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VPN and network security

33 tools evaluated · 10 top picks · Updated September 2026

Key Takeaways
  • Proton VPN is our overall pick for VPN in 2026. Brave is our free pick.
  • We analyzed 33 VPN tools to create this ranking.
  • 6 tools offer free plans, 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.

7 Top VPN Tools Compared

Starting price, average user rating, and our pick for each category.

ToolOur takeStarting priceRating
Proton VPN logo
Proton VPN
Best overall$4.99/mo4.6
Proton logo
Proton
Highest ratedFree + paid4.8
NordVPN logo
NordVPN
Solid pick$3.39/mo4.0
Bitdefender logo
Bitdefender
Solid pick$2.5/mo4.2
Dashlane logo
Dashlane
Solid pick$11/mo4.2
ExpressVPN logo
ExpressVPN
Community favorite$3.49/mo4.6
MEGA logo
MEGA
Solid pick$4.99/mo4.4

How the Top VPN Tools Compare

The VPN category is highly competitive in 2026, with Proton VPN and Proton both ranking among the top choices on Toolradar's assessment, followed closely by NordVPN. The tight competition reflects how mature this market has become.

Pricing varies significantly among the top picks: Proton VPN (freemium (free tier available)), Proton (freemium (free tier available)) offer free access, while NordVPN and Bitdefender require a paid subscription. Teams on a budget should start with Proton VPN, which delivers strong value despite its free tier.

Computed from live tool ratings, review counts, and editorial scores.Editorial policy

Top VPN tools

01
Proton VPN logo

Swiss privacy protection with unlimited bandwidth

Freemium4.6/541,014 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

Proton VPN is the strongest privacy-first VPN on the market, and the 2-year plan at $2.99/month makes it one of the cheapest premium options too.

Watch out

The $2.99/month and $3.99/month prices require paying the full 2-year ($71.76) or 1-year ($47.88) amount upfront. If you cancel mid-term, you forfeit the remaining balance after the 30-day refund window.

02
Proton logo

End-to-end encrypted suite for total digital privacy

Freemium4.8/531,996 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

Listed $0.00/month prices are likely temporary

03
NordVPN logo

Online VPN service for privacy

Paid4.0/518,319 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

NordVPN is the most popular consumer VPN and its 2-year pricing is genuinely competitive, $3.39/month for Basic undercuts ExpressVPN ($6.67/mo) and matches Surfshark ($2.19/mo) while offering a larger server network (8,400+ servers vs Surfshark's 3,200+).

Watch out

The 2-year plan requires $81.36 (Basic) to $177.36 (Prime) paid upfront. The 30-day money-back guarantee is your only exit, after day 30, you are locked in for 24 months with no partial refunds.

04
Bitdefender logo

Antivirus and cybersecurity for consumers and business

Paid4.2/512,525 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

Freemium4.2/56,755 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

Paid4.6/5291 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

Freemium4.4/51,132 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

Freemium4.3/5574 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

Free4.3/51,033 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

Paid4.3/5923 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.

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: verified user ratings aggregated from G2, Capterra, and our own community, the volume and recency of media coverage, and hands-on editorial review for the tools we cover in depth. Pricing is re-checked and the ranking refreshed monthly. We do not sell placement in this list.

Tools reviewed
33
With free tier
64%
Last updated
September 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 pick. The next tools on the list are Proton, NordVPN, Bitdefender. Rankings use G2/Capterra review strength, media mentions, and editor-featured picks — the same verdict as /best/free/vpn and our comparison pages.

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. Our named overall pick is Proton VPN.

Are there free VPN tools?

Yes. Brave is our free pick (100% free, no paid upgrade path). 6 of the tools on this page offer a free or freemium 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 pick. Brave is our free pick. Compare all 33 options side-by-side on Toolradar.
VPN statisticscatalog size, ratings and pricing data, updated monthly

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