Fastest VPNs 2026: Speed Test Results & Rankings
In today’s high-speed world, we need the fastest VPN to keep up.
Whether watching streaming services (such as Netflix or BBC iPlayer) torrenting, or simply shopping on Amazon, the best VPNs should provide the best download speeds while ensuring your privacy and protection.
But, since not all VPNs are created equal, we took a deep dive into the top VPN providers to find out which ones combine the best features with the fastest speeds.
ExpressVPN
Fast, reliable, works in 105 countries. TrustedServer technology ensures no data touches a hard drive.
From $3.49/mo
Get ExpressVPN Now
Why we picked it ↓
NordVPN
Fastest speeds in our testing. NordLynx protocol. Works with Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more.
From $3.09/mo
Get NordVPN Now
Why we picked it ↓
Surfshark
Unlimited devices on one account. Competitive long-term pricing with CleanWeb ad blocker included.
From $1.99/mo
Get Surfshark Now
Why we picked it ↓
Jump to section
Quick Guide To Choosing a Fast VPN
When it comes to choosing a fast VPN, there are a number of factors you could consider, including encryption protocols, server network, company reputation, and price.
What To Look For
There are two key aspects you should focus on when choosing the fastest VPN:
Server Locations
You’ll want a multitude of server locations close to where you are, as this will ensure a faster connection than from servers farther away.
It’s always better to have a number of servers (and locations) within your region too, in case one particular VPN server isn’t performing optimally.
Bandwidth
Servers with more bandwidth are able to accommodate more users at higher speeds.
Select a network with the highest bandwidth possible, as this will limit the likelihood of congestion and provide the greatest chance of delivering the fastest speeds.
What To Avoid
You shouldn’t sacrifice key security features, such as encryption protocols, over faster VPN speeds.
The primary purpose of a VPN is to protect your data and privacy, so make sure your chosen service delivers industry-standard security.
The Best Fastest VPNs of 2026
Here is our rundown of the top fastest VPN services currently on the market:
ExpressVPN
Our Deal: $12.95 ✓ Mar 18, 2026/month billed monthly, $9.99 ✓ Mar 18, 2026/month billed every six months, and $6.67/month billed yearly.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
→
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-speed servers in 105 countries | Limited port forwarding |
| Several encryption options, including its pioneering Lightway protocol | No dedicated IP options |
| Unlimited bandwidth | |
| Works with most platforms and devices, including iOS (iPhone & iPad), Android, Windows, Mac, browser extensions, and more | |
| Unblocks Netflix and supports P2P and gaming |
ExpressVPN tops our list of the best fast VPNs due to the company’s wide range of high-speed servers.
Its network spans 105 countries, so no matter where you are in the world, you’re likely to find an ExpressVPN server nearby. And, in many cases, users will find many servers in multiple locations throughout a single country.
The service also provides its own Lightway VPN protocol, which was built in-house by ExpressVPN to combine the best in security with the fastest speeds.
In short, this means you should never find it difficult to find a fast connection that doesn’t compromise your privacy.
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, so has no legal requirements to record or share data. The service uses 256-bit AES protection, so connections should always be secure, even on public Wi-Fi.
The provider also offers dedicated apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux, plus works on routers and has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi.
While not the cheapest on the market, ExpressVPN is a fast service with secure and reliable encryption that offers reasonable pricing and a risk-free money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
→
Read our full ExpressVPN review
→
NordVPN
Our Deal: from $12.99 ✓ Mar 18, 2026/month billed monthly, $4.99 ✓ Mar 18, 2026/month billed yearly, and $3.49 ✓ Mar 18, 2026/month billed every two years.
Read our full NordVPN review
→
NordVPN is another strong contender in the fastest VPN category, as it incorporates its own NordLynx protocol, to provide the fastest speeds alongside top internet privacy and security.
With 5,700+ servers worldwide, there’s almost certainly a server near you, which means better and faster connection speeds.
Not only is NordVPN focused on speed, but it also doesn’t keep any usage logs or browsing history, and the company is based in Panama, meaning it’s not subject to any data retention laws.
The service uses 256-bit AES encryption, and users have the option to connect via a DNS proxy. A subscription includes threat protection, a Dark Web Monitor, and Double VPN capabilities, for additional security.
Due to its high speeds, NordVPN is a great choice for accessing content on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming platforms. It also has dedicated servers for torrenting, streaming, and P2P network sharing, providing faster connection speeds when using these services.
