The 4 Best VPN Apps in 2026
A VPN encrypts your connection and hides your IP, protecting you on public Wi-Fi and letting you reach content from other countries. Using one is perfectly legal in the UK, the US and most countries. In this guide we compare the 4 best VPN apps in 2026, from the best free option to the fastest ones for streaming.
Top VPN apps to protect your online privacy
VPN apps to encrypt your connection, hide your IP address and browse privately, with servers in dozens of countries and both free and paid options.
Top pick
NordVPN: VPN Rápida y Segura
Nord Security · Free (with purchases) · 100M+
The most complete
4.5
1.3M reviews
TopApps analysis
NordVPN combines thousands of servers in more than 60 countries with very high speeds and built-in malware protection. One of the highest rated VPNs on the market.
NordVPN is one of the most complete and best-rated VPNs on the market, with thousands of servers across more than 60 countries. It encrypts your connection, hides your IP and lets you reach streaming content from other countries, at very high speeds thanks to its own protocol. It also bundles malware protection and double VPN for extra privacy.
Pros
- Thousands of servers in more than 60 countries
- Very high speeds (NordLynx protocol)
- Malware and phishing protection included
Cons
- No permanent free plan
- The price jumps considerably on renewal
- Some advanced features only on higher plans
ExpressVPN: VPN Segura y Veloz
Free (with purchases) · 100M+
The easiest to use
4.6
472K reviews
TopApps analysis
ExpressVPN connects with a single tap and has servers in 105 countries, ideal for international streaming with a very simple interface.
ExpressVPN is the easiest VPN to use: one button to connect and servers in 105 countries. It is the go-to option for reaching international streaming catalogues and for anonymous downloads, with excellent speeds and a very intuitive app. Its security has been independently audited on several occasions.
Pros
- Very simple interface, connect in one tap
- Servers in 105 countries
- Excellent for international streaming
Cons
- One of the most expensive VPNs on the market
- No free plan
- Less customisation than other VPNs for advanced users
Surfshark: VPN Rápida y Segura
Free (with purchases) · 10M+
Best for multiple devices
4.7
276K reviews
TopApps analysis
Surfshark allows unlimited devices on a single account at a very competitive price, with antivirus and an ad blocker included.
Surfshark offers unlimited connected devices on a single account, something unique in the sector, along with very competitive pricing. It includes an ad blocker, antivirus and a data leak detector, with over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. The best choice if you want to protect your whole household (phones, tablets, computers) with no device limit.
Pros
- Unlimited devices on a single account
- Very competitive price
- Includes antivirus and ad blocker
Cons
- Somewhat smaller network than NordVPN or ExpressVPN
- No free plan
- Some extra features have to be switched on manually
Proton VPN: Rápida y Segura
Proton AG · Free (with purchases) · 100M+
Best free VPN
4.7
1.1M reviews
TopApps analysis
Proton VPN offers the best free plan on the market, with unlimited data and no ads, built by the Proton Mail team in Switzerland.
Proton VPN is the best free VPN on the market, with unlimited data on its free plan (a rarity) and no ads. Built by the Proton Mail team, based in Switzerland with a strong privacy focus and servers in more than 140 countries. Ideal if you want a reliable VPN without paying, with the option to upgrade if you need more speed.
Pros
- The best free plan, with unlimited data
- No ads, not even on the free plan
- Based in Switzerland, strong privacy focus
Cons
- The free plan has fewer servers and limited speed
- The premium plan is needed for serious streaming
- Fewer servers overall than NordVPN
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free VPN app?
Proton VPN is the best free option, for a reason that is rare in this sector: its free plan includes unlimited data and shows no ads. Most free VPNs cap either data or speed; Proton VPN is one of the few that does neither, although its premium plan adds more servers and more speed for streaming.
Is it legal to use a VPN?
Yes. VPNs are completely legal in the UK, the US and most countries. They are commonly used to protect your connection on public Wi-Fi, avoid tracking of your online activity, or reach streaming services with catalogues from other countries. What would be illegal is using them for activities that would already be illegal without a VPN.
Which VPN is best for streaming from other countries?
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are the most recommended for streaming, since they constantly refresh their servers to get around blocks from platforms like Netflix or Disney+. Surfshark also works well and has the advantage of connecting all your devices at once with no limit, handy for a whole household.
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