VPN Reviews & Comparisons
Atlas VPN Review 2026: Free VPN Worth Using?
Atlas VPN made waves with its generous free tier and low premium pricing. Now owned by Nord Security (parent of NordVPN), has it become a legitimate contender?
Atlas VPN Overview
Feature Free Premium Servers 3 locations 1,000+ in 42 countries Data Limit 5 GB/month Unlimited Speed Limited Full speed Streaming ❌ ✅ Netflix, Disney+ Connections Unlimited Unlimited Price Free $1.83/month (3-year) Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Generous free tier (5GB/month)
- Very affordable premium ($1.83/month)
- Owned by Nord Security (trustworthy)
- Unlimited connections
- SafeBrowse and data breach monitor
- WireGuard support
❌ Cons
- Small server network (1,000 vs NordVPN’s 6,400)
- Limited country selection (42 vs 111)
- No independent audit yet
- Free tier is heavily limited
- No advanced features (no Meshnet, no Threat Protection)
- Fewer streaming unblocking capabilities
Atlas VPN vs NordVPN
Atlas VPN NordVPN Price $1.83/mo $2.99/mo Servers 1,000+ 6,400+ Countries 42 111 Speed Fast Fastest Features Basic Advanced Free Tier ✅ 5GB ❌ For just $1.16/month more, NordVPN offers massively more servers, countries, and features. Atlas VPN only makes sense if you’re on the tightest possible budget or want to test with the free tier.
Best No-Log VPN 2026: Verified Zero-Logs VPN Services
Every VPN claims “no logs,” but few can prove it. We ranked VPNs by the strength of their no-logs evidence — from court cases to independent audits.
Top 5 Verified No-Log VPNs
1. Private Internet Access — Court-Proven
Get PIA → | $2.03/month
PIA has been subpoenaed by the FBI and other agencies multiple times and proven in court they have zero logs. Open-source apps add full transparency.
Evidence: Multiple court cases (2016, 2018) Apps: Fully open-source Jurisdiction: US (no mandatory retention)
Best VPN for Chromebook in 2026
Chromebooks run ChromeOS, which supports Android VPN apps and browser extensions. Here are the best VPNs that work seamlessly on Chromebooks.
Top 5 VPNs for Chromebook
1. NordVPN — Best Overall
Get NordVPN → | $2.99/month
- Android app works perfectly on ChromeOS
- Chrome browser extension for quick toggle
- NordLynx for fast speeds
- Threat Protection in browser extension
2. ExpressVPN — Best Chrome Extension
Get ExpressVPN → | $6.67/month
- Full-featured Chrome extension
- Android app compatibility
- One-click connect
3. Surfshark — Best Value
Get Surfshark → | $1.99/month
Best VPN for Crypto Trading in 2026
Crypto traders are high-value targets for hackers. A VPN adds essential security layers — encrypted connections to exchanges, IP masking from phishing attacks, and protection on public networks.
Top 3 VPNs for Crypto Trading
1. NordVPN — Best Security Features
Get NordVPN → | $2.99/month
- Threat Protection blocks phishing sites targeting crypto users
- Dark Web Monitor alerts if exchange credentials are leaked
- Dedicated IP option for consistent exchange access
- Meshnet for secure access to trading machines
- Accepts crypto payments (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
2. Mullvad — Best for Anonymity
Get Mullvad → | €5/month
Best VPN for Disney Plus in 2026: Unlock All Libraries
Disney+ content varies dramatically by country. The US library has the most titles, while Japan gets exclusive anime. A VPN lets you access every Disney+ library from anywhere.
Top 3 VPNs for Disney+
1. NordVPN — Most Reliable
Get NordVPN → | $2.99/month
NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology makes Disney+ unblocking automatic. Connect to any US server, open Disney+, and you’re streaming US content instantly. Works with 4K HDR without buffering.
- ✅ 100% success rate in our tests
- ✅ 4K streaming quality maintained
- ✅ Works with US, UK, AU, JP Disney+
- ✅ SmartPlay handles DNS automatically
2. ExpressVPN — Best Streaming Quality
Get ExpressVPN → | $6.67/month
Best VPN for Firestick in 2026: Easy Setup & Streaming
Amazon Fire TV Stick is one of the most popular streaming devices worldwide, but geo-restrictions can limit your content library. A VPN unlocks everything — Netflix US from abroad, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ libraries, and more. Here are the best VPNs with native Fire TV apps.
Top 5 VPNs for Firestick
1. NordVPN — Best Overall
Rating: 9.5/10 | Get NordVPN →
NordVPN offers the best Fire TV Stick experience with a dedicated app on Amazon App Store, fast speeds for 4K streaming, and SmartPlay technology for automatic DNS configuration.
Best VPN for Hulu in 2026: Watch from Anywhere
Hulu is US-only, but millions of Americans abroad and international viewers want access. These VPNs reliably bypass Hulu’s geo-blocks.
Top 3 VPNs for Hulu
1. NordVPN — Most Reliable for Hulu
Get NordVPN → | $2.99/month
NordVPN’s 1,900+ US servers mean there’s always one that works with Hulu. SmartPlay handles the technical details automatically.
