Best VPN Services in 2025: Stay Secure and Private

In today’s digital world, protecting your privacy online isn’t optional it’s essential. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is your first line of defense against cyber threats, surveillance, and unwanted data tracking. Whether you’re working remotely, streaming content, or using public Wi-Fi, a VPN keeps your online identity hidden and your data encrypted.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a VPN is, how it works, the benefits of using one, and introduce the top 10 best VPN services of 2025 to help you stay secure and anonymous online.

What Is a VPN and Why Do You Need One?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is internet security software that encrypts your online connection and hides your IP address. This shields your activity from:

• Hackers on public Wi-Fi

• Surveillance from internet service providers (ISPs)

• Government censorship

• Data collection by third-party companies

With a VPN, you become virtually invisible online. Your location, identity, and activity remain completely private.

Key Benefits of Using a VPN

Why use a VPN in 2025? The benefits go far beyond just security:

• Enhanced Privacy: Hide your browsing activity, IP address, and location.

• Secure Public Wi-Fi: Stay protected on public networks at coffee shops, hotels, airports, etc.

• Bypass Geo-Restrictions: Access streaming content and websites blocked in your region.

• Prevent ISP Tracking: Stop your ISP from collecting and selling your data.

• Global Access: Connect to servers worldwide to browse the internet freely.

How to Choose the Best VPN for You

Not all VPNs are created equal. Here are essential factors to consider:

Privacy & Logging Policies

Choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy and AES-256 encryption to ensure your data is never stored or shared.

Pricing & Free Trials

VPN pricing varies, usually between $3–$15/month. Look for providers that offer free trials or money-back guarantees.

Device Compatibility

The best VPNs support multiple devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even routers or smart TVs.

Server Network

More servers = better performance. Look for a provider with thousands of servers in multiple countries.

Can You Be Tracked While Using a VPN?

For most users, no you cannot be tracked while using a reputable VPN. However, powerful organizations (like government agencies) may still have the tools to identify users under extreme conditions.

For maximum anonymity, some users pair a VPN with Tor, which routes traffic through multiple encrypted layers.

How Much Does a VPN Cost?

• Free VPNs exist, like ProtonVPN (free plan) or browser extensions like SetupVPN.

• Premium VPNs range from $3/month to $15/month, depending on features, server count, and speed.

• Business VPNs typically cost more due to greater device support and bandwidth.

1. NordVPN

When it comes to picking a VPN, knowing that it entails entrusting your personal data to at least one firm, it’s reassuring to know that Nord VPN will do the right thing with it, even when forced by one of the world’s most powerful countries. That’s the kind of trustworthiness you want from your VPN service provider.

It’s simple… which is one of the reasons that makes Nord so appealing. All you have to do to activate or deactivate your VPN services is click a button once you’ve downloaded the app or browser extension. That is all there is to it. Nord’s material is as follows. This is reassuring because online security software can be perplexing, with far too many options and settings to consider. This is one of my favorite aspects of Nord. You may browse secretly with only a click of a button!

Pros

• Online security that is dependable and effective
• With Nord, your information is secure.
• You’re secure with only one click; it’s simple to use.

Cons

• There is no free trial available.

2. Hola VPN

As I just mentioned, Hola VPN is compatible with practically any device and operating system you can think of even the less common ones that other VPNs may not be. Hola VPN is available as a Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Opera extension, as well as an Android or iOS app, a Windows or Mac software, and an extension/app for Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo, routers, Apple TVs, and any smart TV. Hola VPN provides one of the most comprehensive lists of compatible systems of any VPN service. It is one of the best VPN services right now.

Pros

• Maximum secrecy
• Any site can be accessed at any time and from any location.
• An option that is completely free
• Almost every gadget is supported.
• Affordable

Cons

• Subscriptions need long-term commitments.

3. HMA VPN

HMA VPN eventually altered their name, converting it into a slightly cryptic initialism of the original: Hide My Ass! in what was arguably a savvy PR move. The company’s logo, which features a donkey dressed as a private investigator (complete with fedora, trench coat, and sunglasses), has survived the rebranding process.

Beyond the server selection option and the lightning connect button, there isn’t much to HMA in terms of content. Both the program and the app are quite light and will not significantly slow down your browsing or streaming experience. However, there are some content considerations to be aware of in terms of the types of things you do online.

Pros

• The interface that is simple to use
• Auto-connection with lightning
• Torrent compatible
• Browsing is completely anonymous and confidential.

Cons

• It’s not ideal for streaming.
• Not the cheapest VPN on the market.
• Not all platforms are supported.

4. Surf Shark

Choose from a total of 1,041 servers in 61 different countries. Tap into nearly every corner of the globe to access local internets you’d never have access to otherwise, all without ever leaving your couch or bed. This variety of servers not only provides you with a variety of connection speeds to choose from, but it also means that your online capabilities are no longer limited by the boundaries of your home nation.

One of the most significant benefits is that you can completely utilize the foreign libraries of numerous streaming services. Surf Shark, for example, claims that their VPN allows customers access to 15 different Netflix libraries automatically. Netflix has diverse material in different countries. Do you want to see a film that isn’t accessible in your country? No problem… just connect to a Surf Shark server in a country where the film is available and start streaming!

