Virtual private networks remain essential tools in 2026 for protecting online privacy, bypassing geo-restrictions, securing public Wi-Fi connections and accessing streaming content worldwide. With cyber threats evolving and governments increasing surveillance, consumers seek VPNs that balance speed, strong encryption, no-logs policies and reliable performance.

Independent reviews from PCMag, CNET, TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, Security.org and others in early February 2026 show a competitive field led by established names. Rankings vary by priorities — privacy purists favor audited no-logs providers, streamers prioritize unblocking Netflix and Hulu, budget users seek value, and speed enthusiasts demand minimal slowdowns.

Experts tested dozens of services on factors including connection speeds, server networks, encryption standards (AES-256, WireGuard protocols), kill switches, leak protection, independent audits, jurisdiction and real-world streaming/torrenting performance. Here’s the consensus top 10 VPNs for 2026, drawn from aggregated expert evaluations.

1. NordVPN — Best Overall VPN NordVPN consistently ranks No. 1 across many 2026 reviews for its blend of blazing speeds (via NordLynx protocol), massive server network (over 8,000 servers in 100+ countries), audited no-logs policy and extras like Threat Protection, Double VPN and Meshnet. It excels at unblocking streaming services, supports 10 simultaneous connections and offers competitive pricing (often under $4/month on long-term plans). Drawbacks include occasional app complexity for beginners.
2. ExpressVPN — Best for Streaming and Ease of Use CNET and Top10VPN frequently crown ExpressVPN the best overall due to intuitive apps, lightning-fast servers, excellent streaming unblocking (Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer) and top-tier privacy (independent audits, British Virgin Islands jurisdiction). Lightway protocol delivers near-native speeds with strong encryption. It supports unlimited devices on some plans but costs more than competitors.
3. Proton VPN — Best for Privacy and Free Tier PCMag awards Proton VPN Editors’ Choice for unmatched privacy, thanks to Switzerland’s strong laws, open-source apps, Secure Core routing and repeated no-logs audits. Its free plan offers unlimited data (rare in the industry), while paid tiers add speed and servers. Excellent for privacy-focused users, though speeds trail leaders in some tests.
4. Surfshark — Best Value and Unlimited Devices Surfshark stands out for unlimited simultaneous connections, low long-term prices (often under $3/month) and solid performance. It features CleanWeb ad/malware blocking, RAM-only servers and strong streaming support. Unlimited devices make it ideal for families or multi-device households, though server count lags behind NordVPN.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Best for Customization and Torrenting PIA earns praise for deep customization (port forwarding, split tunneling), proven no-logs policy (court-tested) and anonymous torrenting. Affordable with strong U.S. server coverage, it suits power users. Apps feel dated to some reviewers, but functionality remains excellent.
6. Mullvad — Best for Anonymous Accounts and Privacy Purists RTINGS and privacy advocates rank Mullvad highly for exceptional business practices: cash/crypto payments, no email required, audited no-logs and WireGuard focus. Fixed pricing (€5/month) and transparency appeal to those prioritizing anonymity over features.
7. CyberGhost — Best for Beginners and Dedicated Streaming Servers CyberGhost offers user-friendly apps, dedicated streaming-optimized servers (Netflix, Hulu) and solid speeds. Affordable long-term plans and 45-day money-back guarantee make it beginner-friendly, though advanced features trail top competitors.
8. IPVanish — Best for Unlimited Devices on a Budget IPVanish provides unlimited connections, strong speeds and good U.S. coverage. It suits streaming and torrenting, with no-logs audits. Ownership by Ziff Davis (PCMag parent) raises some privacy questions for skeptics.
9. Mullvad (repeated emphasis in privacy rankings) — Often listed alongside Proton for strict no-logs and ethical stance. Some sources highlight Mullvad’s refusal to log even minimal data, making it a go-to for high-privacy needs.
10. Atlas VPN or Windscribe — Emerging or niche picks for free/premium balance. Windscribe offers generous free data with strong privacy; Atlas (now part of Nord) provides solid free access but paid tiers lag leaders.

