Top 7 VPNs for 2025: Tested and Reviewed

Having spent nearly a decade testing VPNs, it became abundantly clear to me from the start—a truth that holds firm even today: not all VPNs are created equal. Some excel in unblocking content and providing seamless streaming experiences, while others prioritize robust security and privacy. These VPNs cater to a range of budgets, with some even offering free options.

The challenge lies in selecting the best VPN tailored to your specific needs. To simplify this process, I've rigorously tested dozens of VPNs, evaluating their performance across various metrics. This included measuring server speeds, accessing streaming services from abroad, checking for DNS leaks, reviewing privacy policies, and even reaching out to each VPN's support team to assess their responsiveness and quality of service. This comprehensive approach ensures a fair and accurate assessment of the top VPN services for 2025.

TL;DR: These Are the Best VPN Services:

### Proton VPN

0See it at Proton VPN### ExpressVPN

0See it at ExpressVPN### NordVPN

0See it at NordVPN### Surfshark

0See it at Surfshark### IPVanish

0See it at IPVanish### CyberGhost

0See it at CyberGhost### Mullvad

0See it at Mullvad

Still not sure exactly what a VPN is or how it works? A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that encrypts your internet connection and allows you to mask your virtual location. Upon connecting to a VPN, your traffic is routed through a secure, encrypted tunnel to a server in your chosen location. This encryption shields you from hackers and snoopers, and by hiding your IP address, a VPN enables you to bypass geographic content restrictions.

1. Proton VPN

The Best VPN

### Proton VPN

0See it at Proton VPN

Product Specifications:

• Pricing: Starting from $4.49/mo.
• Simultaneous connections: 10
• Servers: 12,000+
• Countries: 117
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, Apple TV

PROS:

• One of the largest server networks
• Privacy-friendly with a no-logs policy

CONS:

• MacOS app could do with a facelift

Proton VPN excels in multiple areas. It boasts impressive speed, a vast server network, reliable unblocking capabilities, and maintains strong security and privacy standards. With over 12,000 servers in 117 countries, finding a fast server near your location is effortless, and it effectively bypasses geo-blocking, including Netflix. While the MacOS app could use some visual enhancements, the Windows, Android, and iOS apps have recently been updated for better usability. Proton VPN's commitment to privacy is underscored by its true no-logs policy and the option to pay anonymously in cash.

2. ExpressVPN

Best VPN for Streaming

### ExpressVPN

0See it at ExpressVPN

Product Specifications:

• Pricing: Starting from $4.99/mo.
• Simultaneous connections: 8
• Servers: Undisclosed
• Countries: 105
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

PROS:

• Highly consistent unblocker
• Includes a password manager

CONS:

• Fairly expensive subscription prices

ExpressVPN is a strong contender, especially for streaming. It's user-friendly yet powerful, offering fast speeds and reliable unblocking. Although it has fewer servers than Proton VPN and NordVPN, covering 105 countries, the connections remain high-speed and interruption-free. Testing showed no DNS or IP leaks, and it uses 256-bit AES encryption with a reliable kill switch. While it may not have as many features as Surfshark, it includes a password manager and supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, extendable through router setup.

3. NordVPN

Best VPN for Gaming

### NordVPN

0See it at NordVPN

Product Specifications:

• Pricing: Starting from $3.09/mo.
• Simultaneous connections: 10
• Servers: 7,000+
• Countries: 118
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

PROS:

• Among the fastest VPNs
• Vast array of features

CONS:

• App’s server map feels clumsy

NordVPN is a household name in the VPN industry, and it lives up to its reputation. With over 7,000 servers across 118 countries, including 2,000 in 16 U.S. cities, it's ideal for accessing U.S.-based content. Its proprietary NordLynx protocol ensures top speeds, making it the best choice for gamers. NordVPN continually updates and adds features, including Threat Protection Pro for ad and tracker blocking, a password manager, and data breach scanning. While the server map in the app might not appeal to everyone, the overall accessibility remains high.

4. Surfshark

Best VPN for Extra Features

### Surfshark

0See it at Surfshark

Product Specifications:

• Pricing: Starting from $1.99/mo.
• Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
• Servers: 3,000+
• Countries: 100
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

PROS:

• Servers in two dozen US cities
• Many extras even on the lowest tier

CONS:

• Expensive single-month plans

Surfshark stands out for its unlimited simultaneous connections, making it perfect for households with multiple devices. With over 3,000 servers in 100 countries, including nearly two dozen U.S. cities, it delivers fast enough speeds for streaming and gaming. It provides robust security with 256-bit AES and ChaCha20 encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and MultiHop servers. Surfshark also offers numerous extras like email masking and antivirus protection, although its one-month plans are pricey.

