10 Best VPNs for Americans and UK Users in 2026 — And Why I Called Them the Best

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 10 Best VPNs for Americans and UK Users in 2026 — And Why I Called Them the Best


VPNs have become an important tool for internet users who want more privacy, better security and greater control over their online connections. For people in the United States and the United Kingdom, a good VPN can also be useful when travelling, using public Wi-Fi or trying to access legitimate services that are restricted by location.


But with hundreds of VPN applications available today, choosing the right one can be difficult.


That is why I have selected these 10 VPNs as some of the best choices for American and UK users in 2026.


I based this list on factors including speed, privacy, security, server coverage, streaming performance, ease of use, device support and overall value for money. Recent independent VPN comparisons also place several of these services among the leading options available today.


1. NordVPN — Best Overall


NordVPN takes the number-one position on my list because it offers a strong balance between speed, security, privacy and everyday usability.


It is particularly attractive to American and UK users because of its extensive international server network and strong performance for streaming. Independent 2026 testing has also ranked NordVPN as a leading overall VPN.


Another reason I placed NordVPN first is that it is relatively easy for beginners to understand while still providing advanced features for experienced users.


Why I called it the best: Excellent all-round performance, strong security features, good streaming capability and an easy-to-use experience.


2. ExpressVPN — Best for Simplicity and Streaming


ExpressVPN is one of the strongest options for people who don't want to spend hours changing complicated settings.


Its major attraction is simplicity. The apps are designed to make connecting to a VPN server straightforward, while its Lightway protocol is built for fast and reliable connections.


It is also particularly strong for streaming. Testing from Top10VPN ranks ExpressVPN as a leading choice for streaming, while its US VPN testing identifies it as a top option for getting a US IP address.


Why I called it the best: Excellent for beginners, strong streaming performance and a polished user experience.


3. Surfshark — Best for Multiple Devices


Surfshark is especially attractive for people who own several devices.


One of its biggest advantages is that it allows unlimited simultaneous connections on its plans. That means one subscription can potentially cover phones, computers, tablets and other supported devices.


Surfshark is also known for combining a relatively low long-term price with a large collection of security and privacy features.


Why I called it the best: Excellent value for households and people with many devices.


4. Proton VPN — Best for Privacy


For users who put privacy above everything else, Proton VPN deserves serious consideration.


Proton VPN has built a strong reputation around privacy and transparency. Its applications are also open source, giving security researchers and members of the public greater ability to examine how the software works.


Another major advantage is that Proton VPN offers a free plan, although the free version has fewer choices and features than its paid service.


Recent testing has also praised Proton VPN for its privacy credentials and fast performance.


Why I called it the best: Strong privacy focus, transparency and a useful free option.


5. Private Internet Access — Best for Advanced Users


Private Internet Access, commonly known as PIA, is another established VPN provider worth considering.


One of its biggest advantages is flexibility. Users who like having more control over their VPN settings may appreciate the number of configuration options available.


PIA also supports unlimited simultaneous connections and has undergone independent no-logs audits, according to current VPN comparisons.


Why I called it the best: Strong customization, unlimited device connections and good value.


6. CyberGhost — Best for Travellers


CyberGhost is a particularly interesting option for people who travel frequently.


Its large international server network makes it useful for travellers who want to connect through different countries while away from home.


CyberGhost also offers a generous money-back period compared with many competitors, although its connection performance can vary depending on the server and location.


Why I called it the best: Large network and useful features for people travelling internationally.


7. Mullvad — Best for Privacy-Focused Users


Mullvad takes a different approach from many mainstream VPN companies.


It is highly focused on privacy and has developed a reputation for keeping its service relatively simple rather than filling it with unnecessary extras.


The downside is that Mullvad is not necessarily the best choice for people whose main goal is streaming. Its server network is also smaller than those of some major competitors.


Why I called it the best: Excellent privacy philosophy and strong security for users who value anonymity.


8. IPVanish — Best for Unlimited Connections


IPVanish is another VPN worth considering, particularly for people who want to connect multiple devices.


Its unlimited simultaneous connections make it useful for households with several phones, computers and other devices.


Current VPN comparison data lists IPVanish among the major providers, with servers across numerous countries.


Why I called it the best: Good option for users who want to connect many devices under one account.


9. Windscribe — Best Free/Flexible Alternative


Windscribe deserves a place on this list because it offers a useful free option while also providing more advanced features.


It is particularly interesting for people who don't want to immediately pay for a VPN.


However, free VPN services normally come with limitations. Windscribe's free plan has a monthly data allowance, meaning heavy streamers may eventually need a paid subscription. Recent testing still considers it one of the better free VPN choices.


Why I called it the best: Good combination of flexibility, privacy features and free access.


10. PrivadoVPN — Best Free VPN Alternative


PrivadoVPN completes my list because it provides another strong option for people looking for a free or inexpensive VPN.


Recent 2026 testing has highlighted PrivadoVPN as one of the strongest free VPN options, particularly for speed and streaming performance, although its free plan comes with a data limit.


Why I called it the best: Strong free performance for users who don't need unlimited VPN data.


Which VPN Should Americans Choose?


For someone living in the United States, my first choices would be NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN and Surfshark.


ExpressVPN is particularly attractive if getting a reliable US connection and streaming are priorities, while NordVPN is a strong all-rounder. Independent US VPN testing also places ExpressVPN at the top, with NordVPN, Proton VPN and Surfshark among the leading alternatives.


Which VPN Should UK Users Choose?


For UK users, I would put NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN and Surfshark near the top.


NordVPN has performed particularly well in testing focused on UK services, while ExpressVPN is another strong choice for people who want simple apps and streaming performance.


Are VPNs Legal?


VPNs are legal in most countries, including the United States and United Kingdom. However, using a VPN does not make illegal activity legal.


A VPN mainly encrypts your internet connection and changes the IP address that websites see. It can improve privacy and security, particularly on public Wi-Fi, but it does not provide complete anonymity or replace antivirus and other security measures.


Final Verdict


There is no single VPN that is perfect for everyone.


If I had to choose one overall winner, I would put NordVPN at number one because of its combination of speed, security, privacy, streaming capabilities and ease of use.


For beginners, ExpressVPN is an excellent alternative. For households with many devices, Surfshark is extremely attractive. Privacy-focused users should seriously consider Proton VPN or Mullvad, while people looking for free options can look at Windscribe or PrivadoVPN.


The most important thing is not simply choosing the VPN with the biggest advertising campaign. Look at its privacy practices, security features, server coverage, speed, device support and reputation before paying for a subscription.


And remember: a VPN is a privacy and security tool, not a guarantee of complete anonymity.

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