Best VPNs 2026
Our top 5 VPN picks for streaming, gaming, and privacy – tested and ranked
We tested the leading VPNs in 2026 across speed, streaming performance, privacy practices, and value for money. Whether you want to protect your privacy on public Wi-Fi, unblock streaming content, or secure your whole household, there is a VPN in this list for you.
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NordVPN
Best overall VPN for 2026
Starting price
~£2.99/mo
Servers
6,400+
Devices
10 simultaneous
Best for
Privacy, streaming & speed
Pros
- Independently audited no-logs policy
- Outstanding streaming performance (Netflix, BBC iPlayer)
- Threat Protection blocks ads & malware
- Fast NordLynx (WireGuard) protocol
Cons
- Monthly plan is expensive
- Advanced features have a learning curve
Surfshark
Best value VPN with unlimited devices
Starting price
~£1.99/mo
Servers
3,200+
Devices
Unlimited
Best for
Budget users & families
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- CleanWeb ad & malware blocker
- Solid streaming unblocking
- Excellent price on long-term plans
Cons
- Speeds slightly inconsistent on distant servers
- Smaller server network than NordVPN
ExpressVPN
Premium VPN with the fastest speeds
Starting price
~£6.99/mo
Servers
3,000+
Devices
8 simultaneous
Best for
Speed & reliability
Pros
- Consistently fastest speeds in independent tests
- Lightway proprietary protocol
- Excellent split tunnelling on all platforms
Cons
- Most expensive major VPN
- Only 8 simultaneous devices
Private Internet Access
Best VPN for advanced users & customisation
Starting price
~£1.69/mo
Servers
35,000+
Devices
Unlimited
Best for
Privacy & customisation
Pros
- Largest server network of any VPN
- Highly customisable encryption settings
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons
- Less polished UI than NordVPN or Surfshark
- Streaming performance can be inconsistent
Proton VPN
Best free VPN & most privacy-focused
Starting price
Free / ~£7.99/mo (Plus)
Servers
6,800+
Devices
10 simultaneous
Best for
Privacy & free users
Pros
- Genuinely free plan with no data limits
- Swiss-based – strong legal privacy protections
- Open-source and independently audited
Cons
- Free plan limited to 3 server locations
- Slightly slower than NordVPN or ExpressVPN
Frequently asked questions
What is the best VPN for streaming Netflix in 2026?
NordVPN and Surfshark are the most reliable for Netflix. Both consistently unblock US, UK, Japan, and other Netflix libraries. NordVPN edges ahead on speed, while Surfshark offers better value.
Is a free VPN good enough?
For basic privacy, Proton VPN's free plan is excellent – it has no data limits and uses the same encryption as paid plans. However, free VPNs are usually too slow for streaming and limited in server choice.
Which VPN is best for gaming?
NordVPN and ExpressVPN are best for gaming due to their low-latency servers and consistent speeds. Look for a VPN with servers near major gaming data centres and a WireGuard-based protocol.
Do VPNs slow down your internet?
All VPNs add some overhead, but modern WireGuard-based VPNs (NordVPN's NordLynx, Surfshark's WireGuard) reduce this significantly. On a fast connection, you should barely notice the difference.
Is NordVPN or Surfshark better?
NordVPN wins on speed, server count, and advanced features. Surfshark wins on price and unlimited devices. For most users, NordVPN is the better all-rounder; Surfshark is ideal for households and budget-conscious users.
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