- ✅ Highest success rate (98% in testing)
- ✅ 1,900+ US servers
- ✅ Supports Hulu + Live TV
- ✅ 4K streaming quality
2. ExpressVPN — Fastest US Servers
Get ExpressVPN → | $6.67/month
Best VPN for Japan in 2026: Access Japanese Content
Whether you’re in Japan and want to access overseas content, or outside Japan wanting Japanese content (anime, J-drama, J-League), you need a VPN with fast, reliable Japan servers.
Top 5 VPNs for Japan
1. NordVPN — Best Japan Servers
Get NordVPN → | $2.99/month
80+ Japan servers in Tokyo and Osaka. Fastest speeds for streaming Japanese Netflix, AbemaTV, and TVer. NordLynx provides excellent performance.
2. ExpressVPN — Best for Reliability
Get ExpressVPN → | $6.67/month
Best VPN for Kodi in 2026: Stream Safely
Kodi is a powerful open-source media player, but using it without a VPN exposes your IP address to everyone in the P2P swarm. ISPs also throttle Kodi traffic. A VPN solves both problems.
Top 3 VPNs for Kodi
1. NordVPN — Best Performance
Get NordVPN → | $2.99/month
- Dedicated VPN add-on for Kodi (OpenVPN manager)
- NordLynx for buffer-free streaming
- Threat Protection blocks malicious add-on traffic
- Works on Kodi devices: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, Fire TV
2. IPVanish — Best Kodi Integration
Get IPVanish → | $2.49/month
Best VPN for Linux in 2026: Native Apps & CLI Tools
Linux users deserve first-class VPN support — not an afterthought. These VPNs offer native Linux apps with full feature parity.
Top 5 VPNs for Linux
1. NordVPN — Best Linux App
Get NordVPN → | $2.99/month
NordVPN’s Linux CLI app supports NordLynx (WireGuard), auto-connect, kill switch, and Meshnet. Packages available for Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, RHEL, openSUSE, and more.
# Install on Ubuntu/Debian sh <(curl -sSf https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh) nordvpn connect2. Mullvad — Best Open-Source Linux VPN
Get Mullvad → | €5/month
Best VPN for Mac in 2026: Top 5 for macOS Sequoia
Mac users need a VPN that’s designed for macOS — not a Windows port with missing features. We tested 15+ VPNs on Apple Silicon Macs running macOS Sequoia to find the best options that offer full feature parity and native performance.
Top 5 VPNs for Mac in 2026
1. NordVPN — Best Overall for Mac
Rating: 9.4/10 | Visit NordVPN →
NordVPN’s macOS app is fully native to Apple Silicon, delivering exceptional performance on M-series Macs. It’s the most complete VPN experience on Mac.
Best VPN for Online Banking in 2026
Online banking on public WiFi without a VPN is one of the riskiest things you can do online. Even on your home network, a VPN adds a critical security layer against ISP snooping and DNS hijacking.
Top 3 VPNs for Online Banking
1. NordVPN — Best Banking Security
Get NordVPN → | $2.99/month
- Threat Protection blocks phishing banking sites
- Dedicated IP ensures consistent bank access (no VPN blocks)
- Kill switch prevents any unencrypted banking access
- Auto-connect on untrusted networks
- Dark Web Monitor for credential leak alerts
2. ExpressVPN — Most Reliable
Get ExpressVPN → | $6.67/month
Best VPN for PUBG Mobile in 2026: Lower Ping & Bypass Bans
PUBG Mobile is banned in some countries and experiences high ping on distant servers. A VPN fixes both problems — bypass bans and connect to closer game servers for lower latency.
Top 3 VPNs for PUBG Mobile
1. NordVPN — Lowest Ping
Get NordVPN → | $2.99/month
- NordLynx adds minimal latency (2-5ms overhead)
- Servers near major PUBG server locations (US, EU, Asia)
- Meshnet for private lobbies with friends
- Works in countries where PUBG is banned (India, etc.)
2. Surfshark — Best for Banned Regions
Get Surfshark → | $1.99/month
Best VPN for Public WiFi Security in 2026
Public WiFi is everywhere — coffee shops, airports, hotels, libraries. It’s also one of the biggest security risks you face daily. Without a VPN, anyone on the same network can potentially intercept your passwords, emails, and financial data.
Why Public WiFi Is Dangerous
Common Attacks on Public WiFi:
- Man-in-the-Middle (MITM): Hacker intercepts data between you and the router
- Evil Twin: Fake WiFi hotspot mimicking a legitimate network
- Packet Sniffing: Capturing unencrypted data packets
- Session Hijacking: Stealing your login cookies
- DNS Spoofing: Redirecting you to fake websites
Even HTTPS doesn’t fully protect you — attackers can still see which websites you visit and potentially downgrade your connection.
Best VPN for School WiFi in 2026: Bypass Blocks Safely
School and university networks block social media, streaming, and gaming sites. They also monitor your browsing. A VPN bypasses these restrictions and keeps your activity private.
Top 3 VPNs for School WiFi
1. NordVPN — Best at Bypassing Blocks
Get NordVPN → | $2.99/month
- Obfuscated servers hide VPN traffic from school firewalls
- NordLynx works on most restricted networks
- 6,400+ servers — if one is blocked, try another
- Apps for phone and laptop
2. Surfshark — Best Budget Student VPN
Get Surfshark → | $1.99/month
Best VPN for Small Business in 2026
Small businesses are prime targets for cyberattacks — 43% of attacks target small businesses. A business VPN protects company data, secures remote workers, and provides access control.
