Choosing a VPN in 2025 isn’t just about speed; it’s also about trust, privacy, usability, and long-term value. We reviewed and rated top VPNs across features like security, performance, and cost. We also factored in real-world feedback from Reddit to gauge users’ opinions and concerns.
Compare Our Top VPN Picks
| Partner | Best For | Our Rating | Current Offer | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProtonVPN | Best for Streaming | 9.0 |
| VISIT SITE → |
| Surfshark | Best Value for Unlimited Devices | 8.7 |
| VISIT SITE → |
| NordVPN | Best for Mobile Devices | 8.5 |
| VISIT SITE → |
| TotalVPN | Best Price | 8.4 |
| VISIT SITE → |
Best VPNs of 2025
- Swiss-based privacy:jurisdiction with strong data protections and an independently audited no-logs policy.
- Open-source apps: code is publicly available with regular security audits for added transparency.
- Secure Core routing: optional double-hop through hardened servers to reduce risk from network surveillance.
- NetShield filtering: built-in blocker for ads, trackers, and known malware domains.
- Fast, modern protocols: WireGuard and OpenVPN support for reliable speeds across devices.
Proton VPN’s Swiss jurisdiction, strict no-logs policy (verified by independent audits), open-source apps, and advanced features like Secure Core and Tor over VPN make it the clear privacy leader. It’s also the fastest VPN in our testing, hitting over 1,190 Mbps via WireGuard, and one of the only premium providers offering a genuinely helpful free plan. Reddit users praise its transparency and streaming performance, though some note the higher price point for premium tiers. Ideal for privacy enthusiasts, streamers, and individuals who prioritize open-source credibility.
Read More: ProtonVPN Review
- Up to 77% Off + 3 months extra
- Ultra-fast Connection Speed: 6730+ Mbps
- 6800+ VPN Servers in 111 Countries
- Scans for Malware, Blocks Trackers & Hides Ads
- Offers 1 TB of Encrypted Cloud Storage
NordVPN continues to excel in 2025 with fast speeds, strong privacy audits, and a deep bench of features: Meshnet, Double VPN, Threat Protection, and RAM-only servers. It’s a streaming powerhouse and torrent-friendly, with specialized servers for different use cases. Redditors appreciate its performance but sometimes critique the app’s clutter. If you want a balance of top-tier security, speed, and functionality. If you don’t mind paying slightly more, it’s a strong choice.
Read More: NordVPN Review
- Plans from 1.99 Per Month + 3 Months Extra Bonus
- Connect Unlimited Devices with One Account
- Access to 100 RAM Only Servers
- Malware Protection & Data Breach Alerts
- 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections make it ideal for households or heavy device users. It’s fast (up to 950 Mbps with WireGuard), budget-friendly, and packed with features like CleanWeb (ad blocking), MultiHop, and GPS spoofing. Reddit feedback highlights its substantial value and generous feature set, though some miss the slickness of NordVPN’s desktop interface. Ideal for families, students, and users seeking a high-value subscription that covers all their devices.
Read More: Surfshark Review
- Special Deal: 80% Off — Just $1.59 Per Month for the 1st Year
- Best for Online Banking & Private Streaming
- 1,800+ High-Speed Servers in 80+ Countries
- Includes Free Antivirus & Ad Blocker
- Access Geo-Restricted Websites & Content
TotalVPN earns a spot on our list thanks to its ultra-low first-year pricing, which makes it one of the most accessible choices for new VPN users. While some providers can be pricey, TotalVPN’s introductory rate is ideal for those who want to explore the benefits of a VPN without making a big financial commitment up front.
Read More: TotalVPN Review
Why Use a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic, masking your IP address and protecting your data from ISPs, hackers, and prying eyes. Beyond security, VPNs enable access to geo-restricted content (like Netflix or BBC iPlayer libraries abroad), make public Wi-Fi safer, and can help maintain privacy from advertisers and data brokers.
Who Should Consider a VPN?
A VPN can be valuable for a wide range of people. Privacy advocates often use it to minimize their digital footprints and keep online activity more secure. Travelers benefit from VPNs when they need safe connections on public networks or want access to content from their home region while abroad. Gamers and streamers turn to VPNs to reduce latency and bypass restrictions on platforms, while remote workers rely on them to protect sensitive data when connecting through unsecured networks. Even households with multiple devices can take advantage of a VPN to ensure simultaneous protection across all family members’ phones, tablets, and computers.
What Reddit Recommends
Across r/VPN, r/vpnreviews, and product-specific subs, three clear trends emerged:
- Privacy trust is critical: Redditors repeatedly warn against VPNs with past privacy violations or unclear logging policies.
- Performance expectations are high: Users are quick to praise VPNs that deliver fast, stable connections worldwide, especially for streaming and gaming.
- Ease of use matters: Clunky interfaces, unstable mobile apps, and buggy connections draw negative feedback even if security is solid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the best VPNs.
Yes, slightly—but top VPNs like Proton VPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark keep speed loss minimal (often under 10–15% with WireGuard or Lightway).
Most aren’t. Exceptions include Proton VPN’s free tier, which offers unlimited bandwidth and audited security, though with limited server locations.
Not completely—no VPN offers 100% anonymity—but a reputable, audited no-logs VPN dramatically increases your privacy online.
ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN are consistently reliable for unblocking Netflix and other platforms.
Yes—VPN encryption makes your data unreadable to hackers and snoops on unsecured networks.
