Top 10 VPNs
in 2026

Transparent editorial scores across 9 criteria to help you choose a reliable, secure and easy-to-set-up VPN quickly

Last updated
February 2026

How to use this ranking (fast)
Methodology
Start with Overall to shortlist a few options. Then compare the scores in every area (privacy, torrenting, open-source transparency, device support, etc.) and pick the best fit for you
Quick verdict
Full review
Amnezia Premium ranks #1 in 2026 thanks to the strongest “all-round” balance — based on its standout practical UX, always-available support channels on Telegram or via email, and detailed user guides

Reviews at a glance

1

Amnezia Premium

Top pick

An all-round option: detailed documentation and step-by-step instructions. Telegram and email-based 24/7 support gives friendly, thorough replies. P2P/torrent is supported on Switzerland server

Pros

  • Detailed setup instructions
  • Support available 24/7 via Telegram and email
  • Censorship-resistant connectivity
  • Open-source client and development transparency

Cons

  • Limited number of servers
  • Split-tunneling is only available in blacklist mode — cannot specify which apps will use VPN, only which apps bypass it
Visit Amnezia Premium site

9.0

Overall score

Top pick

Amnezia Premium

An all-round option: detailed documentation and step-by-step instructions. Telegram and email-based 24/7 support gives friendly, thorough replies. P2P/torrent is supported on Switzerland server

Pros

  • Detailed setup instructions
  • Support available 24/7 via Telegram and email
  • Censorship-resistant connectivity
  • Open-source client and development transparency

Cons

  • Limited number of servers
  • Split-tunneling is only available in blacklist mode — cannot specify which apps will use VPN, only which apps bypass it

9.0

Overall score

2

NordVPN

Mainstream option based on open-source Linux client with decent speed, broad server coverage, and P2P support on dedicated servers

Pros

  • High speed and global coverage
  • P2P on dedicated servers
  • Open-source Linux client

Cons

  • Split-tunneling only supported on Windows & Android apps; limited for macOS and iOS
  • Expansive feature set may overwhelm beginners
Visit NordVPN site

8.8

Overall score

NordVPN

Mainstream option based on open-source Linux client with decent speed, broad server coverage, and P2P support on dedicated servers

Pros

  • High speed and global coverage
  • P2P on dedicated servers
  • Open-source Linux client

Cons

  • Split-tunneling only supported on Windows & Android apps; limited for macOS and iOS
  • Expansive feature set may overwhelm beginners

8.8

Overall score

3

ProtonVPN

Strong focus on privacy and transparency. Open-source client apps, P2P supported on select servers

Pros

  • Emphasis on privacy and security
  • Open-source client for all the major platforms
  • P2P servers for torrenting

Cons

  • Split-tunneling limited to Windows and Android; macOS and iOS not supported
  • Server coverage is limited
Visit ProtonVPN site

8.6

Overall score

ProtonVPN

Strong focus on privacy and transparency. Open-source client apps, P2P supported on select servers

Pros

  • Emphasis on privacy and security
  • Open-source client for all the major platforms
  • P2P servers for torrenting

Cons

  • Split-tunneling limited to Windows and Android; macOS and iOS not supported
  • Server coverage is limited

8.6

Overall score

4

Surfshark

Good for multiple devices, boasts strong functionality and UX. Supports P2P, no open-source client

Pros

  • Excellent device compatibility
  • P2P support on some servers
  • Wide additional features

Cons

  • Split-tunneling available only for certain apps/OS
  • No fully open-source client
  • Performance may vary on distant servers
Visit Surfshark site

8.5

Overall score

Surfshark

Good for multiple devices, boasts strong functionality and UX. Supports P2P, no open-source client

Pros

  • Excellent device compatibility
  • P2P support on some servers
  • Wide additional features

Cons

  • Split-tunneling available only for certain apps/OS
  • No fully open-source client
  • Performance may vary on distant servers

8.5

Overall score

5

Mullvad VPN

Minimalist, privacy-focused, fully open-source client. P2P is supported, yet limited port forwarding

