you want advanced features such as a password manager, data breach scanner, cloud storage, or file encryption.

Prices start at $3.09 per month on a two-year plan or $5 per month for a one-year subscription. Alternatively, you can try NordVPN for a month and take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Surfshark

Surfshark should be on your radar if you are looking for an affordable, long-term VPN with an array of user-friendly features.

Why we like it: In ZDNET’s Surfshark VPN review and frequent tests, we find that this VPN offers reasonable speeds and a decent server network, with reliability at its core.

It’s not the fastest or the quickest to connect, but the low price point provides excellent value for money and makes this VPN stand out as a mid-range, starter option.

With a server network spanning 100 countries, you have plenty of locations to choose from, making this VPN a good choice for streaming content at home or abroad.

Surfshark prioritizes security with AES-256-GCM, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and RSA-2048 encryption. The organization also upholds a no-logs policy, which has been verified. Recently, Surfshark debuted Dausos, a new protocol designed specifically for consumer VPN use.

I like its add-on features, including anti-tracking, a search engine that doesn’t log your information, and a scanner that checks data breach lists for your email. With Surfshark’s multi-hop option, you can also connect through two VPN servers.

According to my recent tests, there are no data leaks either, which is precisely what you want to see from a quality VPN.

While Nord Security owns Surfshark, both NordVPN and Surfshark act independently.

Also: NordVPN vs Surfshark: Which is better?

The company also debuted FastTrack in 2025, a route optimization system that may, in time, vastly improve its connection speeds.

Who it’s for: Anyone on the hunt for a consistently affordable VPN without any unwelcome price hikes. I’ve tested and used Surfshark for years, and pricing typically stays within the $2 – $3 per month range.

The cheapest option, a two-year subscription called Surfshark Starter, costs only $1.78 per month at the time of writing, with three months of free service added to the length of your contract.

I would also consider the Surfshark One deal, at $2.08 per month on a two-year plan with three months free. Why? At this price, you also get an antivirus bolt-on for less than a dollar per month.

Customers praise the support team for being excellent and quick to respond.

Who should look elsewhere: Surfshark provides excellent value for money, but it isn’t the fastest or the most advanced VPN. If you want the best speeds or advanced customization, check out my other recommendations, including NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

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Proton VPN

Proton is a Swiss company that adheres to the country’s strict privacy laws and also provides free accounts. It’s a solid choice if you want to combine security with a vast server network — or you want a trustworthy, free VPN.

Why we like it: Proton VPN takes a strong security approach, layering advanced protocols on top of encryption and offering customization options. Not only does Proton VPN have a kill switch, but it also supports torrenting and includes an ad blocker.

I also like that you can see each server’s load, as this can help you pick the right server for the best speeds.

Under the slogan “privacy by default,” this organization focuses on developing services, including encrypted email and a VPN, to enhance the privacy of activists, journalists, and the public.

Proton’s apps are open source, there’s a no-logs policy, and the company reports that it is independently audited. The firm also created its own protocol, Stealth, which was designed to circumvent censorship blocks.

Customers like Proton’s attitude to security and privacy, as do I. I find it easy to use, and the paid versions’ speeds are very good locally, but not reasonable when you choose a long-distance server. Although Trustpilot ratings are low, the feedback primarily concerns the firm’s free plan limits and its customer support system.

There are free and paid options available. If you need a free solution, this is one of the few trusted VPNs I recommend. In recent news, Proton VPN has expanded its server network to cover 145 countries, although it doesn’t yet have coverage in all US states.

Review: Proton VPN

Who it’s for: Proton offers a free VPN service that is supported by paid users. It allows one machine to connect without bandwidth limits and provides access to servers in 10 countries: the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, the US, Mexico, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, and Singapore.

I don’t typically recommend using free VPNs, but this is a great service for casual browsing. Unlike many less reputable free VPN services, it will not sell your information.

Due to server and location restrictions on free accounts, you may not see the network’s true speeds, especially when servers assigned to free plan holders are handling high traffic volumes.

