Best VPN Services of 2025: Top Picks for Privacy and Speed
Secure your online privacy and stream content freely with our top VPN picks for 2025 – ranked by speed, security, and overall value.
VPNs (virtual private networks) are rapidly growing in popularity as users seek privacy and location flexibility online. A recent CNET survey found that 43% of US adults use a VPNcnet.com to protect their IP address and browsing activity, and experts agree this trend will continue. Today’s top VPN services combine strong encryption, vast server networks, and fast speeds to support streaming, torrenting, and secure Wi-Fi use. In this roundup, we compare industry-leading VPNs to help you choose the right service for your needs.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
NordVPN
NordVPN is widely praised for its speed, rich feature set, and value. TechRadar calls NordVPN “the best VPN you can buy”techradar.com for streaming, security and everyday use, noting it’s “fast, cheap, and relatively easy to use”. In our opinion, NordVPN offers seamless streaming, solid mobile apps, and advanced options (like kill switch and anti-malware) suitable for both beginners and power users.
Pricing
Key Features
- Global server network (100+ countries)pcmag.com
- Advanced security:pcmag.com WireGuard protocol and RAM-only servers
- Privacy extras:pcmag.com multi-hop VPN, Tor-over-VPN, split tunneling
- Threat Protection (built-in ad and malware blocking)
- User-friendly apps on all major platformspcmag.com
Pros
- Very fast streaming/download speedspcmag.com
- Extensive global coverage (100+ countries)pcmag.com
- Advanced privacy features:pcmag.com multi-hop and Tor support
- Built-in ad/malware blocking (Threat Protection)
- Intuitive, well-designed apps for all users
- Reliable unblocking of Netflix and other streaming servicespcmag.com
Cons
- Higher-than-average subscription pricepcmag.com
- Threat Protection Pro (antivirus) is limitedpcmag.com
- Subscription renewal rates can jump unexpectedlypcmag.com
- No free tier or trial available
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is known for rock-solid security and speed. It consistently tops expert tests for privacy and streaming. PCMag notes that ExpressVPN has a “large, diversely distributed fleet of servers”pcmag.com (105 countries) and “strong privacy and security practices”. CNET’s experts highlight its ease of use and top performance even on public Wi-Fi. While more expensive than alternatives, ExpressVPN delivers reliable unblocking of international content and simple, polished apps.
Pricing
Key Features
- Servers in 105+ countries for broad global accesspcmag.com
- Proprietary Lightway protocol (fast, audited VPN)pcmag.com
- Split-tunneling support (select traffic outside the VPN)pcmag.com
- Strict no-logs policypcmag.comwith independent security audits
Pros
- Vast global network (105+ countries)pcmag.com
- Excellent performancepcmag.com(fast speeds with Lightway)
- Strong privacy measurespcmag.com(no-logs policy, audited)
- Split tunneling gives extra flexibilitypcmag.com
- Stable, user-friendly apps
Cons
- More expensive than many competing VPNspcmag.com
- No multi-hop (double VPN) optionpcmag.com
- No free trial or free version
- Limited to 5 simultaneous devices
Proton VPN
Proton VPNpcmag.com is a privacy-first VPN,pcmag.com favored as PCMag’s overall Editors’ Choice (5 stars) . It offers advanced security like Secure Core (multi-hop) and Tor servers, and even includes a highly-regarded free tier. Each subscription comes bundled with Proton Mail and Drive access at no extra cost.pcmag.com Proton’s apps are open-source and regularly audited.pcmag.com TechRadar notes it’s the best choice when privacy features and server access are top priorities.techradar.com
Pricing
Key Features
- Secure Core multi-hop routing and Tor-over-VPN serverspcmag.com
- Bundles Proton Mail and Drive accounts for added valuepcmag.com
- Open-source apps with regular security auditspcmag.com
- Top-rated free VPN tierpcmag.com(limited servers/devices)
- Strict no-logs policy and strong encryption
Pros
- Top-notch privacy and security toolspcmag.com
- Generous free tier (basic VPN access without cost)pcmag.com
- Bundled with Proton Mail and Drive for extra servicespcmag.com
- Tor-over-VPN and Secure Core multi-hop servers
- Good upload/download speeds in testing
Cons
- Higher latency in connections (slower response)pcmag.com
- Free tier limited to fewer servers and speeds
- Monthly plan price is above average
- No ad/malware blocker included
Surfshark
Surfshark delivers strong features at a competitive price. It has over 3,200 servers in 100+ countriescnet.comand allows unlimited devices per account. CNET reports Surfshark remains a top-tier VPNcnet.com with fast speeds and great streaming capabilities. The app interface is slick and user-friendly. However, Surfshark recently increased its renewal prices (~33%),cnet.com so long-term rates are higher than before.
