VPNindependent comparisons & reviews

We analyze the year's leading VPN services on privacy, speed, price, and streaming. No disguised advertising: just verifiable data and an honest ranking.

  • 6 VPNs analyzed We compare NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost and PIA.
  • +30 sources checked Official sites, independent audits and tests from specialized media.
  • 2026 data updated Prices and features reviewed in June 2026.
  • 0 sponsorships in the ranking The ranking order doesn't depend on affiliate commissions.

Blog

Is using a VPN legal in Australia?

Yes, using a VPN is legal in Australia. What the law says, how data-retention rules fit in, and what stays illegal even with a VPN.

Arne Borchert · July 17, 2026

Is a VPN legal in Canada?

Yes, using a VPN is legal in Canada. What the law covers, whether a VPN for Netflix is allowed, and what still counts as illegal with one.

Arne Borchert · July 15, 2026

Can UK police track a VPN?

Police cannot decrypt live VPN traffic, but they can request logs and use other methods. Here is what a VPN hides from investigators and what it does not.

Arne Borchert · July 13, 2026

Is a VPN legal in the UK?

Yes, using a VPN is legal in the UK. What the law says, how the Online Safety Act's age checks changed things, and what stays illegal with a VPN.

Arne Borchert · July 11, 2026

Is using a VPN illegal in the US?

No, using a VPN is legal in the United States. Here is what the law actually covers, and where using one can still get you into trouble.

Arne Borchert · July 9, 2026

Is there any 100% free VPN?

Yes, a few genuinely free VPNs exist, but most 'free' apps come with a catch. Here is how to tell a safe free VPN from one that sells your data.

Arne Borchert · July 7, 2026

What exactly does a VPN do?

A VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address. Here is what that actually protects, what it does not do, and where it genuinely helps.

Arne Borchert · July 5, 2026

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.

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ALTERNATIVES

Other brands

Surfshark

Unlimited devices at a low price, from the Netherlands.

View brand →
ExpressVPN

The fastest and easiest, from the British Virgin Islands.

View brand →

METHOD

How we work

  • Independent analysis

    We analyze each service using official information, independent audits and tests from specialized sources — not the brands’ marketing.

  • No sponsorships in the ranking

    The order of our recommendations does not depend on affiliate commissions. We recommend what we’d recommend to a friend.

  • Verifiable, up-to-date data

    We review prices and features every few months so the information stays accurate.