Top Business VPN Solutions
1. NordVPN Teams (NordLayer) — Best Overall
Get NordLayer → | From $7/user/month
- Centralized admin dashboard
- Dedicated servers and IPs
- SSO integration (Google, Azure, Okta)
- 2FA enforcement
- Activity monitoring (without content logging)
- Meshnet for team file sharing
2. ExpressVPN — Best for Small Teams
Get ExpressVPN → | $6.67/month per account
Best VPN for Travel in 2026: Stay Safe Anywhere
Traveling without a VPN in 2026 is like leaving your hotel room unlocked. Public WiFi at airports, hotels, and cafés is a goldmine for hackers, and many countries block access to your favorite apps and websites. A good travel VPN keeps you safe and connected everywhere.
Top 5 VPNs for Travel
1. NordVPN — Best Overall Travel VPN
Get NordVPN → | $2.99/month
NordVPN is our top pick for travelers thanks to its massive 111-country server network, reliable connections in restrictive countries, and Meshnet feature for accessing your home network remotely.
Best VPN for UK in 2026: Servers, Streaming & Privacy
The UK’s Investigatory Powers Act (Snoopers Charter) requires ISPs to log your browsing history. A VPN is essential for privacy in the UK, and equally useful for accessing BBC iPlayer from abroad.
Top 5 VPNs for the UK
1. NordVPN — Best Overall UK VPN
Get NordVPN → | $2.99/month
- 440+ UK servers (London, Manchester, Edinburgh)
- Reliably unblocks BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Channel 4, Sky Go
- Threat Protection against UK ISP tracking
- Panama jurisdiction (outside UK surveillance)
2. ExpressVPN — Best for BBC iPlayer
Get ExpressVPN → | $6.67/month
Best VPN for Windows in 2026: Top 5 Tested & Ranked
Windows is the most popular desktop operating system, and choosing the right VPN for it matters. Not all VPNs perform equally on Windows — some have better native apps, faster protocols, or tighter system integration. We tested over 20 VPNs on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 to find the best options for 2026.
Our Top 5 VPNs for Windows
1. NordVPN — Best Overall for Windows
Rating: 9.5/10 | Visit NordVPN →
Best VPN for Working from Home in 2026
Remote work is the norm in 2026. A VPN secures your home office connection, protects sensitive company data, and lets you access work resources from anywhere.
Top 3 VPNs for Remote Workers
1. NordVPN — Best Overall
Get NordVPN → | $2.99/month
- Meshnet: Access your office PC securely from home
- Threat Protection blocks phishing and malware
- Dedicated IP for company firewall whitelists ($3.69/mo extra)
- Split tunneling: VPN for work apps, direct for personal
- 10 simultaneous connections
2. ExpressVPN — Most Stable
Get ExpressVPN → | $6.67/month
Best VPN Router Setup Guide 2026: Protect Your Entire Network
Setting up a VPN on your router protects every device on your network — smart TVs, game consoles, IoT devices, and guests — without installing apps on each one. Here’s everything you need to know about VPN routers in 2026.
Why Use a VPN Router?
The Problem
Most VPN apps run on individual devices. But what about:
- Smart TVs without VPN apps
- PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Smart home devices (Alexa, Google Home)
- Guest devices on your WiFi
- IoT devices (cameras, thermostats)
The Solution
A VPN router encrypts all traffic from every device that connects to your WiFi. Set it up once, protect everything forever.
CyberGhost VPN Review 2026: Is It Still Worth It?
CyberGhost VPN has been a popular choice among VPN users for years, thanks to its massive server network and user-friendly interface. But in 2026, with fierce competition from NordVPN, Surfshark, and others, does CyberGhost still hold up? We put it through rigorous testing to find out.
CyberGhost VPN at a Glance
Feature Details Servers 11,000+ in 100 countries Simultaneous Connections 7 devices Protocols WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 No-Logs Policy Yes (audited) Kill Switch Yes Price From $2.03/month (2-year plan) Money-Back Guarantee 45 days Speed Performance
CyberGhost has significantly improved its speeds since adopting WireGuard as a default protocol. In our 2026 tests:
ExpressVPN Review 2026: Premium VPN Worth the Price?
ExpressVPN is consistently rated among the top VPNs, but it’s also one of the most expensive. At $6.67/month on the best plan, it costs 2-3x more than competitors like Surfshark ($1.99/mo) and NordVPN ($2.99/mo). Is it worth the premium? We tested everything to find out.
ExpressVPN at a Glance
Feature Details Servers 3,000+ in 105 countries Simultaneous Connections 8 devices Protocol Lightway (proprietary), OpenVPN No-Logs Policy Yes (audited by PwC & KPMG) Kill Switch Yes (Network Lock) Headquarters British Virgin Islands Price From $6.67/month (1-year plan) Money-Back Guarantee 30 days Speed Performance
ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol delivers competitive speeds:
How to Set Up a VPN on Android in 2026: Complete Guide
Android gives you more VPN flexibility than any other mobile OS — split tunneling, always-on VPN, and even GPS spoofing. Here’s how to set everything up.
