Best VPNs in 2025-2026

How do we test and rank the Best VPNs?

When selecting the best Virtual Private Network (VPN) service, we consider multiple factors to ensure that the VPN delivers on its promises of privacy, security, and performance. In this guide, we break down each criterion we use to evaluate VPNs, what to look for in each category, and how it contributes to the overall ranking. Each category plays a crucial role in determining how well a VPN will serve your needs—whether for browsing anonymously, streaming your favorite shows, or securely downloading torrents.

1. Privacy (20%)

What to Look For:

Privacy is arguably the most critical factor when choosing a VPN. The best VPNs offer strong data protection and anonymity features. Key aspects include:

• • No-Logs Policy: The VPN must have a clear, verifiable no-logs policy. This means they do not store any data related to your browsing activity, IP address, or other identifiable information.
  • Jurisdiction: Ideally, the VPN should be based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, outside the “Five Eyes,” “Nine Eyes,” or “Fourteen Eyes” surveillance alliances.
  • DNS and IP Leak Protection: A good VPN ensures that no part of your connection (including DNS queries or IP addresses) is exposed to third parties.
  • Transparency: Trustworthy VPNs conduct independent audits to confirm their no-logs claims.

What Makes a VPN the Best in Privacy:

A top-rated VPN in this category will offer a strict no-logs policy, independent audit reports to back their claims, leak protection, and be based in a jurisdiction that doesn’t compromise user privacy.

2. Streaming Performance (15%)

What to Look For:

Many users rely on VPNs to access content restricted by region, such as Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer. To test streaming capabilities, we assess:

• • Geo-Unblocking Ability: A great VPN can unblock popular streaming platforms and access content libraries from different countries.
  • Streaming Quality: The VPN should maintain high streaming quality, ideally supporting HD or 4K without excessive buffering.
  • Consistency: A good streaming VPN works reliably over time, without frequent outages.

What Makes a VPN the Best for Streaming:

The best VPNs for streaming reliably unblock multiple platforms, maintain high-quality video streaming, and support multiple simultaneous connections without throttling speeds.

3. Connection Speed (15%)

What to Look For:

Speed is crucial, especially for browsing, gaming, and streaming. We test VPN speed in several scenarios:

• • Download and Upload Speeds: Fast download/upload with minimal impact on performance.
  • Latency and Ping: Low latency is essential for gaming and video calls.
  • Consistency: Speed should be stable across servers and locations.

What Makes a VPN the Best for Speed:

Top VPNs offer fast, consistent speeds across their network, with little to no slowdowns during activities like streaming, browsing, or gaming.

4. Security Measures (15%)

What to Look For:

Security is another critical feature for any VPN. The best VPNs provide:

• • Encryption Protocols: Strong encryption like AES-256-bit; support for OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2.
  • Kill Switch: Ensures your internet connection is terminated if the VPN disconnects.
  • Leak Protection: Prevents DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks.
  • MFA/Two-Factor Authentication: Extra layers of security for the VPN account.

What Makes a VPN the Best for Security:

Top VPNs use robust encryption, offer secure protocols, a working kill switch, and additional layers like leak protection and multi-factor authentication.

5. Server Availability (10%)

What to Look For:

A diverse range of servers is essential for privacy and functionality:

• • Global Coverage: More server locations allow access to a wider range of content.
  • Specialized Servers: Optimized for streaming, torrenting, or obfuscation.
  • Server Load: A larger network spreads traffic load, reducing congestion and slow speeds.
  • What Makes a VPN the Best for Server Availability:

The best VPNs offer thousands of servers across multiple countries, with specialized options for streaming or privacy.

6. Ease of Use and User Interface (10%)

What to Look For:

VPNs should be easy to use, especially for beginners:

• • Simple Setup Process: Easy installation and setup.
  • Intuitive Apps: Well-designed, easy-to-navigate apps across all platforms.
  • Customization: Advanced users can tweak settings, but simplicity remains for novices.

What Makes a VPN the Best for User Experience:

Top VPNs offer intuitive interfaces, straightforward setup, and clear options for beginners and advanced users alike.

7. Torrenting and P2P Support (5%)

What to Look For:

Torrenting requires VPNs with specific features:

• • P2P-Optimized Servers: Faster and stable torrenting connections.
  • No-Logs and Privacy Focus: Strong privacy policy to protect your IP.
  • High Speed: Maintains fast download speeds while connected.

What Makes a VPN the Best for Torrenting:

Supports P2P on dedicated servers, excellent speeds, and strict no-logs policy.

8. Device and Platform Compatibility (5%)

What to Look For:

A top-tier VPN should work on multiple devices and platforms:

• • Popular Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, etc.
  • Routers and Smart Devices: Compatibility with routers, gaming consoles, smart TVs, etc.
  • Simultaneous Connections: Multiple devices under a single subscription.

What Makes a VPN the Best for Device Compatibility:

VPNs offer apps for all major devices, smart TVs, routers, and other specialized devices.

9. Extra Features (5%)

What to Look For:

Extra features enhance VPN experience:

• • Ad and Tracker Blocking: Built-in ad-blocking and tracking protection.
  • Obfuscated Servers: Helps bypass censorship in restrictive countries.
  • Double VPN/Multi-Hop: Routes traffic through multiple VPN servers for extra encryption.

What Makes a VPN the Best for Extra Features:

The best VPNs include ad-blockers, anti-censorship tools, and multiple server hops for additional security.

10. VPN Applications (5%)

What to Look For:

The quality of the VPN app impacts the user experience:

• • App Design and Functionality: Clean, intuitive design with easy-to-access features.
  • Connection Reliability: Quick connection to servers and recovery after disconnection.
  • Platform-Specific Features: Split tunneling, dedicated IPs, or mobile-specific features.

What Makes a VPN the Best for Apps:

Feature-rich yet easy-to-use apps with stable, fast connections and platform-specific optimizations.