Compare VPNs side by side
NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN and CyberGhost, scored on facts from providers' own pages and published audits. Pick what you need it for; the weights are published with every result. We don't run speed tests and we never use commission rates as an input.
Fact sheet last checked:
Step 1: choose a use case
Best for remote work
Joint top: Surfshark and CyberGhost
Surfshark checked 11 Nov 2026; CyberGhost checked 11 Nov 2026.
Scores: Surfshark 92.2/100, CyberGhost 90/100, NordVPN 75.5/100, Proton VPN 66.3/100
Surfshark
Score 92.2/100
Joint top for remote work (checked 11 Nov 2026)
Best for: Households and streamers with lots of devices: unlimited connections, TV apps and router setup guides, and a US$79-a-year renewal (2-year plan (+3 months), US$67.23 for the first 27 months)
- Intro
- US$2.49/mo, billed US$67.23 for the first 27 months · Starter, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid1Source and checked date for Surfshark Intro price
- Renewal
- US$79.00/year (US$6.58/mo equiv.) after month 27 · Starter, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid2Source and checked date for Surfshark Renewal price
- No-logs audit
- Deloitte, 2025 (no-logs assurance, ISAE 3000; previous 2023)5Source and checked date for Surfshark No-logs audit
- Kill switch
- Yes9Source and checked date for Surfshark Kill switch
- Split tunnelling
- Yes10Source and checked date for Surfshark Split tunnelling
- Dedicated IP
- Yes11Source and checked date for Surfshark Dedicated IP
- Price checked
- 11 Nov 2026
Honest weakness: Its Deloitte no-logs report is only viewable by account holders, and split tunnelling is limited to Android and Windows (apps only)
CyberGhost
Score 90/100
Joint top for remote work (checked 11 Nov 2026)
Best for: Budget buyers who want time to decide: the lowest cash cost of the four over the first 24 months (one US$61.32 payment on the 2-year plan (+4 months), covering 28 months; then US$61.32 a year) and a 45-day money-back guarantee
- Intro
- US$2.19/mo, billed US$61.32 for the first 28 months · 2-year plan (+4 months) = 28 months prepaid1Source and checked date for CyberGhost Intro price
- Renewal
- US$61.32/year (US$5.11/mo equiv.) after month 28 · 2-year plan (+4 months) = 28 months prepaid2Source and checked date for CyberGhost Renewal price
- No-logs audit
- Deloitte Audit Romania, 2025 (3rd audit, ISAE 3000 limited assurance, as of 31 Oct 2025)5Source and checked date for CyberGhost No-logs audit
- Kill switch
- Yes9Source and checked date for CyberGhost Kill switch
- Split tunnelling
- Yes10Source and checked date for CyberGhost Split tunnelling
- Dedicated IP
- Yes11Source and checked date for CyberGhost Dedicated IP
- Price checked
- 11 Nov 2026
Honest weakness: Fewest simultaneous devices of the four (7), and split tunnelling is listed for Android only
NordVPN
Score 75.5/100
Best for: Remote workers who want split tunnelling, a dedicated IP add-on and a no-logs policy checked by Deloitte in 2025
NordPass is included in NordVPN Complete and Prime, not Basic.