Method 1: Google Play Store App (Easiest)
Step 1: Download
Step 2: Sign In & Connect
- Open the VPN app
- Sign in or create an account
- Tap Quick Connect or choose a server
- Allow VPN connection when prompted
- You’ll see a key icon in the status bar — you’re protected!
Step 3: Optimize Settings
- Enable Kill Switch: Settings → Kill Switch → On
- Auto-Connect: Settings → Auto-connect → On WiFi/Mobile
- Split Tunneling: Settings → Split Tunneling → Choose apps to bypass VPN
- Protocol: Choose WireGuard for best speed
Method 2: Android Built-in VPN
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → VPN
- Tap + Add VPN
- Enter: Name, Type (IKEv2), Server address, Username, Password
- Save and tap to connect
Android-Exclusive VPN Features
Android VPNs offer features iOS doesn’t:
How to Set Up a VPN on iPhone in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Setting up a VPN on your iPhone takes less than 2 minutes. Here’s exactly how to do it.
Method 1: VPN App (Recommended)
Step 1: Choose a VPN
We recommend NordVPN ($2.99/month) for the best iPhone experience. Other great options:
- Surfshark ($1.99/month) — unlimited devices
- ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) — simplest interface
Step 2: Download from App Store
- Open the App Store on your iPhone
- Search for your chosen VPN (e.g., “NordVPN”)
- Tap Get to download
Step 3: Create Account & Sign In
- Open the VPN app
- Create an account or sign in
- Choose a subscription plan
Step 4: Allow VPN Configuration
- The app will ask to Add VPN Configurations
- Tap Allow
- Authenticate with Face ID / Touch ID
Step 5: Connect
- Tap the Connect button
- You’ll see a VPN icon in the status bar
- Done! Your iPhone is now protected
Method 2: Manual Configuration (iOS Settings)
For VPNs without an iOS app:
IPVanish VPN Review 2026: Good for Kodi, But Is It Enough?
IPVanish has carved out a niche as the go-to VPN for Kodi users. But in 2026’s competitive market, being good at one thing isn’t enough. Let’s see how it measures up overall.
IPVanish at a Glance
Feature Details Servers 2,200+ in 75+ countries Connections Unlimited Protocols WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 No-Logs Yes (unaudited) Price From $2.49/month (2-year plan) Money-Back 30 days Speed Test Results
Server Download Upload Local 810 Mbps 750 Mbps US → UK 620 Mbps 560 Mbps US → Japan 380 Mbps 340 Mbps Speeds are good but not class-leading. NordVPN is about 15% faster.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN 2026: Which Is Better?
NordVPN and ExpressVPN are the two biggest names in VPN. Both are excellent, but they target different users. This head-to-head comparison covers every detail to help you choose.
Quick Verdict
NordVPN wins for most users — faster speeds, more features, and half the price. ExpressVPN wins only on ease of use and performance in China.
Full Comparison
Feature NordVPN ExpressVPN Winner Price (best plan) $2.99/mo $6.67/mo NordVPN Speed (local) 935 Mbps 875 Mbps NordVPN Servers 6,400+ 3,000+ NordVPN Countries 111 105 NordVPN Connections 10 8 NordVPN Streaming Excellent Excellent Tie China Good Excellent ExpressVPN Kill Switch ✅ ✅ Tie Ad Blocker ✅ Threat Protection ❌ NordVPN Double VPN ✅ ❌ NordVPN Meshnet ✅ ❌ NordVPN Router Compatible Aircove (own router) ExpressVPN Ease of Use Easy Easiest ExpressVPN Audits ✅ Deloitte ✅ PwC, KPMG Tie Money-Back 30 days 30 days Tie Speed Comparison
Location NordVPN ExpressVPN Local 935 Mbps 875 Mbps US → UK 780 Mbps 750 Mbps US → Japan 550 Mbps 520 Mbps US → Australia 480 Mbps 460 Mbps Winner: NordVPN — NordLynx consistently outperforms Lightway by 5-10%.
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN Review 2026
Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of the longest-running VPN services, known for its strong privacy credentials and open-source apps. With over 35,000 servers worldwide, PIA boasts the largest server network of any VPN. But does quantity translate to quality? We tested everything in 2026.
PIA VPN at a Glance
Feature Details Servers 35,000+ in 91 countries Simultaneous Connections Unlimited Protocols WireGuard, OpenVPN No-Logs Policy Yes (court-proven) Kill Switch Yes (advanced) Open Source Yes (all apps) Price From $2.03/month (3-year plan) Money-Back Guarantee 30 days Speed Performance
PIA’s WireGuard implementation delivers solid speeds:
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN 2026: Value vs Premium
Surfshark at $1.99/month vs ExpressVPN at $6.67/month — that’s a 3x price difference. But does ExpressVPN offer 3x the value? Let’s find out.
