A VPN is a travel essential in 2026, encrypting your data and making browsing on public networks much more secure. Even if you have all the data you need via the best eSIM apps, you still need a VPN (if you are traveling, especially) to access what you need: media sites, erotic apps, streaming services, messengers like whatsapp or telegram), (social networks like Facebook or Instagram (blocked in China, Russia, etc.), and more. A good VPN helps you bypass geographical restrictions, so you can easily use your favorite apps and internet content wherever you travel.
But which are the best VPN apps in 2026? Below are six VPNs tested and recommended by Locals Insider, along with recommendations for whom they’re best suited.
The Best VPNs for All, Including Travelers 2026
Nord VPN: Top App, According to User Ratings
- From $3.39 per month (basic 2-year plan)
Nord is rated so highly because it lets you connect to over 7,400 servers in 120+ countries, and it’s much more than a standard VPN.
Recently, Nord added “virtual servers” in countries like India, Vietnam, and Morocco, letting you bypass restrictions or browse content in countries where Nord doesn’t have physical hardware.
Beyond the standard VPN offering, Nord has a suite of tools that can make your life easier while traveling. Specifically, its threat protection is outstanding. It blocks ads, trackers, and phishing sites, and even identifies malware, which you’re at increased risk of when dialling into public Wi-Fi along your journey.
Additional features include a kill switch that automatically activates if the VPN drops, protecting your real IP address. There’s also an option to double up your VPN, which routes traffic through two servers for unrivaled privacy, should that be your priority. Use Nord’s dark web monitor to see if any of your details have been released after a data breach.
Many travelers love Nord for its geo-unblocking capabilities, and it consistently ranks highly for helping people watch restricted content on BBC, Netflix, Hulu, and Discovery while on the road.
Though Nord is far from the cheapest VPN for travelers in 2026, it deserves its spot as the number one pick.
| ⭐️Trustpilot Rating | 4.1/5.0 (46,196+ reviews) |
“An absolute must-have for online safety. I initially signed up for NordVPN for secure browsing, but I’ve since discovered several other invaluable tools. Features like NordPass for password management, Dark Web Monitor, and Threat Protection Pro make it an essential piece of software.” MaxZeroSgarri, Italy – Trustpilot
Surfshark VPN App: Number One for Budget Travelers
- From $1.99 per month
You won’t find a cheaper premium VPN than Surfshark in 2026, with a straightforward subscription currently priced at $1.99. At this price point, we expected a sub-standard offering, particularly compared to Nord.
But, like more expensive VPNs, Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption, operates a no-logs policy (a server that doesn’t record user data), and offers you protection on an unlimited number of devices.
The trade-off is Surfshark’s network size, which is smaller than major-league rivals like Express and Nord. Reading between the lines, users can also get frustrated with Surfshark’s variable speeds and the need to refresh the connection after an hour or so of browsing.
Still, for under $2 a month, Surfshark is hard to beat if you’re looking for a simple VPN that boosts your privacy when using public Wi-Fi abroad.
| ⭐️Trustpilot Rating | 4.3/5.0 (28,565+ reviews) |
“The best in the business for the price. Great for those who travel or use shared networks frequently. Customer service is proactive and willing to help when you need them.” Chad McLean, US – Trustpilot
CyberGhost: VPN With Money-Back Guarantee
- From $2.19 per month
If you’re on the fence about using a VPN while traveling and would like to trial a service, try CyberGhost. You can sign up for an account and use the VPN for 45 days.
If you’re unhappy or change your mind within this timeframe, you’ll get a full refund if you’ve signed up for a subscription of six months or more.
CyberGhost’s coverage is excellent, too, rivalling Nord with approximately 10,000 servers in over 100 countries, with more in the pipeline this year.
One CyberGhost subscription entitles you to protection on up to seven devices. If you’re not traveling with this many, share your sub with your loved ones back at home to make the most of it.
Like most VPN operators, CyberGhost offers much lower pricing if you sign up for the long run. But if you’re only away for up to a month, you can pay a one-off fee of $12.99 for peace of mind throughout your trip.
| ⭐️Trustpilot Rating | 3.9/5.0 (23,675+ reviews) |
“No-brainer cheap VPN. Year four of using CyberGhost, and I haven’t been let down. Definitely one of the faster VPNs, very user-friendly (and) on the cheaper side (with) a wide range of servers to use.” Vince Kalish, US – Trustpilot
ExpressVPN: App For Above-and-Beyond Privacy
- From $2.44 per month (basic package)
Express is a cut above most other VPNs for security. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands, which is not part of any intelligence-sharing alliances, and so there are no mandatory data-sharing agreements in place.
Express is also known as a RAM-only VPN, meaning nothing is ever written to disk, and its no-logs stance has been independently verified by audits from KPMG and PwC. This is an added level of security for your personal and financial data while traveling.
Like Nord, Express offers a kill switch for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It can be toggled on and off in the VPN app. ExpressVPN lets you choose servers in 105 countries, including Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.
A basic subscription gives you ExpressVPN on up to 10 devices simultaneously, but upgrading to the Pro plan lets you use it on 14 devices.
| ⭐️Trustpilot Rating | 4.0/5.0 (26,400+ reviews) |
“I enjoy using ExpressVPN. It’s great to have an app that secures your data and ensures safe browsing over the Internet. On top of that, their customer support team promptly resolves issues, making it easy to get things done. Highly recommended.” Herve Thomas, US – Trustpilot
PrivadoVPN: The Best Free VPN for Browsing & Messaging
- Free (premium plans available)
Don’t want to spend any of your traveling budget on a VPN? Privado is a free VPN offering 10GB of data per month. This equates to between 100 and 200 hours of web browsing, thousands of emails, and regular WhatsApp messaging.
