Do you want to watch content and explore opportunities that are restricted in your country or bypass government censorship? A VPN is what you need. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) decreases your exposure to online threats and gives you more access to global opportunities. The best VPN services will hide your location and encrypt your traffic, making you invisible to prying eyes on the internet.
Aside from staying safe online, there are other reasons you might need a VPN. One is privacy and anonymity online, and the other is bypassing Geo-Restrictions on streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Showmax. Yet another reason is protection from hackers.
There are a lot of VPN services, each promising outstanding performance, making it incredibly challenging to narrow your choice to just one.
To make things easy for you, we’ve done extensive research on dozens of VPN providers to help you choose the best VPN services. We’ve compiled a list of the top VPNs, based on factors like reliability, speed, security, and customer service. We consider ExpressVPN and Surfshark as top picks.
Here is our list of the 10 best VPN services for 2026 to use for your cybersecurity, privacy, and anonymity online.
10 Best VPN Services to Choose in 2026
1. ExpressVPN
Best VPN Services Overall
ExpressVPN is a top-rated Virtual Private Network. The VPN solution boasts more servers (over 3,000) in more countries (about 160 server locations across 105 countries). However, it is more expensive, though it seems to be the gold standard and has built a reputation for trustworthiness.
The service supports 10 to 14 simultaneous connections, depending on your plan. There is no free trial. You do get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN is a versatile solution that supports multiple devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Chromebook, and Kindle Fire. You can also use the VPN with your Routers, Smart TVs, and smart TV boxes and sticks, such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Android TV, and Chromecast.
ExpressVPN also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, as well as solutions for your gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox.
As a confidence booster, ExpressVPN says that users don’t have to worry about security as its network is designed in such a way that users cannot be matched to their IP addresses.
Pricing of ExpressVPN starts as follows:
Price
- Monthly plan: $12.99 / month
- 24-month plan: $78.18 ($2.79 / month), plus 4 months
- 12-month plan: $59.88 ($3.99 / month), plus 3 months
Pros:
- Robust Security: AES-256 encryption, RAM-only servers, and third-party audits for no-logs policy.
- Large Server Network: 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, including regions like Africa and South America.
- Streaming Excellence: Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other platforms reliably.
Cons:
- The price is on the high side
- No multi-hop or Tor integration
2. SurfShark
Best Budget VPN
Surfshark is no doubt one of the best VPN providers if you’re looking for a versatile solution that covers all the essentials and more. It is also a good solution if you want to torrent and download movies and TV shows.
This is also a great option if you are looking for one that can unblock content in multiple countries. With over 4500 servers in over 100 countries, SurfShark will probably have a server in the country you want.
This is great for people who are traveling but want to catch up with local TV shows from their own country. With 95 supported countries, including Nigeria, Moldova, Peru, Laos, and Algeria, it is likely there is a SurfShark server in your home country, so you can feel at home while away.
The servers a fast with support for VPN protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. You also get AES-256-GCM encryption, split tunneling, AdBlocker, and malware and tracker protection. You get a dynamic IP with IP rotation and MultiHop. These two features make it difficult for you to trace online.
Surfshark allows you to connect unlimited devices simultaneously with unlimited bandwidth. The service works with Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and Fire TV, as well as browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. You get a 7-day free trial on Android, iOS, and MacOS.
Price:
The Plans and Pricing are as follows:
- 1 Month Plan: $15.45 per month
- 12 Month Plan: $47.64 (at $3.19 per month) for the first year, plus an extra three months free
- 24-Month Plan: $53.73 (at $1.99 per month) for the first 2 years, plus an extra three months free
Pros:
- Unlimited Devices: Connect all devices under one subscription.
- Advanced Features: Camouflage Mode, MultiHop, Ad Block, and Antivirus integration.
- Streaming Performance: Works with Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer without buffering.
- Affordable Long-Term Plans: Start at $1.99/month for 24-month plans.
- 7-Day Free Trial
Cons:
- Renewal Price Hikes: Annual renewal jumps to $79/year (33% increase).
You may also be interested in Surfshark Birthday VPN Deals.
3. NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the best VPN services if you want peace of mind. Whether you are on public Wi-Fi or your home or office Network, this solution boasts that your IP address is secure and nobody can see through the tunnel.
NordVPN encrypts your online connection, protects your personal information and work files, and keeps your internet history and online identity private. It also offers protection from trackers and malware.
The service has one of the fastest servers in the industry, ensuring that the tunnel does not slow down your online experience. It works on Windows, MacOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Fire TV Stick, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Chromecast, Kindle Fire, and Raspberry Pi. Browser extensions are available for Firefox, Chrome, and Edge.
