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CNET says its 2026 VPN rankings changed after six months of testing, with Windscribe replacing ExpressVPN as its best overall pick. The publication also names specialist choices for privacy, streaming, features and value, while noting trade-offs such as price, server reach and app limitations.
CNET has named Windscribe its best VPN overall for 2026, replacing ExpressVPN at the top of its rankings after six months of testing and research. The publication gave Windscribe a 9.2 rating and said it performed strongly across privacy, speed, streaming, features and value, while keeping other services on the list for specific needs.
CNET says Windscribe earned its Editors’ Choice designation after performing at or near the top of its tested group across the measures it considered. The publication points to its open-source apps, audits, customizable features and fast performance, as well as streaming capability and pricing without renewal hikes. CNET lists plans at $9 a month or $69 a year; a Build a Plan option starts at $3 a month, and a free tier offers access to 10 server locations with up to 15GB of data per month.
The top ranking does not mean Windscribe is the best fit for every buyer. CNET flags its restrictive refund policy, relatively small server network and lack of in-app double-hop functionality. Its other recommendations reflect different priorities: Surfshark, rated 8.6, for distinctive features and unlimited simultaneous connections; NordVPN, 8.4, for bundled privacy and security services; Mullvad, 8.2, for privacy; ExpressVPN, 8.0, for streaming and speed; and Proton VPN, 8.0, for value and a free option.
ExpressVPN remains a strong service in CNET’s assessment, despite losing the overall lead. CNET calls it the fastest service it tested in 2026 and a top choice for streaming, while noting its high cost, a recently updated app it describes as somewhat buggy, and the absence of multihop connections. CNET also lists trade-offs for the other providers, including NordVPN’s renewal price increases and default data collection, and Mullvad’s streaming limitations and five-device connection limit.
2026 VPN GUIDE · CNET TESTED PICKS
How to Choose a VPN in 2026
CNET’s six-month testing cycle reshuffled the field: Windscribe now leads overall, while specialist picks serve different priorities, from privacy to streaming and value.
THE SHORTLIST
Match the VPN to your priority
CNET’s recommendations point to different strengths. The top score is a useful starting point, while your devices, location and intended use shape the best fit.
Windscribe
Open-source apps, audits, customizable features and competitive performance. Plans: $9 monthly or $69 yearly; Build a Plan starts at $3 monthly.
Surfshark
Distinctive features and unlimited simultaneous connections. A fit for households connecting many devices.
NordVPN
Bundled privacy and security services. CNET flags renewal price increases and default data collection.
Mullvad
Privacy-focused, with open-source software, audits and RAM-only servers. Streaming can be difficult; connections are limited to five devices.
ExpressVPN
CNET’s fastest tested service in 2026 and a streaming pick. Trade-offs include high cost, app bugs and no multihop.
Proton VPN
A value pick with a legitimate free option, according to CNET. Check current plan limits and terms before signing up.
TRADE-OFFS
Read beyond the headline score
Each provider has limitations that may matter more than a small rating difference. Verify current features and pricing with the service.
| Provider | CNET strength | What to weigh | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windscribe | Strong all-round performance | Restrictive refunds; smaller server network; no in-app double-hop | 9.2 |
| Surfshark | Features; unlimited connections | Compare the specific features and plan terms you need | 8.6 |
| NordVPN | Bundled privacy and security | Renewal price increases; default data collection | 8.4 |
| Mullvad | Privacy | Streaming limitations; five-device limit | 8.2 |
| ExpressVPN | Streaming and speed | High cost; updated app described as somewhat buggy; no multihop | 8.0 |
| Proton VPN | Value; free option | Check current free-tier limits and plan details | 8.0 |
A PRACTICAL CHECKLIST
Choose with your use case in view
Use the rankings to narrow the field, then check the details that affect everyday use and total cost.
Name your priority
Privacy, streaming, speed, features, bundled services or value?
Check plan terms
Compare current prices, renewal rates, refund rules and free-tier limits.
Confirm compatibility
Review supported devices, simultaneous connections and server locations.
Read privacy details
Check provider disclosures and whether its features fit your needs.
WHAT CHANGED
ExpressVPN lost the lead, not its case
CNET’s new ranking reflects its comparative assessment after six months of testing. ExpressVPN remains recommended for streaming and speed.
“ExpressVPN remains a top-notch VPN provider that’s the fastest service we tested this year.”
CNET · 2026 assessment
KEY QUESTIONS
What buyers ask
CNET’s distinctions are a guide to candidates, not a universal recommendation for every buyer.
