Compare VPN speeds, latency, streaming capabilities, and pricing side by side using our real benchmark data. We tested each provider on a 1 Gbps fiber connection across 5+ server locations on 3 continents. Click any column header to sort, or filter by use case to find the perfect VPN for your needs.
| VPN Provider ▲▼ | Download ▲▼ | Upload ▲▼ | Latency ▲▼ | Streaming ▲▼ | Price/mo ▲▼ | Our Rating ▲▼ | Action |
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Our Testing Methodology
All speed tests were conducted on a dedicated 1 Gbps fiber connection using the Ookla Speedtest CLI tool. Each VPN was tested on at least 5 server locations across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific at three different times of day (morning, afternoon, evening). Results shown are averages across all tests. Latency is measured to the nearest server. Streaming tests cover Netflix US, Netflix UK, Disney+, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
Tests were last updated on March 18, 2026. Speeds may vary based on your internet connection, location, and server load at time of use.
How to Read This Comparison
The download speed column shows the average throughput when pulling data from the internet -- this is what matters most for streaming, browsing, and downloading files. Upload speed affects activities like video calls, uploading cloud files, and live streaming. Latency (ping) is measured in milliseconds and directly impacts gaming performance and real-time communication. Lower latency means more responsive connections.
Our rating is a weighted composite score factoring in speed performance (25%), security features (30%), streaming capability (20%), usability (15%), and value (10%). Every VPN on this list has been personally tested by our security research team for a minimum of 30 days.
For a deeper dive into any provider, check our dedicated reviews: NordVPN Review, ExpressVPN Review, PureVPN Review, and CyberGhost Review. You can also see how providers stack up head-to-head in our NordVPN vs Surfshark and ExpressVPN vs NordVPN comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
NordVPN leads our speed tests with an average download speed of 890 Mbps on nearby servers using the NordLynx protocol. ExpressVPN follows closely at 850 Mbps with its Lightway protocol. Both are excellent choices for speed-intensive activities like 4K streaming and large file downloads.
We test on a 1 Gbps fiber connection using the Ookla Speedtest CLI tool. Each provider is tested on at least five server locations across three continents, with results averaged across three runs per server at different times of day. This methodology ensures our data reflects real-world performance rather than cherry-picked best-case results.
NordVPN and ExpressVPN both unblock Netflix in 15+ regions along with Disney+, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer. For the best streaming experience, prioritize download speed and server coverage in the regions you want to access. PureVPN also offers strong streaming support at a lower price point.
PureVPN offers excellent speeds at just $2.14/month on a 2-year plan, making it the best budget option without sacrificing performance. Surfshark at $2.19/month and CyberGhost at $2.19/month are also strong value picks with competitive speeds.
Yes, all VPNs add some overhead due to encryption, but modern protocols like WireGuard, NordLynx, and Lightway minimize the impact. Top VPNs typically reduce speeds by only 5-15% on nearby servers. On distant servers, expect 20-40% reduction depending on the provider and protocol used.