Most people don’t pick the wrong VPN because it’s a bad product. They pick one that doesn’t fit what they actually do: stream from abroad, protect a phone on café Wi-Fi, or keep a household of laptops, TVs and tablets covered.
This guide compares five VPNs we think are worth shortlisting in 2026: NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN and PrivadoVPN. We looked at what each provider documents about privacy and security, what independent audits and reviewers have published, what the plans really cost once the introductory discount ends, and where each one falls short.
We are upfront about method: this is a research-based editorial comparison, not a lab test. We don’t publish speed numbers we haven’t measured, and we label anything that comes from a provider’s own documentation.
The short answer
- Best all-rounder: NordVPN, for the combination of audit history, feature depth and a 10-device limit that suits most households.
- Best for big households and tight budgets: Surfshark, because it doesn’t cap simultaneous connections.
- Best for privacy-first users and a safe free tier: Proton VPN, for its Swiss base, annual published audits and a free plan with no data cap.
- Best for simplicity: ExpressVPN, for a polished app and a long public audit record, at a higher price.
- Best for trying a VPN at no cost: PrivadoVPN Free, if 10 GB a month is enough for you.
Pricing and plan details change often. Always confirm the current price, renewal rate and refund window on the provider’s checkout page before you pay.
- Quick comparison
- How we evaluated VPNs
- The VPNs reviewed
- Full feature comparison
- Speed and performance
- Privacy and security
- Best VPN by use case
- Free vs. paid VPNs
- What a VPN really costs
- Setup and troubleshooting
- VPN vs. proxy, Tor and Smart DNS
- Are VPNs legal? (India focus)
- FAQs
- How we keep this guide accurate
Best VPN Services at a Glance
Here’s the shortlist, with the category each one fits best and the drawback you should know about before paying.
| VPN | Best for | Standout strength | Main drawback | Devices (paid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Best overall | Six no-logs audits since 2018, wide feature set | Renewal prices are much higher than first-term prices | 10 |
| Surfshark | Best value for households | Unlimited simultaneous connections | Renewal rise on long plans; Dutch jurisdiction | Unlimited |
| Proton VPN | Best for privacy | Annual no-logs audits, Swiss base, free plan with no data cap | Free plan is one device and server choice is automatic | 10 |
| ExpressVPN | Best for ease of use | Polished apps, long public audit record | Usually costs more than the others | 10 / 12 / 14 by tier |
| PrivadoVPN | Best free trial option | 10 GB of free data every 30 days | Smaller network; we found no published independent audit | 10 (free: 1) |
NordVPN
The safest default for most readers: strong audit trail, plenty of tools, and apps for nearly every platform.
Read the reviewSurfshark
If you share one subscription across a family, unlimited devices can be the deciding factor on its own.
Read the reviewProton VPN
A privacy-led company that publishes annual audits and offers a genuinely usable free tier.
Read the reviewExpressVPN
The pick for people who want to install, tap once and stop thinking about it.
Read the reviewPrivadoVPN
Useful for occasional use on public Wi-Fi when you don’t want to pay yet.
Read the reviewHow We Evaluated VPN Services
A VPN review is only as good as its evidence, so here is exactly what we did and did not do.
What it is not: a hands-on lab test. We have not run our own speed benchmarks, so you won’t find invented download numbers here. When we hand-test a provider, we will add the results with dates and mark them clearly.
What we checked for every provider
- Privacy evidence: the published no-logs policy, the auditor, the year of the audit, and what the audit scope actually covered.
- Company and jurisdiction: where the provider is based and who owns it, as stated in its own legal documents.
- Security features: protocols, kill switch, leak protection, multi-hop, RAM-only or disk-encrypted servers.
- Pricing honesty: first-term price, renewal price, refund window and what’s bundled in.
- Fit and limits: device caps, platform support, free-plan limits and known weaknesses.
- Conflicts of interest: whether we earn a commission, and whether that could bias the write-up.