NordVPN lets users pay for their subscription with cryptocurrencies for complete anonymity, and it has apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux.
While NordVPN doesn’t offer a free trial, it does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Read our full NordVPN review
→
Read our full NordVPN review
→
Surfshark
Our Deal: Surfshark Starter for $1.99 ✓ Mar 18, 2026 for 2 years + 3 months FREE
Best & Worst:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Not all features are available on all devices.
Read our full Surfshark review
→
| Pros | Cons |
| Unlimited devices | Not all features are available on all platforms |
| 24/7 customer support | Relatively new provider |
| Private DNS and leak protection | |
| Fast connection speeds |
Surfshark is quickly becoming a favorite with many internet users who want lots of features for a low price. But how does it perform on speed?
With 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, Surfshark most likely has a server close to you, which means faster connection speeds. The company is also adding 10Gbps ports to its entire network.
Aside from a need for speed, Surfshark has an extremely strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited and verified. It uses 256-bit AES encryption and incorporates many other security features in the form of private DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection.
The service offers a kill switch within its apps to prevent any data leaks in the event your VPN connection drops.
Add an automatic ad-blocker and malware scanning (which can be upgraded to include antivirus), 24/7 customer support, apps for MacOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, plus router support, cryptocurrency payment plans, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, Surfshark offers a well-rounded and comprehensive fast VPN service.
Read our full Surfshark review
→
Read our full Surfshark review
→
Why Use a VPN for Speed?
While the primary purpose of a VPN is to ensure the security and privacy of its users online, those same users don’t want to compromise their average speed either.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts a user’s internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location to anonymize and protect a user’s details and keep their connection secure and private.
Due to these additional encryption steps, any VPN connection is likely to slow down your internet connection (compared to connecting straight through your internet service provider (ISP)).
But the best VPN providers will provide fast server speeds to mitigate against these speed reductions, so a user is unlikely to notice any difference.
This is particularly useful if you plan on carrying out data-intensive actions such as streaming (with Disney Plus, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming platforms), so you don’t experience buffering, particularly if you’re abroad.
Top VPNs will also prevent bandwidth throttling from your ISP, which may otherwise restrict your internet speeds depending on your online activities.
What To Look For in a Fast VPN?
Here are some factors you should keep in mind when choosing a VPN provider with fast speeds:
Server Locations
It is particularly important to choose a VPN with a high number of servers and server locations as this will increase your chance of achieving higher speeds.
Bandwidth
The more bandwidth a VPN provider has, the better chance you have of achieving higher download and upload speeds (and lower ping and latency, which affects connection speed).
Free VPN Providers
Be wary of choosing a free VPN provider, as these often have limited server options or restricted speeds. Some may even carry malware or make it easy for cyber threats to infect your device, while others could record and sell your data.
To ensure you have a fast and effective VPN, it’s better to choose a reliable and premium VPN from one of our selected options, such as ExpressVPN.
Methodology
Our picks compared
| ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | ProtonVPN | Windscribe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best rate | $3.49/mo | $3.09/mo | $1.99/mo | $3.59/mo | $5.75/mo |
| Monthly price | $12.99 | $12.99 | $15.45 | $9.99 | $9.00 |
| Servers | 3,000+ | 8,400+ | 4,500+ | 15,000+ | 480+ |
| Countries | 105 | 167 | 100 | 120 | 69 |
| Devices | 8 | 10 | Unlimited | 10 | Unlimited |
| Jurisdiction | 🇻🇬 BVI ⓘ | 🇵🇦 Panama ⓘ | 🇳🇱 Netherlands ⓘ | 🇨🇭 Switzerland ⓘ | 🇨🇦 Canada ⓘ |
| Money-back | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 7 days |
| Kill switch | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split tunneling | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| No-logs audited | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Dedicated IP | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Review | Read review → | Read review → | Read review → | Read review → | Read review → |
| Get ExpressVPN Now | Get NordVPN Now | Get Surfshark Now | Get ProtonVPN Now | Get Windscribe Now |
VPNs we don't recommend
Transparency matters. Not every VPN earns our recommendation. Here's why some rank at the bottom:
Hola VPN
- Routes traffic through other users' devices, not VPN servers
- Your bandwidth is sold to third parties
- No encryption on free tier
- Logs all user activity
- Previously linked to a botnet incident
Ivacy VPN
- DNS leaks detected in our testing
- Leaking DNS queries defeats the purpose of a VPN
- Disputed ownership (Gaditek/Disrupt connection)
Avast SecureLine VPN
- Parent company fined $16.5M by FTC (2024)
- Sold user browsing data via Jumpshot subsidiary
- Only 55 servers in 34 countries
How we chose these VPNs
Every VPN on this page goes through the same independent testing process. No provider pays for a ranking. ExpressVPN is our featured partner (clearly disclosed), but that relationship does not influence the testing methodology applied to every other provider on this page.
