Top 5 VPN Services to Use in 2026

After three years of working remotely from coffee shops, airports, and questionable hotel WiFi networks, my patience finally snapped when my banking app got hacked. Someone accessed my account from halfway across the world while I was sipping an overpriced latte at a local café. That morning changed everything about how I approach online security.

The problem wasn't just that someone got into my account. It was that I'd been careless, assuming public networks were "safe enough." They weren't. I spent the next six months testing every major VPN service I could find, comparing speeds, troubleshooting connection drops, and learning the hard way which features actually matter.

Here's what I discovered.

Why I Actually Needed a VPN (And You Probably Do Too)

Before the hack, I thought VPNs were only for tech geeks or people doing sketchy stuff online. I was wrong.

Public WiFi networks are essentially open doors for anyone with basic hacking tools. When I connected to that café's network, my data was traveling unencrypted. Anyone sitting nearby with a packet sniffer could see everything I was doing. Passwords, emails, bank details – all of it exposed.

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, creating a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. Think of it as sending your data through a locked armored truck instead of leaving it in an open basket on the sidewalk.

Beyond security, I also wanted to access streaming content from other countries and avoid ISP throttling when downloading large files. These became bonus features I didn't know I needed until I had them.

My Testing Process: What I Actually Looked For

I didn't just read reviews and pick the highest-rated service. I signed up for trial accounts, installed apps on my Windows laptop, MacBook, Android phone, and even my old tablet to see how each performed.

My testing checklist included connection speeds, server locations, ease of use, customer support responsiveness, privacy policies, and streaming capabilities. I also tested each VPN's kill switch feature by deliberately disconnecting mid-session to ensure my real IP address didn't leak.

Some services failed immediately. Others looked promising until I tried streaming Netflix or faced constant disconnections. The five I'm sharing below survived months of real-world use.

1. NordVPN – The Overall Champion

NordVPN became my daily driver, and for good reason. After installing it on my Windows laptop, I noticed the interface was clean and straightforward. A large "Quick Connect" button dominated the screen, and within seconds, I was connected to the fastest available server.

Speed and Performance

Speed tests showed minimal slowdown. On my 200 Mbps connection, I typically maintained 180-190 Mbps when connected to nearby servers. Long-distance connections to Japan or Australia dropped to around 140 Mbps, which was still more than adequate for 4K streaming.

The NordLynx protocol (their WireGuard implementation) made a noticeable difference. When I switched from OpenVPN to NordLynx in the settings menu, connection times dropped from 8 seconds to roughly 2 seconds.

Security Features That Matter

NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro feature blocks malicious websites, ads, and trackers automatically. I tested it by deliberately visiting known phishing sites, and the VPN blocked access before the pages could load. The feature also scanned downloaded files for malware, which gave me peace of mind when grabbing attachments from emails.

The split tunneling feature let me route specific apps through my regular connection while keeping everything else protected. This was useful when I needed to access my local bank's website, which blocked VPN connections, while simultaneously staying protected on other applications.

Server Network

With over 7,600 servers across 120+ countries, I rarely encountered overcrowded servers. The server selection screen shows the current load percentage for each location, making it easy to choose less congested options. Specialty servers for P2P file sharing and double VPN (routing through two servers for extra encryption) are clearly marked.

Streaming Capabilities

Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video all worked without issues. I tested multiple regional libraries and only encountered blocks twice in six months, both times resolved by switching to a different server in the same country.

What Could Be Better

The pricing structure confused me initially. The monthly plan costs $12.99, but the two-year plan drops to about $3.39 per month (with current discounts). However, you must pay the full amount upfront, and renewal prices jump significantly. I learned to turn off auto-renewal immediately after subscribing.

The Middle East and Africa server coverage is limited compared to other regions. When I traveled to Kenya, finding a nearby server proved challenging, resulting in slower speeds.

Screenshot Description: The NordVPN dashboard shows a world map with connection points, the Quick Connect button prominently displayed at the top, and a server list on the left sidebar showing load percentages. The Threat Protection Pro toggle switch sits in the settings menu, clearly labeled and easy to access.

