Top 7 VPNs of 2025: Tested and Reviewed

If you've spent years testing VPNs, one truth becomes abundantly clear: not all are created equal. While some excel at unblocking and streaming, others prioritize robust security or privacy. These services come in various price ranges, including free options.

The challenge lies in finding the best fit for your needs. To simplify this process, I’ve put numerous VPNs through rigorous tests to identify their strengths and weaknesses. This includes measuring server speeds, assessing streaming capabilities, checking for DNS leaks, reviewing privacy policies, and even evaluating customer support responsiveness. The result is a comprehensive evaluation of the top-tier VPN services in 2025.

TL;DR: Top VPN Services

#### Proton VPN
0See it at Proton VPN

#### ExpressVPN
0See it at ExpressVPN

#### NordVPN
0See it at NordVPN

#### Surfshark
0See it at Surfshark

#### IPVanish
0See it at IPVanish

#### CyberGhost
0See it at CyberGhost

#### Mullvad
0See it at Mullvad

What Exactly Is a VPN?

Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts your internet connection and masks your virtual location. By routing your traffic through a secure, encrypted tunnel to a server in your chosen location, it ensures your connection remains private and secure. Hiding your IP address lets you bypass geographic restrictions on content.

1. Proton VPN

   #### Proton VPN
   0See it at Proton VPN

Product Specifications

• Pricing: Starting from $4.49/month
• Simultaneous Connections: 10
• Servers: Over 12,000
• Countries: 117
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, Apple TV

Pros: Largest server network, privacy-friendly with a no-logs policy
Cons: MacOS app could benefit from a design update

Proton VPN excels in every aspect. It’s fast, boasts an extensive server network, and maintains strong security and privacy standards. With over 12,000 servers across 117 countries, finding a fast server near your location is effortless. Proton VPN handles geo-blocked content seamlessly, especially with Netflix. While its MacOS app isn’t as polished as ExpressVPN’s, its recent updates make navigation smoother. Proton VPN’s security features are top-notch, and it’s one of the few VPNs allowing anonymous payments in cash.

2. ExpressVPN

   #### ExpressVPN
   0See it at ExpressVPN

Product Specifications

• Pricing: Starting from $4.99/month
• Simultaneous Connections: 8
• Servers: Undisclosed
• Countries: 105
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

Pros: Consistent unblocker, includes a password manager
Cons: Higher subscription costs

ExpressVPN is an excellent all-around option, particularly suitable for streaming. It’s user-friendly yet delivers fast speeds and reliable unblocking. Though it has fewer servers than Proton VPN or NordVPN, its 3,000 servers span 105 countries. Connections remain stable without interruptions, proving efficient server management. During testing, I experienced no DNS or IP leaks. ExpressVPN supports 256-bit AES encryption and a functional kill switch. It lacks some features found in Surfshark but offers useful tools like a password manager.

3. NordVPN

   #### NordVPN
   0See it at NordVPN

Product Specifications

• Pricing: Starting from $3.09/month
• Simultaneous Connections: 10
• Servers: Over 7,000
• Countries: 118
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

Pros: Among the fastest, vast array of features
Cons: Clumsy server map interface

NordVPN ranks among the industry leaders, and its reputation is well-deserved. Its network of over 7,000 servers spans 118 countries, offering unmatched coverage. U.S. users will appreciate the 2,000 servers spread across 16 cities. NordVPN performed exceptionally well with U.S. Netflix and Peacock in my tests. Its proprietary NordLynx protocol ensures lightning-fast speeds, making it ideal for gaming.

NordVPN regularly updates its offerings and introduces new features. Basic subscriptions include essential security features, while premium tiers unlock additional tools like Threat Protection Pro, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites. Despite the server map’s awkward design, the apps remain user-friendly.

4. Surfshark

   #### Surfshark
   0See it at Surfshark

Product Specifications

• Pricing: Starting from $1.99/month
• Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited
• Servers: Over 3,000
• Countries: 100
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

Pros: Unlimited simultaneous connections, servers in multiple U.S. cities
Cons: Expensive single-month plans

Surfshark shines with its unlimited device allowance, perfect for securing multiple gadgets at home. Its 3,000+ servers span 100 countries, including servers in nearly two dozen U.S. cities. My testing confirmed their reliability for streaming (HBO Max, Prime Video) and gaming (Fortnite, Helldivers 2). Surfshark meets all security standards, including 256-bit AES encryption and MultiHop servers for enhanced privacy.

Beyond performance, Surfshark offers a wide range of extras, from email masking to antivirus protection. Pricing starts low, but single-month plans are steep.

5. IPVanish

   #### IPVanish
   0See it at IPVanish

Product Specifications

• Pricing: Starting from $2.19/month
• Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited
• Servers: Over 2,400
• Countries: 100
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

Pros: Improved speeds, various new features
Cons: No Smart DNS or browser extensions

IPVanish has expanded its server network to over 2,400 servers, with over 1,400 in North America