Top 5 VPNs for 2025: Best Privacy & Security Services Compared

With countless VPN providers on the market, finding the best VPN in 2025 can be overwhelming. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an essential privacy tool that encrypts your internet connection and masks your IP address, but not all VPNs are created equal. In this comprehensive guide, we compare the top VPN providers for 2025, evaluating them on privacy features, speed, streaming ability, and overall value. Whether you’re concerned about security on public Wi-Fi, want to bypass geo-restrictions, or keep your browsing hidden from prying eyes, we’ve got you covered with the best VPN choices this year.

Why You Need a VPN in 2025

If you’re new to VPNs, you might wonder why they’re so highly recommended. Here are key reasons to use a VPN today:

Secure Your Connection

A VPN encrypts all data between your device and the VPN server. On public Wi-Fi (like cafes, airports), this is critical – it prevents hackers from stealing your passwords or snooping on your traffic. In 2025, with remote work common, using a VPN on untrusted networks is a basic security must.

Privacy from ISP and Governments

Your Internet Service Provider can typically see every website you visit and service you use. Many ISPs log this data, and in some countries, they even sell it or hand it to governments upon request. A VPN stops this by only letting the ISP see an encrypted tunnel – they can’t decipher the contents or final destination.

Bypass Geo-Restrictions and Censorship

Whether you want to watch a show only available in another country or access social media in a country that censors it, a VPN can route your connection through a server in a location that grants you access. It effectively makes it appear as if you are browsing from that server’s region.

Prevent Tracking

Without a VPN, your IP address is visible to every website you visit. Advertisers and trackers use this along with cookies to build profiles on you. With a VPN, your IP is hidden behind the VPN server’s IP, so websites see the VPN’s identity instead of yours – reducing one major data point they could use to track you.

In short, a VPN acts as both a shield and a key – shielding your data from onlookers and unlocking content across the internet. Now, let’s dive into the best providers to consider this year.

Quick Picks (2025)

Speed Notes (Mac + iOS)

Pricing Matrix (Effective Monthly)

## Top VPN Providers for 2025

After extensive research and testing, here are the top VPN services you should consider:

1. NordVPN – Best Overall

Privacy & Security: NordVPN sets the bar high with its security. It’s based in Panama, outside surveillance alliances, and keeps a strict no-logs policy that has been verified by independent audits. NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption and its own WireGuard-based protocol called NordLynx for cutting-edge security without sacrificing speed. Extra features include Double VPN (routing through two servers), Onion over VPN, and an effective kill switch on all platforms.

Servers & Performance: With 5400+ servers in 60 countries, NordVPN offers excellent global coverage. Speeds are consistently among the fastest – in our tests, HD streaming and video calls were smooth even when connected to distant servers. NordLynx protocol is a big reason NordVPN outperforms many rivals now.

Streaming & Torrents: NordVPN excels at unblocking streaming services – Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer – you name it. It has specialized streaming servers in some regions and its SmartPlay feature helps avoid VPN detection. For torrenting, Nord allows P2P on specific servers (and auto-connects you to one if it detects torrenting). It doesn’t allow port forwarding (for security reasons) but otherwise is torrent-friendly and keeps your downloads private.

Ease of Use: Apps are user-friendly, featuring a map and quick-connect. One account lets you connect up to 6 devices simultaneously. Nord’s customer support is 24/7 live chat in case you need any help.

Price: Typically around $3–$4/month on a 2-year plan (with frequent promos). It’s not the cheapest, but given the level of security and features, it provides great value.

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2. Surfshark – Best Value

Privacy & Security: Surfshark is based in the Netherlands and has a no-logs policy also confirmed by independent auditors. It uses industry-standard encryption and offers secure protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. Surfshark packs a bunch of security extras despite its low price: CleanWeb (ad and malware blocker), MultiHop double VPN, and even an optional privacy bundle (Surfshark One) with antivirus and privacy search, if you want an all-in-one.

Servers & Performance: Surfshark operates 3200+ servers in 100 countries. Performance is impressive – on par with more expensive VPNs. Unlimited device connections is its hallmark feature; you can use it on every gadget you own and even share with family. We found Surfshark’s speeds using WireGuard to be excellent, handling 4K streaming and large file downloads without issue.

Streaming & Torrents: Surfshark is a powerhouse for streaming given its price. It reliably unblocks multiple Netflix libraries, Hulu, Disney+, etc. If one server doesn’t work, you can usually switch and get through. For torrenting, all Surfshark servers allow P2P. It doesn’t restrict or throttle your downloads and with unlimited connections, you could have your seedbox, laptop, and phone all secure at once.

Ease of Use: Clean, minimalist apps. It’s easy enough for beginners – just a big connect button and a list of locations. It also has nice touches like location “latency” (so you see which servers are fastest). Surfshark’s support is 24/7 live chat as well, which is impressive at this price tier.

Price: The most budget-friendly of the top-tier VPNs – often about $2.49/month on a 2-year plan. Considering that covers unlimited devices, it’s the best bang for your buck.

Get Surfshark Now →

3. ProtonVPN – Best for Privacy

Privacy & Security: ProtonVPN is built by the Proton team (Switzerland) with a strong privacy focus: audited no-logs policy, open-source clients, and Secure Core (multi-hop via hardened data centers). Modern protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN) and robust leak protection across apps.

