The Best VPN services for 2025

Best VPN services for your online security and privacy

The VPN market is oversaturated with options, making it difficult to choose a suitable option that fits your preferences. But there is no need to feel overwhelmed as our cybersecurity experts evaluated around 41 VPNs to find out which services are worthy of your attention. We focused on the most essential aspects that affect daily online activities, like secure web browsing, video streaming, gaming, and travel. After extensive testing and analysis, the Cybernews research team and I have determined that NordVPN is the best VPN overall, excelling in encryption, connection speeds, and bypassing geo-blocks. However, I recommend checking the entire list to learn about other potential options that have different strengths.

10 best VPN services in 2025

With the help of research experts, we rigorously tested dozens of VPNs, measuring their performance, security, privacy, and overall usability. After extensive analysis, I’ve narrowed it down to ten standout providers that truly deliver on reliability and features.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN service for 2025 overall

My experience with NordVPN

The experience with NordVPN is exactly what you’d expect from a market-leading VPN.

The kill switch works as intended, immediately cutting internet access during unexpected disconnections to prevent data leaks. When testing Threat Protection, it blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites without noticeably affecting speed, making browsing feel smoother and more secure.

A standout addition is NordWhisper, a new encryption protocol that improves security while maintaining speed. Combined with Double VPN and Onion over VPN, NordVPN delivers the level of protection and performance you'd expect from a top-tier provider.

While testing the service, I enjoyed its specialty server selection, which includes obfuscated, double VPN, Onion over VPN, and P2P servers. You can connect to these servers on the VPN menu just below the home menu. It includes the world map for quickly picking your desired server location. There’s no need to type in country or city names since you can just navigate the map and click your desired location.

The service provided excellent speeds throughout my tests with its proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol. We measured the provider’s speed retention rates across various countries, and the results were pretty impressive. NordVPN’s average download speed retention rate was 93%, while its upload retention rate was 84%. We experienced the fastest speeds when connecting to servers located in the UK and Sweden.

The provider’s Threat Protection Pro feature makes it the most secure VPN available. The feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. It also scans downloaded files for malware. Unfortunately, the tool isn’t available on the provider’s cheapest Basic plan, which starts at $3.39/month. You must sign up for the Plus or Ultimate plan to fully unlock NordVPN’s security potential.

NordVPN is based in Panama, and its no-logs policy was audited 5 times as of January 2025. This makes it one of the best in terms of trustworthiness. Plus, like many other top-tier VPNs – Surfshark, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost – NordVPN uses RAM-only servers to protect user data on a fundamental level.

Who should pick NordVPN?

I recommend NordVPN to anyone who needs an all-in-one, top-quality VPN for speed, safety, and online privacy. It offers the best performance results in many categories without being excessively priced, although it’s not exactly the best regarding affordability, especially considering its multiple subscription tiers. However, its unique Meshnet feature makes NordVPN more flexible than other VPNs since you can use it for secure file sharing and creating personal LANs. Finally, if you choose pricier subscription tiers, you can receive a password manager, encrypted cloud storage, data breach monitoring, and identity theft insurance.

2. Surfshark – the most affordable VPN for online privacy

My experience with Surfshark

Surfshark is my go-to alternative VPN whenever NordVPN fails a particular task, which rarely happens. The quick-connect option, that you see on the main interface, ensures fast and stable connections, while users can manually select server locations.

The only drawback is the lack of a world map for server selection, meaning you’ll need to scroll or search for specific locations manually. However, the clean layout and well-organized menus make finding the right server fast and hassle-free.

Surfshark’s settings menu provides several useful tools to increase security and improve browsing. CleanWeb can be turned on to block ads, trackers, and malicious sites, making web pages load faster and reducing data usage. I found it especially useful when using mobile data.

Beyond its core VPN functions, Surfshark also includes additional privacy tools. Alternative ID lets you generate a new online identity, including a fake name, email, and phone number, which can be useful for signing up for websites without exposing real personal details.

One of the first things I noticed about Surfshark is that its MultiHop feature is customizable, unlike NordVPN’s Double VPN servers. Additionally, CleanWeb works better and includes more options if you install the Surfshark browser extension. These perks are included in Surfshark’s most affordable Starter plan, which starts at only $2.19/month.