Pricing
Key Features
- 3200+ servers in 100+ countriescnet.com
- Unlimited simultaneous devices (no device cap)
- MultiHop double-VPN mode and CleanWeb ad/malware blocking
- Intuitive apps on all major platforms
Pros
- Very fast connections and strong streaming supportcnet.com
- Large global server coverage (100+ countries)cnet.com
- Unlimited device licenses (protect all your gadgets)
- Feature-rich (MultiHop, Camouflage Mode, CleanWeb block)
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons
- Recent price increase (~33% higher renewal)cnet.com
- No free tier or trial
- Some advanced features (e.g. antivirus) require higher tier
- Speeds can vary widely by location
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access is a veteran VPN known for its customizable apps and robust privacy tools. PCMag calls PIA a “strong contender for our list of the best VPNs,” noting its advanced settings and new unlimited device connectionspcmag.com. It offers split tunneling, SOCKS5 proxy and multi-hop setup for power users. PIA’s server network spans 84+ countries, supporting P2P traffic everywhere. Its pricing (as low as $2.03/month on long plans) reflects these capabilities, though we note plans can be pricey if not on sale.
Pricing
Key Features
- Unlimited device connections (all plans)
- Split tunneling and configurable multi-hop VPN
- Strict no-logs policy (third-party audited)
- Socks5 proxy for torrenting (open port forwarding)
- 15000+ servers worldwide (P2P allowed)
- IPv6 traffic blocking and kill switch
Pros
- Unlimited connections on up to thousands of devices
- Highly customizable (advanced network settings)
- Widest server network (15,500+ servers globally)
- Open-source apps and audited privacy
- Good speeds for P2P and streaming
- Supports anonymous payment (crypto and gift cards)
Cons
- Desktop apps can feel overwhelming for novices
- No truly free tier (no trial on mobile)
- No multi-hop or Tor-over-VPN by default
- Server speeds are inconsistent
- Higher monthly cost if not on long-term plan
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN offers an enormous server network and extra tools. It includes thousands of servers (100+ countries) and even bundles a free antivirus for Windows users.pcmag.com PCMag notes its outstanding speed test scorespcmag.comand that it passed a recent third-party security audit. CyberGhost also allows up to 7 device connections.pcmag.com On the downside, CyberGhost is relatively expensivepcmag.comand its privacy policy is more complex than some competitors .
Pricing
Key Features
- Massive server network (thousands in 100+ countries)pcmag.com
- Up to 7 simultaneous device connectionspcmag.com
- Free Windows antivirus and ad-blocker includedpcmag.com
- Audited no-logs policypcmag.com(recent third-party audit)
Pros
- Huge global network of serverspcmag.com
- Bundled extras: Windows antivirus and ad-blockerpcmag.com
- Supports 7 devices at oncepcmag.com
- Excellent speeds in PCMag’s testspcmag.com
- Transparent security auditingpcmag.com
Cons
- More expensive than many competitorspcmag.com
- Privacy policy language is complex/confusingpcmag.com
- No free tier or trial
- Best discounts require long-term commitment
Conclusion
Choosing the best VPN depends on your priorities. Our top pick (NordVPN) balances speed, security and price for most people. If you need maximum privacy (and a free planengadget.com), Proton VPN is unmatched. ExpressVPN is ideal for ease-of-use and accessing content under strict censorship. Surfshark offers excellent value for unlimited devices, while Private Internet Access provides advanced features for power users. CyberGhost adds extras like antivirus for broad device use.
All picks use strong encryption and no-logs policies, so choose the one that fits your budget and feature needs. As experts note, a quality VPN should be fast enough for everyday use, even on public Wi-Ficnet.com, and any of these top services delivers that combined with essential privacy protections.