10 Best VPN Services in 2026: Secure, Fast, & Private

• Written By Sayb Saad Former Writer
• Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

Finding a good VPN is like trying to pick the best coffee in a busy city — each cafe claims to be the “best,” but you won’t know until you try. Trouble is, a bad VPN pick can leave you with snail-slow speeds , no access to your favorite platforms, or a provider quietly logging your data.

My team and I did the hard work for you, testing 50+ VPNs on laptops, phones, smart TVs, and routers. We ran speed tests, checked platform accessibility, and dug through privacy policies. I also paid attention to ease of use and how many devices you can connect at once.

Only a few made the cut and are the kind you can trust for e-banking on public WiFi. Leading them is ExpressVPN, for its excellent speeds, strong security, and airtight privacy. With its 30*-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free before committing. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

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How do the Top VPNs in 2026 Compare?

Quick Guide: The Best VPNs in 2026

1. ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN with ultra-fast speeds, a massive server network, and advanced security. It also comes with a 30*-day refund guarantee
2. CyberGhost — Optimized servers for all bandwidth-heavy activities like torrenting and streaming, but its distant servers can be slow.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — A massive network of 29,650+ servers prevents overcrowded, slow connections, but it doesn’t work with some streaming platforms.
4. NordVPN — Offers special servers for security like MultiHop and Tor connections, but the obfuscated servers don’t work in China.
5. Surfshark — Flexible multi-hop connections help manage speeds, but connection times can take a while.

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

The Best VPNs in 2026 — Tested and Reviewed

1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Speed, Privacy, and Streaming

Key Features:

• Get access to global locations with 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
• Has military-grade encryption, IP leak protection, no-logs policy, kill switch, and more
• Works with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, smart TVs, consoles, routers, and more
• Protects up to 14 devices at once
• Comes with a no-questions-asked 30*-day money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN outperformed every other VPN in controlled, side-by-side tests. Installing it on my Mac and iPhone took me less than 2 minutes, and the apps were plug-and-play. You can set it up on a router to cover your entire home or use the MediaStreamer to stream US and UK content. Here are all the streaming sites ExpressVPN worked with:

Speed is where it immediately stood out. ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol kept my speeds to near-baseline levels , while a server 9,000+ miles away only dropped by 13%. Most other VPNs performed very poorly on distant locations, but with ExpressVPN, I streamed UHD content and ran HD video calls simultaneously without any difficulty.

This speed is backed by serious security. Lightway now includes ML-KEM, the NIST-approved post-quantum encryption standard, protecting your data from future quantum attacks. Every server runs on RAM-only TrustedServer tech , wiping clean on each reboot. Automatic obfuscation activates when needed, so restrictive networks can’t tell you’re using a VPN.

Strong security means little without trust, so I looked at ExpressVPN’s privacy track record. It’s been audited multiple times by firms like Cure53 that confirm its no-logs policy. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, outside 14-Eyes jurisdiction , so it can legally reject data requests from authorities — this gave a privacy-conscious user like me peace of mind.

ExpressVPN isn’t the cheapest, but it’s worth every penny considering what you get for the buck — unmatched speeds, top-grade security, proven privacy, and a massive global network covering 105 countries. Its 30*-day money-back guarantee works as promised. I requested my refund over live chat and got my funds back 4 days later.

Pros

• Blazing speeds for smooth streaming and torrenting
• Wide streaming access with no errors
• Custom router app for full-home cover
• 24/7 live chat for instant assistance

Cons

• More expensive than other VPNs
• Up to 14 simultaneous devices

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming

Key Features:

• Has 11,690+ servers in 100 countries and activity-based optimized locations
• Offers solid leak protection, Smart Rules for automation, NoSpy servers, and more
• Works on all major operating systems and supports up to 7 devices at once
• Fast customer support with 24/7 live chat, email, and online guides
• Comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee

CyberGhost has a bank of optimized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. In my tests, these servers were slightly faster than regular ones, but the difference grew thin with server distance. Gaming servers are Windows-specific only. The streaming servers are labeled by platform and country — you’ll find connections for several services, including:

There are also special servers for privacy (called NoSpy servers), but they’re only available on the Windows app. NoSpy servers sit in a privately owned Romanian facility, removing third-party data center involvement. Combined with RAM-only tech and a strict no-logs policy, CyberGhost’s leak tests came back clean every time .

