Best VPNs for 2025: Complete Guide to Privacy & Security

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.

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. ExpressVPN – Best for Streaming & Speed

Privacy & Security: ExpressVPN is a veteran provider based in the British Virgin Islands (good for privacy). It has a solid no-logs history, even famously when Turkish authorities seized a server in 2017, nothing was found. It uses AES-256 encryption and its own Lightway protocol (a custom protocol similar to WireGuard, focused on speed and security). ExpressVPN also has all 100% RAM servers (TrustedServer tech), meaning no data is written to hard drives.

Servers & Performance: ~3000 servers in 94 countries – slightly fewer servers than some competitors, but spread across more countries. ExpressVPN is known for very steady performance. Lightway protocol makes connections instant and maintains high speeds, often rivaling NordVPN’s NordLynx. It’s a great choice if speed and broad location options are your priority.

Streaming & Torrents: ExpressVPN has a stellar reputation for getting into almost any streaming platform. It’s often the go-to for hard-to-unblock services. Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon – Express usually works seamlessly. Torrenting is allowed on all servers and the speeds and privacy are excellent.

Ease of Use: Known for its simplicity, ExpressVPN’s apps have a one-click connect interface. They are very stable and rarely have hiccups. It’s often recommended for non-technical users who want something that “just works”. It also has split tunneling and even router firmware to cover devices like Apple TV that can’t run VPNs themselves.

Price: On the higher end – about $6.67/month (15 months for $100 deal usually). ExpressVPN is pricey, and they don’t really offer super long-term deals like 3-year plans at a huge discount. So you are paying a premium. But if you crave reliability and slightly smoother streaming access, many find it worthwhile.

Get ExpressVPN Now →

Honorable Mentions

ProtonVPN

A security-focused VPN from the ProtonMail team in Switzerland. It’s one of the best for privacy purists – strict no-logs, open-source clients, and a decent free plan (limited speeds). ProtonVPN has fewer servers (around 2000 in 60+ countries) and its speeds are improving with WireGuard. It’s not as media-centric, but great for privacy and the paid plans help support their free offerings.

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.

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.

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).

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 stream a lot and want a proven track record there, ExpressVPN is a great bet (if you’re okay with the cost).

Don’t discount others like ProtonVPN for privacy or Mullvad for anonymity if those are your main concerns, even though they might not top the streaming charts. Either way, you’ll be getting a top-tier VPN in terms of privacy and performance. Both will encrypt your connection, hide your IP, unblock content, and protect you on Wi-Fi. Whichever you pick, remember to use those security features (enable the kill switch, try MultiHop if you need extra anonymity, etc.). And enjoy browsing freely and safely – the internet is a lot better when you have a trustworthy VPN watching your back.