The VPN landscape in 2026 favors audited, transparent providers avoiding Five/Nine/Fourteen Eyes jurisdictions when possible. Speeds have improved industry-wide with WireGuard adoption, while streaming unblocking remains a key battleground. Free VPNs often compromise privacy or speed — experts recommend paid options with money-back guarantees.

When choosing, consider needs: privacy (Proton/Mullvad), streaming (ExpressVPN/NordVPN), budget (Surfshark/PIA) or ease (ExpressVPN). Always review current audits and test with trials, as performance varies by location and ISP.

Pankaj Pandey, Head Research, ICICIdirect.com said PSU banks continue to look attractive, even as he refrained from commenting directly on SBI due to compliance reasons. He said Bank of Baroda remains his top pick in the space, with a target price of ₹340. According to him, the second half of the financial year is expected to be significantly better than the first half, and recent volatility in performance is likely to subside.

“PSU banks overall look very attractive to us. What we have in terms of our top pick is Bank of Baroda, there we have a target price of 340. Overall sense is that H2 is expected to be a lot better compared to H1 and whatever volatility we have seen in the past in terms of performance should do better and this bank also should do well from the perspective of potential M&As or potential consolidation in the PSU space,” Pandey said.

He added that broader policy changes could further support PSU banks. “There are other factors which might also help if the government reviews the potential voting rights plus FDI guidelines. I think PSU banks will probably continue to outperform private sector counterparts,” he said.

On Kotak Mahindra Bank, Pandey said he remains constructive on the stock, highlighting improving growth visibility and easing concerns around potential involvement in the IDBI Bank acquisition. “Kotak on a standalone basis, we have been liking this bank because now they are guiding for one-and-a-half to two times nominal GDP growth rate in terms of advances. Credit cost has been a challenge for them, which they are expecting to trend lower,” he said.

He added, “So, we see this bank as growing at say 15-odd percent and ROAs at about 2.1-odd percent. So, we like this bank. And whatever overhang was there because they were one of the potential bidders for IDBI has been sort of put to rest. So, from that perspective we are very constructive on Kotak Bank.” He said IDBI Bank is not under his coverage.

On Tata Steel, Pandey said he remains positive and prefers the stock over JSW Steel. “We have a pretty constructive stance. Previously, we had a buy rating. This particular quarter, we have seen realisation being down by about Rs 3,300 per tonne, whereas impact on EBITDA was relatively less at about Rs 1,800 per tonne,” he said.
He expects margins to improve in the coming quarter. “Our sense is that with 12% kind of a safeguard duty coming in, in Q4 we would expect overall EBITDA per tonne to improve by or net realisation to improve by 2,300. And the good part is that going forward you will see bulk of the EBITDA growth is going to be driven by Indian operations, which means that this company will do some catch-up in terms of EV/EBITDA multiple compared to JSW. So, between the two we like Tata Steel more compared to JSW,” Pandey said.On the potential merger of power sector NBFCs, Pandey said his preference is for PFC over REC, citing long-term funding opportunities in renewable and nuclear energy. “In both these entities, preference is towards PFC and both of the companies carry advance book in excess of five lakh crores,” he said.

He highlighted the long-term opportunity size in nuclear power financing. “The broader perspective is that if we were to do a lot more in terms of financing in terms of renewable energy or nuclear power, nuclear power itself is a 20 lakh crore kind of an opportunity which could unfold and the potential merger there will create or you need bigger NBFCs to fund,” he said.

While near-term numbers may not be a strong trigger, Pandey said the longer-term outlook remains positive. “So, from a near-term number perspective, we may not be really sort of that constructive, but our sense is that from a bigger scheme of things this NBFC looks a lot more good to us.”

President Donald Trump‘s branded smartphone, how called the Trump T1, has resurfaced after months of silence, this time with upgraded hardware, a redesigned look, and a higher price point.

Early adopters are now thinking whether they will still purchase this controversial device after learning about the new information.

Trump T1 Specs Get a Significant Overhaul

According to recent comments from Trump Mobile executives via The Verge, the T1 will feature a 6.8-inch display powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7-series processor. Storage appears to be a major selling point, with 512GB of internal memory and SD card expansion support.

The phone is also expected to include a 5,000mAh battery designed for all-day use. Camera specifications look ambitious on paper, with 50MP sensors on both the front and rear. Industry watchers speculate the rear system could include ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, though no official confirmation has been provided.