I loved CyberGhost’s Smart Rules automation. You can configure the VPN to protect you whenever you join a network , start up your device, or open a particular app. I found this very useful when I was traveling and wanted to use e-banking on airport WiFi. As forgetful as I am when things get chaotic, CyberGhost never forgets to encrypt your connection.

Building on that automation, I also made good use of its split tunneling to keep streaming traffic on the VPN while gaming directly through my ISP for lower ping. For privacy, the Privacy Guard tool quietly stops Windows telemetry, and the private browser routes searches through DuckDuckGo without linking them to you .

My only reservation is that CyberGhost’s ad blocker only removes ads containing malware , not all of them. However, its other privacy tools more than make up for it. Plus, you can always use a free adblocker like uBlock as a browser extension. If you want to try CyberGhost risk-free, it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

• Servers for streaming, P2P, and gaming
• Smart Rules automate VPN connections
• NoSpy servers for added privacy
• Easy-to-use apps for all devices

Cons

• Distant connections can be slow
• Ad blocker doesn’t block all ads
• Browser extension is just a proxy

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

3. Private Internet Access — Massive Network Prevents Slowdowns and Overcrowding

Key Features:

• One of the largest networks of 29,650+ servers in 91 countries
• Has flexible encryption, IP leak protection, MACE ad and malware blocker, and more
• Compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, consoles, and more
• Supports unlimited simultaneous device connections on a single subscription
• Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee

PIA’s claim to fame is its 29,650 servers across 91 countries , the largest network I’ve tested. That kind of coverage means you’ll rarely get stuck on a crowded server that drags your speeds down during peak hours. When I connected during busy evening slots, even distant servers in Japan and Brazil stayed smooth enough for UHD streaming.

With WireGuard, I consistently stayed within 15% of my base speed, even on faraway servers. Meanwhile, OpenVPN with 128-bit encryption gave me a slight speed boost . However, I recommend using 256-bit encryption for sensitive tasks like online banking. You can also fine-tune packet size for more stable performance on shaky connections.

If you torrent, PIA is one of the most feature-rich choices out there. All servers allow P2P traffic, and you can enable port forwarding (outside the US) to speed up swarm connections. For maximum speed, there’s a SOCKS5 proxy that skips encryption entirely, or, if you prefer privacy over raw speed, you can route traffic through Shadowsocks for extra obfuscation.

MACE, PIA’s ad blocker, blocked every malicious domain I tried and stripped ads from pages without breaking layouts. It works at the DNS level, so it stops threats before they even load. You also get Identity Guard to scan for leaked personal data and Tor support for routing traffic through the onion network, giving you more ways to stay anonymous online.

A slight drawback is that it’s based in the US, which is part of the 5 Eyes alliance. However, PIA’s strict no-logs policy has been audited and proven in court twice , when US authorities requested user data and PIA had nothing to provide. It’s also one of the most affordable month-on-month VPNs out there, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

• Optimized servers for streaming
• unlimited simultaneous connections
• Open-source apps for transparency checks
• Customizable kill switch for extra safety

Cons

• Interface can overwhelm new users
• Shadowsocks obfuscation isn’t the strongest
• Doesn’t work with some streaming sites

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

Pricing update for Black Friday: $ 2.03 /month for a three-year plan with 4 months free ( 83 %)!! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here .

4. NordVPN — Special Servers for Security Make You Extra Secure Online

Key Features:

• 8918+ servers in 178 countries
• Dedicated Double VPN, Onion over VPN, P2P, and obfuscated connections
• Works with Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, and more
• Supports 10 simultaneous connections
• Gives you a 30-day money-back window to try it risk-free

NordVPN’s specialty servers are great if you want precision online security. Double VPN encrypts traffic twice over a 256-bit cipher, which is already considered unbreakable. The Onion over VPN servers that make onion sites accessible without firing up the Tor browser. Then, there are obfuscated servers and those that support torrenting.

That versatility extends to streaming, thanks to NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature. Built directly into every server, SmartPlay combines VPN encryption with Smart DNS to prevent location and proxy errors automatically. I didn’t have to tweak a single setting — Netflix US, Hulu, and Paramount+ local libraries all loaded instantly in UHD.

Keeping these tasks fast is NordLynx, NordVPN’s take on the WireGuard protocol. It uses a Double NAT system to assign one IP address for your VPN connection and another for your traffic, ensuring no identifying data is stored. In my tests, even faraway servers stayed within a 13% speed drop , which kept UHD streams and multiplayer matches running without lag.

