The Best VPNs With Free Trials We’ve Tested for 2026

Features and capabilities: NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol is fast, open-source, and reliable. It also provides access to split tunneling and multi-hop connections. Nord’s Threat Protection Pro keeps you safe from malware and blocks nasty trackers that could try to keep tabs on your browsing habits.

Privacy and security: Nord maintains transparent privacy standards with third-party audits and a frequently updated transparency report. NordLynx uses open-source technology, so you can take a look at what makes the service tick. Nord doesn’t keep logs, and its no-logs policy has been independently verified in multiple security audits by VerSprite, Cure53, Deloitte, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC). 

Speed and performance: Nord earned our Lab Award for the fastest VPN, scoring best in our most recent speed tests. It reduced download speeds by just 1.94%, upload speeds by 5.54%, and increased latency by 67.04%. Just keep in mind that your experience may vary depending on your proximity to a Nord server. 

Streaming: Streaming with Nord was streamlined. We didn’t experience any buffering or stuttering with videos. Additionally, Nord managed to unblock every regional Netflix library we tested. 

User experience and ease of use: Nord’s desktop apps can be a tad cluttered and overwhelming, especially if you’re new to VPNs. The dashboard is excellent for advanced users, offering a range of useful menus and tools.

Users who need premium security: NordVPN does it all, but it’s not cheap. That said, it provides a consistent, full-featured experience across all platforms.

Video streamers: People looking to access local streaming content will appreciate NordVPN’s extensive server selection. Nord’s speeds were steady enough to grant stable, reliable video streams. 

Features and capabilities: ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol is known for its reliability and is backed by post-quantum encryption. The service also has plenty of advanced features tucked away for tinkerers. ExpressVPN can be set and forget, or you can dive deeper and configure it to your liking.

Privacy and security: ExpressVPN is transparent about its data practices. The service does log aggregate data on user usage, but the company claims none of this information can be tied back to user accounts. Biannual transparency reports reinforce this claim, as do the 22 independent security audits Express has undergone. 

Speed and performance: ExpressVPN decreased download speeds by 15.48%, upload speeds by 13%, and increased latency by 92.06%. These scores place it ahead of most services, making it a solid choice for data-intensive tasks like streaming or downloading videos. 

Streaming: Netflix access was seamless with ExpressVPN. We put it up against five regional catalogs in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. It performed well, giving us unrestricted access to every single one. 

User experience and ease of use: ExpressVPN has a slick, easy-to-use interface. Its single-button connection screen makes it a breeze to connect, and the settings menu offers plenty of advanced features for those who want to fine-tune their connection. 

Binge watchers: ExpressVPN is for those who want fast, reliable streaming. The VPN’s specialized Lightway protocol makes it an excellent option for streaming, gaming, and browsing. 

First-time VPN users: ExpressVPN’s simple interface makes it easy to use without needing any prior knowledge. 

Features and capabilities: CyberGhost offers ample server coverage worldwide, making it a great choice for anyone looking to try it out for free. The service has plenty of task-specific servers for streaming, torrenting, and more. It also scored well in our latest bout of speed tests, making it a good choice for reliable connections. 

Privacy and security: CyberGhost’s service is backed by a comprehensive, easy-to-read privacy policy that clearly states the company does not retain, sell, or trade user data. The VPN releases quarterly transparency reports and is regularly audited by privacy firms such as Deloitte. 

Speed and performance: CyberGhost performed well in our latest round of speed tests. We saw a 8.73% reduction in download speeds, a 4.41% decrease in upload speeds, and a 92.06% increase in latency. 

Streaming: We pitted CyberGhost against five regional Netflix catalogs: The US, UK, Australia, Japan, and Canada. It was able to access each region’s specific content catalog without running into blocks or restrictions. 

User experience and ease of use: All of CyberGhost’s apps are organized and easy to use. The design is straightforward, and the dashboard houses a wide array of menus for quick navigation. It’s always clear when you’re connected thanks to a large power button icon on the right side of the dashboard. 

Travelers: CyberGhost VPN has a steep monthly cost. However, it might be worthwhile if you plan on traveling frequently or need to spoof your location often, since CyberGhost has the network to support it.

Task-specific users: CyberGhost is for users who want dedicated server options for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. The VPN’s advanced NoSpy servers make it an excellent choice for those who need uncompromising privacy.  

Features and capabilities: PIA’s extensive network, with a presence in every US state, makes it easy to stay connected wherever you are. You get access to advanced tools, such as split tunneling and multi-hop, that provide an extra layer of security when browsing the web. PIA’s MACE ad- and tracker-blocking tool will help declutter any sites with obtrusive ads and prevent your browsing habits from being tracked. 

Privacy and security: PIA does not log user activity or profit from the sale or trade of user data. The VPN doesn’t keep any details about your browsing history, IP address, connection timestamps, or bandwidth usage. The service has undergone an audit by Deloitte to verify its privacy policy. PIA is based in Colorado and must respond to lawful US orders, but it has never had any information to hand over to authorities. 

Speed and performance: PIA did well in our latest round of speed tests. It reduced our download speeds by 32.08%, uploads by 48.76%, and increased our latency by 100%. Provided you already have a stable enough connection to stream content, connecting to PIA shouldn’t cause noticeable lags or stutters. 

Streaming: PIA struggled to unblock all regional Netflix catalogs in our latest round of tests. It unblocks content in the US, Japan, and Canada. It faced blocks in the UK and Australia.

User experience and ease of use: PIA’s apps are straightforward and make it easy to secure your connection with minimal fuss. The main dashboard features a large power button that flashes green when you’re connected or shows a yellow ring when you’re not. You’ll also find quick menus for servers and connection settings, as well as a map showing your current connection status. 

Open-source enthusiasts: All PIA apps are open source with publicly available code, so you know exactly what you’re using from the start.

Multi-device users: PIA supports unlimited simultaneous device connections, making it a great pick if you have a whole house of devices you want protected simultaneously. 

Features and capabilities: Surfshark’s network has good global coverage with presence in 100 countries, making it a good pick for most regions. Advanced connection options, such as multi-hop and post-quantum encryption, make it easy to tailor your security preferences. You can configure an antivirus, ad blocker, and additional identity protection tools all in one place, and that free trial gets you access to all of those bundled tools.

Privacy and security: Privacy policies can be confusing and dense. Surfshark takes a better approach, offering an in-depth yet digestible policy that explains how the company handles data. The service has verified these claims with frequent third-party audits and quarterly transparency reports.

Speed and performance: Surfshark’s performance was solid. We only saw a 7.73% decrease in download speeds, a 7.12% decrease in upload speeds, and a 201.34% increase in latency.

Streaming: Netflix access was no problem for Surfshark. It accessed every regional catalog we tested without running into blocks. We did not experience stuttering or slow load times even when connected to distant locations.

User experience and ease of use: User experience is consistent between applications. Each version of Surfshark has a sleek design with clearly described features. It’s easy to pick up and use as a new user, and it has enough depth for more experienced users to tinker with.

Media Streamers: Surfshark is a solid choice for those looking to watch their favorite shows from anywhere without compromising on security. Our connections were stable, and the VPN unblocked regional Netflix catalogs with ease. 

Users who want a one-app solution: The biggest selling point for Surfshark is its ecosystem of privacy tools. It’s a good choice for those who may not want a handful of subscriptions to different services. With Surfshark, you can configure an array of tools all from a single control hub under one account.