2. Surfshark – Best Value For Money

Surfshark caught my attention because of its unlimited device policy. For $2.19 per month (on a two-year plan), I could install it on every device in my house without restrictions. This proved invaluable during a family vacation when seven people needed simultaneous connections.

Interface and Ease of Use

The mobile app impressed me with its simplicity. A single tap connects you to the fastest server, and switching locations requires just two taps. The QR code login feature made installing the VPN on my tablet effortless – I simply scanned the code from my laptop screen instead of typing credentials on a tiny keyboard.

However, the desktop interface felt cluttered with too many features competing for screen space. The location selector, feature toggles, and settings buttons all fight for attention, making the learning curve steeper than NordVPN.

Speed Results

Surfshark matched NordVPN's speeds in my tests. Local connections maintained 185 Mbps on my 200 Mbps line, and international connections hovered around 150 Mbps. The WireGuard protocol delivered consistent performance across all platforms.

I did experience occasional connection jitters that caused brief buffering during video streams. This happened maybe twice per week, requiring a quick reconnection. Not a deal-breaker, but noticeable compared to NordVPN's rock-solid stability.

Privacy Features

The CleanWeb feature automatically blocks ads and cookie consent popups, creating a cleaner browsing experience. Instead of clicking "reject all" on every website, CleanWeb handles it automatically.

The Alternative ID tool became unexpectedly useful. It generates a fake identity (name, email, phone number) that you can use when filling out online forms. The system forwards messages to your real email and phone, protecting your actual information from spam and data brokers. I use it for newsletter signups and retail website registrations.

Streaming and Torrenting

Surfshark unblocked every streaming service I tested across 140 server locations in 100 countries. The unlimited connections meant my entire family could stream different services simultaneously without any slowdown.

All servers support P2P torrenting, unlike NordVPN which limits it to specific servers. This flexibility made downloading large files faster and more convenient.

The Downsides

No post-quantum encryption protection exists yet, which could become a concern as quantum computing advances. The occasional connection stability issues mentioned earlier are minor but present.

The price jumps dramatically after the initial term expires. Budget accordingly or be prepared to cancel and resubscribe under a new email address to get the promotional rate again (yes, I know people who do this).

Screenshot Description: The Surfshark interface displays a world map with your connection status at the top. The server list shows 100+ countries with latency indicators. The CleanWeb and Alternative ID toggles appear in the features menu, with clear on/off switches and brief explanations of each function.

3. ExpressVPN – Premium Performance and Privacy

ExpressVPN costs more than competitors, but you're paying for premium engineering and exceptional customer support. After switching from NordVPN for a two-month trial period, I understood why some people prefer it despite the higher price.

One-Click Simplicity

The ExpressVPN interface is minimalist perfection. A single large power button connects you instantly to the optimal server. No confusing menus, no overwhelming feature lists – just pure functionality. My 70-year-old father understood how to use it within 30 seconds of opening the app.

Location switching happens through a simple dropdown menu showing recommended locations at the top, with all available countries listed alphabetically below. Latency indicators help you choose the fastest option for your needs.

Security and Encryption

ExpressVPN operates entirely on RAM-only servers, meaning no data persists after the server reboots. This architecture prevents data recovery even if someone physically seized the hardware.

The Lightway protocol (ExpressVPN's proprietary option) connected even faster than WireGuard implementations I'd tested. Connection times averaged 1.5 seconds, and the battery impact on my phone was noticeably lower compared to other VPNs.

Speed Testing Results

ExpressVPN matched NordVPN and Surfshark in raw speed, particularly on Windows machines. My 200 Mbps connection maintained 188 Mbps on local servers and about 155 Mbps on international routes. The consistency impressed me – speeds rarely fluctuated regardless of server load or time of day.

Mobile speeds exceeded expectations. My phone's LTE connection stayed fast and stable even while switching between cell towers during drives. Other VPNs would sometimes disconnect during these transitions.

Customer Support Excellence

When I encountered a connection issue with a specific website, ExpressVPN's live chat support responded within 90 seconds. The agent walked me through protocol switching and DNS configuration until the problem was resolved. The entire interaction took less than 10 minutes.