Editorial weighting we use
These weights show what matters most to a typical buyer. They are our editorial choice, not an industry standard.
| Criterion | Weight | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Security and privacy | 25% | Audits, logging policy, jurisdiction, leak protection |
| Speed and reliability | 20% | Independent test findings, protocol quality, stability reports |
| Ease of use and compatibility | 15% | App quality, platform coverage, setup |
| Price and value | 15% | Renewal price, device limit, refund window |
| Features and server coverage | 10% | Locations, split tunneling, multi-hop, router support |
| Streaming and use cases | 10% | Documented compatibility and reviewer results |
| Support | 5% | Help-centre depth, live chat availability |
Because we haven’t run our own measurements, we show each provider’s standing as Strong Good Limited or Unclear rather than a precise score. “Unclear” means we couldn’t verify the claim.
The Best VPNs Reviewed
Each review follows the same structure so you can compare like with like: who it suits, the evidence behind it, what it costs and where it disappoints.
1. NordVPN
Privacy evidence: Strong Value: Good Ease of use: Good
Who it’s for: readers who want one dependable VPN with a deep feature set and a track record they can verify, and who will keep an eye on renewal pricing.
Privacy and security. Reporting from TechRadar says Deloitte completed a no-logs assessment at the close of 2025, covering NordVPN’s standard VPN, Double VPN, Onion over VPN and obfuscated servers, and describes it as the sixth no-logs audit since 2018. Separate coverage notes a Cure53 security audit of its systems during 2025 that found no critical flaws. That is a longer, more regular audit trail than most rivals. One caution that applies to every provider: audits test a defined scope at a point in time and are not a permanent guarantee.
Features. Expect the full toolkit: WireGuard-based NordLynx, OpenVPN, kill switch, split tunneling, multi-hop (Double VPN), Onion over VPN and obfuscated servers for restrictive networks. Panama has no data-retention requirement for VPN companies, which is part of why the company chose it.
Pricing. Long plans are advertised from roughly $3–$5 a month, but the first-term price is not the price you keep. One reviewer lists a 12-month renewal near $11.59 a month on the Basic plan, and NordVPN’s own terms say plans renew automatically at the applicable renewal rate, with a reminder email beforehand. NordVPN has also restructured its plans during 2026 (reporting says the Plus tier was discontinued), so check the live pricing page.
Pros
- Six published no-logs audits since 2018
- RAM-only servers and a broad feature set
- Multi-hop and obfuscation for tough networks
- Apps for all major platforms
Cons
- Renewal prices are far above intro pricing
- 10-device cap (Surfshark has none)
- Audit scope doesn’t cover every server or all metadata
Choose something else if: you need unlimited devices (Surfshark) or you want a free tier (Proton VPN).
Sources checked: TechRadar (NordVPN sixth audit), Tom’s Guide (pricing table), NordVPN support documentation. Verified October 2026.
2. Surfshark
Privacy evidence: Good Value: Strong Ease of use: Good
Who it’s for: families and shared households with many phones, laptops, tablets and TVs, and anyone who prioritises cost per device.
Privacy and security. Surfshark has published no-logs audits by Deloitte, with a 2023 report and a more recent one in 2025 according to a 2026 provider-audit roundup. It runs RAM-only servers. The Netherlands is a member of the wider intelligence-sharing arrangements often called “9 Eyes”, which some privacy-focused readers weigh as a concern; there’s no evidence in the sources we reviewed that this has produced a logging failure, but it’s a point worth knowing. Surfshark is part of the same parent group as NordVPN (Nord Security) since a 2022 merger, so the two companies share some infrastructure and corporate ownership.
Pricing. The pitch is low monthly-equivalent pricing on two-year plans, with a considerable jump at renewal. A price-tracking site estimates renewal increases of 50–80% over the initial subscription cost, and monthly billing is several times more expensive than long-term plans. Treat those as indicative and verify at checkout.
Pros
- No limit on simultaneous connections
- Low long-term monthly equivalent
- RAM-only servers and repeat audits
Cons
- Renewal price jump on multi-year plans
- Shares a parent company with NordVPN
- Fewer audit rounds than NordVPN or ExpressVPN
Choose something else if: you want the longest audit history (NordVPN, ExpressVPN) or a free plan (Proton VPN).
