Best VPN Services 2025

Quick VPN Comparison Table

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the top VPN services for 2025. We've evaluated each provider based on pricing, server network, connection speeds, security features, and overall performance to help you make an informed decision.

VPN Provider	Price/mo	Servers	Speed	Rating	Action
NordVPN TOP PICK	$3.99	5,500+ in 60 countries	Excellent	⭐ 4.7/5	Get NordVPN →
ExpressVPN	$6.67	3,000+ in 94 countries	Excellent	⭐ 4.6/5	Get ExpressVPN →
Surfshark BEST VALUE	$2.49	3,200+ in 100 countries	Very Good	⭐ 4.5/5	Get Surfshark →
CyberGhost	$2.19	9,000+ in 91 countries	Good	⭐ 4.3/5	Get CyberGhost →
Private Internet Access	$2.19	35,000+ in 84 countries	Very Good	⭐ 4.4/5	Get PIA →

Detailed VPN Provider Reviews

Now let's dive deeper into each VPN service. We've tested these providers extensively to evaluate their performance, security features, ease of use, and value for money. Whether you're looking for the fastest VPN, the most secure option, or the best value, you'll find detailed insights below.

What is a VPN and Why Do You Need One?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel to a VPN server, which then connects to the websites and services you want to access. This process masks your real IP address and location, making it appear as if you're browsing from the VPN server's location.

In today's digital age, VPNs have become essential tools for protecting your online privacy and security. Here are the main reasons why you need a VPN:

How to Choose the Best VPN Service

With hundreds of VPN services available, choosing the right one can be challenging. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a VPN provider:

Security and Privacy Features

The primary purpose of a VPN is to protect your privacy and security. Look for these essential features:

• Strong Encryption: AES-256 encryption is the industry standard and is considered unbreakable with current technology.
• No-Logs Policy: The VPN provider should not keep logs of your browsing activity, connection times, or IP addresses. Look for providers with independently audited no-logs policies.
• Kill Switch: This feature automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP address from being exposed.
• DNS Leak Protection: Ensures your DNS requests are routed through the VPN tunnel, not through your ISP.
• Secure Protocols: Modern protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN offer the best balance of security and speed.

Connection Speed and Performance

VPNs inevitably slow down your internet connection due to encryption overhead and the distance to VPN servers. However, premium VPN services minimize this impact. When evaluating speed:

• Look for VPNs with minimal speed loss (less than 20% reduction)
• Check if the VPN has servers near your physical location
• Consider VPNs that use modern, fast protocols like WireGuard or proprietary optimized protocols
• Read independent speed test results from reputable tech publications

Server Network and Locations

A larger server network provides several benefits:

• Better Performance: More servers mean less crowding and faster speeds
• More Location Options: Access content from more countries
• Reliability: If one server is down or slow, you have many alternatives
• Specialized Servers: Some VPNs offer servers optimized for streaming, torrenting, or gaming

Streaming and Unblocking Capabilities

If you plan to use your VPN for streaming, ensure it can reliably unblock the platforms you want to access. Not all VPNs work with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or other streaming services that actively block VPN traffic. The VPNs in our comparison are all tested and confirmed to work with major streaming platforms.

Device Compatibility and Simultaneous Connections

Check that the VPN supports all your devices (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, smart TVs). Also consider how many devices you need to protect simultaneously. Most VPNs allow 5-7 connections, while some like Surfshark and Private Internet Access offer unlimited connections.

Price and Value for Money

VPN pricing varies significantly. Monthly plans are typically expensive ($10-13/month), while long-term plans (1-2 years) offer substantial discounts ($2-7/month). Consider:

• Your budget and how long you're willing to commit
• Money-back guarantee period (usually 30-45 days)
• Features included in the price (simultaneous connections, extra features)
• Payment methods accepted (credit card, PayPal, cryptocurrency for anonymity)

Customer Support

Good customer support is essential, especially if you're new to VPNs. Look for:

• 24/7 live chat support
• Comprehensive knowledge base and setup guides
• Email support with reasonable response times
• Active community forums

VPN Use Cases: Streaming, Gaming, Privacy & More

Streaming Netflix and Other Services

VPNs are incredibly popular for accessing geo-restricted streaming content. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all excel at unblocking Netflix libraries from different countries, as well as BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. Simply connect to a server in the country whose content you want to access, and you'll be able to stream as if you were physically located there.