Surfshark’s speeds in our latest tests were excellent. With WireGuard, the provider retained 93% of the original download speed. However, upload speed retention was only 64% on average. Our previous tests also showed subpar performance regarding the upload speeds, meaning this could be a potential issue in Surfshark’s package.

Who should pick Surfshark?

Surfshark is ideal for price-conscious users who prioritize digital privacy. I recommend it over NordVPN for beginners due to its simple interface and excellent introductory plan. Its cheapest Starter plan offers all the essentials for secure daily browsing, but I’m most impressed that it includes the Alternative ID personal detail generator. The most affordable plan also includes CleanWeb without limitations, which is an improvement compared to NordVPN’s limited Threat Protection on its Basic plan. If you’re willing to pay more for extras, Surfshark offers a private search engine, data breach monitoring, antivirus protection, and online data removal services.

3. Proton VPN – the most reliable VPN with a free version

My experience with Proton VPN

Proton VPN’s server selection and security features stood out during the team’s testing. The world map interface made it easy to visualize and choose connections, similar to NordVPN, while the server list provided detailed control over location selection – something Surfshark lacks.

One of Proton VPN’s strongest features is its Secure Core servers, which route traffic through privacy-focused countries like Switzerland and Sweden before reaching the final destination. This adds an extra layer of protection against surveillance and cyberthreats. Unlike NordVPN’s Double VPN, which automatically selects routes, Proton VPN lets you choose exactly which Secure Core servers you want to use.

Proton VPN’s unique selling point is its excellent free tier. Unsurprisingly, it lacks many features and only permits connecting to a handful of countries. On the plus side, it has unlimited data, making Proton VPN an excellent permanent free VPN option for users on a budget. This is practically the only free VPN that I can recommend for daily use.

Although the premium tier is slightly more expensive than Surfshark (starting at $3.59/month), it’s worth it, considering the provider’s reputation and excellent features. For starters, it includes specialty servers for streaming, P2P, and Tor connections. There’s also NetShield to block ads and malicious websites. Additionally, the service includes moderate NAT, which helps resolve connectivity issues while playing multiplayer games or having video calls.

Proton VPN had an average 85% download and upload speed retention rates with WireGuard, which is an excellent result. During our Proton VPN tests, we had the best connection speeds when connecting to the UK.

Like NordVPN, Proton VPN only permits 10 simultaneous device connections per account, which might be unsuitable for larger households. Conversely, it’s more than enough if you’re the only person utilizing this VPN.

Who should pick Proton VPN?

Proton VPN is tailored for those who need a reliable and long-term free VPN. However, if you’re willing to subscribe, the service offers a variety of security features for dealing with online censorship. You can alternate between Secure Core and Tor servers, enable the Stealth protocol, and allow Alternative Routing to circumvent various online restrictions. Moreover, the vast server array, which outnumbers NordVPN’s server fleet, is excellent for streaming and gaming.

4. ExpressVPN – trustworthy VPN with robust security features

My experience using ExpressVPN

Upon opening ExpressVPN, I was met by a simple interface. The quick-connect button is front and center, making it easy to get started right away. However, most of its features are tucked away in the settings menu.

Inside the settings, I found Network Lock, the built-in kill switch that instantly cuts off internet traffic if the VPN disconnects, preventing data leaks. Split Tunneling is also available, which is useful for accessing local services while keeping everything else encrypted.

In the Advanced Protection section, you can find Threat Manager settings, which help block trackers and malicious domains, reducing unwanted online tracking. TrustedNetwork Services automatically disables the VPN on recognized safe networks, while ShuffleIP periodically changes my IP address while browsing, adding an extra layer of privacy.

What sets ExpressVPN apart from other VPNs is its impressive number of independent audits. As of updating this article in February 2025, the provider’s trust center webpage boasts 19 audits across its various technical features and privacy practices. Combine that with its jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands and RAM-only servers, and you have a truly reliable VPN for confidentiality.

Unlike NordVPN, ExpressVPN includes a password manager with the starting VPN subscription at no extra cost. However, a significant difference is that NordPass has excellent cross-device compatibility, while Keys only supports browsers and mobile devices. Crucially, many customers praise ExpressVPN’s geo-block removal capabilities on the most popular streaming services like Netflix and Disney+.

