Best VPNs to Use in 2027: Top VPN Services for Gaming, Streaming & Privacy

Best VPNs to Use in 2027

VPNs have become useful for much more than simply hiding an IP address.

People use them for public Wi-Fi security, online privacy, travel, streaming, gaming and connecting to services while abroad.

But choosing a VPN can be confusing.

Every provider claims to be fast. Every provider talks about privacy. And almost every VPN advertises hundreds or thousands of servers.

So what actually matters?

For this guide, we're focusing on the things that make a practical difference: speed, privacy, reliability, device support, gaming performance, streaming, pricing and ease of use.

One important warning:

2027 pricing, server counts and features can change. This guide is based on services and information available in 2026 and should be reviewed again when 2027 begins.

The VPNs Worth Considering for 2027

1. NordVPN

Best for: All-around use, gaming, streaming and speed

NordVPN is one of the most complete VPN services currently available.

Independent 2026 testing found NordVPN had relatively small download and upload speed reductions compared with the tester's baseline, while its NordLynx protocol is built around WireGuard technology.

NordVPN currently allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections on one account, with router configurations providing another way to protect devices throughout a network.

Why consider NordVPN?

Fast connection performance

NordLynx protocol

Large international server network

Up to 10 simultaneous connections

Apps for major platforms

Streaming features

Kill switch

DNS leak protection

Router support

Useful gaming support

Best suited to

Gamers and everyday users who want one VPN capable of handling several different jobs.

2. Surfshark

Best for: Multiple devices and households

Surfshark is particularly interesting for people who don't want to worry about the number of devices connected to their VPN.

Its major selling point is support for unlimited simultaneous connections under one subscription.

That can be useful if you want VPN protection on a combination of:

Phones

PCs

Laptops

Tablets

Smart TVs

Gaming devices

Other household devices

Surfshark also offers features such as split tunneling and MultiHop.

Why consider Surfshark?

Unlimited simultaneous devices

Competitive pricing

Major desktop and mobile platforms

Gaming support

Streaming support

Split tunneling

MultiHop

Useful for households with many devices

Best suited to

Families or users with lots of devices that need to share one VPN subscription.

3. Proton VPN

Best for: Privacy and free VPN users

Proton VPN has one feature that immediately separates it from many competitors:

It offers a free plan with no data limit, no advertisements and no activity logging, according to Proton's current documentation.

The free plan is more limited than Proton's paid service, but it provides a legitimate option for someone who wants basic VPN protection without paying.

Proton's paid service adds more locations and advanced features, while independent 2026 testing also found strong speed performance.

Why consider Proton VPN?

Free plan available

No data limit on the free plan

No advertisements

No activity logging according to its policy

Open-source applications

Kill switch

Strong privacy features

Secure Core on paid plans

Major platform support

Best suited to

Privacy-conscious users and people who want a reputable free VPN option.

4. ExpressVPN

Best for: Beginners and simple everyday VPN use

ExpressVPN focuses heavily on making VPN use simple.

Its proprietary Lightway protocol is designed for speed, reliability and quick reconnection. ExpressVPN says Lightway is available across its major apps and routers.

The protocol has also undergone independent security assessments, according to ExpressVPN.

For someone who doesn't want to spend time configuring VPN protocols and advanced networking options, simplicity can be an important advantage.

Why consider ExpressVPN?

Simple applications

Lightway protocol

Strong security features

Major platform support

Router support

Streaming support

Easy setup

Designed for everyday use

Best suited to

Beginners who want a straightforward VPN without constantly changing technical settings.

5. Mullvad VPN

Best for: Privacy-focused users

Mullvad takes a noticeably different approach from many mainstream VPN companies.

When creating an account, Mullvad currently doesn't require a username, password or email address. Instead, it generates a random numbered account.

Mullvad also states that it does not keep activity logs, including traffic, DNS requests, connection timestamps, IP addresses or bandwidth usage.

The trade-off is that Mullvad is less focused on being an all-purpose streaming bundle than some of the bigger consumer VPN brands.

Its current app documentation also states that an account can be used on up to five devices.

Why consider Mullvad?

Strong privacy focus

No email required for account creation

Numbered accounts

No activity logging according to its policy

Up to five devices

Straightforward approach

Privacy-oriented payment options

Best suited to

Users who prioritize privacy and minimal personal information over extra consumer features.

Which VPN Is Best for Gaming?

A VPN does not automatically reduce gaming ping.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions in VPN advertising.

Adding a VPN server between you and a game server can actually increase latency.

However, a VPN can sometimes produce a better route to a particular service depending on how your ISP routes traffic.

For gaming, test:

Your normal connection

A nearby VPN server

Another nearby VPN server

A server in the game's region

Compare:

Ping

Jitter

Packet loss

Connection stability

Matchmaking

Download/upload performance

VPNs worth considering for gaming

NordVPN

Strong performance and gaming-oriented support.

