The Best VPN Services of 2025
Our top pick, NordVPN, had less than a 5 percent impact on our internet speed with a network of over 7,600 servers covering 118 countries.
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Last Updated on May 07, 2025
- Strict no-logs policy
- Connect up to 10 devices at once
- 7,159 servers in 118 countries and specialty servers tailored to specific needs, such as P2P or extra security
- No-logs VPN company based in the Virgin Islands
- Allows unlimited connections, double VPN, and split tunneling
- Choice of OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2P2, Shadowsocks & more
- Excellent mobile apps
- Strict no-log policy
- Thousands of servers in 91 countries
- Ultra-fast network speeds on Windows
Most VPNs work the same way, so is it really worth the time researching VPNs? We’d say it is. Factors such as speed, number of servers and server locations, and security and privacy features will all affect your overall VPN experience and, thus, your online privacy and security.
Our team of cybersecurity experts tested over 50 VPNs to select the elite few. We believe NordVPN is the best option, with its humongous server network, impressive and stable speeds, and top-notch privacy features, but here’s a list of the VPNs we recommend the most for their unique capabilities.
Hot Deal: VPNs cost about $10 per month, but with NordVPN’s current two-year deal, you can get our top-pick VPN for only $3.09 per month.
The Best VPN Services of 2025
- NordVPN - Best VPN for Privacy
- Surfshark - Best VPN for Security
- Private Internet Access - Best User Experience
- Hotspot Shield - Best Download Speeds
- Norton Secure VPN - Best Bundled VPN
Our Methodology
In order to give you objective and honest recommendations, we personally tested the VPNs on this list over a span of six months. We made sure to use each VPN across different platforms, including desktops, mobile phones and smart TVs. We also ran a number of speed tests and IP address leak tests.
We looked at a number of key factors to rate, rank and compare VPNs, but these are the main areas we considered:
- Privacy
- Security
- Speed
Comparison of the Best VPNs
| System |
NordVPN
|
Surfshark
|
Private Internet Access
|
Hotspot Shield
|
Norton Secure VPN
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| Ratings | 9.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.4/10 |
| Best Monthly Price | $3.39 | $2.19 | $2.03 | Free | $3.33 |
| Maximum Monthly Cost | $12.99 | $15.45 | $11.95 | $9.99 | $4.99 |
| Encryption | 256-bit AES | 256-bit AES | 128-bit to 256-bit AES | 256-bit AES | 256-bit AES |
| Server locations | 118 countries | 100 countries | 91 countries | 35 countries | 31 countries |
| Five Eyes, Nine Eyes and 14 Eyes Member? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Read Review | NordVPN Review | Surfshark Review | Private Internet Access Review | Hotspot Shield Review | Norton Secure VPN Review |
The Best VPN Services of 2025
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1. NordVPN - Best VPN for Privacy
View Plans Links to NordVPNProduct Specs
Multihop Yes Obfuscated Servers Yes Kill Switch Yes Split Tunneling Yes Netflix Yes Torrenting Yes
Why We Picked It
NordVPN earned the highest spot because of its privacy-focused approach, overall speed and reliability, and ease of use. A NordVPN subscription gives you more than just a VPN. With our NordVPN Plus plan, we enjoyed protection from malware-infected downloads through Threat Protection Pro. It also blocked ads and third-party trackers from the websites we visited. It’s not antivirus software, but it comes pretty close.
>> Related: The Best Antivirus and VPN Bundles
VPN expert checks out NordVPN’s server network in the U.S. What We Like
- Based in Panama, a privacy-friendly country
- Offers multihop and double hop for extra privacy
- Up-to-date encryption and VPN protocols
- Can access blocked website and streaming content
- User-friendly apps
What We Don’t Like
- Steeper prices than the competition
- Manual setup required in restrictive countries
- Antimalware protection not available with the cheapest subscription
NordVPN’s Mac app NordVPN Privacy – Excellent
We like that NordVPN has all essential privacy features: a kill switch, DNS leak protection and a strict no-logs policy. It also has double VPN servers that send your data through two VPN servers instead of just one. That way, your real IP address is hidden behind two VPN IPs.