- Intro
- US$3.49/mo, billed US$94.23 for the first 27 months · Basic, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid1Source and checked date for NordVPN Intro price
- Renewal
- US$139.08/year (US$11.59/mo equiv.) after month 27 · Basic, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid2Source and checked date for NordVPN Renewal price
- No-logs audit
- Deloitte Lithuania, 2025 (6th assurance engagement, ISAE 3000; report issued 12 Dec 2025)5Source and checked date for NordVPN No-logs audit
- Kill switch
- Yes9Source and checked date for NordVPN Kill switch
- Split tunnelling
- Yes10Source and checked date for NordVPN Split tunnelling
- Dedicated IP
- Yes11Source and checked date for NordVPN Dedicated IP
- Price checked
- 11 Nov 2026
Honest weakness: Highest renewal price of the four (US$139.08 a year for Basic after the first 27 months) and the highest cash cost over the first 24 months (US$94.23 on the 2-year plan (+3 months))
Proton VPN
Score 66.3/100
Best for: Users who want to read the proof: a 2026 no-logs audit with the full report public, and apps Proton states are 100% open source
- Intro
- US$3.49/mo, billed US$83.76 for the first 24 months · VPN Plus, 2-year plan = 24 months prepaid1Source and checked date for Proton VPN Intro price
- Renewal
- US$83.88/year (US$6.99/mo equiv.) after month 24 · VPN Plus, 2-year plan = 24 months prepaid2Source and checked date for Proton VPN Renewal price
- No-logs audit
- Securitum, 2026 (5th consecutive annual no-logs audit)5Source and checked date for Proton VPN No-logs audit
- Kill switch
- Yes9Source and checked date for Proton VPN Kill switch
- Split tunnelling
- Yes10Source and checked date for Proton VPN Split tunnelling
- Dedicated IP
- No11Source and checked date for Proton VPN Dedicated IP
- Price checked
- 11 Nov 2026
Honest weakness: No dedicated IP on personal plans (business only), and split tunnelling isn't available on iOS
How we score remote work
Each provider gets a score out of 100, built only from facts it publishes on its own site or in published audit reports. Here is what counts, and how much.
| What we score | Share of the score | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Audited no-logs (named auditor + year) | 25 | |
| Renewal price | 20 | |
| Split tunnelling + kill switch | 20 | |
| Dedicated IP available | 15 | |
| Simultaneous devices | 10 | |
| Money-back period | 10 | |
| Total | 100 |
How the maths works
- Yes-or-no features earn their full points if the provider has them and nothing if it doesn't. Where one line covers two features (split tunnelling + kill switch), each feature is worth half.
- Prices are compared with the cheapest provider. The cheapest gets full points; the others get points in proportion, so a price twice as high earns half the points.
- Devices and money-back days are compared with the most generous provider, which gets full points; the others get points in proportion (30 days when the best is 45 earns two-thirds). If a provider allows unlimited devices, it gets the full device points and fixed limits get none.
- Fresh, verified facts only. A fact counts only if we have checked it on the provider's own page in the last 30 days. If any fact this score needs is missing or out of date, we don't name a winner until it's re-checked.
- Joint winners. Providers within 3 points of the top score are shown as joint top, each with its own check date. We never break a tie. If all four are that close, we name no winner.
- Price must be in US$. Where price counts, a provider whose US$ price we couldn't verify is listed but not ranked. We never convert currencies.
- Commission is never an input. What a provider pays us has no effect on any score or order.
Scores are rounded to one decimal place. Facts used in this score were checked 11 Nov 2026.
Best for streaming
Top: Surfshark
Checked 11 Nov 2026.
Scores: Surfshark 90.5/100, CyberGhost 85/100, Proton VPN 74.6/100, NordVPN 68.8/100
Surfshark
Score 90.5/100
Top for streaming (checked 11 Nov 2026)
Best for: Households and streamers with lots of devices: unlimited connections, TV apps and router setup guides, and a US$79-a-year renewal (2-year plan (+3 months), US$67.23 for the first 27 months)
- Intro
- US$2.49/mo, billed US$67.23 for the first 27 months · Starter, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid1Source and checked date for Surfshark Intro price
- Renewal
- US$79.00/year (US$6.58/mo equiv.) after month 27 · Starter, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid2Source and checked date for Surfshark Renewal price
- Lists streaming on its own site
- Yes12Source and checked date for Surfshark Lists streaming on its own site
