In today’s digital world, keeping your online activities private and secure is key. Whether you’re watching your favorite shows, working from home, or just browsing, a VPN is vital. With so many VPN services out there, picking the right one can be tough. That’s why we’ve made a list of the top 10 VPN service providers in 2025, focusing on speed, security, ease of use, and value.
This guide will help you find the best VPN for 2025, whether for streaming, torrenting, or protecting your online activities. Let’s explore the top VPNs of the year!
Why You Need a VPN in 2025
Before we look at the top VPN providers, let’s see why a VPN is essential in 2025. A VPN encrypts your internet, hides your IP address, and lets you access blocked content. With growing cyber threats, government surveillance, and content blocks, a secure VPN service is vital for your online freedom and safety.
Using a VPN offers many benefits:
- Privacy Protection: Keeps your browsing private from ISPs and hackers.
- Access to Restricted Content: Lets you watch streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
- Enhanced Security: Safeguards your data on public Wi-Fi networks.
- Anonymity: Keeps your identity hidden online.
Now, let’s check out the best VPN service providers leading the market in 2025.
Top 10 VPN Service Providers in 2025
1. NordVPN – Best Overall VPN for Speed and Security
Key Features: 7,000+ servers in 118 countries, NordLynx protocol, Double VPN, no-logs policy, 10 simultaneous connections.
Price: Starts at $3.59/month (2-year plan).
Best For: Streaming, torrenting, and advanced privacy.
NordVPN is the best VPN in 2025. It offers fast speeds with the NordLynx protocol, a huge server network, and top security. Its no-logs policy keeps your data private, and it has special servers for advanced users. It’s great for unblocking 20+ Netflix libraries, making it a top choice for streamers.
Pros:
- Exceptional speed and reliability.
- Robust encryption (AES-256).
- 24/7 customer support.
Cons:
- Slightly higher price for monthly plans.
2. ExpressVPN – Premium VPN for Ease of Use
Key Features: 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, Lightway protocol, TrustedServer technology, 8 simultaneous connections.
Price: Starts at $6.67/month (1-year plan).
Best For: Beginners, streaming, and multi-device use.
ExpressVPN is a top choice for those who want a user-friendly yet powerful VPN. Its Lightway protocol gives fast speeds, and its TrustedServer technology ensures no data is stored. With servers in 105 countries, it easily unblocks major streaming services like Hulu and Disney+. It’s a favorite for VPN reviews in 2025 because of its consistent performance.
Pros:
- Intuitive apps for all devices.
- Strong security features.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons:
- More expensive than competitors.
3. Surfshark – Best Budget VPN with Unlimited Connections
Key Features: 7,300+ servers in 118 countries, unlimited simultaneous connections, CleanWeb ad blocker, MultiHop.
Price: Starts at $1.99/month (2-year plan).
Best For: Families, budget-conscious users, and streaming.
Surfshark is a great deal with its low price and unlimited connections. It has a wide server network and cool features like MultiHop and CleanWeb. It’s perfect for families or anyone with many devices. It also works well with streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing.
- Unlimited connections.
- Excellent streaming support.
Cons:
- Slower speeds on distant servers.
4. Proton VPN – Best Free and Privacy-Focused VPN
Key Features: 6,500+ servers in 112 countries, Secure Core servers, no-logs policy, 10 simultaneous connections.
Price: Free plan available; paid starts at $4.99/month (2-year plan).
Best For: Privacy enthusiasts and free VPN users.
Proton VPN is based in Switzerland and focuses on privacy. It has a free plan with unlimited bandwidth, which is rare. The paid version includes Secure Core servers for extra security. It’s great for avoiding censorship and keeping your connection safe, though speeds might be a bit slower.
Pros:
- Strong privacy credentials.
- Generous free plan.
- Ad-blocker (NetShield) included.
Cons:
- Limited streaming on free plan.
5. CyberGhost – Best VPN for Streaming and Ease of Use
Key Features: 11,700+ servers in 100 countries, streaming-optimized servers, no-logs policy, 7 simultaneous connections.
Price: Starts at $2.03/month (2-year plan).
Best For: Streaming and beginners.
CyberGhost is great for streaming with its huge server network and special streaming servers. It’s easy to use, making it perfect for beginners. It also has strong security features and is affordable, with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Huge server network.
- Streaming-optimized servers.
- Budget-friendly.
Cons:
- Slower upload speeds.
