ZDNET updates 2026 travel VPN guide, names NordVPN its top pick

ZDNET has refreshed its travel VPN guide for 2026 and recommends NordVPN as its overall pick, while also highlighting ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN and IPVanish as strong alternatives for travellers. The guide says NordVPN earned the top spot for its security, speed and generally reliable connections, and for regularly unblocking streaming services.

ZDNET notes NordVPN offers features such as Double VPN, a dedicated IP option, the NordWhisper protocol for restrictive networks, and a 30-day money-back guarantee; two-year plans start at $3.39 per month, and the service allows 10 simultaneous connections. ZDNET describes ExpressVPN as one of the fastest options and useful across many devices, with a server network spanning 105 countries and promotional two-year pricing of $2.79 per month (includes four months free).

Surfshark is presented as the budget choice at about $1.99 per month on a two-year plan with unlimited simultaneous connections, while Proton VPN is recommended as the best free option with open-source apps and paid plans from $3.59 per month. IPVanish is noted for unlimited device connections and broader server selection, and ZDNET discloses it is owned by Ziff Davis; IPVanish two-year pricing starts at $2.99 per month.

The updated guide also covers New Year deals, industry news and expanded FAQs, and reminds readers that all listed VPNs offer 30-day money-back guarantees or short trials.

Key Topics

Tech, Nordvpn, Expressvpn, Surfshark, Proton Vpn, Ipvanish