Hey! We're just like you — we use VPNs every day

VPN Advice fromPeople Who Get It

We're remote workers, Netflix bingers, and privacy nerds. We've tested 50+ VPNs from coffee shops in Bali to apartments in Berlin. No corporate speak — just honest recommendations from real users.

Loved by 100K+ readers
100% independent
Digital nomad working from a cafe in Bali
One of us working from Bali
Team member
Team member
Team member

The Team

Real people, real advice

50+

VPNs tested

The Only 7 VPNs Worth Your Money in 2026

We tested 50+ VPNs on speed, streaming, and privacy. Most failed. These 7 actually delivered — with speeds over 85 Mbps and working Netflix access.

200+ hours of testing15 test locationsUpdated January 2026
Editor's Choice
NordVPN logo

NordVPN

1
9.8
/10
30-day guarantee

Industry-leading security with blazing fast speeds and an extensive server network.

Overall best VPN for most users
Servers6,400+
Countries111
Devices10
SpeedExcellent
Streaming
Torrenting
No-Logs Policy
Kill Switch

Pros

  • 95 Mbps on 100 Mbps connection (fastest in our tests)
  • Unblocks 15+ Netflix libraries reliably
  • Double VPN and Onion over VPN for extra privacy

Cons

  • Slightly pricier than Surfshark ($2.99 vs $1.99/mo)
  • Some servers get crowded during peak hours
$2.99/month

$12.99/month billed monthly

ExpressVPN logo

ExpressVPN

2
9.6
/10
30-day guarantee

Premium VPN with exceptional speeds and the best-in-class streaming capabilities.

Best for streaming and China access
Servers3,000+
Countries105
Devices10
SpeedExcellent
Streaming
Torrenting
No-Logs Policy
Kill Switch

Pros

  • 93 Mbps average speed - near-zero slowdown
  • Most reliable VPN for China (tested quarterly)
  • Unblocks every major streaming platform

Cons

  • Most expensive option at $3.49/mo yearly
  • Limited to 10 devices (others offer unlimited)
$3.49/month

$13.00/month billed monthly

Surfshark logo

Surfshark

3
9.4
/10
30-day guarantee

Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited devices and impressive security features.

Best budget VPN for families
Servers3,200+
Countries100
DevicesUnlimited
SpeedVery Good
Streaming
Torrenting
No-Logs Policy
Kill Switch

Pros

  • Just $1.99/mo - best value in our tests
  • Unlimited devices (protect your whole family)
  • 89 Mbps speed - great for 4K streaming

Cons

  • Speed drops to 70 Mbps on distant servers
  • Some Netflix regions blocked occasionally
$1.99/month

$15.45/month billed monthly

CyberGhost logo

CyberGhost

4
9.2
/10
45-day guarantee

User-friendly VPN with specialized servers for streaming and torrenting.

Best for beginners and European users
Servers10,000+
Countries100
Devices7
SpeedVery Good
Streaming
Torrenting
No-Logs Policy
Kill Switch

Pros

  • 10,000+ servers - largest network available
  • 45-day money-back guarantee (15 days longer)
  • Dedicated servers labeled by streaming service

Cons

  • Doesn't work reliably in China
  • Only 7 simultaneous connections
$2.03/month

$12.99/month billed monthly

Private Internet Access logo

Private Internet Access

5
9
/10
30-day guarantee

Veteran VPN provider with proven no-logs policy and excellent customization options.

Best for torrenting and privacy
Servers35,000+
Countries91
DevicesUnlimited
SpeedVery Good
Streaming
Torrenting
No-Logs Policy
Kill Switch

Pros

  • No-logs policy proven in court twice
  • 35,000+ servers - massive for P2P torrenting
  • Unlimited devices on one subscription

Cons

  • BBC iPlayer blocked in our tests
  • Doesn't work in China, UAE, or Russia
$2.19/month

$11.95/month billed monthly

ProtonVPN logo

ProtonVPN

6
8.8
/10
30-day guarantee

Swiss-based VPN from the makers of ProtonMail with strong privacy focus.

Best for privacy-conscious users
Servers15,000+
Countries120
Devices10
SpeedVery Good
Streaming
Torrenting
No-Logs Policy
Kill Switch

Pros

  • Swiss privacy laws - strongest in the world
  • Free tier with no data limits (3 countries)
  • All apps are open source and audited

Cons

  • Premium plan pricier at $4.99/mo
  • Free tier limited to 5 locations
$4.99/month

$9.99/month billed monthly

IPVanish logo

IPVanish

7
8.5
/10
30-day guarantee

Reliable VPN with full ownership of server infrastructure and unlimited connections.

Best for Kodi and Fire TV users
Servers3,200+
Countries75
DevicesUnlimited
SpeedGood
Streaming
Torrenting
No-Logs Policy
Kill Switch

Pros

  • Owns 100% of server infrastructure (no rentals)
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Best-in-class Kodi and Fire TV apps

Cons

  • 78 Mbps speed - slower than top competitors
  • Only works with US/UK Netflix
$2.19/month

$12.99/month billed monthly

The Quick Rundown

TL;DR — here's how they all compare at a glance

VPN ProviderRatingPriceServersCountriesDevicesStreamingNo-LogsAction
NordVPN logo
1NordVPN
9.8
$2.99/mo6,400+11110Visit
ExpressVPN logo
2ExpressVPN
9.6
$3.49/mo3,000+10510Visit
Surfshark logo
3Surfshark
9.4
$1.99/mo3,200+100UnlimitedVisit
CyberGhost logo
4CyberGhost
9.2
$2.03/mo10,000+1007Visit
Private Internet Access logo
5Private Internet Access
9
$2.19/mo35,000+91UnlimitedVisit
ProtonVPN logo
6ProtonVPN
8.8
$4.99/mo15,000+12010Visit
IPVanish logo
7IPVanish
8.5
$2.19/mo3,200+75UnlimitedVisit

Still Can't Decide?

We get it — there are a lot of options. Check out our head-to-head comparisons to see how the top VPNs stack up against each other. Or hit us up if you want a personal recommendation.