It is no secret that a reliable VPN is more than just a tool to unblock content. In reality, it is a privacy tool and paves the way for safe and secure browsing (and peace of mind). So if you want to stay anonymous and do not want anyone to track your online footprint, choosing the right VPN makes all the difference.
In this post, we have made a list of the best VPN apps that you should use in 2026. Each of these apps offers unique features to suit different needs.
1. NordVPN
Highlight: Best for privacy and performance
NordVPN is perhaps one of the most popular VPN apps, and for good reason. For one, it has a plethora of servers. Secondly, it boasts Double VPN, where it routes your connection through two servers for double encryption, thus ensuring that your data remains safe from prying eyes.
And that is not all. NordVPN also boasts of a strict no-logs policy and fast connection. Interestingly, the newly upgraded Threat Protection Pro feature blocks ads, malicious sites, and trackers, even when the VPN is set to Off. Cool, right?
If you value fast streaming and do not want to compromise on your privacy, NordVPN should be your top choice. Nord VPN is a little on the pricier side of things, though. If you opt for the monthly plan, it will set you back by $12.69. However, if you opt for the two-year plan, it will cost you around $3.39 per month.
2. PureVPN
Highlight: Always-on audit and budget friendly
If you are looking for a budget-friendly VPN without compromising on the features, PureVPN is the one for you. Like Nord, PureVPN also prides itself on over 6,000 servers worldwide. Notably, it is one of the few VPNs gearing up for the quantum computing era with quantum-resistant encryption, ensuring data security even in the future.
Like most VPNs, PureVPN will help you bypass geo-restrictions without compromising on speed. However, what sets it apart is its pricing. Starting at $3.66 per month, it is super affordable, making it ideal for students, budget-conscious users, or someone who just wants to test the waters of the VPN world.
3. ExpressVPN
Highlight: Streaming and speed
ExpressVPN is one of the oldest names in the VPN market, and this is the one for you if you are using VPN to mainly watch geo-restricted content. It offers fast and seamless streaming, and its in-house Lightway protocol translates into minimum buffering.
So if you want to watch a Netflix series that is only available in Europe, ExpressVPN lets you do so. You can watch 4K content with minimal buffering from across the globe. Unlike the above apps, Express does not have as many servers. However, its 105 servers let you unblock platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer with ease.
ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and starts at $ 12.95 per month. Like the VPN services above, you can save more if you opt for a longer plan.
4. ProtonVPN
Highlight: Secure
Perhaps one of the best things about ProtonVPN is that it comes with a free plan. There is no data limit on the free plan, which makes it even better. While the servers are limited in the free plan, you can try the VPN before you actually commit to them.
ProtonVPN is completely open-source and independently audited. More importantly, it is safe to use, thanks to the Secure Core architecture which routes traffic through servers in privacy-friendly countries, thus adding an extra layer of protection.
If you are not a frequent user and use VPN once in a while, the free trial of ProtonVPN is worth a shot. Besides that, it offers competitive pricing and is ideal for journalists and researchers. Proton VPN doesn’t have specific time period pricing. Instead, they offer plans. The VPN Plus is billed at $71.76 for two years (renews automatically at $79.95 every year) and gives you access to 10 devices at a time, 13000+ servers, and priority support.
5. Surfshark
Highlight: Unlimited simultaneous connections
If you are someone who uses several devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and PCs, then Surfshark is the VPN for you. Unlike the above VPN services, this one lets you connect unlimited devices on a single plan at no extra charges.
And that is not all. Surfshark sports features like Bypasser for split tunneling. This puts the control in your hands over which apps or websites use the VPN and which ones connect directly to the internet. Naturally, this gives you more flexibility. Plus, let us be honest — VPNs do reduce speed. With Bypasser, you can work around the speed issue for websites that can do without VPN.
Lastly, the UI is clean and easy to use. SurfShark is one of the most affordable services out there, with monthly pricing starting at $2.49 if you opt for a two-year plan.
Go Anonymous
These were some of the best VPN services that you can buy. As you can see, each of these services has its own differentiating factor. So all you need to do is prioritize your requirements and see which of these services fits your requirement the most. If you ask me, ProtonVPN is the best to get started with. And the free trial period gives you the option to check the services before you fully commit to it.
