Summary: NordVPN is the best VPN in 2026, with 9.200 servers spread across 129 countries, the lightning-fast NordLynx protocol and a no-log policy audited by Deloitte in February 2026 to protect your anonymity. It offers the best value for money on the market and a 30-day trial. Our readers can claim an exclusive discount with the code PRESSECITRON.
Which VPN is the best on the market? Below, you’ll find our comparison of the leading VPN providers, updated in July 2026 with the latest information and new features from each vendor. You’ll see which services come out on top for protecting your privacy, unblocking geo-restricted content and browsing the web anonymously.
Our team tested more than twenty VPNs to build a strict shortlist of reputable names, selected for their protection capabilities, speeds, features (Kill Switch, Tor, Streaming), server networks, user experience and pricing.
Ranking of the best VPNs of 2026
- NordVPN: the best value-for-money VPN
- Proton VPN: the only major VPN with open-source code
- ExpressVPN: the fastest and longest-established
- CyberGhost: the streaming-focused VPN
- Surfshark: the cheapest on the market
These five VPNs were all tested by our cybersecurity specialists, with very convincing results: each one handled the most common use cases well (except Proton’s free version, which remains more limited than the paid plan).
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To go beyond the shortlist, we’ll break down each of these VPNs in 2026, including the latest features released in July this year. We also reviewed a wide range of other contenders: outside the premium providers listed in this guide, many alternatives are often limited-and sometimes even questionable.
| VPN | Servers | Countries | Price/month | Connections | Free trial | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 9.200 | 129 | 3,37 €* | 10 | 30 days | 9,8/10 |
| Proton VPN | 20.332 | 148 | 2,99 € | 10 | 30 days | 9,5/10 |
| ExpressVPN | 3.000 | 105 | 2,29 € | 10-14 | 30 days | 9,4/10 |
| CyberGhost | 12.000 | 100 | 1,59 € | 7 | 45 days | 9,2/10 |
| Surfshark | 4.500 | 100 | 1,99 € | Unlimited | 30 days | 9,1/10 |
* NordVPN price with the exclusive promo code *PRESSECITRON** over 28 months (24 months + 4 months free), a rate reserved for Presse-citron readers.*
1. NordVPN is the best VPN of 2026
Who hasn’t heard of NordVPN? Overall, it’s the top VPN in 2026-and it’s the provider shaping much of the market right now. With 15 million active customers and 100 million downloads on the Play Store, NordVPN is the world leader thanks to a service that’s dependable, fast, secure and easy to use. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a power user, it has everything you need.
It includes advanced security options (AES-256-bit encryption, no-log, Panama jurisdiction) for maximum anonymity and genuine privacy, helps you browse in regions where the internet is censored, and unlocks millions of films and series with a single click. And because it stores no information on its servers, even the company itself doesn’t know what you do online. You can read more in our NordVPN review.
Why choose NordVPN: the best value-for-money VPN
If NordVPN is widely seen as one of the best VPNs in the world, that’s largely because of its no-log approach, backed by regular voluntary audits carried out by independent firms. In other words, it doesn’t retain data on its servers and therefore can’t know what you do. Even if a government asked it to track suspicious activity, it would have nothing to hand over. The most recent Deloitte audit dates from February 2026 and marks the sixth consecutive confirmation that no data is retained.
More broadly, NordVPN aims for top-tier cybersecurity. If your priorities are maximum confidentiality and getting around web censorship, it’s an easy recommendation. Between Double VPN servers that route traffic through two separate servers, obfuscated servers that conceal VPN usage, and Onion Over VPN for accessing the Tor network, it offers the tools needed to keep you protected. This best VPN also includes dark web monitoring that alerts you if one of your accounts is compromised.
In March 2026, NordVPN expanded its offering with an anti-spam phone filter built into the Android mobile app, then rolled it out to iOS in early June 2026. It blocks unwanted calls and SMS, message-based phishing attempts, and numbers identified as fraudulent-without requiring third-party apps. NordVPN also provides an application-level Kill Switch, a rare level of control in this market: instead of cutting your whole internet connection, you pick which specific apps are blocked if the VPN drops. Since early May 2026, its Chrome extension has also included an AI voice detector developed with NordLabs, analysing the audio in the active tab in real time to tell a human voice from a synthetic one, with processing done 100% locally on the device.