Trump T1’s Pricing Strategy Appears Suspicious

The Trump T1 is expected to launch at $499 for early buyers, but that price is described as temporary. Trump Mobile says the device will cost more at a later date, though the final price has not been disclosed.

This revised pricing strategy has raised eyebrows, particularly given the phone’s earlier announcements, which included features and timelines that ultimately failed to materialize.

Manufacturing Claims Quietly Reversed

One of the most notable changes involves manufacturing. Despite earlier marketing that implied the phone would be made in the United States, company executives have now confirmed that domestic production is no longer planned.

According to Mashable, the reversal directly contradicts previous messaging and has added to concerns about transparency surrounding the project.

Launch Timeline Remains Unclear

The Trump T1 was originally expected to launch months ago, but repeated delays, redesigns, and shifting specifications have clouded its credibility. Executives now claim shipments could begin by spring, though the current version reportedly looks nothing like earlier promotional materials.

With its specs, pricing, and production plans all evolving, the Trump T1 remains a product surrounded by uncertainty. And even though there will be changes in its pricing for the coming months, the fact that it is connected to Trump is enough to make it controversial—always.

Originally published on Tech Times

Kerala Peppery was an external tenant based within the hotel

The owner of a Cornwall hotel has slammed its restaurant operator amid the sudden closure of the eatery and claims staff working there have been “left unpaid”.

Newquay Beach Hotel is owned by Oleg Ignatiev, who bought the property in 2019 and let it out to global hotel operator OYO in 2024. OYO, in turn, sublet the restaurant to an external tenant – Indian chain Kerala Peppery, which is owned by 32-year-old Jyothi Prakash, according to Companies House.

It is understood that Kerala Peppery employed its staff, including the chef, separately from other workers in the hotel.

All the issues came to light after the mum of a Kerala Peppery restaurant worker criticised the hotel on Facebook, claiming staff – including her daughter – had not been paid since late October.

Emma Butterly wrote: “Staff have not been paid since the end of October. All still awaiting this!!! After continuously asking the manager for an update, told to just resign!!!! The staff have since refused to work due to being left out of pocket with no updates from management. Refusing to resign!!”

Speaking to Business Live, Mr Ignatiev said OYO had paid all its own staff – but accused Kerala Peppery’s owner of leaving the restaurant workers out of pocket.

“When OYO took over, they wanted to sublet and they chose an Indian restaurant,” he told Business Live. “They let it to Kerala Peppery. It’s so seasonal and a hard restaurant to run, and you need to win the locals, and it wasn’t focused on locals – it was about feeding people in the hotel.

“They have failed. The restaurant in my hotel shut before January.” He added: “OYO has paid their staff and me consistently. But Kerala Peppery has not paid rent to OYO, hasn’t paid its chef or the restaurant workers.”

Business Live has contacted Ms Prakash about the allegations but has had no response. According to Google, Kerala Peppery’s other restaurant, in Crewe, is permanently closed.

A spokesperson for OYO said: “Certain hotel functions, including kitchen and food operations, were operated by an independent third-party restaurant partner. The restaurant was leased to an experienced and growing operator with an existing track record of running food businesses, and there was no indication at the outset that operations or staff would be put at risk.”

OYO said it was “taken by surprise” by the operator’s “sudden disappearance and failure to meet basic obligations”, including payment of staff wages and rent.

“The operator subsequently became unresponsive,” the spokesperson added. “OYO continues to make efforts to locate and engage with the operator to seek clarity and resolution.

“We are especially concerned about the impact on the restaurant staff. Their situation is deeply regrettable. As arrangements are made to bring in a new operator, OYO would strongly encourage the incoming partner to consider retaining these employees.

“In the meantime, OYO will continue trying to trace the previous operator for the fulfilment of outstanding obligations. We regret the disruption caused by these events and remain focused on stabilising operations and maintaining the standards expected at the hotel.”

Mr Ignatiev says the restaurant within his hotel is a “great opportunity”, and a potential future tenant could currently “get a good deal”.

“It is huge and has outside terrace space,” he said. “It’s a great spot and because you’re coming into season for the next eight months OYO are willing to make a deal.”