Sources checked: provider-audit roundups, price-tracking comparison pages, Surfshark documentation. Verified October 2026.
3. Proton VPN
Privacy evidence: Strong Value: Good Free plan: Strong
Who it’s for: privacy-conscious readers, journalists and activists, and anyone who wants a free plan they can actually use.
Privacy and security. Proton says Securitum completed its fifth consecutive annual no-logs audit in 2026, with the full report linked from its announcement. According to CyberInsider, the review concluded the infrastructure doesn’t retain browsing activity, DNS queries or connection metadata. Unlike several rivals, Proton doesn’t describe its servers as RAM-only; one roundup notes it uses bare-metal servers with full-disk encryption and owns hardware for its Secure Core and much of its Swiss and German fleet. Secure Core routes traffic through hardened servers in privacy-friendly countries before exit, a multi-hop design aimed at higher-risk users.
The free plan. The free tier offers unlimited data with servers in about 10 countries and one device, with the connection chosen automatically from the available free locations. That makes it better suited to occasional protection than to streaming or choosing a specific country.
Pricing. Paid plans are competitive on long terms (roughly $3–$5 a month depending on term in the sources we reviewed), and one comparison site notes Proton lets you downgrade where NordVPN doesn’t. As ever, check renewal terms.
Pros
- Five consecutive annual no-logs audits
- Free plan with no data cap and no ads
- Secure Core multi-hop option
Cons
- Free tier is single-device and server choice is automatic
- Not RAM-only, so the “diskless” argument doesn’t apply
- Free tier isn’t suited to streaming
Choose something else if: you want the simplest possible app (ExpressVPN) or unlimited devices (Surfshark).
Sources checked: Proton’s 2026 audit announcement, CyberInsider, Gizmodo no-logs comparison, free-VPN roundups. Verified October 2026.
4. ExpressVPN
Privacy evidence: Strong Value: Limited Ease of use: Strong
Who it’s for: readers who want a polished, low-effort app and are comfortable paying more for it.
Privacy and security. ExpressVPN has the longest published audit list of the five. Its Trust Center is reported to list 23 audits, including a third KPMG no-logs audit in 2025 and Cure53 and Praetorian reviews of the Rust rewrite of its Lightway protocol in late 2024. Its servers run on its TrustedServer technology, which reboots to wipe data. Its British Virgin Islands base has no mandatory data-retention rules for VPN companies. Ownership matters here: ExpressVPN has been part of the Kape group since 2021, so if corporate parentage matters to you, check the current structure in its Trust Center.
Pricing and devices. ExpressVPN has moved to tiered plans (Basic, Advanced, Pro) with 10, 12 and 14 device limits respectively, and it prints the renewal price next to each plan at checkout. A price-tracking site puts its entry pricing in the same neighbourhood as NordVPN, with higher-tier plans costing considerably more.
Pros
- Very long public audit record
- Clean, simple apps
- Transparent renewal pricing at checkout
Cons
- Generally costs more than rivals
- Has removed physical servers from India
- Fewer advanced controls than some competitors
Choose something else if: price is your main concern (Surfshark, Proton VPN) or you want a free plan.
Sources checked: ExpressVPN Trust Center coverage, price-tracking comparisons, ShopBack US pricing guide (October 2026). Verified October 2026.
5. PrivadoVPN
Privacy evidence: Unclear Free plan: Good Value: Good
Who it’s for: people trying a VPN for the first time, occasional travellers, and anyone who wants some protection on public Wi-Fi without paying.
The free plan. Multiple 2026 roundups report 10 GB of data every 30 days, no time limit and one device. Free users get a limited selection of locations (reported figures range from roughly 10 to 13). A Tom’s Guide review of the free plan noted that streaming and P2P aren’t restricted, but that once the 10 GB is gone, it’s gone. The same review found that not all free servers were physically in the countries they claimed.
What we couldn’t verify. In the sources we reviewed, we did not find a published independent no-logs audit for PrivadoVPN. That doesn’t mean it logs, but it means its claims rest on policy rather than outside verification. If audited privacy is your priority, Proton VPN’s free tier is the better evidence-backed choice.