Online Gaming

Gamers use VPNs for several reasons: accessing games released in other regions first, protecting against DDoS attacks, and reducing ping on some connections. ExpressVPN and NordVPN are excellent choices for gaming due to their fast speeds and low latency. However, keep in mind that VPNs can sometimes increase ping, so choose a server close to the game server for best performance.

Torrenting and P2P File Sharing

If you download torrents, a VPN is essential for protecting your privacy and avoiding copyright notices from your ISP. Private Internet Access is particularly popular among torrent users due to its port forwarding feature, which improves download speeds. NordVPN and Surfshark also offer P2P-optimized servers and allow torrenting on all servers.

Remote Work and Business

With remote work becoming more common, VPNs are essential for securely accessing company networks and protecting sensitive business data. When working from cafes, co-working spaces, or home networks, a VPN ensures your work communications and data remain secure. All the VPNs in our comparison are suitable for remote work, with ExpressVPN and NordVPN being particularly reliable.

Bypassing Censorship

In countries with internet censorship (like China, Iran, or Turkey), VPNs are crucial for accessing blocked websites and services. ExpressVPN and NordVPN are known to work reliably in restrictive countries thanks to their obfuscation features, which disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions About VPNs

Are VPNs legal?

Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, and most of Europe. However, some countries like China, Russia, Iran, and the UAE have restrictions on VPN use. Even in these countries, using a VPN is typically not illegal, but VPN providers may be required to register with the government. Always check local laws before using a VPN.

Can I use a free VPN instead?

While free VPNs exist, we strongly recommend against using them. Free VPNs often have severe limitations: slow speeds, data caps, limited server selection, and weak security. More concerningly, many free VPNs make money by logging and selling your browsing data to advertisers, defeating the entire purpose of using a VPN. Some free VPNs have even been caught injecting ads or malware. If budget is a concern, consider affordable paid options like Surfshark or CyberGhost, which offer excellent value for money.

Will a VPN slow down my internet?

Yes, VPNs do reduce your internet speed to some degree due to encryption overhead and the distance to VPN servers. However, premium VPN services minimize this impact. With top-tier VPNs like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, you can expect a speed reduction of 10-20%, which is barely noticeable for most activities including HD streaming and gaming. In some cases, VPNs can actually improve speeds by bypassing ISP throttling.

Can I use a VPN on my phone?

Absolutely! All the VPNs in our comparison offer dedicated apps for iOS and Android. Mobile VPN apps are just as secure as desktop versions and are essential for protecting your privacy when using mobile data or public Wi-Fi on your smartphone or tablet.

Do VPNs work with Netflix?

Yes, but not all VPNs can unblock Netflix. Netflix actively blocks many VPN IP addresses, so you need a VPN that regularly updates its servers to stay ahead of these blocks. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all work reliably with Netflix and can access libraries from multiple countries.

Can my ISP see that I'm using a VPN?

Your ISP can see that you're connected to a VPN server, but they cannot see what you're doing online or what websites you're visiting. All they see is encrypted data flowing between your device and the VPN server. If you want to hide VPN usage from your ISP, look for VPNs with obfuscation features like NordVPN's obfuscated servers.

How many devices can I connect simultaneously?

This varies by provider. Most VPNs allow 5-7 simultaneous connections, which is enough for most users. However, Surfshark and Private Internet Access offer unlimited simultaneous connections, making them ideal for families or users with many devices.

What's the difference between a VPN and a proxy?

While both VPNs and proxies can mask your IP address, VPNs are far more secure and comprehensive. VPNs encrypt all your internet traffic and work at the operating system level, protecting all apps and services. Proxies only work with specific applications (usually web browsers), don't encrypt your traffic, and offer minimal privacy protection. For serious privacy and security, always choose a VPN over a proxy.