If you need direct, secure connections between devices, Meshnet links your devices over an encrypted NordVPN tunnel . This lets you host LAN parties, share large files, or access your home PC while traveling. I linked my gaming rig to friends in Canada, and I can safely say NordVPN was one of the best Call of Duty VPNs I’ve tested.

The only thing missing is a set of streaming-specific servers to sit alongside its other specialties. Still, the regular servers didn’t let me down — Netflix US, Disney+ Hotstar, Max, and BBC iPlayer all streamed in UHD in our tests without endless server-hopping. If you want to test that reliability yourself, NordVPN backs every plan with a 30-day money-back guarantee .

Pros

• Special security servers like Double VPN
• Meshnet creates a virtual LAN network
• Dark Web Monitor alerts to data leaks

Cons

• Doesn’t support torrenting on all servers
• Double VPN servers have limited locations
• Had a server breach in 2018

5. Surfshark — IP Rotator Keeps You Harder to Track Online

Key Features:

• Decent network of 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, providing global coverage
• Protects you with MultiHop connections, LAN invisibility, an ad blocker, and more
• Supports unlimited simultaneous device connections
• Has feature-rich browser extensions and works across all major OSes
• Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee

Surfshark’s IP Rotator changes your IP address every 10 to 15 minutes without moving you to a new location. This keeps tracking attempts guessing while maintaining a steady connection. It’s especially handy for long research sessions where you don’t want a static footprint. Even mid-rotation, I noticed that video calls and file downloads stayed uninterrupted.

Its Camouflage Mode adds further privacy, masking your VPN traffic so it looks like normal browsing. Similarly, ‘NoBorders’ slips past network-level blocks and is pretty handy if you’re traveling to a restrictive country. Surfshark also offers Invisible to Devices, which hides your device on local networks , a great safeguard on public WiFi.

Static IP servers are available at no extra cost. They assign you the same IP every time, which avoids repeated security checks from banking apps and business tools. It’s true that Surfshark’s network isn’t the most massive, but it covers global locations and works with most streaming services, such as:

It also scales well with its unlimited device allowance. I set up a VPN connection on my smart TV and on my desktop and let CleanWeb take care of ads, malware, and trackers. It alerts you if your credentials appear in a breach. I liked that the browser extension works exactly like the app and still encrypts your traffic when most VPN extensions are mere proxies.

If there’s one trade-off, it’s that distant servers can feel sluggish. Playing on Australian servers from Europe added noticeable lag, and UHD streaming needed longer buffers. Still, nearby and mid-range servers performed very well. Plus, the 30-day refund policy gives you enough time to see if Surfshark’s balance of features and value works for you.

Pros

• MultiHop routes traffic via 2 servers
• Turns you invisible on LAN networks
• GPS spoofing (Android only)

Cons

• Based in a 9-Eyes Alliance country
• Stores some data for 15 minutes
• Ad blocker sometimes disrupts sites

6. PrivateVPN — Stealth VPN Obfuscation That Works in China

Key Features:

• Small but solid network of 200+ servers in 63 countries
• Comes with flexible encryption, IPv6 leak protection, Stealth VPN, and more
• Works comfortably with major streaming services and offers fast speeds
• Protects up to 10 devices at once and has easy-to-use apps
• Backs all tiers with a 30-day refund guarantee

PrivateVPN is one of the few VPNs that consistently works in China , with its Stealth VPN feature. This mode disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, making it far harder for deep packet inspection systems to detect and block your connection. Although it uses an encrypted Shadowsocks proxy, which isn’t the best obfuscation but it still works surprisingly.

I was also pleasantly surprised to see free dedicated IP servers — most VPNs have them as a paid add-on, but not PrivateVPN. Spread across 15 countries, including the US, UK, Japan, and Australia, they’re neatly sorted by latency in the app so you can always pick the fastest one. Using dedicated IPs, I never had to deal with those annoying CAPTCHA loops.

On the security front, PrivateVPN covers all the basics and goes further with IPv6 leak protection. Since IPv6 is the newer Internet addressing protocol, leaks can bypass a VPN entirely and reveal your identity . With this setting enabled, my IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests all came back clean .

It also gives you control over encryption strength, letting you choose between 128-bit and 256-bit modes, plus GCM or CBC depending on whether you want speed or extra authentication. I did notice a slight speed boost with the 128-bit cipher , but it wasn’t as much as I’d hoped — still, something’s better than nothing.

The only real gap is the lack of Smart DNS, so you can’t easily stream on devices without VPN support, like old smart TVs. But you can install PrivateVPN on a compatible router to cover all your devices in one go . And if you’re unsure about anything, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee you can take advantage of.

