Best VPNs (2026)
Why this list exists
Most people searching for “best VPN” aren’t looking for extreme threat models or niche edge cases. They want a VPN that feels fast, works reliably day to day, protects them on public Wi-Fi, and doesn’t create constant friction.
This list focuses on VPNs that work well for most people — balancing privacy posture, performance consistency, usability, and long-term value. It’s not about who markets the hardest; it’s about who delivers the best real-world experience in 2026.
NordVPN is the best all-around VPN for most people in 2026 thanks to its combination of strong everyday performance, broad feature coverage, and competitive long-term pricing. ExpressVPN is the best choice if you value a frictionless, polished experience above all else. Proton VPN is the right pick if privacy posture and transparency matter more than speed or simplicity.
- NordVPN — strongest balance of speed, features, and value
- ExpressVPN — simplest premium experience
- Proton VPN — privacy-first posture
Top 10 VPNs (2026) — Advisor Picks for Most People
Ranked by our advisor weighting for “most people” (privacy posture + everyday performance + usability + value). These are not lab scores — they’re decision guidance based on consistent rubric signals.
| Rank | VPN | Privacy | Security | Performance | Usability | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NordVPN | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Best for: Most users (best balance) • Watch-outs: Don’t over-index “fastest”; consistency varies by route | Review → | |||||
| 2 | ExpressVPN | Good | Good | Good | Strong | Caution |
| Best for: Simplicity-first premium • Watch-outs: Often pricier than close rivals | Review → | |||||
| 3 | Proton VPN | Strong | Good | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed |
| Best for: Privacy posture + trust signals • Watch-outs: Not always the “fast-feeling” pick | Review → | |||||
| 4 | Surfshark | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Best for: Value + multi-device households • Watch-outs: Feature density can add decision overhead | Review → | |||||
| 5 | Private Internet Access | Good | Good | Mixed | Mixed | Good |
| Best for: Power users who like controls • Watch-outs: Less “just works” than simplicity leaders | Review → | |||||
| 6 | CyberGhost | Mixed | Good | Mixed | Good | Good |
| Best for: Budget-friendly mainstream use • Watch-outs: Not the pick for privacy-maximalists | Review → | |||||
| 7 | IPVanish | Mixed | Good | Good | Good | Mixed |
| Best for: Everyday use + decent performance • Watch-outs: Trust optics matter more for high-risk users | Review → | |||||
| 8 | Mullvad | Strong | Good | Mixed | Caution | Mixed |
| Best for: Privacy maximalists • Watch-outs: Less “beginner smooth” than mainstream picks | Review → | |||||
| 9 | Windscribe | Good | Good | Mixed | Mixed | Good |
| Best for: Transparency-forward power users • Watch-outs: Not always the “fast premium” feel | Review → | |||||
| 10 | Norton Secure VPN | Caution | Good | Good | Good | Caution |
| Best for: Norton bundle users • Watch-outs: Less VPN-specific transparency than specialists | Review → | |||||
Tip: if your threat model is high-risk (journalism, activism, targeted surveillance), prioritize privacy posture and transparency over “everyday speed.”
Top Picks Explained
🏆 NordVPN — Best VPN for Most People
NordVPN offers one of the best overall balances of performance, features, and price. It feels fast in daily use, works reliably for streaming and travel, and provides enough controls for power users without overwhelming beginners.
✨ ExpressVPN — Best for Simplicity
ExpressVPN shines when you want a VPN that “just works.” Its apps are consistently polished, defaults are sensible, and there’s very little decision friction — though you typically pay more for that refinement.
🔐 Proton VPN — Best for Privacy Posture
Proton VPN prioritizes transparency, jurisdictional caution, and privacy-first design. It’s an excellent choice if trust signals matter more to you than raw speed or mainstream convenience.
How to choose the right VPN
- If you want the best all-around option: choose NordVPN.
- If you want the smoothest experience: choose ExpressVPN.
- If you care most about privacy posture: choose Proton VPN.
- If you only want the cheapest option: this list may not be the best fit.
FAQ
- Which VPN is best overall? For most people, NordVPN offers the best balance.
- Which VPN is fastest? Consistency matters more than peak claims; NordVPN and ExpressVPN both perform well.
- Which VPN profiler is best for privacy? Proton VPN has the strongest privacy posture.
- Will a VPN make me anonymous? No — VPNs reduce exposure but don’t eliminate tracking.
Bottom line
If you want a VPN that works well for most everyday scenarios, start with NordVPN. If simplicity matters more than features, ExpressVPN is worth the premium. If privacy trust signals come first, Proton VPN is the safer bet.