Best VPNs 2026

5 tools reviewed and ranked by our team.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address, protecting your privacy from ISPs, hackers, and surveillance. Whether you're working remotely, streaming geo-restricted content, or using public Wi-Fi, a VPN is one of the highest-impact security tools you can add to your devices.

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Editor's pick
1

NordVPN

Fast, private, secure

NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN services offering 5400+ servers in 60 countries.…

★★★★★ 4.8/5
From $3.99/mo
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2

ExpressVPN

Lightning-fast VPN

ExpressVPN delivers top speeds and strong privacy with servers in 94 countries.…

★★★★★ 4.7/5
From $6.67/mo
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3

ProtonVPN

Swiss privacy, open source

ProtonVPN is built by the team behind ProtonMail. It has a strict no-logs policy, is fully open source, and offers a genuinely unlimited free tier.…

★★★★★ 4.6/5
From $4.99/mo
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4

Surfshark VPN

Unlimited devices at the lowest price

Surfshark VPN is the best value mainstream VPN available. At $2.49 per month on a two-year plan it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning one subscr…

★★★★★ 4.5/5
From $2.49/mo
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5

Private Internet Access

Budget VPN with proven no-logs

PIA has been independently audited and has proven its no-logs policy in court. Offers 10 simultaneous connections and a large server network.…

★★★★☆ 4.3/5
From $2.19/mo
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More ways to explore VPNs

How to choose a VPN

No-logs policy
The VPN must have a verified no-logs policy — ideally audited by an independent third party. This means they cannot hand over your browsing data even if legally compelled.
Speed & server count
More servers means less congestion. Look for 3,000+ servers across 60+ countries. NordVPN (5,400+ servers) and ExpressVPN (3,000+ in 94 countries) lead here.
Jurisdiction
Where the VPN is based matters. Panama (NordVPN), British Virgin Islands (ExpressVPN), and Switzerland (ProtonVPN) are outside 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance alliances.
Kill switch
A kill switch cuts your internet if the VPN drops, preventing accidental IP exposure. Non-negotiable for serious privacy use.
Simultaneous devices
Most plans cover 6–10 devices. Surfshark offers unlimited — ideal for households.
Our verdict

For most Australians, NordVPN is the best all-round choice — fast, independently audited, and competitively priced at $3.99/month. If privacy is your primary concern, ProtonVPN's Swiss jurisdiction and open-source apps make it the most trustworthy option. Budget users should look at Surfshark for unlimited devices at $2.49/month.

Frequently asked questions

Does a VPN make you completely anonymous?
No. A VPN hides your IP and encrypts traffic but does not make you anonymous. Your VPN provider can still see your traffic, and browser fingerprinting can still identify you. For stronger anonymity, combine a no-logs VPN with the Tor browser.
Will a VPN slow my internet?
A good VPN causes 10–20% speed reduction at most. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are consistently fastest in independent tests. Budget VPNs can cut speeds by 50% or more.
Is a VPN legal in Australia?
Yes, VPNs are completely legal in Australia. Using one for legitimate privacy protection is standard practice for businesses and individuals alike.
Can I use a VPN to watch US Netflix?
Yes. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all reliably unblock Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Cheaper VPNs are frequently blocked.