Pros

• Works in China with Stealth VPN
• Free dedicated IP servers
• In-app live chat for easy support
• Built-in IPv6 leak protection

Cons

• Relatively small server network
• Lacks Smart DNS
• Doesn’t support WireGuard

7. IPVanish — Built-In Malware Protection Powered by VIPRE Antivirus

Key Features:

• 3,100+ connections in 109 countries
• Has Scramble obfuscation, a built-in antivirus, SOCKS5 proxy, and more
• Supports unlimited simultaneous device connections
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Fire TV devices, routers, and more
• Long-term offers come with a 30-day money-back guarantee

IPVanish integrates VIPRE Antivirus into its apps for on-device malware detection. It scans files you download in real time and blocks known threats before they can run. In my tests, it caught 2 malicious executables during a sample download batch. While it’s not as feature-rich as a top standalone antivirus , it’s a strong extra layer of defense for everyday browsing.

You also get an obfuscation mode called ‘Scramble’ that hides VPN traffic from firewalls and DPI systems. It’s useful for getting past strict network filters in places like offices, campuses, or hotels where VPNs are blocked. However, it’s not strong enough to work in high-censorship countries like China.

This performance-first approach carries over to its speeds and server infrastructure. All IPVanish’s 3,100+ servers are self-owned, so there’s no risk of third-party data centers. That’s why I found my connections stable throughout my sessions, plus IPVanish consistently worked with nearly all popular streaming sites .

If there’s a gap, it’s the lack of specialized servers for streaming, gaming, or double VPN routing. However, its mid-range servers performed well in both tests and real-world use , especially when paired with the SOCKS5 proxy for faster torrenting. Long-term offers include a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without risk.

Pros

• Malware & threat protection and a QR/link checkers
• Unlimited device connections
• P2P support on all servers

Cons

• Based in the US
• No crypto or anonymous payment options

8. PureVPN — Quantum-Resistant Encryption to Future-Proof Your Data

Key Features:

• Has 6,000+ servers in 65 global locations
• Includes quantum-resistant encryption keys, IPv6 leak protection, Multiport, and more
• Easy-to-use apps for all major operating systems, including a GUI for Linux
• Supports up to 10 simultaneous connections
• Provides a 31-day money-back guarantee

PureVPN’s quantum-resistant encryption protects you from future quantum computer attacks. It uses post-quantum key exchange algorithms on select servers to prevent session keys from being cracked later, a risk traditional encryption can’t fully mitigate. While you might not need it for day-to-day browsing, it’s invaluable for future-proofing highly sensitive data.

Beyond the basics like AES 256-bit encryption and a kill switch, PureVPN has Multiport and Domain Fronting to maintain stable connections . Multiport auto-cycles through ports until it finds one with the best performance. Domain Fronting disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS requests, making it harder for restrictive networks to block your connection.

You also get special servers in 30+ locations that let you access streaming sites like Netflix US , Hulu, and more. They weren’t noticeably faster than normal ones, but you won’t see proxy or location errors if you use them. In terms of speed, both regular and streaming servers let me stream in UHD without buffering.

One drawback is the lack of a built-in blocker for ads, trackers, or malware on the basic plan. You can offset this by upgrading to the Plus or Max plan, using a browser extension, or getting a security suite that handles these threats. Its pricing is still competitive for the features you get, and all plans come with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

• Quantum-resistant encryption
• Streaming servers to access global content
• Obfuscation bypasses network blocks

Cons

• Past history of logging user data for the FBI
• Streaming is not always reliable on standard servers

9. Proton VPN — Secure Core Servers for Layered, Privacy-Focused Security

Key Features:

• Network of 15,370+ servers in 126 countries
• Has Stealth protocol, Secure Core servers, leak protection, NetShield, and more
• Comes with a 10-device connection allowance
• Provides fast customer support with live chat, email, and online resources
• Backs up your purchase with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Proton VPN’s Secure Core servers route your traffic through an extra hop in countries with strong privacy laws like Switzerland before exiting to your chosen location. These servers are physically secured in hardened facilities to prevent both surveillance and tampering. Even if the exit server is monitored, your real IP remains hidden behind the Secure Core layer.

Its Stealth protocol disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS data to evade VPN blocks. Available on all major apps, it works with NetShield, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites directly at the DNS level. However, encryption depends on your protocol — AES 256-bit with OpenVPN and IKEv2 or ChaCha20 with WireGuard and Stealth.