The higher subscription tiers also add access to extra privacy services. That includes NordPass (a password manager) and NordProtect, an identity theft protection service.
FYI: NordProtect includes credit and identity monitoring. If your details are compromised, you’re insured for up to $1 million. There’s also cyber-extortion insurance, which protects you from ransomware attacks.
NordVPN iOS app connected to Australia >> Related: NordPass Password Manager Review
NordVPN Speed – Very Good
We ran several speed tests, and our average download speed loss with NordVPN was only 5.78 percent and the upload speed loss was 4.11 percent. Those are lower than most VPNs we tested, which is good.
We used several distant servers to watch 4K videos on YouTube, and they always loaded instantly. We also downloaded a 15 GB file, and it took only about seven minutes for the download to finish.
FYI: We experienced noticeable slowdowns when using double VPN servers, which reduced our speeds by as much as 80 percent. We recommend using the servers only when you need enhanced privacy.
Here’s our internet speed while connected to one of NordVPN’s multihop server pairs. >> See More: The Best VPNs for Torrenting in 2025
NordVPN Security – Excellent
Our favorite security feature is Threat Protection Pro. It’s almost like an antivirus with the way it blocks malware downloads. The best part about it is that it works in the background even when the VPN is off.
NordVPN also provides access to secure VPN protocols: OpenVPN and NordLynx. NordLynx is built around WireGuard, which is very secure and also super fast. Our tests show that NordLynx is about 20 percent faster than OpenVPN.
Pro Tip: NordVPN offers a tiered subscription service, and we recommend at least the Plus plan. The plan includes Threat Protection Pro instead of the lighter version (Threat Protection) that only blocks ads and trackers, which is included in the Basic plan. The Plus plan also includes NordPass, which is one of the top password managers we’ve tested.
Who It’s Best For
We recommend NordVPN to users who are looking to improve their overall digital security, especially if you plan to sign up for the midtier or top-tier plans with Threat Protection Pro, NordPass and other bonus privacy and security features.
Gabe Turner’s video breakdown of NordVPN for Security.org -
2. Surfshark - Best VPN for Security
View Plans Links to SurfsharkProduct Specs
Multi-hop Yes Camouflage Mode Yes Kill switch Yes Split Tunneling Yes Netflix Yes Torrenting Yes
Why We Picked It
Surfshark one-ups NordVPN in the security department with the inclusion of a full-featured antivirus in the Surfshark One bundle. It ranked second overall on our list of the best antivirus software. Surfshark also offers Incogni, which is a great data removal service. Overall, Surfshark rivals NordVPN in features while being cheaper and offering unlimited connections, which makes it great for families and teams.
>> Learn More: Surfshark One Review
FYI: Like NordVPN, Surfshark discounts its products throughout the year. We recommend keeping an eye out throughout the holidays and on Prime Day to save even more on Surfshark bundles.
What We Like
- Camouflage mode
- Unlimited devices per subscription
- Low costs with one- or two-year subscriptions
- 30-day money-back guarantee
What We Don’t Like
- Slow upload speeds
- Not guaranteed to work in restrictive countries
- Month-to-month price is pretty expensive
Surfshark Dynamic Multihop Surfshark Privacy – Good
Surfshark provides very strong privacy. It has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited, just like that of NordVPN. Plus, we like how it uses only RAM-based servers, which means all data is wiped with each server reboot.
The VPN also has other good privacy tools: a kill switch, double VPN support and Alternative ID, which generates an alternative email address and persona.
