THE VPN SOFTWARE BUYING DESK 10 picks
10 best VPN services for different needs
Surfshark is our starting point for many devices, NordVPN for an everyday setup and ExpressVPN for a mix of computers and TVs. Compare all ten by the features you will use and the limits you can live with.
We may earn a commission when you buy through a link marked “Affiliate link”. How we’re funded. Our comparisons use provider documentation; we have not run hands-on speed or streaming tests for this list.
COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS
The shortlist, with the trade-offs
Surfshark leads this shortlist for people who want one subscription across many devices. Unlimited connections remove a common buying constraint. Compare the base VPN plan with the optional security bundles before checkout.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Apps for the main desktop and mobile systems
- Check the plan: antivirus and other extras may cost more.
- Devices at once
- Unlimited
- Free option
- No ongoing free plan
Check the total prepaid term and the renewal price.
NordVPN is worth comparing if ten active connections cover your routine. Its desktop and mobile apps make it a practical general-purpose candidate, while extra features need a closer look at the plan details.
- 10 connections on one account
- Router setup uses one device slot
- Extra security features depend on your plan and app.
- Devices at once
- 10
- Free option
- No ongoing free plan
Compare the renewal charge with the first-term offer.
ExpressVPN has a broad set of device instructions, including TV and router options. We put it near the top for mixed setups; its Basic, Advanced and Pro plans have different connection allowances.
- 10 Basic, 12 Advanced or 14 Pro connections
- TV apps and compatible router options
- Your connection limit depends on the subscription tier.
- Devices at once
- 10 / 12 / 14
- Free option
- Trial terms vary by platform
Choose the tier before comparing the subscription total.
Proton gives you an ongoing free option before you decide whether to pay. VPN Plus adds more connections and paid-plan features, so compare the two plans against your actual device count.
- Free tier without a monthly data cap
- Paid VPN Plus covers 10 devices
- Free and paid plans differ in server choice and features.
- Devices at once
- 1 free / 10 paid
- Free option
- Free tier with unlimited data
Compare VPN Plus with the wider Proton bundles.
Private Internet Access belongs on your shortlist if app-level routing matters. You can keep selected traffic outside the tunnel on supported platforms, while using one subscription across your personal devices.
- Unlimited personal-device connections
- Split tunneling on supported apps
- Features differ between operating systems.
- Devices at once
- Unlimited
- Free option
- No ongoing free plan
Check the full term and any optional add-ons.
Consider IPVanish if your setup includes streaming devices and mobile apps. The developer’s published app listings explain the supported platforms and protocols; check store-specific subscription terms before starting a trial.
- Fire TV and Apple TV support
- WireGuard and other protocol options
- Confirm trial renewal terms in the store you buy through.
- Devices at once
- Your own devices
- Free option
- App trial terms apply
Compare the website plan with app-store billing.
Mullvad makes the cost of a short subscription easy to compare. The €5 monthly rate and five-device cap are clear starting points, with an account-number system that does not require email signup.
- Published price of €5 per month
- Account-number signup
- Five-device cap; no port forwarding.
- Devices at once
- 5
- Free option
- No free plan
€5 per month including VAT; payment-method terms apply.
CyberGhost is a candidate for buyers who want a longer refund period on a longer subscription. Its seven-device allowance is lower than several rivals here, so count your active connections first.
- Up to 7 simultaneous connections
- 45-day refund window on long plans
- Monthly plans have a shorter 14-day refund window.
- Devices at once
- 7
- Free option
- Device-specific trials
Refund eligibility depends on term and purchase channel.
VyprVPN offers more than one protocol choice, including WireGuard and its Chameleon option. Compare the documentation for your operating system before assuming that a feature appears in every app.
- WireGuard and Chameleon options
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Check protocol availability on your particular app.
- Devices at once
- 10
- Free option
- No ongoing free plan
Compare the subscription term and current refund rules.
StrongVPN gives you a stated allowance of twelve connections. That makes it worth comparing with ten-device plans if you already know your device count and want a VPN with WireGuard support.
- Up to 12 devices at once
- WireGuard support
- SmartDNS does not provide VPN encryption.
- Devices at once
- 12
- Free option
- No free plan verified
Confirm the current term, renewal and refund conditions.
No VPNs in this shortlist match that filter.
SIDE BY SIDE
A closer look at the first three
Use these facts to narrow the choice, then check the plan and app you intend to use.
| Your buying check | Surfshark | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best fit | A busy household | An everyday mix of devices | A mix of computers and TVs |
| Devices at once | Unlimited | 10 | 10 / 12 / 14 |
| Free option | No ongoing free plan | No ongoing free plan | Trial terms vary by platform |
| Billing note | Check the total prepaid term and the renewal price. | Compare the renewal charge with the first-term offer. | Choose the tier before comparing the subscription total. |
OUR APPROACH
How we chose this list
Our order starts with connection allowance and platform coverage, then adds choices for free access, app controls and shorter commitments. We compare published features and billing terms. We have not measured these providers against each other in a speed or leak-testing lab.
We checked the linked provider documentation on 6 November 2026. The current team assessment uses AI-assisted research. Each card names its source and a reason to pause before buying. Affiliate links may earn us a commission; providers without an affiliate agreement also appear.
A FEW PRACTICAL ANSWERS
Questions before you subscribe
Which VPN should I start with?
Start with Surfshark when the device allowance matters most. Compare NordVPN for a general setup or ExpressVPN for its range of device instructions.
Are these rankings based on speed tests?
No. This list uses published provider documentation and editorial judgement about fit. We have not run comparative speed, streaming or leak tests for this page.
Is a free VPN enough?
It can be enough for occasional use. Check the device allowance, data cap and server-selection rules. A free plan and a time-limited paid-service trial are different offers.
Does a VPN make me anonymous?
A VPN changes the IP address websites see and encrypts traffic between your device and the VPN server. Accounts, cookies and the VPN provider still affect your privacy.
Reference desk 16
- surfshark.com/features/multiple-devices for Surfshark plan or app details checked November 6, 2026
- support.nordvpn.com/hc/en-us/articles/19476515228305-How-many-devices-can-I-use-with-NordVPN for NordVPN plan or app details checked November 6, 2026
- expressvpn.com/support/knowledge-hub/simultaneous-connections for ExpressVPN plan or app details checked November 6, 2026
- protonvpn.com/pricing for Proton VPN plan or app details checked November 6, 2026
- privateinternetaccess.com/vpn-features for Private Internet Access plan or app details checked November 6, 2026
- play.google.com/store/apps/details for IPVanish plan or app details checked November 6, 2026
- mullvad.net/en/pricing for Mullvad plan or app details checked November 6, 2026
- cyberghostvpn.com/features/money-back-guarantee for CyberGhost plan or app details checked November 6, 2026
- vyprvpn.com/features for VyprVPN plan or app details checked November 6, 2026
- strongvpn.com for StrongVPN plan or app details checked November 6, 2026
- privateinternetaccess.com/download for Platform support and feature distinctions checked November 6, 2026
- privateinternetaccess.com/vpn-features/split-tunneling for Platform support and feature distinctions checked November 6, 2026
- protonvpn.com/free-vpn for Platform support and feature distinctions checked November 6, 2026
- expressvpn.com/support/knowledge-hub/supported-devices for Platform support and feature distinctions checked November 6, 2026
- nordvpn.com/features for Platform support and feature distinctions checked November 6, 2026
- surfshark.com/features for Platform support and feature distinctions checked November 6, 2026