Pros

  • Strong privacy focus
  • Fully open-source client
  • P2P supported

Cons

  • Split-tunneling only supported on desktop apps, not mobile
  • Lower server coverage
Visit Mullvad VPN site

8.3

Overall score

Mullvad VPN

Minimalist, privacy-focused, fully open-source client. P2P is supported, yet limited port forwarding

Pros

  • Strong privacy focus
  • Fully open-source client
  • P2P supported

Cons

  • Split-tunneling only supported on desktop apps, not mobile
  • Lower server coverage

8.3

Overall score

6

ExpressVPN

User-friendly premium VPN that supports P2P. Partial open-source due to the Lightway protocol

Pros

  • Excellent UX and stability
  • P2P support
  • Partial open-source (Lightway)

Cons

  • Split-tunneling supported on Windows/Android, limited on other OS
  • Full client not open-source
Visit ExpressVPN site

8.2

Overall score

ExpressVPN

User-friendly premium VPN that supports P2P. Partial open-source due to the Lightway protocol

Pros

  • Excellent UX and stability
  • P2P support
  • Partial open-source (Lightway)

Cons

  • Split-tunneling supported on Windows/Android, limited on other OS
  • Full client not open-source

8.2

Overall score

7

CyberGhost

Easy to use, P2P profiles available. No open-source client

Pros

  • Simple UX and available P2P profiles
  • Wide server selection
  • Suitable for beginners

Cons

  • Split-tunneling only available on Windows and Android apps
  • No open-source client
Visit CyberGhost site

8.0

Overall score

CyberGhost

Easy to use, P2P profiles available. No open-source client

Pros

  • Simple UX and available P2P profiles
  • Wide server selection
  • Suitable for beginners

Cons

  • Split-tunneling only available on Windows and Android apps
  • No open-source client

8.0

Overall score

8

PIA (Private Internet Access)

Highly customizable VPN for experienced users. P2P is supported, open-source client available

Pros

  • High configurability
  • P2P support
  • Open-source client

Cons

  • Split-tunneling supported on Windows and Android only
  • Lower speed scores
Visit PIA (Private Internet Access) site

7.9

Overall score

PIA (Private Internet Access)

Highly customizable VPN for experienced users. P2P is supported, open-source client available

Pros

  • High configurability
  • P2P support
  • Open-source client

Cons

  • Split-tunneling supported on Windows and Android only
  • Lower speed scores

7.9

Overall score

9

Windscribe

Flexible service with open repositories for multiple clients. P2P available on paid servers

Pros

  • Flexible plans and features
  • Open-source clients
  • P2P support — limited to paid servers

Cons

  • Split-tunneling limited on some OS, only desktop apps are fully supported
  • Free servers block P2P
Visit Windscribe site

7.8

Overall score

Windscribe

Flexible service with open repositories for multiple clients. P2P available on paid servers

Pros

  • Flexible plans and features
  • Open-source clients
  • P2P support — limited to paid servers

Cons

  • Split-tunneling limited on some OS, only desktop apps are fully supported
  • Free servers block P2P

7.8

Overall score

10

Hide.me

Simple VPN for everyday use, open-source Linux CLI client. P2P is supported.

Pros

  • Basic day-to-day protection
  • Open-source Linux Command Line Interface (CLI)
  • Supports P2P

Cons

  • Split-tunneling only on Windows and Android; limited for macOS and iOS
  • Limited open-source coverage
  • Mid-range speed and server coverage
Visit Hide.me site

7.3

Overall score

Hide.me

Simple VPN for everyday use, open-source Linux CLI client. P2P is supported.

Pros

  • Basic day-to-day protection
  • Open-source Linux Command Line Interface (CLI)
  • Supports P2P

Cons

  • Split-tunneling only on Windows and Android; limited for macOS and iOS
  • Limited open-source coverage
  • Mid-range speed and server coverage

7.3

Overall score

Top pick: Amnezia Premium (#1)

Amnezia Premium is our top pick for those who want a VPN that covers all the essentials while remaining flexible enough for more advanced setups.

9.0

Overall score

Best for: Multi-device households + responsive support.