Leak tests
IP address, DNS, and WebRTC leak detection using our own testing tool
Speed tests
Download, upload, and latency measurements across multiple server locations
Streaming access
Testing against Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and other major services
Privacy policy review
Jurisdiction analysis, logging policy audit, and independent audit verification
App quality
Usability testing on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browser extensions
Value assessment
Price per month, money-back guarantee terms, and feature-to-cost ratio
Our Verdict
The best way to offset the slower speeds that can be caused by using a VPN is to choose a service with multiple servers in many locations. It’s also key to consider server bandwidth – ideally, you want the servers to have as much bandwidth as possible for faster connection speeds.
You should also ensure the VPN provider uses industry-standard encryption and offers top protocols, such as Wireguard, Nordlynx, or Lightway, to ensure your connection remains secure with minimal speed loss.
ExpressVPN incorporates all of these factors and includes many more additional features, 24/7 customer support, and compatibility with multiple platforms.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
→
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is the fastest VPN?
It can be difficult to choose the fastest VPN for you since so many factors are involved, depending on a user’s location and needs. The VPN’s server network, bandwidth, encryption, and price should all be considered.
While there are many fast VPNs, our findings recommend ExpressVPN overall. Its high-bandwidth servers, super-fast Lightway VPN protocol, no-logs policy, and a huge network of servers in 105 countries mean it should perform optimally for most users.
Which VPN is fastest and free?
The fastest VPN service with the best internet speed isn’t going to be free. Most free VPN providers are untrustworthy (by introducing malware or selling user data), or limit a user’s bandwidth, data allowance, and server locations, all of which will result in slower speeds.
Instead, internet users requiring the fastest speeds would be better off investing in a paid service, such as our top pick, ExpressVPN.
How to find the fastest VPN?
The fastest VPN will depend on a number of factors, including the user’s location and internet connection, as well as the VPN’s server locations, number of servers, bandwidth, and VPN protocols offered.
To find the fastest VPN, users should look at the full reviews of our top recommendations on this page – ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark – and then take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantees each service offers, to test each VPN out and find out which one performs best for their needs.
By use case
By device
By country
Update history
This page was revised 15 times between June 2021 and March 2026.
Refreshed fastest VPN comparison with verified speed data and auto-updating specs. Added review link cards and trust credentials for all listed providers.
Added introductory paragraphs, expanded "What To Look For" and "What To Avoid" sections with additional guidance, created specification tables for each VPN provider, and added detailed pros/cons comparisons.
Updated headline year from 2023 to 2026 and corrected title formatting for consistency.
Updated page title year from 2023 to 2026 and corrected multiple outdated VPN provider details, pricing, server counts, and review information throughout.
Revised opening paragraph for clarity and updated year from 2023 to 2026 in main heading.
Added introduction, quick selection guide with server location and bandwidth criteria, and detailed ExpressVPN profile with specs table and pros/cons breakdown.
Added introductory paragraphs explaining VPN speed importance, expanded "Quick Guide" section with server location and bandwidth guidance, restructured ExpressVPN entry with pros/cons table, and corrected multiple grammar issues throughout.
Corrected 4 spelling and grammar errors including "ithe" to "the" and removed redundant phrases for clarity.
Corrected spelling error ("ithe" to "the"), fixed grammar ("too hard far away" to clearer phrasing), and removed incomplete sentence fragment.
Corrected spelling errors ("ithe" to "the", "far away" to "away"), fixed grammar in introduction paragraph, and removed redundant sentences for clarity.
Fixed 2 spelling errors ("ithe" to "the", "far away" to "away"), corrected grammar in multiple sentences, and added alt text to embedded speed test image.
Removed image caption and significantly condensed introductory section, streamlining opening paragraphs for improved readability.
Removed image caption and rewrote opening paragraphs for improved flow and clarity.
Removed image caption and significantly condensed introductory section while reorganizing content structure.
Removed image caption and restructured opening paragraphs for improved flow and clarity.
Your browser's canvas fingerprint is generated by drawing invisible graphics - tiny hardware differences create a unique identifier.