With Christmas Day just hours away, the rush to bag the best gifts is (hopefully) winding down. But if you’ve left a little room under the tree, now’s the perfect time to treat yourself (and your data) to something useful.
Right now, some of the best VPNs are offering steep discounts, giving you the chance to lock in multi-year privacy protection at the lowest prices of the year. It’s a great way to stay secure and anonymous online as we head into 2026.
NordVPN: The star on top of the tree
NordVPN has consistently topped our rankings in 2025, and for good reason. Whether you’re looking for airtight privacy, smooth streaming, or everyday protection, NordVPN delivers across the board.
It’s packed with features that go beyond the basics. Threat Protection Pro helps block ads, trackers, and malware before they can wreak havoc on your devices. Multiple VPN protocols are available (including NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2), and independent audits back up its strong no-logs policy.
NordVPN also excelled in our in-house streaming tests, reliably unblocking Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more with fast, buffer-free playback. It’s a smart choice for streamers who don’t want to compromise on privacy.
That said, it doesn’t offer unlimited simultaneous connections, and some features vary slightly between platforms. Still, it’s a solid pick for nearly every type of user. You’ll also find handy extras like Meshnet for secure device-to-device connections and a kill switch that works consistently across platforms. These kinds of details make NordVPN feel polished and dependable.
Whether you want a full security suite or just a fast, trustworthy VPN to run in the background, NordVPN remains the best all-rounder on the market heading into 2026.
If you want a feature-rich VPN without the premium price tag, Surfshark is a great pick, especially during the holiday sale. It’s the most affordable provider in our top three, but it doesn’t cut corners on core functionality.
You get excellent unblocking power and reliably fast speeds, making it an ideal streaming VPN. Surfshark worked seamlessly with Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer in our latest tests. It also boasts servers in 100 countries, giving you plenty of flexibility for bypassing regional restrictions or exploring foreign content libraries.
The standout perk here is unlimited simultaneous connections. That means you can protect every device in your household, and a few more, with just one subscription. It’s a big win for families, households with lots of gadgets, or anyone helping relatives get set up.
There’s also a clean, easy-to-use app interface across desktop and mobile, with clear settings and minimal clutter: a welcome touch if you’re new to VPNs or setting one up for someone else.
The main catch is Surfshark’s renewal pricing, which increases significantly after your initial term. To get the most value, it’s best to lock in the two-year plan while the offer is active.
For anyone new to VPNs or simply watching their budget, Surfshark strikes a smart balance between affordability, usability, and performance.
Proton VPN: A full plate of privacy
Proton VPN is built for privacy-first users who care as much about values as features. It’s developed by the team behind Proton Mail, and the same commitment to digital freedom runs through the entire product.
Based in Switzerland, Proton VPN benefits from strong local privacy laws and no mandatory data retention. Its Secure Core feature routes traffic through hardened servers in privacy-friendly jurisdictions, adding another layer of protection. And with its custom Stealth protocol, Proton VPN is a strong option for bypassing censorship in restrictive regions.
NetShield, the service’s built-in ad, malware, and tracker blocker, adds daily protection, though it can interfere with streaming platforms if you’re using OpenVPN. That makes NordVPN or Surfshark better choices if consistent streaming is a top priority.
Still, Proton VPN’s transparency, open-source apps, and robust security tools make it one of the best no-compromise VPNs on the market today. Whether you’re dodging surveillance, avoiding trackers, or just want a cleaner, safer web experience, it’s a serious tool for serious privacy.
