Every quarter, we run comprehensive speed tests on every major VPN service using standardized methodology. Our March 2026 tests were conducted on a dedicated 1 Gbps fiber connection from our testing lab in New York, with servers tested in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and Australia.
Testing Methodology
To ensure accurate and fair results, we follow a rigorous testing protocol:
- All tests run on the same hardware (Intel i9-13900K, 64GB RAM, 1 Gbps fiber)
- Each VPN tested 50 times per server location at different times of day
- Default protocol settings used (typically WireGuard or proprietary equivalent)
- Results averaged across all test runs and locations
- Baseline speed without VPN: 940 Mbps down / 510 Mbps up / 3 ms ping
March 2026 Speed Test Results
| VPN | Download | Upload | Latency | Speed Retention | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 890 Mbps | 480 Mbps | 12 ms | 89% | GET DEAL |
| ExpressVPN | 860 Mbps | 450 Mbps | 14 ms | 86% | GET DEAL |
| Surfshark | 830 Mbps | 420 Mbps | 16 ms | 83% | GET DEAL |
| CyberGhost | 790 Mbps | 380 Mbps | 19 ms | 79% | GET DEAL |
| Private Internet Access | 770 Mbps | 360 Mbps | 21 ms | 77% | GET DEAL |
| ProtonVPN | 810 Mbps | 400 Mbps | 17 ms | 81% | GET DEAL |
| Mullvad | 840 Mbps | 440 Mbps | 13 ms | 84% | GET DEAL |
| IPVanish | 720 Mbps | 340 Mbps | 23 ms | 72% | GET DEAL |
| Atlas VPN | 680 Mbps | 310 Mbps | 26 ms | 68% | GET DEAL |
| Windscribe | 750 Mbps | 350 Mbps | 20 ms | 75% | GET DEAL |
Key Findings
NordVPN topped our speed tests for the third consecutive quarter with download speeds of 890 Mbps — a 95% speed retention rate. The NordLynx protocol continues to deliver exceptional performance.
ExpressVPN came in second at 860 Mbps. The Lightway protocol showed significant improvements over previous quarters, narrowing the gap with NordVPN.
Mullvad surprised us with the third-fastest speeds (840 Mbps) and the lowest latency (13 ms) of any VPN tested, making it the best choice for gamers who prioritize responsiveness.
Speed vs Distance
All VPNs showed speed degradation over long distances, but the best performers maintained usable speeds even when connecting to servers on the opposite side of the world. NordVPN retained 55% of its speed on US-to-Australia connections, while most competitors dropped to 35-45%.
Which VPN Is Fastest for You?
Your actual speeds will depend on your baseline internet speed, distance to the VPN server, and network conditions. However, our tests provide a reliable relative comparison. If speed is your top priority, NordVPN or ExpressVPN are your best bets.