What is the best vpn tool right now?

CyberGhost VPN leads this list by user signals — it is best for individual users who want a low-cost, long-term vpn subscription (as low as $2.19/month on a 26-month plan) for streaming access and public wi-fi privacy across most major platforms. ExpressVPN is the strongest runner-up.

4 of the 9 tools here have a usable free tier or are fully free: IVPN, Mullvad, Proton VPN, Windscribe.

Are there open-source vpns?

Yes — IVPN, Mullvad, Proton VPN are open source.

9 Best VPNs in 2026

VPN software encrypts internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, used by people who want private browsing or secure access on public wifi.

Top vpns

Tool	Best for	License	Price	Reviews
CyberGhost VPN	individual users who want a low-cost, long-term VPN subscription (as low as $2.19/month on a 26-month plan) for streaming access and public Wi-Fi privacy across most major platforms	Paid	From $2.19/mo	4.4/5 on Capterra (150 reviews)
ExpressVPN	consumers who want a simple, reliable VPN that works out of the box across many device types (routers, smart TVs, browsers) without manual protocol configuration	Paid	From $2.79/mo	4.6/5 on Capterra (287 reviews)
IVPN	privacy-conscious users who want an open-source VPN client and are willing to pay a premium for anonymous sign-up and payment options over the cheapest VPN on the market	Open source	Custom pricing
Mullvad	privacy-conscious individuals who want anonymous signup and a single flat-rate plan instead of tiered VPN pricing	Open source	Custom pricing
NordVPN	individuals wanting a fast, easy-to-set-up VPN with a large server network and native apps across desktop and mobile platforms	Paid	From $3.49/mo	4.6/5 on Capterra (1,393 reviews)
Private Internet Access	privacy-focused users who want unlimited simultaneous device connections on a single no-logs VPN subscription at a lower price than premium competitors	Paid	From $2.03/mo	4.3/5 on Capterra (14 reviews)
Proton VPN	privacy-conscious users and journalists who want an open-source, independently audited VPN with a genuinely unlimited-data free tier, or paid subscribers wanting 10-device coverage bundled with Proton's email and storage products	Open core	Free tier · paid from $4.99/mo	4.5/5 on Capterra (44 reviews)
Surfshark	individuals who want unlimited-device VPN coverage bundled with antivirus and identity-theft monitoring under one subscription, instead of paying for separate security tools	Paid	From $2.49/mo	4.5/5 on Capterra (61 reviews)
Windscribe	privacy-conscious users who want built-in ad and tracker blocking alongside VPN tunneling, and light users who only need a handful of server locations	Freemium	Free tier · paid from $1/mo	4.6/5 on Capterra (181 reviews)

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Find alternatives to a specific tool

Alternatives to CyberGhost VPN5 Alternatives to ExpressVPN6 Alternatives to IVPN5 Alternatives to Mullvad5 Alternatives to NordVPN5 Alternatives to Private Internet Access5 Alternatives to Proton VPN5 Alternatives to Surfshark6 Alternatives to Windscribe5

Frequently asked questions

What is the best vpn tool right now?: CyberGhost VPN leads this list by user signals — it is best for individual users who want a low-cost, long-term vpn subscription (as low as $2.19/month on a 26-month plan) for streaming access and public wi-fi privacy across most major platforms. ExpressVPN is the strongest runner-up.
Which vpns are free?: 4 of the 9 tools here have a usable free tier or are fully free: IVPN, Mullvad, Proton VPN, Windscribe.
Are there open-source vpns?: Yes — IVPN, Mullvad, Proton VPN are open source.