Surfshark Speed – Good
Surfshark offers fast download speeds that kept our speed loss to about 8 percent during our tests — not as fast as NordVPN, but still plenty fast. Our concern is the upload speed. Even when connecting to nearby servers, our upload speed dropped by as much as 80 percent and averaged around 50 percent through 10 tests. That made our YouTube uploads take longer.
ExpertTip: Most online activities, such as streaming, online gaming and browsing, don’t really require a fast upload speed. As long as you have good download speeds, you won’t have any problem doing most things you normally do.
Surfshark Security – Excellent
Surfshark has obfuscation (called Camouflage Mode), which hides your VPN traffic. The feature makes encrypted VPN traffic seem like normal traffic. That’s handy if you’re on a restrictive network and you’re worried about network admins monitoring VPN usage.
The VPN has a built-in ad blocker, too, called CleanWeb. In our tests, it blocked 90 percent of ads on all sites we visited. It also stopped us from accessing unsafe HTTP sites.
>> Learn More: Must-Have VPNs for Traveling
Surfshark Android app. User-Friendly Apps
We found Surfshark easy to use even with its extensive feature set. Connecting to a VPN is straightforward, since there’s a quick-connect tool that instantly connects you to the fastest server location.
We also appreciate how neatly organized all the VPN features are in the settings menu, unlike the TotalAV VPN app we recently tested. Because that app combined TotalAV’s feature-rich antivirus and VPN, the features were scattered everywhere.
Streaming Services
A nice little side effect of using a VPN is gaining access to streaming content from outside your country. You can use it to unblock Hulu if you’re outside the U.S., for instance, or access Disney+ shows not available in your region. Surfshark made both our lists of the best Disney+ VPNs and best Hulu VPNs. It also worked well with other streaming services we tested, such as Netflix, Max, Spotify and even YouTube TV.
FYI: Learn more about the best VPNs for YouTube TV. Surfshark is also great for streaming devices. It’s one of the best VPNs for Apple TV and a highly rated VPN for Fire TV.
Who It’s Best For:
Surfshark is an affordable but well-stacked VPN. We recommend it if you’re looking for a VPN to use day to day, but its Surfshark One subscriptions are particularly handy for those looking for a VPN and antivirus software.
Gabe Turner’s 10-minute video review of SurfShark for Security.org -
3. Private Internet Access - Best User Experience
View Plans Links to Private Internet AccessProduct Specs
Multihop Yes Obfuscated Servers Yes Kill Switch Yes Split Tunneling Yes Netflix Yes Torrenting Yes
Why We Picked It
Private Internet Access is a fast, reliable and secure VPN, but it especially stands out when it comes to user experience. It has a VPN app for every device: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV and Apple TV. It also allows unlimited connections, and we found the apps highly customizable for different uses, such as browsing, streaming, torrenting and online gaming.
>> Related: The Top VPNs for Online Gaming
What We Like
- Strict logging policy
- Fast on Windows
- Excellent user experience
- Netflix access
What We Don’t Like
- Slower upload speeds
- Live chat support needs improvement
- Not as feature-rich as other VPNs
Private Internet Access VPN split tunneling options Private Internet Access Privacy – Very Good
Private Internet Access is one of the best no-log VPNs in 2025. We read its privacy policy (which has been independently audited), and can confirm the VPN doesn’t log user IPs and browsing traffic, just like NordVPN and Surfshark. It also doesn’t store usage metrics, such as connection timestamps and bandwidth usage.
FYI: VPNs collect usage metrics to gather data such as peak VPN usage hours and amount of bandwidth used in a certain time frame to help them improve their services, so we’re not completely against logging usage metrics — as long as IP addresses and websites visited are not logged.
