The Best VPN Services of 2025

VPN Services are essential for safeguarding online privacy, bypassing geo-restrictions, and securing internet connections.

In an era where cyber threats, data breaches, and government surveillance are rampant, VPNs have become a necessity for both casual users and professionals.

Why Use a VPN?

65% of VPN users feel safer browsing with a VPN, though only 25% understand that it primarily protects them from ISP tracking.
The global VPN market is projected to exceed $107.5 billion by 2027, reflecting growing demand for privacy tools.
NordVPN, one of the fastest VPNs, maintains an average speed loss of just 5%, making it ideal for streaming and gaming.
Surfshark offers unlimited device connections, making it perfect for large househol. ds
ExpressVPN operates under British Virgin Islands jurisdiction, ensuring strong privacy protections.

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, masking your IP address and preventing third parties—such as hackers, ISPs, or government agencies—from monitoring your online activities. Whether you’re accessing Netflix libraries, torrenting securely, or working remotely on public Wi-Fi, a VPN ensures anonymity and security.

NordVPN

NordVPN is the top-rated VPN in 2025, offering military-grade encryption, ultra-fast speeds, and a strict no-logs policy.

Based in Panama (outside Five/Nine/Fourteen Eyes jurisdictions), it ensures maximum privacy. NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) delivers blazing-fast speeds with minimal latency, making it ideal for 4K streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

It also includes Threat Protection Pro, which blocks malware, ads, and phishing attempts even when the VPN is off. With 7,400+ servers in 118 countries, NordVPN reliably unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more.

Pros:

✔ Fastest speeds (only 5% speed loss)

✔ Strict no-logs policy (audited five times)

✔ 7,400+ servers in 118 countries

✔ Threat Protection Pro (malware & ad blocker)

✔ Double VPN & Onion Over VPN for extra security

Cons:

✖ Expensive renewal prices after initial discount

✖ Limited P2P-optimized servers

Key Features:

AES-256 encryption
Dark Web Monitor (alerts for leaked credentials)
Meshnet (secure file sharing between devices)
Dedicated IP option ($70/year)

Pricing:

3.09/month (2 year plan)
$12.99/month (1-month plan)

Surfshark

Surfshark is a budget-friendly yet powerful VPN, offering unlimited simultaneous connections—perfect for families or multiple devices. It boasts 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, strong AES-256 encryption, and a no-logs policy.

Surfshark’s Dynamic MultiHop routes traffic through two servers for extra security, while CleanWeb blocks ads and malware. Despite its low cost, it unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer effortlessly.

Surfshark is based in the Netherlands (a 14 Eyes country), but its strong privacy measures mitigate risks.

Pros:

✔ Unlimited device connections

✔ Affordable long-term plans ($1.99/month)

✔ Dynamic MultiHop & Camouflage Mode

✔ Works with major streaming services

Cons:

✖ Inconsistent speeds on some servers

✖ Netherlands jurisdiction (14 Eyes)

Key Features:

NoBorders mode (bypasses censorship)
GPS spoofing (Android only)
Whitelister (split tunneling)

Pricing:

1.99/month(2−yearplan)
$15.45/month (monthly plan)

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN remains a top-tier premium VPN in 2025, renowned for its blazing-fast speeds, robust security, and ability to unblock geo-restricted streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.

Based in the British Virgin Islands (outside surveillance alliances), it operates 3,000+ RAM-only servers across 105 countries, ensuring no data is stored on hard drives.

Its proprietary Lightway protocol minimizes speed loss (average 77% retention rate), making it ideal for 4K streaming and gaming.

ExpressVPN also includes Threat Manager (blocks trackers) and split tunneling for selective traffic routing.

