Best VPN Service (I’ve used them all)
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By Rob Berger, JD | Last Updated February 6, 2026
I’ve been using VPN’s to secure my internet browsing for over a decade. My first VPN was TunnelBear. Since then I’ve used ExpressVPN, NordVPN and ProtonVPN. Frankly, any of these and the other options on this page are solid VPN services.
Quick Comparison: Which VPN is Right for You?
| VPN Service | Best For… | Why You’ll Love It | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Easiest to Use | The “Apple” of VPNs. It works perfectly with zero fuss. | As low as $2.44/mo. for 2-year plan + 4 free months |
| NordVPN | Fastest VPN* | Fast and secure. Also blocks annoying ads and malicious websites automatically. | As low as $3.39/mo. for 2-year plan |
| Surfshark | Families | Unlimited devices. Protect your phone, your partner’s laptop, and the kids’ tablets all on one cheap account. | Budget-Friendly As low as $1.99/mo. |
| Proton VPN | Privacy | Created by Swiss scientists. Ideal if you want a company with a proven history of protecting data. | Free version available for 1 device only; Paid version as low as $2.99/mo. |
| TunnelBear | First-Timers | Fun, friendly, and removes the “scary tech” feeling. Just flip a switch and a bear tunnels you to safety. | Free plan (2GB/mo); paid plans as low as $3.33/mo. |
*Based on testing conducted by West Coast Labs in October 2025.
If you are looking for free VPN service, check out this section below.
Summary of the Best VPN Services
Details of Each VPN Service
ExpressVPN–Premium experience & Ease of Use
|
Website | |
|
Location |
British Virgin Islands |
|
Encryption Standard |
AES w/ 256-kit keys |
|
Logs |
No (audited by KPMG LLP) |
|
Kill Switch |
Yes |
|
Price |
From $2.79/mo. |
|
Server Network |
170+ server locations in 105 countries |
|
Deal |
ExpressVPN excels at simplicity and reliability. It’s often the easiest VPN for non-technical users to install and use on just about any device. It’s also the VPN service I’ve used for several years. It works better than most VPN services with streaming services in my experience.
Highlights
- User experience: Clean, intuitive apps that look and feel consistent on all platforms.
- Performance: Lightway protocol provides fast, reliable connections without complex setup.
- Privacy: Based in the British Virgin Islands with RAM-only servers and multiple independent audits.
- Streaming & travel: Strong track record unblocking streaming services and working in restrictive environments.
Best For
- Users who want a polished, hassle-free VPN experience
- Frequent travelers who need dependable access around the world
- People who prioritize reliability and support over the lowest possible price
NordVPN – Best Overall VPN
|
Website | |
|
Location |
Panama |
|
Encryption Standard |
AES w/ 256-kit keys |
|
Logs |
No (audited by Deloitte Audit Lithuania) |
|
Kill Switch |
Yes |
|
Price |
From $3.39/mo. |
|
Server Network |
7,400+ servers in 118 countries |
|
Deal |
NordVPN is a well-rounded option that does almost everything well: excellent speeds, strong security, and great support for streaming, gaming, and everyday privacy.
Best overall Great speeds Advanced features
Highlights
- Performance: NordLynx, its WireGuard-based protocol, offers fast, stable connections across long distances.
- Security: Strong encryption, kill switch, RAM-only servers, and advanced features like Double VPN and Onion over VPN.
- Privacy: Based in Panama with a no-logs policy that has been independently audited multiple times.
- Extras: Threat Protection tools (ad/malware blocking) and broad app support.
Best For
- People who want a single VPN that handles almost every use-case well
- Streaming and gaming with minimal speed loss
- Users who value advanced security without sacrificing usability
Surfshark–Best low cost VPN
|
Website | |
|
Location |
Netherlands |
|
Encryption Standard |
AES w/ 256-kit keys |
|
Logs |
No (audited by Deloitte Audit Lithuania) |
|
Kill Switch |
Yes |
|
Price |
From $1.99/mo. |
|
Server Network |
4,500+ servers in 100 countries |
|
Deal |
Surfhark offers a low-cost, easy to use VPN service. It’s encryption standard is excellent and it doesn’t keep a log of users’ internet browsing.
- Everyday users who want reliable, secure VPN service
- Travelers or frequent public Wi-Fi users
- Families and multi-device households–Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous device coverage
In addition, you get malware detection and ad blocking.
Highlights
- Unlimited Connections: No device limit per account
- Competitive Pricing: Lowest long-term rates among premium VPNs
- CleanWeb: Effective ad, tracker, and malware blocking
- MultiHop: Double VPN connections for enhanced privacy
- Nexus Technology: Dynamic routing through server network
- Performance: Its WireGuard-based protocol, offers fast, stable connections across long distances.
- Security: Strong encryption, kill switch, RAM-only servers, and advanced features like obfuscated servers, multi-hop and split tunneling.
- Privacy: Based in the Netherlands with a no-logs policy that has been independently audited.
- Extras: Threat Protection tools (ad/malware blocking) and broad app support.
Best For
Budget-conscious users, families, multi-device households
Read my Surfshark review
Proton VPN – Privacy & Transparency First
|
Website | |
|
Location |
Switzerland |
|
Encryption Standard |
AES-256 or ChaCha20 |
|
Logs |
No (audited by Securitum) |
|
Kill Switch |
Yes |
|
Price |
From $3.59/mo. |
|
Server Network |
15,000 servers across 120+ countries |
|
Deal |
Proton VPN is built by the team behind Proton Mail and is geared toward users who care deeply about privacy, open-source software, and transparency.
