The Best VPN to Protect Your Online Browsing in 2026
You may already be well aware of what a VPN is and how it works in protecting your device and online browsing when on the internet. However, for those who don’t, a Virtual Private Network or VPN, for short, creates a secure and encrypted tunnel between the device you’re on and the internet.
It masks your IP address and therefore protects your online privacy. Hiding browsing activity from ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and hackers allows access to geo-restricted content, changing virtual locations and securing your data on public Wi-Fi.
There are some popular VPNs to choose from nowadays, and it’s helpful to assess each one before deciding on the best pick for your needs when browsing online. Let’s take a look at some of the best VPNs on the market to protect your online browsing in 2026.
Mysterium VPN
Mysterium VPN uses a decentralised network, with residential IPs instead of datacenter IPs. This helps the VPN to work with more apps and services than other VPNs that get blocked based on known IPs.
The company has been referred to as a dVPN, and while they had a dVPN, Mysterium VPN is no longer a pure dVPN. It’s a known misunderstanding that the IPs of VPN users aren’t used for the IP Pool. Mysterium uses a separate ecosystem for gathering IPs.
Some of the main selling points of using Mysterium VPN are that it’s used in 100+ countries. It offers the biggest pool of residential IPs and can operate on up to 15 simultaneous devices. From just $2.59/month, users can make up to 82% in savings as a result.
Mysterium VPN believes in a truly free, open, and decentralised web. One that exists without borders, surveillance, or any unnecessary complexity. They’re members of I2coalition, VPN Trust Initiative, and have a VPN security badge on the Google Play Store. All of the above, therefore, legitimises the company for new users exploring this as an option.
NordVPN
Known for its ‘NordLynx’ protocol, NordVPN offers one of the best when it comes to fastest speeds and strong security features.
It’s considered one of the best for a free and open internet. It’s the fastest VPN provider, with secure and reliable connections. It also offers enhanced privacy and safer browsing experiences as a result.
You’re able to stream your home content while you travel, and users can protect themselves against phishing, scams, and malware.
As mentioned, NordVPN offers unmatched speed and post-quantum encryption. Users can choose from thousands of VPN servers, which currently cover 211+ locations.
Key features are its Dark Web Monitor. This provides safety and peace of mind, with users receiving instant alerts regarding any leaked data. Password management is easier with this VPN. You’ll never need to type a password again, as passkeys are used to help log in to all your devices.
Another perk is the VPN’s Threat Protection Pro, which offers invisible protection from malware. It automatically blocks any phishing, tracking, ads, and malware without you needing to even think about it.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is known for featuring servers across all 50 US states, making it an ideal option for bypassing local sports blackouts as well as access to regional content with faster speeds.
For over a decade, digital risk has been defined by the security of your connection. ExpressVPN has always existed to help bridge the gap between online privacy and real-world safety. We’ve evolved beyond a single tool to not only protect how you connect but what you share and where you sign in.
Founded in 2009, it currently protects the digital lives of 4+ million active subscribers in over 180 countries. The VPN offers a secure, global network of servers that spans over 170 locations and gives users a truly borderless internet experience, too.
It provides services beyond just the VPN itself, including ExpressKeys for credentials and ExpressMailGuard for your communications online. With ExpressVPN, it also works on all major platforms from Windows to Mac, IOS to Android, and Apple TV.
Surfshark
For the best budget and value, Surfshark is one to explore for VPNs. The company’s goal is to empower people to take full control of their digital lives, raising awareness about online threats and helping champion accessibility on the internet. Like many VPN companies, Surfshark believe in an internet that remains open, inclusive and invaluable as a global resource for all
For just £1.28/month as part of a sale price, you can get a lot from Surfshark as a highly valued VPN. From protection from viruses and malware, to blocking ads, tracking, and minimising scams and spam.
A single Surfshark subscription works simultaneously on multiple devices, protecting your entire household. The trial version lets you try out the VPN on three different devices. The VPN doesn’t track, monitor or store anything you do online, meaning what you do online is completely private to you.
In general, Surfshark is an effortless yet powerful tool to implement for stress-free and safe online browsing. You can easily create your own VPN entry and exit server that pairs with the Dynamic MultiHop service. You can change your IP every ten minutes with the robust IP Rotator.
Surfshark also offers industry-leading connection protocols such as WireGuard®, making your internet connection faster without compromising on security, of course.
Proton VPN
As a Swiss-based company, Proton VPN offers a wealth of options as part of its service and is known best for its privacy perks.
With Proton VPN, you can experience true freedom online, giving access to global content and safeguarding your privacy. You can connect to their extensive VPN network that boasts 15,000+ servers in more than 120 countries to date. Using Stealth, the custom protocol is designed to bypass geographic and government restrictions.
Enjoy reliable and rapid performance through 10 Gbps servers and with their unique VPN Accelerator that increases VPN speeds by up to 400%. With zero-logs policies, 100% open source apps, many people are already using this service to explore the internet with total privacy.
There’s a lot of choice for VPNs, so if you haven’t already got one to protect your online browsing, then now is as good a time as any to do it.
This is a collaborative post.