Who should look elsewhere: Anyone who wants more than a restricted, albeit free, service should consider another option or check out Proton VPN’s paid offerings.

If you want access to Proton VPN’s full server network, you will need to opt for a paid subscription.

The best deal is $3 per month on a two-year plan. A one-year plan is priced at $4 per month, or you can opt for one month of access for $10. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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IPVanish

IPVanish recently performed very well in our speed lab tests, boosting its position as one of our recommended VPNs.

Why we like it: IPVanish doesn’t have the most modern interface, but it does have real strengths in speed and customization options.

You can select servers from a network spanning 108 countries, with each location’s ping speed and server load displayed to help you find the right option and the server likely to deliver the best performance. And speaking of performance, in our latest lab tests, IPVanish was among those that resulted in the least speed loss.

The user interface is basic but easy to use, and another real benefit is that IPVanish doesn’t restrict the number of devices you can connect simultaneously to the service.

Review: IPVanish

Who it’s for: If you want a fast, configurable VPN with a solid server network, this is the VPN for you.

Customers report that this VPN is easy to install and use on all platforms, with some noting that unlimited simultaneous device support is of real benefit. In our recent lab tests, this VPN performed well in terms of speed.

Recently, IPVanish rolled out a RAM-only server filtering option for its VPN users.

Who should look elsewhere: IPVanish has a somewhat bland interface, and so if a modern, interactive dashboard is important to you, look elsewhere.

IPVanish offers a basic plan for $2.19 per month on a two-year subscription. Advanced plans, at $3.29 per month, include features such as a secure browser, cloud backup, and up to 5GB of eSIM data.

Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, ZDNET’s parent company. For more information, see our Editorial Guidelines.

IPVanish VPN features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, and routers | Logging: None, except billing data | Locations: 108 countries | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.4 | App Store rating: 4.6

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ExpressVPN

If you’re looking for an easy-to-learn VPN that is perfect for beginners, ExpressVPN is the top VPN I would recommend.

Why we like it: You download, install, and launch the VPN. Click the large middle button in the VPN window, and you’re connected.

It’s great as a set-and-forget VPN that works well across all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Fire OS (outside of the new Vega OS on Fire TV Stick), and tvOS. The service also works with Linux.

ExpressVPN has impressive speeds, an expansive network covering 105 countries, including servers in every US state. I also find it works well for streaming purposes and has a fair success rate when accessing streaming content libraries while I’m abroad.

In total, 10 to 14 simultaneous connections can be linked under a single account. Although this has increased from eight, I would still like to see it become unlimited in the future.

Review: ExpressVPN: Is it worth the price?

The company doesn’t log your browsing history, IP address, or traffic destination and operates a no-logs policy.

In recent ExpressVPN news, the company debuted three new offerings to its security solutions portfolio: ExpressKeys, ExpressMailGuard, and ExpressAI.

Who it’s for: Individuals who want their first VPN. It’s cheap enough on the entry-level plan to try out, and you can also take advantage of the organization’s 30-day money-back guarantee.

In 2025, ExpressVPN switched to a system. I applaud this move as it gives VPN customers the range of choice they now expect and makes it more affordable.

The best deal is the basic plan, which is $2.79 per month on a two-year contract, with four months of free access thrown in.

Customers say it delivers a speedy and consistent connection, and I agree. While customer service is friendly and polite, they persist in their efforts to retain customers, so you’ll need to set aside some time if you wish to cancel after the 30-day period.

Who should look elsewhere: VPN customers who want more granular control over their VPN should consider NordVPN, ProtonVPN, or Private Internet Access.

While ExpressVPN recently launched a free service, EventVPN, I can’t recommend it considering how ad-driven it is.

ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 10 – 14 | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 105 | Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.8 | App Store rating: 4.7

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Best VPN service	Best Price	Kill switch	Countries	Simultaneous connections
NordVPN	$3.09 per month on a two-year plan	Yes	135	10
Surfshark VPN	$1.78 per month on a two-year plan	Yes	100	Unlimited
Proton VPN	Free or $3 per month on a two-year contract	Yes	145	1-10, varies by plan
IPVanish	$2.19 per month on a two-year plan	Yes	105	Unlimited
ExpressVPN	$2.79 per month on a two-year plan	Yes	105	10 – 14

I ran a series of speed and connectivity tests in April 2026 on each VPN’s paid service to see how they compare.

I performed the tests using a fiber connection in the U.K., with an average starting speed, without a VPN, of 712.27 Mbps download and 108.72 Mbps upload. Each smart location and US connection test was repeated three times, and I then calculated the average.

On rare occasions, I encountered an extreme outlier, such as horrendous speeds on a specific server outside the norm. In these instances, I repeated the test because servers may be experiencing errors or undergoing maintenance.

I also tested for the presence of domain name service (DNS) leaks.

Our lab team also conducted testing in the United States to provide a secondary set of speed data.

Previously, I performed repeated tests using a broadband connection in the U.K. with an average starting speed, without a VPN, of between 50 and 60 Mbps download and around 15 to 20 Mbps upload. This gave me a strong indicator of which VPNs tend to work best with slower initial broadband speeds, an important factor as not everyone has access to high-speed broadband services.

Please remember that results may differ for you and vary from country to country, so the below should be considered a snapshot. Your internet service provider (ISP) and broadband subscription may also impact your speeds.

The results below are not the exact speeds you should expect. You can instead use these results to get a general idea of how your speeds could change with a VPN. Remember that the further away the VPN server, the more your speed may be impacted. Speeds will typically be quicker when you connect to a local server, compared to selecting Australia, for example, unless you’re in the country.

Choose this top VPN service…	If you want…
NordVPN	The best VPN of 2026. NordVPN is one of the most consistently fast and stable VPN providers, with a large, reliable server network that gives you plenty of countries to connect to, whether you are at home or abroad. It’s great for streaming and travel, too, with a stylish user interface on PC and mobile. This VPN has an active development roadmap, with new features being released constantly.
Surfshark VPN	One of the least expensive top VPNs. Surfshark is a consistent entrant in my recommended VPN lists, and for good reason. It might not always be the fastest, but at a $1 – $2 price point, you can’t argue with its value for money. It’s also perfect for beginners, has a reliable kill switch, and an intuitive user interface.
Proton VPN	A free VPN with a variety of add-on features and the comfort of open-source security. Proton VPN is one of the most privacy-focused VPN services out there. It offers reasonable speeds and is one of the few trusted providers that also offer a free plan that protects one device.
IPVanish	A rapid VPN offering great speeds. In our recent lab testing, IPVanish sped past the competition, and during home testing, I’ve also found speed loss to be reasonable. It’s affordable, provides unlimited connections, and is stable, making it an excellent choice.
ExpressVPN	One of the most beginner-friendly, fast, and reliable VPNs with a large server network. I’ve used ExpressVPN for years, and I consider it one of the least obtrusive services available, easy to learn to use, and it frequently performs well in my speed tests. You can expect multi-platform support and relatively minor speed reductions when streaming. It’s also dropped in price in recent months, although top-tier plans are still expensive.

When you are deciding to try out a VPN for the first time, or you want to switch from your existing provider, consider:

