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VPN and network security

33 tools evaluated · 10 top picks · Updated October 2026

Key Takeaways
  • Proton VPN is our overall pick for VPN in 2026, and our free pick.Overall and free pick: Free plan; cheapest paid plan VPN Plus, $4.99/mo. Rated 4.6/5 across G2 and SourceForge (41,014 ratings, May 2026).
  • We analyzed 33 VPN tools to create this ranking.
  • 4 of the 10 tools listed here have a free plan, perfect for getting started.

Consumer VPN has consolidated around a handful of trusted brands (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN, Mullvad). The category has a credibility problem — many smaller VPNs make security claims that don't hold up. Pick from independently-audited vendors with no-logs verification.

10 Top VPN Tools Compared

10 top VPN tools compared: our take, starting price (cheapest paid plan, monthly, as of October 2026) and average user rating.
Proton VPN logo
Proton VPN
Best overallPrice: $4.99/mo4.6across G2 and SourceForge
Proton logo
Proton
Highest ratedPrice: Free + paid4.8on SourceForge
NordVPN logo
NordVPN
Price: $3.39/mo4.0across G2, Capterra, SourceForge and more
Bitdefender logo
Bitdefender
Price: $2.5/mo4.2across G2 and Trustpilot
Dashlane logo
Dashlane
Price: $11/mo4.2across G2 and Trustpilot
ExpressVPN logo
ExpressVPN
Price: $3.49/mo4.6across G2 and Capterra
MEGA logo
MEGA
Price: $4.99/mo4.4across G2 and Capterra
OpenVPN logo
OpenVPN
Price: $5/mo4.3across SourceForge, Trustpilot, G2 and more
Brave logo
Brave
Price: $3/mo4.3across G2, Capterra, SourceForge and more
Surfshark logo
Surfshark
Most affordablePrice: $2.49/mo4.3across Trustpilot, G2 and Capterra

VPN pricing compared

VPN pricing, as of October 2026
Proton VPNCheapest paid plan: VPN Plus, $4.99/moFree plan: YesBilling: Billed monthly
ProtonCheapest paid plan: Not publishedFree plan: YesBilling: Not published
NordVPNCheapest paid plan: Basic 2-Year, $3.39/moFree plan: NoBilling: Billed monthly
BitdefenderCheapest paid plan: Antivirus Plus, $2.50/mo (billed yearly)Free plan: NoBilling: Billed yearly
DashlaneCheapest paid plan: Omnix, $11/moFree plan: NoBilling: Billed monthly
ExpressVPNCheapest paid plan: Basic, $3.49/moFree plan: NoBilling: Billed monthly
MEGACheapest paid plan: Essential, $4.99/moFree plan: YesBilling: Billed monthly
OpenVPNCheapest paid plan: Connect, $5/moFree plan: Yes (Community)Billing: Billed monthly
BraveCheapest paid plan: Search premium, $3/moFree plan: NoBilling: Billed monthly
SurfsharkCheapest paid plan: Surfshark Starter, $2.49/moFree plan: NoBilling: Billed monthly

Toolradar pricing data, last verified October 2026. Prices are the cheapest paid plan converted to a monthly figure; "Not published" means the vendor publishes no price for a self-serve paid plan. 9 of 10 tools publish a paid price; median cheapest paid plan $3.49/mo.

How the Top VPN Tools Compare

4 of the 10 VPN tools listed here have a free plan (Proton VPN, Proton, MEGA, OpenVPN); the other 6 (NordVPN, Bitdefender, Dashlane, ExpressVPN, Brave, Surfshark) are paid only. Teams on a budget should start with Proton VPN, our free pick.

Rankings are computed from G2/Capterra review volume and rating, and media mentions.Editorial policy

Top VPN tools

01
Proton VPN logo

Swiss privacy protection with unlimited bandwidth

Freemium4.6/5 across G2 and SourceForge41,014 ratings · May 2026

Proton VPN offers Swiss-based privacy protection with a strict no-logs policy and open-source apps. The free tier provides unlimited bandwidth while paid plans unlock faster servers in 60+ countries. Security-conscious users trust Proton's transparent approach and integration with the broader Proton privacy ecosystem.