Private Internet Access Speed – Excellent
Private Internet Access’ speeds were fast during our tests, regardless of the device we were using. We know every VPN will reduce our normal speeds. But the best ones minimize the impact. With that in mind, here’s our PIA speed test results:
Baseline Private Internet Access Percentage difference Download speed (Mbps) 95.08 90.48 -4.39% Upload speed (Mbps) 94.44 14.86 -84.26% Average ping (ms) – lower is better 3 86.7 2,790% 
Expert TakeFrom Subbu Sthanu, Chief Commercial Officer of IPVanish“A common issue I encounter is customers experiencing slow speeds because they use far-away servers or don’t take advantage of the fastest VPN protocol options. I noticed that the best way to fix slow VPN speeds is to use a nearby server or switch from OpenVPN to WireGuard.”Private Internet Access Security – Very Good
Private Internet Access uses MACE (an ad blocker) to help enhance online security. We tested it and had very good results. On ad-heavy pages, it blocked banner, pop-up and video ads. It also stopped us from accessing unsafe websites.
And just like NordVPN and Surfshark, Private Internet Access offers obfuscation. It’s an extra layer of security if you want to hide your VPN use from your network admin or the government.
Connected to New York City using Private Internet Access VPN Encryption Options
We like how Private Internet Access lets you choose between 256-bit AES encryption (the default after VPN installation) and 128-bit AES. You can switch between ciphers when you use the OpenVPN protocol; 128-bit AES is strong, but overall less secure than 256-bit AES. It was faster by about 4 percent during our tests though. That’s why we prefer 128-bit AES for less privacy-demanding tasks, such as streaming Netflix and online gaming.
» Read More: Best Proxy Servers
Highly Efficient Apps
It only took us about two minutes to install each one of PIA’s apps, and it took only about 10 seconds to find and connect to a server. We also like how PIA offers standard split tunneling and the less common inverse split tunneling (see our split tunneling guide for a detailed explanation). We used the feature to send traffic from our Zoom app through the VPN, which improved our video call speeds.
>> Learn More: Are Private Browsers Really Private?
Who It’s Best For:
We recommend Private Internet Access to anyone who’s looking for a very intuitive VPN. It has apps for all major platforms, it’s very easy to install and use, and it also allows unlimited connections.
In-depth review: Gabe Turner explores the features and benefits of PIA -
4. Hotspot Shield - Best Download Speeds
View Plans Links to Hotspot ShieldProduct Specs
Multi-hop Yes Obfuscated servers Yes Kill switch Yes Split Tunneling Yes Netflix Yes, but not in all regions Torrenting Yes 
Why We Picked It
One of the main reasons we picked Hotspot Shield is its proprietary Hydra protocol. It’s a lightweight, performance-enhanced protocol that comes in handy when you’re looking for very fast download speeds.
In our tests, we enjoyed blazing-fast speeds for different online activities. We watched 4K videos without experiencing buffering, we played online games without noticing lag and all the sites we browsed loaded instantly.
Money Saver: Sign up for long-term periods to get discounts. One-year and two-year plans are typically cheaper than monthly plans.
What We Like
- Very fast download speeds
- Very good free plan for desktop users
- Works in restrictive countries
- Torrenting access
What We Don’t Like
- Can’t access Disney+
- Doesn’t have as many extra features as other VPNs
- Doesn’t have the best upload speeds
Hotspot Shield Privacy – Very Good
A lot of VPNs say they have a no-logs policy, but provide no data to back it up. That’s not the case with Hotspot Shield. The VPN had its no-logs claims audited by an independent security firm in 2023. The audit concluded that the VPN doesn’t log any sensitive user data.
All Hotspot Shield Premium servers (125 locations) Hotspot Shield Speed – Excellent
Hotspot Shield was the fastest VPN we tested, with just a 3.17 percent reduction from our usual download speeds — even lower than NordVPN’s speed loss. That said, Hotspot Shield’s upload speed didn’t perform as well, dropping by as much as 80 percent just like Surfshark. Hotspot Shield is great for downloading large files and streaming videos, but skip it if you’re a regular uploader.
>> Related: What Is ISP Throttling?