Quick Verdict
Surfshark wins for value. It offers 90% of ExpressVPN’s quality at 30% of the price, with unlimited connections as a bonus.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Feature Surfshark ExpressVPN Winner Price $1.99/mo $6.67/mo Surfshark Connections Unlimited 8 Surfshark Speed 860 Mbps 875 Mbps ExpressVPN Servers 3,200+ 3,000+ Tie Countries 100 105 ExpressVPN Streaming Good Excellent ExpressVPN China Inconsistent Reliable ExpressVPN Ad Blocker ✅ CleanWeb ❌ Surfshark MultiHop ✅ Dynamic ❌ Surfshark GPS Spoofing ✅ Android ❌ Surfshark Kill Switch ✅ ✅ Tie Ease of Use Easy Easiest ExpressVPN Price Comparison (2 Years)
Surfshark ExpressVPN Total cost $55.76 $159.84 Per month $1.99 $6.67 Per device $0 (unlimited) $0.83/device Savings $104.08 — Surfshark saves you over $100 compared to ExpressVPN over two years.
VPN Not Working? 10 Fixes That Actually Work (2026)
VPN not connecting? Streaming still blocked? Speeds terrible? Here are 10 proven fixes for the most common VPN problems.
Fix 1: Switch Servers
The most common fix. Your current server might be overloaded or blocked.
- Try a server in the same country but different city
- NordVPN has 6,400+ servers — plenty of alternatives
Fix 2: Change Protocol
Switch between WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, and IKEv2.
- WireGuard → fastest, try first
- OpenVPN TCP → best for restrictive networks
- IKEv2 → best for mobile network switching
Fix 3: Restart Your Device
Classic IT fix that works surprisingly often. Restart your phone, laptop, or router to clear network state.
VPN vs Proxy vs Tor: Which Should You Use in 2026?
VPN, proxy, and Tor all hide your IP address, but they work very differently and serve different purposes. Choosing the wrong tool can leave you exposed or frustratingly slow. Here’s everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Quick Comparison
Feature VPN Proxy Tor Encryption ✅ Full (AES-256) ❌ Usually none ✅ Multi-layer Speed Fast (800+ Mbps) Fast (varies) Slow (5-20 Mbps) Coverage All internet traffic Single app/browser Tor Browser only Anonymity Good Low Excellent Streaming ✅ Yes ⚠️ Limited ❌ Too slow Torrenting ✅ Yes ⚠️ Limited ❌ Harms the network Cost $2-13/month Free-$10/month Free Ease of Use Easy Easy Moderate Blocks by ISP Rare Common Sometimes What Is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server. All your internet traffic is routed through this tunnel, hiding your real IP address and encrypting everything you send and receive.
What Is a VPN and How Does It Work? Complete Guide 2026
If you’ve heard about VPNs but aren’t sure what they actually do, you’re in the right place. This guide explains everything in plain English — no technical jargon, no confusion.
What Is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that:
- Encrypts your internet connection (scrambles your data so no one can read it)
- Hides your IP address (your online identity/location)
- Routes your traffic through a secure server in another location
Think of it like a secret tunnel for your internet. Without a VPN, your internet provider (and anyone on your network) can see every website you visit. With a VPN, they see nothing but encrypted gibberish.
WireGuard vs OpenVPN 2026: Which Protocol Is Better?
WireGuard and OpenVPN are the two most popular VPN protocols. WireGuard is newer and faster; OpenVPN is battle-tested and more flexible. Here’s how they compare.
Quick Comparison
Feature WireGuard OpenVPN Speed ⚡ Very fast (900+ Mbps) 🔄 Moderate (400-600 Mbps) Code Size ~4,000 lines ~70,000 lines Encryption ChaCha20, Curve25519 AES-256, RSA Connection Time Instant (<100ms) Slow (2-10 seconds) Battery Usage Low High Mobile Performance Excellent Good Stealth/Obfuscation Limited Excellent (TCP mode) Maturity Since 2018 Since 2001 Open Source ✅ ✅ Audit Status Formally verified Extensively audited Built into Linux ✅ Kernel module ❌ Userspace Speed Comparison
Tested on a 1 Gbps connection with NordVPN:
Best VPN for Gaming 2026 - Lowest Ping, No Lag
Online gaming and VPNs have a complicated relationship. A bad VPN will ruin your game with lag and packet loss. A good one can actually improve your experience — reducing DDoS attacks, bypassing ISP throttling, and accessing geo-locked game servers.
We tested over 30 VPNs specifically for gaming, measuring what actually matters: ping, jitter, packet loss, and connection stability during extended gaming sessions.
Best Gaming VPNs at a Glance
VPN Ping Increase Packet Loss DDoS Protection Price/mo NordVPN +3-8ms 0% ✅ $3.39 ExpressVPN +4-10ms 0% ✅ $6.67 Surfshark +5-12ms 0.1% ✅ $2.29 PIA +5-15ms 0% ✅ $2.03 Mullvad +4-9ms 0% ✅ €5.00 Why Gamers Need a VPN
DDoS Protection
This is the number one reason competitive gamers use VPNs. Without one, your IP address is exposed in many peer-to-peer games. Angry opponents can DDoS you mid-match, spiking your ping to 999ms or disconnecting you entirely.
Best VPN for Netflix & Streaming 2026 - Unblock Any Library
Streaming services spend millions on geo-blocking technology. VPN providers spend millions trying to bypass it. This constant arms race means the VPN that worked for Netflix last month might not work today.
