1
NordVPN
Our pickFastest and most reliable for streaming
9.4/10
- 7 400+ servers
- 118 countries
- 10 devices
- 30 day refund
from
3.39 €/mo
2-year plan
Best VPN in 2026: our comparison
We have narrowed the market down to four VPNs that genuinely deserve your money. Here is how they compare, and which one to pick depending on what you need it for.
2
Surfshark
Best valueUnlimited devices at the lowest price
9.0/10
- 3 200+ servers
- 100 countries
- ∞ devices
- 30 day refund
from
2.19 €/mo
2-year plan
3
CyberGhost
Best for TVStreaming-optimised servers and a 45-day guarantee
8.6/10
- 11 500+ servers
- 100 countries
- 7 devices
- 45 day refund
from
2.19 €/mo
2-year + 2 months plan
4
Proton VPN
Privacy benchmarkThe only genuinely free VPN with no data cap, based in Switzerland
8.8/10
- 12 000+ servers
- 110 countries
- 10 devices
- 30 day refund
from
4.49 €/mo
Plus, 2-year plan
Disclosure · VPN Zuno is reader-supported. If you subscribe through our links we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects our rankings: we only recommend VPNs we would use ourselves.
| Price / mo (2 yrs) | Servers | Devices | Refund | HQ | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 3.39 € | 7 400+ · 118 countries | 10 | 30 day refund | Panama | 9.4 |
| Surfshark | 2.19 € | 3 200+ · 100 countries | ∞ | 30 day refund | Pays-Bas | 9.0 |
| CyberGhost | 2.19 € | 11 500+ · 100 countries | 7 | 45 day refund | Roumanie | 8.6 |
| Proton VPN | 4.49 € | 12 000+ · 110 countries | 10 | 30 day refund | Suisse | 8.8 |
How we chose
There are more than 300 commercial VPNs. Most are white-label brands, free apps that resell your data, or decent services with no edge over the leaders. We kept the four that tick every box: a published independent no-logs audit, stable apps on every platform, enough servers across Europe (small countries included), and a refund that is actually honoured.
For each VPN we compare published independent audits, the privacy policy, the server network across Europe, advertised compatibility with BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Netflix and Prime Video, the real two-year price and the refund terms. We add our own hands-on results to these guides as we go.
The real price, not the headline price
Every VPN advertises a very low monthly price that assumes you pay two years up front. That is the right deal if you are sure you will use it, but read the total amount billed and the renewal price, which is usually two to three times higher. Surfshark and CyberGhost are cheapest to buy; NordVPN and Proton climb more at renewal.
Which one, in one sentence
NordVPN if you want it to just work, everywhere. Surfshark if you are covering the whole family or budget matters. CyberGhost if TV is your priority and you want a ready-made "BBC iPlayer" server. Proton VPN if privacy comes first, or you want to try for free with no card.
Frequently asked questions
Is a VPN legal in Malta, Cyprus and Luxembourg?+
Yes. Using a VPN is entirely legal across the European Union, including Malta, Cyprus, Luxembourg and Ireland. Anything illegal stays illegal with a VPN.
Does a VPN slow my connection?+
A little, inevitably. With NordVPN or Surfshark on a nearby server you typically lose 5–15% of speed, which is invisible in 4K streaming. Free VPNs are far slower.
Can I watch UK TV from abroad?+
Yes, it is the number one use among our readers. Connect to a UK server: BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and Netflix UK open as if you were in London. See your country guide for specifics.
Free or paid VPN?+
For everyday privacy, Proton VPN’s free plan is enough. For streaming, free plans do not work: you need a paid plan, and Surfshark costs barely over €2 a month.