10 Best VPN Services of 2025
Expert-tested and ranked: Find the perfect VPN for your needs and budget
Best overall VPN with exceptional speed, security, and streaming capabilities
Advanced security features with excellent speeds and strong privacy focus
Unlimited connections at an affordable price with strong feature set
VPN Resources
- ExpressVPN
Save 49% + 3 months free
- NordVPN
Save 69% on 2-year plan
- Surfshark
83% off + 3 months free
Finding the best VPN service can be overwhelming with so many options available. Our team of cybersecurity experts has thoroughly tested and compared the top VPN providers to help you make an informed decision based on speed, security, features, and value.
Whether you need a VPN for streaming, enhanced privacy, secure browsing on public Wi-Fi, or bypassing geo-restrictions, our comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the best VPN services in 2025.
Why Trust Our VPN Rankings
Independent Testing
We purchase VPN subscriptions anonymously and conduct all tests independently without vendor influence.
Rigorous Methodology
Our standardized testing protocol evaluates 14 key performance metrics across multiple devices and locations.
Regular Updates
We retest all VPNs monthly and immediately update rankings when significant changes occur.
How We Test and Rank the Best VPNs
Our comprehensive evaluation process examines every aspect of VPN performance to ensure our recommendations truly represent the best VPN services available:
Speed and Performance
We conduct over 120 speed tests per VPN across multiple server locations, times of day, and connection types to measure:
- Download speeds
- Upload speeds
- Latency (ping)
- Connection stability
Security and Privacy
We analyze security infrastructure and conduct leak tests to verify:
- Encryption standards
- Protocol security
- DNS leak protection
- Kill switch effectiveness
- No-logs policy verification
- Independent audit status
Streaming and Unblocking
We test each VPN with 15+ streaming platforms across multiple regions to assess:
- Netflix (multiple regions)
- Disney+
- HBO Max
- Amazon Prime Video
- Hulu
- BBC iPlayer
Additional Evaluation Criteria
User Experience
- App interface and usability
- Setup process
- Device compatibility
Value Assessment
- Pricing structure
- Money-back guarantees
- Feature-to-price ratio
The 10 Best VPN Services of 2025
After extensive testing of over 50 VPN services, these are our top recommendations for the best VPNs currently available:
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN stands as our #1 recommended VPN for its exceptional combination of speed, security, and reliability. With its proprietary Lightway protocol, it consistently delivers the fastest speeds in our tests while maintaining bank-level encryption.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN excels in security with its advanced protection features and blazing-fast NordLynx protocol. It offers an impressive array of specialized servers and cybersecurity tools that go beyond basic VPN functionality.
3. Surfshark
Surfshark delivers exceptional value with unlimited simultaneous connections and a comprehensive feature set at a budget-friendly price. It's the perfect solution for households with multiple devices.
| VPN Service | Key Features | Server Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN |
| 94+ countries, 3000+ servers | Overall performance and reliability |
| NordVPN |
| 60+ countries, 5500+ servers | Security-focused users |
| Surfshark |
| 100+ countries, 3200+ servers | Budget-conscious users with multiple devices |
Best VPNs for Streaming in 2025
If your primary goal is to access geo-restricted streaming content, these VPNs consistently outperform others in unblocking popular platforms:
Consistently unblocks Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more across all regions.
Excellent for HD and 4K streaming with specialized servers for popular platforms.
Features dedicated streaming servers optimized for specific platforms and regions.
Best VPNs for Security and Privacy
For users prioritizing maximum security and privacy protection, these VPNs offer the strongest safeguards:
Double VPN encryption, Onion over VPN, and independently audited no-logs policy.
Swiss-based with Secure Core servers, perfect forward secrecy, and open-source apps.
No personal information required, cash payment option, and diskless infrastructure.
Best VPNs for Torrenting
For secure and private P2P file sharing, these VPNs provide the best combination of speed, security, and dedicated P2P features:
Specialized P2P servers with excellent speeds and SOCKS5 proxy support.
Port forwarding capability, proven no-logs policy, and excellent speeds.
