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Best VPNs for 2026: Verified Picks Based on Latest Audits

2026 VPN Guide: Audited Providers and Test Results

We tested major VPNs in September and October 2025 for speed, privacy, streaming, and value. Our comparison table shows audit dates, key features, and test results for each provider. NordVPN leads overall with Deloitte-audited no-logs and fastest speeds. ExpressVPN tops streaming with KPMG-verified TrustedServer. Surfshark offers best value with unlimited devices at $2.19/month.

  • Test period: September to October 2025
  • Next retest: January 2026
  • Best overall: NordVPN (Deloitte audit 2024, fastest speeds)
  • Best streaming: ExpressVPN (KPMG audit July 2025)
  • Best value: Surfshark ($2.19/month, unlimited devices)
  • Best free: Proton VPN (annual audits, Secure Core)
  • Privacy leaders: Mullvad and IVPN (Cure53 audits)
  • Power users: Private Internet Access (court-proven no-logs)
  • Table shows provider, audit date, main feature, test result
  • Verify pricing before purchase; check local VPN laws

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.

VPNs are legal in most countries, with some regional restrictions. Check local laws before use, especially when traveling.

Alex Chen

Alex Chen

Senior Technology Journalist

United States – California Tech

Alex Chen is a senior technology journalist with a decade of experience exploring the ever-evolving world of emerging technologies, cloud computing, hardware engineering, and AI-powered tools. A graduate of Stanford University with a B.S. in Computer Engineering (2014), Alex blends his strong technical background with a journalist’s curiosity to provide insightful coverage of global innovations. He has contributed to leading international outlets such as TechRadar, Tom’s Hardware, and The Verge, where his in-depth analyses and hardware reviews earned a reputation for precision and reliability. Currently based in Paris, France, Alex focuses on bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world applications — from AI-driven productivity tools to next-generation gaming and cloud infrastructure. His work consistently highlights how technology reshapes industries, creativity, and the human experience.

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Elena Voren

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Elena Voren is a senior journalist and Tech Section Editor with 8 years of experience focusing on AI ethics, social media impact, and consumer software. She is recognized for interviewing industry leaders and academic experts while clearly distinguishing opinion from evidence-based reporting. She earned her B.A. in Cognitive Science from the University of California, Berkeley (2016), where she studied human-computer interaction, AI, and digital behavior. Elena’s work emphasizes the societal implications of technology, ensuring readers understand both the practical and ethical dimensions of emerging tools. She leads the Tech Section at Faharas NET, supervising coverage on AI, consumer software, digital society, and privacy technologies, while maintaining rigorous editorial standards. Based in Berlin, Germany, Elena provides insightful analyses on technology trends, ethical AI deployment, and the influence of social platforms on modern life.

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Editorial Timeline

Revisions
— by Elena Voren
SEO improvements have been made to the article.
— by Nodin Laramie
  1. Initial publication.
  2. Added TL;DR, FAQ, secondary sources, and pricing table.
  3. Refined quick picks with audit references and clarified test window.
  4. Improved headings and simplified wording throughout for readability.
  5. Added legal notes and methodology weighting for transparency.

FAQ

What VPN settings should I use in 2026

Turn on the kill switch. Use WireGuard or each provider’s modern protocol. Enable ad and tracker blocking if offered. Keep auto-connect on for public Wi-Fi.

Which VPN is fastest in 2026

Speed depends on your line and distance. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark post strong results in 2025 lab tests and reviews. Try the modern protocol first in each app.

Are free VPNs safe to use in 2026

Free tiers often cap data or servers. Proton VPN is the safest mainstream free option due to audits and long track record. If you need reliable streaming, pick a paid plan.

Do VPNs still work with Netflix in 2026

Yes, but results vary. ExpressVPN and NordVPN continue to unlock major libraries in recent reviews. If a server fails, switch locations or try a provider’s recommended list.