Quick answer
- Best value: Surfshark, from $2.49/mo on a 2-year plan, with unlimited devices and an audited no-logs policy.
- Best all-rounder: NordVPN, from $3.49/mo on a 2-year plan, covering 10 devices at once.
- Best free VPN: Proton VPN, whose free plan has no data limits and no ads, and whose apps are open source and independently audited.
- All four paid options have a 30-day money-back guarantee, and long plans renew at a higher price, so check the renewal rate.
A VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address from the websites you visit. That’s useful on public Wi-Fi, for privacy from your internet provider, and when you travel.
We compared four of the best-known VPN services using the prices, device limits and privacy claims on their official websites, checked on November 7, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, and taxes may apply where you live.
Best VPN services compared
| VPN | Starting price | Billed | Devices | Money-back |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | $2.49/mo | $67.23 for the first 27 months | Unlimited | 30 days |
| NordVPN | $3.49/mo | $94.23 for the first 27 months | 10 | 30 days |
| ExpressVPN | $2.99/mo | $83.72 for the first 28 months | 10 | 30 days (new users) |
| Proton VPN | Free, or $3.49/mo | $83.76 for the first 24 months (VPN Plus) | 1 free / 10 Plus | 30 days |
1. Surfshark
Surfshark’s biggest strength is value: every plan allows unlimited devices, and its Starter plan costs $2.49/mo on a 2-year plan with 3 extra months ($67.23 for the first 27 months). Its site highlights an audited no-logs policy. Higher plans, One and One+, add extra security tools.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN’s Basic plan costs $3.49/mo on a 2-year plan with 3 extra months ($94.23 for the first 27 months), then renews at $139.08 a year. It covers 10 devices at once. The Complete and Complete Max plans add extras such as antivirus, a password manager and cloud storage. Monthly billing costs $14.69 for Basic.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN’s Basic plan costs $2.99/mo on a 2-year plan with 4 extra months ($83.72 for the first 28 months), then renews at $99.95 a year. Basic covers 10 devices, Advanced 12 and Express Pro 14. It uses its own Lightway protocol and advertises post-quantum protection.
4. Proton VPN
Proton VPN is the best free option. Its free plan covers 1 device, has no data limits and no ads, and connects to servers in 10 countries. Proton says its apps are open source and independently audited. VPN Plus costs $3.49/mo on a 2-year plan ($83.76 for the first 24 months) and covers 10 devices.
What to look for in a VPN
- A no-logs policy that’s been audited by an independent firm.
- Enough devices for your phone, laptop and family.
- Fast, reliable servers in the countries you need.
- A kill switch that blocks traffic if the VPN drops.
- The renewal price, not just the first-term deal.
- A money-back guarantee so you can test it.
What a VPN can and can’t do
A VPN protects your connection, but it doesn’t make you anonymous or stop websites tracking you after you log in. It won’t protect you from phishing or malware on its own. Some streaming services block VPNs, and using a VPN may be restricted in some countries, so check local laws. See our guide on using a VPN with Netflix.
Best VPN FAQs
Surfshark offers the best value with unlimited devices, NordVPN is a strong all-rounder, and Proton VPN has the best free plan.
Yes. Proton VPN’s free plan has no data limits and no ads, though it only covers 1 device and servers in 10 countries.
Surfshark allows unlimited devices. NordVPN covers 10, ExpressVPN 10 to 14 depending on the plan, and Proton VPN Plus 10.
Yes. Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Proton VPN all offer 30 days.
Usually. For example, NordVPN Basic renews at $139.08 a year and ExpressVPN Basic at $99.95 a year.
In most countries, yes, but some restrict or ban VPNs. Check your local laws.
Prices and features from Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Proton VPN’s official websites, checked on November 7, 2026.
