Best Best VPNs in 2025

NordVPN consistently ranks as a top-tier VPN provider, excelling particularly in security and speed. Its audited no-logs policy, based in Panama (a privacy-friendly jurisdiction), provides strong assurance that user activities are never recorded. The implementation of NordLynx, their WireGuard-based protocol, delivers exceptional speeds, making it ideal for high-bandwidth activities like 4K streaming and online gaming. Beyond standard encryption, NordVPN offers an impressive suite of advanced features including Threat Protection (blocking ads, trackers, and malware), Double VPN (multi-hop encryption), obfuscated servers for bypassing strict censorship, and a reliable kill switch. Its extensive server network ensures users can find nearby servers for optimal performance and easily bypass geo-restrictions. While its short-term plans can be a bit pricier, the long-term subscriptions offer excellent value for the robust security and performance it provides. It's a fantastic choice for users prioritizing ironclad security, fast performance, and versatile use cases.

ExpressVPN is a consistent leader in the VPN market, renowned for its exceptional speed, unwavering reliability, and robust privacy features. Its proprietary Lightway protocol contributes significantly to its impressive performance, ensuring low latency and high throughput, which is perfect for streaming and gaming. A key differentiator is its TrustedServer technology, which means all its servers run entirely on RAM, ensuring that no data is ever written to hard drives and wiped clean with every reboot, reinforcing its audited no-logs policy. Headquartered in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN's commitment to user anonymity is commendable. Its apps are incredibly intuitive and available across a vast array of devices, making it easy for even novice users to connect securely. While it carries a premium price tag, the unparalleled speed, consistent performance in unblocking geo-restricted content, and strong privacy guarantees make it a worthy investment for users who demand the very best.

Surfshark stands out in the VPN landscape primarily due to its unbeatable value, offering unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription. This makes it an ideal choice for households or individuals with numerous devices. Despite its budget-friendly price, Surfshark doesn't compromise on security, boasting an audited no-logs policy and employing strong AES-256 encryption. It includes essential features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and 'CleanWeb' for blocking ads, malware, and phishing attempts. Its 'Bypasser' (split tunneling) feature adds flexibility, allowing certain apps or websites to bypass the VPN tunnel. While its speeds are generally good and improving, they might not consistently match the top-tier providers like ExpressVPN or NordVPN on the most distant servers. However, for most everyday tasks, streaming, and light torrenting, Surfshark performs admirably. Its aggressive pricing strategy and commitment to privacy make it a highly attractive option for budget-conscious users seeking comprehensive protection.

Proton VPN, developed by the creators of ProtonMail, is a top choice for users who prioritize absolute privacy and security above all else. Based in Switzerland, a country known for its stringent privacy laws, Proton VPN operates with an impeccable no-logs policy. Its 'Secure Core' feature is a standout, routing user traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly nations like Switzerland or Iceland before reaching the destination, offering an extra layer of protection against sophisticated network attacks. Proton VPN's commitment to transparency is evident through its open-source apps, which have undergone independent security audits. It also offers a rare and valuable free VPN tier that comes with no data caps, albeit with limited server options and slower speeds. While its premium plans might be pricier than some competitors, they unlock significantly faster speeds, access to a larger server network, and dedicated streaming servers. It’s an excellent choice for journalists, activists, or anyone seeking a high degree of anonymity and strong security features.

CyberGhost distinguishes itself with its incredibly user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for VPN newcomers. Its applications are designed for simplicity, clearly labeling specialized servers for specific activities like streaming, gaming, or torrenting. This optimization means users can easily find the best server for their needs, ensuring a smoother experience. CyberGhost boasts one of the largest server networks globally, providing ample options for bypassing geo-restrictions and finding fast connections. Based in Romania, it benefits from privacy-friendly laws and maintains a strict no-logs policy. While its speeds are generally good, they might not consistently match the elite performance of ExpressVPN or NordVPN on all servers, particularly unoptimized ones. However, for everyday browsing, streaming a wide range of content, and secure torrenting, CyberGhost delivers consistently reliable performance. Its extensive server count and generous 45-day money-back guarantee also provide peace of mind, making it a compelling option for those seeking an easy-to-use VPN with strong core features.