Why Speed Alone Didn't Determine CNET's Top 2026 VPN Pick

CNET

Performance figures reflect CNET's published laboratory testing methodology. Actual results may vary depending on protocol selection, Internet Service Provider (ISP), geographic location, server load, device specifications, and local network conditions.

What CNET Found

Choosing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) by evaluating a single benchmark metricsuch as peak download speed may cause buyers to overlook structural privacy details, server configurations, and daily usability factors.

In testing conducted by CNET, NordVPN registered the lowest average download speed loss among primary contenders. However, CNET designated ExpressVPN as its overall Editors' Choice selection, citing its server architecture, encryption standards, and unblocking consistency.

Understanding why a service with a higher average speed loss earned the top recommendation requires examining how different VPN infrastructures manage browsing traffic and user logs.

Benchmark Results: Baseline Download Speed Loss

In CNET's laboratory evaluations, speed loss was measured by comparing direct Wi-Fi throughput against encrypted VPN tunnel connections across international servers.

  
  
    

      

        

          

            Average Download Speed Loss (Lower is Better)
          
        
        

          
PROVIDER
          
VISUAL SPEED LOSS BAR
          
METRIC
        
      
      

        

          

            NordVPN
          
          

            

              

            
          
          

            11% Loss
          
        
        

          

            Mullvad
          
          

            

              

            
          
          

            13% Loss
          
        
        

          

            Surfshark
          
          

            

              

            
          
          

            17% Loss
          
        
        

          

            Proton VPN
          
          

            

              

            
          
          

            21% Loss
          
        
        

          

            ExpressVPN
          
          

            

              

            
          
          

            25% Loss
          
        
        

          

            IPVanish
          
          

            

              

            
          
          

            44% Loss
          
        
        

          

            PIA
          
          

            

              

            
          
          

            49% Loss
          
        
      
    
  

Although NordVPN posted the smallest average speed reduction, CNET's overall rankings also considered privacy architecture, usability, streaming performance, and long-term value rather than speed alone.

How the Leading VPNs Compare

ExpressVPN: RAM-Only Infrastructure Focus

ExpressVPN received CNET's top overall rating despite recording an average speed loss of 25%. Users who frequently rely on public Wi-Fi in hotels, airports, or cafes may value server setups designed to minimize persistent log storage.

• Infrastructure Design: ExpressVPN routes traffic through its TrustedServer architecture, which operates on volatile RAM rather than traditional hard disk drives. Data stored in volatile memory is cleared whenever a server reboots.

• Protocol & Features: Utilizes the proprietary Lightway protocol and includes post-quantum protection for supported connections, aiming to maintain consistent access to international streaming services.

• Pricing & Constraints: Pricing starts at $100 for the initial 12-month plan ($8.33 per month) with a limit of 8 simultaneous active connections.

• Who Should Skip: Buyers seeking low-cost plans or those requiring more than 8 simultaneous connections may find higher value elsewhere.

NordVPN: Focus on High Throughput

NordVPN recorded the lowest average speed loss in CNET's test suite, losing approximately 11% of baseline download bandwidth. For users frequently transferring large media files, streaming 4K video, or engaging in low-latency gaming, minimal speed degradation remains a primary consideration.

• Specialized Networking: Features technical tools such as Double VPN (routing traffic through two distinct encrypted servers), Onion Over VPN, and Meshnet for secure private device networking.

• Pricing & Limits: Promotional pricing starts at $69 for the first year (auto-renewing at $100 annually) and permits up to 10 active device connections.

• Who Should Skip: Casual users looking for a minimalist interface may find NordVPN's feature-heavy dashboard more complex than necessary.

Surfshark: Lower Introductory Pricing for Multi-Device Protection

Surfshark presents an alternative for households needing to cover multiple devices under a single subscription plan.

• Connection Policy: Supports unlimited simultaneous device connections, allowing a single account to cover all household devices.

• Performance & Features: Recorded a 17% average speed loss in CNET's testing, outperforming ExpressVPN in raw throughput while providing native applications for platforms including Apple TV and Linux (GUI).

• Pricing & Limits: Introductory rates start at $42 for the first year (or $60 total for a 2-year promotional block, renewing at $60 annually).

• Who Should Skip: Users seeking a provider with an extensive, multi-year track record of independent security audits may prefer established alternatives.

ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN: Which One Fits Your Needs?

  
  
    

      

        

          

            Direct Comparison Matrix
          
        
        

          
FEATURE / EVALUATION
          
EXPRESSVPN
          
NORDVPN
        
      
      

        

          

            CNET Overall Award
          
          

            Editors' Choice Winner
          
          

            Fastest Tested Speed
          
        
        

          

            Average Speed Loss
          
          

            25%
          
          

            11% (Winner)
          
        
        

          

            Server Infrastructure
          
          

            TrustedServer (RAM-Only)
          
          

            RAM-Only + Specialty Servers
          
        
        

          

            Simultaneous Connections
          
          

            8 Devices
          
          

            10 Devices
          
        
        

          

            Proprietary Protocol
          
          

            Lightway
          
          

            NordLynx (WireGuard-based)
          
        
        

          

            Typical Use Case
          
          

            Frequent travelers & casual streaming
          
          

            Gamers, torrenting & power users
          
        
      
    
  

Notes for iPhone & iPad Users

Reported iOS Data Handling

Security researchers, including independent researchers, have noted that mobile operating systems like iOS 14 and later may occasionally bypass active VPN tunnels for specific system services. This behavior is OS-specific and can occur regardless of the VPN application used.

To reduce accidental data exposure on unverified networks:

1. Enable the VPN's built-in Kill Switch feature, if supported by the client app, to halt traffic if the encrypted connection drops.

2. Select standard protocols such as OpenVPN or WireGuard within client settings.

3. Users seeking complete local network encryption may consider configuring a VPN directly on their home Wi-Fi router.

Specialized Options: Proton VPN and PIA

For specific technical requirements beyond the primary recommendations:

• Proton VPN: Based in Switzerland, Proton provides 100% open-source, independently audited applications and offers a trustworthy free plan with unlimited bandwidth. Trade-off: Some regional free servers may experience high traffic density.

• Private Internet Access (PIA): Offers access to a large server network and customizable encryption settings. Trade-off: Recorded a higher average speed loss (49%) in CNET's testing suite.

What the Results Suggest for Buyers

CNET's testing illustrates that evaluating a VPN requires balancing performance metrics against privacy architecture and cost structures. High baseline broadband speeds mean minor percentage differences in download loss may be less noticeable in daily tasks than server reliability, customer support, or streaming unblocking capabilities.

Ultimately, CNET's evaluation suggests how different VPNs may align with user priorities:

• Based on CNET's evaluation, ExpressVPN may suit users who prioritize RAM-only server design, simple app interfaces, and global streaming access.

• NordVPN may suit users who require maximum bandwidth, low latency, and advanced multi-hop routing.

• Surfshark may suit multi-device households seeking competitive pricing and unlimited device allowances.

How We Verified This

• Primary Source Reference: Benchmark data, lab speed tests, and review reporting by CNET.

• Editorial Verification Statement: Speed metrics represent baseline CNET laboratory testing. Pricing and promotional figures reflect published 2026 manufacturer tiers and may vary based on regional sales, subscription lengths, and renewal terms.