The latest in-house ExpressVPN speed tests resulted in 91% download and 84% upload speed retention rates. Surprisingly, we recorded the fastest download speeds in Singapore, while upload speeds maxed out in the Netherlands. Most importantly, ExpressVPN achieves these results with its proprietary Lightway tunneling protocol, which was built from scratch.

Who should pick ExpressVPN?

I recommend ExpressVPN for those who need a simple but highly effective VPN without excessive features. Unlike NordVPN and Surfshark, ExpressVPN doesn’t have multiple subscription tiers, which would make it difficult to decide. However, the downside is that ExpressVPN is pretty expensive with its $4.99/month starting price. However, its technical features and reliability are top-notch, which is further supported by the provider’s numerous audits. So, I think ExpressVPN is definitely worth the extra cost.

5. CyberGhost – cost-effective VPN for gaming and streaming

My experience with CyberGhost

CyberGhost’s interface puts its specialty servers front and center. CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers are another highlight, categorized by specific platforms rather than just regions. This makes it easier to find the best server for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Disney+, without the trial-and-error process common with other VPNs.

Beyond streaming, dedicated servers for gaming and torrenting provide optimized performance.

Another standout category is gaming servers, although these aren’t segmented by specific video games. There’s good variety across Europe and America, and you can sort the servers by ping to find the most optimal one for your needs. Like many other VPNs, such as NordVPN and Proton VPN, CyberGhost’s feature set includes servers optimized for torrenting. During the torrenting test, I downloaded a 5.66GB file in just 5 minutes and 15 seconds, achieving speeds of up to 23.07Mbps, which was similar to NordVPN’s performance.

CyberGhost has other great perks besides its specialty servers. For starters, it’s based in Romania, which isn’t part of the notorious Five Eyes alliance. Additionally, its no-logs policy was audited by Deloitte, which also audited Surfshark. However, note that CyberGhost’s simultaneous device limit is only 7. This can be limiting for larger households with many devices. On the other hand, this limitation is understandable, considering the provider’s starting price is only $2.19/month.

Our latest speed tests resulted in CyberGhost showing better performance regarding download speeds. It maintained 91% of the original download speed, while upload speeds dropped to about 74%. Considering CyberGhost's affordable price, these results are great and ensure no lagging issues while streaming or gaming.

Who should pick CyberGhost?

CyberGhost caters to users needing an affordable VPN primarily for streaming and gaming. Its cheap price and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for beginners who need a simple but effective VPN that doesn’t require a considerable investment. Additionally, its WireGuard implementation and wide server array yield excellent connection speeds and grant access to a wide variety of global content. Plus, it has good security features to protect your daily online activities from various cyberthreats.

6. IPVanish – well-balanced and reliable VPN for daily use

My experience with IPVanish

Installing IPVanish was a simple procedure of following the on-screen instructions. The app’s interface is pretty good and includes some neat customization features. For example, you can slide around the dividing line between the world map and connection details to suit your preferences. Additionally, the server selection menu shows each server’s current load, which helps if you need a server with less traffic.

Like NordVPN, IPVanish offers a feature called Threat Protection. It blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. The upside with this provider is that it grants the fully-equipped feature even when subscribing to its cheapest Essential plan, which starts at $2.19/month. However, the tool is relatively simple and has no customization options. The second subscription plan adds extra features like cloud backup, a secure browser, and a customer support phone line.

In my experience, IPVanish works well for streaming and unblocks foreign content libraries without much trouble. However, my main concern is that the service has only 2400+ servers across 140 countries, giving users fewer country options than with top-ranking providers like NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN. On the plus side, IPVanish features include unlimited device connections, meaning everyone in your household can use the VPN without restrictions.

IPVanish performed reasonably well in our latest speed tests, although its upload speeds weren’t particularly great. The download speed retention rate averaged around 91%, while for uploads, it dipped to 58%. These are promising results, although I can’t recommend IPVanish if you plan to upload loads of files using this VPN.

Who should pick IPVanish?

IPVanish is a suitable option for those needing an effective, affordable VPN with a few extra features. If you choose the pricier Advanced subscription tier, you’ll get a secure browser and Livedrive cloud storage, which can be a compelling advantage over the competition. Meanwhile, the Essential plan only includes the VPN and its accompanying features. It’s a good option considering its price, but it pales compared to what other providers offer in their starting subscription plans.

