Top 9 VPNs to use in May 2026

Most people first hear about VPNs in the context of privacy. But in 2026, they’ve become useful for far more than just hiding your IP address. Whether it’s accessing region-locked content, securing public Wi-Fi connections, avoiding tracking, or simply browsing with a little more peace of mind, VPNs have quietly turned into an everyday digital tool for millions of users around the world.

At the same time, not all VPNs are built the same. Some focus heavily on speed and streaming, while others prioritize privacy, advanced security features, or support for crypto payments. And with so many services competing for attention, figuring out which VPN is actually worth using can quickly become overwhelming. That said, here are the top 9 VPNs to use in May 2026. 

1. Mysterium VPN 

While a lot of VPNs compete on who has the biggest server network, Mysterium leans more into residential IPs and travel-friendly streaming access. That gives it a slightly different appeal, especially for users who spend time abroad and still want reliable access to their streaming platforms without constantly running into restrictions or verification prompts. 

It also puts noticeable effort into streaming-device support. Mysterium offers guides for connecting smart TVs and other devices through hotspot or Ethernet sharing, which is something many smaller VPN providers tend to overlook. The service currently advertises access to more than 7,500 residential IPs across 100+ countries, along with support for up to 15 simultaneous connections. Pricing starts at $9.99 per month, with cheaper rates available on longer-term plans.

2. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access, better known as PIA, has built a strong reputation around privacy and torrenting. One of its biggest selling points is its verified no-logs policy, which has been independently tested multiple times over the years. The company also keeps its apps open-source, adding an extra layer of transparency for users who care about how their VPN actually works behind the scenes.

PIA is particularly popular among users who regularly download or share files, since torrenting is supported across all of its servers rather than being limited to specific locations. The service also includes features like port forwarding, an integrated ad blocker called MACE, and anonymous payment options for users who prefer a little more privacy. Furthermore, PIA also has one of the largest server networks in the market, with more than 18,000 servers spread across 91 countries, including coverage in all 50 US states. Pricing currently starts at $11.99 per month, with long-term plans dropping the cost down significantly.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a household name when it comes to VPNs. The service is known for balancing speed, ease of use, and broad device compatibility without making things overly complicated for the average user. Whether it’s being used for streaming, browsing, or general privacy, the platform tends to focus on a smoother, more plug-and-play experience rather than endless customisation menus and settings.

One of the main reasons ExpressVPN is so popular is for its streaming. The service is widely used for accessing geo-restricted content across platforms like Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video, while also supporting devices other than phones and laptops, including Fire TV, Apple TV, game consoles, and routers. It currently operates servers in 109 countries and includes features such as RAM-only servers, built-in kill switch protection, and support for modern protocols like Lightway and WireGuard. Pricing starts at $12.99 monthly, with lower rates available through longer subscription plans.

4. Mullvad VPN

Mullvad doesn’t really market itself the same way most VPN companies do. Instead of focusing heavily on streaming libraries or massive server counts, Mullvad focuses on what VPNs were meant to do in the first place- protect user privacy. That starts with the signup process itself, where users are assigned a random account number instead of handing over personal information like an email address.

The overall experience is intentionally simple. Mullvad offers a flat monthly price with no long-term pricing tricks, and its apps are open-source for anyone who wants to take a closer look at how the software works. The VPN has also introduced some more advanced privacy tools over the years, including protections aimed at reducing AI-based traffic tracking. While its network is smaller than some of the larger VPN providers, Mullvad is still known for reliable speeds across regular browsing, gaming, and torrenting use.

5. NordVPN

NordVPN has been one of the biggest names in the VPN market for years, largely because it manages to balance speed, security, and everyday usability without leaning too heavily in one direction. The VPN is also known for its fast connections across both nearby and long-distance servers, making it a popular option for streaming, browsing, gaming, and general day-to-day use.

NordVPN’s security is quite intense as it includes features like double VPN routing, malware and ad protection, RAM-only servers, and its NordLynx protocol, which is built around WireGuard technology. The platform also has one of the broadest server spreads in the market, with coverage across 127 countries. Beyond the standard VPN setup, NordVPN also offers extras like Meshnet, a feature that allows users to securely access their own devices remotely. Pricing starts at $12.99 per month, with lower rates available on extended plans.

6. Surfshark

Surfshark has become a popular option for households mainly because of its unlimited device policy. Instead of worrying about connection caps, users can run the VPN across phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and other devices all under a single subscription, which makes it especially practical for families or shared setups.

The service also pays close attention to streaming and convenience. Surfshark currently offers more than 4,500 servers across 100+ countries and supports platforms like Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, and router-based setups for devices that don’t support VPN apps natively. Alongside the VPN itself, the company also offers bundled privacy and antivirus features through its Surfshark One and One+ plans. Pricing depends on the plan length and region, with the longer-term subscriptions usually having the lowest rates.

7. Proton VPN

Proton VPN tends to appeal to users who want a balance between privacy and everyday usability. While a lot of VPN services market themselves almost entirely around streaming, Proton still keeps a strong focus on security and transparency alongside those features. Streaming support is available across its paid plans, with the company positioning its VPN Plus tier as the option built for faster speeds, broader server access, and more consistent streaming performance.

The platform also has one of the largest server networks currently available, with more than 17,000 servers spread across 126+ countries. Features like NetShield ad blocking, support for up to 10 simultaneous devices, and speeds of up to 10 Gbps help round out the experience for users who want something that feels both practical and privacy-focused. Pricing for VPN Plus currently starts at €9.99 monthly, with lower rates available on yearly and two-year plans.

8. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is one of the smaller names in the VPN space, but it’s built a solid reputation as a simple and affordable option for everyday use. The platform keeps things fairly straightforward, which makes it ideal for beginners or users who mainly want basic online protection without dealing with a lot of technical setup. It’s commonly used for securing connections on public Wi-Fi networks in places like airports, hotels, and cafés.

Even with a smaller server network, PrivateVPN performs surprisingly well when it comes to streaming access. The service works with several Netflix regions along with platforms like Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video. It currently operates servers across 62 countries and uses standard AES-256 encryption alongside a no-logs policy. Pricing starts at $9.90 monthly, with its longer-term plans bringing the monthly cost down significantly.

9. Windscribe

A lot of VPN services claim to be good for streaming, but Windscribe is one of the few that’s actually become known for consistently unlocking a wide range of Netflix regions. That includes countries like India, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and the US, alongside support for other major platforms such as Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video.

What also makes Windscribe stand out is that its free version remains surprisingly usable compared to most free VPNs on the market. Users still get access to several streaming platforms, although with a monthly data cap attached. For those who upgrade to Windscribe Pro, the service adds broader server access, unlimited data, and features like multi-hop connections and residential IP options. It also supports unlimited simultaneous connections, which makes it a fairly convenient setup for households with multiple devices.

Final thoughts 

With VPN usage continuing to grow in 2026, the market has become far more diverse than it was a few years ago. Some services now focus heavily on streaming and device compatibility, while others lean more into privacy, transparency, or advanced security tools. Ultimately, the right VPN depends on what someone actually needs it for. The good thing is that there’s no shortage of options anymore, and many VPNs now offer the right combination of speed, usability, and security without being overly complicated to use. As always, users should still do their own research before choosing a VPN, and whenever possible, it’s worth testing a service through a free trial or money-back period to see if it actually fits their needs and devices.

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.