In late May 2026, the best VPN pushed even further by integrating a next-generation antivirus directly into the app, available on Mac and PC depending on the plan you choose (so it goes well beyond VPN functionality). Unlike traditional antivirus tools that only act once a malicious file is already on your machine, this module aims to intercept threats earlier: spotting fake shopping sites, blocking phishing links using machine learning, proactively scanning downloaded files, filtering trackers and flagging scam calls. NordVPN now positions itself as an all-in-one digital security solution rather than just an encrypted tunnel. In June 2026, its identity theft protection offer-previously called NordProtect-was renamed Coveron.
Its server network is another clear strength: NordVPN runs 9.200 servers in 129 countries, giving you a wide range of locations to connect through and mask your real IP address. With one click, you can appear to be in the United States, Japan or the United Kingdom. We also like the refreshed iOS and Android interface released in March 2026, which lets you pick a location from an animated, interactive world map (see screenshots below).
NordVPN is also a strong choice for unblocking geo-restricted content such as foreign TV channels or streaming catalogues like Netflix. Fast connections and consistent stability help avoid loading delays when watching HD video.
On both mobile and desktop, NordVPN is straightforward and suits all audiences. Presse-citron readers can use the exclusive code PRESSECITRON to get the Basic plan for just 3,37 €/month over 28 months (24 months + 4 months free), a rate reserved for Presse-citron readers.
NordVPN’s limitations: is it really the best VPN?
Even though it tops our ranking, NordVPN still has room to improve. It solved earlier slowdowns with its in-house NordLynx protocol, delivering speeds very close to your normal internet connection. Once enabled in the background, you can largely forget it’s there. That said, there’s still potential to improve on very long-distance routes (New Zealand, Australia, United States), even if we were impressed in May 2026 by excellent France–Australia connections (less than 15% speed loss).
Its other weakness is that it can be blocked in some heavily censored countries. China is a key example, where it sometimes struggles to bypass the Great Firewall, even though it does succeed regularly. That’s a challenge faced by every VPN, and only a few handle Chinese censorship perfectly. By contrast, in Turkey or the United Arab Emirates, you can use NordVPN with confidence.
| Features | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| No-log policy | Yes (audited by Deloitte, Feb 2026) |
| Kill Switch | Yes (including application-level Kill Switch) |
| Split Tunnelling | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256 bits |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial period | 30 days |
2. Proton, the only major open-source VPN
Proton takes second place in our view, and it has a differentiator its competitors can’t claim: its source code is fully open source. Every app, on every platform, can be reviewed line by line by any security researcher. Where other vendors ask you to trust them, Proton VPN invites the wider community to verify.
That transparency comes with a huge infrastructure: Proton now lists 20.332 servers across 148 countries and 191 locations, making it the broadest geographic coverage on the market. In early April 2026, it even overtook NordVPN for the number of countries covered, thanks to new locations such as Papua New Guinea, Kyrgyzstan, Nicaragua, Lebanon, Gabon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It’s also worth noting that Proton VPN cut prices significantly at the start of 2026: the VPN Plus plan now costs 2,99 €/month over two years, putting it among the best value-for-money options.
Why choose Proton VPN?
This provider is based in Geneva and prioritises quality while pushing full transparency. Among the services in this guide, it’s also the one most actively working to influence laws worldwide in defence of online privacy. It stores no logs on its servers, and its no-logging policy is audited by two independent firms: Mozilla and Securitum. Swiss jurisdiction-outside the 5, 9 and 14 Eyes alliances-adds to the picture, but it isn’t the main selling point; the open-source code is what really sets it apart.
Proton also stands out by offering Tor over VPN servers, just like NordVPN. In fact, they are the only two leading VPNs to include this feature natively, with servers labelled “TOR” in the interface and access to .onion sites from any browser, with no extra set-up. The Secure Core option routes your traffic through two different servers located in highly secured data centres in Switzerland, Iceland and Sweden. Proton VPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections on one subscription and includes a particularly effective NetShield ad blocker.