Speed: Every VPN operates differently, and every user experience varies. Your ISP will offer speeds that differ from those of someone in another location and on a different plan. When testing a new VPN, keep your baseline speed in mind and look for VPN solutions with minimal speed loss — especially if you are stuck with a slow ISP connection.
Apps: VPN providers should offer compatibility for multiple platforms and operating systems. Take a look at the user interfaces, features, and compatibility offered by your chosen VPN provider before you commit. For example, if you use a Windows PC and an Android smartphone, check that compatible apps are available.
Simultaneous connections: If you’re paying for a VPN, you will probably want to use it across multiple devices, such as a desktop PC, smartphone, or smart TV. We recommend you sign up for a plan supporting at least six devices, and thankfully, most paid plans now offer at least that many.
Trial periods: Before committing to a VPN provider, test them out; that’s what money-back guarantees are for. Remember that most VPN providers will give you 30 days to cancel and secure a refund. Some even offer up to 45 days. On mobile, you can often find seven-day trials for free.
Free VPN providers: Running VPN infrastructure is expensive. If the VPN provider doesn’t make money from your service fees, they’re going to make money from you somehow — sometimes even by selling your personal information. Stick with the trusted commercial vendors we’ve tested or the handful of free plans we recommend. There are cases where “free” VPNs undermine the software’s core purpose: data protection and security.
Contract terms: VPN providers constantly offer discounts, typically on longer-term plans. Consider the fine print before you sign up. Remember to cancel before automatic renewal if you’re no longer happy with the service or want to switch to a cheaper deal elsewhere.
Use cases: Your VPN selection should reflect how you want to use it. For example, you may want one specifically for streaming geo-locked content, or you may need a VPN that is likely to work in restricted countries. Consider these points before making your final choice, and test them out during your money-back guarantee period to ensure the VPN is right for you.
Advanced features: You might like the idea of bundling your new VPN with antivirus software, a data breach alert tool, or a password manager. Check out the advanced features offered under different plans to make the right choice.

How to use a VPN

expressvpn-windows-5 — Charlie Osborne | ZDNET

Depending on the VPN provider, your contract, and the devices you want to protect, the setup will vary.

You will first need to subscribe to a VPN service and download the VPN software to your machine. You can visit the VPN service’s official website, or you will usually receive a download link via email after signing up. Be careful and make sure you only click links in legitimate emails. Alternatively, visit Google Play or the App Store for mobile app options.

Open the software, grant any required permissions for the VPN, and sign in with your credentials.

Choose a server location and connect to the VPN. In this example, you can select ExpressVPN’s “…” button to select a server from its list of countries. Most VPNs will set a “smart” or “intelligent” location as the default, typically your country, which often gives you local content and the best speeds, since these servers are closest to you.

Also: The best free VPNs: Protect your privacy for free with my top picks

It’s that simple! Of course, you can check out your VPN’s settings and tailor your experience to your liking. However, for many users, sticking to default options and having a few favorite servers will be enough.

I tested and analyzed the best VPNs in 2026 using the following criteria to help you make an informed decision:

Performance: My top VPNs must meet a minimum performance standard. After all, there’s no point in using a VPN while streaming if your connection keeps dropping or lagging. I frequently conduct speed tests to stay up to date and informed of any service changes. I have extensively tested these VPNs with low broadband and high fiber initial speeds over the course of many years.
Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit the number of devices you can connect to a service simultaneously. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, and possibly even a smart TV, and want to connect to a VPN, you need a service that allows at least six simultaneous connections, although I prefer unlimited simultaneous connections.
Security: A VPN’s security protocols and encryption levels must stay up to scratch. I want the development team for VPNs I recommend to prioritize security improvements over time and promptly address reported bugs, and I look for evidence of transparency around security updates.
Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from using an unprotected connection. This is an important feature for a VPN, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop. All of my recommended VPNs provide this feature.
Geo-blocks and streaming: VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you’re away from home. I ensured that our top recommendations perform well, given these factors, and are unlikely to slow down your connection while you are streaming.
Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? My VPN recommendations have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive desktop software for at least Windows and macOS, alongside mobile apps.
Countries and servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough — at least 50 or so — to provide variety.
Trial length and price: Each VPN I recommend has a solid money-back guarantee of at least 30 days, and many will offer mobile users a seven-day trial.
Support: As with any subscription software, you may encounter problems installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. I list VPNs with a support team available, although the communication channels on offer may vary.

For a more extensive breakdown, check out ZDNET’s comprehensive VPN testing methodology page.