7. Norton VPN – beginner-friendly VPN with cybersecurity extras

My experience with Norton VPN

The app primarily focuses on simple one-click connectivity, with a server selection menu that lets you choose from just 30 countries — the smallest variety on this list.

Digging into the settings, I found a functional but minimal kill switch, which reliably blocked traffic during connection drops. Split tunneling is available but only allows excluding apps from the VPN tunnel, rather than selecting which should use the VPN — a more restrictive approach than seen in other providers. The Ad Tracker Blocking feature is present but lacks customization, making it difficult to gauge its effectiveness compared to similar tools in NordVPN or Surfshark. Unfortunately, Norton VPN’s ad blocker performed poorly, scoring 14/100 points and blocking only 6% of the ads.

Despite these few above mentioned flaws, Norton VPN test results were quite good in our latest connection speed evaluations. The average download speed retention rate was 79%, while upload speed was 78%. These are interesting results, considering that Norton VPN doesn’t allow choosing a preferred tunneling protocol on the desktop app.

My primary concern about this VPN is that, like IPVanish, it’s based in the US. However, what’s even more disappointing is that a reliable third party didn’t audit Norton VPN’s no-logs policy. As such, I can’t recommend this service to people prioritizing privacy. However, you’ll have a decent all-in-one cybersecurity tool if you choose a plan that includes Norton’s antivirus service. Prices start at $3.33/month if you pick a plan with just the VPN.

Who should pick Norton VPN?

Norton VPN suits customers who need a bare-bones VPN that includes P2P-optimized servers. The service has very few features and customization options, meaning it’s excellent for beginners who easily get confused or overwhelmed by too many choices. Additionally, it’s a viable option if you want a service that’s primarily an antivirus with a VPN add-on, unlike Surfshark, which is a VPN first and antivirus second.

8. PureVPN – reliable all-in-one VPN

My experience with PureVPN

I found a well-organized interface with all key features neatly arranged. The server selection menu allows filtering by P2P, quantum-resistant, port forwarding, and virtual servers, which is useful for different needs.

Exploring further, I found PureVPN’s split tunneling feature, which lets me choose which apps use the VPN connection. It worked fine for streaming and local banking access, but it’s only available on Windows and Android, unlike Surfshark, which offers it on macOS as well. Dedicated IP and port forwarding are available, making it a solid choice for users who need stable remote access.

PureVPN showed great connection speed results with the WireGuard protocol, although the retention percentage was lower for uploads. The average download speed retention rate was 93%, but with uploads, it was only 75%. On the plus side, the upload retention rate increased from 59% compared to our previous PureVPN tests.

Like NordVPN and Surfshark, PureVPN offers multiple subscription tiers with varying benefits. The options are very similar to NordVPN’s plans since you have options with a password manager, a file encryption tool, and dark web monitoring. Additionally, it overlaps with Surfshark by offering data removal services. Another unique feature is that PureVPN offers 5-year subscription plans, which is terrific if you want to postpone renewal considerations far into the future. In any case, PureVPN prices start at only $2.14/month.

Who should pick PureVPN?

PureVPN is ideal for those who want to have as many VPN features in one subscription as possible. The provider is trustworthy and has an impressive selection of subscription plans and more optional extras alongside that. However, this variety can appear overwhelming to newcomers, and having so many features in one plan can tremendously escalate the overall price. Alternatively, PureVPN can be surprisingly affordable if you choose its starting plan and sign up for a five-year subscription.

9. TotalVPN – solid VPN with included antivirus

My experience with TotalVPN

Installing TotalVPN on my device was pretty easy. Regarding the interface, you might be disappointed to see that the VPN isn’t the primary feature when opening the software. Instead, the VPN is simply a menu item on the side with a handful of settings. Personally, I would prefer it if the VPN app were separate from the antivirus software, as is the case with Norton VPN.

With TotalVPN, all you can do is select the country you want to connect to and then enable the VPN. There aren’t any specialty server options to enhance your experience in any way. Moreover, the server network spans only 1800+ servers across 80 countries, which is hugely underwhelming. The country variety is greater only than Norton VPN’s, but the server numbers are the lowest on this list.

While testing TotalVPN, I tried using the service to stream geo-blocked content, and the results were somewhat satisfying. It took a few attempts to unblock Hulu, but it worked eventually.