We test streaming access weekly across 15+ platforms to keep this guide current.
Best Streaming VPNs
VPN Netflix Libraries Disney+ BBC iPlayer Hulu Reliability ExpressVPN 20+ ✅ ✅ ✅ 99% NordVPN 15+ ✅ ✅ ✅ 97% Surfshark 10+ ✅ ✅ ✅ 92% CyberGhost 8+ ✅ ✅ ✅ 88% PIA 5+ ✅ ⚠️ ✅ 80% How Netflix Detects VPNs
Understanding the detection helps explain why cheap VPNs fail:
Best VPN for Torrenting 2026 - Fast, Safe & Anonymous
Torrenting without a VPN is like driving without insurance — you might be fine, but when things go wrong, they go really wrong. ISP warnings, copyright notices, throttled speeds, and in some countries, legal action.
A good torrenting VPN keeps you anonymous, maintains fast download speeds, and has a kill switch that actually works. We tested 25+ VPNs specifically for P2P performance.
Best Torrenting VPNs Ranked
VPN P2P Speed Kill Switch No-Logs Verified Port Forward Price NordVPN 850 Mbps ✅ ✅ (Deloitte) ❌ $3.39/mo Surfshark 780 Mbps ✅ ✅ (Deloitte) ❌ $2.29/mo PIA 720 Mbps ✅ ✅ (Court-proven) ✅ $2.03/mo Mullvad 690 Mbps ✅ ✅ (Audit) ✅ €5.00/mo ExpressVPN 810 Mbps ✅ ✅ (KPMG) ❌ $6.67/mo Why You Need a VPN for Torrenting
Your IP Is Visible to Everyone
When you torrent, your IP address is visible to every other peer in the swarm. Copyright holders monitor popular torrents and log IP addresses. They then send those IPs to ISPs, who forward copyright notices to you.
Best VPN Services 2026 - Complete Guide & Comparison
Finding the right VPN in 2026 can feel overwhelming. With dozens of providers all claiming to be the fastest, most secure, and best value, how do you actually choose?
We spent over 200 hours testing more than 50 VPN services across real-world scenarios — streaming, torrenting, gaming, and everyday browsing. This guide cuts through the marketing noise to give you honest, data-backed recommendations.
Quick Comparison: Top 5 VPNs at a Glance
VPN Overall Score Speed Security Price/mo NordVPN 9.4/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ $3.39 Surfshark 9.1/10 ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ $2.29 ExpressVPN 9.0/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ $6.67 CyberGhost 8.5/10 ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ $2.19 PIA 8.3/10 ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ $2.03 What We Look For in a VPN
Before diving into individual reviews, here’s what actually matters when choosing a VPN:
Best VPN for China 2026 - What Actually Works Behind the Great Firewall
China’s Great Firewall blocks most VPN protocols and actively detects and disrupts VPN connections. The vast majority of VPNs simply don’t work in China — even many that claim they do.
We tested from mainland China (Shanghai and Beijing) in January 2026 to find the VPNs that actually bypass the firewall consistently.
The Reality Check
Out of 30 VPNs tested, only 6 worked reliably. Here are the results:
VPN Connection Success Rate Avg Speed Obfuscation Price ExpressVPN 95% 45 Mbps ✅ Auto $6.67/mo NordVPN 80% 38 Mbps ✅ Obfuscated servers $3.39/mo Surfshark 75% 32 Mbps ✅ NoBorders $2.29/mo Astrill VPN 90% 40 Mbps ✅ StealthVPN $12.50/mo VyprVPN 70% 28 Mbps ✅ Chameleon $5.00/mo Windscribe 65% 25 Mbps ✅ Stealth $5.75/mo How the Great Firewall Works
Understanding the firewall helps explain why most VPNs fail:
NordVPN Review 2026 - Is It Still the Best?
NordVPN is the most popular VPN in the world, and after spending three weeks putting it through rigorous testing, we can confirm it deserves that title — mostly.
In this review, we’ll cover everything that matters: real speed test data, security analysis, streaming reliability, and whether the price is actually justified in 2026’s competitive market.
NordVPN at a Glance
Feature Details Servers 6,200+ in 111 countries Protocols NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2 Encryption AES-256-GCM Simultaneous connections 10 Kill switch Yes (system + app level) No-logs policy Verified (Deloitte audit) Price From $3.39/mo Money-back guarantee 30 days Speed Test Results
We tested NordVPN from a 1Gbps connection in New York, connecting to servers across the world. Here are the results using the NordLynx protocol:
VPN Speed Comparison 2026 - We Tested 15 VPNs Side by Side
Speed claims are everywhere in VPN marketing. Every provider says they’re “the fastest.” We connected 15 VPNs to the same 1Gbps connection, tested the same servers, at the same times, and recorded the actual numbers.
Overall Speed Rankings
Tested from a 1Gbps fiber connection in New York. All tests used WireGuard or equivalent protocol where available.
