A VPN in plain words

A VPN wraps your internet traffic in encryption and sends it through a server run by the VPN company. Websites see the server's address instead of yours, and anyone on your network, such as a café or hotel Wi-Fi, cannot read what you send.

Read the full VPN guide →

Disclosure: Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you click through and buy a VPN, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This does not change our review outcomes or opinions. Pricing and promotions change often; please verify current details on each provider’s site before buying.

Side by side

The VPNs below share the basics: strong encryption, apps for every major device, and a money-back guarantee. The differences are in the details below.

The “Claim Deal” buttons below are affiliate links. Read our disclosure.

Swipe sideways to compare →

NordVPNExpressVPNSurfsharkProton VPN
Best forAll-round speed and extrasSimplicity and reliabilityHouseholds with many devicesPrivacy-first users
DevicesUp to 10 devices10 to 14 devices, depending on planUnlimited devices10 on paid plans, 1 on the free plan
ProtocolsNordLynx, with post-quantum encryptionLightway, with post-quantum protectionWireGuard, OpenVPNSecure protocols, kill switch
ExtrasScam and phishing protection, Dark Web Monitor; higher plans add password manager and 1 TB cloud storagePassword manager, email relay, ad and tracker blocking (varies by plan)Ad and cookie pop-up blocker, split tunneling, MultiHop; higher plans add antivirus and data-leak alertsSecure Core, NetShield ad blocker, open-source apps, free plan
Refund window30 days30 days, new users only30 days30 days on paid plans
Get it ClaimNordVPN Deal ClaimExpressVPN Deal ClaimSurfshark Deal ClaimProton VPN Deal

Features and plan details last checked on 30 September 2026. Device limits and extras vary by plan, and providers change them often.

What they cost

Entry-level prices in US dollars, checked on 30 September 2026. The low headline rates need you to pay for the whole term upfront, and every one of them rises at renewal.

Prices last checked: 30 September 2026

Prices rise at renewal. The low rates below are not billed monthly. You pay the whole first term upfront, and the plan then renews at a higher price: NordVPN Basic at $139.08 a year, ExpressVPN Basic at $99.95 a year and Proton VPN Plus at $83.88 a year. Surfshark Starter at $79 a year. Month to month costs far more, at $9.99 to $16.45 a month for the entry plans.

Swipe sideways to compare →

NordVPNExpressVPNSurfsharkProton VPN
Entry planBasicBasicStarterVPN Plus
2-year plan, per monthNot billed monthly$3.49billed $94.23 upfront for 27 months$2.99billed $83.72 upfront for 28 months$2.49billed $67.23 upfront for 27 months$3.49billed $83.76 upfront for 24 months
Price after the intro termPrices riseRenews at $139.08 a yearabout $11.59 a monthRenews at $99.95 a yearabout $8.33 a monthRenews at $79 a yearabout $6.58 a month (Starter)Renews at $83.88 a yearabout $6.99 a month
Month-to-month$14.99$14.99$16.45$9.99
Higher plans, 2-year, per monthComplete $4.49
Prime $7.49		Advanced $4.49
Express Pro $7.49		One $2.79
One+ $4.49		Proton Unlimited $7.99
Free planNoNoNoYes, Proton Free
Money-back guarantee30 days30 days, new users only30 days30 days, paid plans
  • Cheapest to start and to renew: Surfshark Starter is $2.49 a month on the 2-year plan and renews at $79 a year, the lowest renewal of the four.
  • Watch the monthly plans: month to month, NordVPN Basic and ExpressVPN Basic cost $14.99 and Surfshark Starter costs $16.45, against $3.49, $2.99 and $2.49 on the 2-year plans.
  • Higher tiers add extras such as password managers, identity monitoring and cloud storage. If you only want a VPN, the entry plan is enough.
  • Your price may differ: subscription and renewal rates are subject to change based on your location, local tax rates and active promotions. The provider’s checkout page shows your final price.

Prices come from each provider’s own pricing page. Surfshark’s renewal rate is not stated on its page, so it comes from Security.org and other 2026 price guides. All subscription and renewal rates are subject to change based on your location, local tax rates and active promotions. Confirm your final price at the provider’s checkout page before you buy.