- Device apps and setup guides
- TV, Console, Router13Source and checked date for Surfshark Device apps and setup guides
- Simultaneous devices
- Unlimited14Source and checked date for Surfshark Simultaneous devices
- Money-back period
- 30 days4Source and checked date for Surfshark Money-back period
- Price checked
- 11 Nov 2026
Honest weakness: Its Deloitte no-logs report is only viewable by account holders, and split tunnelling is limited to Android and Windows (apps only)
CyberGhost
Score 85/100
Best for: Budget buyers who want time to decide: the lowest cash cost of the four over the first 24 months (one US$61.32 payment on the 2-year plan (+4 months), covering 28 months; then US$61.32 a year) and a 45-day money-back guarantee
- Intro
- US$2.19/mo, billed US$61.32 for the first 28 months · 2-year plan (+4 months) = 28 months prepaid1Source and checked date for CyberGhost Intro price
- Renewal
- US$61.32/year (US$5.11/mo equiv.) after month 28 · 2-year plan (+4 months) = 28 months prepaid2Source and checked date for CyberGhost Renewal price
- Lists streaming on its own site
- Yes12Source and checked date for CyberGhost Lists streaming on its own site
- Device apps and setup guides
- TV, Console, Router13Source and checked date for CyberGhost Device apps and setup guides
- Simultaneous devices
- 714Source and checked date for CyberGhost Simultaneous devices
- Money-back period
- 45 days4Source and checked date for CyberGhost Money-back period
- Price checked
- 11 Nov 2026
Honest weakness: Fewest simultaneous devices of the four (7), and split tunnelling is listed for Android only
Proton VPN
Score 74.6/100
Best for: Users who want to read the proof: a 2026 no-logs audit with the full report public, and apps Proton states are 100% open source
- Intro
- US$3.49/mo, billed US$83.76 for the first 24 months · VPN Plus, 2-year plan = 24 months prepaid1Source and checked date for Proton VPN Intro price
- Renewal
- US$83.88/year (US$6.99/mo equiv.) after month 24 · VPN Plus, 2-year plan = 24 months prepaid2Source and checked date for Proton VPN Renewal price
- Lists streaming on its own site
- Yes12Source and checked date for Proton VPN Lists streaming on its own site
- Device apps and setup guides
- TV, Router13Source and checked date for Proton VPN Device apps and setup guides
- Simultaneous devices
- 1014Source and checked date for Proton VPN Simultaneous devices
- Money-back period
- 30 days4Source and checked date for Proton VPN Money-back period
- Price checked
- 11 Nov 2026
Honest weakness: No dedicated IP on personal plans (business only), and split tunnelling isn't available on iOS
NordVPN
Score 68.8/100
Best for: Remote workers who want split tunnelling, a dedicated IP add-on and a no-logs policy checked by Deloitte in 2025
NordPass is included in NordVPN Complete and Prime, not Basic.
- Intro
- US$3.49/mo, billed US$94.23 for the first 27 months · Basic, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid1Source and checked date for NordVPN Intro price
- Renewal
- US$139.08/year (US$11.59/mo equiv.) after month 27 · Basic, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid2Source and checked date for NordVPN Renewal price
- Lists streaming on its own site
- Yes12Source and checked date for NordVPN Lists streaming on its own site
- Device apps and setup guides
- TV, Console, Router13Source and checked date for NordVPN Device apps and setup guides
- Simultaneous devices
- 1014Source and checked date for NordVPN Simultaneous devices
- Money-back period
- 30 days4Source and checked date for NordVPN Money-back period
- Price checked
- 11 Nov 2026
Honest weakness: Highest renewal price of the four (US$139.08 a year for Basic after the first 27 months) and the highest cash cost over the first 24 months (US$94.23 on the 2-year plan (+3 months))
How we score streaming
Each provider gets a score out of 100, built only from facts it publishes on its own site or in published audit reports. Here is what counts, and how much.
| What we score | Share of the score | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming listed on the provider's own site | 25 | |
| Device apps (TV / router) | 25 | |
| Renewal price | 20 | |
| Simultaneous devices | 15 | |
| Money-back period | 15 | |
| Total | 100 |
How the maths works
- Yes-or-no features earn their full points if the provider has them and nothing if it doesn't.
- Device apps are split in two: half the points for a TV app and half for router setup. Other device categories are shown but not scored.
- Prices are compared with the cheapest provider. The cheapest gets full points; the others get points in proportion, so a price twice as high earns half the points.