Hotspot Shield Security – Very Good
Hotspot Shield delivers security through a number of built-in app features. It offers leak protection against IPv6, DNS and WebRTC leaks by providing a private DNS. We ran over 20 tests, and we never experienced any leaks.
We’re also very happy with the VPN’s proprietary Hydra protocol. It uses military-grade encryption and provides obfuscation, allowing the VPN to work in restrictive countries that censor the internet (such as China and Russia).
Using Hotspot Shield on my Mac Who It’s Best For:
Hotspot Shield is an excellent option for users interested in super-fast download speeds. Its Hydra protocol maintains very fast download speeds on both nearby and distant servers.
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5. Norton Secure VPN - Best Bundled VPN
View Plans Links to Norton.comProduct Specs
Multi-hop Yes Camouflage Mode No Kill switch No Split Tunneling Android and Windows only Netflix Yes Torrenting No 
Why We Picked It
Norton is most famous for its Norton antivirus software and LifeLock service (LifeLock is one of the best identity protection services; read more in our LifeLock review). Adding Norton Secure VPN to the mix makes the bundle even better. In addition to all the protections you normally get, you can also use the VPN to enjoy a certain level of online anonymity by making your online activities harder to track.
» Learn more: A 2025 Guide to Personal Digital Security and Online Safety
What We Like
- AES-256 encryption
- Great Wi-Fi security tools
- Blocks trackers
- 10 devices maximum
What We Don’t Like
- P2P support could be improved
- No split tunneling on iOS devices or Macs
- Can’t access BBC iPlayer
- Kill switch isn’t available on Macs or iOS devices
Norton Secure VPN Privacy – Fair
We read Norton Secure VPN’s logging policy, and we can confirm that it doesn’t log user IPs or browsing traffic. It does collect bandwidth usage and connection timestamps, which is more information than other VPNs collect. But it still counts as a no-log VPN, because it doesn’t collect any data that could be used to identify you.
>> Read More: Norton Antivirus Review
Norton Secure VPN Speed – Good
Norton Secure VPN took the 12th spot in our VPN speed comparison ranking. That’s not bad, considering we tested over 60 VPNs. Our download speed dropped by less than 10 percent, but the upload speed (average 11 Mbps) and latency (average 125.5 ms) were less impressive. If you need a VPN for activities such as video conferencing or online gaming, Norton Secure isn’t the best option.
Norton Secure VPN Security – Very Good
Norton’s app improved our digital security in more ways than one, but we liked one nifty security feature in particular. The app automatically detects if we’re connected to a suspicious Wi-Fi network, such as password-less coffee shop Wi-Fi. It then automatically connects the VPN to the fastest available server.
We have to point out, however, that Norton Secure VPN doesn’t offer as many servers as other VPNs. It has servers in only 29 countries. That’s less than a third of NordVPN’s 118 countries and Surfshark’s 100 countries. Just something to keep in mind.
Norton App Home Page Who It’s Best For:
Norton Secure is best for those who want to bundle a good VPN service with additional security tools, such as an antivirus or identity theft protection.
Norton Secure: Gabe Turner’s insights on ease of use and functionality.
Comparison of Our VPN Picks
| System |
NordVPN
|
Surfshark
|
Private Internet Access
|
Hotspot Shield
|
Norton Secure VPN
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| Ratings | 9.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.4/10 |
| Best Monthly Price | $3.39 | $2.19 | $2.03 | Free | $3.33 |
| Maximum Monthly Cost | $12.99 | $15.45 | $11.95 | $9.99 | $4.99 |
| Encryption | 256-bit AES | 256-bit AES | 128-bit to 256-bit AES | 256-bit AES | 256-bit AES |
| Server locations | 118 countries | 100 countries | 91 countries | 35 countries | 31 countries |
| Five Eyes, Nine Eyes and 14 Eyes Member? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Read Review | NordVPN Review | Surfshark Review | Private Internet Access Review | Hotspot Shield Review | Norton Secure VPN Review |
Taking A Closer Look
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1. NordVPN - Best VPN for Privacy
View Plans Links to NordVPNProduct Specs
Multihop Yes Obfuscated Servers Yes Kill Switch Yes Split Tunneling Yes Netflix Yes Torrenting Yes
Why We Picked It
NordVPN earned the highest spot because of its privacy-focused approach, overall speed and reliability, and ease of use. A NordVPN subscription gives you more than just a VPN. With our NordVPN Plus plan, we enjoyed protection from malware-infected downloads through Threat Protection Pro. It also blocked ads and third-party trackers from the websites we visited. It’s not antivirus software, but it comes pretty close.
