VPN & Security
VPN comparisons built from official pricing pages: intro vs renewal prices, device limits, server networks, no-logs audits and refund windows. We don’t publish speed or unblocking claims we haven’t verified. Also: password managers and antivirus, compared from official pricing pages and independent lab results.
Buying guides
Best Password Managers of 2026
1Password is the best password manager for most people. Bitwarden is the best free and cheapest paid option, and Proton Pass has the best free plan with email aliases.
Buying guideBest VPN
NordVPN is the best all-rounder. Surfshark is the value pick with unlimited devices, and Proton VPN is the privacy pick with a real free plan.
Buying guideBest VPN for Travel
VPNs and habits for travel: obfuscation, untrusted Wi‑Fi and roaming—not a streaming-catalog shootout.
Buying guideBest VPN for Streaming
VPNs chosen for streaming catalog access and stable HD/4K playback—not travel eSIMs or cafe Wi‑Fi hardening.
Buying guideBest Free Antivirus Software of 2026
Avast One Free is the best free antivirus for most people, according to both PCMag and Tom’s Guide. Bitdefender Antivirus Free is the no-frills option, and Microsoft Defender is already built into Windows.
Buying guideBest Antivirus Software of 2026
Norton 360 Deluxe is the best antivirus for most people at $49.99 for the first year. Avast One is the best free option, and Bitdefender is a strong alternative.
Buying guideThe Best Free VPNs
A trustworthy free VPN exists, but every one has a catch: data caps, few locations or no streaming. Here’s which catch is easiest to live with.
Buying guideThe Best VPN for Torrenting and Privacy
Look for audited no-logs, a kill switch, explicit P2P permission — and know that port forwarding is rarer than marketing implies.
Comparisons
ExpressVPN vs Surfshark
Both are PCMag Editors’ Choice VPNs. Surfshark is cheaper and allows unlimited devices, plus multi-hop. ExpressVPN covers more countries, has post-quantum protection, and PCMag calls it an especially good pick for frequent travelers.
ComparisonProton Pass vs Bitwarden
Get Proton Pass for email aliases, dark web monitoring and Swiss privacy. Get Bitwarden for the cheapest premium plan ($19.80 a year) and self-hosting.
ComparisonMcAfee+ Premium vs Norton 360 Deluxe
Both cost $49.99 for the first year in Tom’s Guide’s deals and scored 6/6 at AV-Test. McAfee+ Premium covers unlimited devices; Norton 360 Deluxe covers five but is Tom’s Guide’s best antivirus overall.
ComparisonBitwarden vs 1Password
1Password is Wirecutter’s top password manager and the more polished app. Bitwarden is Wirecutter’s budget pick: its free plan covers unlimited devices, and Premium is $19.80 a year, less than half of 1Password’s price.
ComparisonNorton 360 Deluxe vs Bitdefender Total Security
Tom’s Guide ranks Norton 360 Deluxe its best antivirus overall: it covers five devices plus 50GB of cloud backup and had the lighter system impact in AV-Comparatives testing. Bitdefender Total Security is close behind and slows games less during a full scan.
ComparisonNordPass vs 1Password
1Password is Wirecutter’s top password manager and the easier one to set up across devices. NordPass is PCMag’s Editors’ Choice for premium features and is about $12 a year cheaper.
ComparisonSurfshark vs Proton VPN
Surfshark is cheaper up front and allows unlimited devices. Proton has a real free plan, cheaper monthly billing and port forwarding for torrents.
ComparisonNordVPN vs Proton VPN
Nord wins on polished extras and labeled P2P servers. Proton wins on free tier, Swiss privacy brand and torrent port forwarding.
ComparisonExpressVPN vs NordVPN
Two premium VPNs. Express often wins on simplicity and Lightway; Nord wins on extras bundles and sometimes price.
ComparisonNordVPN vs Surfshark: Which VPN Should You Pick?
Sister companies since 2022, but still separate products. Surfshark is cheaper and allows unlimited devices; NordVPN has the bigger security bundle.
Alternatives
Reviews
ExpressVPN Review: Is It Worth It in 2026?
What each ExpressVPN plan includes, what you’ll pay after the intro period, and when a cheaper VPN is the better buy.
ReviewProton VPN Review: Is It Worth It in 2026?
Swiss privacy branding, a real free tier and transparent intro pricing — with the usual VPN caveat to check renewal math.
ReviewSurfshark Review: Is It Worth It in 2026?
Unlimited devices and a low intro price — with the usual VPN caveat that renewal costs more than the headline rate.
ReviewNordVPN Review: Is It Worth It in 2026?
What each NordVPN plan includes, what you’ll pay after the intro period, and when a cheaper VPN is the better choice.