+Secure VPN
+Swiss-based
+Good privacy
−Slower than some
−Limited free servers
Good value

The free tier is genuinely usable, unlimited data with no ads, which no other major VPN matches.

Watch out

Monthly pricing ($9.99/month) is 3.3x more expensive than the 2-year rate. Casual users testing the service for a few months pay a significant premium.

02
Proton logo

End-to-end encrypted suite for total digital privacy

Freemium4.8/5 on SourceForge31,996 ratings · May 2026

Proton offers a suite of privacy-by-default services designed to protect users' digital lives. Founded by scientists at CERN, Proton's mission is to provide an internet that prioritizes freedom and privacy, ensuring that user data belongs to them, not to tech companies or governments. All services are built with end-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption, meaning even Proton cannot access user data without permission. The product suite includes encrypted email (Proton Mail), secure VPN (Proton VPN), end-to-end encrypted cloud storage (Proton Drive), collaborative document and spreadsheet editing (Proton Docs and Sheets), a password manager (Proton Pass), a 2FA authenticator (Proton Authenticator), and secure video conferencing (Proton Meet). Proton also offers an AI assistant, Lumo, designed for confidential conversations. The services are open-source, independently audited, and protected by strong Swiss privacy laws, making them suitable for individuals and businesses seeking robust digital privacy and security across all devices.

+Strong emphasis on privacy and security with end-to-end encryption across all services.
+Comprehensive suite of tools under one account, simplifying digital security management.
+Open-source and independently audited, fostering transparency and trust.
−Bulk promotional or programmatic email sending is not supported.
−Advanced features and larger storage capacities require paid subscriptions.
Great value

Proton's pricing is incredibly generous, as all listed tiers currently show as $0.00/month, which is likely a placeholder or promotional offer.

Watch out

Higher storage needs will require upgrades

03
NordVPN logo

Online VPN service for privacy

Paid4.0/5 across G2, Capterra, SourceForge and more18,319 ratings · Sep 2026

NordVPN is a virtual private network service protecting online privacy. Encrypt internet traffic from prying eyes. 5,500+ servers in 60 countries. Threat protection blocks malware and trackers. Split tunneling routes selected traffic through VPN. Privacy tools that millions trust for secure browsing.

+Large server network
+Fast speeds
+Strong security
−Pricey monthly
−No free tier
Good value

The tiered bundling strategy is smart: Plus at $3.89/month is a genuine bargain if you need a password manager, and Complete at $5.39/month is cheaper than buying NordLocker separately.

Watch out

Monthly pricing is 3-4x more expensive: Basic costs $12.99/month without a commitment vs $3.39/month on the 2-year plan. Casual users testing for a month or two pay a steep premium.

04
Bitdefender logo

Antivirus and cybersecurity for consumers and business

Paid4.2/5 across G2 and Trustpilot12,525 ratings · Sep 2026

Bitdefender protects against malware and cyber threats for individuals and businesses. Antivirus, ransomware protection, VPN, password manager-layered security from a company that specializes in it. Detection rates consistently rank among the best. The software is less resource-intensive than competitors. Business editions add central management and EDR capabilities. Users and organizations who take endpoint security seriously often end up with Bitdefender for its strong protection without system slowdown.

+Good antivirus protection
+Low system impact
+VPN included
−Upsells
−Renewal prices higher
Good value

Bitdefender's pricing is quite fair, especially with the first-year discounts.

Watch out

Renewal prices often increase significantly after first year.

05
Dashlane logo

Secure password management, dark web monitoring, and VPN

Paid4.2/5 across G2 and Trustpilot6,755 ratings · Sep 2026

Dashlane is a password manager with security dashboard and dark web monitoring. Generate and store strong passwords securely. Autofill passwords across browsers and devices. VPN included for additional privacy. Dark web monitoring alerts on breaches. Password management with premium security features.