>> Related: The Best Antivirus and VPN Bundles
VPN expert checks out NordVPN’s server network in the U.S. What We Like
- Based in Panama, a privacy-friendly country
- Offers multihop and double hop for extra privacy
- Up-to-date encryption and VPN protocols
- Can access blocked website and streaming content
- User-friendly apps
What We Don’t Like
- Steeper prices than the competition
- Manual setup required in restrictive countries
- Antimalware protection not available with the cheapest subscription
NordVPN’s Mac app NordVPN Privacy – Excellent
We like that NordVPN has all essential privacy features: a kill switch, DNS leak protection and a strict no-logs policy. It also has double VPN servers that send your data through two VPN servers instead of just one. That way, your real IP address is hidden behind two VPN IPs.
The higher subscription tiers also add access to extra privacy services. That includes NordPass (a password manager) and NordProtect, an identity theft protection service.
FYI: NordProtect includes credit and identity monitoring. If your details are compromised, you’re insured for up to $1 million. There’s also cyber-extortion insurance, which protects you from ransomware attacks.
NordVPN iOS app connected to Australia >> Related: NordPass Password Manager Review
NordVPN Speed – Very Good
We ran several speed tests, and our average download speed loss with NordVPN was only 5.78 percent and the upload speed loss was 4.11 percent. Those are lower than most VPNs we tested, which is good.
We used several distant servers to watch 4K videos on YouTube, and they always loaded instantly. We also downloaded a 15 GB file, and it took only about seven minutes for the download to finish.
FYI: We experienced noticeable slowdowns when using double VPN servers, which reduced our speeds by as much as 80 percent. We recommend using the servers only when you need enhanced privacy.
Here’s our internet speed while connected to one of NordVPN’s multihop server pairs. >> See More: The Best VPNs for Torrenting in 2025
NordVPN Security – Excellent
Our favorite security feature is Threat Protection Pro. It’s almost like an antivirus with the way it blocks malware downloads. The best part about it is that it works in the background even when the VPN is off.
NordVPN also provides access to secure VPN protocols: OpenVPN and NordLynx. NordLynx is built around WireGuard, which is very secure and also super fast. Our tests show that NordLynx is about 20 percent faster than OpenVPN.
Pro Tip: NordVPN offers a tiered subscription service, and we recommend at least the Plus plan. The plan includes Threat Protection Pro instead of the lighter version (Threat Protection) that only blocks ads and trackers, which is included in the Basic plan. The Plus plan also includes NordPass, which is one of the top password managers we’ve tested.
Who It’s Best For
We recommend NordVPN to users who are looking to improve their overall digital security, especially if you plan to sign up for the midtier or top-tier plans with Threat Protection Pro, NordPass and other bonus privacy and security features.
Gabe Turner’s video breakdown of NordVPN for Security.org -
2. Surfshark - Best VPN for Security
View Plans Links to SurfsharkProduct Specs
Multi-hop Yes Camouflage Mode Yes Kill switch Yes Split Tunneling Yes Netflix Yes Torrenting Yes
Why We Picked It
Surfshark one-ups NordVPN in the security department with the inclusion of a full-featured antivirus in the Surfshark One bundle. It ranked second overall on our list of the best antivirus software. Surfshark also offers Incogni, which is a great data removal service. Overall, Surfshark rivals NordVPN in features while being cheaper and offering unlimited connections, which makes it great for families and teams.
