Whether you’re streaming your favorite shows, gaming across servers worldwide, or protecting your data while traveling, a high-quality VPN can elevate your digital experience. After thousands of hours of hands-on evaluation, our team has identified the best VPN providers of 2025 based on their performance in speed, privacy, usability, and advanced security features.
Top VPNs of 2025: Summary
1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN
Rating: 9/10
Speed Loss: 18% | Simultaneous Devices: 8 | Servers: 3,000+ in 105 countries
Monthly Cost: $13 | Annual Plan: $100 for 15 months (renews at $117/year)
Pros:
- Best-in-class privacy and security
- Lightway protocol with post-quantum encryption
- Broad device compatibility and native Linux GUI app
Cons:
- Expensive pricing
- Only eight device connections
ExpressVPN continues to dominate as the most well-rounded VPN on the market. Its TrustedServer tech ensures all data runs on RAM-only infrastructure, minimizing exposure. It’s also user-friendly and consistent in bypassing geo-blocks for streaming.
2. NordVPN — Fastest VPN
Rating: 8.8/10
Speed Loss: Just 3% | Simultaneous Devices: 10 | Servers: 7,700+ in 118 countries
Monthly Cost: $13 | Annual Plan: $60 (renews at $140/year)
Pros:
- Fastest VPN tested
- Robust privacy features like Double VPN and Onion over VPN
- Linux GUI app, Meshnet file-sharing, post-quantum security
Cons:
- Complex pricing tiers
- Less transparent than ExpressVPN
NordVPN is ideal for speed-sensitive activities like 4K streaming and gaming. Its security stack caters to power users while remaining accessible to beginners.
3. Surfshark — Best Budget VPN
Rating: 8.4/10
Speed Loss: 21% | Simultaneous Devices: Unlimited | Servers: 3,200+ in 100 countries
Monthly Cost: $15.45 | Annual Plan: $48 (renews at $79/year)
Pros:
- Unlimited device connections
- Unique features like Dynamic MultiHop & RAM-only servers
- Mac split tunneling support
Cons:
- Jurisdiction under 14 Eyes (Netherlands)
- Slower speeds than competitors
Surfshark is the go-to choice for households or users with many devices. It offers nearly the same privacy features as the top-tier providers but at a significantly reduced price.
4. Proton VPN — Best Free & Open-Source VPN
Rating: 8.4/10
Speed Loss: 16% | Simultaneous Devices: 10 | Servers: 12,900+ in 117 countries
Monthly Cost: $10 | Annual Plan: $60 (renews at $80/year)
Pros:
- Transparent, open-source platform
- Stealth features like obfuscation and split tunneling
- Unlimited free tier with strong security
Cons:
- No 24/7 live chat
Proton VPN stands out with its commitment to privacy and its versatile free plan. Its encrypted, multi-hop routing makes it a favorite for both casual and security-focused users.
5. Mullvad VPN — Best for Maximum Privacy
Rating: 8.4/10
Speed Loss: 24% | Simultaneous Devices: 5 | Servers: 725 in 49 countries
Cost: Flat rate: €5/month (~$6 USD)
Pros:
- No personal information required
- Accepts anonymous payment methods
- Open-source apps with no price hikes
Cons:
- Fewer server locations
- No multi-year discounts
Mullvad VPN is perfect for users seeking absolute privacy. With a strict no-logs policy and transparent pricing, it’s a serious solution for journalists, whistleblowers, and privacy advocates.
What to Consider When Choosing a VPN
1. Speed and Performance
The average internet speed loss from a VPN should ideally be under 25%. In 2025 tests:
- NordVPN: 3%
- Proton VPN: 16%
- ExpressVPN: 18%
- Surfshark: 21%
- Mullvad: 24%
For bandwidth-heavy tasks (e.g., 4K streaming, gaming), go with a provider offering under 10% speed degradation.
2. Security and Privacy Features
Top-tier VPNs implement:
- 256-bit AES or ChaCha20 encryption
- Strict no-logs policies (preferably audited)
- Kill switches & DNS leak protection
- Split tunneling for app-specific routing
- Optional advanced features: obfuscation, Double VPN, Onion over VPN
Avoid providers based in Five Eyes countries for added data sovereignty.
3. Streaming Capabilities
Leading VPNs bypass geo-blocks and provide smooth streaming from Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc. Notably:
- ExpressVPN and NordVPN reliably unblock global content.
- Proton VPN successfully accesses hard-to-reach libraries like Netflix Egypt.
4. Device Compatibility
Ensure your VPN supports your operating systems. Top providers now offer:
- GUI apps for Linux (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton, PIA)
- Apple TV support
- Router compatibility for whole-home coverage
5. Pricing & Value
Plans vary significantly:
- ExpressVPN: ~$117/year (after promo)
- NordVPN: $140/year renewal
- Surfshark: $79/year after intro
- Proton VPN: $80/year renewal
- Mullvad: $6/month flat
Multi-year deals offer savings but watch for renewal hikes. Surfshark and Proton strike a balance between cost and features.
Final Verdict: The Best VPN of 2025
While ExpressVPN narrowly takes the lead with its overall excellence in usability and transparency, NordVPN stands out as the top choice for speed and advanced privacy features. Surfshark wins on affordability and value, while Proton VPN offers unmatched versatility and a genuinely useful free tier.
No matter your use case—be it unblocking streaming platforms, securing work-from-home data, or evading censorship while traveling—there’s a trusted VPN here that fits your digital lifestyle in 2025.