Which VPN ranks best overall?
Windscribe, with a 9.2 rating after CNET’s six-month testing and research cycle.
Why did Windscribe take the top spot?
CNET cites performance across privacy, speed, streaming, features and value, alongside open-source apps, audits and pricing without renewal hikes.
Is ExpressVPN still recommended?
Yes. CNET rates it 8.0 and recommends it for streaming and speed, while flagging its high cost and some app limitations.
Which pick is for privacy?
Mullvad. CNET points to its privacy focus, open-source software, audits and RAM-only servers, while noting streaming limitations and a five-device cap.
Is one service right for everyone?
No. Compare prices, device support, privacy policies, server reach and features against your own needs.
What should I verify before signing up?
Current plan and renewal prices, refunds, supported devices, connection limits, server locations and free-tier data limits.
How the New Rankings Affect VPN Buyers
The ranking gives readers a current comparison of services that CNET evaluated under the same testing cycle, but its own picks show why a single overall score cannot settle every buying decision. Someone prioritizing privacy may prefer Mullvad; a household needing many simultaneous connections may look at Surfshark; and a buyer focused on streaming may favor ExpressVPN, which CNET says was its fastest tested service.
Price and plan terms also matter beyond the headline ranking. Windscribe’s stated pricing and lack of renewal hikes may appeal to cost-conscious customers, but its refund policy and smaller network are relevant limitations. CNET’s list can help narrow options, though readers should match a provider’s features and trade-offs to their devices, location and intended use rather than treating the top rank as a universal recommendation.
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Why ExpressVPN Lost the Top Spot
CNET describes the 2026 list as the result of six months of testing and research and says its evaluators have decades of combined VPN-testing experience. ExpressVPN had been the longstanding leader in the publication’s rankings; the new results put Windscribe first while retaining ExpressVPN among the recommended services.
The change is a shift in CNET’s comparative assessment, not evidence that ExpressVPN has stopped performing well. Its score remains 8.0, and the publication continues to recommend it for streaming and speed. The rankings also distinguish providers by specific strengths rather than presenting them as interchangeable: Mullvad is CNET’s privacy pick, while Proton VPN is its value pick and offers what CNET calls a legitimate free option.
“Windscribe has taken the crown as CNET’s new best overall VPN service for 2026.”
— CNET
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Limits of the Published Comparison
The source material does not provide the full test methodology, the individual results behind each score or a detailed account of how CNET weighted privacy, speed, streaming and other measures. The findings are CNET’s editorial assessment; the supplied information does not establish that every VPN service on the market was tested or that results will be the same on every network, device or location.
Prices and product features can change, and the material does not state how long the listed prices will remain available. It also does not give a date for the next ranking update. Readers should verify current plan terms and app capabilities with providers before purchasing.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Check Plans Before Choosing
CNET’s 2026 rankings are the current development; no subsequent testing milestone is specified in the supplied material. People comparing services can use the list to identify likely candidates, then check current pricing, refund rules, supported devices, connection limits and server locations before signing up. They should also review the provider’s privacy disclosures and consider whether a free tier’s data or location limits fit their needs.
Any future changes to rankings would depend on new testing or changes to the services. Until then, CNET’s published distinctions remain the clearest guide in this report: Windscribe overall, Mullvad for privacy, ExpressVPN for streaming and speed, Surfshark for features, NordVPN for bundles, and Proton VPN for value.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Key Questions
Which VPN does CNET rank best overall in 2026?
Windscribe is CNET’s best overall VPN for 2026, with a 9.2 rating after the publication’s six-month testing and research cycle.
Why did Windscribe take the top position?
CNET says Windscribe performed strongly across privacy, speed, streaming, features and value. It also points to open-source apps, audits and pricing without renewal hikes, while noting drawbacks including a restrictive refund policy and smaller server network.
Is ExpressVPN still recommended?
Yes. CNET rates ExpressVPN 8.0 and recommends it for streaming and speed, calling it the fastest service it tested in 2026. The publication also flags its high cost and some app limitations.
Which VPN does CNET recommend for privacy?
CNET names Mullvad its privacy pick, citing its privacy focus, open-source software, audits and RAM-only servers. Its stated drawbacks include streaming difficulties and a limit of five simultaneous connections.
Does CNET say one VPN is right for everyone?
No. The recommendations are divided by use case, and each service has trade-offs. CNET’s overall ranking is a starting point; buyers should compare current prices, device support, privacy policies and features against their own needs.
Source: CNET
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