Latest news

A new law proposed in Utah to stop VPNs from being used to bypass online age-verification systems was delayed pending a lawsuit.
GrapheneOS patched an Android VPN bypass vulnerability.
Russia’s censorship arm is reportedly spending a fortune to try to block over 90% of VPNs by 2030.
WhatsApp named Mullvad and Amnezia as some of the top VPNs for use with the secure messaging service if connectivity is disrupted in your home country.
Popular Android apps available in Russia are quietly tracking VPN usage, according to new research.
A SIM flaw lets attackers track your location, even if you are using a VPN.
Iranians are facing a serious blackout of online services, with even top VPNs struggling in the country.
NymVPN CEO, Harry Halpin, released an “Anti-Palantir Manifesto” in which he urges resistance to widespread surveillance attempts, saying “surveillance can only be defeated by building software and hardware to defend ourselves.”

Latest news from our recommended VPN providers

Surfshark launched Dausos, a new protocol designed for consumer VPNs. ZDNET put it to the test.
Surfshark also launched an app that is compatible with Amazon’s new Vega operating system, designed for the Fire TV Stick.
NordVPN launched a new call protection feature for Android that recently reached over 100 terabits per second in aggregate network capacity. New server locations were also announced.
ExpressVPN’s new OpenBoundary function blocks child sexual content and abuse websites online. The company also restructured to create a more cohesive security suite, including a VPN and credentials manager.
IPVanish rolled out RAM-only servers.
Surfshark overhauled its website safety settings and now includes data breach and malware alerts for suspicious websites.
A recent audit confirmed DuckDuckGo’s no-logs policy.

US tariff changes have not directly impacted virtual private network software. Software is rarely considered in tariff changes, so subscription services should be safe for now.

However, this doesn’t mean the industry as a whole will not be impacted. Associated hardware such as servers, RAM, and networking equipment could face higher costs, which may be passed on to consumers.

Furthermore, global conflict could have an impact, as rising energy costs may also be passed on to consumers by some service providers.

VPN, short for virtual private network, lets you browse the internet privately and connect securely to open or public Wi-Fi networks.

A VPN allows you to change your virtual location by redirecting the connection through one of its servers worldwide. A VPN also encrypts your traffic, hiding you from hackers, internet service providers, and governments.

If your online activities are being monitored at the ISP level, they may recognize a VPN signature, even if exactly what you are doing is masked.

VPNs are useful in unblocking geo-restricted content and can be vital tools for accessing information in countries with repressive governments. They are also important services for anyone who wants to maintain a high level of safety and privacy online, and, due to recent changes in the law, they may also allow you to bypass online age-verification checks.

A fully functional VPN should protect your privacy and mask your location and IP address. If you’re unsure whether your VPN is working correctly, there are tools that make it easy to check your service’s performance.

You can find out your IP address and location by using whatismyipaddress.com. Compare the IP address and location when you’re connected with and without a VPN. If they are different, then your VPN is doing its job.

It’s possible that your VPN is leaking your data and potentially exposing your online activity. You can run tests on a site like DNS Leak Test to ensure your VPN has no issues with domain name service (DNS) leaks or IP leaks.

If you’re traveling or using the internet in a public place like a coffee shop, data encryption is critical. Most public Wi-Fi hotspots are open and unencrypted, which means anyone on the network can see what you send and may be able to eavesdrop on your activities or steal your information.

You should avoid public Wi-Fi hotspots when possible and instead use cellular as you never know what threats are lurking on them.

It probably isn’t the best use of your money to purchase a VPN just for use with your TV. You’ll find that only some TV operating systems natively support VPN apps, whereas others — such as Tizen — do not, which means you will have to find a workaround, such as installing a VPN on your router or Amazon TV Firestick (outside of those operating the Vega OS, of which only a small selection of VPN apps are available).

That said, if you want to use a VPN to access different streaming services’ libraries, it provides the means to do so. This is a legally gray area, and you may only be able to access universally licensed content if VPN use is detected.

Also: The best smart TV VPNs of 2025: Expert tested

Apple announced support for third-party VPNs on tvOS in 2023. Since then, many top VPN providers have developed native apps for tvOS. VPNs with native Apple TV support include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.