Privacy-focused Open-source apps
Highlights
- Privacy: Swiss jurisdiction, no-logs, and regular independent audits.
- Open-source: Many of its apps are open-source and publicly audited.
- Secure Core: Option to route traffic through hardened servers in privacy-friendly countries.
- Stealth & censorship: Strong tools for bypassing aggressive internet censorship.
Best For
- Privacy purists and technically inclined users
- People already using Proton Mail or other Proton products
- Those who prefer open-source apps and detailed transparency
Proton also offers secure, encrypted e-mail, cloud document storage and password manager. You can get all four services in one bundle here.
TunnelBear–Best low cost VPN
|
Website | |
|
Location |
Toronto, Canada |
|
Encryption Standard |
AES w/ 256-kit keys |
|
Logs |
No |
|
Kill Switch |
Yes |
|
Price |
From $3.33/mo. (limited free version available |
|
Server Network |
8,000 server locations in 45 countries |
TunnelBear is famous for removing the intimidation factor from VPNs. With its playful bear-themed interface and a robust free tier, it is the perfect entry point for users who want simplicity above all else.
Highlights
- Free Tier: Offers a completely free version (with a data cap), perfect for testing or occasional use.
- Interface: A visual map interface that makes connecting as easy as tunneling a bear to a new location.
- Transparency: TunnelBear was one of the first consumer VPNs to commission annual, public security audits.
- Features: Includes VigilantBear (kill switch) and GhostBear (obfuscation) to hide VPN traffic.
Best For
- Absolute beginners who want a “set it and forget it” interface
- Users who need a free VPN for occasional browsing
- People who appreciate a playful, non-technical user experience
Free VPN Services
A lot of people come to my site looking for free VPN services. The short answer is, yes, there are some free VPN services available. They have significant limitations, however. And the least expensive paid versions are very cheap and come with lots of features. Let’s break this down.
The two premium VPN providers that offer free tiers are ProtonVPN and TunnelBear.
ProtonVPN’s free service offers unlimited bandwidth, meaning you can use it as much as you want. The limitation is that you can only use it on one device. That doesn’t work if you have a smartphone, laptop, tablet and/or desktop. But if you only need to secure one device, this is the option I’d recommend.
TunnelBear’s free service can be used on unlimited devices. That’s the good news. But it’s limited to 2GBs a month. In practical terms, you’ll use 2GBs of bandwidth in just a couple hours of streaming or one to two days of surfing the internet. It also doesn’t come with all of the features of the paid plans.
If cost is your chief concern, I have two suggestions. First, check out Surfshark. It’s an excellent VPN service owned by NordVPN. And you can get Surfshark for as little as $1.99/mo. for a 2-year plan, and they even throw in an additional 3 months of service for a total of 27 months.
Second, all of the VPN services on this page offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of the money-back guarantee.
How to Choose a VPN in 2026
Before picking a VPN, decide what matters most to you. A “best” VPN for one person may not be ideal for someone else.
Streaming & travel: Focus on reliable access to Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, etc., plus a large global server network. Here my recommendation is ExpressVPN. It works well with YouTubeTV and Netflix, among others.
Privacy & anonymity: Look for audited no-logs policies, strong jurisdictions, open-source apps, and privacy-focused features. All of the VPN services listed on this page tick this box, but ProtonVPN is first among equals.
Security & Wi-Fi protection: Modern protocols (like WireGuard), kill switch, leak protection, and good app security. All of the VPN services on this page offer excellent security in my opinion.
Value & devices: How many devices you can use at once, and the effective monthly cost on long-term plans. Here Surfshark is the clear winner. You can get VPN service for unlimited devices starting at $1.99/mo.
Censorship & restrictions: If you travel to countries with heavy censorship, you’ll want strong obfuscation/stealth tools. NordVPN would be my pick.
How to Use a VPN Service
Step 1: Download the App: Click one of the links above to create an account. Then, download the app to your phone or laptop just like you would any other app.
Step 2: Click “Quick Connect”: Open the app and look for the big “Connect” button. You don’t need to choose a specific country—the app will automatically pick the fastest, safest connection for you. You may need to authorize the app to work on your computer, but the app will walk you through the steps.
Step 3: Browse Normally: Once the app says “Connected” (or turns green), your work is done. You can now surf the internet as you normally would, but now with an added layer of privacy that keeps your online activity hidden from prying eyes.
VPN FAQ
Do I really need a VPN?
If you use public Wi-Fi, travel, or care about your online privacy, a VPN is a simple way to encrypt your traffic, hide your IP address, and reduce tracking. It’s not a magic shield, but it’s an important layer of protection.
Which VPN is best for most people?
For most users, NordVPN or Surfshark are excellent starting points. NordVPN offers a slightly more premium all-around experience, while Surfshark wins on price and unlimited devices.
Are free VPNs safe?
Most “free” VPNs make money by logging and selling user data, or by injecting ads. If you care about privacy and security, a reputable paid VPN is usually the safer choice. There are some exceptions, including ProtonVPN and TunnelBear, but both free plans come with significant limitations.
Can I use more than one VPN?
You can subscribe to multiple VPNs if you want to compare them, and many offer 30-day money-back guarantees. For everyday use, you typically only run one VPN at a time on a given device.
