Privacy and no-logs policy
A VPN should protect your data, not collect it. We prioritise providers with independently audited no-logs policies.
Updated November 2026
Best VPN in 2026: NordVPN vs Surfshark vs Proton VPN
We compared the three most popular VPNs on privacy, devices, pricing and ease of use. Here is our honest ranking for 2026.
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How we chose
What makes a VPN "best" in 2026
Number of devices
Most people have a phone, laptop and tablet. A good VPN should cover them all on one subscription.
Speed and reliability
A VPN that slows down your connection is one you will turn off. Modern protocols like WireGuard solve this.
Value for money
We compare the real price you pay over 2 years, including Black Friday deals and free bonus months.
Our ranking
The 3 best VPNs in 2026
NordVPN
The best all-round VPN. Fast, private, easy to use.
- 10 simultaneous devices
- Audited no-logs policy (Deloitte)
- NordLynx protocol — near-native speed
- Threat Protection (blocks trackers)
- Based in Panama (no data-retention law)
- Black Friday: €2.99/month + 3 free months
Surfshark
Best for families. No limit on simultaneous connections.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- CleanWeb blocks ads and trackers
- WireGuard protocol
- Based in the Netherlands
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Proton VPN
The only reputable VPN with a truly free plan. Swiss privacy.
- Free plan — 1 device, no data cap
- Open-source apps (audited)
- Swiss jurisdiction (strong privacy laws)
- Paid plan: 10 devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee (paid)
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Side by side
Quick comparison table
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous devices | 10 | Unlimited | 1 (free) / 10 (paid) |
| Free plan | No | No | Yes |
| No-logs audit | Deloitte | Deloitte | Securitum |
| Protocol | NordLynx | WireGuard | WireGuard |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Jurisdiction | Panama | Netherlands | Switzerland |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days (paid) |
| Black Friday price | €2.99/mo | Check site | Free / €4.99/mo |
#1
NordVPN — best overall VPN in 2026
NordVPN is our top pick for most people. It covers 10 devices on one subscription, which is enough for a full household. The NordLynx protocol (built on WireGuard) delivers near-native connection speeds, and the kill switch protects you if the VPN drops unexpectedly.
Privacy is strong: NordVPN is based in Panama, where there is no mandatory data-retention law. Their no-logs policy has been independently audited by Deloitte. Threat Protection blocks trackers and malicious ads before they reach your device.
The Black Friday deal brings the price down to €2.99/month on a 2-year plan with 3 extra months free. That is the lowest price NordVPN offers all year.
#2
Surfshark — best VPN for families
Surfshark stands out with one feature no other major VPN matches: unlimited simultaneous connections. One subscription covers every device in your household — phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs — with no cap.
CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers and malware. The apps use WireGuard for speed and include a kill switch. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands and has been audited by Deloitte.
If you have a large family or many devices, Surfshark is the most cost-effective option per device.
#3
Proton VPN — best free VPN in 2026
Proton VPN is the only reputable VPN service with a genuinely free plan that has no data cap. The free tier covers 1 device with access to servers in 5 countries — enough to protect your browsing on public Wi-Fi.
Proton is based in Switzerland, known for strong privacy laws. Their apps are fully open source and have been independently audited. The paid plan (€4.99/month) unlocks 10 devices and access to all server locations.
If you want to try a VPN before committing to a paid plan, Proton VPN is the safest free option available.
Verdict
Which VPN should you choose?
Choose NordVPN if…
You want the best balance of speed, privacy and price. Ideal for individuals and couples with up to 10 devices.
Choose Surfshark if…
You have a large family or more than 10 devices. Unlimited connections on one subscription saves money.
Choose Proton VPN if…
You want a free plan first, or privacy is your top priority. Swiss jurisdiction and open-source code.
Get NordVPN — our #1 pick
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FAQ
What is the best VPN in 2026?
NordVPN is our top pick. It offers 10 devices, an audited no-logs policy, the fast NordLynx protocol and strong pricing at €2.99/month during Black Friday.
Is a free VPN good enough?
Proton VPN offers a solid free plan with no data cap, but it covers only 1 device. For full protection across multiple devices, NordVPN or Surfshark are better choices.
Which VPN has unlimited devices?
Surfshark. There is no limit on simultaneous connections — ideal for large families.
Do VPNs slow down your internet?
Modern VPN protocols add minimal overhead. NordVPN's NordLynx and Surfshark's WireGuard both deliver near-native speeds for everyday use.