Pros

• More than 1,000 servers in more than 60 countries
• Streaming and peer-to-peer (P2P) compatibility
• Unlimited devices that are mobile-friendly

Cons

• There is some variation in server speeds.

5. Cyber Ghost

I believe Cyber Ghost’s name is a good fit for what it accomplishes. It effectively transforms you into an internet ghost. Undetectable. Finally, no one will be able to view your internet behavior.

Cyber Ghost takes pride in being able to provide complete anonymity. “Only by keeping ZERO logs on our user’s browsing history, traffic destination, data content, or search preferences can we ensure anonymity,” Cyber Ghost asserts. And this corporation goes to tremendous efforts to keep its word. Cyber Ghost, for example, relocated from Germany to an unidentified country where international surveillance conventions are not legally recognized. This means that Cyber Ghost cannot be forced to divulge any of its users’ internet data under any circumstances. They couldn’t since they don’t keep track of it.

Pros

• Connections that are quick
• More than 6,000 servers in more than 90 countries
• Adaptable to mobile devices

Cons

• There could be more gadgets.

6. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access has one of the most comprehensive lists I’ve seen. Allow me to lay them out for you below rather than burying them all in a paragraph of text:

-Privacy, top-encryption, and secure VPN -WiFi connections that are encrypted -Multiple gateways -P2P support -Use on 10 devices at once -Ad-blocker, tracker blocker, malware blocker -Bandwidth limitless -Includes a SOCKS5 proxy -No traffic logs -Instant setup -3,300 or more servers -Servers in 47 different countries.
Pros

• Streaming-friendly, peer-to-peer (P2P)-friendly, and cross-platform-friendly
• Local speeds are extremely fast.

Cons

• There are a limited amount of servers and locations.
• In China, there is a lot of inconsistency.
• The company is based in the United States (anti-privacy)

7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is a newcomer to the VPN industry, but its capabilities have already pleased us. With AES-256 encryption and a rigorous privacy policy, we got all the protection we’d expect from a top-tier VPN. We also received a slew of bonuses, including unlimited simultaneous connections, rotating IP addresses, and a free data breach monitor. In the months and years ahead, we expect to hear a lot more about this VPN.

Pros

• Affordability
• There are no limits on the number of connections that can be made
• The best server locator is a data breach monitor.

Cons

• Doesn’t accept cryptocurrencies as a payment method.
• There will be no multiple hops.
• The company is based in the United States.
• There are only a few servers.

8. PureVPN

With over 6,500 servers in over 78 countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, PureVPN is one of the best VPNs for travel. This allowed us to travel without having to connect to sketchy Wi-Fi networks or face internet filtering. Our surfing history and IP address were hidden by PureVPN, allowing us to be more anonymous online.

Pros

• OpenVPN protocol with AES-256 encryption
• More than 6,500 servers across 78 countries
• A non-member of the Five Eyes, based in Hong Kong.

Cons

• Torrenting isn’t always reliable.
• Latency on Windows and Macs using Static IP addresses
• There is no free trial available.

9. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN got us covered with fast speeds on our Mac and Windows machines when it came to using Zoom and other meeting software. Also, when we utilized Zoom on our Android smartphones, we didn’t notice any significant delays or lags, which came in useful during the pandemic while we were working from home. Plus, for those who don’t want to pay for a VPN, ProtonVPN offers a free option. This free plan has no data limits, but you can only connect with one device at a time. We chose the Plus plan, which was $7.49 per month. However, if we had signed up for one or two years, we could have acquired it at a lower price. A year costs $5.99 per month, while two years costs $4.99 per month.

Pros

• High-speed operations
• An option that is completely free
• Netflix is available to you.
• Access to torrents

Cons

• Prices that are relatively high
• Customer service is limited to ticketing.
• There is no browser support.
• There are only a few servers.

10. Norton VPN

Norton has a VPN, and it’s not half bad. Norton is best known for its LifeLock identity theft protection (read more in our LifeLock review) and Norton antivirus software, but it also offers a VPN. We got a different IP address every time we connected to the macOS software, making it harder to track us online. We were happy with this VPN program because we were looking for internet anonymity.

Pros

• Encryption with AES-256
• Every time you connect, you’ll get a different IP address.
• Maximum of 10 devices at a reasonable price

Cons

• A Five Eyes member based in the United States
• Split tunneling is not available on iOS devices or Macs.
• Netflix isn’t available in every location.
• On Macs and iOS devices, the kill switch isn’t available.

VPN Comparison Table: Best VPNs at a Glance (2025)

Final Thoughts: Which VPN Should You Choose?

Whether you’re a remote worker, traveler, streamer, or privacy advocate, using a VPN in 2025 is a must. The best VPN service for you depends on:

• Your budget

• Device compatibility

• Streaming or torrenting needs

• Number of connections

Every VPN on this list offers enhanced privacy, security, and freedom, but if you’re unsure where to start, we recommend NordVPN or Surfshark for overall value.