Best VPN Services in 2025 — Tested and Reviewed

Why You Still Need a VPN in 2025

Despite the widespread adoption of HTTPS, VPNs remain essential tools for protecting your privacy online. A VPN encrypts all your internet traffic and routes it through a secure server, hiding your IP address and browsing activity from your ISP, network administrators, and potential hackers on public Wi-Fi networks. Beyond privacy, VPNs are invaluable for accessing geo-restricted content, bypassing censorship, and securing remote work connections.

We tested nine popular VPN services over four weeks, measuring connection speeds across 50+ server locations, evaluating privacy policies and security audits, testing streaming platform compatibility, and assessing ease of use across all platforms.

1. NordVPN — Best Overall

NordVPN continues to lead the VPN market with its combination of speed, security, and features. The proprietary NordLynx protocol delivers blazing-fast speeds — we measured less than 10% speed reduction on nearby servers, which is among the best in the industry. With over 6,000 servers in 111 countries, you will always find a fast, reliable connection wherever you are.

Security credentials are strong: NordVPN has completed multiple independent audits of its no-logs policy, uses RAM-only servers that cannot store data permanently, and offers advanced features like Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and Threat Protection that blocks malware and trackers. Streaming compatibility is excellent — NordVPN consistently unblocks Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video across regions.

2. ExpressVPN — Best for Streaming

ExpressVPN has built its reputation on reliability and ease of use. The Lightway protocol is fast and efficient, and the apps across all platforms are the most polished and intuitive of any VPN we tested. Setup takes under two minutes, and switching servers is instant. For non-technical users who want a VPN that simply works without configuration, ExpressVPN is the best choice.

Where ExpressVPN truly shines is streaming. It successfully unblocked every streaming platform we tested, including notoriously difficult services like Netflix Japan and DAZN. The MediaStreamer feature extends VPN coverage to devices that do not natively support VPN apps, like smart TVs and gaming consoles.

3. Surfshark — Best Budget VPN

Surfshark offers one of the best value propositions in the VPN market. At just $2.29 per month on a two-year plan, it is significantly cheaper than NordVPN and ExpressVPN while delivering comparable performance. The standout feature is unlimited simultaneous connections — one subscription covers every device in your household, making it the most cost-effective choice for families.

Performance is solid, with the WireGuard protocol delivering fast speeds on most servers. Surfshark also includes CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the VPN level, and MultiHop, which routes your connection through two servers for additional privacy.

4. Proton VPN — Best for Privacy

Proton VPN comes from the team behind ProtonMail, and privacy is woven into every aspect of the service. Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws, Proton VPN is one of the few providers that offers a genuinely usable free tier — unlimited data, no ads, and access to servers in five countries. The Secure Core feature routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries before reaching the destination, adding an extra layer of protection.

All apps are open source and have been independently audited. For journalists, activists, or anyone in high-risk environments, Proton VPN's commitment to privacy and transparency is unmatched.

Comparison Table

Our Verdict

NordVPN is the best overall VPN for most users — fast, secure, and feature-rich. ExpressVPN is the premium choice for streaming enthusiasts. Surfshark is unbeatable on value. And Proton VPN is the top choice for privacy-focused users, with the best free tier in the market.