Best VPN & Privacy Software in 2026

Full Encryption — Encrypt subjects, body, and attachments unlike some competitors

Encrypted Calendar — Calendar with encrypted events and secure sharing options

Anonymous Signup — Create account without phone number or personal information

Desktop Apps — Native applications for Windows, Mac, and Linux

E2E Encryption — Emails encrypted so only sender and recipient can read contents

Password-Protected Emails — Send encrypted emails to anyone even without Proton account

Custom Domains — Use your own domain with Proton infrastructure

Proton Sentinel — Enhanced account protection with human-verified security alerts

Private Search — Search the web without tracking, profiling, or filter bubbles

Tracker Blocking — Block third-party trackers across websites automatically

Email Protection — Remove trackers from emails with @duck.com forwarding address

App Tracking Protection — Block hidden trackers in other apps on Android devices

R.O.B.E.R.T. — Customizable domain blocker for ads, malware, and trackers

Double Hop — Route connection through two VPN servers for extra privacy

Split Tunneling — Whitelist apps and IPs to bypass VPN when needed

Static IPs — Get dedicated IP addresses for services requiring consistent IP

VigilantBear — Kill switch that blocks traffic if VPN connection drops

GhostBear — Obfuscation mode that disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS

SplitBear — Choose which apps use VPN and which bypass it

Closest Tunnel — Automatically connect to fastest server based on location

Secure Core — Route traffic through privacy-friendly countries before exit servers

NetShield — DNS-based ad blocker that stops malware and trackers

VPN Accelerator — Technology that improves speeds by up to 400% on long distances

Stealth Protocol — Obfuscation that bypasses VPN blocks in restrictive networks

Brave Rewards — Earn Basic Attention Tokens (BAT) for viewing optional privacy-respecting ads.

Shields Dashboard — Granular control over privacy and security settings for each site.

Built-in Ad & Tracker Blocker — Blocks intrusive ads and website trackers automatically for faster, cleaner browsing.

Private Browsing with Tor — Includes a private window with Tor integration for enhanced anonymity.

Split View — View and interact with multiple web pages side-by-side in a single tab.

Built-in Notes — Take notes directly within the browser that are linked to your web pages.

Privacy Protection — Includes tracker blocking and private browsing modes by default.

Focus Mode — Minimize distractions by hiding all browser UI except the current webpage.

Event Tracking — Hook into user consent events for granular analytics and tag control.

Customizable UI — Fully design and code your own banner's look and feel.

Detailed Analytics — Dashboard showing consent rates, preferences, and user interactions.

Privacy Compliance — Built-in logic for GDPR, CCPA, and other major regulations.

Ad & Tracker Blocking — Built-in blocking for enhanced privacy and speed.

Lightweight Design — Minimalist interface with no feature bloat.

Cross-Platform — Available on multiple desktop operating systems.

Freemium Model — Core features are free with optional paid upgrades.

Non-Profit Backing — Developed by a non-profit, prioritizing user interests over profit.

Standards Compliant — Aims for full compliance with modern web standards (HTML, CSS, JS).

Independent Engine — Built on a custom browser engine, not based on Chromium or WebKit.

Cross-Platform — Targets support for multiple operating systems including Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Enhanced Privacy Controls — Built-in ad blocker and tracking protection.

Cross-Platform — Available for Windows, Linux, macOS, and other platforms.

Customizable Interface — Flexible user interface with adaptable layouts and themes.

Extensions Support — Compatible with a wide range of browser extensions.

Vertical Tabs & Tree Style — Native support for vertical and hierarchical tab management.

Firefox Foundation — Based on Firefox, supporting its extensions and Gecko engine.

Built-in Tools — Includes a translator, screenshot tool, and video pop-out player.

Privacy by Default — Blocks ads, trackers, and fingerprinting out of the box.