Check out our guide below for the best tvOS-supporting VPN options in the market today.

See also: The best Apple TV VPNs: Expert tested

Yes. We’ve provided a guide on the best VPNs for Amazon’s streaming device. However, Amazon’s new Fire TV Stick range, powered by the Vega operating system (Vega OS), offers very limited VPN support. The reason is that the new OS has been designed to prevent devices from running illegal streaming apps via sideloading, so as of now, only NordVPN and IPVanish have compatible apps.

Also: Best Amazon Fire TV Stick VPNs 2026

I’ve highlighted paid services in this article, though some offer a free tier or a money-back guarantee during a 30- to 45-day trial period.

In general, I don’t recommend most entirely free VPN services because they may not be secure. Operating a good VPN service requires hundreds of servers worldwide and vast networking resources. If you’re not paying to support that infrastructure, who is? Probably advertisers or data miners.

If you use a free service, your data will probably be sold. You wouldn’t want your data to go to some company to sift through; it completely defeats the purpose of a VPN.

Before you choose a VPN service, free or paid, know that no single tool can guarantee your privacy. Anything can be compromised. A VPN protects your data from your computer to the VPN service. It doesn’t protect what you put on servers. It doesn’t protect your data from the VPN provider’s VPN servers to whatever site or cloud-based application you use.

Privacy and security require you to be diligent throughout your digital journey, and while VPNs are helpful, they are not a miracle cure.

That said, if you would like to explore free options, I have compiled a guide of the best free VPNs available.

If it’s your data, and you want it to be secure, yes. The same choices apply regardless of the device you use to transmit and receive data over the internet. This goes for your PC, smartphone, and any other Internet-connected devices.

Also: The best mobile VPNs

Yes, in most countries, including the US, the UK, and the majority of Europe. In some countries, VPNs are illegal, or severely discouraged and limited to state-approved software.

At the moment, countries including North Korea, Iraq, and Belarus have reportedly banned the use of VPNs entirely. As noted in NordVPN’s country guide, others — like China, Russia, and Egypt — discourage VPN use and try to stop new adoption by demonizing VPNs as software widely used for criminal activity, or by allowing only state-controlled VPNs to operate.

We recommend that you do so because a VPN provides a blanket layer of protection for your online activities. If speed loss is problematic during some activities like gaming, at least use one during sensitive activities like accessing financial accounts.

You should also always use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots, as you can’t know what threats are lurking on them.

Let’s say you’re surfing online, and your VPN connection suddenly fails. Your phone or computer will likely try to reconnect immediately, doing so directly without going through a VPN. All of a sudden, your data is unprotected.

A kill switch is a feature in your device’s VPN app that detects when a connection fails and immediately shuts down network access. It’s not a 100% perfect solution, but we wouldn’t recommend using a VPN that doesn’t offer a kill switch.

When you have multiple devices — such as a tablet, a laptop, a TV, and a smartphone — and you are using these devices for different tasks, you still want to keep your data and connections secure on each machine.

When you have enabled the VPN on more than one device at the same time, you are using simultaneous connections. It’s always best to have this feature in a VPN to ensure your privacy isn’t accidentally compromised through one device or another.

Using a VPN can often slow down your connection because your data is encrypted, decrypted, and sent through intermediate servers. Game responsiveness might suffer, for example, or you may notice your streaming service doesn’t load as fast as usual.

However, much depends on the quality of your initial connection. For example, you might encounter buffering issues on a low-speed broadband connection, but you wouldn’t notice any change when you are using fiber — even with the same VPN.

With many high-quality VPNs now available, however, the negative impact is often unnoticeable, unless there is a problem with the VPN server you connect to. To fix this, try a server in a different location and see if that improves your connection.

A VPN’s cost can vary depending on your needs. Basic plans often cost a few dollars per month, but pricing structures are often displayed as monthly equivalents, so you may have to pay upfront for the full contract at sign-up. Tax may also be added. If you need a specialized VPN, such as one able to circumvent blocks in countries like China, expect to pay more.