Pricing. Paid plans were reported from about $1.11 a month on a two-year term in a September 2026 pricing check, rising on shorter terms, with 10 simultaneous connections on paid plans.
Pros
- 10 GB free data each month
- Swiss base and low paid-plan pricing
- Doesn’t restrict streaming or P2P on the free tier
Cons
- No published independent audit found
- Smaller network than the big four
- Free plan: one device and limited locations
Choose something else if: you need verified privacy claims (Proton VPN, NordVPN) or heavy streaming on the free tier.
Sources checked: Tom’s Guide free-plan review, 2026 free-VPN roundups, vendor-comparison pages. Verified October 2026.
VPN Features Compared
This table separates what each provider says from what is independently documented. “Documented” means we found it in the provider’s own materials; audit entries are the ones backed by a third-party report.
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN | ExpressVPN | PrivadoVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Panama | Netherlands | Switzerland | British Virgin Islands | Switzerland |
| Independent no-logs audit | Yes, 6 (latest Deloitte, late 2025) | Yes (Deloitte 2023, 2025) | Yes, 5 annual (Securitum, 2026) | Yes (KPMG 2025; 23 audits listed) | Not found |
| Server type | RAM-only | RAM-only | Full-disk encryption | RAM-only | Not confirmed |
| Simultaneous devices (paid) | 10 | Unlimited | 10 | 10 / 12 / 14 | 10 |
| Free plan | No | No | Yes, unlimited data, 1 device | No | Yes, 10 GB / 30 days |
| Multi-hop | Yes | Yes | Yes (Secure Core) | Check current apps | Check current apps |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Main protocols | NordLynx (WireGuard-based), OpenVPN | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway, WireGuard, OpenVPN | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Refund window | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days on eligible plans | 30 days | 30 days |
| Standout limitation | Renewal cost | Renewal cost, Dutch base | Not RAM-only | Price | No audit found |
“Check current apps” means we could not confirm the feature from the sources we reviewed. Refund windows are typical terms; confirm exclusions before paying.
Which VPNs Are Fastest?
We haven’t run our own speed tests, so we are not going to rank these five by speed. Every VPN slows your connection to some degree, and the result depends heavily on your own line, your distance from the server and the time of day. Any publisher who gives you a single “fastest VPN” number without showing the test conditions is giving you less than it appears.
What actually affects VPN speed
Protocol
WireGuard-based protocols usually carry less overhead than older OpenVPN configurations. Most providers on this list support WireGuard or a WireGuard-based variant.
Distance
The further the server, the higher the latency. A nearby server is the easy way to keep gaming and video calls smooth.
Server load
A crowded server in a popular city can run slower than a quieter one next door. Trying a second server often fixes a slow session.
Your device
Older routers and phones can bottleneck encryption. Running the VPN on a modern device or the router’s hardware helps.
Test your own speed loss
The most useful benchmark is your own. Run a speed test without the VPN, run it again while connected, then enter both numbers below. This uses the standard formula: speed loss = (baseline − VPN speed) ÷ baseline × 100.
How to run a fair test
- Test on the same device and network, ideally wired or close to the router.
- Run at least three tests without the VPN and three with it, then compare the averages.
- Test a nearby server first, then a far one, so you see both ends of the range.
- Switch protocol (WireGuard-based versus OpenVPN) if the app allows it.
- Use each provider’s refund window. Every provider on this page advertises a money-back guarantee, which gives you time to test on your own connection.
Which VPNs Offer the Strongest Privacy and Security?
If privacy is why you’re buying a VPN, five things matter more than any speed chart: the logging policy, independent verification, the server design, the company behind it and the app’s leak protection.
No-logs claims and audits
Almost every VPN says it keeps no logs. The meaningful difference is whether outside experts have checked, how recently, and how much they examined. In our research, Proton VPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark all have published independent audits. NordVPN lists six no-logs audits since 2018. Proton VPN has five consecutive annual audits from Securitum. ExpressVPN lists the largest number of audits overall, including recent KPMG work. Surfshark has Deloitte reports from 2023 and 2025.
