The best VPNs of 2026, independently tested

NordVPN (4.7 stars) has significantly better streaming performance, with faster speeds and more reliable access to Netflix, Disney+, Max, and other platforms. In our testing it consistently unblocked services with minimal server switching.

ProtonVPN (4.4 stars) works with major platforms but can require trying a few servers to find one that works. If streaming is your priority, NordVPN is the better choice.

NordVPN with the NordLynx protocol consistently delivers the fastest speeds in our testing, achieving 82 to 86 percent of baseline speed on 1 Gbps fibre, roughly 820 to 860 Mbps in optimal conditions.

ProtonVPN is solid at 70 to 75 percent retention but typically 10 to 15 percent slower than NordVPN. Both are fast enough for 4K streaming, gaming, and large downloads.

Both are excellent, with different strengths. ProtonVPN benefits from Swiss jurisdiction outside the 14-Eyes alliance, fully open-source code, and Secure Core routing through privacy-friendly countries.

NordVPN operates under Panama jurisdiction, has an independently audited no-logs policy, and uses RAM-only servers plus extras like Double VPN and Threat Protection.

For maximum transparency: ProtonVPN. For the best balance of privacy and performance: NordVPN.

Choose NordVPN for the best overall performance, fastest speeds, excellent streaming, more features, a larger network, and better value at $3.09/mo. It is the right pick for most people.

Choose ProtonVPN if Swiss privacy law and open-source transparency are your priorities, you want Secure Core routing or the Proton ecosystem, or you would like to try the free tier first.

Both offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can test either risk-free.

Yes. NordVPN offers dedicated P2P servers optimised for file sharing with fast speeds and strong encryption. ProtonVPN allows P2P on its servers with paid plans.

Both run strict no-logs policies, kill-switch protection, and strong encryption to keep your activity private. More in our VPN for torrenting guide.

China actively blocks most VPNs. NordVPN offers obfuscated servers that can bypass the Great Firewall, though reliability varies. ProtonVPN also works in restrictive regions, often via its Stealth protocol.

Success depends on current blocking efforts. We recommend subscribing before you travel and asking support for current server picks. See our VPN for China guide.

We review and update these rankings every month, with deeper revisions each quarter. We also re-test immediately when a provider ships a major update, changes policy, or a security issue emerges.

That includes regular speed benchmarks, streaming checks, security-feature testing, and privacy-policy reviews to keep this page accurate.