rabbit.reviews

The Best VPNs

Updated April 2026·Experts: CNET, Tom's Guide, PCMag, WIRED

Best OverallNordVPN

NordVPN

If you want one VPN and never want to think about it again, NordVPN is the answer. It's what the Tom's Guide testing team uses on their personal devices, and Reddit keeps voting it #1 year after year.

What holds up

  • Fastest VPN tested by CNET with only 3% average download speed loss via NordLynx protocol
  • Strong no-logs policy with audited privacy practices
  • Excellent streaming server support across major platforms
  • Feature-rich for both beginners and power users

What to know

  • Owned by Nord Security, a larger corporate entity, less indie than Mullvad
  • Best pricing requires committing to a 2-year plan
  • Had a server breach in 2018, though no user data was exposed
What people say
NordVPN remains my top recommendation. If you need to cover a lot of devices, it ticks the boxes for no-logs, strong encryption, decent speeds, and solid pricing.
Reddit user
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Best for PrivacyProton VPN

Proton VPN

Proton VPN is what I'd recommend to anyone who actually cares about who's behind their VPN. Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, and a free plan with no data limits, it's the rare VPN you can trust without just taking their word for it.

What holds up

  • Free tier with no data limits, rare and legitimate among free VPNs
  • Swiss-based with strong legal privacy protections
  • Open-source apps independently audited for security
  • Covers 117 countries with up to 10 simultaneous connections

What to know

  • Speeds slightly slower than NordVPN in head-to-head tests
  • Free tier limits server selection significantly
  • Premium plans can be pricier than competitors without a sale
What people say
Proton VPN (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best VPN you can buy.
Wired
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Most Privacy-HardenedMullvad VPN

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad is the VPN for people who actually read privacy policies. No account, no email, pay with cash or crypto, it's built from the ground up to know nothing about you. If privacy is your #1 concern, nothing else comes close.

What holds up

  • No personal information required to sign up, account number system only
  • Accepts cash and cryptocurrency payments for full anonymity
  • Highest-rated VPN by rtings.com with 9.1 for private browsing
  • Supports DNS over HTTPS/TLS with clean IP addresses

What to know

  • No streaming-optimized servers, not ideal for Netflix unblocking
  • Expensive at over $15/month compared to competitors
  • Smaller server network (49 countries) than rivals like Proton
What people say
Mullvad puts customer privacy front and center, with features designed to protect VPN users that few other services offer. It's designed for privacy. You don't need to provide any personal information to Mullvad in order to use its VPN.
Wirecutter
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Best ValueSurfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN

Surfshark is the move if you're covering a whole family or just refuse to pay for multiple VPN seats. Unlimited devices, top-tier speeds, and a no-logs policy, it punches well above its price point.

What holds up

  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections, no per-device limits
  • Best upload and download speeds in PCMag's testing
  • Strong no-logs policy with solid encryption
  • Competitive pricing, especially on multi-year plans

What to know

  • Owned by Nord Security (same parent as NordVPN), raises independence questions
  • Smaller privacy pedigree compared to Proton or Mullvad
  • Some advanced privacy features require higher-tier plans
What people say
Surfshark is a top-tier VPN with unlimited device connections, compelling server performance, and a rock-solid privacy policy. It had the best performance among all the VPNs we tested, in both upload and download speeds.
PCMag
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Best Free OptionWindscribe VPN

Windscribe VPN

Most free VPNs are data-harvesting traps, Windscribe is the exception. Wired calls it one of the few free VPNs worth considering, and Reddit users in Canada specifically swear by it. Start free, upgrade only if you need more.

What holds up

  • Free tier includes 10GB/month with no data-selling or logging
  • Pro plan is among the most affordable paid VPN options
  • Particularly strong server performance in Canada
  • Trusted by privacy-focused communities on Reddit

What to know

  • Free tier's 10GB monthly cap runs out fast for heavy users
  • Smaller server network than NordVPN or Proton
  • Less name recognition means fewer third-party audits published
What people say
You should generally avoid free VPNs, but Windscribe's VPN service is one of the few worth considering.
Wired
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