- Devices and money-back days are compared with the most generous provider, which gets full points; the others get points in proportion (30 days when the best is 45 earns two-thirds). If a provider allows unlimited devices, it gets the full device points and fixed limits get none.
- Fresh, verified facts only. A fact counts only if we have checked it on the provider's own page in the last 30 days. If any fact this score needs is missing or out of date, we don't name a winner until it's re-checked.
- Joint winners. Providers within 3 points of the top score are shown as joint top, each with its own check date. We never break a tie. If all four are that close, we name no winner.
- Price must be in US$. Where price counts, a provider whose US$ price we couldn't verify is listed but not ranked. We never convert currencies.
- Commission is never an input. What a provider pays us has no effect on any score or order.
Scores are rounded to one decimal place. Facts used in this score were checked 11 Nov 2026.
Best on a budget
Top: CyberGhost
Checked 11 Nov 2026.
Scores: CyberGhost 100/100, Surfshark 91.2/100, Proton VPN 73.2/100, NordVPN 65.1/100
CyberGhost
Score 100/100
Top for budget (checked 11 Nov 2026)
Best for: Budget buyers who want time to decide: the lowest cash cost of the four over the first 24 months (one US$61.32 payment on the 2-year plan (+4 months), covering 28 months; then US$61.32 a year) and a 45-day money-back guarantee
- Intro
- US$2.19/mo, billed US$61.32 for the first 28 months · 2-year plan (+4 months) = 28 months prepaid1Source and checked date for CyberGhost Intro price
- Renewal
- US$61.32/year (US$5.11/mo equiv.) after month 28 · 2-year plan (+4 months) = 28 months prepaid2Source and checked date for CyberGhost Renewal price
- Total cost, first 24 months
- US$61.32 total (one upfront payment covering 28 months) · 2-year plan (+4 months) = 28 months prepaid · effective US$2.19/mo over the plan3Source and checked date for CyberGhost Total cost, first 24 months
- Money-back period
- 45 days4Source and checked date for CyberGhost Money-back period
- Simultaneous devices
- 714Source and checked date for CyberGhost Simultaneous devices
- Kill switch
- Yes9Source and checked date for CyberGhost Kill switch
- Price checked
- 11 Nov 2026
Honest weakness: Fewest simultaneous devices of the four (7), and split tunnelling is listed for Android only
Surfshark
Score 91.2/100
Best for: Households and streamers with lots of devices: unlimited connections, TV apps and router setup guides, and a US$79-a-year renewal (2-year plan (+3 months), US$67.23 for the first 27 months)
- Intro
- US$2.49/mo, billed US$67.23 for the first 27 months · Starter, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid1Source and checked date for Surfshark Intro price
- Renewal
- US$79.00/year (US$6.58/mo equiv.) after month 27 · Starter, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid2Source and checked date for Surfshark Renewal price
- Total cost, first 24 months
- US$67.23 total (one upfront payment covering 27 months) · Starter, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid · effective US$2.49/mo over the plan3Source and checked date for Surfshark Total cost, first 24 months
- Money-back period
- 30 days4Source and checked date for Surfshark Money-back period
- Simultaneous devices
- Unlimited14Source and checked date for Surfshark Simultaneous devices
- Kill switch
- Yes9Source and checked date for Surfshark Kill switch
- Price checked
- 11 Nov 2026
Honest weakness: Its Deloitte no-logs report is only viewable by account holders, and split tunnelling is limited to Android and Windows (apps only)
Proton VPN
Score 73.2/100
Best for: Users who want to read the proof: a 2026 no-logs audit with the full report public, and apps Proton states are 100% open source
- Intro
- US$3.49/mo, billed US$83.76 for the first 24 months · VPN Plus, 2-year plan = 24 months prepaid1Source and checked date for Proton VPN Intro price
- Renewal
- US$83.88/year (US$6.99/mo equiv.) after month 24 · VPN Plus, 2-year plan = 24 months prepaid2Source and checked date for Proton VPN Renewal price
- Total cost, first 24 months
- US$83.76 total (one upfront payment covering 24 months) · VPN Plus, 2-year plan = 24 months prepaid · effective US$3.49/mo over the plan3Source and checked date for Proton VPN Total cost, first 24 months
- Money-back period
- 30 days4Source and checked date for Proton VPN Money-back period
- Simultaneous devices
- 1014Source and checked date for Proton VPN Simultaneous devices
- Kill switch
- Yes9Source and checked date for Proton VPN Kill switch
- Price checked
- 11 Nov 2026
Honest weakness: No dedicated IP on personal plans (business only), and split tunnelling isn't available on iOS
NordVPN
Score 65.1/100
Best for: Remote workers who want split tunnelling, a dedicated IP add-on and a no-logs policy checked by Deloitte in 2025
NordPass is included in NordVPN Complete and Prime, not Basic.
