NordVPN, our third choice, is a die-hard heavy hitter.In 2022, it also earned a CNET Editors' Choice Award as our VPN value pick, thanks to its low first-year price support for unlimited devices.

Surfshark is a close second among our picks.

Express isn't the cheapest, but it's among the fastest and, so far, is the most secure. We evaluate VPNs based on their overall performance in three main categories: speed, security and price.

ExpressVPN received a CNET Editors' Choice Award for best overall VPN.

This encrypted connection will stop your internet service provider from seeing which sites you're browsing, and prevent the sites you're visiting - unless you're logged into them - from knowing where you're located. Here's how it works: A VPN, short for ' virtual private network,' encrypts the connection between your device and the internet, safeguarding not just your browsing traffic but all the data that comes from your device and goes to the internet. If you want to keep your browsing habits under wraps and stay private online, a VPN is essential. We're continuing to compare and evaluate the leading providers as the industry evolves and consolidates, and online security needs become greater than ever.

Both of those accolades are the result of recently updated evaluations and reviews of those services, as well as NordVPN. As of this most recent update, ExpressVPN is currently our Editors' Choice for best overall VPN, and Surfshark is our Editors' Choice for best VPN value. And to retain that crown, it must maintain those high standards. To earn that particular accolade, a VPN must meet exceptionally high standards of privacy, speed and utility, while being completely transparent about its operations. The title of 'best VPN' is something we take seriously here at CNET.

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