The only platform that worked consistently was YouTube, which is typically less restrictive when it comes to VPN usage. Compared to NordVPN or Surfshark, which unblock multiple streaming services on the first attempt, TotalVPN felt unreliable for streaming. If bypassing geo-restrictions on major platforms is a priority, other VPNs offer a more seamless experience.

Connection speeds were quite good during our latest speed evaluations. TotalVPN had a download speed retention rate of 85%, but its upload retention rate was 48%.

Regarding downsides, TotalVPN is based in the US, which is a core member of the Five Eyes alliance. Moreover, an independent third party didn’t audit the provider’s no-logs policy. Still, these facts don’t necessarily mean that TotalVPN is unreliable, especially if you’re looking for a security-focused antivirus and VPN combo.

Who should pick TotalVPN?

Like Norton VPN, TotalVPN is suitable for those who need a reliable antivirus service that comes with an acceptable VPN. The VPN is pretty simple but will do the job of masking your IP address and encrypting your traffic, which is enough if your security needs are minimal. Meanwhile, the antivirus service is excellent, offering reliable protection against various cyberthreats.

10. Bitdefender VPN – solid VPN from an antivirus provider

My experience with Bitdefender VPN

Once again, the installation process was a breeze. I was glad that Bitdefender’s VPN is available as a separate application from its antivirus software. The app looks good and has enough features and settings to not appear underwhelming, as with Norton VPN.

Bitdefender VPN includes all the standard features you’d expect from a decent-quality VPN, such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection. It also includes split tunneling if you’d like to customize your VPN tunnel on a per-app basis. However, you can only pick which apps bypass the VPN connection, which isn’t as flexible as with other providers like NordVPN and Surfshark.

Bitdefender VPN is more versatile than Norton VPN and TotalVPN because it allows you to choose your preferred VPN tunneling protocol. Available options include OpenVPN and WireGuard. It also has a more expansive server network spanning 3000+ servers across 100 countries.

Unfortunately, the impressive server numbers didn’t result in good streaming performance. The provider could only unblock BBC iPlayer, while other platforms like Netflix and Hulu didn’t budge.

The latest connection speed results were pretty good but not particularly impressive. The download speed retention rate was around 84%, but upload speeds dropped to 48% of the original speeds.

Who should pick Bitdefender VPN?

Once again, Bitdefender VPN is viable for users who want a VPN and antivirus service combo. The unique selling point here is that Bitdefender VPN is a separate app that’s pretty robust in its own right. It’s also reasonably priced, starting at only $2.92/month if you purchase Bitdefender VPN separately. However, I recommend choosing an affordable VPN-first service like Surfshark or CyberGhost at this price point.

Comparison of the top VPN services

In the table below, I compared the 10 best VPNs with all their most notable features. Explore the benefits and differences of each VPN service to make an informed decision when choosing.

Best VPN	Ranking	Free trial	Starting price	Money-back guarantee	Servers	Streaming
NordVPN	4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	Yes, 7-day	$3.39/month	30-day	7700+ servers in 118 countries	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more
Surfshark	4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	Yes, 7-day	$2.19/month	30-day	3200+ servers in 100 countries	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more
ProtonVPN	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	Yes, unlimited	$3.59/month	30-day	13300+ servers in 122 countries	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+
ExpressVPN	4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	Yes, 7-day for mobile devices	$4.99/month	30-day	Servers in 105 countries	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more
CyberGhost	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	Yes, 1-day on a desktop, 3-day on Android, and 7-day on iOS	$2.19/month	45-day	Servers in 100 countries	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+
IPVanish	4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	Yes, 7-day	$2.19/month	30-day	2400+ servers in 140 countries	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and more
Norton VPN	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	Yes, 7-day	$3.33/month	60-day	2000+ servers in 30 countries	BBC iPlayer, Max
PureVPN	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	Yes, 1-day	$2.14/month	30-day	6000+ servers, 65 countries	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube
TotalVPN	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	Yes, 7-day	$1.59/month	31-day	1800+ servers in 80 countries	Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, and more
Bitdefender VPN	3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	No	$2.92/month	30-day	3000+ servers in 100 countries	BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+

How the best VPNs have been tested

The VPN testing process involved me conducting hands-on testing from a customer’s perspective and the research team conducting more technical testing. This process allowed us to gain a more thorough understanding of each VPN while also gaining a different perspective from other team members. Then, we ranked the providers using weighted variables.

