A VPN protects your online privacy, secures public Wi-Fi connections, and unlocks geo-restricted content. This guide compares the top VPN services to help you choose the right one.
Best VPN Services 2025
- Best Overall: NordVPN ($3.39/mo) - Best balance of speed, security, features
- Fastest VPN: ExpressVPN ($6.67/mo) - Premium speed, great for streaming
- Best Value: Surfshark ($2.19/mo) - Unlimited devices, excellent price
- Best Free VPN: ProtonVPN Free - No data limits, trustworthy
- Best for Privacy: Mullvad ($5.50/mo) - Anonymous, no email required
Top VPN Services Compared
| VPN | Price (2-year) | Devices | Servers | Speed | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $3.39/mo | 10 | 6,000+ | Excellent | |
| ExpressVPN | $6.67/mo | 8 | 3,000+ | Best | |
| Surfshark | $2.19/mo | Unlimited | 3,200+ | Very Good | |
| CyberGhost | $2.19/mo | 7 | 9,000+ | Good | |
| Private Internet Access | $2.03/mo | Unlimited | 35,000+ | Good | |
| ProtonVPN | $4.99/mo | 10 | 3,000+ | Good |
Detailed VPN Reviews
TOP PICK
NordVPN
- Pricing: $3.39/mo (2-year), $4.99/mo (1-year), $12.99/mo (monthly)
- Servers: 6,000+ in 111 countries
- Features: Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Threat Protection, Meshnet
- Streaming: Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer
- Best for: Overall protection, streaming, torrenting
FASTEST
ExpressVPN
- Pricing: $6.67/mo (1-year), $9.99/mo (6-month), $12.95/mo (monthly)
- Servers: 3,000+ in 105 countries
- Features: Lightway protocol, TrustedServer, split tunneling
- Streaming: Unblocks virtually everything
- Best for: Speed-critical users, streaming enthusiasts
BEST VALUE
Surfshark
- Pricing: $2.19/mo (2-year), $3.99/mo (1-year), $15.45/mo (monthly)
- Servers: 3,200+ in 100 countries
- Features: Unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad blocker, Camouflage mode
- Streaming: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video
- Best for: Families, multiple devices, budget-conscious
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-logs policy | Audited | Audited | Audited |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Split tunneling | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ad/malware blocker | Threat Protection | No | CleanWeb |
| Double VPN | Yes | No | MultiHop |
| Obfuscated servers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
Streaming Compatibility
VPNs for Streaming
- Netflix: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark all work
- Disney+: NordVPN and ExpressVPN most reliable
- BBC iPlayer: NordVPN, ExpressVPN
- Amazon Prime: All major VPNs work
- Hulu: ExpressVPN, NordVPN
- HBO Max: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark
Security Features Explained
- Kill switch: Blocks internet if VPN disconnects
- No-logs policy: Provider doesn't store activity
- Encryption: AES-256 is military-grade standard
- DNS leak protection: Prevents DNS request exposure
- Double VPN: Routes through two servers for extra security
- Obfuscation: Hides VPN traffic in restrictive countries
Use Cases
Privacy & Security
- Protect data on public Wi-Fi
- Prevent ISP tracking
- Secure online banking
Streaming
- Access geo-restricted content
- Watch US Netflix from abroad
- Access international sports
Work & Business
- Secure remote work connections
- Access office resources remotely
- Protect confidential communications
Free VPNs Worth Using
- ProtonVPN Free: No data limits, trustworthy, 3 countries
- Windscribe Free: 10GB/month, good speeds
- Hide.me Free: 10GB/month, no ads
- Avoid: Most free VPNs sell your data or show ads
How to Choose
- Identify your use: Privacy, streaming, or both?
- Count devices: How many need protection?
- Check server locations: Need specific countries?
- Compare speeds: Important for streaming/gaming
- Review privacy policy: No-logs audits matter
- Use money-back guarantee: Test before committing