The reviews

NordVPN

Fast, feature-rich, and hard to fault.

NordVPN is a strong default choice. Its NordLynx protocol and large server network, with thousands of servers in 225+ locations, keep speeds high.

It sells three plans, Basic, Complete and Prime. Higher plans add antivirus, an ad and tracker blocker, a password manager and 1 TB of cloud storage, and Prime adds identity theft insurance.

Compare NordVPN vs ExpressVPN →

What we like

  • Very fast connections
  • Servers in 225+ locations
  • Three plans with extras up to identity insurance

What to watch

  • Basic renews at $139.08 a year after the intro term
  • Basic plan skips the password manager and ad blocker

ExpressVPN

The one that just works.

ExpressVPN focuses on a clean app and dependable connections, with servers in 113 countries. It sells three plans, Basic, Advanced and Express Pro, which allow 10, 12 and 14 devices.

Higher plans add extras such as a password manager, private email relay and identity protection. It suits people who want to press one button and forget about it.

Compare NordVPN vs ExpressVPN →

What we like

  • Simple, polished apps
  • Servers in 113 countries
  • Three plans, up to 14 devices

What to watch

  • Basic renews at $99.95 a year after the intro term
  • Fewer tweaks for advanced users

Surfshark

Best value for a busy household.

Surfshark lets you connect an unlimited number of devices on one subscription, which is hard to beat for families and shared homes. It has 4500+ servers in 100 countries and an audited no-logs policy.

It sells three plans, Starter, One and One+. The One plan adds antivirus, data-leak alerts and scam protection, and One+ adds identity theft coverage and data removal through Incogni.

See Surfshark alternatives →

What we like

  • Unlimited simultaneous devices
  • 4500+ servers in 100 countries
  • Audited no-logs policy
  • Lowest starting price of the four

What to watch

  • Identity theft coverage is limited to US residents
  • Starter renews at $79 a year after the intro term

Proton VPN

The privacy specialist.

Proton VPN comes from the team behind Proton Mail and is built around privacy. It is Swiss-based, has a no-logs policy, and its apps are open source and independently audited.

Secure Core adds an extra hop for more protection. The free plan has no data limits but covers 1 device at medium speed.

The paid VPN Plus plan covers 10 devices, adds streaming, P2P and an ad and malware blocker, with 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries.

What we like

  • Open-source, audited apps
  • Swiss-based company
  • A free plan with no data limits

What to watch

  • Free plan is 1 device at medium speed
  • Streaming and P2P need a paid plan

Best VPN for streaming

A VPN can let you watch your home library while travelling, or reach libraries from other regions. Streaming services work hard to block VPN servers, so what works changes week to week.

Best overall: NordVPNFast connections handle HD and 4K, and the large server list gives you more to try when one gets blocked.
Most reliable: ExpressVPNKnown for consistent performance and a simple app, which suits people who want it to work without fiddling.
Best for the whole family: SurfsharkUnlimited devices means every TV, phone and tablet at home can be covered on one plan.
Best for privacy: Proton VPNA strong privacy record. Streaming support is on its paid plans, so test your services during the refund window.

Before you stream: Using a VPN to watch content not licensed for your region may break a streaming service's terms. No VPN can guarantee access to every service, so use the money-back window to test the ones you care about.

Guides and comparisons

What does a VPN actually do?

How a VPN works, what it can and can’t do, and how to choose one.

Read the guide →
Set up a VPN on a Smart TV or Fire TV Stick

Step-by-step for Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, plus workarounds for Samsung, LG and Roku.

Read the guide →
Surfshark alternatives

When to look elsewhere, and how NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Proton VPN compare.

Read the guide →
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN

Price, devices, features and refunds, head to head.

Read the comparison →

Which one should you pick?

Start with what you care about most.

You want speed and extrasChoose NordVPN.
You want the easiest setupChoose ExpressVPN.
You have lots of devices or a tight budgetChoose Surfshark.
You care most about privacyChoose Proton VPN.