Compare this to a budget VPN I tested that took 18 hours to respond to a similar inquiry with a generic troubleshooting email.

The Cost Factor

ExpressVPN's recent pricing restructure offers three tiers starting at $3.49 per month for a two-year commitment. This brings it closer to NordVPN's pricing, though it's still not the cheapest option available.

The lack of specialty servers (no double VPN, limited P2P optimization) means you're paying for premium basics rather than advanced features. For most users, this is perfectly adequate.

Screenshot Description: ExpressVPN's dashboard shows a minimalist design with the large connection button centered on screen. The location dropdown displays recommended servers at the top with ping times, and the protocol selector in settings shows Automatic, Lightway, and OpenVPN options with brief descriptions of each.

4. Proton VPN – The Privacy Purist's Choice

When privacy matters more than anything else, Proton VPN delivers. Based in Switzerland with its strong privacy laws, Proton VPN was created by the same team behind ProtonMail, the encrypted email service used by journalists and activists worldwide.

Swiss Jurisdiction Advantage

Switzerland isn't part of the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, meaning the government can't be compelled to share user data with other countries. Proton VPN's no-logs policy has been independently audited multiple times, and their track record proves they take privacy seriously.

During my testing, I appreciated the transparency reports Proton publishes quarterly. They detail every data request received and how they responded. In most cases, the answer is simple: "We had no data to provide."

Advanced Privacy Tools

The Secure Core feature routes your connection through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries before reaching your final destination. This adds latency (expect speeds to drop by 30-40%), but it provides exceptional protection against sophisticated surveillance.

I tested this while researching sensitive topics and felt confident that my activity couldn't be traced back to my actual location. The trade-off in speed was worth it for specific use cases.

Server Network Reach

Proton VPN maintains servers in 126 countries, including extensive coverage across Africa and Asia where other providers often neglect. During travels to Ghana and Vietnam, I had local servers available that delivered decent speeds and proper encryption.

The free tier offers unlimited data, unlike most competitors who cap free users at 10GB monthly. This makes Proton VPN an excellent option for occasional users who don't need a full subscription.

User Experience Improvements

Recent app updates addressed my earlier complaints about complexity. Pop-up explanations now appear when hovering over features, making the interface more beginner-friendly. The split tunneling setup became more intuitive with the latest version.

The built-in ad blocker (NetShield) works well but isn't as comprehensive as NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro. It catches most ads but occasionally misses tracking scripts.

Streaming Performance

Streaming worked reliably with Netflix, Disney+, and most major platforms. The dedicated streaming servers made unblocking content straightforward. However, connection stability wasn't quite as solid as NordVPN or ExpressVPN, with occasional drops requiring reconnection.

Pricing Consideration

The two-year plan costs about $3.59 per month (currently discounted to $2.49), making it competitively priced. The jump between free and paid tiers is significant, but the paid version unlocks considerably faster servers and advanced features.

Screenshot Description: Proton VPN displays a clean interface with the server list showing country flags, load indicators, and "Plus" badges for premium servers. The Secure Core toggle appears prominently in the quick settings menu, with an explanation tooltip describing the multi-hop security feature. NetShield settings show three levels: off, basic blocking, and full blocking.

5. PrivadoVPN Free – When You Need Something Quick

Sometimes you need a VPN for a single task – checking email while traveling, accessing a blocked website, or testing a service before committing to a paid subscription. PrivadoVPN's free tier filled this niche perfectly during my testing.

What You Get For Free

The free plan includes 10GB monthly data across 13 server locations. This isn't enough for daily streaming or heavy downloading, but it covers basic browsing, email checking, and occasional video watching.

Speed tests showed performance comparable to paid services. My 200 Mbps connection maintained 170-180 Mbps on free servers, which exceeded my expectations. Many free VPNs throttle speeds aggressively, but PrivadoVPN doesn't.

Limitations and Boundaries

The 10GB cap means you'll burn through your allowance quickly with video streaming. A single hour of Netflix in HD consumes roughly 3GB. I learned to reserve PrivadoVPN for quick tasks rather than entertainment.