- Intro
- US$3.49/mo, billed US$94.23 for the first 27 months · Basic, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid1Source and checked date for NordVPN Intro price
- Renewal
- US$139.08/year (US$11.59/mo equiv.) after month 27 · Basic, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid2Source and checked date for NordVPN Renewal price
- Total cost, first 24 months
- US$94.23 total (one upfront payment covering 27 months) · Basic, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid · effective US$3.49/mo over the plan3Source and checked date for NordVPN Total cost, first 24 months
- Money-back period
- 30 days4Source and checked date for NordVPN Money-back period
- Simultaneous devices
- 1014Source and checked date for NordVPN Simultaneous devices
- Kill switch
- Yes9Source and checked date for NordVPN Kill switch
- Price checked
- 11 Nov 2026
Honest weakness: Highest renewal price of the four (US$139.08 a year for Basic after the first 27 months) and the highest cash cost over the first 24 months (US$94.23 on the 2-year plan (+3 months))
Total cash paid in the first 24 months (US$)
Show the data as a table
| Provider | First 24 months |
|---|---|
| NordVPN | US$94.23 total (one upfront payment covering 27 months) · Basic, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid · effective US$3.49/mo over the plan |
| Surfshark | US$67.23 total (one upfront payment covering 27 months) · Starter, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid · effective US$2.49/mo over the plan |
| Proton VPN | US$83.76 total (one upfront payment covering 24 months) · VPN Plus, 2-year plan = 24 months prepaid · effective US$3.49/mo over the plan |
| CyberGhost | US$61.32 total (one upfront payment covering 28 months) · 2-year plan (+4 months) = 28 months prepaid · effective US$2.19/mo over the plan |
How we score budget
Each provider gets a score out of 100, built only from facts it publishes on its own site or in published audit reports. Here is what counts, and how much.
| What we score | Share of the score | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost, first 24 months | 100 | |
| Total | 100 |
- Money-back period and simultaneous devices: shown as facts, not scored.
- Cost method: the cash a new buyer pays in months 0-24. A plan prepaid for 27 or 28 months counts its full upfront charge; a 1-year plan counts its first year plus one renewal at the stated renewal price.
How the maths works
- Prices are compared with the cheapest provider. The cheapest gets full points; the others get points in proportion, so a price twice as high earns half the points.
- Fresh, verified facts only. A fact counts only if we have checked it on the provider's own page in the last 30 days. If any fact this score needs is missing or out of date, we don't name a winner until it's re-checked.
- Joint winners. Providers within 3 points of the top score are shown as joint top, each with its own check date. We never break a tie. If all four are that close, we name no winner.
- Price must be in US$. Where price counts, a provider whose US$ price we couldn't verify is listed but not ranked. We never convert currencies.
- Commission is never an input. What a provider pays us has no effect on any score or order.
Scores are rounded to one decimal place. Facts used in this score were checked 11 Nov 2026.
Best for privacy
All four meet our verified privacy criteria
Checked 11 Nov 2026. No winner is named when all four tie.
Scores: NordVPN 100/100, Surfshark 100/100, Proton VPN 100/100, CyberGhost 100/100
NordVPN
Score 100/100
Best for: Remote workers who want split tunnelling, a dedicated IP add-on and a no-logs policy checked by Deloitte in 2025
NordPass is included in NordVPN Complete and Prime, not Basic.