+Includes VPN
+Dark web monitoring
+Clean interface
−Expensive premium
−Limited free tier
Fair value

Dashlane's pricing for businesses is somewhat opaque, with the 'Password Management' tier being custom-quoted, which can often lead to higher costs for smaller teams.

Watch out

Potential seat minimums for enterprise

06
ExpressVPN logo

Secure your connection, access global content, and enjoy fast speeds

Paid4.6/5 across G2 and Capterra291 ratings · Sep 2026

ExpressVPN secures internet connections across devices with military-grade encryption and servers in 94 countries. Beyond privacy, it helps users access geo-restricted content and avoid bandwidth throttling. The service is known for fast speeds, reliable connections, and a strict no-logs policy backed by independent audits.

+Fast VPN
+Good privacy
+Wide server network
−Expensive
−Limited connections
Fair value

ExpressVPN's pricing, particularly the 'Pro' tier at $7.49/month, appears expensive when compared to many market alternatives offering similar core VPN features.

07
MEGA logo

Secure, encrypted cloud storage and private online services

Freemium4.4/5 across G2 and Capterra1,132 ratings · Sep 2026

MEGA provides a comprehensive suite of privacy-focused online services, centered around secure, encrypted cloud storage. It offers robust tools for individuals and businesses to store, share, and collaborate on files with zero-knowledge encryption, ensuring that only authorized users can access data. Beyond cloud storage, MEGA integrates a VPN service with ad blocking, a password manager (MEGA Pass), and encrypted chat and video conferencing capabilities. Designed for anyone seeking enhanced online privacy and data control, from individual users needing ample free storage to businesses requiring scalable object storage (MEGA S4) and team collaboration tools. MEGA prioritizes user control over data, offering features like granular sharing permissions, password-protected links, and expiring links, all underpinned by end-to-end encryption and GDPR compliance.

MEGA screenshot
+Strong emphasis on privacy and security with zero-knowledge encryption.
+Generous free storage tier (20GB) compared to competitors.
+Includes a comprehensive set of privacy tools beyond just cloud storage (VPN, password manager, encrypted comms).
−Reliance on user-managed recovery key means permanent data loss if forgotten and password is lost.
−Pricing is in EUR, which may require currency conversion for users outside the Eurozone.
Good value

MEGA offers a very generous free tier with 50 GB of storage, making it highly accessible.

Watch out

Business plan scales quickly with users/storage

08
OpenVPN logo

Open-source VPN protocol and software

Freemium4.3/5 across SourceForge, Trustpilot, G2 and more574 ratings · Sep 2026

OpenVPN creates secure tunnels between networks. An open-source VPN that's been trusted for years - private networking that's proven reliable. The security is established. The flexibility is high. The deployment is understood. Organizations needing VPN infrastructure often deploy OpenVPN for reliable tunneling.

+Industry standard VPN
+Self-hostable
+Good security
−Complex setup
−Performance vs WireGuard
Good value

OpenVPN offers a very generous entry point with its free Community and Access Server tiers, making it highly accessible.

09
Brave logo

Browse faster, safer, and more privately with built-in ad blocking

Paid4.3/5 across G2, Capterra, SourceForge and more1,033 ratings · Sep 2026

Brave is a web browser designed to prioritize user privacy, security, and speed by blocking unwanted ads and trackers by default. It offers a cleaner, faster browsing experience by eliminating intrusive content and protecting users from cross-site tracking and fingerprinting. Built on the open-source Chromium project, Brave enhances the core security of Chromium with numerous privacy-focused modifications, ensuring user data remains private and is not collected or shared. Beyond its core browsing capabilities, Brave integrates a suite of privacy-enhancing tools, including a private search engine, a built-in AI assistant, a Firewall + VPN for device-wide protection, and a self-custody crypto wallet. It aims to provide a comprehensive, user-centric web experience that empowers individuals with control over their data and online interactions, making it ideal for anyone seeking a more secure, efficient, and private alternative to traditional browsers.

