At a Glance
- ExpressVPN leads 2026 rankings with a 9.0/10 rating.
- NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, and Mullvad trail within 0.5 points.
- Average speed loss ranges from 3% to 24% across top VPNs.
- Why it matters: Choosing the right VPN balances speed, privacy, and cost for streaming, gaming, or secure browsing.
When it comes to online privacy, speed, and streaming, the VPN market is crowded.
In August’s latest retest, News Of Fort Worth ranked ExpressVPN highest, with NordVPN and Surfshark close behind.
Below we break down the key features, pricing, and performance of the top five picks.
Top VPN Picks
ExpressVPN tops the list thanks to streamlined apps, fast servers, and robust privacy.
It earns a 9.0/10 rating after new subscription options and audit updates.
Its 18% average speed loss is among the best in the market.
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connections (10)
- No-logs policy audited by KPMG
- Post-quantum encryption & WireGuard implementation
Speed & Privacy Comparison
NordVPN remains the fastest with a 3% average speed loss, followed by Proton VPN (16%) and Surfshark (21%).
Mullvad leads on privacy with a cash-only, no-logs policy and a 24% speed loss that still supports streaming.
| VPN | Speed Loss | Monthly Price | Servers | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 18% | $13 | 3,000+ | British Virgin Islands |
| NordVPN | 3% | $13 | 8,000+ | Netherlands |
| Surfshark | 21% | $15 | 3,200+ | Sweden |
| Proton VPN | 16% | $10 | 15,300+ | Switzerland |
| Mullvad | 24% | $5/euro | 724 | British Virgin Islands |
All top VPNs include kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection.
Pricing & Value
ExpressVPN’s basic plan costs $13 per month, $75 first year, $98 two years, renewing at $99 annually.
NordVPN matches the introductory price but jumps to $140 annually after renewal.
Surfshark offers $15 per month, $48 first year, $60 two years, renewing at $79.
- ExpressVPN: $13/mo, $75/yr, $98/2yr
- NordVPN: $13/mo, $60/yr, $83/2yr (renew $140/yr)
- Surfshark: $15/mo, $48/yr, $60/2yr (renew $79/yr)
Conclusion
For users prioritizing speed and streaming, NordVPN is the best pick.
Those valuing privacy and budget may prefer Mullvad or Surfshark.
ExpressVPN remains the top overall choice for balanced performance and privacy.
Key Takeaways
- ExpressVPN leads with 9.0/10 rating and 18% speed loss.
- NordVPN offers the fastest speeds at 3% loss.
- Mullvad provides the strongest privacy with a cash-only policy.
The right VPN depends on whether you value speed, privacy, or price most.
