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    The VPN Matrix
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    Compare VPNs for
    Privacy in 2026

    Compare provider claims, published assessments, ownership and plan terms. Check what each source covers and where its scope ends.

    Three affiliate partners to compare

    These examples are shown without a ranking. Open the linked source and our analysis, then check plan terms for your location.

    #ad Affiliate disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports our independent testing. Learn more

    NordVPN logoNordVPNAffiliate partner

    For device-to-device access: NordVPN says Meshnet remains available. Check support for your devices.

    This Meshnet availability note does not establish how the VPN performs.

    Surfshark logoSurfsharkAffiliate partner

    For households with many devices: Surfshark says its VPN can protect unlimited devices simultaneously.

    Plan features and checkout terms vary by region. Confirm what's included, the total and renewal before paying.

    ProtonVPN logoProtonVPNAffiliate partner

    For readers who value public audit reports: Proton links its annual no-logs reports.

    Each report covers defined systems for a stated period. Read each report to see its scope.

    VPN FAQs

    Open a question for a concise explanation and a route to continue your research.

    We trace claims to sources and record their scope and limits.

    Read our evidence policy

    Tools for checking your connection

    These third-party tools may see your IP when you run a test. Their results describe that moment and setup; they are not a guarantee about every connection.

    IP, DNS & WebRTC Leak Test

    Geolocation and leak checks in one place.

    Browser Fingerprinting

    See which browser characteristics the test can observe.

    0101010101010101Understanding Privacy Threats: DNS Leaks & WebRTC

    What are DNS leaks?

    DNS translates domain names into network addresses. A leak check can show which resolver answered during that test; it does not reveal every part of your browsing history.

    What is WebRTC?

    WebRTC supports real-time browser communication. Depending on the browser and network setup, a test may reveal IP addresses that need attention. Results describe the test conditions, not every possible connection.

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