In April 2026, Proton also introduced Proton Meet, an end-to-end encrypted video conferencing service positioned as an alternative to Zoom, as well as Proton Workspace, a full productivity suite aimed at competing with Google Workspace. Proton therefore goes well beyond VPNs alone, offering privacy-focused tools across the web’s essentials.
The ecosystem expanded again in late June 2026 with Lumo 2.0, a major update to Proton’s confidential AI assistant. This release adds an advanced reasoning engine (+240% performance on complex tasks), multimodal image understanding, real-time web search, and user memory that carries context from one conversation to the next. Lumo remains built on open-source models, hosted on European infrastructure, and sold as a standalone product-so it is not included with VPN subscriptions.
If Proton VPN ranks second rather than first in our best VPNs of 2026, it’s because it still falls short in two objective areas. The first is customer support: while most providers in our comparison offer 24/7 live chat, Proton VPN does not. With Proton, only email support is available, and replies can sometimes take more than 12 hours, which is frustrating if you need urgent help.
The second is pricing: while prices were reduced at the start of 2026, some plans such as Proton Unlimited still sit in the upper middle of the market versus direct competitors. Lastly, the free version-useful for trying the service-limits you to a single device and a random selection of ten countries, with no P2P and no maximum speeds.
| Feature | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| No-log policy | Yes (Mozilla + Securitum, open-source code) |
| Kill Switch | Yes |
| Split Tunnelling | Yes (Windows and Android) |
| Encryption | AES-256 bits |
| 24/7 support | No (email only) |
| Trial period | Yes (free plan) |
3. ExpressVPN excels for speed and security
For its speed, security standards, support and feature set, ExpressVPN fully deserves a podium position in this VPN comparison. Launched in 2009, it remains one of the industry’s pioneers and has long been NordVPN’s direct rival. It’s often described as the fastest VPN in the world-and that reputation is largely deserved. Across the cybersecurity tools our team tested, it clearly stands out here alongside its long-time competitor. You can find more detail in our ExpressVPN review.
With 50 million downloads on the Play Store, this provider offers security software that is understated, effective and well protected. Whether you’re on desktop (macOS, Windows), mobile (iOS, Android), Smart TV or a streaming box, everything is designed to stay easy to use. It even provides a VPN extension for all major web browsers. In early 2026, ExpressVPN rolled out a complete redesign of its app, and the outcome is genuinely strong: it’s among the best VPN apps for user experience (see screenshots below).
Why choose ExpressVPN: a top VPN for speed
ExpressVPN’s main claim is speed. Many VPN providers promise “the best speed”, but real-world results often disappoint. Our VPN verdict is clear: ExpressVPN delivers fast broadband-like performance consistently. Its Lightway in-house protocol, paired with AES-256-bit encryption, produces excellent throughput. Another major advantage is exceptionally stable connections, even when using geographically distant servers.
Security is another standout strength. To demonstrate credibility, ExpressVPN had its no-log policy and TrustedServer technology audited by KPMG, with the latest report dating to February 2025 and finding no issues. It’s also worth highlighting the absence of any complaints against the company over the last 15 years. It further includes a tool that blocks adverts and trackers directly within the app.
ExpressVPN also launched ExpressAI in late March 2026, a private AI platform built directly into the application. It is the first mainstream VPN to integrate AI into its app: it includes a confidential AI chatbot with 500 credits/day, multiple accessible models including DeepSeek and ChatGPT, and conversations encrypted inside secure enclaves with zero access to browsing data. This feature is exclusive to the Pro plan (the most expensive tier) and marks a significant development for the sector.
The provider also broadened its bundle with ExpressKeys, an integrated password manager, and ExpressMailGuard, which generates unlimited email aliases to avoid exposing your real address. Both tools are available from the Advanced plan upwards, as well as on the Pro plan. Finally, ExpressVPN became an official FIFA partner for the 2026 World Cup-an indication of how widely recognised the brand has become.
