PickedTech
Buying guide

Best 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.

By PickedTech Editorial TeamLast updated Prices & specs checked Oct 2026

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How this page was made: this is a research-based guide built from manufacturer spec pages, official prices and published lab measurements from the outlets we name and link. We haven’t tested these products ourselves, and we don’t invent scores. Our methodology.

Quick answer

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. Best overall: NordVPN, from $3.49/mo. Best value: Surfshark, from $2.49/mo. Best for privacy: Proton VPN, from $2.99/mo.

Last updated Prices checked Oct 2026

Key facts at a glance

Key facts (prices checked Oct 2026)
PickProductBest forPrice
Best overallNordVPNmost people$3.49/mo ($94.23 for 27 months), renews $139.08/yr
Best valueSurfsharkfamilies and many devices$2.49/mo ($67.23 for 27 months)
Best for privacyProton VPNprivacyPlus $2.99/mo ($35.88 for the first 12 months, then $83.88/yr); $9.99 monthly

We compared these VPNs using each provider’s pricing and feature pages, checked October 2026. Intro prices require long prepaid terms and renew higher, so we list renewal prices where providers publish them. For specific needs, see VPNs for streaming, VPNs for travel and the best free VPNs.

Which should you buy? Our quick picks

Best overall
NordVPN
From $3.49/mo; 10 devices
Check price (opens in a new tab)
Best value
Surfshark
From $2.49/mo; unlimited devices
Check price (opens in a new tab)
Best for privacy
Proton VPN
Free plan; Plus $2.99/mo
Check price (opens in a new tab)

How do they compare?

Intro and renewal pricing (provider pages; Oct 2026)
VPNIntro priceBilled up frontRenewal / monthlyBest for
NordVPN (Basic)$3.49/mo$94.23 for 27 monthsRenews $139.08/yr; $14.99 monthlyMost people
Surfshark (Starter)$2.49/mo$67.23 for 27 monthsAbout $79/yr per third-party reportingFamilies and many devices
ExpressVPN (Basic)$2.99/mo$83.72 for 28 monthsRenews $99.95/yrSimple, fast setup
Proton VPN (Plus)$2.99/mo$35.88 for first 12 monthsRenews $83.88/yr; $9.99 monthly; free planPrivacy
CyberGhost$2.19/mo$56.94 for 26 monthsCheck at checkoutLowest intro price
Mullvad€5/moMonthly€5/mo flatAnonymity

The picks in detail

Best overall

1. NordVPN

Best for: most people

A large network (225+ locations), 10 devices, obfuscated servers and Threat Protection. Renewal is higher than ExpressVPN’s, so set a reminder. Read our NordVPN review.

Pricing (Oct 2026): $3.49/mo ($94.23 for 27 months), renews $139.08/yr Source

Pros

  • Big network
  • Strong extras
  • 10 devices

Cons

  • High renewal price
Check NordVPN pricing (opens in a new tab)
Best value

2. Surfshark

Best for: families and many devices

The cheapest of the big names on a two-year plan, with unlimited devices, Camouflage mode and NoBorders. See NordVPN vs Surfshark.

Pricing (Oct 2026): $2.49/mo ($67.23 for 27 months) Source

Pros

  • Unlimited devices
  • Low price

Cons

  • Renewal price not on the pricing page
Check Surfshark pricing (opens in a new tab)
Best for simple, fast setup

3. ExpressVPN

Best for: simple, fast setup

Servers in 113 countries, the Lightway protocol and a lower renewal than NordVPN on the Basic plan. Advanced and Pro tiers add more features. See ExpressVPN vs NordVPN.

Pricing (Oct 2026): Basic $2.99/mo ($83.72 for 28 months), renews $99.95/yr Source

Pros

  • Lower renewal than NordVPN
  • Lightway protocol

Cons

  • Tiered plans can be confusing
Check ExpressVPN pricing (opens in a new tab)
Best for privacy

4. Proton VPN

Best for: privacy

Swiss-based, with open-source apps, 140+ countries and a free plan with no data cap. Proton Stealth helps on restrictive networks. Read our Proton VPN review.

Pricing (Nov 11, 2026): Plus $2.99/mo ($35.88 for the first 12 months, then $83.88/yr); $9.99 monthly Source

Pros

  • Free plan
  • Open source
  • Fair renewal

Cons

  • Pricier month to month
Check Proton VPN pricing (opens in a new tab)
Best for lowest intro price

5. CyberGhost VPN

Best for: lowest intro price

The lowest intro price here, a 45-day money-back guarantee and servers labeled for streaming.

Pricing (Oct 2026): $2.19/mo ($56.94 for 26 months) Source

Pros

  • Cheap
  • 45-day refund window

Cons

  • Renewal price not clearly stated
Check CyberGhost VPN pricing (opens in a new tab)
Best for anonymity

6. Mullvad VPN

Best for: anonymity

One flat price of €5 a month with no long-term deals or upsells. Sign-up gives you an account number right away.

Pricing (Oct 2026): €5/mo Source

Pros

  • Flat pricing
  • Instant account number sign-up

Cons

  • No long-term discount
  • Fewer streaming features
Check Mullvad VPN pricing (opens in a new tab)

Also considered

If you only need a VPN occasionally, see the best free VPNs and Proton VPN Free vs Plus.

Watch the renewal price

The headline monthly price requires paying for two years or more up front, and most plans renew at a higher yearly rate. NordVPN’s Basic plan, for example, renews at $139.08 a year after the $94.23 intro term.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best VPN in 2026?
NordVPN is our best overall pick, Surfshark is the best value and Proton VPN is the best for privacy.
What is the cheapest good VPN?
CyberGhost ($2.19/mo) and Surfshark ($2.49/mo) on long intro plans. Proton VPN also has a free plan.
Are free VPNs safe?
Some are. Proton VPN’s free plan is a well-known option. See our free VPN guide.

Sources

Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.

  1. NordVPN pricing (nordvpn.com)
  2. Surfshark pricing (surfshark.com)
  3. ExpressVPN pricing (expressvpn.com)
  4. Proton VPN pricing (protonvpn.com)
  5. CyberGhost pricing (cyberghostvpn.com)
  6. Mullvad pricing (mullvad.net)
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