VPN Tier List 2026 — What I Actually Use
Skip the noise. Here is what I run and why, based on my own setup and what security experts keep pointing at.
The short version
I have tried a few VPNs over the years. For my own work and personal devices, I stick with NordVPN. It keeps showing up at the top of independent security audits and the performance is solid.
If you want something cheaper and already use Revolut, their Premium plan includes NordVPN access for around $9/month. That is the budget play that still gets you a top-tier provider.
Here is how the current landscape looks to me.
Tier 1 — What I use
NordVPN
Full-featured VPN with a large server network, strong encryption, and a track record of independent security audits.
Why I pick it:
- Based in Panama — outside Five Eyes intelligence sharing
- AES-256-GCM encryption, ChaCha20 on newer protocols
- Independently audited multiple times
- Threat Protection blocks trackers and malicious sites at the network level
- WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol for good speeds
It is not the cheapest option standalone. But the Revolut route below gets you the same service at a lower effective price if you are already paying for Premium.
Revolut Premium
A financial app with a Premium tier that bundles NordVPN access. Costs around $9/month and includes better exchange rates, higher transfer limits, and cashback alongside the VPN access.
If you were already paying for Revolut Premium anyway, the VPN is just a bonus. If you do not already pay for Premium, standalone NordVPN is still worth it.
Tier 2 — Notable alternatives
These are not what I run daily, but they have solid reputations in the security space.
ProtonVPN
Operated by the same team behind Proton Mail. Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws, full disk encryption on all servers, and open source clients with good usability.
The free tier is limited. Paid tiers are competitive with NordVPN on price but without the same server network breadth.
Mullvad
Flat monthly fee, no account required, anonymous signup possible. Strong privacy stance with audits and annual transparency reports. WireGuard and OpenVPN support.
Smaller server network. Good for privacy-focused use cases but not ideal if you need a wide range of geo-locations for streaming.
IVPN
Based in Gibraltar, small team, privacy-first approach. Multi-hop connections available with a simple, clean client.
More expensive than mid-tier options for what you get. Best for users who really prioritize anonymity over everything else.
What makes a VPN worth using
Not every VPN is worth your time. If a provider does not hit these, I move on.
- No-log policy: They should not be storing your browsing data. Look for providers that have been independently audited on this.
- Encryption standard: AES-256-GCM is the baseline. ChaCha20 is fine for mobile.
- Jurisdiction: Where the company is legally based matters. Some countries legally require data retention or allow intelligence sharing.
- Audit history: Providers that open themselves up to third-party audits are taking security seriously.
- Protocol options: WireGuard is the modern standard. OpenVPN is still solid but older.
- Kill switch: Non-negotiable. If the VPN drops, your real IP should not leak.
- DNS leak protection: Built in on anything worth recommending.
The bottom line
If you are looking for a VPN today and do not want to spend time comparing:
- Go with NordVPN — it is what I run, it keeps passing audits, and the performance is solid.
- If you want to save money and already use Revolut, check their Premium plan — it bundles NordVPN for around $9/month.
- If you are particularly privacy-sensitive, Mullvad is worth a look. The no-account model is different and useful.
Skip anything promising a “free VPN” — running a VPN network costs money. If the product is free, you are paying with your data somehow.
This post reflects my own setup as of 2026. Pricing and features may change — check the provider sites directly for current information.