Where NordVPN covers 10 devices at once, ExpressVPN has updated its offering in this area: depending on the plan, you can protect between 10 and 14 devices simultaneously. If you need to secure even more connected gadgets, ExpressVPN has developed a router-compatible VPN app that covers the entire household with a single installation.
The list of strengths remains long, but we also want to highlight Split Tunnelling. Available on Windows, it lets some traffic go through the VPN tunnel while other traffic goes outside it. It’s handy if, for example, you’re watching a TV channel while downloading files via P2P, or if you want certain apps to keep using your real IP.
ExpressVPN drawbacks: VPN pricing and missing features
No provider is perfect, and even though ExpressVPN is excellent, it has a few minor weaknesses. Its VPN pricing used to be three to four times higher than its main rival. Fortunately, at the start of 2026 it revised its prices, with deals from 2,29 €/month over 28 months. You also get a 30-day trial to test the service fully.
The other commonly cited drawback is the lack of a Multi-hop (or Double VPN) feature. That said, we don’t see this as a major issue, because ExpressVPN runs no-log servers and a single server is enough to break the trail. As with NordVPN, the benefits far outweigh the negatives.
| Features | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| No-log policy | Yes (audited by KPMG, Feb 2025) |
| Kill Switch | Yes |
| Split Tunnelling | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256 bits |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial period | 30 days |
4. CyberGhost: the best value-for-money
CyberGhost has returned to strong form in recent years and fully deserves its place among the best VPNs in this comparison. The Romanian provider has upgraded its service significantly and now sits in the top tier, with security standards and features that stand up well against the competition. Crucially, its VPN pricing remains around 30% lower than its direct rivals, putting it among the most attractive prices in the premium segment.
Like the best VPN listed above, CyberGhost offers a multi-platform app that’s available in multiple languages and is easy to use day to day. The interface is simple but comprehensive, and it shows certain details that rivals don’t: for example, each server’s load level is visible directly in the list, which isn’t the case with NordVPN or ExpressVPN. You also get servers optimised specifically for streaming, P2P and gaming.
In any serious VPN comparison, CyberGhost also stands out as a broader cybersecurity package: ad blocking, anti-malware filtering and anti-tracking. Across the leaders in this guide, all are based in favourable jurisdictions that support strong user privacy.
Why choose CyberGhost in our VPN comparison
Let’s run through the strengths that justify CyberGhost’s position in our VPN comparison. You can also read our CyberGhost review for a feature-by-feature breakdown.
It’s worth repeating: its value for money remains hard to beat, with a subscription at 1,59 €/month over 26 months. While it isn’t as fast as ExpressVPN, and doesn’t match NordVPN across every use case, it delivers an excellent balance of performance and cost. Its Deloitte auditing approach is also unusual in this sector: CyberGhost has published quarterly transparency reports since 2011, making it the clear pioneer of transparency among VPNs-no competitor maintains that publication cadence.
CyberGhost also ranks highly thanks to its server network: it offers access to more than 12.000 servers in 100 countries and 126 locations. That includes popular destinations (France, Belgium, United States, Canada, Japan) as well as options that can be harder to find in this industry (Andorra, Russia, etc.).
Finally, if you want a dedicated IP address, CyberGhost makes that available as an add-on. On a two-year commitment, the option costs 2,50 €/month, which remains very competitive for this kind of service.
CyberGhost drawbacks: still a dependable VPN
Top VPNs aren’t flawless, and CyberGhost is no exception. The service doesn’t work everywhere: notably in China and Turkey. You may also encounter occasional stability hiccups, with sporadic disconnects-but the Kill Switch steps in immediately and blocks your internet traffic to prevent exposure of your real IP address.
