Top pick
NordVPN
People comparing a VPN for up to ten devices with specialty servers and several protocol options.
Score
9/10
Monthly
Basic monthly: $14.99/mo
Long-term
Basic 2-year offer: $3.49/mo
Countries
149
Best VPNs for overall
The current top pick for overall is NordVPN
These are the best-balanced VPNs right now for people who want one recommendation that still makes sense for streaming, travel, everyday security, and privacy.
Facts refreshed Sep 5, 2026
Top pick
NordVPN
People comparing a VPN for up to ten devices with specialty servers and several protocol options.
Independently auditedKill switchNordLynx (WireGuard-based), OpenVPN and NordWhisper
Score
9/10
Long-term offer
Basic 2-year offer: $3.49/mo
Devices / refund
10 · 30 days for the initial subscription purchase; renewal exclusions apply
Why it stands out
NordVPN's server page lists 8,096 servers in 149 countries and 224 locations
Ten simultaneous connections across the displayed Basic, Complete and Complete Max plans
NordLynx, OpenVPN and NordWhisper offer different connection options
Double VPN, Onion Over VPN and obfuscated servers are documented specialty options
The shortlist
Use these cards to see who each provider suits best before opening a full review.
Runner-up 1
ExpressVPN
People considering Lightway, TrustedServer and a tier chosen for their device allowance.
Score
8/10
Monthly
Check current Basic monthly price
Long-term
Basic: $2.99/mo for the first 28 months
Countries
113
Runner-up 2
Surfshark
Households and people who need VPN connections on many devices.
Score
8/10
Monthly
Check current Starter monthly price
Long-term
Check current Starter long-term offer
Countries
100
Runner-up 3
Proton VPN
People who value open-source apps, public audit information and Swiss-based operations.
Score
8/10
Monthly
Check current VPN Plus monthly price
Long-term
Check current VPN Plus long-term offer
Countries
140+
Head-to-head pages worth opening next
VPN comparison
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
NordVPN has the higher editorial score for overall. ExpressVPN may fit you better: People considering Lightway, TrustedServer and a tier chosen for their device allowance.
Our pick here
NordVPN
People comparing a VPN for up to ten devices with specialty servers and several protocol options.
Choose if
ExpressVPN
People considering Lightway, TrustedServer and a tier chosen for their device allowance.
Price snapshot
NordVPN: Basic monthly: $14.99/mo
ExpressVPN: Check current Basic monthly price
Plans and refund
Basic 2-year offer: $3.49/mo · 30 days for the initial subscription purchase; renewal exclusions apply
Basic: $2.99/mo for the first 28 months · 30 days for eligible new users; app-store purchases excluded
10 vs 10 devices · price, refund & features comparedOpen comparison
VPN comparison
NordVPN vs Surfshark
NordVPN has the higher editorial score for overall. Surfshark may fit you better: Households and people who need VPN connections on many devices.
Our pick here
NordVPN
People comparing a VPN for up to ten devices with specialty servers and several protocol options.
Choose if
Surfshark
Households and people who need VPN connections on many devices.
Price snapshot
NordVPN: Basic monthly: $14.99/mo
Surfshark: Check current Starter monthly price
Plans and refund
Basic 2-year offer: $3.49/mo · 30 days for the initial subscription purchase; renewal exclusions apply
Check current Starter long-term offer · 30 days from the initial purchase; exclusions apply and renewals are not refundable
10 vs Unlimited devices · price, refund & features comparedOpen comparison
VPN comparison
NordVPN vs Proton VPN
NordVPN has the higher editorial score for overall. Proton VPN may fit you better: People who value open-source apps, public audit information and Swiss-based operations.
Our pick here
NordVPN
People comparing a VPN for up to ten devices with specialty servers and several protocol options.
Choose if
Proton VPN
People who value open-source apps, public audit information and Swiss-based operations.
Price snapshot
NordVPN: Basic monthly: $14.99/mo
Proton VPN: Check current VPN Plus monthly price
Plans and refund
Basic 2-year offer: $3.49/mo · 30 days for the initial subscription purchase; renewal exclusions apply
Check current VPN Plus long-term offer · 30-day initial-purchase refund; cancellation and refund request both required within the window
10 vs 10 devices · price, refund & features comparedOpen comparison
Try the better fit
Want to test it on your own devices?
The quickest way to settle a shortlist is to check the official deal page, install the apps you actually use, and lean on the refund window if it is not the right fit.
FAQ
Questions about the best VPN for better overall?
Quick answers before you open a provider site or start a trial.
What is the best VPN for overall right now?
NordVPN is the current top pick on this page because it offers the strongest balance for overall. ExpressVPN is the main alternative if you want a different price point, device policy, or overall feel.
Should I read reviews or comparisons first?
Start here if you want a shortlist. Then open the direct comparison pages when you are stuck between two names, or open the full provider review if you want more detail on one service.
What should I compare before buying?
Check price, device limits, refund window, country coverage, and the privacy notes that matter for your use case. Those are usually the details that make the decision easier.
Does the top pick mean every other VPN is a bad option?
No. The winner is simply the strongest overall fit for this use case right now. Runner-up options can still be the smarter choice if they better match your budget, devices, or feature preferences.