Only 13 server locations are available compared to 50+ on the paid plan. This reduced coverage meant I couldn't always find a nearby server, resulting in higher latency for distant connections.

Security Standards

Despite being free, PrivadoVPN maintains proper encryption standards (AES-256) and includes a kill switch. Your data stays protected even without paying, which separates it from sketchy free VPNs that sell user information to advertisers.

The privacy policy clearly states they don't log browsing activity or sell data. Independent audits haven't been published, which makes me slightly cautious, but the policy seems legitimate based on my research.

When to Upgrade

If you find yourself constantly running out of data or needing servers in different locations, the paid version costs just $30 for two years. This makes it significantly cheaper than NordVPN or ExpressVPN while maintaining competitive performance.

I kept the free version installed as a backup option when my primary VPN experienced issues or when I needed to test connections from different IP addresses.

The Interface Experience

The app design mirrors paid services with a clean, simple layout. A "Try Free Plan" button appears in light gray below the paid options during signup – easy to miss if you're not looking carefully.

Connection happens with one click, and the data usage counter displays prominently in the dashboard. This transparency helps you track remaining bandwidth and plan usage accordingly.

Screenshot Description: PrivadoVPN's interface shows the connection status prominently at top, with a data usage meter displaying how much of your 10GB allowance remains. The server list marks free locations with a "Free" badge, while paid locations show a lock icon. The quick connect button dominates the main screen.

Practical Steps: How I Actually Use VPNs Daily

Theory is nice, but implementation matters more. Here's my actual workflow.

Setting Up on Multiple Devices

I installed NordVPN on my work laptop, personal laptop, phone, tablet, and router. The router installation protected every device on my home network automatically, including smart home devices that don't support VPN apps.

The router setup took about 45 minutes following NordVPN's guide. I logged into my router's admin panel, found the VPN settings section, and entered the configuration details provided by NordVPN. After saving and rebooting, every device connected to my WiFi was automatically protected.

The Kill Switch Configuration

This feature prevents data leaks if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. I enable it immediately after installing any VPN because the consequences of forgetting are too severe.

In NordVPN's settings, I found the kill switch option under "Connection Settings" and toggled it on. I tested it by deliberately disconnecting my internet while the VPN was active. My browser immediately displayed "no connection" instead of switching to my unprotected connection. Perfect.

Split Tunneling for Banking

My bank blocks VPN connections for security reasons (ironic, I know). Instead of constantly toggling the VPN on and off, I configured split tunneling to route my banking app through my regular connection while keeping everything else protected.

In NordVPN, this appears under "Settings > Split Tunneling." I added my bank's app and website to the exception list. Now I can access my account while maintaining VPN protection for other activities.

Choosing Server Locations

For general browsing, I use the auto-connect feature to find the fastest server. For streaming, I manually select servers in the content's home country. For maximum privacy, I choose servers in privacy-friendly jurisdictions like Switzerland or Iceland.

The server load indicator helps avoid congested servers. If a server shows 70%+ capacity, I pick a different one in the same country to maintain optimal speeds.

Common Problems I Encountered (And How I Fixed Them)

Connection Drops During Video Calls

Video conferencing apps sometimes struggle with VPNs. My Zoom calls would disconnect randomly until I discovered the solution: using split tunneling to route Zoom through my regular connection while keeping the VPN active for other apps.

Alternatively, switching from OpenVPN to WireGuard/NordLynx protocol improved stability significantly. The lighter protocol handles connection changes better when switching between WiFi and mobile data.

Slow Streaming Despite Fast Speeds

Sometimes speed tests show excellent performance, but Netflix still buffers constantly. This usually means the streaming service detected and throttled your VPN connection.

The fix: switch to a different server in the same country. Streaming services block specific IP addresses, not entire VPN services. Changing servers gives you a fresh IP that hasn't been flagged yet.

Email Security Warnings

Gmail and other email providers sometimes flag VPN logins as suspicious. They'll send security alerts or require additional verification when you connect from different "locations."