Servers & Performance: Rapidly growing network with excellent stability. WireGuard generally delivers fast connections suitable for everyday use, streaming, and downloads (best results on Plus plan).

Streaming & Torrents: Unblocks major platforms on Plus servers and allows P2P on supported locations. While it prioritizes privacy over media, performance is strong enough for 4K in our experience on supported servers.

Ease of Use: Clean apps on all platforms with profiles, quick connect, and advanced settings when needed. Includes features like NetShield (malware/trackers) on paid tiers.

Price: Competitively priced on longer terms, with a limited free tier to try it out. 30‑day money‑back guarantee.

Get ProtonVPN Now →

Honorable Mentions

ExpressVPN

A premium, fast VPN with a long track record, TrustedServer (RAM-only) tech, strong apps, and reliable unblocking. Excellent performance and support, but higher priced and we currently do not have an active affiliate partnership.

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Mullvad

A favorite among privacy enthusiasts, Mullvad (Sweden-based) doesn’t even require an email to sign up – you get a numbered account. It’s all about anonymity and they’ve proven their no-logs, including through a police raid where nothing was found. Mullvad only charges €5 per month (no special deals, just flat rate) and has apps for all platforms. It may not unblock Netflix reliably (they don’t focus on that), but for privacy and transparency, it’s top-tier.

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CyberGhost

A user-friendly VPN with a huge server count (7000+). Based in Romania, good no-logs, and especially convenient for streaming with dedicated streaming servers labeled for specific services. It’s often recommended to beginners and offers a longer 45-day refund. Speeds are solid, if not the fastest, and 7 device allowance is nice.

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How to Choose the Right VPN

Consider the following factors when picking from these top VPNs:

Privacy Needs

If you need the utmost privacy (say you’re a journalist or activist), services like NordVPN, ProtonVPN, or Mullvad might be preferable due to their jurisdictions and histories. All top picks here have no-logs, but some go extra lengths (Mullvad’s anonymity, Proton’s transparency). For a detailed comparison of privacy-focused VPNs, see our ProtonVPN vs NordVPN comparison.

Usage Purpose

For streaming, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark are excellent. If you only care about casual browsing security and want free, ProtonVPN’s free plan could suffice.

Budget

Surfshark is the budget king. NordVPN often has good deals too. ExpressVPN is premium – only go for it if you don’t mind the cost for its particular strengths. Remember, long-term plans save money – if you’re comfortable, a 2-year plan can be 80% cheaper per month than a monthly plan.

Devices

If you have a lot of devices or a family to cover, Surfshark’s unlimited device policy is a big selling point. Nord’s 6 and CyberGhost’s 7 are above average. Express’s 5 is a limitation if you have many devices.

Features

Maybe you want a built-in ad blocker (Surfshark’s CleanWeb or Nord’s Threat Protection). Or multi-hop (Nord, Surfshark, Proton offer these). Or perhaps split tunneling is key (most offer it on some apps, but e.g., Nord on Windows/Android, Express on Windows/Mac/Android, etc., check compatibility).

Speed

If you have very fast home internet (hundreds of Mbps) and want to maximize, NordVPN and ExpressVPN are typically the fastest in tests, with Surfshark close behind. Proton and Mullvad also perform well with WireGuard but may not hit the top speeds of the big commercial ones due to smaller networks.

Security Features to Look For

All our top VPNs offer strong encryption and basic protections, but keep an eye out for:

Kill Switch

Ensure the VPN app has a reliable kill switch that will cut internet if the VPN drops unexpectedly. This prevents leaks of your real IP. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, etc., all have this (on mobile you may need to enable it in settings).

Leak Protection

Good VPNs protect against DNS leaks (using their own DNS servers) and WebRTC IP leaks. You can test for leaks via websites (search “DNS leak test”) once connected. Our top picks all passed these tests in our usage.

Modern Protocols

WireGuard or equivalent (Lightway for ExpressVPN) – these not only improve speed but are based on modern, more audit-friendly code, which is better for security. OpenVPN is still secure but is slower.

Two-Factor Authentication

A nice account security feature – for instance, ProtonVPN offers 2FA for account login. Most VPNs just use password, but having 2FA can protect your account access.

Audits

Has the VPN been audited by a reputable third party? Nord, Surfshark, Express, Proton, Mullvad all have had at least one component audited (no-logs or apps). This is a good sign of transparency.

Conclusion

In 2025, using a VPN is almost a basic requirement for a safe and unrestricted internet experience. The best VPNs – NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and others we’ve discussed – all provide the core benefits of encryption, privacy, and freedom to browse without borders. Your choice among them should hinge on your specific needs: budget, number of devices, particular features, and trust in the brand.

• If you want the best overall and don’t mind paying a bit more for top-notch everything, go with NordVPN.
• If you are price-conscious or have a big family’s devices to protect, Surfshark will give you maximum value.
• If you want a privacy-first option with open-source clients and Swiss jurisdiction, ProtonVPN is a strong pick.

Related reads

• See our streaming-focused guide: Best VPN for Streaming Netflix 2025
• In-depth head-to-head: NordVPN vs Surfshark
• Full review: ExpressVPN Review 2025

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