Overall, expect to pay between $2 – $10 per month, or less if you sign up during sales events such as Black Friday week. VPN providers often launch deals around celebrations, too, such as Valentine’s Day.

In my opinion, VPN providers usually set extortionate pricing on one-month subscriptions to deter customers from opting for these plans.

While most VPNs are available month-to-month, they are usually priced at over $10 per month and aren’t great value compared to one-year and two-year plans. The exception is Mullvad, which operates on a set monthly price of €5, no matter how long you want the VPN for.

We recommend that you choose a VPN for a longer term, as you will pay less. You can use a VPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee to see if the VPN suits you, or cancel before this period ends to receive a full refund.

VPN providers often join in during sales events and offer holiday promotions, reducing the price of a subscription by a few dollars per month, or more. The price will often increase after your promotional period ends, whether for an annual plan or a two-year contract. Remember to watch when your subscription ends to avoid costly renewal payments. It might be better to turn off auto-renewal and then sign back up.

Typically, VPN providers model their pricing on a monthly basis, but you may have to pay for your contract upfront when you make your purchase. For example, a VPN available for $2 per month will likely equate to $24 upfront on a yearly contract, plus tax. One of the only exceptions in the market at the moment is Mullvad, which offers a month-by-month price.

You enjoy the best discounts when signing up for longer terms. Two years is usually the longest term you can sign up for, although some VPN providers offer five-year subscriptions.

You should avoid VPNs without a long-term customer base or strong customer feedback. Shady VPNs may offer you free services, but they may store or sell your information in return. You should also avoid VPN providers with known security problems and a lack of transparency around resolving them.

Latest updates

May 2026: In ZDNET’s May update, we conducted new speed tests, and we performed a thorough editorial update of our guide. We also removed TunnelBear from our alternatives due to its recent, heavy restrictions for free users, and added IPVanish as a top pick.
March 2026: In ZDNET’s March update, we refreshed our guide with more news from the VPN sector and from our top vendors. We also removed Astrill as an alternative and added TunnelBear as an alternative pick.
February 2026: In ZDNET’s February update, we thoroughly revised our guide to the best VPNs of 2026, and we have refreshed our top recommendations and worthy alternatives. We also performed new speed and security tests.
November 2025: In ZDNET’s November update, we refreshed our top picks of the best VPNs and conducted editorial updates.

Alternative VPNs I’ve tested

ZDNET

CyberGhost is an excellent option if you want to use a VPN with your favorite streaming service, with a high success rate in my testing over the past few years. It also provides specialized servers for streaming and gaming optimization.

Plans start at $1.75 per month plus two months free, which is the cheapest I’ve ever seen for CyberGhost subscriptions. There’s also a long 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can try out this VPN for over a month if you wish. It is an attractive option if you want to learn how VPNs work.

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ZDNET

Mullvad is open-source, promoting transparency and security, and it is known for stringently upholding user privacy, with a rapidly growing customer base.

Mullvad offers the simplest pricing model around, with costs fixed at €5, or $5.87, per month, with no differences between monthly and yearly costs. However, it is quite expensive overall, which might sway your decision.

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ZDNET

Windscribe is an alternative free VPN with up to 10GB of free data per month.

As a downside, the firm’s server network is quite limited, and in testing, I’ve found servers can be slow in some countries. However, I still rate Windscribe as a great VPN on the market today. At the moment, the annual plan is $2.42 per month.

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Adam Breeden/ZDNET

Private Internet Access is a great choice if you want a set-and-forget, affordable VPN. This VPN will support and protect as many devices as you like under one account, including your PC, smartphone, and even your smart TV for $1.59 per month.

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We hope you’ve found our guide to the best VPNs of 2026 useful. If you want to explore the world of VPNs further, check out our guides on the best streaming VPNs, the best VPNs for travel, and our top mobile VPNs.

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Alternative VPNs I’ve tested

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