I did most of the testing on my Lenovo T14S ThinkPad, which runs Windows 11. Meanwhile, the research team used a Windows laptop and a MacBook Air laptop to compare the two OSes. However, we also examined the mobile apps on our various personal smartphones. Below is a summary of the categories we analyzed and how much they influenced the overall ranking.

• Privacy and security (20%). VPNs are primarily cybersecurity tools, so we’re giving this category significant weight in our ranking system. The team and I evaluated various VPN privacy policies to ensure they don’t collect excessive customer data. We also took into account each provider’s country of jurisdiction since that influences their commitment to cooperating with government agencies. Lastly, we checked for independent audits confirming the providers’ overall reliability. Naturally, we tested various technical features to ensure they work as advertised.
• Speed and performance (20%). Connection speeds significantly impact the user experience in every situation. We analyzed each VPN’s server network and conducted speed tests using the Ookla speed testing tool. During our latest December 2024 tests for this article, baseline speeds were 500Mbps download, 500Mbps upload, and 1ms ping. The table below shows all providers' numerical and percentage speed retention rates on this best VPNs list.

Brand	Average download speed, Mbps	Average upload speed, Mbps	Average ping, ms	Average download speed retention, %	Average upload speed retention, %
NordVPN	468	423	150	93	84
Surfshark	466	320	123	93	64
Proton VPN	428	426	135	85	85
ExpressVPN	455	423	117	91	84
CyberGhost	456	373	125	91	74
IPVanish	459	293	136	91	58
Norton VPN	398	390	126	79	78
PureVPN	465	378	108	93	75
TotalVPN	428	241	126	85	48
Bitdefender VPN	422	282	129	84	56

• Usability and user experience (15%). We paid attention to each VPN’s app interface and overall user experience while using the service. This part also includes evaluating device compatibility and our customer support experience because those aspects influence how you’ll experience the service. Not to mention the simultaneous connection limit, which also influences a VPN’s usability and versatility.
• Server network and locations (15%). As you can imagine, evaluating the server network involves checking the number of available servers and country options. We also checked the underlying technology and whether the provider offers specialty servers, such as double VPN or obfuscated options for bypassing online censorship.
• Features and customization (10%). A top-tier VPN should grant numerous extra features with robust customization options so the customer can make various adjustments to fit their needs. As such, we tested all the essential VPN features and the various extras that set each provider apart.
• Cost and value (10%). I analyzed each service’s price and weighed it against its overall package to determine if the VPN provides good value for money. It was also vital to evaluate each provider’s money-back guarantee, free trial, and refund policies to see if they’re viable for risk-free testing.
• Personal experience (10%). I shared some of my thoughts and experiences about each VPN and what it was like using them. Note that my opinions had little impact on the ranking system since we gave more weight to objective and technical metrics.

Video review

If you’d like a more visually stimulating review of the best VPN services in 2025, consider visiting our YouTube channel. You’ll see all the VPN providers in action while hearing detailed commentary about their essential features. The following video categorizes many VPNs in a tier list to give you a different perspective on their overall quality.

Why is a VPN essential in 2025?

VPNs are essential because they provide many benefits in a single package. All you have to do is connect to a VPN server and you’ll get plenty of perks in the following areas:

• Using a high-quality VPN for streaming allows you to unblock foreign movies and TV shows without speed or lagging issues.
• A great way to make your online gaming sessions more secure and anonymous is to enable a gaming VPN to mask your IP and halt DDoS attacks.
• Changing your location with a VPN enables you to unblock practically any online service that’s restricted in your area. For example, Americans could use a VPN for TikTok if the service is blocked again for whatever reason.
• Nowadays, a VPN for travel is an essential addition if you want to have a safe and issue-free holiday.
• Using a VPN for torrenting allows you to utilize the file-transfer protocol in places where it’s unfairly restricted.
• VPNs are the perfect way to stay anonymous online, for instance, when you’re trying to bypass porn website restrictions in the US.

Moreover, depending on which VPN service you pick, you’ll gain other excellent features. For example, security-focused VPNs will also block ads and trackers to improve your online experience and reduce the risk of cyberthreats. Others include full-fledged antivirus capabilities to protect your device from malware in real time.