- Intro
- US$3.49/mo, billed US$94.23 for the first 27 months · Basic, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid1Source and checked date for NordVPN Intro price
- Renewal
- US$139.08/year (US$11.59/mo equiv.) after month 27 · Basic, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid2Source and checked date for NordVPN Renewal price
- No-logs audit
- Deloitte Lithuania, 2025 (6th assurance engagement, ISAE 3000; report issued 12 Dec 2025)5Source and checked date for NordVPN No-logs audit
- Jurisdiction (not scored)
- Panama6Source and checked date for NordVPN Jurisdiction (not scored)
- Open-source apps (not scored)
- Linux app only7Source and checked date for NordVPN Open-source apps (not scored)
- Server data at rest
- RAM-only (diskless) servers8Source and checked date for NordVPN Server data at rest
- Price checked
- 11 Nov 2026
Honest weakness: Highest renewal price of the four (US$139.08 a year for Basic after the first 27 months) and the highest cash cost over the first 24 months (US$94.23 on the 2-year plan (+3 months))
Surfshark
Score 100/100
Best for: Households and streamers with lots of devices: unlimited connections, TV apps and router setup guides, and a US$79-a-year renewal (2-year plan (+3 months), US$67.23 for the first 27 months)
- Intro
- US$2.49/mo, billed US$67.23 for the first 27 months · Starter, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid1Source and checked date for Surfshark Intro price
- Renewal
- US$79.00/year (US$6.58/mo equiv.) after month 27 · Starter, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid2Source and checked date for Surfshark Renewal price
- No-logs audit
- Deloitte, 2025 (no-logs assurance, ISAE 3000; previous 2023)5Source and checked date for Surfshark No-logs audit
- Jurisdiction (not scored)
- Netherlands6Source and checked date for Surfshark Jurisdiction (not scored)
- Open-source apps (not scored)
- Not stated by provider7Source and checked date for Surfshark Open-source apps (not scored)
- Server data at rest
- RAM-only servers8Source and checked date for Surfshark Server data at rest
- Price checked
- 11 Nov 2026
Honest weakness: Its Deloitte no-logs report is only viewable by account holders, and split tunnelling is limited to Android and Windows (apps only)
Proton VPN
Score 100/100
Best for: Users who want to read the proof: a 2026 no-logs audit with the full report public, and apps Proton states are 100% open source
- Intro
- US$3.49/mo, billed US$83.76 for the first 24 months · VPN Plus, 2-year plan = 24 months prepaid1Source and checked date for Proton VPN Intro price
- Renewal
- US$83.88/year (US$6.99/mo equiv.) after month 24 · VPN Plus, 2-year plan = 24 months prepaid2Source and checked date for Proton VPN Renewal price
- No-logs audit
- Securitum, 2026 (5th consecutive annual no-logs audit)5Source and checked date for Proton VPN No-logs audit
- Jurisdiction (not scored)
- Switzerland6Source and checked date for Proton VPN Jurisdiction (not scored)
- Open-source apps (not scored)
- Yes7Source and checked date for Proton VPN Open-source apps (not scored)
- Server data at rest
- Full-disk encryption (LUKS, AES-256; keys stored off-server)8Source and checked date for Proton VPN Server data at rest
- Price checked
- 11 Nov 2026
Honest weakness: No dedicated IP on personal plans (business only), and split tunnelling isn't available on iOS
CyberGhost
Score 100/100
Best for: Budget buyers who want time to decide: the lowest cash cost of the four over the first 24 months (one US$61.32 payment on the 2-year plan (+4 months), covering 28 months; then US$61.32 a year) and a 45-day money-back guarantee
- Intro
- US$2.19/mo, billed US$61.32 for the first 28 months · 2-year plan (+4 months) = 28 months prepaid1Source and checked date for CyberGhost Intro price
- Renewal
- US$61.32/year (US$5.11/mo equiv.) after month 28 · 2-year plan (+4 months) = 28 months prepaid2Source and checked date for CyberGhost Renewal price
- No-logs audit
- Deloitte Audit Romania, 2025 (3rd audit, ISAE 3000 limited assurance, as of 31 Oct 2025)5Source and checked date for CyberGhost No-logs audit
- Jurisdiction (not scored)
- Romania6Source and checked date for CyberGhost Jurisdiction (not scored)
- Open-source apps (not scored)
- Not stated by provider7Source and checked date for CyberGhost Open-source apps (not scored)
- Server data at rest
- RAM-only servers (no persistent storage)8Source and checked date for CyberGhost Server data at rest
- Price checked
- 11 Nov 2026
Honest weakness: Fewest simultaneous devices of the four (7), and split tunnelling is listed for Android only
How we score privacy
Each provider gets a score out of 100, built only from facts it publishes on its own site or in published audit reports. Here is what counts, and how much.