Surfshark

Useful if you want gaming protection across many devices.

ExpressVPN

Simple setup and strong protocol performance.

But don't buy a VPN solely because an advertisement promises "lower ping."

Test it yourself.

What About PS5 and Xbox?

Using a VPN on a PC or phone is simple.

Consoles are different.

PS5 and Xbox don't generally work like a Windows PC where you simply install a traditional VPN application.

Depending on the provider and setup, you may need:

A compatible router

A PC sharing its VPN connection

A supported network configuration

A VPN can sometimes help with routing tests, regional connections or privacy.

But it is not a universal solution for console matchmaking problems.

For example, a VPN won't automatically fix:

Game-server outages

NAT restrictions

Broken matchmaking systems

Game-specific bugs

Friend-session problems

Server maintenance

If you're troubleshooting a gaming problem, test the VPN as one variable, not as a magic fix.

Best Free VPN to Consider in 2027

Free VPNs require more caution than paid services.

Some free VPNs impose:

Data limits

Speed limits

Advertising

Limited server locations

Restricted features

Proton VPN currently offers a notable alternative: its free plan has no data or speed limits, no ads and no activity logging according to Proton.

That doesn't mean a free plan will necessarily be the best option for gaming or streaming.

If you need advanced locations, streaming access or additional features, a paid VPN may make more sense.

Best VPN for Streaming

Streaming is one area where VPN performance can change quickly.

Streaming companies actively detect VPN connections, and a server that works today may not work tomorrow.

So be careful with claims such as:

"Works with every streaming service."

No VPN can guarantee permanent access to every service in every country.

When choosing a VPN for streaming, look for:

Fast connections

Multiple locations

Reliable applications

Good platform support

Regular service updates

NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN and Proton VPN are all major services currently offering streaming-related features, but actual availability can vary by service, country and time.

Best VPN for Privacy

A VPN isn't the same thing as complete anonymity.

A VPN primarily changes the network path between your device and the internet and encrypts the VPN tunnel.

That means the VPN provider itself becomes an important part of your privacy model.

Before choosing a privacy-focused VPN, check:

Logging policy

Independent audits

Jurisdiction

Open-source applications

Kill switch

DNS leak protection

Account requirements

Payment options

Proton VPN and Mullvad are particularly notable for users who put privacy near the top of their priorities. Independent 2026 testing also highlighted Proton's audited no-logs policy and privacy features.

What a VPN Cannot Do

A VPN isn't a security shield for everything.

It does not automatically:

Stop malware

Make every website safe

Guarantee anonymity

Make every game faster

Fix every NAT problem

Prevent every account ban

Guarantee access to every streaming service

Replace antivirus software

Protect you from phishing if you willingly enter your credentials

A VPN is one privacy and networking tool.

It's not a complete cybersecurity solution.

How to Choose the Right VPN

Instead of asking:

"Which VPN is the best?"

Ask:

"Which VPN fits what I actually need?"

If you want all-around use

Look at NordVPN, Surfshark or ExpressVPN.

If privacy is your priority

Look closely at Proton VPN and Mullvad.

If you need a free option

Proton VPN Free is one of the most interesting options currently available.

If you have many devices

Surfshark is particularly relevant because of its unlimited simultaneous connections.

If you're a gamer

Prioritize latency, routing and stability, not just advertised download speed.

Final Verdict

There isn't one VPN that is objectively perfect for everybody.

The right choice depends on what you're actually trying to accomplish.

For 2027, the services worth keeping on your shortlist include:

NordVPN — all-around use and gaming

Surfshark — many devices

Proton VPN — privacy and free use

ExpressVPN — simplicity

Mullvad — privacy-focused users

The VPN market will continue changing, so prices, server networks, supported platforms and streaming compatibility should be checked again when 2027 begins.

And that's the most important point:

Don't choose a VPN because an advertisement says it's the fastest. Choose one based on the job you actually need it to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a VPN make gaming faster?

Not necessarily. A VPN can increase latency. In some situations, however, a different network route may improve the connection to a particular server.

Can I use a VPN on PS5?

Yes, but PS5 generally requires a router or another supported network configuration rather than simply installing a normal VPN application.

Is a free VPN safe?

Some reputable free VPNs exist, but you should examine the provider's privacy policy, logging practices, limitations and business model before using one.

Does a VPN hide my IP address?

Yes. Websites generally see the VPN server's IP address instead of your normal public IP address while the VPN connection is active.

Can a VPN protect me from viruses?

No. A VPN encrypts your VPN connection, but it doesn't replace antivirus or safe browsing practices.

Can a VPN fix NAT problems?

Not necessarily. NAT problems depend on your network configuration, ISP and the game or service you're connecting to. A VPN can change the network path, but it isn't a guaranteed NAT fix.

Last updated: September 2026

2027 update note: Pricing, features, server availability and streaming compatibility should be rechecked before the article is refreshed for 2027.