Pros:

✔ Unmatched speeds (Lightway protocol reduces latency)

✔ Proven no-logs policy (audited multiple times)

✔ Works with 20+ Netflix libraries and other streaming services

✔ TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers for enhanced security)

✔ 24/7 live chat support

Cons:

✖ Expensive (highest pricing among top VPNs)

✖ Only 8 simultaneous connections

✖ No dedicated IPs (except for an extra fee)

Key Features:

AES-256 encryption + Perfect Forward Secrecy
Kill switch (Network Lock) on all devices
Obfuscated servers to bypass VPN blocks
Router app for whole-network protection

Pricing:

$4.99/month (2-year plan + 4 months free)
$12.95/month (1-month plan)
30-day money-back guarantee

Proton VPN

Proton VPN, developed by the Swiss-based Proton AG (creators of Proton Mail), is a privacy-first VPN with a strict no-logs policy and open-source apps.

It offers 12,000+ servers in 117 countries, including Secure Core (double VPN) servers in Iceland, Switzerland, and Sweden for extra anonymity.

Proton VPN’s free plan is the only ad-free, unlimited-data free VPN recommended by experts, though it restricts server selection.

Paid plans support 10 simultaneous connections and unblock Netflix, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer.

Pros:

✔ Strong privacy focus (Swiss jurisdiction, audited no-logs)

✔ Free plan with unlimited data (rare among VPNs)

✔ Secure Core servers for double encryption

✔ Port forwarding (improves torrenting speeds)

✔ Transparent company (non-profit foundation-backed)

Cons:

✖ Slower speeds on distant servers (e.g., 31% loss in Singapore)

✖ No 24/7 live chat (email support only for free users)

✖ Confusing macOS kill switch

Key Features:

WireGuard and Stealth protocols (bypasses censorship)
NetShield (blocks ads, trackers, and malware)
Linux GUI app (rare among VPNs)
Permanent kill switch option

Pricing:

Free plan (limited servers, 1 device)
$3.59/month (2-year plan)
$9.99/month (1-month plan)

Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a cost-effective VPN with a no-logs policy and unlimited simultaneous connections.

It operates 35,000+ servers in 91 countries, making it ideal for torrenting and streaming. PIA uses AES-256 encryption and offers split tunneling, port forwarding, and MACE (ad/tracker blocker).

Despite being based in the U.S. (Five Eyes jurisdiction), PIA has proven its no-logs claims in court twice, adding credibility to its privacy claims.

It supports WireGuard (for speed) and OpenVPN (for security) and reliably unblocks Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

Pros:

✔ Unlimited device connections

✔ Proven no-logs policy (court-verified)

✔ Port forwarding for torrenting

✔ Affordable long-term plans ($2.03/month)

Cons:

✖ U.S. jurisdiction (Five Eyes alliance)

✖ Inconsistent speeds on distant servers

✖ Clunky app interface

Key Features:

MACE ad/tracker blocker

Dedicated IP option ($2.50/month extra)

SOCKS5 proxy for faster P2P

Linux GUI app

Pricing:

2.03/month∗∗(3−yearplan)
$11.95/month (1-month plan)

CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN, owned by Kape Technologies, boasts 11,700+ servers in 100 countries, including streaming-optimized servers for Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Its NoSpy servers (located in Romania) offer extra privacy.

CyberGhost uses AES-256 encryption and includes automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling. While based in Romania (privacy-friendly), its parent company’s history raises minor transparency concerns.

Pros:

✔ Dedicated streaming servers

✔ 45-day money-back guarantee

✔ User-friendly apps for beginners

✔ NoSpy servers for enhanced privacy

Cons:

✖ Owned by Kape Technologies (past controversies)

✖ Slower speeds compared to NordVPN/ExpressVPN

✖ Limited advanced features

Key Features:

Smart Rules (automated VPN triggers)
WireGuard support
7 simultaneous connections

Pricing:

$2.19/month (2-year plan)
$12.99/month (1-month plan)

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield uses Catapult Hydra protocol, delivering exceptional speeds (average 5% speed loss) but sacrifices some privacy due to U.S. jurisdiction. It unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu reliably.

