VPN services at a glance
Compare connection controls, free versus paid plans, and support for your devices. Our summaries use provider documentation; they do not claim a measured speed ranking.
We may earn a commission from qualifying links. Affiliate disclosure · How we compare
NordVPN
NordVPN combines VPN apps with connection controls such as a kill switch and additional features that depend on the device and subscription. It is a useful candidate when you want to configure how your connection behaves, rather than use only a basic on/off switch.
- Kill switch and connection settings on supported platforms
- Desktop and mobile apps with several subscription tiers
Before you choose Split tunneling and security extras differ across apps and plans. Check the features of the exact version you will install.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN offers a free tier alongside paid plans, making it an option for trying a VPN before committing to a subscription. Its open-source apps and published audit material are useful for readers who want to examine how a provider documents its service.
- Free plan without a monthly data allowance
- Open-source apps with published independent audits
Before you choose Server choice and advanced features differ between free and paid plans. Check paid-plan requirements for streaming and P2P use.
Surfshark
Surfshark is worth comparing when you have several devices to connect under one account. The service advertises unlimited simultaneous connections and includes additional tools such as CleanWeb. Check each app individually because a feature in a browser extension may behave differently in the VPN app.
- Unlimited simultaneous VPN connections
- CleanWeb filtering and other configurable privacy features
Before you choose A long-term monthly equivalent can mean a large upfront payment. Separate the VPN price from optional bundles and renewal costs.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN offers desktop and mobile apps alongside its Lightway connection protocol. It is a candidate for readers comparing day-to-day connection tools and support across several types of device. Check installation guidance and try normal tasks, including reconnecting after sleep or a network change.
- Lightway protocol and supported-platform kill switch
- Apps and setup guidance for multiple device types
Before you choose Available settings, extras, and device limits depend on the platform and plan. A VPN cannot guarantee access to a particular streaming service.
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost provides VPN apps for common computers and phones, with setup information for other devices. Include it when comparing how easily you can choose a location and manage the devices you use. Judge performance on your own connection instead of treating a provider’s speed claim as a personal guarantee.
- VPN apps for major desktop and mobile systems
- Unlimited bandwidth advertised for VPN connections
Before you choose Check the selected term, supported devices, and refund conditions. App-store purchases may have different billing and cancellation rules.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access combines apps for common desktop and mobile platforms with a broad set of connection controls. Its advertised unlimited device connections can appeal to a household with several devices. Verify split tunneling and other advanced settings in the specific app you will use; a browser extension has a narrower scope.
- Advertises unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Desktop and mobile apps, plus advanced connection options
Before you choose Advanced controls differ by platform. A large feature list does not establish speed or reliable access to a particular streaming service.
Mullvad VPN
Mullvad uses a numbered account and a flat monthly pricing model, making it worth considering if you want a straightforward subscription decision. Its current allowance is five devices and it does not provide port forwarding. Evaluate the VPN separately from Mullvad Browser, which is a different product.
- Numbered account rather than a conventional email login
- Flat monthly rate without a long-term discount ladder
Before you choose Keep the account number secure. Check the device limit and refund conditions for your payment method; there is no port forwarding.
Windscribe
Windscribe offers a free plan for trying its apps before buying, alongside paid options. The documented free allowance is 2 GB a month without an email or 10 GB with one. Its R.O.B.E.R.T. filtering and connection controls are useful comparison points, but a browser extension does not protect every app on your device.
- Free tier with a published monthly data allowance
- VPN apps and separate browser controls
Before you choose The free allowance and available locations are limited. Check what your chosen plan includes before relying on it for regular streaming or large transfers.
IVPN
IVPN offers an account without a required email and publishes open-source apps. Its current Standard plan includes multi-hop and AntiTracker, while higher tiers add other privacy services and different device coverage. Compare the current plans rather than relying on older reviews of a two-tier offer.
- No required email at account creation
- Core VPN plan now includes multi-hop and AntiTracker
Before you choose IVPN does not offer port forwarding or guarantee streaming compatibility. Extra services in higher plans need separate evaluation and activation.
Sources and how to use this shortlist
These summaries use provider documentation and our selection advice, not hands-on performance scores. Features, plans, and regional availability can change. Confirm the first payment, renewal cost, and cancellation terms before subscribing.
- NordVPN product documentation
- Proton VPN product documentation
- Surfshark product documentation
- ExpressVPN product documentation
- CyberGhost VPN product documentation
- Private Internet Access product documentation
- Mullvad VPN product documentation
- Windscribe product documentation
- IVPN product documentation
Sources checked September 25, 2026. Full reviews explain the scope and limitations in more detail.
Start with Proton VPN for a transparent free entry point, then compare NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost against your actual devices and priorities. These are conditional recommendations based on documentation, not a measured performance ranking.
Choose by the job, not the loudest claim
There is no single VPN that is best for every reader. A person who wants a free way to improve privacy on shared Wi-Fi has different priorities from a household connecting several devices, or a traveller who needs a clear app and dependable support. The right comparison starts with that difference.
