The Best VPNs of 2026

Quick verdict

Best overall

NordVPN

4.8/5

Fast, secure and easy to use: the most balanced option.

  • from US$3.09/mo (2-year plan, Basic) — then US$11.59/mo
  • 9,400+ / 118 countries
  • Simultaneous devices: 10
Best value

Surfshark

4.6/5

Unlimited devices at a very competitive price.

  • from US$1.99/mo (2-year plan (24+3 free), Starter) — then US$6.58/mo
  • 3,200+ / 100 countries
Best for streaming & sports

CyberGhost

4.4/5

Servers optimized to unblock streaming platforms.

  • from US$1.59/mo (2-year plan (26 months, +4 free), current promo) — then US$4.74/mo
  • 9,300+ / 100 countries
  • Simultaneous devices: 7
Best for privacyBest free

Proton VPN

4.5/5

Based in Switzerland, open-source and audited no-logs.

The only genuine free plan, with unlimited data.

  • Free or from US$2.99/mo (2-year plan, VPN Plus) — then US$6.99/mo
  • 17,000+ / 110+ countries
  • Simultaneous devices: 10

TABLE

Full comparison

Filter:
Region:
ProductPriceServersDevicesLogsJurisdictionGuaranteeFreeAction
RecommendedNordVPN4.8/5
fromUS$3.09/mo2-year plan, Basicthen US$11.59/mo9,400+/ 118 countries10Audited (6×) Panama 30 daysNoVisit site
fromUS$1.99/mo2-year plan (24+3 free), Starterthen US$6.58/mo3,200+/ 100 countriesUnlimitedAudited Netherlands 30 days7-day trialVisit ↗
Free or fromUS$2.99/mo2-year plan, VPN Plusthen US$6.99/mo17,000+/ 110+ countries10Audited Switzerland 30 daysYes · unlimitedVisit ↗
fromUS$2.49/mo2-year plan (+4 free months), Basicthen US$8.33/mo105 countries10–14Audited British Virgin Islands 30 days7-day trialVisit ↗
fromUS$1.59/mo2-year plan (26 months, +4 free), current promothen US$4.74/mo9,300+/ 100 countries7Audited Romania 45 daysNoVisit ↗
PIA4.3/5
fromUS$2.03/mo3-year plan (+3 free months)then US$4.70/mo91 countriesUnlimitedAudited USA 30 daysNoVisit ↗
Recommended
NordVPN4.8/5
fromUS$3.09/mo2-year plan, Basicthen US$11.59/mo
Servers
9,400+/ 118 countries
Devices
10
Logs
Audited (6×)
Jurisdiction
Panama
Guarantee
30 days
Free
No
fromUS$1.99/mo2-year plan (24+3 free), Starterthen US$6.58/mo
Servers
3,200+/ 100 countries
Devices
Unlimited
Logs
Audited
Jurisdiction
Netherlands
Guarantee
30 days
Free
7-day trial
Free or fromUS$2.99/mo2-year plan, VPN Plusthen US$6.99/mo
Servers
17,000+/ 110+ countries
Devices
10
Logs
Audited
Jurisdiction
Switzerland
Guarantee
30 days
Free
Yes · unlimited
fromUS$2.49/mo2-year plan (+4 free months), Basicthen US$8.33/mo
Servers
105 countries
Devices
10–14
Logs
Audited
Jurisdiction
British Virgin Islands
Guarantee
30 days
Free
7-day trial
fromUS$1.59/mo2-year plan (26 months, +4 free), current promothen US$4.74/mo
Servers
9,300+/ 100 countries
Devices
7
Logs
Audited
Jurisdiction
Romania
Guarantee
45 days
Free
No
PIA4.3/5
fromUS$2.03/mo3-year plan (+3 free months)then US$4.70/mo
Servers
91 countries
Devices
Unlimited
Logs
Audited
Jurisdiction
USA
Guarantee
30 days
Free
No

Last verified: July 2026. Prices can change — always check them on the provider’s official website before you buy.

QUIZ

Find your ideal VPN

Answer 4 questions and we'll tell you which one suits you.

Question 1 of 4

What matters most to you?

ANALYSIS

An honest breakdown of all 6: the good, the bad, and who each one is for.

#1 · Best overall

NordVPN

4.8/5
from

US$3.09/mo (2-year plan, Basic) — then US$11.59/mo

NordVPN is the best-known VPN and one of the fastest thanks to its NordLynx protocol. It combines solid security, a repeatedly audited no-logs policy, and one of the largest server networks on the market.

  • Among the fastest VPNs (NordLynx protocol)
  • No-logs policy independently audited 6 times
  • Panama jurisdiction, outside surveillance alliances
  • Easy-to-use apps for all devices
  • The price rises on renewal after the first term
  • The standalone monthly plan is expensive
  • No free plan

#2 · Best value

Surfshark

4.6/5
from

US$1.99/mo (2-year plan (24+3 free), Starter) — then US$6.58/mo

Surfshark is one of the cheapest and fastest premium VPNs, known for allowing unlimited devices with a single account. Since 2022 it belongs to the Nord Security group, though it operates independently, and it has an audited no-logs policy.

  • Unlimited devices with a single subscription
  • Among the fastest VPNs in independent tests
  • Very competitive long-term pricing
  • No-logs policy audited (Deloitte)
  • The standalone monthly plan is expensive
  • The price rises considerably on renewal
  • Based in the Netherlands (Nine Eyes alliance)

#3 · Best for privacy

Proton VPN

4.5/5
Free or from

US$2.99/mo (2-year plan, VPN Plus) — then US$6.99/mo

Proton VPN is the privacy-focused VPN created in Switzerland by the Proton Mail team. It stands out for its Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, an audited no-logs policy, and for offering the only genuine free plan with unlimited data.