I solved this by adding my VPN's IP addresses to my email account's trusted locations. In Gmail, this meant enabling 2-factor authentication and adding the VPN location to my Google Account security settings.

Router Setup Challenges

Installing a VPN on my router proved trickier than expected. My ISP-provided router didn't support VPN configurations, forcing me to purchase a compatible router (I chose an ASUS RT-AC86U based on NordVPN's compatibility list).

After spending $120 on the router and several hours configuring it, I had network-wide protection. In retrospect, this investment paid off by automatically protecting every device, eliminating the need to remember to connect manually.

Tools and Apps I Used During Testing

Beyond the VPN software itself, several tools helped me evaluate performance and security.

Speed Testing Tools

Speedtest.net became my primary benchmarking tool. I ran tests at the same time daily to account for network congestion variations. Fast.com provided secondary confirmation, particularly useful for testing streaming-specific speeds.

Leak Testing Websites

IPLeak.net and DNSLeakTest.com verified that my VPN wasn't leaking identifying information. I checked for DNS leaks, WebRTC leaks, and IP address exposure. All five VPNs passed these tests consistently.

Browser Extensions

I installed the official browser extensions for quick access to VPN controls without opening the full app. However, I discovered that browser extensions only protect browser traffic, leaving other applications unprotected. I primarily use full app installations now.

The Real Cost: What You'll Actually Pay

VPN pricing tricks consumers with promotional rates that expire after the initial term. Here's what I actually paid over two years.

NordVPN Actual Cost

Promotional price: $2.88/month for 2 years = $69.12 total Renewal price: $139/year Two-year total: $208.12

The renewal shock hurt, but I set a calendar reminder to cancel before renewal and resubscribe under a new email at the promotional rate. Not elegant, but it saves $70 annually.

Surfshark Actual Cost

Promotional price: $1.99/month for 2 years = $47.76 total Renewal price: $231.75/year Two-year total: $279.51

The renewal price jump is aggressive. Budget accordingly or plan to switch providers.

ExpressVPN Actual Cost

Promotional price: $3.49/month for 2 years = $83.76 total Renewal price: $99.95/year Two-year total: $183.71

ExpressVPN's renewal pricing is more reasonable than competitors, making the higher upfront cost potentially worthwhile for long-term users.

The Hidden Costs

Don't forget to account for tax, which VPN providers add at checkout. Depending on your location, this adds 5-20% to the quoted price. My $69 NordVPN subscription cost $82.80 after adding 20% UK VAT.

My Current Setup (And Why It Works)

After months of testing, I settled on a multi-VPN approach that covers different use cases:

Primary VPN: NordVPN for daily browsing, streaming, and general security Mobile VPN: Surfshark on my phone due to unlimited connections for family sharing Privacy-Focused Tasks: Proton VPN when researching sensitive topics Backup/Testing: PrivadoVPN free tier for quick access and troubleshooting

This redundancy ensures I'm never without protection if one service experiences issues. The total cost is approximately $8/month, which feels reasonable for comprehensive coverage across multiple devices.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Your VPN

Your needs will differ from mine. If you're primarily concerned with streaming, NordVPN or Surfshark offer the best unblocking performance. If privacy trumps everything else, Proton VPN deserves serious consideration. If you want simplicity and reliability, ExpressVPN removes the guesswork.

Don't trust promotional materials or glossy websites. Sign up for trials, test speeds on your actual internet connection, and verify that your specific use cases work properly before committing to long-term contracts.

The hack that started my VPN journey cost me hundreds of hours in account recovery, credit monitoring, and security upgrades. A quality VPN service costs roughly the same as one dinner at a decent restaurant per month. That seems like a bargain considering the protection it provides.

Start with a free trial or money-back guarantee period. Install the apps on your primary devices. Connect to servers in different locations. Stream some content. Test the kill switch. If everything works smoothly and speeds remain acceptable, you've found your VPN.

Online privacy isn't optional anymore. Neither is security. Choose a VPN that fits your budget and use case, then actually use it consistently. Your future self will thank you when you're not spending weekends recovering from a security breach that could have been easily prevented.