Worried about your digital privacy? I tested the top 3 VPNs to find the best of the best.
Mashable
February 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Worried about your digital privacy? The article highlights that while no VPN offers 100% anonymity, Proton VPN is the top recommendation for ensuring online privacy. It stands out due to its open-source apps, robust no-logs policy, and features like multi-hop routing and split tunneling, which enhance security. Unlike many competitors, Proton VPN is transparent about its operations and has a proven track record of supporting digital freedom.
For casual users, VPNs are essential for staying safe on public Wi-Fi and bypassing geo-restrictions to access blocked content. For journalists and activists, especially in high-stakes situations, the best VPNs can be critical tools for protecting their identities and communications. Proton VPN’s reliability, combined with its bonus features like a password manager and encrypted cloud storage, makes it an excellent choice for privacy-conscious individuals.
While ExpressVPN has improved over time with new features like ShuffleIP and expanded server networks, Proton VPN remains the best overall option due to its commitment to transparency, security, and value. Its free version is also notable for offering unlimited data without ads, making it a rare gem in the free VPN space. This makes Proton VPN the only free VPN the author recommends.
Digital privacy matters more than ever as ISPs and trackers increasingly monitor online activities. Choosing a reliable VPN like Proton VPN can help users protect their data, secure their traffic, and maintain anonymity while browsing. For those seeking the best balance of security, features, and value, Proton VPN is the top pick in 2026.
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Originally published on Mashable on 2/15/2026