Which VPN is currently the best
Executive summary
There is no single universally "best" VPN in 2026 — different reviewers crown different leaders depending on criteria — but privacy-first reviewers frequently name Proton VPN as the top pick, while mainstream testing often points to NordVPN for all‑round performance and ExpressVPN for raw speed and usability [1] [2] [3]. The right choice depends on priorities: maximum privacy, fastest connections, streaming and geo‑unblocking, price, or device flexibility [4] [5].
1. What “best” actually means: unpacking the metrics reviewers use
Assessment of a VPN in 2026 is driven by multiple measurable factors — no‑logs policies and independent audits for privacy, jurisdiction and legal exposure for trust, speed testing and protocol support for performance, server footprint and obfuscation for geo‑bypassing, plus price and app polish for value — and different outlets weight these differently when naming an overall winner [6] [4] [2].
2. The privacy crown: why Proton VPN leads many security‑first lists
Security‑focused outlets and some lab reports elevate Proton VPN for its jurisdiction, repeated third‑party verifications (SOC 2 Type II and no‑logs checks reported by some analysts), Secure Core and Tor‑over‑VPN features, and a consistent editorial pick as “best” from sources that prioritize transparency and audit signals [7] [8] [1].
3. The all‑rounder vote: NordVPN’s strength in speed, features and market consensus
Multiple mainstream reviewers still place NordVPN at or near the top because its NordLynx protocol, large server network, balanced privacy features and fast performance make it a go‑to for general users who want a blend of speed, streaming reliability and robust privacy protections [2] [9].
4. Speed and usability: where ExpressVPN and Surfshark shine
For users whose chief metric is speed and simple cross‑platform apps, ExpressVPN is repeatedly praised for performance and an established privacy record, while Surfshark is often rewarded for delivering competitive speeds, broad streaming access and strong value — particularly for households that need unlimited device connections [2] [3] [10].
5. Specialized picks: Mullvad, PIA and other notable alternatives
For the most privacy‑minimal footprint and ethical operating practices, testers point to Mullvad as a standout, whereas Private Internet Access (PIA) is flagged for torrenting features and affordability; different outlets call out these vendors for niche strengths such as anonymous payment options, port forwarding or unusually privacy‑centric business models [11] [12] [6].
6. How to choose based on what matters to the user
Choose Proton VPN if transparency and audit history are the prime concern; choose NordVPN for a balanced mix of privacy, speed and streaming reliability; choose ExpressVPN if cross‑platform polish and consistent high throughput matter most; choose Surfshark for value and unlimited devices; choose Mullvad or PIA when extreme anonymity or torrenting features are top priorities [7] [2] [3] [10] [11].
7. Caveats, hidden agendas and the reality of rankings
Affiliate relationships and testing methodologies vary across reviewers — many sites disclose commissions and use different test environments — so declared “best” picks reflect editorial priorities and test setups as much as absolute technical superiority; readers should check each reviewer’s scope (speed, streaming, privacy) before accepting a single‑line verdict [12] [13].
8. Final verdict — a concise, practical answer
If forced to name one service as the “best” in 2026 for most privacy‑conscious users, Proton VPN is the leading pick among security‑first reviewers due to jurisdiction, audit signals and privacy features; for an all‑purpose single recommendation that balances speed, streaming and ease‑of‑use, NordVPN remains the safest mainstream choice; for best value per dollar with strong capabilities, Surfshark is frequently recommended [7] [2] [3].