Best VPNs of 2025: Top 5 Picks

A VPN or Virtual Private Network creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet by routing traffic through a remote server. This hides your real IP address and prevents tracking by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), advertisers, or even hackers.

Here are key reasons people use VPNs:

• Privacy & Security: Especially on public Wi‑Fi, encryption makes your browsing and sensitive data safe from eavesdroppers

• Bypass geo‑restrictions: VPNs let you access services and content as if you were in another country, ideal for watching foreign Netflix libraries, streaming sports, or accessing blocked sites.

• Avoid price discrimination: Users can sometimes access lower prices for flights, apps, or software by virtually changing their location.

• Work remotely across borders: VPNs let remote employees securely access workplace resources from abroad.

• Censorship circumvention: Essential in restrictive regimes, activists and journalists rely on VPNs to access independent media and communication platforms.

Downsides include:

• Slightly reduced connection speeds due to routing/encryption.

• Free VPNs may log or sell data, and paid services are generally safer

• Legal restrictions in some countries, always verify local rules.

Best VPNs of 2025: Top 5 Picks

Based on expert reviews, independent audits, and recent press coverage, here are the top five VPN apps in 2025:

1. NordVPN (Paid, Premium Tier)

Why it stands out: As of mid‑2025, NordVPN remains widely recognised as the best VPN overall, offering outstanding speeds, strong privacy, excellent streaming support, and a user-friendly interface

Core features:

• Over 7,000 servers across 118 countries.

• Encryption with AES‑256 and ChaCha20, plus post‑quantum cryptography.

• Advanced tools: Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Meshnet (private network creation), Threat Protection Pro (malware & phishing protection).

• Reliable unblocking of Netflix, iPlayer, Disney+, etc.

• Regular independent privacy audits; RAM-only servers.

• Intuitive apps on all major platforms, though Linux/Fire Stick interfaces receive mixed feedback

Best for: Users seeking top speed, wideband server coverage, streaming access, and robust privacy.

2. ExpressVPN (Paid, Premium Tier)

Why it stands out: Frequently rated as “best overall” by Top10VPN and praised for its simplicity, reliability, and strong unblocking performance.

Core features:

• Intuitive apps across many devices.

• Excellent streaming access, consistent performance.

• Creative privacy features and very reliable customer support.

• Slightly higher cost than competitors, but justifiable for ease of use and stability.

Best for: Beginners and users who value a polished, dependable experience with strong streaming capabilities.

3. Surfshark (Paid, Budget Option)

Why it stands out: Surfshark is widely regarded as the best value VPN in 2025, with strong speeds, unlimited device support, and innovative extras.

Core features:

• Unlimited simultaneous connections (device count).

• Tools like CleanWeb (ad and malware blocking), IP rotator, MultiHop (double VPN), GPS spoofing, and split tunneling.

• Anonymous payment options and no‑logs policy.

• Plans start around $1.99/month with a 7‑day free trial and 30‑day money‑back guarantee.

Best for: Budget‑conscious users, small households, and those wanting advanced features with no device limits.

4. Proton VPN (Freemium, Free & Paid Tiers)

Why it stands out: Proton VPN combines strong privacy credentials, a free tier with unlimited data, and unique multi-hop routing for sensitive users

Core features:

• Over 13,600 servers in 122 countries as of June 2025

• AES‑256 encryption with OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, plus Stealth Protocol to disguise VPN traffic as HTTPS

• Independent audits of its no‑logs policy; fully open‑source code

• Free tier: no data limits, but fewer servers and lower speeds.

• Paid tiers yield faster speeds and full access to streaming and Secure Core servers.

• Particularly suited for privacy-focused users, also recommended for date‑verification scenarios due to strong privacy features.

Best for: Privacy-aware users, activists, journalists, or anyone wanting a reliable free VPN.

5. Private Internet Access (PIA) (Paid, Affordable)

Why it stands out: PIA is praised for its expansive server network, torrent support, and one of the lowest speed penalties in the industry

Core features:

• Apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.

• Independent audit by Deloitte confirmed its no-logs policy and server configurations.

• Support for up to 10 simultaneous devices.

• Reliable streaming support (Netflix, Disney+, etc.), kill-switch, and torrent-optimized servers.

• Pricing is among the most competitive, especially for multi-year plans.

🧾 Best for: Budget-minded users who still demand solid performance, torrent support, and privacy assurances.

Comparing the Top Five VPNs of 2025

Choosing the Right VPN for You

Streaming & Accessing Global Content

NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark excel at bypassing geo-locks and unblocking streaming platforms reliably.

Maximum Privacy & Anonymity

Proton VPN leads with open-source, audited privacy design and a robust free option. Surfshark and PIA also maintain strong privacy policies.

Budget & Device Flexibility

Surfshark allows unlimited devices under one plan, ideal for families. PIA offers affordable plans with strong performance and torrent-friendly features.

Ease of Use

For novices, ExpressVPN provides the most intuitive setup. NordVPN is also very approachable but offers more advanced settings for power users.

Free Use and Light Browsing

Proton VPN offers unlimited free traffic and solid privacy, great for occasional use. Others offer limited free trials (e.g., Surfshark’s 7-day free trial).

Final Word

Having one of the best VPNs in 2025 remains an essential tool for secure internet use, accessing content globally, and safeguarding your privacy. Whether you’re streaming international libraries on Netflix, working securely abroad, buying region‑specific software, or just protecting your data from snooping, a VPN is an innovative tool.

Among the leading services:

• Choose NordVPN if you want top speeds and reliable streaming.

• Go with ExpressVPN for simplicity and coverage.

• Opt for Surfshark if you’re after maximum device support and value.

• Select Proton VPN for unmatched privacy control and a generous free tier.

• Pick Private Internet Access if you need affordable performance and support for torrenting and streaming, with audited privacy standards.

All five VPNs discussed here serve different audiences. Pick the one that aligns with your priorities, whether it’s ease of use, cost, privacy, or device flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can free VPNs be trusted?
Some offer healthy privacy and no data limits (like Proton’s free tier), but many free services have data caps, limited speed, and risk of data collection. Premium services generally offer stronger privacy protections.

Are VPNs legal?
In most countries, VPNs are legal, but using them to circumvent laws or streaming restrictions may violate terms of service. In countries like China or Iran, use may be restricted or illegal.

Will a VPN slow down my internet?
Yes, because traffic is encrypted and rerouted. But top VPNs (Nord, Express, Surfshark) minimize speed loss, and the trade-off is often negligible unless your base internet is slow.

VPNs continue to evolve in 2025, offering more tools, better protection, and broader access to global content. Whether you’re a traveller, remote worker, privacy advocate, or simply a binge‑watcher chasing content abroad, there’s a VPN tailored to your needs.