VPNs are becoming all-in-one security tools

Some VPN services have evolved in the last few years to become comprehensive cybersecurity packages with many extra perks. The most noteworthy examples are NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN – all of which offer subscription plans with additional tools for online protection.

This, I believe, is a net positive for customers, who must deal with an increasing number of potential security issues, such as data breaches, scams, phishing attacks, and more. After all, having more features in a single app makes it easier to ensure everything is in order.

For example, NordVPN and Surfshark have tools that notify you if your personal data was exposed in a recent data breach. This allows you to react quickly to avoid any further harm.

Secondly, you can bundle NordVPN and Proton VPN with password management software to protect your online accounts with strong and unique passwords. You can also purchase these password managers separately if you prefer.

All three VPNs also have ad-blocking features that effectively eliminate online advertisements. This will improve your browsing experience by removing unwanted distractions, which are occasionally cyberthreats in disguise. Usually, these features also block malicious websites used for scams and phishing websites to secure your daily web surfing further.

Choosing the best free VPN

Using a free VPN is an acceptable option for securing yourself online. However, these services are commonly very limited regarding features and overall effectiveness, at least compared to paid counterparts. You should keep that in mind when picking a free VPN and consider whether such a limited service will even be useful to you.

One of the most frustrating issues among free VPNs is monthly data caps. In short, this means the VPN will secure a finite amount of internet traffic per month, making it unusable after a while. Thankfully, some free VPNs, like Proton VPN, provide unlimited traffic with their free version, meaning you can use them as much as you want.

Unsurprisingly, you’ll also have significantly fewer server and country options to connect to. Moreover, you likely won’t even be able to choose your connection point, leaving you at the mercy of your VPN app to select a suitable option. I’m afraid that Proton VPN is guilty of this.

Another frequent limitation is that free VPNs only allow one device connection per account. Meanwhile, some of the cheapest monthly VPNs permit as many as unlimited connections.

If you want a VPN for free without any of these limitations, I suggest choosing a VPN with a free trial. It’s a temporary solution, but at least you’ll see what premium VPNs are capable of in terms of security and effectiveness.

Choosing most secure VPN

Cyberthreats are everywhere, and VPN users often seek protection from data breaches, online tracking, ISP surveillance, and cyberattacks on public Wi-Fi. Without proper security, your personal information can be exposed to hackers, advertisers, or even government agencies. That’s why a secure VPN must combine strong encryption, leak protection, and privacy-focused policies to truly safeguard your data.

From a technical standpoint, essential security features include the kill switch, DNS leak protection, robust encryption standards, and bonus tools like ad and malware blocking. Many of these features are considered mandatory for VPN services, but you’d be surprised how many fail in this regard. For example, Hola VPN’s free tier used its customers' devices as residential proxies, which is a severe security issue.

VPNs, by definition, must include encryption. Otherwise, they’re simply proxies. But, it’s vital to ensure the encryption is strong enough to withstand brute-force attacks by threat actors. That’s why the best VPNs use AES-256 encryption, which is strong enough to endure any deciphering attempts by malicious actors. At the same time, it isn’t excessively complex to negatively affect performance. Additionally, some VPNs complement this encryption cipher with ChaCha20 for better results.

Another crucial consideration is the provider’s VPN tunneling protocol selection. In short, you should only pick VPNs that offer modern and reliable VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN and WireGuard. Conversely, you should avoid providers that rely only on old and outdated protocols like PPTP or SSTP.

WireGuard is the gold standard for VPN protocols, ensuring top speeds and security. NordVPN and ExpressVPN also have proprietary protocols – NordLynx and Lightway – that are considered some of the safest and fastest. OpenVPN is another great tunneling protocol that trustworthy VPNs use.

As for VPN provider reputation, the most important factors are the no-logs policy and jurisdiction. Most VPNs claim to adhere to a no-logs policy, but you shouldn’t just take their word for it. A trustworthy VPN has those claims confirmed by an independent third party through an audit.

Secondly, the VPN must reside in a country with proper user privacy protections in place. For example, a good VPN shouldn’t be based in a country with ties to the Five Eyes alliance, which has the potential to share any collected user data with allied nations. Instead, VPNs should be located in neutral countries like Panama or Switzerland.

