CyberGhost
Streaming/torrenting-optimized servers, beginner-friendly apps and a long 45-day money-back guarantee.
Purpose-built streaming and torrenting server profiles with an unusually long 45-day refund window.
See CyberGhost plans →The best vpn tools in 2026: all 12 compared
Quick answer: We compare all 12 vpn tools we track, including CyberGhost, ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield. Entry prices start around $2/mo and 4 offer a free plan. Each is rated on entry price, core strengths and who it fits, with links to a full review and pricing breakdown.
Every vpn tool we track, in one place: 12 options compared on entry price, strengths and who each one fits. For a curated shortlist by use case, see the guides linked below.
All 12 vpn tools compared
| Tool | Entry price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| CyberGhost | ~$2.03/mo | streaming |
| ExpressVPN | ~$6.67/mo | streaming |
| Hotspot Shield | $0 | speed |
| IPVanish | ~$2.19/mo | torrenting |
| Mullvad VPN | ~EUR 5/mo | privacy |
| NordVPN | ~$3-5/mo | streaming |
| Private Internet Access | ~$2.03/mo | torrenting |
| Proton VPN | $0 | privacy |
| PureVPN | ~$2.14/mo | budget |
| Surfshark | ~$2.19-2.99/mo | budget |
| TunnelBear | $0 | beginners |
| Windscribe | $0 | free-tier |
Prices verified 2026-06-28 from public vendor pricing. Plans and prices change — always confirm on the vendor's own site. No price here is guaranteed.
Every option in detail
ExpressVPN
Premium speeds, Lightway protocol, TrustedServer RAM-only infrastructure and strong unblocking reputation.
The most audited consumer VPN, with every server running diskless RAM-only via TrustedServer.
See ExpressVPN plans →Hotspot Shield
Proprietary Hydra protocol tuned for high speeds and a free ad-supported tier.
Proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol designed for high throughput over long distances.
See Hotspot Shield plans →IPVanish
Owns its server network, unlimited connections and torrent-friendly with no connection caps.
Unlimited connections on a largely self-owned network, now backed by repeat no-logs audits.
See IPVanish plans →Mullvad VPN
Flat 5 EUR/mo, anonymous account numbers (no email), cash/crypto payments and a hardline privacy stance.
Sign up with no email using a random account number and pay in cash; privacy is the whole product.
More on Mullvad VPN →NordVPN
Largest server network with NordLynx (WireGuard) speeds, Threat Protection malware blocking and audited no-logs policy.
One of the most frequently audited no-logs VPNs paired with consistently top-tier WireGuard speeds.
See NordVPN plans →Private Internet Access
Huge US server footprint, fully open-source apps, proven no-logs in court and deep configurability.
The most court-tested no-logs VPN, with 100% open-source apps and deep configurability.
See Private Internet Access plans →Proton VPN
Swiss-based, open-source audited apps, genuinely usable free tier and Secure Core multi-hop routing.
The only major VPN combining fully open-source apps, Swiss jurisdiction and a no-data-cap free tier.
See Proton VPN plans →PureVPN
Large country coverage, always-on audit, and dedicated IP / port-forwarding add-ons.
Moved to an 'always-on' KPMG audit arrangement with publicly published no-logs reports.
See PureVPN plans →Surfshark
Unlimited simultaneous devices on one subscription, low long-term price and CleanWeb ad/tracker blocking.
Unlimited simultaneous connections at a budget long-term price.
See Surfshark plans →TunnelBear
Beginner-friendly, playful UI, independent annual security audits and a limited free tier.
One of the few VPNs publishing yearly independent security audits, wrapped in a beginner-friendly UI.
See TunnelBear plans →Windscribe
Generous free plan with build-a-plan custom pricing and R.O.B.E.R.T. DNS-level blocking.
Build-a-Plan lets you assemble a custom-priced VPN, backed by R.O.B.E.R.T. DNS blocking.
More on Windscribe →FAQ
What is the best vpn tool in 2026?
It depends on your priorities. This page compares all 12 vpn tools we track on entry price, strengths and who each fits; CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are common starting points.
How many vpn tools are compared here?
All 12 vpn tools in our VPN & Security category, side by side, with links to each tool's full review and pricing breakdown.