Having tested dozens of VPNs over the years for my cybersecurity clients and personal use, I’ve learned that the best VPN isn’t always the most expensive or the most advertised.
In this guide I will cut through the clutter and bring you what works. You don’t need to spend countless hours reading reviews or researching the best VPN for your needs.
Let’s dive into the top contenders for 2025, based on extensive testing and real-world performance.
Why You Need a VPN in 2025 🔒
Before we jump into the list, here’s why VPNs matter more than ever:
- Increased data privacy regulations
- Rise in cybercrime incidents
- Streaming service geo-restrictions
- Public Wi-Fi vulnerabilities
- Online tracking prevention
Quick Selection Guide for Specific Needs:
- 🎮 Best for Gaming: NordVPN or CyberGhost
- 🎬 Best for Streaming: ExpressVPN or Surfshark
- 💼 Best for Business: ExpressVPN or ProtonVPN
- 💰 Best Budget Option: Surfshark
- 🔒 Best Privacy: ProtonVPN or Hide.me
Now that you have in mind what suits your needs from the quick selection above, let’s explore what each VPN have to offer.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is superior to ExpressVPN both in server fleet size and country coverage. ExpressVPN is more expensive than NordVPN unless you choose a monthly subscription.
NordVPN is our winner for the best VPN for 2025.
Price: $3.89/month (2-year plan) | Black Friday deal: 74% off NordVPN
- 6000+ servers in 111 countries (surpasses Express VPN)
- NordLynx protocol for superior speeds
- Dark web monitoring included
- Built-in malware protection
- 6 simultaneous connections
Standout Feature: Threat Protection feature
Compatibility: Supports all major platforms including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Firefox/Chrome extensions, Android TV, and gaming consoles through router configuration.
Best Suited For: Perfect for security-conscious users, journalists, and businesses who need advanced features like double VPN and dark web monitoring.
Expert Take: NordVPN offers the best balance of security features and a user-friendly interface in 2025 and beyond.
2. ExpressVPN
Price: $4.99/month (2-Year Plan) | Black Friday VPN deal: Up to 6 extra months free
- Lightning-fast speeds (tested at 89.42 Mbps average)
- 2,000+ servers in 105 countries
- TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers)
- Unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and more
- 5 simultaneous connections
Standout Feature: Proprietary Lightway Protocol
Compatibility: Works seamlessly across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and Chrome/Firefox/Edge extensions with native apps for each platform.
Best Suited For: ExpressVPN is the ideal choice for tech-savvy users and families who need flawless 4K streaming, secure remote work, and consistent performance across all devices.
Expert Take: Though expensive, ExpressVPN’s superior speeds and rock-solid reliability make it worth every penny for those prioritizing performance over price.
3. Surfshark
Price: $2.49/month (2-year plan)
- Unlimited device connections
- CleanWeb 2.0 ad blocking
- Dynamic MultiHop servers
- GPS spoofing
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Standout Feature: Unlimited device support
Compatibility: Available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Fire TV, and Apple TV with unlimited simultaneous connections.
Best Suited For: Ideal for large families and small businesses needing to protect multiple devices without compromising on features or speed.
Expert Take: Surfshark delivers premium features at budget prices, making it the best-value VPN of 2025.
4. ProtonVPN
Price: $4.49/month (2-year plan) | Proton FREE VPN (Unlimited & Forever)
Save up to 70% on a secure VPN (Black Friday Deals)
- Swiss privacy laws protection
- Secure Core servers
- NetShield ad blocking
- Perfect forward secrecy
- 10 simultaneous connections
Standout Feature: Secure Core routing
Compatibility: Supports Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome OS, and smart TVs, with command-line tool access for advanced users.
Best Suited For: Perfect for privacy purists, researchers, and those handling sensitive data who need Swiss-based security and transparent operations.
Expert Take: If absolute privacy is your concern, ProtonVPN’s scientific approach to security is unmatched.
5. CyberGhost
Price: $2.03/month (2-year plan + 4 Months FREE)
- 9,200+ servers in 91 countries
- Gaming-optimized servers
- NoSpy servers
- Automatic kill switch
- 7 simultaneous connections
Standout Feature: Gaming-optimized network
Compatibility: Works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, Chrome, Firefox, and gaming consoles via router.
Best Suited For: Excellent for VPN newcomers, streaming enthusiasts, and gamers who want specialized servers without technical complexity.
Expert Take: CyberGhost makes high-end VPN features accessible to everyone with its user-friendly approach.
