Best VPNs
The best VPN for you depends on whether you care most about speed, device coverage, price, travel, or streaming. This comparison keeps the decision practical.
Updated: 26 April 2026. Prices and features change often, so always confirm current terms on the provider website before buying.
Best all-round pick
NordVPN
A strong default for hiding your IP, protecting public WiFi, and keeping everyday speeds practical.
Read NordVPN reviewBest for many devices
Surfshark
Useful if you want one subscription across a lot of phones, laptops, tablets, or family devices.
Read Surfshark reviewComparison only while our Surfshark affiliate application is pending.
Premium comparison
ExpressVPN
A polished option for people who value simple apps, broad device support, and a premium experience.
Read ExpressVPN reviewComparison only. We do not currently have an active ExpressVPN affiliate campaign.
| VPN | Rating | Price | Servers | No-Logs | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 4.8/5 | From $3.09/mo | 6,000+ | Audited | Strong all-round VPN for privacy, speed, travel, and streaming, with a mature app ecosystem. | Visit |
| ExpressVPN | 4.7/5 | From $6.67/mo | 3,000+ | Audited | Premium VPN with broad device support, easy apps, and strong privacy credentials. | Read review |
| Surfshark | 4.5/5 | From $2.49/mo | 3,200+ | Audited | Value-led VPN with unlimited devices, useful privacy features, and competitive long-term pricing. | Read review |
What matters most?
- IP protection: websites should see the VPN server IP, not your home ISP address.
- Leak protection: DNS and WebRTC checks should not reveal your real connection.
- Practical apps: the VPN should be easy to use on your normal devices.
- Clear pricing: check renewal cost, refund window, and plan length before buying.
Test after you install
A VPN is only useful if it changes what websites and network checks can see. Run these checks after connecting.
How we compare VPNs
Our comparison focuses on the things that matter for people using this site: whether the VPN hides your public IP address reliably, whether it has a clear privacy position, whether it is practical for everyday devices, and whether the value is easy to understand. We do not treat any VPN as perfect. Every provider has trade-offs around price, server availability, support, speed, and renewal terms.
For a beginner, the most useful question is not “which VPN has the most features?” It is “which VPN solves my problem with the least confusion?” If you mainly want to stop websites seeing your home ISP address, choose a mainstream paid VPN with audited logging claims and apps for your devices. If you mainly want anonymity for sensitive research, you may need a different tool such as Tor Browser.
See our VPN review methodology for more detail on how we think about privacy, speed, ease of use, pricing, and affiliate relationships.
How to choose a VPN
Start with your main use case. Travellers may prioritise stable apps and broad country coverage, while privacy-focused users should look for independent audits, strong protocols, and transparent logging policies.
Pricing caveat
VPN prices often use introductory offers. A low monthly figure may require a long subscription, and renewal pricing can be higher. Before you buy, check the renewal date, refund period, supported devices, and whether the plan includes the features you expect.
What a VPN will not fix
A VPN hides your public IP address from websites, but it does not remove tracking cookies, stop account-based tracking, or make unsafe downloads safe.
Useful next checks
After installing a VPN, check your visible IP address, use the VPN working checker, run a DNS leak test, and read how to check if your VPN is working.
VPN comparison FAQ
Which VPN is best for hiding my IP address?
For most beginners, a mainstream paid VPN with audited privacy claims, fast apps, and clear refund terms is the safest starting point. NordVPN is our current top all-round pick on this page.
Do I need a VPN if I only want to check my IP address?
No. You can check your IP address without a VPN. A VPN becomes useful if you want websites to see the VPN server address instead of the IP address assigned by your internet provider.
Can a VPN stop every type of tracking?
No. A VPN can hide your public IP from websites, but it does not remove cookies, stop account-based tracking, or make your browser fingerprint unique.
What should I test after installing a VPN?
Check that your visible IP changes, then run DNS leak, WebRTC leak, browser fingerprint, and user-agent checks so you understand what your browser still reveals.