THE CLUB SHORTLIST 5 picks
5 VPNs for a houseful of devices
A phone each, a couple of laptops and the living-room TV can fill a device allowance. Start with Surfshark or PIA if you want unlimited connections, or compare the fixed limits below against what you use at the same time.
We may earn a commission when you buy through a link marked “Affiliate link”. How we’re funded. Our comparisons use provider documentation; we have not run hands-on speed or streaming tests for this list.
ONE ACCOUNT, MORE DEVICES
A VPN for the devices you use
For a houseful of phones and computers, an unlimited connection allowance removes the device-count calculation. Check the account-sharing rules before handing out the login.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Apps for the main desktop and mobile systems
- Check the plan: antivirus and other extras may cost more.
- Devices at once
- Unlimited
- Free option
- No ongoing free plan
Check the total prepaid term and the renewal price.
PIA pairs an unlimited personal-device allowance with app controls. Check the supported operating systems if one person needs Linux and another uses an iPhone.
- Unlimited personal-device connections
- Split tunneling on supported apps
- Features differ between operating systems.
- Devices at once
- Unlimited
- Free option
- No ongoing free plan
Check the full term and any optional add-ons.
Ten active connections can cover several people’s everyday devices. Count those used at the same time, and check the provider’s guidance for connections to the same server.
- 10 connections on one account
- Router setup uses one device slot
- Extra security features depend on your plan and app.
- Devices at once
- 10
- Free option
- No ongoing free plan
Compare the renewal charge with the first-term offer.
ExpressVPN lets you choose a ten-, twelve- or fourteen-device tier. A higher limit only helps if its apps cover the TVs, phones and computers you own.
- 10 Basic, 12 Advanced or 14 Pro connections
- TV apps and compatible router options
- Your connection limit depends on the subscription tier.
- Devices at once
- 10 / 12 / 14
- Free option
- Trial terms vary by platform
Choose the tier before comparing the subscription total.
VPN Plus supports ten connections. Proton Free covers one at a time, so use the paid-plan allowance when comparing a shared household setup.
- Free tier without a monthly data cap
- Paid VPN Plus covers 10 devices
- Free and paid plans differ in server choice and features.
- Devices at once
- 1 free / 10 paid
- Free option
- Free tier with unlimited data
Compare VPN Plus with the wider Proton bundles.
No VPNs in this shortlist match that filter.
SIDE BY SIDE
A closer look at the first three
Use these facts to narrow the choice, then check the plan and app you intend to use.
| Your buying check | Surfshark | Private Internet Access | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best fit | A busy household | More control over your apps | An everyday mix of devices |
| Devices at once | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 |
| Free option | No ongoing free plan | No ongoing free plan | No ongoing free plan |
| Billing note | Check the total prepaid term and the renewal price. | Check the full term and any optional add-ons. | Compare the renewal charge with the first-term offer. |
OUR APPROACH
How we chose this list
We ordered this list around household device use: connection allowances first, then app coverage and the restrictions attached to each plan. The order is an editorial judgement, not a performance score. An unlimited allowance does not give permission to resell access or ignore account-sharing terms.
We checked the linked provider documentation on 6 November 2026. The current team assessment uses AI-assisted research. Each card names its source and a reason to pause before buying. Affiliate links may earn us a commission; providers without an affiliate agreement also appear.
A FEW PRACTICAL ANSWERS
Questions before you subscribe
Does unlimited devices mean unlimited people?
No. A connection allowance describes devices, while account-sharing and fair-use rules describe how you may use the account. Check those rules with the provider.
Do installed apps count towards the limit?
Providers often count simultaneous connections, but some also manage registered devices. Read the account and device instructions for your chosen service.
Will a VPN router cover my phone away from home?
No. A home router only handles traffic that passes through it. Use the provider’s phone app when your phone connects through mobile data or another Wi-Fi network.
Read the source material 11
- surfshark.com/features/multiple-devices for Surfshark plan or app details checked November 6, 2026
- privateinternetaccess.com/vpn-features for Private Internet Access plan or app details checked November 6, 2026
- support.nordvpn.com/hc/en-us/articles/19476515228305-How-many-devices-can-I-use-with-NordVPN for NordVPN plan or app details checked November 6, 2026
- expressvpn.com/support/knowledge-hub/simultaneous-connections for ExpressVPN plan or app details checked November 6, 2026
- protonvpn.com/pricing for Proton VPN plan or app details checked November 6, 2026
- privateinternetaccess.com/download for Platform support and feature distinctions checked November 6, 2026
- privateinternetaccess.com/vpn-features/split-tunneling for Platform support and feature distinctions checked November 6, 2026
- protonvpn.com/free-vpn for Platform support and feature distinctions checked November 6, 2026
- expressvpn.com/support/knowledge-hub/supported-devices for Platform support and feature distinctions checked November 6, 2026
- nordvpn.com/features for Platform support and feature distinctions checked November 6, 2026
- surfshark.com/features for Platform support and feature distinctions checked November 6, 2026