So, if you want to use a VPN to protect yourself while browsing and communicating with your friends back home, Privado will do the job. But it’s not ideal for streaming your content, as you will quickly use the 10GB data allowance.
| ⭐️Trustpilot Rating | 3.3/5.0 (2,375+ reviews) |
“Does what it says. I have not had any issues whilst using this product (for) surfing the web, online shopping, etc. I would recommend using this VPN service to anyone.” James Carleton, GB – Trustpilot
Dashlane: For Effective Password Management VPN
- From $3.00 per month (premium plan)
Dashlane app isn’t a typical VPN, as it uses the Hotspot Shield app to protect your privacy while browsing online. It’s still highly secure, uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data, and lets you dial into 1,800+ servers while traveling.
But the reason we’re so fond of Dashlane is because of its excellent password management app. While Nord has entered this space with its intuitive NordPass add-on, Dashlane is a password manager first and foremost, helping you remember your passwords on an unlimited number of devices.
The standard plan costs $3 per month and is billed annually. There’s also the friends & family plan at $7.49 for up to 10 users, ideal if you’re traveling with your partner or a close friend and want to split the cost.
If you’re a digital nomad running a remote business, the Omnix business plan at $11 per month offers full company coverage and additional features like AI phishing alerts and credential risk protection.
| ⭐️Trustpilot Rating | 3.3/5.0 (6,100+ reviews) |
“An underrated password manager. A great password manager with a solid track record that balances ease of use and functionality. It’s used by all my family members to some extent and allows them to have unique passwords for their accounts.” Philippe Choquette, US – Trustpilot.
Which VPN is Best for 2026?
Still unsure about which VPN is best for your travels this year? Use the comparison table to help you decide, based on each product’s price and key features:
| VPN | Price (from) | USP |
| NordVPN | $3.39 per month | Excellent all-rounder with additional services like a password manager and the dark web monitor |
| SurfShark | $1.99 per month | The cheapest premium VPN on the market |
| CyberGhost | $2.19 per month | 45-day money back guarantee is one of the longest in the industry – great for testing |
| ExpressVPN | $2.44 per month | Offers unrivaled privacy on 10-14 devices, depending on your subscription |
| PrivadoVPN | Free | Solid free VPN for messaging and browsing, but not ideal for streaming |
| Dashlane | $3.00 per month | Perfect if you’re looking for a password manager & VPN combo |
What is the best VPN service in 2026?
The best VPN service in 2026 depends on your needs, but according to user reviews, NordVPN and ExpressVPN rank at the top for speed, security, and global server coverage. If you want the best VPN protection app with strong streaming support and privacy tools, NordVPN is often the safest pick, based on people#s feedback.
Which VPN offers the best VPN protection?
For maximum VPN protection, look for AES-256 encryption, a verified no-logs policy, a kill switch, and RAM-only servers. Providers like NordVPN and ExpressVPN lead the market here, offering advanced threat protection, double VPN routing, and independently audited privacy policies.
What is the best VPN for streaming Netflix and BBC iPlayer?
The best VPN for streaming is typically NordVPN or ExpressVPN because they reliably unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and other platforms. Fast server speeds and large global networks are key for smooth HD and 4K streaming without buffering.
What is the best free VPN right now?
PrivadoVPN is one of the better free VPN options, offering 10GB of data per month with a no-logs policy. However, free VPNs usually have limits on speed, servers, or data. For regular streaming or heavy use, a paid VPN is usually more reliable and secure.
What is the best VPN app for mobile devices?
The best VPN apps for iPhone and Android are NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. They offer clean interfaces, one-tap connection, automatic Wi-Fi protection, and stable performance on mobile networks — essential for public Wi-Fi security.
Which VPN is best according to Reddit, NYT, and Wired?
Across Reddit discussions and major tech reviews (including NYT Wirecutter and Wired), NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are most frequently recommended. They consistently score well for speed tests, privacy audits, and real-world reliability.
Does a VPN slow down your internet speed?
A VPN can slightly reduce speeds because your traffic is encrypted and routed through another server. However, premium providers like NordVPN and ExpressVPN usually maintain very fast performance, with minimal noticeable slowdown on modern broadband connections.
What is the best VPN for the UAE?
In the UAE, internet restrictions are stricter, especially around VoIP services and some websites. Premium providers like NordVPN and ExpressVPN tend to work more reliably due to obfuscated servers and strong encryption. However, users should always check and comply with local regulations before using a VPN in the UAE.
What is the best VPN for China?
China has one of the most advanced internet filtering systems. VPN performance can vary, but historically ExpressVPN and NordVPN have been among the more reliable options because of their stealth and obfuscation technology. Access to Western media (such as BBC, Google services, and some betting platforms) is heavily restricted without a working VPN. Always review local laws before use.
What is the best VPN for Thailand?
Thailand generally allows VPN use, but certain adult websites and some restricted content may be blocked by local ISPs. A reputable VPN like NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN can help maintain private, secure browsing on public Wi-Fi networks. Performance is usually strong across major Thai cities.
Is it safe to use a VPN on public Wi-Fi?
Yes — using a VPN on public Wi-Fi is strongly recommended. It encrypts your traffic, helping protect passwords, banking details, and personal data from hackers on unsecured networks in airports, hotels, cafés, and co-working spaces.
