Best VPNs 2025: Top 10 Services Ranked

We tested over 50 VPN services to find the best options for privacy, speed, streaming, and value. Here are our top picks for 2025.

Quick Summary

Best Overall: NordVPN
Best Value: Surfshark
Fastest: ExpressVPN
Best for Privacy: Mullvad
1

NordVPN

Best Overall
9.5 /10
Servers 5,500+
Countries 60
Devices 6
Price $3.69/mo

Key Features

  • Double VPN for extra encryption
  • Threat Protection blocks malware & ads
  • Audited no-logs policy
  • Fast WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol
  • Works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more

Our Verdict

NordVPN offers the best combination of speed, security, and features. Its massive server network and consistent performance make it our top pick for most users.

2

Surfshark

Best Value
9.2 /10
Servers 3,200+
Countries 100
Devices Unlimited
Price $2.49/mo

Key Features

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • CleanWeb blocks ads and trackers
  • MultiHop for routing through multiple countries
  • Camouflage mode hides VPN usage
  • Excellent streaming unblocking

Our Verdict

Surfshark delivers premium features at budget prices. Unlimited device connections make it perfect for families or users with many devices.

3

ExpressVPN

Fastest
9.1 /10
Servers 3,000+
Countries 94
Devices 8
Price $8.32/mo

Key Features

  • Lightway protocol for blazing speeds
  • TrustedServer technology (RAM-only)
  • Works in China and restricted countries
  • Excellent app design across all platforms
  • 24/7 live chat support

Our Verdict

ExpressVPN is consistently the fastest VPN we've tested. Its premium price is justified by exceptional performance and reliability.

4

ProtonVPN

Best Free Tier
8.9 /10
Servers 2,900+
Countries 68
Devices 10
Price $4.99/mo

Key Features

  • Free tier with no data limits
  • Swiss-based with strong privacy laws
  • Secure Core servers through privacy-friendly countries
  • Open-source apps
  • NetShield ad and malware blocker

Our Verdict

ProtonVPN offers the best free VPN and a solid paid service. Its Swiss jurisdiction and transparency make it ideal for privacy-focused users.

5

Mullvad

Most Private
8.8 /10
Servers 700+
Countries 43
Devices 5
Price $5.50/mo

Key Features

  • No email required - use account number only
  • Pay anonymously with cash or crypto
  • Flat monthly rate, no long-term commitments
  • Independently audited
  • Open-source with WireGuard support

Our Verdict

Mullvad is the gold standard for privacy. No personal info required means even they don't know who you are.

6

CyberGhost

Best for Streaming
8.6 /10
Servers 9,700+
Countries 91
Devices 7
Price $2.19/mo

Key Features

  • Dedicated streaming servers by platform
  • Largest server network (9,700+)
  • 45-day money-back guarantee
  • Optimized servers for gaming and torrenting
  • NoSpy servers in Romania

Our Verdict

CyberGhost's streaming-optimized servers reliably unblock Netflix, Disney+, and other services. Great for casual users who want simplicity.

7

Private Internet Access

Most Servers
8.5 /10
Servers 35,000+
Countries 84
Devices Unlimited
Price $2.19/mo

Key Features

  • 35,000+ servers worldwide
  • Proven no-logs policy (court-tested)
  • Open-source apps
  • MACE ad and malware blocker
  • Highly configurable settings

Our Verdict

PIA offers massive server coverage and unlimited connections at a budget price. Its no-logs policy has been proven in court multiple times.

8

IPVanish

Best for Kodi
8.3 /10
Servers 2,200+
Countries 75
Devices Unlimited
Price $2.99/mo

Key Features

  • Owns all servers (no third-party rentals)
  • Excellent Fire TV and Kodi support
  • SOCKS5 proxy included
  • No connection limits
  • Good for torrenting

Our Verdict

IPVanish is a solid choice for streaming device users, especially those using Kodi or Fire TV. Owning their servers adds extra security.

9

VyprVPN

Best for China
8.1 /10
Servers 700+
Countries 70
Devices 5
Price $5.00/mo

Key Features

  • Chameleon protocol defeats VPN blocking
  • Owns entire server network
  • Works reliably in China
  • Audited no-logs policy
  • Swiss-based company

Our Verdict

VyprVPN's Chameleon protocol makes it one of the few VPNs that reliably works in China and other censored countries.

10

Windscribe

Most Flexible
8.0 /10
Servers 500+
Countries 69
Devices Unlimited
Price $5.75/mo

Key Features

  • Build-a-plan pricing (pay per location)
  • Generous free tier (10GB/month)
  • R.O.B.E.R.T. blocks ads, malware, and more
  • Browser extension with extra features
  • Static IPs available

Our Verdict

Windscribe's flexible pricing lets you pay only for the locations you need. Great free tier and unique build-a-plan option.

How We Test VPNs

Speed Testing

We test download and upload speeds across multiple servers using standardized methods to measure real-world performance impact.

Security Audit

We verify encryption standards, check for DNS/WebRTC leaks, and review independent security audits when available.

Privacy Policy Review

We analyze logging policies, jurisdiction, and company ownership to assess privacy implications.

Streaming & Unblocking

We test each VPN's ability to access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and other geo-restricted services.