The VPN Accelerator function reduces long-distance latency. I was a bit doubtful about this, but to my surprise, my ping lowered by 8% on faraway servers in Australia. However, it didn’t make any difference in nearby locations where my speeds and latency stayed within 20% of baseline levels.

The only notable gap is its lack of 24/7 live chat, which can delay urgent fixes. That said, its ticket support is quick. I had a custom Linux config delivered in hours. If you want to try it first, the free plan works indefinitely but limits you to 5 free servers , which can be busy at peak times. And the premium plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

• Secure Core routing for better privacy
• Many servers route through Tor
• Offers a free plan

Cons

• Live chat isn’t 24/7
• Speeds can vary across regions

10. VyprVPN — Keeps You Safe From Hackers With Master Firewall

Key Features:

• A limited but robust network of 700+ servers in 70 countries
• Chameleon protocol, Perfect Forward Secrecy, automatic NAT firewall, and more
• Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon OS, and routers
• Top quality support via 24/7 live chat, email, and an online knowledge base
• Includes a 3-day free trial for mobile apps and a 30-day refund policy

What I like most about VyprVPN is its Master Firewall — it’s a serious shield that blocks any data you didn’t ask for before it even reaches your device. That means zero random pings from shady actors on public WiFi, no mystery connections slipping through. It’s baked into every connection, so you don’t need to fiddle with settings.

VyprVPN also has its own Chameleon protocol with powerful obfuscation. It disguises VPN traffic so well that I’ve had it work in places where other providers stalled. And legend has it that it even works in China. If you travel to countries with aggressive censorship or use locked-down school or office networks, VyprVPN is very handy.

Speeds were respectable in my tests, especially on nearby servers. However, I saw more frequent drops while using the Chameleon protocol , likely because its extra obfuscation layer adds packet scrambling that can slow handshake times. This wasn’t a dealbreaker for casual browsing or streaming, but it’s noticeable if you’re doing sustained, high-bandwidth tasks.

I do think VyprVPN could offer more for the price, like anonymous payment options, a built-in blocker, and Multihop connections. That said, its core features cover all the basics and make VyprVPN a well-rounded option for everyday use . You can try it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

• Chameleon protocol works in China
• NAT firewall for online security
• Fully owns and manages its servers

Cons

• Limited servers
• No built-in ad blocker

Our Top VPNs in 2026 (Sorted by Purpose)

Many people think “best VPN” means the fastest, but it can also mean strongest privacy, easiest torrenting, or most devices covered. Different needs call for different strengths , so this section shows which VPNs excel in each category. This way, you can quickly match a service to what matters most for your online use.

Speed or privacy might top your list, but features like server coverage, price, and streaming reliability also matter. A VPN that’s unmatched in one category could be average in another — that’s why you need to look at the available choices holistically and find the one that best suits you.

How I Tested and Ranked 2026’s Best VPNs

Every VPN on this list went through the same rigorous testing methodology . I installed each one on multiple devices, ran security leak tests, measured speed and ping at different distances, and checked real-world use cases like streaming and torrenting. Only the VPNs that consistently performed well across these core areas made it here.

• Security and privacy — I prioritized VPNs with AES-256 encryption, IP and DNS leak protection, and extras like malware blocking to safeguard your identity.
• Server network — A larger, well-distributed network means more location options, less crowding, and consistent performance worldwide.
• Speed and latency — Only VPNs that maintained high speeds and low ping on local and distant servers made the cut for gaming and streaming.
• Streaming reliability — I tested each VPN with popular platforms to ensure consistent access to movies, shows, and live content.
• Torrenting support — P2P-friendly servers, plus options like SOCKS5 proxies or port forwarding, were key for safe, fast file-sharing.
• Value for money — I factored in features, limits, and subscription costs to highlight VPNs that give the most for your budget.

Protect Your Data With the Best VPN in 2026

Dodgy free VPNs, endless buffering, and shady data collection can make being online a nightmare. I spent weeks testing dozens of services to cut through the hype and find the ones that actually work. These VPNs proved themselves in real-world use. They’re fast, secure, and able to get you where you want to go online without nasty surprises.

CyberGhost and PIA are solid options if you want streaming perks or budget-friendly plans, but they still trail behind ExpressVPN in speed, reliability, and privacy. ExpressVPN topped every test I ran and keeps your data safe without slowing you down. You can test out ExpressVPN for yourself with its 30*-day refund policy before committing.

*Please note that ExpressVPN’s generous money-back guarantee applies to first-time customers only.

Summary — The Best VPNs in 2026

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.