NordVPN is competitively priced (particularly the long-duration plan) and some of its highlights include support for up to ten (10) devices simultaneously, internet killswitch, DNS leak protection, 256-bit encryption, split tunneling, Onion over VPN, dark web monitor, etc.
NordVPN has over 8900 servers in over 118 countries.
Price:
- Monthly Plan: $18.69 per month
- 1-Year Plan: $59.88 ($4.99 per month)
- 2-Year Plan: $81.36 ($3.39 per month)
Pros:
- Enhanced privacy with multi-hop routing.
- Fast and Stable Streaming
- Large Server Network with over 7,300 servers in 110 countries.
Cons:
- Renewal Price is Higher
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost boasts over 10 million users across all of its supported platforms, including Windows, Apple Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and more. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The service boasts over 7500 servers in over 90 countries.
The service operates outside the jurisdiction of the Non-member to Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes alliance and will not share your data with the government. They do not keep any logs of your activities.
CyberGhost supports up to 7 devices simultaneously. It supports military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, split tunneling, and data leak protection. The servers are also pretty fast.
Price:
CyberGhost VPN plans are as follows:
- 1-Month Plan: $12.99 ($12.99 per month)
- 6-Month Plan: $41.94 ($6.99 per month)
- 2-Year Plan: $56.94 (at $2.03 per month), plus 4 extra months
Pros:
- Dedicated servers for unblocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Fox, etc.
- Easy-to-navigate apps for beginners.
- Large VPN Network with 9,000+ servers in 100+ countries.
- 45-Day Money Back Guarantee
Cons:
- Inconsistent performance on non-optimized servers
5. PureVPN
PureVPN also rides on the wave of competitive pricing, but lacks a smooth user experience and some advanced features that its pricier counterparts offer.
The VPN also boasts of flexible payment methods, as users can pay using credit cards, PayPal, Cryptocurrencies, and, surprisingly, gift cards.
The service boasts over 6000 servers in over 80 locations in over 65 countries, with support for up to 10 simultaneous logins.
PureVPN supports split tunneling and boasts an internet kill switch and a no-log policy. The solution supports multiple devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Kodi, and Fire TV Stick. It also supports browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Brave.
It is one of the best VPN services if affordability is a top priority.
Price:
Listed below are the available PureVPN plans and their prices.
- Monthly Plan: $12.95 per month.
- 1-Year Plan: $40.80 ($2.55 per month), plus 4 months free
- 2-Year Plan: $58.20 ($2.15 per month), plus 3 months free
Pros:
- Fast Servers
Cons:
- Unreliable for high-bandwidth activities.
6. Norton Secure VPN
Norton is better known for its antivirus solutions and perhaps its identity theft protection solution, LifeLock. However, Norton also offers a VPN solution that is quite affordable and flexible.
With as low as $4.99 per month, you can protect one device on Norton Secure VPN. For protection for up to 5 devices, you pay $7.99 per month, and for up to 10 devices, $9.99 per month.
You also get military-grade AES-256-bit encryption. The service also boasts a no-log policy, split tunneling, Kill Switch, Ad Tracking blocker, and secure public Wi-Fi access.
The service works on your PC, Mac Computer, Android devices, iPhone, and iPad. Norton Secure VPN offers affordable and flexible pricing options. See plans below
- 1 Month Plan (1 Device): $4.99 per month
- 1 Month Plan (5 Devices): $7.99 per month
- 1 Month Plan (10 Devices): $9.99 per month
- 1 Year Plan (1 Device): $29.99 for the first year, $49.99 per year subsequently
- 1 Year Plan (5 Devices): $39.99 for the first year, $79.99 per year subsequently
- 1-Year Plan (10 Devices): $59.99 for the first year, $99.99 per year subsequently
Pros:
- Brand Trust: Backed by Norton’s cybersecurity reputation
- Includes Antivirus
Cons:
- Limited Features: No advanced tools like split tunneling.
- Small Server Network: Fewer locations compared to rivals.
7. NordLayer
NordLayer is not a personal VPN for individuals, but a business VPN. It is one of the best business VPN solutions available today and is a product of one of the best consumer VPN providers, NordVPN.
If you are looking for a business solution that protects the integrity of your network and communications between workers’ devices (all endpoint devices across your network) and your network, NordLayer is your best choice, with affordable options that are easily scalable.
With the work environment changing and more companies considering remote work or having remote workers, NordLayer has a flexible enterprise solution that ensures your remote workers can access the company network and work environment in a secure manner with end-to-end encryption. This ensures that your company data is safe, secure, and inaccessible to prying eyes.
Even when some of your remote workers may use public Wi-Fi, you can rest assured that the traffic is secured with military-grade AES-256-bit encryption.