The free version has a 10 GB/month cap, while premium offers unlimited data. Hotspot Shield’s AES-256 encryption and kill switch provide basic security, but its logging policy is less transparent than competitors.

Pros:

✔ Blazing-fast speeds (ideal for 4K streaming)

✔ Free plan available

✔ Works in China (obfuscation enabled)

Cons:

✖ U.S. jurisdiction

✖ Free plan has ads and data limits

✖ Limited server network (35 countries)

Key Features:

Catapult Hydra protocol
Gaming mode (reduces ping)
1Password integration (Premium plan)

Pricing:

Free plan (10 GB/month)
$7.99/month (Premium plan)

Norton Secure VPN

Norton Secure VPN, from the antivirus giant, offers bank-grade encryption and ad-tracker blocking. It lacks advanced features but integrates seamlessly with Norton 360 suites.

With servers in 31 countries, it’s best for casual users needing basic privacy. Norton logs connection timestamps, raising minor privacy concerns.

Pros:

✔ Trusted brand (Norton)

✔ Blocks ad trackers

✔ Simple interface

Cons:

✖ Logs connection metadata

✖ Small server network

✖ No WireGuard support

Key Features:

Wi-Fi security alerts
Split tunneling (Windows/Android only)

Pricing:

$3.33/month (1-year plan)
$4.99/month (1-month plan)

UltraVPN

UltraVPN is a lightweight VPN with AES-256 encryption and servers in 125+ countries. It unblocks Netflix and BBC iPlayer but struggles in restrictive regions like China.

Based in the U.S., it lacks transparency reports but offers a 30-day refund policy. Ideal for users prioritizing ease of use over advanced features.

Pros:

✔ Simple, intuitive apps

✔ Good for streaming

✔ Budget-friendly

Cons:

✖ U.S. jurisdiction

✖ No independent audits

✖ Limited customer support

Pricing:

$2.99/month (2-year plan)
$7.99/month (1-month plan)

Which VPN is Right For You?

1. What’s Your Primary Use for a VPN?

Streaming (Netflix, Disney+, etc.) → NordVPN
Torrenting & Privacy → Proton VPN
Budget-Friendly with Unlimited Devices → Surfshark
Advanced Security (Double VPN, Obfuscation) → ExpressVPN

2. How Important Is Speed?

Critical (4K streaming/gaming) → Hotspot Shield
Moderate (General browsing) → CyberGhost
Not a Priority (Privacy > Speed) → Mullvad
Free Option (Limited Speed OK) → Proton VPN Free

3. How Many Devices Need Protection?

Just 1-2 → ExpressVPN
3-5 → NordVPN
5+ (Family/Household) → Surfshark
Router (Whole Network) → Private Internet Access

4. What’s Your Budget?

Premium (Best Features, No Compromises) → ExpressVPN ($4.99/month)
Mid-Range (Balance of Price/Performance) → NordVPN ($3.09/month)
Budget (Under 3/month)→PIA(2.03/month)
Free → Proton VPN Free (No ads, unlimited data)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is using a VPN legal?

Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries, including the U.S., U.K., and Canada. However, some nations (e.g., China, Russia, Iran) restrict or ban VPN usage. Always check local laws before connecting.

2. Will a VPN slow down my internet?

Top-tier VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN minimize speed loss (<10%). Free VPNs often throttle speeds due to overcrowded servers.

3. Can I use a VPN for torrenting?

Yes! Choose VPNs with P2P support and port forwarding, like Proton VPN or Private Internet Access. Avoid U.S.-based providers (e.g., Hotspot Shield) for torrenting.

4. Do VPNs work with Netflix?

Most premium VPNs (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark) reliably unblock Netflix. Free VPNs usually fail due to IP blacklists.

5. Are free VPNs safe?

Proton VPN’s free plan is the only reputable option. Avoid others—they may log data, inject ads, or sell your browsing history.