RAM-only servers
RAM-only (diskless) servers lose their data when they restart, which limits what could be recovered if a server were seized. NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark run RAM-only infrastructure. Proton VPN uses full-disk encryption on bare-metal hardware instead, which is a different approach with different trade-offs rather than a flaw.
Jurisdiction and ownership
Where a company is legally based affects what it can be compelled to do. Switzerland (Proton VPN, PrivadoVPN), Panama (NordVPN) and the British Virgin Islands (ExpressVPN) don’t impose VPN data-retention mandates, while the Netherlands (Surfshark) is part of broader European and intelligence-sharing frameworks. Jurisdiction is one factor, not a verdict; a verified no-logs design matters more than a flag.
What a VPN does not do
It helps with
- Encrypting traffic on untrusted Wi-Fi
- Hiding your IP address from websites
- Hiding your browsing from your internet provider
- Bypassing some network-level blocks
It doesn’t stop
- Phishing and malware
- Tracking through logged-in accounts and cookies
- Browser fingerprinting
- The VPN provider itself seeing your traffic metadata, if it chose to log
In short, a VPN moves trust from your internet provider or local network to the VPN company. That’s why audits and ownership matter so much.
Which VPN Should You Choose for Your Needs?
We only name a pick where the evidence we reviewed supports it. Where it doesn’t, we say so rather than guess.
| If you want… | Our pick | Why | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best all-round VPN | NordVPN | Audit depth plus features and platform coverage | Renewal price |
| Privacy-first | Proton VPN | Annual audits, Secure Core, Swiss base | Not RAM-only |
| Lots of devices | Surfshark | Unlimited simultaneous connections | Renewal price |
| Beginners | ExpressVPN | Simple, polished apps | Higher cost |
| Free use | Proton VPN Free | No data cap, audited provider | One device, automatic server |
| Occasional travel on a budget | PrivadoVPN Free | 10 GB per month at no cost | Limited data and locations |
| Streaming | NordVPN or ExpressVPN | Major providers market streaming support | Streaming access changes often; test during the refund window |
| Gaming and torrenting | Needs testing | We don’t have verified results for these | Check P2P policy and latency yourself |
Are Free VPNs Worth Using?
Sometimes. Not every free VPN is unsafe and not every paid one is trustworthy. The question is what the company earns from you. A free plan from a paid VPN company is usually a sample designed to convert you to a subscription. A free VPN with no paid product behind it has to make money some other way, and that’s where tracking and ad-driven models can creep in.
| Free plan | Data | Devices | Locations | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN Free | Unlimited | 1 | About 10 countries, automatic | Everyday light use, privacy-minded users |
| PrivadoVPN Free | 10 GB per 30 days | 1 | Limited selection (reports vary, roughly 10–13) | Occasional use, light streaming |
| NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN | No permanent free plan; each advertises a paid-plan money-back guarantee instead | |||
What to check before using any free VPN
- Does the company also sell a paid product, and is its business model clear?
- What does the privacy policy say about logging and advertising?
- Is there an independent audit?
- Are the data, speed and server limits acceptable for what you plan to do?
How Much Does a VPN Cost?
Advertised VPN prices are almost always the monthly equivalent of a long, prepaid term. That can look like $2–$4 a month, but you pay the whole term upfront, and renewal is usually priced much higher.
Monthly plan
The most flexible and the most expensive per month. Price-tracking sites put monthly plans at several times the long-term monthly equivalent.
Long-term plan
The cheapest monthly equivalent, but you pay upfront and commit for one to two years.
Renewal
Where the real cost shows up. One reviewer lists NordVPN’s 12-month Basic renewal near $11.59 a month versus a first-term price of $3.49–$5.49.