Rank VPN Local Speed Long Distance Protocol 1 NordVPN 940 Mbps 650 Mbps NordLynx 2 ExpressVPN 910 Mbps 620 Mbps Lightway 3 Surfshark 890 Mbps 580 Mbps WireGuard 4 Mullvad 880 Mbps 610 Mbps WireGuard 5 PIA 850 Mbps 540 Mbps WireGuard 6 Windscribe 820 Mbps 490 Mbps WireGuard 7 VyprVPN 800 Mbps 470 Mbps WireGuard 8 CyberGhost 790 Mbps 420 Mbps WireGuard 9 Atlas VPN 760 Mbps 400 Mbps WireGuard 10 IPVanish 740 Mbps 380 Mbps WireGuard 11 TunnelBear 680 Mbps 350 Mbps OpenVPN 12 HideMyAss 650 Mbps 320 Mbps OpenVPN 13 Proton VPN 720 Mbps 450 Mbps WireGuard 14 Hide.me 700 Mbps 390 Mbps WireGuard 15 PrivadoVPN 620 Mbps 280 Mbps WireGuard Detailed Server-by-Server Results
Top 5 VPNs - Multi-Location Test
Location NordVPN ExpressVPN Surfshark Mullvad PIA New York (local) 940 910 890 880 850 Los Angeles 890 870 830 840 790 London 780 750 720 740 680 Frankfurt 760 730 700 750 660 Tokyo 650 620 580 610 540 Sydney 580 560 510 540 480 São Paulo 620 600 560 580 510 Mumbai 520 490 460 500 430 Singapore 610 580 540 570 500 Johannesburg 450 420 380 410 360 All speeds in Mbps. Average of 5 test runs per location.
Best VPN for Privacy 2026 - Verified No-Logs Providers
Any VPN can claim “no logs.” Only a few can prove it. We evaluated VPNs based on what actually matters for privacy: independent audits, jurisdiction, real-world legal tests, and technical architecture.
Privacy VPN Rankings
VPN No-Logs Proof Jurisdiction RAM-Only Open Source Score Mullvad Audit + Raid Sweden ✅ ✅ 10/10 PIA Court-proven (2x) US ✅ ✅ 9.5/10 NordVPN Deloitte audit (2x) Panama ✅ Partial 9.3/10 ExpressVPN KPMG + Cure53 BVI ✅ ❌ 9.0/10 Proton VPN Securitum audit Switzerland ✅ ✅ 9.0/10 Surfshark Deloitte audit Netherlands ✅ ❌ 8.8/10 What “No Logs” Actually Means
A true no-logs VPN doesn’t store:
NordVPN vs Surfshark 2026 - Premium vs Budget, Which Wins?
NordVPN and Surfshark are both owned by Nord Security, but they target different markets. NordVPN is the premium all-rounder; Surfshark is the budget champion. Which one deserves your money?
We ran both VPNs side-by-side for three weeks to find out.
Quick Verdict
Category NordVPN Surfshark Winner Speed 940 Mbps 890 Mbps NordVPN Servers 6,200+ / 111 countries 3,200+ / 100 countries NordVPN Devices 10 Unlimited Surfshark Streaming 15+ Netflix libraries 10+ Netflix libraries NordVPN Security features Double VPN, Threat Protection CleanWeb, MultiHop NordVPN Price (2yr) $3.39/mo $2.29/mo Surfshark Ease of use Good Great Surfshark Overall 9.4/10 9.1/10 NordVPN Speed: NordVPN Wins
Server NordVPN Surfshark Local 940 Mbps 890 Mbps Same continent 780 Mbps 720 Mbps Cross-continent 650 Mbps 580 Mbps Opposite hemisphere 580 Mbps 510 Mbps NordVPN is 5-12% faster across all distances. Both use WireGuard-based protocols and both are fast enough for any use case, but NordVPN has the edge.
Surfshark Review 2026 - Best Budget VPN?
Surfshark’s pitch is simple: premium VPN features at budget prices, with unlimited device connections. Sounds too good to be true? We spent two weeks testing it to find out.
Spoiler: it’s genuinely one of the best values in the VPN market right now.
Surfshark at a Glance
Feature Details Servers 3,200+ in 100 countries Protocols WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Encryption AES-256-GCM Simultaneous connections Unlimited Kill switch Yes No-logs policy Verified (Deloitte audit) Price From $2.29/mo Money-back guarantee 30 days The Unlimited Device Advantage
Let’s address the elephant in the room: unlimited simultaneous connections. Most VPNs cap you at 5-10 devices. Surfshark says “connect everything.”
Cheapest VPN 2026 - Best Budget Options Under $3/Month
You don’t need to spend a fortune on a VPN. Several excellent providers offer plans under $3/month — but the cheapest VPN isn’t always the best value. We compared pricing, features, and real-world performance to find the best budget VPNs in 2026.
Cheapest VPNs Ranked by Price
VPN Lowest Price Plan Length Devices Speed Rating PIA $2.03/mo 3 years 10 ★★★★☆ Surfshark $2.29/mo 2 years Unlimited ★★★★☆ CyberGhost $2.19/mo 2 years 7 ★★★☆☆ NordVPN $3.39/mo 2 years 10 ★★★★★ Atlas VPN $1.99/mo 3 years Unlimited ★★★☆☆ The Hidden Cost Trap
Watch out for renewal prices. Almost every VPN advertises their lowest possible monthly rate (on the longest plan), but renewal prices are typically 2-3x higher.
