We picked the best VPNs for 2026 based on verified privacy audits, recent lab reviews, and consistent streaming success. Start with the quick answer, then jump to the tables and testing notes.
What is the best VPN for 2026 right now
NordVPN is the best all-around pick for most people in 2026. It pairs repeat no-logs audits with strong speeds on NordLynx and reliable unblocking in recent reviews.
Quick picks
- Best overall: NordVPN. Repeat Deloitte no-logs assurance, fast, and broad feature set.
- Best for streaming and ease of use: ExpressVPN. KPMG-audited no-logs and simple apps with Lightway.
- Best value: Surfshark. Unlimited devices and no-logs verified again in 2025.
- Best for privacy purists: Mullvad. Strong audits and an anonymous account model.
- Best free plan and privacy extras: Proton VPN. Annual no-logs audits and Secure Core.
- Also great for power users: Private Internet Access. No logs proven in court and frequent audits.
- Also great for privacy first setups: IVPN. Regular Cure53 audits and lean, transparent apps.
Full results table
| Provider | Best for | Audits and proofs | Streaming access in recent tests | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Best overall | Fifth Deloitte no-logs assurance in 2024 | Unblocks major libraries in 2025 reviews | NordLynx, Threat Protection, large network |
| ExpressVPN | Streaming and ease | KPMG audit of no-logs and TrustedServer | Widely unblocks; strong recent reviews | Lightway protocol is open source |
| Surfshark | Value | Deloitte reconfirmed no-logs in 2025 | Strong unblocking at low price | Unlimited devices, CleanWeb, Dedicated IP |
| Proton VPN | Free plan and privacy extras | Annual no-logs audits, 2025 SOC 2 | Good unblocking on paid plans | Secure Core, open source apps |
| Mullvad | Privacy purists | Cure53 infrastructure and app audits | Limited streaming success by design | Anonymous accounts, flat pricing |
| Private Internet Access | Power users and torrenting | No logs proven in court; Deloitte audits | Mixed streaming results in many reviews | Lots of knobs, port forwarding on desktop |
| IVPN | Minimal, privacy-first | Cure53 audits of site and infra | Not focused on streaming | Multihop, open policies |
Sources for table claims: NordVPN audits and reviews; ExpressVPN audits and Lightway; Surfshark Deloitte audit and 2025 review; Proton VPN audits and Secure Core; Mullvad Cure53 audit and policy; PIA court record and transparency; IVPN Cure53 audits.
Which VPNs are best for streaming in 2026
- ExpressVPN works on most big platforms and stays simple to use. Its KPMG-audited TrustedServer design backs up the no-logs claim, and Lightway keeps connections snappy.
- NordVPN is nearly as easy and ranks high in independent 2025 roundups for unlocking major services.
- Surfshark is the best budget option for streaming. It now supports Dedicated IP on browser extensions, which helps with services that dislike shared IPs.
Which VPNs are best for privacy and no logs in 2026
- Mullvad publishes repeat audits, uses numbered accounts, and documents what it never logs. If privacy is the job to be done, start here.
- Proton VPN runs annual no-logs audits and offers Secure Core routing through privacy-friendly locations.
- IVPN commissions Cure53 to test its infrastructure and web stack and shares the reports.
- PIA has a rare track record of its no-logs stance holding up in court and publishes transparency updates.
How we tested and scored for 2026
We ranked providers on six factors. Weighting reflects typical reader needs.
- Speed and stability 30 percent
- Privacy and security 30 percent
- Streaming and region access 15 percent
- App quality and features 10 percent
- Price and value 10 percent
- Support and reliability 5 percent
What we checked
- Independent audits or legal proofs of no logs
- Protocols and defaults, including WireGuard or equivalents
- Leak tests and kill switch behavior in current app builds
- Streaming access as reported by major test labs in 2025 reviews
- Device limits and ease of setup on popular platforms
What do these VPNs cost in 2026
Pricing shifts often. Use the annual plan price per month as your baseline and watch renewal pricing. Look for at least a 30-day money-back window on paid plans. Recent reviews note that ExpressVPN is the most expensive, Surfshark the cheapest for unlimited devices, and Proton offers the best free tier.
Is using a VPN legal and safe in 2026
A VPN is a legal tool in most countries, but your use must follow local laws and service terms. Some regions restrict or regulate VPNs. Always check local rules before you travel and use a VPN responsibly.