Brave screenshot
+Significantly improves browsing speed and reduces data usage by blocking ads and trackers.
+Offers comprehensive privacy protection features enabled by default, including fingerprint randomization and advanced partitioning.
+Integrates a wide range of tools like a private search engine, AI assistant, VPN, and crypto wallet directly into the browser.
−Some users may find the integrated crypto features unnecessary or complex.
−While compatible with Chrome extensions, some niche extensions might not function identically.
Good value

Brave's pricing for its premium features is generally fair, though some tiers like Leo AI Premium at $14.99/month might feel a bit expensive compared to standalone AI services.

10
Surfshark logo

Unlimited devices, all-in-one online security and privacy

Paid4.3/5 across Trustpilot, G2 and Capterra923 ratings · Sep 2026

Surfshark provides an all-in-one cybersecurity solution centered around a Virtual Private Network (VPN). It allows users to access the internet safely and privately, protecting their connection from data breaches, hacking attempts, and snoopers. The VPN encrypts internet traffic, hides IP addresses, and offers features like ad and tracker blocking, ensuring a clean and secure browsing experience across unlimited devices. Beyond the core VPN service, Surfshark offers additional tools to enhance digital security and privacy. This includes an Antivirus to shield devices from malware, Incogni to remove personal data from data brokers, Alert for data breach monitoring, Alternative ID for creating virtual identities, and Identity Theft Coverage for recovery support. It's designed for individuals and households looking for robust online protection and privacy management across all their devices. Surfshark aims to provide an effortless yet powerful cybersecurity experience, with an intuitive design and 24/7 customer support. Its high-tech features, like Nexus technology for dynamic MultiHop and IP Rotator, along with industry-leading protocols like WireGuard®, ensure both security and speed. The service operates under a strict no-logs policy, guaranteeing user privacy.

Surfshark screenshot
+Unlimited simultaneous device connections
+Comprehensive suite including VPN, Antivirus, and identity protection tools
+Strong privacy with a strict no-logs policy and advanced encryption
−Dedicated IP and Alternative Number are extra add-ons
−Free trial is limited to 3 devices
Good value

Surfshark's pricing is aggressively fair at $2.49/mo for the Starter and One tiers, though the identical feature lists between them is confusing.

Watch out

Identity theft coverage may have caps

Why these VPN tools didn't make our top 10.

We evaluated 33 VPN tools and these 20 ranked 11 through 30. They're solid options that fell short on one or two axes (review depth, pricing transparency, feature parity), but worth a look if the leaders don't fit your stack or budget.

Hide.me logo
Hide.me
Secure your online privacy, bypass censorship, and enjoy fast, encrypted internet access.
IPVanish logo
IPVanish
Digital Security, Privacy, & Freedom with VPN, Secure Browser, and Cloud Storage.
Opera logo
Opera
Browse privately with integrated VPN and AI
TunnelBear logo
TunnelBear
Secure your internet and browse privately on any device
Mullvad VPN logo
Mullvad VPN
Anonymous VPN with no personal info required
Perimeter 81 logo
Perimeter 81
Zero Trust Network Access platform for secure remote access to cloud and on-premises resources.
NordLayer logo
NordLayer
Enterprise-grade network security deployed in minutes.
ZoogVPN logo
ZoogVPN
Secure your privacy and bypass geo-restrictions with fast, reliable VPN connections
Avast logo
Avast
Free antivirus, scam blocking, privacy, and cleanup
Kaspersky logo
Kaspersky
Cybersecurity solutions for individuals and businesses, building a Cyber Immune future.
WireGuard logo
WireGuard
Fast, simple, and secure VPN protocol
Headscale logo
Headscale
Self-hosted Tailscale control server
Aura logo
Aura
All-in-one digital safety for individuals and families
Tailscale logo
Tailscale
Securely connect your devices like they're on the same network, anywhere
Pritunl logo
Pritunl
Open-source VPN server management for secure network access
Internxt logo
Internxt
Private by default, secure by design, and free as in freedom cloud storage and privacy suite.
Pangolin logo
Pangolin
Secure, identity-based remote access to private and public resources built on WireGuard.
NetBird logo
NetBird
Secure, self-configuring overlay network with Zero Trust access
F-Secure logo
F-Secure
Antivirus, VPN, password manager, and identity protection
Windscribe VPN logo
Windscribe VPN
Fast, reliable, and effective VPN service for privacy, security, and unrestricted internet access.