CyberGhost also doesn’t provide VPN extensions for every browser: only Google Chrome has a dedicated extension. However, since most VPN extensions are simply remotes for the main application, running the VPN in the background is enough to protect all your browsing.
| Feature | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| No-log policy | Yes (Deloitte quarterly since 2011) |
| Kill Switch | Yes |
| Split Tunnelling | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256 bits |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial period | 45 days |
5. Surfshark is ideal for tighter budgets
Founded in 2018, Surfshark celebrated its 8th anniversary in April 2026 and has posted some of the fastest growth in the VPN space in recent years. It’s no surprise that Nord Security-the group behind NordVPN-chose to merge with it in 2022. Today, both brands operate independently and share nothing beyond a certain pool of technical know-how. Surfshark has borrowed from the best to build a VPN package that suits the widest audience. At almost the same price as CyberGhost, it delivers performance that embarrasses more than one competitor. And above all, you can install it on a truly unlimited number of devices.
If you want a best VPN that stays affordable, is simple to use and remains well secured, Surfshark is a strong pick. With VPN pricing from 1,99 €/month over 27 months (24 months + 3 months free), it fits smaller budgets without sacrificing security or online anonymity. You can read our Surfshark review for more.
Why choose Surfshark: unlimited VPN connections
Security is obviously the core criterion when picking a VPN, but Surfshark is genuinely impressive on price. Starting at 1,99 €/month, it hits the sweet spot between protection and cost. Most importantly, its key advantage is the truly unlimited number of simultaneous connections it allows (versus 7 to 14 devices with competitors), making it the best fit for large families or homes packed with connected devices.
Even at 8 years old, Surfshark has carefully studied its rivals in order to stand out. Beyond the basics (AES-256-bit encryption, IP masking), it provides Multi-Hop servers and a Camouflage mode that hides VPN usage from your ISP.
Surfshark supports WireGuard, IKEv2 and OpenVPN-three modern standards known for performance and reliability. In April 2026, it also introduced Dausos, its first proprietary VPN protocol, available in Beta within the macOS app (downloadable from the App Store). Designed specifically for consumer users (whereas WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2 were adapted from professional contexts), Dausos assigns each user a dedicated tunnel and uses AEGIS-256X2 encryption, which is resistant to post-quantum threats while delivering up to 30% higher throughput than standard protocols. Its technical implementation was independently audited by Cure53.
The company is headquartered in the Netherlands (a member of the 9-Eyes alliance), which is less favourable than Panama, the British Virgin Islands or Switzerland. Surfshark offsets this with a no-log policy certified by Deloitte in 2023 and 2025, and 100% RAM-only servers. It also includes a free static IP in its base subscription-an outright market exclusive among premium VPNs, as competitors typically charge extra for this.
Surfshark drawbacks
Despite sharp pricing and a feature-rich package, Surfshark sits slightly behind the four providers above it in this ranking. Its connection speeds, a little less consistent, can slow browsing at certain times of day and depending on the servers you pick. Even so, it generally remains fast enough to browse normally and stream HD videos without noticeable slowdown on most servers.
In the shorter term, you can rely on the 30-day no-commitment trial to validate your choice before signing up long term.
| Feature | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| No-logging policy | Yes (Deloitte 2023 and 2025) |
| Kill Switch | Yes |
| Split Tunnelling | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256 bits |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial period | 30 days |
VPN: what is it for?
For non-English speakers, VPN is short for “Virtual Private Network”. A good VPN runs in the background on your device (computer, smartphone, TV) and creates a secure virtual tunnel between your device and the internet. Your traffic is routed through a third-party server that makes you anonymous: your ISP will only see the connection to that server, and nothing beyond it. Reputable VPN providers do not store any information (no-log) about the traffic passing through their servers.
Whether you’re on a computer or a smartphone, a VPN app lets you unlock part of the internet that would otherwise be out of reach, with a single click-anywhere in the world, at any time.
The goal of this secure connection is to keep your browsing data and activity away from malicious actors and from your ISP. It does so by encrypting traffic end to end using a VPN protocol (OpenVPN, WireGuard, NordLynx, Lightway…) with an AES-256-bit encryption key. Some providers such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN have developed their own in-house protocols, optimised to be faster and more efficient than the industry standards.
Connecting to a VPN server hides your real IP address and replaces it with an IP address owned by the server you’re using. Your real IP becomes effectively invisible to the wider web, making external identification attempts practically impossible.