Refund window
Most providers on this page advertise a 30-day guarantee. Use it to test speed, streaming and apps on your own network.
| VPN | Typical long-term entry price | Renewal risk | Device limit | Refund |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Roughly $3–$5/mo on long plans | High; sources show renewals several times higher | 10 | 30 days |
| Surfshark | Roughly $2–$3/mo on two-year plans | Moderate to high (estimates 50–80% above initial cost) | Unlimited | 30 days |
| Proton VPN | Roughly $3–$5/mo on long plans | Check at checkout | 10 | 30 days |
| ExpressVPN | Roughly $3.50+/mo entry; higher tiers cost more | Printed at checkout | 10 / 12 / 14 | 30 days |
| PrivadoVPN | From about $1.11/mo on two-year plans | Check at checkout | 10 | 30 days |
How to Set Up and Use a VPN
- Choose a plan. Pick the term that matches how long you’ll realistically use it, and note the renewal date.
- Download the official app. Use the provider’s website or your platform’s official store. Avoid unofficial downloads and look-alike apps.
- Install and sign in. On Windows and macOS, run the installer and approve the network permission when asked. On Android and iOS, allow the VPN configuration prompt.
- Pick a protocol. Leave the default on automatic or choose the WireGuard-based option for speed. Switch to OpenVPN if a network blocks the default.
- Turn on the kill switch and leak protection. These stop traffic from leaking if the VPN drops.
- Connect and check. Open the VPN app, connect to a server, then visit an IP and DNS leak-test site. Your IP should show the VPN server’s location, not yours.
- Set up the router (optional). Some providers offer router apps or manual configuration to cover every device; confirm support for your router model first.
- Troubleshoot if needed. If it fails to connect, switch server and protocol, restart the app, then check for a firewall or another VPN conflicting. If it’s slow, choose a nearer server.
- Cancel safely. Cancel from your account page, not only by deleting the app, and check whether you’re inside the refund window.
VPN vs. Proxy vs. Tor vs. Smart DNS
| Technology | Main purpose | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| VPN | Encrypts traffic between your device and the VPN server | The VPN provider becomes a trust point |
| Proxy | Routes some app traffic through another server | Often no encryption; privacy depends on the proxy |
| Tor | Routes traffic through several relays for anonymity | Slower, and not a drop-in replacement for a VPN |
| Smart DNS | Redirects DNS lookups to help with location checks | Doesn’t generally encrypt traffic |
| HTTPS | Secures the connection between browser and website | Doesn’t hide all metadata, such as which sites you visit from your network |
Use a VPN for general privacy on untrusted networks. Use Tor when anonymity matters more than speed. Use a proxy or Smart DNS only for narrow, low-risk tasks like location checks. HTTPS is already doing important work on most sites; a VPN adds a second layer rather than replacing it.
Are VPNs Legal Where You Live?
In most countries using a VPN is legal, but the activity you carry out through it is still governed by local law. Some countries restrict or ban VPN use, and employers or schools may have their own network policies. Because rules differ and change, check the current law for your location rather than relying on a provider’s marketing.
VPNs in India (researched October 2026)
- The rule: In April 2022 the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued directions under Section 70B(6) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. They require VPN providers, cloud and VPS providers and data centres to collect and keep customer details, such as names, email addresses, contact numbers and IP addresses, for at least five years.
- The effect on providers: Many providers objected on privacy grounds. ExpressVPN says it removed its physical servers from India, and reporting describes other providers doing the same. Reporting also suggests VPN apps were removed from Indian app stores in some cases.
- Where it stands now: In July 2026, Indian media reported that the government is developing a broader legal framework for VPN providers, after officials said the 2022 directions had not secured compliance from global providers. Reports describe proposals such as local offices and compliance officers. These were reports of plans, not enacted law, at the time we checked.
- What it means for you: Using a VPN as an individual in India is not reported as illegal. Illegal acts remain illegal with or without a VPN. Since the rules may change, check the latest official notices before relying on this summary, and consult a qualified lawyer for legal advice.
We are not lawyers and this isn’t legal advice. Sources include Outlook India, Inc42, TechRadar, ExpressVPN’s India explainer and reporting from July 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About VPNs
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a server run by the VPN provider. Websites see the server’s IP address instead of yours, and local networks and your internet provider can’t easily read what’s inside the tunnel.
How does a VPN work?
