Here’s our updated VPN rankings effective January 5, 2026.
Approximately twice a year I re-evaluate our VPN rankings. Or, if new features are added to existing services, this will also trigger an updated review and that’s the case this time around.
I examine new features, fixes, download/upload speed, kill switch integration, number of connections (devices), app usability, and price for the top VPN services. If adjustments need to be made in our list then I make them.
It’s important to point out that I’m doing my testing on Android TV/Google TV and Fire TV devices due to the fact that most TROYPOINT fans are here for those systems. Since this site is geared toward cord-cutters, we focus on those devices primarily.
In this VPN rankings update, I’ve made two changes.
Changes Made In This TROYPOINT VPN Rankings Update
I’ve awarded IPVanish VPN the #2 position in our rankings. ExpressVPN has dropped from #2 to #3. Prior to this update we only had a #1 and #2 position due to the fact that no other VPN services can figure out how to implement a working kill switch on streaming systems. A kill switch will terminate your Internet connection if for some reason the VPN stops working which does happen occasionally. What good is a VPN without a working kill switch?
IPVanish VPN recently implemented a working kill switch on their Fire TV and Android TV/Google TV systems. This feature has been available on Fire TV devices for awhile and last week they released it for Android TV/Google TV. Now, all Android-based streaming devices are covered with a working kill switch. Way to go IPVanish!
If you’ve been following me for any period of time you know what my stance is on a working VPN kill switch. “A VPN is useless without a working kill switch.” Even though your VPN provider includes a kill switch option on your streaming device app, that doesn’t mean that it works properly.
Hide Your Digital Fingerprint
The main reason for the ExpressVPN demotion is mainly due to their high price and maximum 8 device limit. They are one of the few VPN providers whose price keeps increasing! Plus, there is no way to test whether their kill switch works on streaming devices. They tell us to just trust them that it works.
Circumventing Geo-blocks No Longer Weighted Heavily
One big change to our VPN rankings moving forward is that we are no longer putting as much weight on whether a VPN can get around Netflix (and other streaming services) geo-blocks. The reason for this is because most TROYPOINT fans don’t use or need those services anyway due to the free APKs, Kodi Addons, Kodi Builds, Premiumize, Real-Debrid, and IPTV Services.
Our ranking system is quite simple. When VPN companies innovate and release new useful features for streaming devices, they will climb the ladder. We also take into account the price of each service as this is an important factor when deciding which VPN to purchase.
Surfshark VPN Remains at #1
Surfshark VPN remains #1 and has now held this position since August of 2022.
When it comes to available features, both Surfshark and IPVanish VPN are pretty much neck and neck. The biggest difference is VPN speed and innovation. We see better download/upload speeds on Sufshark as compared to IPVanish. Surfshark is also continually innovating and issuing updates for their applications. We usually see one or more Surfshark updates each month that focus on improvements and bug fixes!
I know that we are no longer putting as much weight on getting around geo-blocks but Surfshark does a better job than IPVanish in his area as well. Again, for many of you this is not an area of concern because you aren’t using those streaming services.
Unlimited Devices
Surfshark VPN customers can use their service on unlimited devices when at home or on the road. One Surfshark account will cover all primary family members and all of their Internet-connected devices! The same is true for IPVanish VPN!
Unfortunately, we can only use ExpressVPN on a maximum of 8 devices.
This will always be a big determining factor when ranking these VPN services due to the numerous Internet-connected devices that we all use on a daily basis.
Price
Here are the introductory prices for Surfshark VPN, IPVanish VPN, and ExpressVPN. Long-term plans will provide the most savings and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee for all services.
The indicated prices below are as of the most recent TROYPOINT VPN Rankings update January 2026.
Surfshark VPN Pricing
$59.13 for the first 27 months.
IPVanish VPN Pricing
$52.56 for the first 24 months.
ExpressVPN Pricing
$139.72 for the first 28 months.
There’s not much difference in price between Surfshark and IPVanish but it’s important to note that the introductory offers are different in terms of time. Surfshark is offering 27 months of service whereas IPVanish is 24 months.
As you can see, ExpressVPN’s price is getting a bit ridiculous. Some will say that you get what you pay for with this service but I personally don’t see the advantages that would require me to pay more than double of what the other two are charging.
TROYPOINT VPN Rankings with Notable Pros & Cons
#1 Surfshark VPN
Notable Pros
- Zero logs
- Always innovating with frequent updates
- Encryption + anonymous IP address
- Inexpensive
- Use on unlimited devices when at home or away
- Working kill switch on Fire TV / Android TV
- Beautiful user interface
- Fast download/upload speeds
- Gets around most streaming service geo-blocks such as Netflix
- Clean Web feature with ad-blocking
- Multi-hop VPN technology
- Can run on routers with Asus making it very simple
- 30-day money-back guarantee on long-term plans
Notable Cons
- A few network incompatibilities reported
#2 IPVanish VPN
Notable Pros
- Zero logs
- Encryption + anonymous IP address
- Inexpensive
- Use on unlimited devices when at home or away
- Working kill switch on Fire TV / Android TV
- Attractive user interface
- Threat Protection with ad-blocking
- Extensive settings panel for Fire TV & Android TV/Google TV
- 30-day money-back guarantee on long-term plans
Notable Cons
- Slower download/upload speeds
- Troubles getting around streaming service geo-blocks
#3 ExpressVPN
Notable Pros
- Zero logs
- Encryption + anonymous IP address
- Fast download/upload speeds
- Working kill switch on Fire TV / Android TV (so they say)
- Threat Manager (block trackers, malicious sites, ads, adult sites)
- Gets around most streaming service geo-blocks such as Netflix
- Aircove VPN Router (separate purchase)
- ExpressVPN firmware available for certain router models
Notable Cons
- Extremely High price
- 8 Device Max
- Hard to test kill switch reliability on Android TV/Google TV and Fire TV devices
Summary
The three VPN services outlined above perform exceptionally well on streaming devices and the big differences boil down to price, download/upload speed, and maximum devices allowed. Surfshark VPN and IPVanish VPN are much cheaper than ExpressVPN and they allow for unlimited devices where you can even share the same account with your primary family members. Unfortunately, ExpressVPN only allows for up to 8 devices.
When we’re asked to provide a review for a VPN service, the first question that I send back is, “Does your Android TV/Google TV & Fire TV app provide a kill switch feature?” The answer is usually, “No.” TROYPOINT will no longer review VPNs that don’t come with a working kill switch for these streaming devices.
Are you a VPN company with a working kill switch on Android TV/Google TV devices? If so, we’d like to review your service! Please drop us an email at support@troypoint.com.
We always try to drive home the fact that some VPNs work better than others depending on outside factors such as Internet service provider, network, equipment, etc. Also, everyone has different use cases for a VPN service. One size definitely doesn’t fit all when it comes to choosing the right VPN!
Before Complaining Please Read This
All of our top 3 VPNs provide a 30-day money-back guarantee for their long-term plans. If one of them doesn’t satisfy your needs, simply ask for a refund and try a different service. Please don’t complain that you got ripped off and one of the VPNs doesn’t meet your standards. Take advantage of their money-back guarantees and move onto a different VPN that works for you!
We will continually evaluate the best VPN services on the market and in-turn update our VPN rankings when we see fit.
As of today, January 6, 2026, the three VPNs that meet our standards for streaming devices are #1 Surfshark VPN, #2 IPVanish VPN, and #3 ExpressVPN.
This page includes affiliate links where TROYPOINT may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Many times, visitors will receive a discount due to the special arrangements made for our fans. Learn more on my Affiliate Disclaimer page.
