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,