Best VPN (2026)
By Will
A good VPN keeps your connection private, secures you on public Wi-Fi, and lets you reach content wherever you are. We tested the leading options on speed, security, streaming and value.
NordVPN is our best overall pick. ExpressVPN is the easiest to use, Surfshark is the best value with unlimited devices, and Proton VPN has the only genuinely good free plan.
| # | Tool | Best for | Rating | Pricing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NordVPNBest overall | Privacy & security, Streaming | 30-day money-back; from £2.59/mo on a 2-year plan (Basic), Complete £3.39/mo, Ultimate Max £6.29/mo | Visit | |
| 2 | ExpressVPNBest for ease of use | Beginners, Streaming | 30-day money-back; from ~£4.49/mo on the annual plan (check current) | Visit | |
| 3 | SurfsharkBest value | Families, Budget | 30-day money-back; from ~£1.99/mo on a 2-year plan (check current) | Visit | |
| 4 | Proton VPNBest free plan | Privacy purists, Free plan seekers | Free plan (unlimited data); paid from ~£3.59/mo (check current) | Visit |
#1 · Best overall
NordVPN
Fast on NordLynx, hugely secure with an audited no-logs network, and reliable for streaming. The best all-round VPN, and higher tiers bundle NordPass and Coveron.
#2 · Best for ease of use
ExpressVPN
The most polished, beginner-friendly apps and rock-solid streaming. Pricier than the rest, but the simplest to just switch on and trust.
#3 · Best value
Surfshark
Unlimited device connections and very cheap on longer plans, with solid speeds and security. The pick if you are covering a whole household on a budget.
#4 · Best free plan
Proton VPN
The only genuinely good unlimited free VPN, from a privacy-first Swiss team with open-source, audited apps. Great free, strong paid.
How we picked
We weighted speed, security and no-logs credibility, streaming reliability, and value across the plan lengths most people actually buy.
NordVPN: best overall
NordVPN wins on the balance of everything: speed, a huge audited network, strong security extras and reliable streaming, plus bundled NordPass and Coveron on higher tiers. For most people it is the safest first choice.
The rest
ExpressVPN is the easiest to use if you will pay a premium for simplicity. Surfshark is unbeatable value with unlimited devices. Proton VPN is the pick if you want a real free plan or the strongest privacy pedigree.
Our verdict
NordVPN is our top VPN for 2026. Choose ExpressVPN for simplicity, Surfshark for value, or Proton VPN for a free plan. All offer money-back guarantees or free tiers, so you can test before committing.