Questions people ask

Does a VPN make me anonymous?

No. A VPN hides your traffic from your network and your internet provider, and it swaps your real IP address for the VPN server’s.

That is privacy, not anonymity. Websites can still recognise you through the accounts you log in to, cookies and your browser’s fingerprint, and the VPN company can see your traffic unless it has a no-logs policy you trust.

Look for one that outside auditors have checked.

If you want more protection, some providers route traffic through two servers, such as Surfshark’s MultiHop and Proton VPN’s Secure Core. For real anonymity you would also need to change how you browse, not just add a VPN.

Will a VPN slow down my internet?

A little, because your traffic takes a detour and has to be encrypted. On a good provider the slowdown is small.

In Security.org’s 2026 tests, Proton VPN cut download speeds by about 8% at most, and it rated NordVPN and Surfshark similarly.

You can keep speeds high by connecting to a server close to you, using the provider’s fastest protocol (NordLynx on NordVPN, Lightway on ExpressVPN), and using a wired or strong Wi-Fi connection. The free Proton plan runs at medium speed by design.

Is using a VPN legal?

In most countries, yes. A small number of countries restrict or ban VPNs, so check the rules where you live and where you are travelling.

A VPN does not make illegal activity legal.

Also read the terms of any service you use it with. Streaming services often forbid VPN use to watch content that is not licensed in your region, and they may block VPN connections.

Is there a free VPN worth using?

Proton VPN is the only one of these four with a permanent free plan. It has no data limits and no ads, but it covers one device at a time, runs at medium speed, and connects to servers in 10 countries that are chosen for you.

Streaming and P2P need a paid plan.

NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark have no free plan, but each has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test one and get a refund. ExpressVPN limits its guarantee to new users.

Surfshark also mentions a free trial on its site, so check whether one is available for your device.

Be careful with other free VPNs. Some earn money by tracking your activity or showing ads, which defeats the purpose.

Can I get my money back?

All four offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, but ExpressVPN limits it to new users. The others apply it to their paid plans.

Read the current terms before you buy, since they can change.

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What does a VPN actually do?

A plain-English guide to what a VPN protects, what it doesn't, and how to choose one that fits you.

The short answer

A VPN (virtual private network) creates an encrypted connection between your device and a server run by the VPN company.

Your traffic travels through that connection, so the websites you visit see the VPN server's address instead of yours, and the network you are on cannot read what you send.

Think of it as sending your mail inside a locked box through a trusted courier, instead of on an open postcard.

How it works, step by step

  1. You connectYou open the VPN app and pick a server location, or let it choose the fastest one.
  2. Your traffic is encryptedBefore anything leaves your device, the app scrambles it so only the VPN server can read it.
  3. The VPN server passes it onThe server forwards your request to the website or app you asked for, using its own address.
  4. The reply comes back the same wayThe response returns to the server, is encrypted again, and is unlocked on your device.

What a VPN protects you from

Snooping on public Wi-Fi

On café, airport or hotel networks, encryption stops other people on the network from reading your traffic.

Your internet provider watching

Your provider can normally see which sites you visit. With a VPN it sees only that you are connected to a VPN.

Exposing your real address

Websites and services see the VPN's IP address, which hides your approximate location and home network.

What a VPN can and can't do

It can

  • Encrypt your traffic on untrusted networks
  • Hide your IP address from sites you visit
  • Stop your provider logging the sites you visit
  • Let you reach your home services while travelling

It can't

  • Make you fully anonymous online
  • Stop viruses, scams or phishing links
  • Hide what you do while logged in to an account
  • Make your connection faster (it is usually slightly slower)

When is a VPN worth using?

A VPN is most useful when you use public or shared Wi-Fi, travel often, work remotely on networks you don't control, or simply don't want your provider building a record of your browsing.

It can also help you reach streaming libraries and services from your home country while abroad, though services may block VPNs and terms of use vary.

If you only browse on your own home network, mostly on secure (HTTPS) sites, the benefit is smaller, though still real for privacy from your provider.

