Top 9 VPNs to use in October 2026
People spend a lot of time online these days, from browsing the web and checking emails to watching shows and using public Wi-Fi. But many people aren’t comfortable with how easily their browsing habits, location, and personal data can be tracked. This is where a Virtual Private Network, or VPN, can help. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, giving you more privacy online. It also lets you connect to servers in other countries, which is handy if you’re travelling or want to access content available only elsewhere.
VPNs aren’t all the same. Some are built for privacy and security, while others are better for speed, streaming, or supporting lots of devices. Prices, server locations, and features can be very different from one VPN to another. With so many choices, it takes some research to find the best fit for your needs. To help you get started, here are the top 9 VPNs to consider in October 2026 and what each one offers.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the most well-known VPN services. It stands out for its good balance of speed, ease of use, and support for many devices, all without making things too complex. Whether you want to stream, browse, or just protect your privacy, ExpressVPN aims to make things simple and easy to use, instead of overwhelming you with lots of settings.
A big reason why ExpressVPN is so popular is its streaming support. Many people use it to watch content from services like Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video, even if those shows are blocked in their country. ExpressVPN also works on devices like Fire TV, Apple TV, game consoles, and routers, not just phones and laptops. It has servers in 109 countries and offers features like RAM-only servers, a built-in kill switch, and support for modern protocols such as Lightway and WireGuard. Prices start at $12.99 per month, but you can get a better deal with a longer subscription.
2. TunnelBear VPN
TunnelBear puts making online privacy easy to use ahead of showing off technical features. Behind its playful look, the service takes data protection seriously, with a clear no-logs policy and regular independent audits. You can connect as many devices as you want, and it comes with important security tools like a kill switch, split tunneling, and traffic obfuscation. There’s also a free plan with limited data, so you can try it out before deciding to subscribe.
TunnelBear does have some trade-offs when it comes to performance. Its speeds are usually slower than those from providers focused on high performance, which could be an issue for people with demanding tasks or who need low latency. The server network covers a fair number of countries and uses only physical servers, which helps control data but limits global coverage. TunnelBear is a good choice for anyone who wants a straightforward, privacy-focused VPN, but it’s not ideal if you need top speeds or advanced routing features.
3. Mysterium VPN
Many VPNs focus on having the largest server network, but Mysterium stands out by offering more residential IPs and better streaming access for travelers. This makes it a good choice for people who spend time abroad and want steady access to their streaming platforms without frequent restrictions or verification checks.
Mysterium also focuses on supporting streaming devices. It provides guides for connecting smart TVs and other devices using hotspot or Ethernet sharing, which many smaller VPNs often miss. The service offers over 7,500 residential IPs in more than 100 countries and allows up to 15 devices to connect at once. Prices start at $9.99 per month, with discounts for longer subscriptions.
4. Mullvad VPN
Mullvad takes a different approach to marketing compared to most VPN companies. Rather than highlighting streaming options or large server numbers, Mullvad puts privacy first. This focus is clear from the start, as users get a random account number during signup instead of providing personal details like an email address.
Mullvad keeps things straightforward on purpose. It charges a flat monthly fee with no hidden long-term deals, and its apps are open-source so anyone can see how they work. Over time, Mullvad has added advanced privacy features, such as tools to help block AI-based traffic tracking. Even though its server network is smaller than some competitors, Mullvad is still recognized for reliable speeds whether you’re browsing, gaming, or torrenting.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access, or PIA, is well known for its focus on privacy and torrenting. Its no-logs policy is a major highlight and has been independently verified several times. PIA also makes its apps open-source, which gives users more transparency about how the VPN works.
PIA is a favorite for people who often download or share files because it allows torrenting on all its servers, not just a few. It also offers port forwarding, an ad blocker called MACE, and anonymous payment options for extra privacy. PIA has a huge network with over 18,000 servers in 91 countries, including every US state. Prices start at $11.99 per month, but longer plans make it much cheaper.
6. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN may not be the biggest name among VPN providers, but it has earned a good reputation for being simple and affordable. Its straightforward approach makes it a great choice for beginners or anyone who just wants basic online protection without complicated setup. Many people use it to secure their connections on public Wi-Fi in airports, hotels, and cafés.
Although PrivateVPN has a smaller server network, it still does a good job with streaming. It works with several Netflix regions and also supports Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video. The service has servers in 62 countries and uses AES-256 encryption with a no-logs policy. Prices start at $9.90 per month, but choosing a longer plan lowers the monthly cost.
7. NordVPN
NordVPN has been a leading VPN provider for years because it balances speed, security, and everyday usability. It is also known for fast connections on both nearby and distant servers, making it a popular choice for streaming, browsing, gaming, and daily use.
NordVPN offers strong security with features like double VPN routing, malware and ad protection, RAM-only servers, and the NordLynx protocol based on WireGuard technology. It also has one of the widest server networks, covering 127 countries. In addition to standard VPN services, NordVPN includes extras like Meshnet, which lets users securely access their own devices remotely. Prices start at $12.99 per month, with discounts for longer plans.
8. Windscribe
Many VPN services say they work well for streaming, but Windscribe is one of the few that is actually known for reliably unlocking a wide range of Netflix regions. This includes countries like India, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and the US. Windscribe also works with other major platforms like Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video.
Another thing that makes Windscribe stand out is its free version, which is more usable than most other free VPNs. Users can still access several streaming platforms, but there is a monthly data cap. If you upgrade to Windscribe Pro, you get access to more servers, unlimited data, and features like multi-hop connections and residential IPs. Windscribe also allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it convenient for households with many devices.
9. Surfshark
Surfshark is a popular choice for households thanks to its unlimited device policy. Users don’t have to worry about connection limits; they can use the VPN on their phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more, all with one subscription. This makes it a practical option for families or shared homes.
Surfshark is designed with streaming and convenience in mind. It has over 4,500 servers in more than 100 countries and works with platforms like Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, and routers for devices that don’t support VPN apps. Besides the VPN, Surfshark offers privacy and antivirus features through its Surfshark One and One+ plans. Prices vary by plan length and region, but longer subscriptions usually cost less per month.
Final thoughts
VPNs have become useful tools for people looking to protect their online privacy, secure their internet connections, and access the web with greater flexibility. As more everyday activities move online, from banking and shopping to streaming and working remotely, choosing a VPN that suits individual needs has become increasingly important. However, not all VPNs offer the same features, level of protection, or access to online services, making it worth comparing different options before settling on one. Before downloading or purchasing a VPN, users should do their own research, read reviews from other users, check whether the service is permitted in their jurisdiction, and make sure it offers the features and functionality they need.
Disclaimer. Readers are encouraged to do their own research. Ambcrypto is not liable for any outcomes related to the use of information, products, or services mentioned. This content may include affiliate or partner links.