| What we score | Share of the score | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Independent no-logs audits | 66.7 | |
| Server data at rest protected (RAM-only or full-disk encryption) | 33.3 | |
| Total | 100 |
- Jurisdiction: shown as a plain fact with its source and checked date; not scored.
- Open-source apps: shown as the provider states it ("Linux app only" or "Not stated by provider" where it doesn't say all its apps are); not scored.
How the maths works
- Yes-or-no features earn their full points if the provider has them and nothing if it doesn't.
- Rescaled to 100. The criteria add up to 60 raw points, so totals are multiplied to give a score out of 100. That is why the points above are 66.7 and 33.3.
- Fresh, verified facts only. A fact counts only if we have checked it on the provider's own page in the last 30 days. If any fact this score needs is missing or out of date, we don't name a winner until it's re-checked.
- Joint winners. Providers within 3 points of the top score are shown as joint top, each with its own check date. We never break a tie. If all four are that close, we name no winner.
- Commission is never an input. What a provider pays us has no effect on any score or order.
Scores are rounded to one decimal place. Facts used in this score were checked 11 Nov 2026.
Intro vs renewal at a glance
What you pay in the first term, next to what the same plan renews at, per month.
Intro vs renewal price per month (US$)
Show the data as a table
| Provider | Intro | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | US$3.49/mo, billed US$94.23 for the first 27 months · Basic, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid | US$139.08/year (US$11.59/mo equiv.) after month 27 · Basic, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid |
| Surfshark | US$2.49/mo, billed US$67.23 for the first 27 months · Starter, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid | US$79.00/year (US$6.58/mo equiv.) after month 27 · Starter, 2-year plan (+3 months) = 27 months prepaid |
| Proton VPN | US$3.49/mo, billed US$83.76 for the first 24 months · VPN Plus, 2-year plan = 24 months prepaid | US$83.88/year (US$6.99/mo equiv.) after month 24 · VPN Plus, 2-year plan = 24 months prepaid |
| CyberGhost | US$2.19/mo, billed US$61.32 for the first 28 months · 2-year plan (+4 months) = 28 months prepaid | US$61.32/year (US$5.11/mo equiv.) after month 28 · 2-year plan (+4 months) = 28 months prepaid |
Our method
- One fact sheet; every cell has a value, a source link and the date we checked it.
- Sources: providers' own pages and published audit reports only. No speed figures (we can't verify them) and no own speed tests.
- Prices are in USD, shown with their plan length, from the provider's own pricing page on the checked date. We never convert currencies: if a provider's US$ price can't be verified, we show the local price it showed us, labelled (for example AU$), and leave that provider out of any ranking that scores price until its US$ price is verified.
- Any price older than 30 days is hidden and shows "Checking" until it is re-checked. A use case is ranked only when every fact it scores is verified and checked within the last 30 days.
- Jurisdiction is shown as a fact, not scored. Open-source apps are shown, not scored ("Linux app only" or "Not stated by provider" where the provider doesn't say all its apps are open source).
- Streaming: we report what each provider lists on its own site. Access can vary and streaming services may block VPNs.