6. Private Internet Access (PIA) – Best for Customization
Key Features: Servers in 91 countries (all 50 US states), customizable apps, SOCKS5 proxy, 10 simultaneous connections.
Price: Starts at $2.19/month (3-year plan).
Best For: Torrenting and advanced users.
Private Internet Access (PIA) lets you customize your experience with features like port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy. It has servers in every US state, making it great for American users. Its no-logs policy has been proven in court, making it trustworthy.
Pros:
- Affordable long-term plans.
- Excellent torrenting support.
- High customization options.
Cons:
- Inconsistent streaming performance.
7. IPVanish – Best for Speed and Gaming
Key Features: 2,200+ servers in 75+ locations, unlimited connections, fast speeds, no-logs policy.
Price: Starts at $3.33/month (2-year plan).
Best For: Gamers and speed enthusiasts.
IPVanish is great for gamers and heavy internet users. It has fast speeds and lets you connect unlimited devices. Its apps are easy to use, and it keeps your data safe. But, it has fewer servers than some other VPNs, which can limit its ability to unblock content.
Pros:
- High-speed performance.
- Unlimited device support.
- Great for gaming.
Cons:
- Limited streaming success.
8. Mullvad – Best for Anonymity
Key Features: 760+ servers in 38 countries, cash payment option, no-logs policy, 5 simultaneous connections.
Price: Fixed at €5/month (~$5.40).
Best For: Privacy extremists.
Mullvad is all about keeping you anonymous. You don’t need an email to sign up, and it accepts cash. It’s not the biggest VPN, but it’s simple and focused on privacy. It’s not the best for streaming but is great for staying hidden.
Pros:
- Unmatched anonymity.
- Flat pricing model.
- Open-source software.
Cons:
- Limited server locations.
9. Windscribe – Best Free VPN with Generous Data
Key Features: Servers in 69 countries, 10GB free data/month, ad blocker, unlimited connections (paid).
Price: Free plan available; paid starts at $5.75/month (1-year plan).
Best For: Casual users and free VPN seekers.
Windscribe has a good free plan with 10GB of data each month. It also has paid plans with unlimited connections. Its ad blocker, ROBERT, makes browsing better, and it works with some streaming services. But, its speeds might not be as fast as some other VPNs.
Pros:
- Generous free plan.
- Affordable paid tiers.
- Ad-blocking feature.
Cons:
- Slower speeds on free plan.
10. TunnelBear – Best for Beginners with a Fun Interface
Key Features: Servers in 47 countries, AES-256 encryption, free plan (500MB/month), 5 simultaneous connections (paid).
Price: Free plan available; paid starts at $3.33/month (1-year plan).
Best For: VPN newbies.
TunnelBear is easy to use, thanks to its fun design and simple apps. Its free plan is limited to 500MB, but the paid version is fast and secure. It’s not the top choice for streaming or torrenting but is perfect for beginners.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface.
- Strong encryption.
- Free tier available.
Cons:
- Small server network.
- Limited free data.
How We Ranked the Top VPN Service Providers
To make this list of the best VPNs for 2025, we looked at several things. We checked:
- Speed: How well they work for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
- Security: The strength of their encryption, kill switch, and no-logs policy.
- Server Network: The number of servers and countries they cover.
- Ease of Use: How easy their apps are to use and their customer support.
- Price: How much value you get for your money and their subscription options.
- Streaming & Torrenting: Their ability to unblock content and support P2P traffic.
We made sure our picks meet different needs, from keeping you private to letting you enjoy content.
Choosing the Best VPN for Your Needs
Finding the right VPN is all about what you need. Here’s a quick guide:
- For Streaming: NordVPN, CyberGhost, or ExpressVPN.
- For Privacy: Proton VPN or Mullvad.
- For Budget: Surfshark or PIA.
- For Speed: NordVPN or IPVanish.
- For Beginners: ExpressVPN or TunnelBear.
Think about things like device support, how many devices you can connect at once, and trial offers when choosing.
FAQs About VPN Service Providers in 2025
What is the best VPN in 2025?
NordVPN is often seen as the best VPN in 2025. It’s fast, secure, and versatile.
Are free VPNs safe?
Some free VPNs, like Proton VPN and Windscribe, are safe but have limits. Stay away from unverified free VPNs that might log your data.
Can I use a VPN for streaming Netflix?
Yes, top VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost can unblock Netflix and other streaming sites.
How much does a VPN cost?
VPN prices vary from $1.99/month (Surfshark) to $12.95/month (ExpressVPN). They often offer discounts for longer plans.