6. Private Internet Access
Price: $1.98/month (3-year plan) | 83% OFF + 4 Months FREE
- Open-source transparency
- MACE ad blocking
- Port forwarding
- Split tunneling
- 10 simultaneous connections
Standout Feature: Customizable encryption
Compatibility: Supports Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, browser extensions for Chrome/Firefox/Opera, and smart TVs through router configuration.
Best Suited For: Ideal for tech enthusiasts and privacy advocates who value open-source transparency and want granular control over their VPN settings.
Expert Take: PIA’s commitment to transparency and customization makes it perfect for users who like to tinker with their security settings.
7. IPVanish
Price: $2.19/month (2-year plan) | IP Vanished Advanced
- SugarSync storage included
- SOCKS5 proxy
- Unlimited connections
- On-demand server list
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Standout Feature: Built-in storage solution
Compatibility: Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV, Chrome OS, and routers with unlimited simultaneous connections.
Best Suited For: Perfect for torrent users and remote teams needing unlimited connections with included cloud storage features.
Expert Take: IPVanish’s combination of unlimited devices and SugarSync storage makes it a compelling choice for data-heavy users.
8. Hide.me
Price: $2.59/month (2-year plan)
- Multihop double VPN
- Stealth Guard
- Custom DNS options
- Dynamic port forwarding
- 10 simultaneous connections
Standout Feature: Customizable double VPN
Compatibility: Works across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, gaming consoles, and browser extensions for Chrome/Firefox/Edge.
Best Suited For: Excellent for advanced users who need highly technical features like port forwarding and custom DNS configurations.
Expert Take: Hide.me’s technical capabilities make it the go-to choice for networking enthusiasts who need precise control.
9. Windscribe
Price: $5.75/month (yearly plan)
- Build-a-plan option
- R.O.B.E.R.T ad blocking
- Flexible port forwarding
- Config generators
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Standout Feature: Custom plan building
Compatibility: Supports Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and routers with unique browser extension features.
Best Suited For: Perfect for users who want a highly customizable VPN service with flexible pricing and robust browser integration.
My Take: Windscribe’s build-a-plan option and powerful free tier make it the most flexible VPN choice of 2025.
How We Tested 📊
Our testing methodology included:
- Speed tests across multiple servers
- Streaming platform compatibility
- Security feature verification
- Leak testing (DNS, WebRTC, IPv6)
- Customer support response times
Essential Features to Consider
Security Features
- Kill switch
- DNS leak protection
- Split tunneling
- Perfect forward secrecy
- No-logs policy
Performance Factors
- Server network size
- Connection speeds
- Latency rates
- Server locations
- Network reliability
Value Additions
- Streaming capabilities
- P2P support
- Ad blocking
- Malware protection
- Multi-device support
VPN Shopping Tips 💡
Consider Your Primary Use
- Streaming: Focus on speed and server locations
- Privacy: Look for strict no-logs policies
- Gaming: Prioritize low latency
- Business: Seek advanced security features
Check Compatibility
- Device support
- Router compatibility
- Browser extensions
- Smart TV support
- Gaming console options
Latest VPN Technologies 🚀
WireGuard Integration
Most top VPNs now offer WireGuard protocol or their own implementation:
- NordLynx (NordVPN)
- Lightway (ExpressVPN)
- Custom WireGuard implementations
AI-Enhanced Features
New AI implementations include:
- Smart server selection
- Threat detection
- Traffic optimization
- Predictive security measures
Pro Tips 💪
- Always enable the kill switch
- Use split tunneling for better speeds
- Connect to nearby servers for faster performance
- Keep your VPN app updated
- Test different protocols for optimal performance
Conclusion 🎯
The VPN landscape continues to evolve in 2025, with providers focusing on speed, security, and user-friendly features.
ExpressVPN leads the pack with its overall performance, but budget-conscious users have excellent options in Surfshark and NordVPN.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Q: Which VPN is fastest in 2025?
A: NordVPN consistently shows the highest speeds, followed closely by ExpressVPN with its NordLynx protocol.
Q: Are free VPNs safe to use?
A: Free VPNs often compromise on security and privacy. We recommend using a paid service for proper protection.
Q: Can I use multiple VPNs simultaneously?
A: While possible, using multiple VPNs simultaneously can significantly impact performance and isn’t recommended for most users.
Q: How often should I change VPN servers?
A: For optimal privacy, change servers every few days or when accessing sensitive information.
Q: Do VPNs impact internet speed?
A: Yes, but top VPNs typically reduce speed by only 10-20% when using nearby servers.
Remember: The best VPN for you depends on your specific needs. Consider your primary use case, budget, and required features when making your selection.