Supported by multiple platforms

It supports all major operating systems — Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux — making it suitable for nearly any device. Beyond standard devices, it can also be configured on Android TV, Apple TV (via compatible setups), VR headsets, and a wide range of routers. This makes it a practical choice for households that want protection beyond just smartphones and laptops.

Detailed documentation and responsive support

One of its strongest advantages is the depth and clarity of its documentation. The guides are detailed and structured in a way that allows users to solve setup or configuration issues on their own without waiting for support. In our experience, the documentation alone resolves most common questions.

Support is another standout area. We independently tested the customer support channels ourselves and were impressed by the speed, quality of responses, and friendliness of the staff. Unlike many other VPN services, even initial replies were detailed and written by actual specialists, not automated bots. We consistently received direct and helpful answers.

During our testing, when several users reported connectivity issues on the same location, the team verified the problem and replaced the affected server within minutes. This rapid turnaround helped restore access quickly — something we rarely see documented but observed directly during testing.

Impervious to censors, transparent to researchers

Amnezia also stands out for censorship resistance: its AmneziaWG protocol is designed to make VPN traffic harder to detect via DPI — deep-pocket inspection. This can be especially useful for travelers or users in countries and networks where VPN access is restricted. WhatsApp’s Help Center even lists Amnezia as a “well-regarded” VPN provider for connecting when a network provider blocks access.

Transparency is another area where Amnezia compels customers. All the apps are open-source, and the project has undergone independent white-box security audits with public reports by 7ASecurity (an Open Technology Fund security partner). In the latest audit cycle, issues found during testing were addressed and confirmed fixed upon retesting — a meaningful trust signal for users who care about real-world security.

Torrenting note: Amnezia Premium supports P2P/torrent clients on its Switzerland location.

Key strengths

  1. Full support for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux
  2. Can be configured on Android TV, Apple TV, VR headsets, and routers
  3. Clear, structured documentation that solves most common issues
  4. Fast server issue resolution
  5. Censorship-resistant connectivity (AmneziaWG, anti-DPI) — WhatsApp’s Help Center lists VPN provider for restricted networks
  6. Responsive, human 24/7 support via Telegram and email
  7. Open-source apps + independent white-box security audits with public reports, including fixes verified on retest
  8. P2P/torrenting supported on Switzerland location

Potential drawbacks

  1. App split-tunneling for PC is only available in blacklist mode — users can’t specify which apps will use VPN; only which apps bypass it
  2. Not the top score for sheer server breadth

Comparison table

Overall

Privacy

Speed

Security

Server Locations

User Experience

Torrenting

Device Compatibility

Additional Features

Open Source

Amnezia PremiumAmnezia Premium
9.0
9.3
8.8
9.2
8.2
8.9
9.4
8.9
NordVPNNordVPN
8.8
8.6
9.2
9.0
9.4
8.8
9.0
9.1
ProtonVPNProtonVPN
8.6
9.0
8.5
8.9
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.4
SurfsharkSurfshark
8.5
8.0
8.6
8.4
8.8
8.7
9.3
9.0
Mullvad VPNMullvad VPN
8.3
9.2
8.1
8.8
7.6
8.0
8.1
7.6
ExpressVPNExpressVPN
8.2
8.2
8.5
8.4
8.7
8.8
8.5
8.2
CyberGhostCyberGhost
8.0
8.0
8.2
8.1
8.9
8.4
8.4
8.1
PIA (Private Internet Access)PIA
7.9
8.4
7.0
8.2
8.1
7.7
8.1
7.6
WindscribeWindscribe
7.8
7.9
7.6
7.8
7.6
7.8
7.7
8.2
Hide.meHide.me
7.3
7.6
7.2
7.7
7.2
7.4
7.3
7.5

How we rate VPNs

Read the methodology

How we rate VPNs

Read the methodology
  1. Torrenting — P2P/torrenting is supported at least on some servers
  2. Open Source — official client source code is publicly available (at least one platform)

Disclaimers & disclosures

1

VPNs don’t guarantee anonymity. Protection depends on device security, accounts, and provider practices

2

Trademarks: All product names, logos, and brands are the property of their respective owners

3

Follow local laws. Torrenting/P2P legality varies by country