How to choose a good VPN

  • Independent audits. Look for a no-logs policy that outside auditors have checked.
  • Modern protocols. WireGuard-based options or OpenVPN are a good sign.
  • A kill switch. It cuts your internet if the VPN drops, so nothing leaks.
  • Where the company is based. Privacy laws differ from country to country.
  • Server locations and speed. More servers near you usually means better speeds.
  • Device limits. Check how many devices one plan covers.
  • Renewal price and refund. Intro deals often rise at renewal, so read the terms and use the money-back window.

Setting one up in three steps

  1. Pick a provider and planCompare a few, then subscribe to one with a refund window.
  2. Install the appDownload it for your phone, laptop or TV from the provider's official site or app store.
  3. Turn it onSign in, switch on the kill switch and auto-connect in settings, then tap connect.

Common myths

"A VPN makes me anonymous"

It hides your traffic and address, but accounts, cookies and your browser can still identify you.

"Free VPNs are just as good"

Some earn money by tracking or selling your data. Check how a free service pays for itself.

"VPNs are illegal"

In most countries they are legal, but a few restrict them. Illegal activity stays illegal with a VPN.

Ready to pick one?

See how the top VPNs compare on features, devices and price.

Compare the top VPNsBack to home
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How to set up a VPN on a Smart TV or Fire TV Stick

Most people are connected in about five minutes. The steps depend on what your TV runs, so start by checking that.

First, what does your TV run?

Amazon Fire TV or Fire TV Stick

Easy. Install the VPN app straight from the Amazon Appstore.

Android TV or Google TV

Easy. Install from the Google Play Store.

Common on Sony, Philips, TCL and Chromecast with Google TV.

Apple TV

Easy on tvOS 17 or later. Install from the App Store.

Samsung, LG, Roku, Vizio

No VPN apps. Use a streaming stick, a router or a shared connection.

See the workarounds below.

Fire TV Stick, step by step

  1. Get a VPN planSign up on your phone or computer. Choose a provider with a refund window so you can test it on your TV.
  2. Search for the appOn the Fire TV home screen, open Find, then Search, and type the VPN’s name. The Alexa voice button on your remote is quicker than typing.
  3. Download itOpen the app from the Amazon Appstore result and select Get or Download.
  4. Sign inOpen the app and enter your VPN account details. Some apps let you sign in with a code from your phone instead of typing.
  5. ConnectPick a server, select connect, and accept the connection request that Fire TV shows.
  6. Start streamingOpen your streaming app. For Prime Video, choose a server in the same country as your Amazon account.

Newer Fire TV sticks: models that run Amazon’s newer Vega OS, such as the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, need an app built for Vega OS, and sideloading does not work on them. Check that your provider supports your exact model before you buy.

Android TV and Google TV

  • Open the Google Play Store on the TV
  • Search for the VPN and install it
  • Sign in and select a server
  • Accept the connection request, then connect

Apple TV (tvOS 17 or later)

  • Open the App Store on the Apple TV
  • Search for the VPN and download it
  • Sign in with your VPN account
  • Choose a server and connect

Samsung, LG, Roku and other TVs without VPN apps

Samsung (Tizen), LG (webOS) and Roku TVs cannot run VPN apps, but you have three ways around that:

  1. Plug in a streaming stick (easiest)Attach a Fire TV Stick, Chromecast with Google TV or Apple TV, then follow the steps above on that device.
  2. Set up the VPN on your routerThis protects every device on your network, including the TV. It needs a router that supports VPN connections, and the steps differ by model.
  3. Share a connection from a computerConnect the VPN on a PC, then share it as a hotspot for the TV. It works, but it is fiddly and the computer must stay on.

If something goes wrong

  • You can’t find the app. Check that the provider supports your TV model. On older Fire OS sticks you can sideload it: go to Settings, My Fire TV, Developer Options and allow apps from unknown sources, then install the file from the provider’s official site.
  • A streaming service still won’t play. Try a different server in the same country. Services block some VPN servers.
  • It buffers. Connect to a nearby server, and use Ethernet or a strong Wi-Fi signal.
  • The VPN drops. Turn on auto-connect or the kill switch in the app settings, if it has them.