Our shortlist below uses documented capabilities and practical buying criteria. It is not a speed ranking, and we have not independently run a laboratory comparison. We link to the provider documentation so that you can check the relevant plan and platform yourself. Service availability and subscriptions can change.
| Starting point | Consider | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Transparent documentation and a free entry point | Proton VPN | Free-plan restrictions and the paid features you need |
| A broad set of consumer features | NordVPN | Exact platform support and which extras require another plan |
| A household with several devices | Surfshark | Device support, account management, and renewal cost |
| A straightforward installation process | ExpressVPN | The app and support experience on your hardware |
| Labelled server categories | CyberGhost | The real result for your activity and a normal-server fallback |
The five things to decide before subscribing
- Your privacy goal. Identify who you are trying to reduce visibility from: a local network, an internet provider, or a website. A VPN does not solve all three in the same way.
- Your devices. Check the actual operating-system version, not only the words “works on mobile”. A browser extension is not the same as a full-device app.
- Failure behaviour. Find out what happens before connection, after sleep, and if the tunnel drops. A kill switch should have a documented scope.
- Your normal workload. A stable call, reliable browsing, and working local devices are often more useful than a one-off download record.
- The full bill. Note the first payment, subscription length, renewal price, cancellation route, and any separate add-ons.
Proton VPN: a starting point for transparency and a free tier
Proton VPN publishes its app source code and offers a free plan alongside paid subscriptions. Paid features and server choices differ from the free experience.
Someone who mainly wants to understand VPN behaviour can start with the free tier and check stability on their own network. A person with a specific travel or streaming requirement should check the paid plan separately.
Watch for: Do not assume a free account has every server, streaming feature, or routing option advertised for paid plans. Read the full Proton VPN review.
NordVPN: a broad feature set for everyday use
NordVPN combines VPN connectivity with optional security features. The included tools depend on the plan and operating system, so compare the actual app you will use rather than the longest feature list.
A household with a Windows laptop and an iPhone should check both apps separately. A filtering feature described for desktop is not automatically part of the iPhone experience.
Watch for: A more expensive bundle may contain tools you already have or cannot use on every device. Read the full NordVPN review.
Surfshark: a household-oriented shortlist candidate
Surfshark advertises VPN connectivity alongside CleanWeb filtering and other optional tools. Feature availability varies between its VPN app, browser extension, platform, and subscription.
A family may want VPN apps on laptops, phones, and a television. Before buying, write down every device and check support, installation effort, and whether simultaneous use matches the plan conditions.
Watch for: Distinguish a VPN-only plan from a wider security bundle and inspect the renewal total. Read the full Surfshark review.
ExpressVPN: a shortlist option for a straightforward setup
ExpressVPN offers apps across common platforms and documents its Lightway protocol and connection-protection features. Router and device options should be checked against your specific hardware.
A frequent traveller may care more about reconnecting after sleep and getting useful support than about an advanced settings panel. Test those routine moments before accepting a long subscription.
Watch for: A simple interface does not establish that a service is fastest or the best value for your connection. Read the full ExpressVPN review.
CyberGhost: an option to investigate for clearly labelled server choices
CyberGhost markets a consumer VPN with apps for common devices and different server categories. The available locations and special-purpose options should be checked in the current application.
If you need a connection for a particular activity, test the relevant server category on the actual device. Also try a normal nearby server so you have a fallback when the specialised route is busy.
Watch for: A server label is not proof that a particular service will work today or stay available. Read the full CyberGhost review.
A trial that tells you something useful
Prepare a repeatable set of checks: browse your regular sites, join a video call, download an ordinary file from a source you trust, and let the device sleep. Then switch between the networks you normally use. Record the server, protocol, device, and time so the result means something.
Test near the time you actually need the connection. A smooth session early in the morning does not tell you much about evening congestion. If results vary, compare a nearby server with one alternative and change only one setting at a time. A VPN cannot overcome every limitation of a slow local network.
Check public IP and DNS behaviour before and after connecting. These checks can reveal a basic configuration problem, but they do not certify anonymity. Account sign-ins and cookies can continue to identify you even when the network address changes.
What we do not use as a shortcut
A huge server count is not a quality score. A low introductory price is not the long-term cost. A provider’s claim that it does not log activity needs a clear definition and supporting evidence. Even an independent audit is a snapshot with a particular scope.
We also avoid guaranteeing access to a streaming library. Services can change their filtering and regional rules. If a specific service matters to you, review its terms and test your own authorised use during a suitable cancellation or refund window.
For a more focused starting point, read our guides for Mac, iPhone, Android, legal P2P sharing, and streaming.
Questions, answered
Which VPN is the fastest?
We cannot name a speed winner without reproducible measurements across devices, servers, times, and networks. Your own connection is a necessary part of the result.
Should I buy a multi-year plan?
Only after you have confirmed the service fits. A long subscription can lower a monthly equivalent, but it also increases the amount committed before your needs or the service change.
Can a VPN replace my ad blocker?
Some plans include filtering, but a VPN tunnel and a browser content blocker do different jobs. Compare the specific filtering component, not the VPN label.
What is a good free starting point?
An established provider with a clearly described free plan can be a useful way to learn. Check restrictions and privacy documentation rather than installing an unknown app because it has a high store rating.
Sources & further reading
Source review: September 25, 2026. Product features and subscriptions can change; confirm the exact plan before purchase.
About the author
Clara WeissVPNs, passwords & digital privacyClara’s coverage focuses on VPN privacy, transparent product documentation, password-manager recovery, and the practical limits of encrypted connections. Start with the VPN explainers for help turning a feature list into a useful decision.
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