- Winner labels are per use case and dated with the check date, never "#1".
Sources (dated)
Each small number in the tables links here: the provider's own page each fact came from and the date we checked it.
NordVPN
- Intro price: nordvpn.com/pricing, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Renewal price: nordvpn.com/pricing, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Total cost, first 24 months: nordvpn.com/pricing, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Money-back period: nordvpn.com/pricing, checked 11 Nov 2026
- No-logs audit: nordvpn.com/blog/nordvpn-no-logs-assurance-engagement-2025, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Jurisdiction (not scored): support.nordvpn.com/hc/en-us/articles/19441152966161-Where-is-NordVPN-based, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Open-source apps (not scored): nordvpn.com/blog/linux-open-source-gui-snap, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Server data at rest: nordvpn.com/blog/ram-based-servers, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Kill switch: nordvpn.com/download, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Split tunnelling: nordvpn.com/features/split-tunneling, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Dedicated IP: nordvpn.com/pricing, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Lists streaming on its own site: nordvpn.com/download, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Device apps and setup guides: nordvpn.com/download, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Simultaneous devices: nordvpn.com/pricing, checked 11 Nov 2026
Surfshark
- Intro price: surfshark.com/pricing, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Renewal price: surfshark.com/terms-of-service/pricing, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Total cost, first 24 months: surfshark.com/pricing, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Money-back period: surfshark.com/pricing, checked 11 Nov 2026
- No-logs audit: surfshark.com/blog/deloitte-nologs-policy-verified-again, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Jurisdiction (not scored): surfshark.com/privacy, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Open-source apps (not scored): surfshark.com/features, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Server data at rest: surfshark.com/servers, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Kill switch: surfshark.com/features/kill-switch, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Split tunnelling: surfshark.com/features/split-tunneling, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Dedicated IP: surfshark.com/dedicated-ip, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Lists streaming on its own site: surfshark.com/use-cases/vpn-for-streaming, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Device apps and setup guides: surfshark.com/download, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Simultaneous devices: surfshark.com/pricing, checked 11 Nov 2026
Proton VPN
- Intro price: protonvpn.com/pricing, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Renewal price: protonvpn.com/pricing, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Total cost, first 24 months: protonvpn.com/pricing, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Money-back period: protonvpn.com/pricing, checked 11 Nov 2026
- No-logs audit: protonvpn.com/blog/no-logs-audit, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Jurisdiction (not scored): protonvpn.com/about, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Open-source apps (not scored): protonvpn.com/pricing, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Server data at rest: protonvpn.com/blog/ram-only-servers, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Kill switch: protonvpn.com/support/product-lifecycle, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Split tunnelling: protonvpn.com/support/protonvpn-split-tunneling, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Dedicated IP: protonvpn.com/support/dedicated-ips, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Lists streaming on its own site: protonvpn.com/pricing, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Device apps and setup guides: protonvpn.com/download, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Simultaneous devices: protonvpn.com/pricing, checked 11 Nov 2026
CyberGhost
- Intro price: cyberghostvpn.com, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Renewal price: cyberghostvpn.com, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Total cost, first 24 months: cyberghostvpn.com, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Money-back period: cyberghostvpn.com/terms, checked 11 Nov 2026
- No-logs audit: cyberghostvpn.com/privacyhub/privacy-audit-2025, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Jurisdiction (not scored): cyberghostvpn.com/privacypolicy, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Open-source apps (not scored): cyberghostvpn.com/features, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Server data at rest: cyberghostvpn.com/privacyhub/transparency-report-q4-2025, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Kill switch: cyberghostvpn.com/features, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Split tunnelling: cyberghostvpn.com/features/vpn-tunnel, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Dedicated IP: cyberghostvpn.com/dedicated-ip-vpn, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Lists streaming on its own site: cyberghostvpn.com/features, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Device apps and setup guides: cyberghostvpn.com/features, checked 11 Nov 2026
- Simultaneous devices: cyberghostvpn.com/features/multiple-devices, checked 11 Nov 2026