VPN Speed Test Results 2026: Which VPN Is the Fastest?
We tested the top VPN services for speed. See our comprehensive benchmark results and find out which VPN offers the best performance.
Speed is one of the most important factors when choosing a VPN. A slow VPN can make browsing frustrating, streaming impossible, and gaming unplayable. We tested all major VPN providers to find out which ones offer the best real-world performance.
How We Tested
- Tested on a 1 Gbps fiber connection
- Used WireGuard protocol where available
- Tested servers in US, UK, Germany, Japan, and Australia
- Measured download speed, upload speed, and latency
- Each test repeated 5 times and averaged
Speed Test Results
NordVPN — Fastest Overall
NordVPN's NordLynx protocol delivered the fastest speeds in our tests, retaining over 90% of our base connection speed on nearby servers and over 75% on distant servers. Average download: 850 Mbps on US servers.
ExpressVPN — Most Consistent
ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol offered the most consistent speeds across all locations. While not always the absolute fastest, it never dropped below 70% of our base speed. Average download: 780 Mbps on US servers.
Surfshark — Best Speed for the Price
Surfshark surprised us with excellent speeds on nearby servers, though performance dropped more on distant connections. Average download: 720 Mbps on US servers.
Our Top Pick: NordVPN
Best overall VPN for security and speed. Starting from $3.09/mo.
Key Takeaways
- NordVPN is the fastest VPN overall thanks to NordLynx
- ExpressVPN offers the most consistent performance globally
- WireGuard-based protocols significantly outperform OpenVPN
- Distance to server matters — always connect to the nearest server when possible
- All top VPNs are fast enough for 4K streaming
Conclusion
If raw speed is your priority, NordVPN is the clear winner. ExpressVPN offers the most reliable performance across locations, and Surfshark provides impressive speeds at a fraction of the cost.