Your VPN app encrypts your traffic and sends it to a VPN server, which forwards it to the website. Replies travel back the same way. The encryption protects the path between you and the VPN server; after that, traffic is as secure as the website’s own HTTPS.
Are VPNs safe?
A reputable VPN is safe in the sense that it protects traffic on untrusted networks. But you’re trusting the provider, so prefer ones with published, recent independent audits and a clear ownership history.
Are free VPNs safe?
It depends on the provider. Free plans from established paid VPN companies, such as Proton VPN Free, are a different proposition to anonymous free apps with no clear business model. Read the privacy policy and check for audits.
Do VPNs slow down internet speed?
Usually a little, because of encryption and the extra route. How much depends on your connection, the server distance and the protocol. Use the calculator above to measure your own loss.
Can a VPN hide my IP address?
Yes, from the websites you visit, which see the VPN server’s IP. Your VPN provider can still see your real IP, and a logged-in account identifies you regardless.
Can a VPN make me anonymous?
No. Cookies, account logins and browser fingerprinting can still identify you. A VPN improves privacy; it doesn’t guarantee anonymity.
Does a VPN protect me on public Wi-Fi?
It adds a layer by encrypting traffic between your device and the VPN server, which stops others on the same network reading it. Most sites already use HTTPS, so the VPN is a second layer, not the only one.
Can I use a VPN on multiple devices?
Yes, within the plan limit. NordVPN allows 10 simultaneous devices, ExpressVPN 10, 12 or 14 depending on tier, and Surfshark has no cap. Installing on a compatible router can cover devices that can’t run an app.
Should I leave my VPN on all the time?
For most people, yes on phones and laptops that use public networks. Turn it off, or use split tunneling, for local-network devices or services that block VPN traffic.
What’s the difference between a VPN and a proxy?
A VPN encrypts all traffic from the device to the server. A proxy typically handles specific app traffic and often doesn’t encrypt it.
Is VPN use legal in India?
VPNs are not banned in India. CERT-In’s 2022 directions require providers to retain certain customer data for five years, and a broader framework was reported in July 2026. See the India section above and check for current official updates.
Can I use a VPN for streaming?
Often, but it’s not guaranteed. Streaming services block VPN traffic periodically and may restrict VPN use in their terms. Test during the refund window.
How do I know if my VPN is working?
Connect, then open an IP and DNS leak-test site. The IP shown should be the VPN server’s, not yours, and DNS requests shouldn’t show your internet provider.
How do I cancel a VPN subscription?
Cancel auto-renewal from your account page on the provider’s site or the app store you subscribed through. Do it before the renewal date, and check whether you’re still inside the refund period.
Our verdict
If you want one answer: NordVPN is the best fit for most people, because its audit record, feature set and platform coverage are strong and its main weakness, renewal pricing, is something you can manage by tracking the date. Surfshark is the better buy if you have many devices. Proton VPN is our pick if privacy evidence and a usable free plan matter most. ExpressVPN suits those who value simplicity above price, and PrivadoVPN Free is a reasonable first step if you only need occasional protection.
Whatever you choose, use the money-back window, test it on your own network, and set a reminder before the first renewal.
How We Keep This Guide Accurate
Author and review
Written and edited by the TechNewGadgets editorial team. Add the named author and reviewer credentials for this page here.
Update cadence
Last reviewed October 23, 2026. We recheck pricing, audits, app support and policies every six months, and sooner when a provider makes a major change.
Independence
We earn affiliate commissions on some links. We don’t accept payment for placement, and we list drawbacks for every provider.
Evidence labels
We separate hands-on testing, documentary research and unverified claims. This edition is documentary research only; no hands-on speed tests are included.
Corrections and update history: October 23, 2026: first published. If you spot an error or a changed price, email info@technewgadgets.com and we’ll review it.
Keep reading
- Best VPNs for China in 2026: top picks that work
- More VPN reviews
- VPN guides and how-tos
- VPN comparisons
- Privacy policy · Contact us · About TechNewGadgets
Prices, plan names and policies are checked at the time of writing and can change without notice. This page is for general information and is not legal or security advice.