Choosing the right VPN for your needs with our comparison
Below are several common use cases that may steer you towards one VPN or another from our selection.
Protecting your data with a good VPN
Data security is one of the main reasons people use VPNs. As explained in the VPN definition above, the software encrypts your data without requiring any technical skills. For privacy protection, we recommend NordVPN, as well as Proton VPN or ExpressVPN, all of which provide a very high level of security backed by recognised independent audits. Proton VPN goes even further, with source code that anyone can inspect.
VPNs to avoid censorship and access streaming
If you’re asking which VPN to pick to bypass geographic censorship or to access Netflix US, foreign Disney+ catalogues or TV channels unavailable in France, the best choice is a provider that works reliably worldwide. ExpressVPN stands out clearly here: it remains usable in the vast majority of countries, including China, Turkey and Russia. NordVPN performs at nearly the same level on this point. For more detail, see our comparison of the best VPNs for Netflix.
VPN for online gaming
If you’re a gamer, VPNs can help in practical ways: they can unlock games that aren’t available in your country and reduce ping on certain servers. Choosing a VPN for gaming isn’t straightforward, but the best option we recommend for this use case remains NordVPN, thanks to its balance of speed, security, broad server choice and accessible pricing.
Hiding your IP address: which VPN should you choose?
Some people want to change their IP address to browse anonymously or to simulate being in another country. We’d point you towards Proton VPN (20.332 servers across 148 countries), CyberGhost (12.000 servers in 100 countries) and NordVPN (9.200 servers in 129 countries). Hiding your IP is the fundamental purpose of any VPN, so you can confidently choose any provider in this guide.
Downloading a VPN for P2P: which one should you choose?
Torrent downloads in France are regulated. It is forbidden to download and share torrent files via P2P if you do not hold the relevant intellectual property rights. Picking a VPN for downloading depends on factors such as speed, Kill Switch, unlimited transfer, no-log policies and native P2P support. The best VPN for P2P remains NordVPN. CyberGhost, with its P2P-dedicated servers, can also work very well. ExpressVPN has likewise always performed impeccably on this specific point.
Unblocking blocked sites with a top VPN
At work, in a hotel, at a station, at university, in an airport-there are many places where you may hit website blocks imposed by a network administrator. NordVPN, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost VPN and Surfshark all address this need effectively. You simply need a VPN that encrypts your data to prevent your ISP or the network administrator from seeing which site you want to access.
FAQ
How do I install and use a VPN?
On a computer, you’ll need to download the app and follow the tutorial, which takes less than 60 seconds. On a smartphone or tablet, go to the App Store or the Google Play Store to download and install the application.
The best VPN providers, such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN, offer apps for Smart TVs, Apple TV, PlayStation, Xbox and Linux, as well as extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
How many devices are protected with one plan?
The number of devices you can protect at the same time with a VPN subscription varies by provider. In our VPN comparison, all publishers offer at least 7 simultaneous connections.
That means you can protect your computer, tablet and smartphone at the same time, and even share access with family members or friends.
How do I choose a VPN protocol?
There are several VPN protocols, such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, IPSEC or IKEv2. Some providers such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Proton have created their own protocol to be faster and lighter.
A top VPN will select the protocol automatically. That way, you don’t need to worry about it and can let the software choose for you.
Are all VPNs the same?
VPNs are legal in France and in the vast majority of countries worldwide. Only some heavily censored countries such as Turkey or China ban these tools for their populations.
Are there free VPNs?
Yes, but they will never be the best. Providing a high-quality VPN costs money to fund server infrastructure and technical teams.
As a result, free plans are not recommended if you want to avoid unpleasant surprises. Remember: when it’s free, you are the product. In many cases, the few free VPN providers that are genuinely good also offer paid plans to fund operations.
Am I safe with a VPN?
Yes-provided you choose the right one. Millions of people rely on VPNs for everyday internet use, and leading providers such as NordVPN have never faced a single complaint.
You should still make sure your Kill Switch is enabled and that the VPN provider you’ve selected is reputable.
NordVPN
Price: 2.99€
9.4
Overall rating
9.4/10
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