Below is a table summarizing the most essential safety features of the best VPNs on this list.

Most secure VPN	Rating	Encryption	No-logs policy	Jurisdiction	Security features
NordVPN	4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	AES-256, ChaCha20	No logs, third-party audited by PwC and Deloitte	Panama	Kill switch, leak protection, Threat Protection Pro, Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Dark Web Monitor, Obfuscated servers
Surfshark	4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	AES-256, ChaCha20	No logs, third-party audit by Deloitte	The Netherlands	Kill switch, leak protection, CleanWeb, MultiHop, Camouflage Mode, NoBorders mode, Alternative ID
Proton VPN	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	AES-256, ChaCha20	No logs, third-party audit by Securitum	Switzerland	Kill switch, leak protection, NetShield, Stealth protocol, Secure Core
ExpressVPN	4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	AES-256, ChaCha20	No logs, third-party audit by Cure53	British Virgin Islands	Kill switch, leak protection, Threat Manager, Stealth server
CyberGhost	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	AES-256	No logs, third-party audit by Deloitte	Romania	Kill switch, leak protection, NoSpy servers, Block content

Importance of VPN device compatibility

Device compatibility is a crucial factor when choosing VPNs because you need a service that works with all the devices you own. This means having apps for various operating systems and device types. Another approach is picking a specialized service, such as a VPN for Mac, that comes with the most features on your primary OS. In any case, the VPN should support enough simultaneous connections to cover the devices you and your family own if you plan on sharing a VPN subscription.

I’ve compiled a table comparing the supported platforms and simultaneous connection limits of all the best VPN providers on this list. That way, you’ll have an easier time picking a suitable service for your needs. However, keep in mind that this table compares only the most popular devices and operating systems. Some providers work with even more devices than are listed here.

VPN provider	Windows	macOS	Android	iOS (iPhone/iPad)	Linux	Router	Android TV	tvOS (Apple TV)	Browser extensions	Simultaneous connections
NordVPN	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	10
Surfshark	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Unlimited
Proton VPN	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	10
ExpressVPN	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	8
CyberGhost	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	7
IPVanish	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Unlimited
Norton VPN	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	10
PureVPN	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	10
TotalVPN	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	8
Bitdefender VPN	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	10

Using VPNs in oppressive environments

VPNs are a critical tool during times of unrest, such as armed conflicts and civil uprisings. In such scenarios, the software allows you to securely communicate when the usual communication methods are limited. It will also grant access to the unrestricted internet in censorship-heavy regions. However, a VPN won’t help if the internet or the electrical grid are being disrupted.

A VPN helps by enabling you to avoid mass surveillance and censorship in authoritarian countries like China and Russia, where freedom of speech isn’t respected. Naturally, such governments put more effort into disrupting VPNs, thus making it more difficult for users to utilize them effectively. Thankfully, VPN providers develop new techniques that combat these restrictions, which sometimes work. As such, the situation in such countries becomes like a cat-and-mouse game between governments trying to limit VPN use and VPN services attempting to bypass these limits.

For example, a good VPN for China should provide multiple features that can bypass these disruptions. Notable solutions include Tor Network integration, obfuscation methods, and specialized protocols that mask VPN traffic to appear as regular HTTPS traffic. Having a combination of these tools at your disposal makes you more likely to have easy access to the net.

These measures are also crucial for journalists in similar territories who want to bypass online censorship and avoid persecution by the authorities. More precisely, the Tor Network ensures that their communications remain entirely confidential and untraceable even by the VPN service provider.

Final thoughts

Our extensive evaluations concluded that NordVPN is the best overall VPN in 2025. Firstly, our speed tests showed that it ensures the fastest connection speeds with its NordLynx protocol and massive server network. Swift speeds are essential for other activities like streaming, torrenting, and gaming, in which NordVPN excels. Moreover, its security features, like Threat Protection and Dark Web Monitor, make it one of the most secure providers available.

However, NordVPN is by no means perfect. For some, its 10-device simultaneous connection limit might seem restrictive. If that’s the case, consider providers like Surfshark and IPVanish, both of which permit unlimited device connections.

Secondly, the best VPN isn’t the cheapest, especially if you choose one of its pricier subscription plans that unlock more features. That’s why, I’ve included more affordable alternatives like Surfshark and CyberGhost for readers prioritizing affordability.

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