5. IPVanish

Best VPN for Unlimited Devices

### IPVanish

0See it at IPVanish

Product Specifications:

• Pricing: Starting from $2.19/mo.
• Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
• Servers: 2,400+
• Countries: 100
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

PROS:

• Hugely improved speeds
• Various new features

CONS:

• No Smart DNS or browser extensions

IPVanish has expanded its server network to 2,400 servers, with over 1,400 in North America, making it a reliable choice for streaming U.S. content. Speed tests in the U.S., UK, and Japan showed significant improvements, ensuring lag-free streaming and gaming. It supports unlimited simultaneous connections, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Both subscription tiers include Threat Protection, with the Advanced tier offering additional features like a secure browser and cloud storage. However, it lacks Smart DNS and browser extensions.

*Disclosure: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, IGN's parent company.*

6. CyberGhost

Best VPN with a Free Trial

### CyberGhost

0See it at CyberGhost

Product Specifications:

• Pricing: Starting from $2.03/mo.
• Simultaneous connections: 7
• Servers: Undisclosed
• Countries: 100
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV

PROS:

• Large server network
• Generous money-back guarantee

CONS:

• Still lacks an Apple TV app

CyberGhost is highly accessible with apps for various platforms, including Amazon Fire TV, and browser extensions for Chrome. Its user-friendly interface displays server load, enhancing usability. Although it no longer discloses its server count, its network spans 100 countries. CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee and a 24-hour free trial without requiring a credit card. However, it lacks advanced features like Double VPN servers and an Apple TV app.

7. Mullvad

Best VPN for Anonymity

### Mullvad

0See it at Mullvad

Product Specifications:

• Pricing: €5/mo. (~$5.65)
• Simultaneous connections: 5
• Servers: 700+
• Countries: 44
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux

PROS:

• Flat monthly rate
• Anonymous signup

CONS:

• No live chat support

Mullvad prioritizes privacy and security above all else. While it uses the fast WireGuard protocol, it's not recommended for streaming due to its limited unblocking capabilities and fewer servers. Mullvad stands out for its anonymous signup process, not requiring an email address, and instead generates a random account number. It offers a flat monthly rate of €5 and accepts cash and Monero, ensuring privacy. However, it lacks additional features and live chat support.

How We Picked the Best VPN Services

Selecting the best VPNs involves a meticulous process, focusing on key aspects:

• Fast, consistent connections: VPNs should not significantly slow your connection. I connected to three server locations and measured speeds at different times over several days, ensuring reliability. Streaming and gaming tests confirmed performance during high-bandwidth tasks.
• Strong unblocking ability: Quality VPNs have servers in numerous countries, aiding in faster connections and unblocking geo-restricted content. Each VPN's servers were tested against streaming platforms to evaluate unblocking efficiency.
• Keeps data secure: VPNs must use strong encryption like 256-bit AES or ChaCha20. I conducted DNS and IP leak tests to ensure no data escapes the VPN tunnel.
• Respects your privacy: Many VPNs fail to respect user privacy by keeping logs. I reviewed each VPN's privacy policy and prioritized those with independently audited no-logs policies.

How to Use the Best VPN: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up and using a VPN is straightforward:

1. Sign up with the best VPN service that suits your needs. Proton VPN is our top pick.
2. Download and install the VPN on your devices. Recommended VPNs allow at least seven simultaneous connections per account.
3. Open the VPN app and log in if prompted. Connect to a server in your preferred location, such as a U.S. server for a U.S. IP address.
4. Your connection is now secure. Browse more privately as your real IP address is hidden and your traffic is encrypted.
5. If you encounter issues unblocking content, clear your browser's cache and cookies to help websites forget your previous IP address and location.

VPN FAQs

Are VPNs legal to use?

Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries, with exceptions like China and Russia where their use is regulated. Always check local laws for safety.

Will a VPN slow my internet speed?

VPNs can slightly slow your internet speed due to encryption and rerouting. However, top VPNs use fast protocols and do not throttle bandwidth, ensuring minimal impact, even when streaming.

Can I use a VPN to access Netflix?

Netflix blocks VPNs to enforce copyright and licensing agreements. However, some VPNs can bypass these restrictions, and several are included in our best VPN list.

Why not just use a free VPN instead?

Free VPNs often have limited servers and locations, cap data and speed, and may compromise your privacy by logging and selling your data. They are unsuitable for anything beyond basic browsing.