>> Learn More: Surfshark One Review
FYI: Like NordVPN, Surfshark discounts its products throughout the year. We recommend keeping an eye out throughout the holidays and on Prime Day to save even more on Surfshark bundles.
What We Like
- Camouflage mode
- Unlimited devices per subscription
- Low costs with one- or two-year subscriptions
- 30-day money-back guarantee
What We Don’t Like
- Slow upload speeds
- Not guaranteed to work in restrictive countries
- Month-to-month price is pretty expensive
Surfshark Dynamic Multihop Surfshark Privacy – Good
Surfshark provides very strong privacy. It has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited, just like that of NordVPN. Plus, we like how it uses only RAM-based servers, which means all data is wiped with each server reboot.
The VPN also has other good privacy tools: a kill switch, double VPN support and Alternative ID, which generates an alternative email address and persona.
Surfshark Speed – Good
Surfshark offers fast download speeds that kept our speed loss to about 8 percent during our tests — not as fast as NordVPN, but still plenty fast. Our concern is the upload speed. Even when connecting to nearby servers, our upload speed dropped by as much as 80 percent and averaged around 50 percent through 10 tests. That made our YouTube uploads take longer.
ExpertTip: Most online activities, such as streaming, online gaming and browsing, don’t really require a fast upload speed. As long as you have good download speeds, you won’t have any problem doing most things you normally do.
Surfshark Security – Excellent
Surfshark has obfuscation (called Camouflage Mode), which hides your VPN traffic. The feature makes encrypted VPN traffic seem like normal traffic. That’s handy if you’re on a restrictive network and you’re worried about network admins monitoring VPN usage.
The VPN has a built-in ad blocker, too, called CleanWeb. In our tests, it blocked 90 percent of ads on all sites we visited. It also stopped us from accessing unsafe HTTP sites.
>> Learn More: Must-Have VPNs for Traveling
Surfshark Android app. User-Friendly Apps
We found Surfshark easy to use even with its extensive feature set. Connecting to a VPN is straightforward, since there’s a quick-connect tool that instantly connects you to the fastest server location.
We also appreciate how neatly organized all the VPN features are in the settings menu, unlike the TotalAV VPN app we recently tested. Because that app combined TotalAV’s feature-rich antivirus and VPN, the features were scattered everywhere.
Streaming Services
A nice little side effect of using a VPN is gaining access to streaming content from outside your country. You can use it to unblock Hulu if you’re outside the U.S., for instance, or access Disney+ shows not available in your region. Surfshark made both our lists of the best Disney+ VPNs and best Hulu VPNs. It also worked well with other streaming services we tested, such as Netflix, Max, Spotify and even YouTube TV.
FYI: Learn more about the best VPNs for YouTube TV. Surfshark is also great for streaming devices. It’s one of the best VPNs for Apple TV and a highly rated VPN for Fire TV.
Who It’s Best For:
Surfshark is an affordable but well-stacked VPN. We recommend it if you’re looking for a VPN to use day to day, but its Surfshark One subscriptions are particularly handy for those looking for a VPN and antivirus software.
Gabe Turner’s 10-minute video review of SurfShark for Security.org -
3. Private Internet Access - Best User Experience
View Plans Links to Private Internet AccessProduct Specs
Multihop Yes Obfuscated Servers Yes Kill Switch Yes Split Tunneling Yes Netflix Yes Torrenting Yes
Why We Picked It
Private Internet Access is a fast, reliable and secure VPN, but it especially stands out when it comes to user experience. It has a VPN app for every device: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV and Apple TV. It also allows unlimited connections, and we found the apps highly customizable for different uses, such as browsing, streaming, torrenting and online gaming.
