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Best VPN services of 2025

By Luke Daugherty  |  Last updated Jan 3, 2025 1:34 PM ET
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Online privacy and security are top concerns for many consumers and businesses. When internet providers and advertisers can access everything from your location and product preferences to sensitive personal information, it’s important to take steps to protect your identity online.

VPNs, or virtual private networks, offer one of the most direct ways to do that. By encrypting your internet activity and funneling it through a remote server, a VPN can conceal your sensitive information from prying eyes. But with so many concerns over online privacy, there are now countless VPN providers to choose from. What do you look for, and how do you find the best one for your needs? 

To help you decide, we’ve selected our favorites for five different types of users.

How we chose

Your VPN needs will depend on how and where you typically use the internet. Each VPN provider has different standout features — some are better for browsing in maximum security, while others are ideal for unlocking content that’s unavailable in your area.

As we reviewed some of the top options on the market, we tried to choose services that provide strong overall security and reliability while also delivering outstanding performance in one particular area. We looked at features such as:

  • Speed and bandwidth: Providers with data caps or speed limitations may not be ideal for streamers or gamers.
  • Price and satisfaction guarantees: If you want a reliable VPN service, you’ll usually have to pay. Some offer limited free versions or free trials, and you should always look for a satisfaction guarantee before committing to a long-term contract.
  • Security: VPN providers range significantly in their security features. The best ones in this department offer tools like sign-on, multi-factor authentication, kill switches, and split tunneling. Users who care about privacy above all will also want a service with independently verified no-logs policies.
  • Simultaneous connections: If you need to use your VPN across multiple devices, you should look for services that provide high limits or unlimited connections.
  • Reliability: Not all VPNs work on all devices or operating systems. For our list, we opted for ones with strong ratings for compatibility and reliability across different platforms. 
  • Customer service: Many users are uncomfortable navigating complicated network terminology and devices, so strong customer support is critical.

Top VPNs

  • Best VPN for security: ExpressVPN
  • Best budget VPN: Surfshark
  • Best VPN for streaming: NordVPN
  • Best free VPN: ProtonVPN
  • Best VPN for customer service: IPVanish

Best for security: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN logo
  • Stays ahead on best security practices
  • Huge fleet of servers all over the world
  • Verified no-logs policy
Sign up here

About ExpressVPN

If security and privacy are your top concerns, ExpressVPN is your best bet. The company has long been known for its commitment to privacy, and it shows it through top-notch encryption standards, servers in 105 countries, and independently verified no-logs audits. Its dedication to transparency is among the best in the business. It may not offer the top speeds or the most aesthetically pleasing and intuitive interface, but it's our top choice for a secure online experience. You’ll pay for that security, though, with prices starting at $8 a month.

Best Budget VPN: Surfshark

Surfshark logo
  • Budget-friendly plan options
  • Independently verified no-logs policy
  • Unlimited bandwidth and device connections
Sign up here

About Surfshark

Surfshark is regularly listed among the best VPNs, and its range of affordable pricing options makes it more accessible than some competitors. Even with its low price, Surfshark is committed to industry-standard security with AES-256 encryption and a verified no-logs policy. It offers high connection speeds, but they can be inconsistent at times. Plan features vary, and lower prices are available only if you commit to two years upfront. Options range from $1.99 to $19.99 a month.

Best VPN for Streaming: NordVPN

NordVPN logo
  • One of the fastest VPN options
  • Works well for geo-restricted content
  • Low prices on long-term plans
Sign up here

About NordVPN

Many users want to leverage a VPN to access streaming content that’s not available where they are, and NordVPN is an excellent option for this. Users report consistent success unlocking geo-restricted content, and the service features unlimited data and high connection speeds for streaming success. Streaming restricted content may violate your streaming provider’s terms of service, so be sure to review these before you use a VPN for this purpose. NordVPN plans range from $2.99 to $14.99 a month.

Best Free VPN: ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN logo
  • Free option with limited features
  • Independently verified no-logs policy
  • Safe and reliable connection
Sign up here

About ProtonVPN

We usually caution users against relying on free VPNs. However, ProtonVPN’s free service is one of the best we’ve seen. With a reliable and fast connection and unlimited bandwidth, this is a great place to start if you’re new to using a VPN. ProtonVPN’s no-logs policy has been independently verified and applies to its free and premium versions. If you want premium features like multi-device connectivity, you’ll have to pay for the expensive upgrade. Plans range from $4.99 to $12.99 a month.

Best VPN for Customer Service: IPVanish

IPVanish logo
  • Top-rated customer service
  • Compatible with many devices and operating systems
  • Unlimited devices and bandwidth
Sign up here

About IPVanish

Customer support can be crucial for VPN users, especially when this technology gets complicated. IPVanish offers numerous support options, including phone, 24/7 chat, email, and a library of online materials to help resolve any issues. The VPN works on a range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and ChromeOS. The company’s U.S. base boosts its customer support, but this may create issues if you want to stream content from outside your region. Pricing ranges from $2.99–$12.99 a month.

Choosing a VPN

VPNs help you protect your privacy online and even open new possibilities when browsing. However, they’re not a foolproof solution, and relying on a VPN all the time can slow down your browsing and block your access to some websites.

When it comes to choosing a VPN, it’s important to consider your internet habits and budget. Determine whether speed, security, pricing, or some other feature is your top priority, read customer reviews, and look for services with free trials and satisfaction guarantees. Spend some time using the service from different devices and access points to be sure it meets your browsing needs and protects your privacy.

FAQ

Do free VPNs actually work?

Free VPN quality varies significantly by provider. Poor-performing free VPNs can be slow, and many of them aren’t as private as their paid counterparts. The best ones come from providers that offer some of the same features as their paid versions. 

Should I pay for a VPN?

In general, we recommend paying for a VPN service to get higher-level security features and better performance. Free VPNs are best for trying out a VPN for the first time or for limited browsing needs.

Which is better a free VPN or a subscription VPN?

Ultimately, it depends on your needs. However, subscription VPNs invest more money into keeping up-to-date security protocols, building more servers, and providing more reliable bandwidth and speed. 

Luke Daugherty is a freelance writer, editor, and former operations manager based in St. Louis. His work covers business, marketing, and personal finance, as well as many of his personal passions, including coffee, music, and social issues.