NordLayer works on Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux and has a strict no-log policy. It can also integrate Azure, Google Workspace, AWS, Okta, Google Cloud, OneLogin, and Salesforce.
Listed below are the available plans of NordLayer and their prices:
- Basic Plan Monthly: $9.00 per user per month
- Basic Plan Yearly: $84 per user (7.00 per user per month)
- Advanced Plan Monthly: $11.00 per user per month
- Advanced Plan Yearly: $108 per user (9.00 per user per month)
Pros
- Scalable for Business
Cons
- Few Locations
There is also a custom plan for enterprises that need a more customized solution.
8. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is both a user-friendly and budget-friendly VPN for users conscious about their online security and aren’t willing to break the bank on a tool to keep them safe.
Depending on the plan you subscribe to, Private Internet Access could start as low as $2.03 per month for the 3-year plan, plus you get 3 months free with the 3-year plan. And it comes with robust features like torrent-supported servers, built-in ad-blockers, tracking and monitoring blockers, malware protection, etc.
The service has over 3300 fast servers spread across over 84 countries, giving you a global network of servers. This makes this one of the best VPN services if you are looking for a service that can unlock access to multiple countries and regions.
PIA supports dynamic IP addresses, which means you are assigned a new IP address each time you connect, making it harder to trace your activities and strengthening your privacy online.
The VPN works well with Windows, MacOS, Android, Linux, iOS, smart TVs, and Gaming Consoles. You also get browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.
Private Internet Access plans are relatively affordable. Check out the plans below:
- 1 Month Plan: $11.95 per month
- 1-Year Plan: $39.95 ($3.33 per month)
- 3-Year Plan: $79 ($2.03 per month)
There’s also support for payment using cryptocurrencies as well as traditional payment solutions. For more information about Private Internet Access, Click Here
9. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is the best VPN solution if you are looking for a solution with a free VPN option. The Free VPN option is limited, as you can only protect one device with moderate speed and can only pick servers from just three countries.
To unleash the full power of ProtonVPN, you need to subscribe to one of its paid plans starting at 4.99 EUR per month. With a paid plan, you can pick from over 1700 fast servers in over 60 countries. The paid plan offers up to 10 simultaneous connections, Tor over VPN, P2P / BitTorrent, Ad blockers, and protection against malware.
ProtonVPN works with Windows and MacOS computers, Android phones and tablets, iPhones and iPads, Linux computers, Android TV, and more.
Based in Geneva, Switzerland, known for its strong privacy laws, ProtonVPN is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or 14 Eyes surveillance agreements and takes your privacy very seriously. Both the free and paid plans support a strong no-log policy.
See paid plans below:
- 2-Year Plan: $119.76 ($4.99 per month) for the first 2 years, $239.76 subsequently
- 1-Year Plan: $71.88 ($5.99 per month) for the first year, and $119.88 subsequently
- 1-Month Plan: $9.99 per month
10. IPVanish
With over 40,000 shared IP addresses, 24/7 customer service, and more than 2000 fast servers in 75 locations in over 50 countries, IPVanish is one of the best VPNs for Torrenting and P2P.
IPVanish has a no-log policy, unmetered connection, split tunneling, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. This service supports Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Fire TV, among others.
It features built-in DNS leak protection that keeps your traffic and real location information secure.
The pricing plans also put it in the same affordability ring as IvacyVPN. IPVanish VPN’s pricing is as follows:
- Yearly Plan: $46.68 for the first year ($3.89 per month)
- 2-Year Plan: $15.96 for the first 2 years ($2.99 per month)
- 1-Month Plan: $12.99 per month
For more information about IPVanish, Click Here
More Notable Mentions
VyprVPN
Based in Switzerland, VyprVPN boasts over 300,000 IP addresses and over 700 servers in more than 70 locations in over 65 countries.
It also comes with advanced features like kill-switch, VyprDNS, unlimited data usage, Chameleon protocol, etc., all of which provide users with the best online security.
VyprVPN plans are flexible and relatively affordable. The plans are listed below:
- 2 Months Plan: $6.47 per month ($12.95 per month)
- 18 Months Plan: $2.50 per month ($45)
- 36 Months Plan: $1.81 per month ($65)
For more information about VyprVPN, Click Here
StrongVPN
Need a VPN to bypass certain firewalls and unblock (Netflix or Hulu) content without keeping your hands too deep in your pockets? You should check out StrongVPN.
With a simple, clean, and user-friendly interface, StrongVPN allows you to connect up to 5 devices simultaneously and supports Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android devices. The service boasts 59,500 IP addresses with over 950 servers in 50 cities in over 30 countries. Available plans include:
- Monthly plan: $10.99 per month
- Annual plan: $47.99 ($3.99 per month) for the first year, and $79.99 thereafter.