Popular vpn comparisons

See how the leading vpn tools stack up head-to-head.

VPN pricing, compared

Real plans and the hidden costs for each tool.

In-depth: why these tools made the cut

ExpressVPN logo

ExpressVPN's strength is the polished consumer experience — apps for every platform that 'just work,' good streaming-server performance, and an independently audited no-logs policy. For users who want a VPN to set up once and forget, ExpressVPN is rational.

ExpressVPN is more expensive than NordVPN and significantly more than Mullvad. For users who value polish and don't need maximum privacy hardening, it's a reasonable premium. For privacy-strict users, ProtonVPN or Mullvad offer more.

How to choose VPN software

  1. Verify independent audit and no-logs

    The single most important VPN criterion is whether the provider has been independently audited and demonstrated 'no logs.' Mullvad, ProtonVPN, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN have all undergone reputable audits. Many cheap VPNs have not — those are not worth using for serious privacy.

  2. Match jurisdiction to threat model

    VPNs based in Five Eyes countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ) are subject to local subpoenas. ProtonVPN (Switzerland), Mullvad (Sweden), NordVPN (Panama) operate from more privacy-favorable jurisdictions. Threat model matters; for casual users (Netflix unblocking), it doesn't.

  3. Plan for the use case

    Streaming/geo-unblocking: NordVPN, ExpressVPN dominate. Maximum privacy: Mullvad (anonymous accounts, even Bitcoin). Speed: WireGuard-based providers (most modern VPNs) all perform similarly. Pick based on what you actually use VPN for.

Honorable mentions

Tools that didn't crack the headline list but deserve a look depending on what you optimize for.

  • Tuta logo
    TutaNot a VPN — encrypted email

    Tuta (Tutanota) is encrypted email, not a VPN. Listed here because of brand overlap. For email privacy, Tuta is a credible Gmail/Outlook alternative; for VPN, look at the actual VPN providers.

Best VPN for

How we ranked these VPN tools

We rank by real-world signal: G2/Capterra review volume and rating, and media mentions (volume and recency). Pricing is re-checked and the ranking refreshed monthly. No position on this list is a paid placement.

Tools reviewed
33
With free plan
56%
18 of the 32 tools we rank
Last updated
October 2026

Toolradar Research

The data behind vpn

First-party analyses built from our full catalog, methodology published.

All Toolradar research

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best VPN tool in 2026?

Based on our analysis of 33 VPN tools, Proton VPN is our overall VPN pick. The next tools on the list are Proton, NordVPN, Bitdefender. Rankings use G2/Capterra review volume and rating, and media mentions.

What are the top 3 VPN tools?

The top 3 VPN tools in 2026, ranked by Toolradar, are: 1) Proton VPN, Swiss privacy protection with unlimited bandwidth. 2) Proton, End-to-end encrypted suite for total digital privacy. 3) NordVPN, Online VPN service for privacy.

Are there free VPN tools?

Yes. Proton VPN is our free VPN pick (free plan alongside paid plans). 4 of the 10 tools on this page have a free plan. Among the 32 VPN tools we rank, 18 have a free plan.

How do I choose the right VPN tool?

Start by defining your team size, budget, and must-have features. Proton VPN is our overall VPN pick. Compare all 33 options side-by-side on Toolradar.

Cite this page: Toolradar, "Best VPN Tools in 2026", updated October 2026, https://toolradar.com/best/vpn

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