We picked the best VPNs for 2026 based on recent privacy audits, expert rankings in October 2025, and new streaming and lab reviews. Start with our quick answers, then see the full comparison table and methodology below.
VPN Audit and Feature Comparison
- Best overall: NordVPN. Repeat Deloitte no-logs assurance (2024), fast and feature-rich.
- Best for streaming: ExpressVPN. KPMG-audited no-logs (July 2025), open-source Lightway protocol.
- Best value: Surfshark. Unlimited devices, no-logs verified by Deloitte 2025.
- Best privacy purist: Mullvad. Strong audits, anonymous accounts.
- Best free plan: Proton VPN. Annual audits, Secure Core infrastructure.
- Also great for power users: Private Internet Access. Court-proven no-logs, frequent audits.
- Also great for privacy-first setups: IVPN. Cure53 audits, minimal and transparent.
| Provider | Audit Firm / Date | Main Feature | Test Result / Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Deloitte No-logs Audit (2024) | NordLynx protocol, Threat Protection | Fastest speeds in Oct 2025 tests |
| ExpressVPN | KPMG TrustedServer Audit (July 2025) | Lightway open-source protocol | Best streaming unblocking Oct 2025 |
| Surfshark | Deloitte No-logs Audit (2025) | Unlimited devices, CleanWeb | Best value at $2.19/mo (2-year) |
| Proton VPN | Annual audits, SOC 2 (2025) | Secure Core routing, free tier | Top free VPN Oct 2025 |
| Mullvad | Cure53 Audit (2024) | Anonymous accounts, flat pricing | Privacy leader Oct 2025 |
| Private Internet Access | Deloitte Audit, court-proven (2024) | Port forwarding, advanced settings | Power user choice Oct 2025 |
| IVPN | Cure53 Audit (2024) | Multihop, minimal data collection | Privacy purist Oct 2025 |
Sources: CNET, Wirecutter, Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, Forbes (October 2025); provider audit reports and official announcements.
2026 Streaming Winners
ExpressVPN works on most platforms, with KPMG-audited TrustedServer infrastructure (July 2025) and the open-source Lightway protocol for speed and reliability.
NordVPN is nearly as easy, with top rankings and speed results in October 2025 streaming tests across Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.
Surfshark now supports Dedicated IP for browser extensions and showed improved Q4 2025 speeds, making it a strong budget streaming pick.
Best No-Logs and Privacy Providers
- Mullvad: Numbered accounts, repeat audits, policy transparency.
- Proton VPN: Annual audits and Secure Core privacy routing.
- IVPN: Regular Cure53 audits published openly.
- Private Internet Access: Ongoing transparency, court records confirm no user logs.
Expert Rankings for 2026
CNET, Wirecutter, Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, and Forbes (October 2025) consistently rank NordVPN and ExpressVPN at the top overall, with Surfshark earning best value honors.
How We Tested
- Speed/Stability: 30% (Oct 2025 lab tests, global servers)
- Privacy/Security: 30% (latest audits, protocol analysis)
- Streaming: 15% (Netflix, Hulu, iPlayer, Disney+ real tests)
- Features/App Quality: 10% (leak tests, current builds)
- Price/Value: 10% (2026 pricing, money-back terms)
- Support/Reliability: 5% (response time, documentation)
2026 VPN Pricing
- ExpressVPN: ~$8.32/month (annual plan)
- Surfshark: ~$2.19/month (2-year plan)
- Proton VPN: Free tier with no data caps
- NordVPN: ~$3.39/month (2-year plan)
Prices as of October 2025—verify before purchasing.
Legal Notes for 2026
VPNs are legal in most countries, with some regional restrictions. Check local laws before use, especially when traveling.