  • The only free plan with unlimited data, no ads, and no logs
  • Swiss jurisdiction, one of the most privacy-friendly
  • Open-source apps and an independently audited no-logs policy
  • Renewal price stays the same (no hike like others)
  • Speed slightly below the leaders in some tests
  • The free plan has few servers and a single device
  • No servers optimized for gaming

#4 · The fastest

ExpressVPN

4.7/5
from

US$2.49/mo (2-year plan (+4 free months), Basic) — then US$8.33/mo

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN known for being among the fastest (Lightway protocol) and for its strong security track record. It's based in the British Virgin Islands, uses RAM-only servers (TrustedServer), and is owned by Kape Technologies. Its main drawback is the price: it's one of the most expensive on the market.

  • Among the fastest VPNs (Lightway protocol)
  • No-logs audited and proven in real life (2017)
  • RAM-only servers (TrustedServer) in 105 countries
  • Excellent for streaming and very easy to use
  • One of the most expensive VPNs on the market
  • No free plan
  • Owned by Kape (formerly Crossrider, with an adware past)

#5 · Best for streaming & sports

CyberGhost

4.4/5
from

US$1.59/mo (2-year plan (26 months, +4 free), current promo) — then US$4.74/mo

CyberGhost is an affordable, easy-to-use VPN heavily geared toward streaming thanks to its optimized servers. It's based in Romania, uses RAM-only servers, and is owned by Kape Technologies. It stands out for offering the longest money-back guarantee in the industry: 45 days.

  • The longest money-back guarantee in the industry (45 days)
  • Servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and P2P
  • Very easy to use and affordable
  • Romania jurisdiction with RAM-only servers
  • Only 7 simultaneous devices (fewer than most)
  • Speed can be inconsistent on far-away servers
  • Owned by Kape (formerly Crossrider, with an adware past)

#6 · Best for torrents

PIA

4.3/5
from

US$2.03/mo (3-year plan (+3 free months)) — then US$4.70/mo

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a very affordable and customizable VPN, ideal for torrenting and technically minded users. Its apps are open-source and its no-logs policy has even been proven in court. It's based in the US and owned by Kape Technologies.

  • Unlimited devices with a single subscription
  • No-logs audited and proven in court
  • Open-source and highly customizable apps
  • Excellent for torrenting (P2P on all servers)
  • Based in the US (Five Eyes alliance)
  • The app can be complex for beginners
  • Inconsistent speed on very distant servers

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is a VPN and what is it for?

A VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address by routing it through a remote server. It's used to protect your privacy, browse safely on public Wi-Fi, and access content that may be restricted based on your location.

Is it legal to use a VPN in Spain?

Yes, using a VPN is completely legal in Spain and in most of the European Union. The tool itself is legal; what remains illegal is carrying out unlawful activities through it, such as downloading copyrighted content. Responsibility depends on how you use it, not on the encryption.

What is the best free VPN?

The most recommendable free option is Proton VPN, since it's practically the only one offering unlimited data, no ads, and an independently audited no-logs policy. Still, free plans always have limits: fewer servers, a single device, and weaker streaming performance. Be wary of little-known free VPNs: if they don't charge you, many fund themselves by collecting and selling your data.

How much does a VPN cost in Spain?

The price mainly depends on the plan length. A monthly plan usually costs between €10 and €13 per month, but with 1- or 2-year plans the price drops considerably, typically to between €2 and €5 per month. There are also free options like Proton VPN, though with limited features.

How do you turn on a VPN?

It's very simple: download your chosen provider's app, create an account or subscribe to a plan, open it, and press the connect button. The app will connect you to the fastest server automatically, or you can choose the country yourself. From that moment on, your connection is encrypted.

What happens if I turn on the VPN on my phone?

When you turn on the VPN on your phone, all your traffic is encrypted and your IP address is hidden, so you browse with more privacy and security, especially on public Wi-Fi. As a trade-off, you may notice a slight drop in speed, and some apps, such as your banking app, may ask for extra verification when they detect a different location.

Is a VPS or a VPN better?

They are different things and don't compete directly. A VPN is a tool to protect and encrypt your internet connection; a VPS (virtual private server) is a hosting service where you can run websites or apps. It's not that one is better than the other — it depends on what you need. If you want privacy and security while browsing, a VPN is what you want.

METHOD

How we make this comparison

  • Research-based analysis

    We analyze each VPN using official information, independent audits, and tests published by specialized sources. We don't rely on the brands' marketing, but on verifiable data.

  • Honest about the downsides

    We always mention each provider's weak points, not just the good. If a VPN has a serious drawback (price, jurisdiction, limits), you'll read it here.

  • Commissions don't affect the order

    We may earn a commission if you subscribe through our links, but that doesn't change our ratings or the order of the comparison. We recommend what we'd recommend to a friend.

  • We update every few months

    We review this comparison every few months so the prices and data stay correct. You'll see the date of the last update at the top.

— Arne, Cryvor

BUYING GUIDE

How to choose a VPN

Choosing a VPN depends above all on what you need it for. If privacy is your priority, look at the provider's jurisdiction and whether their no-logs policy has been independently audited. For streaming, optimized servers and good speed matter most. If you're looking to save money, long-term plans typically cost between $2 and $5 per month — far less than paying month to month.

It's also worth checking how many devices you can connect at once, whether there's a money-back guarantee, and which security protocols are supported. Every VPN in this comparison encrypts your connection and hides your IP; the differences lie in the balance of speed, price, privacy, and ease of use.

Our general recommendation is NordVPN 4.8/5 Visit website → View profile → for its all-round balance, but the best choice is always the one that fits your specific needs.

Click a logo to visit its site

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