Buying checks updated 13 October 2026 · Verify live prices before paying
Compare VPNs in 2026
Use this VPN comparison chart to compare top VPNs by price, privacy, server network, device limits, and streaming support — then jump into the full review before you buy.
Quick answer: which VPN wins this comparison?
NordVPN is the strongest overall pick for most readers, Surfshark is the best value pick for covering lots of devices, and Proton VPN is the strongest privacy-first alternative. Use the table below to compare VPN costs, device limits, server networks, streaming notes, and no-logs/audit signals before choosing.
Ready to choose our overall pick? Long plans are paid upfront; check the total and renewal price before buying. We may earn commission through this affiliate link.
Check NordVPN plansBefore you pay: four checks
A shortlist is not a checkout quote. Use these checks with any provider; the NordVPN policy notes below were checked on 13 October 2026.
- Compare the amount charged today. Match the plan length and currency, then check the checkout total, taxes and optional extras. A monthly equivalent is not a monthly payment. Compare the full-term cost.
- Record the renewal amount and date. NordVPN renews automatically unless you cancel auto-renewal, and its renewal price can change. Do not assume the introductory offer repeats. Read NordVPN renewal terms.
- Check who handles a refund. NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for the initial subscription purchase, not renewed subscriptions under that guarantee; local legal rights may differ. Apple handles Apple App Store refunds under its own policy. Turning off auto-renewal is not a refund request. Read the refund policy and cancellation instructions for your purchase route.
- Check your actual device and use case. Confirm app or router compatibility before paying. After purchase, test your own connection and any permitted streaming service promptly; access and speed are not guaranteed. If it does not fit, act within the applicable refund terms. Read the NordVPN review and limitations.
Fast decision card
Pick NordVPN if
you want the strongest default shortlist for speed, streaming, privacy features, and polished apps.
Avoid if you only care about the lowest first-term price.
Check the evidence →Fast decision card
Pick Surfshark if
you need a cheaper long-plan route or one subscription for lots of phones, laptops, tablets, and TVs.
Avoid if you prefer the most polished premium app experience.
Check the evidence →Fast decision card
Pick Proton VPN if
privacy reputation, transparency, open-source apps, and audit context matter more than headline price.
Avoid if your main goal is the cheapest streaming-first bundle.
Check the evidence →How we score VPNs
Our rating weighs privacy policy and audit evidence, ownership clarity, speed, streaming reliability, app quality, pricing transparency, refund terms, support, and renewal traps. Affiliate commissions do not affect scores.
Read the full testing standard →Affiliate disclosure
We may earn commission if you buy through our links. Rankings are not sold, and every provider should still be checked against your own risk tolerance.
How VPN Rocks makes money →Interactive VPN comparison
Sort by rating, price, servers, or device allowance. Scroll sideways on mobile.
Streaming and no-logs checks are shorthand signals, not blanket guarantees. Open the full review for audit notes, test context, and renewal-price warnings.
| VPN | Countries | Streaming | No Logs | Action | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | 4.9 | £2.59 long-plan equiv. £9.69 | 6,400+ | 111 | 10 | Good fit | Evidence noted | |
4.7 | £2.29 long-plan equiv. £10.99 | 3,200+ | 100 | Unlimited | Good fit | Evidence noted | ||
4.6 | £5.49 long-plan equiv. £10.97 | 3,000+ | 105 | 8 | Good fit | Evidence noted | ||
4.5 | £3.99 long-plan equiv. £8.99 | 4,700+ | 91 | 10 | Good fit | Evidence noted |
Prices shown are monthly equivalents for longer-term plans unless stated. Provider prices and renewal rates can change; open the full review before buying.
Compare VPNs by what you actually need
Broad VPN comparisons can hide the trade-offs that matter, so start with the job you need the VPN to do. This is the fastest route from a generic comparison chart to the right review or guide.
Best all-round VPN
Start with NordVPN
Strong default balance of speed, streaming reliability, privacy features, and app polish.
Read NordVPN review →Cheapest VPN for many devices
Start with Surfshark
Usually the better value route when one subscription needs to cover a household or lots of devices.
Read Surfshark review →Privacy-first VPN
Start with Proton VPN
Best fit if transparency, audit context, and privacy reputation matter more than the lowest long-plan price.
Read Proton VPN review →Streaming or TV setup
Start with Streaming guide
Use the comparison table with setup notes for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Firestick, Roku, and Smart TV use.
Open streaming guide →Still not sure?
Use the next page based on the real reason you are buying a VPN, not just the table score.
Comparison FAQ
What is the best way to compare VPNs?
Compare VPNs by your real use case first: privacy, streaming, device count, price, router support, or travel. A high score is useful, but the right VPN depends on the job.
Which VPN should most people start with?
NordVPN is the strongest default pick here, Surfshark is the value pick, and Proton VPN is the privacy-first alternative.
Do affiliate commissions affect rankings?
No. They can fund the site, but they do not buy placement in the table or decision cards.
What does no logs mean here?
It means the provider publicly claims not to log browsing activity; stronger scores need audit or transparency evidence.
Are these true monthly prices?
They are usually monthly equivalents for longer plans. Use the cost calculator and check renewal pricing.
Why do VPN comparison charts disagree?
Different sites weigh speed, price, privacy, streaming, support, and ownership differently. Use the chart as a shortlist, then read the review notes before buying.