Top 7 VPNs for 2025: Tested and Reviewed

After nearly a decade of testing VPNs, one thing has remained consistently clear: not all VPNs are created equal. Some excel in unblocking content and providing seamless streaming experiences, while others prioritize robust security and privacy protections. These services cater to a range of budgets, including some free options.

Choosing the right VPN for your needs can be challenging, but I've conducted extensive tests to help you make an informed decision. My evaluations include server speed tests, streaming service accessibility from different regions, DNS leak checks, privacy policy reviews, and customer support assessments. This thorough approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the top VPN services available in 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

If you're unsure about what a VPN is or how it works, let me clarify: a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet connection and masks your virtual location. By routing your traffic through a secure, encrypted tunnel to a server in your chosen location, a VPN not only protects you from hackers and snoopers but also allows 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 every aspect, offering fast speeds, a vast server network, reliable unblocking, and uncompromised security and privacy. With over 12,000 servers in 117 countries, it's easy to find a fast server and bypass geo-blocking, including for services like Netflix. While the MacOS app could use some aesthetic improvements, the Windows, Android, and iOS apps are user-friendly and recently updated. Proton VPN's strong security features and true no-logs policy set it apart, and it even allows anonymous cash payments.

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 top choice for streaming, offering fast speeds and powerful unblocking capabilities. With servers in 105 countries, it's a reliable all-rounder that's easy for beginners to use. During testing, I found no DNS or IP leaks, and the 256-bit AES encryption and kill switch worked flawlessly. While it lacks some of Surfshark's extras, ExpressVPN includes a password manager and supports up to 10 devices when set up with a router.

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 renowned for its speed and extensive feature set, making it ideal for gaming. With over 7,000 servers in 118 countries, including 2,000 in the U.S., it's excellent for unblocking services like Netflix and Peacock. The proprietary NordLynx protocol ensures high speeds, and regular updates bring new features. While the server map in the app might not appeal to everyone, the overall accessibility and security features make NordVPN a strong choice.

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 device connections and extensive feature set. With over 3,000 servers in 100 countries, including nearly two dozen U.S. cities, it's fast enough for streaming and gaming. Surfshark offers robust security with 256-bit AES and ChaCha20 encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. Additional features like Alternative ID and antivirus make it a comprehensive choice, though single-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 offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for households with multiple devices. With over 2,400 servers, including 1,400 in North America, it's reliable for streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Speed tests across various locations showed impressive results, ensuring lag-free streaming and gaming. While it lacks Smart DNS and browser extensions, IPVanish includes Threat Protection and offers advanced features in its higher tiers.

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 user-friendly and accessible, with apps for desktop, mobile, and Amazon Fire TV, as well as Chrome browser extensions. Its server network spans 100 countries, and the desktop apps show server load, making it easy to choose the best connection. CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee and a 24-hour free trial without requiring a credit card. While it lacks some advanced features and an Apple TV app, it remains a solid choice.

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's fast and uses the WireGuard protocol, it's not recommended for streaming due to limited unblocking capabilities. With fewer servers and locations than most, Mullvad focuses on privacy, offering a strict no-logs policy and anonymous signup without requiring an email address. It accepts cash and Monero payments, and while it lacks some features and live chat support, it's ideal for those who value anonymity.

How We Picked the Best VPN Services

Selecting the best VPNs involved evaluating several key factors:

• Fast, consistent connections: VPNs should not significantly slow your connection. I tested speeds across multiple server locations and times to ensure reliability, and also assessed performance during streaming and gaming.
• Strong unblocking ability: Quality VPNs should have servers worldwide to facilitate fast connections and unblock geo-restricted content. I tested each VPN's ability to access streaming platforms.
• Keeps data secure: VPNs must use strong encryption like 256-bit AES or ChaCha20. I conducted DNS and IP leak tests to ensure data security.
• Respects your privacy: I reviewed each VPN's privacy policy to ensure no identifying logs are kept 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 VPN service that best fits your needs. Proton VPN is our top pick.
2. Download and install the VPN on your devices. All recommended VPNs allow at least seven simultaneous connections.
3. Open the VPN app and log in if prompted. Connect to a server in your preferred location.
4. Your connection is now secure, with your real IP address hidden and traffic encrypted.
5. If you encounter issues unblocking content, clear your browser's cache and cookies.

VPN FAQs

Are VPNs legal to use?

VPNs are legal in most countries, though some like China and Russia have restrictions. Always check local laws before using a VPN.

Will a VPN slow my internet speed?

VPNs can slightly slow your internet due to encryption and rerouting, but the best VPNs use fast protocols and don't throttle bandwidth, minimizing any noticeable impact.

Can I use a VPN to access Netflix?

Netflix blocks VPNs to enforce copyright and licensing agreements, but some VPNs can bypass these restrictions, including several on 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 log and sell your data. They're generally unsuitable for anything beyond basic browsing.