Which VPNs have TV apps?

NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark all publish apps for Fire TV and Android TV, and each also supports Apple TV. Proton VPN also offers TV support, but check its site for your exact device.

A TV counts as one device on your plan, so the limits matter: NordVPN allows up to 10 devices, ExpressVPN 10 to 14 depending on plan, Proton VPN 10 on paid plans, and Surfshark has no limit.

Using a VPN to watch content that is not licensed in your region may break a streaming service’s terms, and services may block VPN connections.

Ready to pick a VPN for your TV?

Compare device limits, prices and features side by side.

Compare the top VPNsWhat does a VPN do?
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Best Surfshark alternatives

Surfshark is good value to start, but it is not right for everyone. Here is where NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Proton VPN do better, and where they cost more.

Disclosure: The “Claim Deal” buttons on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Prices were checked on 30 September 2026.

Why people look for an alternative

Month to month is costly

Surfshark Starter is $16.45 a month, the highest entry monthly price of the four we compare.

Renewal more than doubles the cost

Starter renews at $79 a year, about $6.58 a month, against $2.49 on the 2-year plan. That is still lower than the other three, but its pricing page does not state it.

Extras sit in higher tiers

Starter is the VPN plus Alternative ID. Antivirus and alerts need One, and identity coverage needs One+, which is limited to US residents.

Other picks lead some rankings

Security.org ranks NordVPN first and Surfshark second, and TechRadar and Tom’s Guide pick NordVPN as best overall or best for most people.

The alternatives

NordVPN

Best all-round alternative

Choose it if you want a top-ranked, well-rounded VPN and a plan that adds antivirus, a password manager and cloud storage as you move up.

Trade-off: it allows up to 10 devices, not unlimited, and Basic renews at $139.08 a year.

From $3.49 a month on the 2-year plan, billed $94.23 upfront for 27 months.

Claim NordVPN Deal

ExpressVPN

Best if you want it simple

Choose it if you want an easy app and more devices than Nord: 10 to 14 depending on plan. Reviewers rate it for ease of use.

Trade-off: the guarantee is for new users only, and Basic renews at $99.95 a year.

From $2.99 a month on the 2-year plan, billed $83.72 upfront for 28 months.

Claim ExpressVPN Deal

Proton VPN

Best for privacy and a free option

Choose it if privacy is your priority. It has open-source, audited apps, a Swiss base, and the only free plan of the four, with no data limits.

Trade-off: the free plan is 1 device at medium speed, and streaming and P2P need a paid plan.

From $3.49 a month on the 2-year plan, billed $83.76 upfront for 24 months.

Claim Proton VPN Deal

Surfshark and its alternatives at a glance

Swipe sideways to compare →

SurfsharkNordVPNExpressVPNProton VPN
2-year plan, per month$2.49$3.49$2.99$3.49
Billed upfront$67.23, 27 months$94.23, 27 months$83.72, 28 months$83.76, 24 months
After the intro term$79 a year$139.08 a year$99.95 a year$83.88 a year
Month-to-month$16.45$14.99$14.99$9.99
DevicesUnlimitedUp to 1010 to 14, by plan10 on paid plans
Free planNoNoNoYes
Money-back guarantee30 days30 days30 days, new users only30 days, paid plans

Entry-level plans, prices in US dollars, checked 30 September 2026. Intro rates are billed upfront and rise at renewal. Subscription and renewal rates are subject to change based on your location, local tax rates and active promotions, so confirm the final price at checkout.

When to stay with Surfshark

Surfshark is still hard to beat if you have a big household, because it is the only one of the four with no device limit. It also has the lowest 2-year starting price at $2.49 a month and the lowest renewal rate, at $79 a year for Starter.

If those matter most to you, the alternatives above may not be worth switching for.

Claim Surfshark Deal

Switching without paying twice

  1. Start the new planPick a provider with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Test it for a week or twoUse it on your usual devices and streaming apps while you are still inside the refund window.
  3. Cancel Surfshark’s auto-renewalDo this in your account settings before the renewal date. Removing the app does not cancel the plan.

