When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreBrendan Griffiths / Business InsiderChoosing the best VPN service can make a real difference to your digital privacy and online security, whether you use it for everyday browsing or work.Of all the VPNs I've tested and researched to make sure they've passed extensive independent third-party audits to back up any no-logs claims, NordVPN has come out on top. It's been a reliable pick for many years, has an excellent global server fleet, supports the best protocols, and has minimal impact on my download speeds.I've tested and used VPNs daily for years for both work and home use. Every VPN I've recommended below has been extensively tested for IP leaks, download/upload speeds, kill switch reliability, server availability, and more. I'm still using them all regularly across multiple devices to stay updated on developments or performance changes.These virtual private networks encrypt your internet traffic via a remote server, stopping your internet service provider or local network from seeing your browsing activity and also masking your IP address from the sites and services you use. VPNs can also be useful in countries with strict internet censorship, though results can vary depending on how aggressively VPN traffic is blocked.Digital security is crucial and the primary reason to subscribe to a VPN service. Top-rated VPNs can also help you access international libraries or live TV streams. Many streaming platforms try to block VPN traffic, but the picks below often still worked in my latest tests.The best VPN services at a glanceNordVPNProton VPNSurfsharkServers9100+18,850+4500+Countries covered130134101Simultaneous connections1010UnlimitedCountry of registration:PanamaSwitzerlandNetherlandsLast no-logs auditDec 2025Aug 2025June 2025Money-back guarantee30 days30 days30 daysLowest price per month$3.49 / £2.59 / €3.49$2.99 / £2.39 / €2.99$2.49 / £1.79 / €2.49NordVPN: Top-tier privacy and super fastBrendan Griffiths / Business InsiderNordVPN has been a podium presence in many a VPN guide over the years, and its ever-evolving skillset and refinements put it right at the top for me. The app is easy to navigate across Android, Apple, and Windows devices, and the mobile version looks a lot more polished with its recent 2026 makeover.In my most recent round of speed tests, compared to the other VPN services on this page, I was shocked by just how fast NordVPN performed, as it wiped the floor with the competition. It's never been considered slow, but on average, I only saw local connections here in New York lower my download speed by 16%, 20% to Europe, and a mere 11% to Australia.As for uploads, locally, I only lost about 4% of my speeds, but once I connected to servers outside the US, they took bigger hits of 20-27%, which is a bigger drop than I saw from Proton and Surfshark - not that this affected my ability to do video calls at all.It had no problems unlocking international access to a range of streaming services across the US, UK, France, Italy, Australia, and more. I was even able to access Disney+ and Netflix - two services that have become very good at blocking VPNs lately. Of course, streaming services have become something of a moving target in recent years, so results can change, but NordVPN has been delivering the most consistent results lately.NordVPN's legal headquarters are in Panama, which is great for data retention and privacy laws, and the company has passed multiple third-party audits to confirm its long-standing no-logs policy.The various VPN protocols have also breezed through my tests for DNS leaks and for exposure when the VPN is disconnected with an active kill switch. The brand's proprietary NordLynx protocol is usually autoselected and best for most users, but if you're trying to connect on restrictive networks, the NordWhisper option might be a better fit. There are also additional server options, such as Double VPN, P2P, and Onion Over VPN, for any Tor enthusiasts.Like many other VPNs, the auto-renewal prices are significantly higher than the initial sign-up fee, but you can cancel in advance if you'd rather try a different service once your subscription is set to expire.There are a few other rough edges, but nothing we'd consider deal breakers. The app has developed an irritating issue when you want to disconnect: it presents you with a range of pause options first, requiring extra taps to just turn it off. By all means, have a pause option, but a straight-up disconnect button should be easier to access.Split-tunneling, where you tell specific apps to ignore your VPN, is still missing on iPhone and Mac (it's a problem shared with many VPNs, in fairness). The ability to run specific URLs through a split tunnel is limited to Chrome/Safari apps on desktop, too, with no option on mobile, which is a shame if you have a handful of sites that just don't get along with a VPN.See the latest NordVPN offersP
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