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN 2026 - Which Should You Choose?
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are the two biggest names in VPN. Both are excellent — but they’re excellent in different ways. This comparison breaks down where each one wins so you can choose the right one for your needs.
Quick Verdict
Category Winner Speed NordVPN (by a small margin) Security Tie Streaming ExpressVPN (more reliable) Privacy Tie Price NordVPN (significantly cheaper) Ease of use ExpressVPN Server network NordVPN (more servers + countries) Overall NordVPN (better value) Speed Comparison
We tested both VPNs from the same 1Gbps connection, same locations, same time of day:
Best Free VPN Services 2026 - Safe Options That Actually Work
Let’s be blunt: most free VPNs are worse than using no VPN at all. They sell your data, inject ads, or are straight-up malware. But a handful of legitimate free options exist — they just come with significant limitations.
Here are the only free VPNs we’d actually recommend in 2026, plus honest advice on when it makes sense to just pay for a VPN.
The Truth About Free VPNs
Before we get into recommendations, understand this: running VPN servers costs real money. If a VPN is free, the company is making money somewhere. The question is how.
Best VPN for Android 2026 - Tested on Samsung, Pixel & OnePlus
Android VPN apps aren’t all created equal. Some drain your battery, some leak DNS, and some are straight-up malware. We installed and tested 20 VPN apps on Samsung Galaxy S25, Pixel 9, and OnePlus 13 to find the best.
Top Android VPNs
VPN Battery Impact Speed Loss App Size Split Tunnel Rating NordVPN Low (3%) -5% 42 MB ✅ 9.4/10 Surfshark Low (3%) -8% 38 MB ✅ 9.1/10 ExpressVPN Low (4%) -6% 45 MB ✅ 9.0/10 PIA Very Low (2%) -7% 25 MB ✅ 8.3/10 Mullvad Very Low (2%) -5% 18 MB ✅ 8.0/10 Android-Specific Features That Matter
Split Tunneling
Route only specific apps through the VPN. Keep your banking app on your real IP while routing your browser through VPN. All five recommended VPNs support this on Android.
Best VPN for iPhone & iPad 2026 - iOS VPN Guide
iOS is more restrictive than Android for VPN apps, which is both good and bad. Apple’s strict App Store policies filter out most malware-laden VPNs, but they also limit what legitimate VPNs can do.
We tested 15 VPN apps on iPhone 16 Pro and iPad Air to find the best iOS VPN experience in 2026.
Best iPhone VPNs
VPN Battery Impact iOS Rating Siri Shortcuts Widget Price ExpressVPN 3% 4.7★ ✅ ✅ $6.67/mo NordVPN 3% 4.7★ ✅ ✅ $3.39/mo Surfshark 4% 4.6★ ✅ ✅ $2.29/mo PIA 2% 4.5★ ❌ ✅ $2.03/mo iOS-Specific Considerations
Protocol Limitations
iOS historically had issues with OpenVPN performance. The good news: all top VPNs now support WireGuard or WireGuard-based protocols natively on iOS, delivering the same speeds as Android and desktop.
Mullvad VPN Review 2026 - The Privacy Purist's Choice
Mullvad is the anti-VPN VPN. No accounts, no email, no marketing gimmicks. Just a random number and encrypted internet access. It’s the VPN that privacy advocates actually use — and there are good reasons for that.
Mullvad at a Glance
Feature Details Servers 700+ in 45 countries Protocol WireGuard, OpenVPN Encryption AES-256 / ChaCha20 Devices 5 simultaneous Account system Random number (no email) Price €5/month (fixed, no discounts) Payment Cash, crypto, card, PayPal The Mullvad Experience
Sign Up (30 seconds)
- Visit mullvad.net
- Click “Generate account number”
- You get a 16-digit number. That’s your account.
- Add time (payment)
- Download the app
- Enter your number
No email. No password. No name. Your account is a number, and if you pay with cash or crypto, there is zero connection between that number and your identity.
Is a VPN Worth It in 2026? Honest Answer From Security Experts
The VPN industry is worth $50 billion and growing. Every tech YouTuber is sponsored by one. But strip away the marketing — is a VPN actually worth your money in 2026?
The honest answer: it depends on what you’re doing. Let’s break it down.
When a VPN Is Absolutely Worth It
You Use Public Wi-Fi
Coffee shops, airports, hotels, coworking spaces. Public Wi-Fi is inherently insecure. Anyone on the same network can potentially intercept your traffic with tools that take 5 minutes to set up.
Proton VPN Review 2026 - Best Free Tier + Swiss Privacy
Proton VPN comes from the same team behind ProtonMail — one of the most respected names in online privacy. Based in Switzerland and backed by Swiss privacy laws, Proton VPN offers something no other VPN does: a genuinely usable free tier with no data limits and no ads.
Proton VPN at a Glance
Feature Free Plus ($4.99/mo) Servers 100+ in 5 countries 4,500+ in 91 countries Speed Medium Full speed Devices 1 10 Streaming ❌ ✅ P2P ❌ ✅ Secure Core ❌ ✅ NetShield (ad blocker) Basic Full The Free Tier: Actually Good
Proton VPN Free is the only free VPN we genuinely recommend. Here’s why: