Developed in 2001, OpenVPN has proven its reliability thanks to its flexibility, strong security, and ease of implementation. Today, it remains one of the most widely used VPN protocols across the industry.

To identify the best VPN providers using OpenVPN, we conduct speed tests over five business days at three fixed times: 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. This testing schedule helps smooth out temporary network fluctuations and provides a more accurate picture of real-world performance.

For each test, we measure both download and upload speeds using the nPerf online testing service on a high-capacity 10 Gbit/s server located in North America. This approach ensures consistent, reliable results that reflect typical VPN usage conditions in Canada.

VPN CANADA

Best VPNs in 2026: tested, compared, and explained

VPN services are used for many different reasons. Some people want to stay anonymous online, others are looking to secure their connection on public Wi-Fi, while many rely on a VPN to access websites or streaming platforms that are otherwise unavailable in their region. With dozens of providers competing for attention, choosing the right VPN can quickly become confusing.

The market is highly competitive, and most leading providers now offer mature, well-rounded services. Long-term plans are often heavily discounted, making premium VPNs far more affordable than they appear at first glance. That said, not all options deliver the same level of protection or reliability.

If online security is a priority, free VPNs are rarely a good solution. They tend to come with strict limitations, reduced speeds, intrusive advertising, or unclear data practices. In contrast, paid VPNs invest in infrastructure, privacy safeguards, and ongoing development.

In this guide, we review and compare the best paid VPN services available in 2026. Our goal is to help you understand the real differences between them and choose the option that best fits your browsing habits, devices, and expectations.

🏆 How we identify the best VPN services


With so many VPNs on the market, narrowing the selection requires a clear set of criteria. Our comparison focuses on established providers that consistently deliver strong performance and transparent policies. Each service is evaluated based on several key factors, including reliability, security features, ease of use, server coverage, and overall value for money.

Rather than relying on marketing claims alone, we prioritize practical performance and long-term usability.


💰 Pricing models and subscription terms explained

VPN pricing can be misleading at first glance. Providers usually advertise a low monthly rate, but subscriptions are typically billed upfront for the full duration of the plan. To make comparisons easier, we present prices as an equivalent monthly cost, even though the payment is made in one installment.

In most cases, the best value is found in long-term subscriptions, often lasting two years or more. These plans offer the deepest discounts and significantly reduce the effective monthly price.

It is also important to pay attention to how prices are displayed. Some VPN providers list prices before taxes, with applicable VAT added at checkout. Others process payments in a different currency than the one shown on the website, which may result in small conversion or bank fees. These details do not change the quality of the service, but they are worth keeping in mind when comparing final costs.

ZoogVPN vs Hidemyname: two premium VPNs


Over time, ZoogVPN has become a familiar name among users looking for a dependable long-term VPN solution. One of its strongest advantages lies in the breadth of its infrastructure. With thousands of servers spread across a wide range of countries, it offers consistently stable connections and minimal congestion, even during busy hours. Switching between locations is fast and rarely disrupts ongoing activity.

Security plays an equally central role. ZoogVPN relies on industry-standard AES-256 encryption and enforces a strict no-logs policy. Beyond the basics, it includes built-in protection tools that block malicious websites, intrusive ads, and tracking elements before they load. These background safeguards may go unnoticed at first, but they contribute significantly to a safer browsing experience over time.

What ZoogVPN offers in practice

Without diving into technical details, ZoogVPN's appeal rests on a few clear points:

• an extensive global server network for flexibility and travel

• unlimited data with no visible speed throttling

• protection for up to 10 devices under one account

• apps available on all major operating systems

Seasonal promotions make the service even more attractive. Long-term plans often come with steep discounts and extra months included, reducing the monthly cost to a very competitive level. Combined with a 30-day money-back guarantee, this allows users to test the service without commitment.

Hidemyname: streamlined performance and consistency

Hidemyname follows a different approach. Rather than highlighting raw numbers, it focuses on delivering a smooth and predictable user experience. Its custom Lightway protocol is designed to connect quickly and maintain strong speeds, even on less reliable networks. This becomes particularly noticeable when using public Wi-Fi or travelling between regions.

The interface reflects this philosophy: minimal, clean, and easy to use. Connecting takes a single click, with no need to adjust advanced settings. From a privacy standpoint, ExpressVPN operates all servers on volatile memory only, ensuring that no data is stored long-term. The result is a service that prioritizes reliability and discretion over feature overload.

Where Hidemyname stands out

Hidemyname is well suited for users who value simplicity and performance:

• consistently high speeds for streaming and heavy usage

• quick and stable connections via the Lightway protocol

• broad device compatibility, including smart TVs and routers

• support for multiple simultaneous connections, depending on the plan

Promotional periods help offset its higher standard pricing. Discounts on extended subscriptions, often paired with bonus months, make the service more accessible. While it typically costs slightly more than ZoogVPN, many users find the added stability and ease of use worth the difference.

Current offers significantly narrow the gap between these two premium VPNs. ZoogVPN appeals to users who want a feature-rich service with a vast server network, while Hidemyname caters to those who prefer a refined, hassle-free experience. With discounts in place, both options represent strong value — the better choice ultimately depends on whether versatility or simplicity matters more to you.