P2P support on all servers with unlimited simultaneous connections.
| Protocol | Security | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN | Very High | Moderate to High | General use, security-focused users |
| WireGuard | High | Very High | Speed-sensitive activities like streaming and gaming |
| IKEv2/IPsec | High | High | Mobile devices, network switching |
| L2TP/IPsec | High | Moderate | Situations where OpenVPN isn't available |
| SSTP | High | Moderate | Windows users, bypassing firewalls |
| PPTP | Low | High | Legacy systems, not recommended for security |
VPN Pricing Comparison
VPN pricing can vary significantly based on subscription length and features. Here's how the top providers compare:
| VPN Provider | 1-Month Plan | 1-Year Plan | 2-Year Plan | Money-Back Guarantee | Max Devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | $12.95/mo | $8.32/mo | $6.67/mo | 30 days | 8 |
| NordVPN | $11.99/mo | $4.99/mo | $3.69/mo | 30 days | 6 |
| Surfshark | $12.95/mo | $3.99/mo | $2.49/mo | 30 days | Unlimited |
| CyberGhost | $12.99/mo | $4.29/mo | $2.19/mo | 45 days | 7 |
| Private Internet Access | $11.95/mo | $3.33/mo | $2.19/mo | 30 days | 10 |
Note: Prices are current as of May 2025 and subject to change. Special promotions may offer additional discounts or free months. Always check the provider's website for the most current pricing.
Free vs. Paid VPNs: What's the Difference?
While free VPNs can be tempting, they come with significant limitations compared to paid services:
Paid VPN Advantages
- No data caps or bandwidth limitations
- Faster connection speeds
- More server locations worldwide
- Stronger security features
- Reliable streaming and torrenting support
- 24/7 customer support
- No ads or data selling
Free VPN Limitations
- Data caps (typically 500MB-10GB per month)
- Slower connection speeds
- Limited server options (few locations)
- Basic security features only
- Often can't unblock streaming services
- May display ads or sell your browsing data
- Limited or no customer support
While some reputable VPN providers offer limited free versions of their services (like ProtonVPN, Windscribe, and TunnelBear), these typically come with data caps or server restrictions. For comprehensive protection and reliable performance, a paid VPN subscription is generally recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best VPN in 2025?
Based on our comprehensive testing, ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN in 2025, offering an excellent balance of speed, security, and features. NordVPN is the best for security-focused users, while Surfshark provides the best value with unlimited connections at an affordable price. The best VPN for you depends on your specific needs and priorities.
How do we test and rank VPN services?
We evaluate VPNs based on multiple criteria including speed tests across global servers, security audits, privacy policy analysis, feature sets, streaming capability with major platforms, ease of use across devices, customer support responsiveness, and value for money. Our rankings are updated monthly based on ongoing testing and industry developments.
Are VPNs legal to use?
VPNs are legal in most countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and most of Europe. However, some countries with strict internet censorship like China, Russia, and UAE have restrictions on VPN usage. Always check local laws before using a VPN while traveling.
Which VPN is best for streaming?
ExpressVPN consistently ranks as the best VPN for streaming, reliably unblocking Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and other major streaming platforms across multiple regions. NordVPN and Surfshark are also excellent choices for streaming, with strong unblocking capabilities and fast speeds for buffer-free viewing.
What's the fastest VPN service?
Based on our latest speed tests, NordVPN with its NordLynx protocol currently offers the fastest VPN speeds, closely followed by ExpressVPN with Lightway and Surfshark with WireGuard. However, VPN speeds can vary based on your location, internet connection, and the server you connect to.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best VPN for Your Needs
The best VPN service for you depends on your specific needs, priorities, and budget. Based on our extensive testing and analysis, here are our top recommendations:
- Best Overall: ExpressVPN - The most reliable and comprehensive VPN service with excellent performance across all categories.
- Best for Security: NordVPN - Advanced security features and blazing-fast speeds make it ideal for privacy-conscious users.
- Best Value: Surfshark - Unlimited simultaneous connections and comprehensive features at an affordable price.
- Best for Streaming: ExpressVPN - Consistently unblocks all major streaming platforms with excellent speeds.
- Best for Beginners: CyberGhost - User-friendly apps with specialized servers for different activities.
Remember that all reputable VPN services offer money-back guarantees (typically 30 days), allowing you to test their performance risk-free. We recommend taking advantage of these guarantees to ensure the VPN meets your specific needs before committing to a long-term subscription.
Disclaimer: WhatIsMyIPAdd is not affiliated with any of the VPN services mentioned on this page. Our reviews and comparisons are based on independent testing and research to provide you with the most accurate information. The links on this page are not affiliated with us, and we do not earn any commission from them. We provide these links solely for your convenience as part of our unbiased review process.