Payments can be made using Alipay, PayPal, Credit cards, and Bitcoin. For more information about StrongVPN, Click Here
There goes our list of the best VPN services for 2026. Hope you found it useful.
You may also be interested in the Best Black Friday VPN Deals.
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What is a VPN, and Do You Need One?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, creates a virtual tunnel that encrypts all the data you send and receive over the internet, protecting you from cyber threats and helping you stay anonymous online. By using a VPN, your traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel, so your private data is protected from anyone who might be snooping on your internet connection.
Using a VPN is a great way to protect yourself from cybercriminals and other malicious actors. It encrypts all your data, which means that even if someone were to gain access to your data, they wouldn’t be able to read it. With a VPN, you can also protect yourself from government surveillance and censorship, as well as access geo-restricted content.
When you use a VPN, all your traffic is routed through the VPN’s servers, so your IP address is replaced with the VPN’s IP address. This makes it impossible for anyone to track you online, as your IP address is hidden. Additionally, a VPN can help you bypass geo-restrictions, allowing you to access streaming services or websites that are blocked in your country.
How to Choose the Best VPN?
Choosing the best VPN services is an important decision for anyone concerned about their online security, privacy, and anonymity.
When choosing the best VPN, it is important to consider the features it offers. Look for a VPN that offers strong encryption, a strict no-logging policy, and a killswitch feature, which will disconnect you from the internet if the VPN connection drops.
You should also consider the number of devices the VPN supports, the number of servers it offers, and whether it allows for split tunneling, which allows you to selectively route some of your traffic through the VPN.
It is also important to consider the type of VPN you want. There are free VPNs available, but they tend to be slower and less secure than paid VPNs. Paid VPNs typically offer more features and better performance. Some VPNs offer a free trial period, which is a great way to test out the service before committing to a paid subscription.
Finally, make sure the VPN service is reputable and trustworthy. Check out user reviews, as well as the company’s privacy policy, to make sure you’re comfortable with their terms and conditions. By doing your research, you can ensure that you choose the best VPN service provider for your needs.
What is a Mobile VPN
A mobile VPN is a VPN you can use on your mobile devices. It usually comes as a Mobile App for your mobile device, like an Android phone or iPhone. Most of the best VPN services offer mobile apps to enable you to encrypt your internet traffic on iOS and Android devices. Always go for a provider with an easy-to-use mobile VPN.
5 Reasons Why You Need a VPN
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, enabling you to maintain anonymity online while providing privacy and security when browsing the internet. It is becoming increasingly important to use a VPN in order to protect your data and information on the internet, so here are five reasons why you need a VPN.
1. Keep your Data Private
A VPN can protect your data and information while browsing the internet. It hides your IP address, creating a secure connection between your computer or mobile device and the VPN server, making it difficult for hackers to get access to your private data.
With a VPN, your data is encrypted and securely transmitted across the internet, and can’t be monitored or intercepted by third parties. This enables you to stay safe online.
2. Access Geo-Restricted Content
The best VPN services can help you bypass geo-restrictions and access content that is blocked in your country. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have different content for different countries, but a VPN can help you bypass these restrictions and access the content you want.
With a VPN, you can pick any country (by choosing to route your traffic via a server in that country) you want and browse the internet as though you are in the country, enabling the streaming of any content available for that country.
3. Safely Use Public Wi-Fi
A VPN can help you access public Wi-Fi networks safely. Public Wi-Fi networks are notoriously insecure, so it’s important to use a VPN if you plan to use public Wi-Fi. A VPN will encrypt your data and prevent hackers from intercepting sensitive details like your username and password, keeping you safe and secure.
4. Combat Internet Censorship
In certain countries, access to specific websites or apps may be restricted by the government. For example, some social media, news, research sites, and apps may be off-limits for those who live in these countries. A VPN can be employed to bypass censorship and access these websites and apps.
5. Save when Shopping or Booking Tickets Online
When shopping online or booking a room or flight, you may notice that the provider shows different prices for the same item depending on your geographical location. This can be incredibly frustrating if you live in a country or region where you have to pay more.
A solution to this could be using a VPN to pick a location where the item is offered at a lower price. It may be a lengthy process, but if a large amount of money can be saved, then it is certainly worth the effort.
Conclusion
With the internet becoming an integral part of our daily lives, privacy and security have become more important than ever. Finding the best VPN services can go a long way in protecting your data and ensuring your online activities remain private.
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet connection and hides your online activities from snoopers, governments, and hackers. With so many options out there, we hope that this overview of the best VPN services has made choosing one simpler.