Want to see all four side by side?

Compare features, devices and prices in one table.

Compare the top VPNsBack to home
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NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: which should you buy?

Two of the best-known VPNs, compared on price, devices, features and refunds. Short answer: NordVPN wins on rankings and refunds, ExpressVPN on price and ease of use.

Disclosure: The “Claim Deal” buttons on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Prices were checked on 30 September 2026.

The quick verdict

Pick NordVPN if…

  • You want the VPN reviewers rank highest overall
  • You want a plan that can grow into antivirus, cloud storage and identity theft insurance
  • You want the 30-day guarantee to cover any customer, not just new ones

Pick ExpressVPN if…

  • You want the lower price at signup and at renewal
  • You want the simplest app, or you need up to 14 devices
  • You are a new customer, so the guarantee applies to you

Head to head

Swipe sideways to compare →

NordVPNExpressVPNEdge
2-year plan, per month$3.49 (Basic)$2.99 (Basic)ExpressVPN
Billed upfront$94.23 for 27 months$83.72 for 28 monthsExpressVPN
After the intro term$139.08 a year$99.95 a yearExpressVPN
Month-to-month$14.99$14.99Tie
DevicesUp to 1010 to 14, by planExpressVPN
ProtocolNordLynx, with post-quantum encryptionLightway, with post-quantum protectionTie
Bigger plans addAntivirus, ad and tracker blocker, password manager, 1 TB cloud storage, identity theft insurancePassword manager, email relay, tracker blocking, dedicated IP on Express ProDifferent mixes
Money-back guarantee30 days30 days, new users onlyNordVPN
Security.org ranking#1 pickNot in its top fiveNordVPN
TechRadar and Tom’s GuideBest overall; best for most peopleEasiest to use; best for beginnersNordVPN overall, ExpressVPN for ease

Entry-level plans, prices in US dollars, checked 30 September 2026. Intro rates are billed upfront and rise at renewal. Subscription and renewal rates are subject to change based on your location, local tax rates and active promotions, so confirm the final price at checkout.

Price: what you will really pay

  • At signup: ExpressVPN Basic is cheaper, at $83.72 for 28 months against $94.23 for 27 months on NordVPN Basic.
  • At renewal: ExpressVPN Basic is $39.13 a year cheaper, at $99.95 against $139.08.
  • Month to month: both cost $14.99, so neither is a bargain without a long plan.

Tip: if you plan to stay for years, the renewal price matters more than the headline rate.

Features and plans

NordVPN

  • Plans: Basic, Complete and Prime, at $3.49, $4.49 and $7.49 a month on the 2-year plan.
  • Basic: the VPN plus scam and phishing protection.
  • Complete: adds antivirus, an ad and tracker blocker, a password manager and 1 TB of cloud storage.
  • Prime: adds identity theft insurance.

ExpressVPN

  • Plans: Basic, Advanced and Express Pro, at $2.99, $4.49 and $7.49 a month on the 2-year plan, with 10, 12 and 14 devices.
  • Basic: blocks ads and malicious sites.
  • Advanced: adds tracker blocking.
  • Express Pro: includes a dedicated IP.
  • Reach: servers in 113 countries.

Streaming and devices

  • Streaming: major reviewers recommend both, but services block VPN servers from time to time, so no provider can promise access.
  • Test first: try your own services inside the refund window. That is easier with NordVPN, because ExpressVPN’s guarantee is for new users only.
  • TVs: both have apps for Fire TV, Android TV and Apple TV. See our TV setup guide.
  • More than 10 devices? ExpressVPN’s upper plans allow 12 or 14.

Our verdict

  • Choose NordVPN for the highest-ranked all-rounder and a refund that applies to everyone.
  • Choose ExpressVPN for lower prices, a simpler app and more devices.
  • Big household? Look at Surfshark: no device limit and the lowest 2-year starting price of the four.

Ready to choose?

Both have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test one before you commit.

Claim NordVPN DealClaim ExpressVPN DealCompare all four