>> Related: The Top VPNs for Online Gaming
What We Like
- Strict logging policy
- Fast on Windows
- Excellent user experience
- Netflix access
What We Don’t Like
- Slower upload speeds
- Live chat support needs improvement
- Not as feature-rich as other VPNs
Private Internet Access VPN split tunneling options Private Internet Access Privacy – Very Good
Private Internet Access is one of the best no-log VPNs in 2025. We read its privacy policy (which has been independently audited), and can confirm the VPN doesn’t log user IPs and browsing traffic, just like NordVPN and Surfshark. It also doesn’t store usage metrics, such as connection timestamps and bandwidth usage.
FYI: VPNs collect usage metrics to gather data such as peak VPN usage hours and amount of bandwidth used in a certain time frame to help them improve their services, so we’re not completely against logging usage metrics — as long as IP addresses and websites visited are not logged.
Private Internet Access Speed – Excellent
Private Internet Access’ speeds were fast during our tests, regardless of the device we were using. We know every VPN will reduce our normal speeds. But the best ones minimize the impact. With that in mind, here’s our PIA speed test results:
Baseline Private Internet Access Percentage difference Download speed (Mbps) 95.08 90.48 -4.39% Upload speed (Mbps) 94.44 14.86 -84.26% Average ping (ms) – lower is better 3 86.7 2,790% Expert TakeFrom Subbu Sthanu, Chief Commercial Officer of IPVanish“A common issue I encounter is customers experiencing slow speeds because they use far-away servers or don’t take advantage of the fastest VPN protocol options. I noticed that the best way to fix slow VPN speeds is to use a nearby server or switch from OpenVPN to WireGuard.”Private Internet Access Security – Very Good
Private Internet Access uses MACE (an ad blocker) to help enhance online security. We tested it and had very good results. On ad-heavy pages, it blocked banner, pop-up and video ads. It also stopped us from accessing unsafe websites.
And just like NordVPN and Surfshark, Private Internet Access offers obfuscation. It’s an extra layer of security if you want to hide your VPN use from your network admin or the government.
Connected to New York City using Private Internet Access VPN Encryption Options
We like how Private Internet Access lets you choose between 256-bit AES encryption (the default after VPN installation) and 128-bit AES. You can switch between ciphers when you use the OpenVPN protocol; 128-bit AES is strong, but overall less secure than 256-bit AES. It was faster by about 4 percent during our tests though. That’s why we prefer 128-bit AES for less privacy-demanding tasks, such as streaming Netflix and online gaming.
» Read More: Best Proxy Servers
Highly Efficient Apps
It only took us about two minutes to install each one of PIA’s apps, and it took only about 10 seconds to find and connect to a server. We also like how PIA offers standard split tunneling and the less common inverse split tunneling (see our split tunneling guide for a detailed explanation). We used the feature to send traffic from our Zoom app through the VPN, which improved our video call speeds.
>> Learn More: Are Private Browsers Really Private?
Who It’s Best For:
We recommend Private Internet Access to anyone who’s looking for a very intuitive VPN. It has apps for all major platforms, it’s very easy to install and use, and it also allows unlimited connections.
In-depth review: Gabe Turner explores the features and benefits of PIA -
4. Hotspot Shield - Best Download Speeds
View Plans Links to Hotspot ShieldProduct Specs
Multi-hop Yes Obfuscated servers Yes Kill switch Yes Split Tunneling Yes Netflix Yes, but not in all regions Torrenting Yes
Why We Picked It
One of the main reasons we picked Hotspot Shield is its proprietary Hydra protocol. It’s a lightweight, performance-enhanced protocol that comes in handy when you’re looking for very fast download speeds.
In our tests, we enjoyed blazing-fast speeds for different online activities. We watched 4K videos without experiencing buffering, we played online games without noticing lag and all the sites we browsed loaded instantly.
Money Saver: Sign up for long-term periods to get discounts. One-year and two-year plans are typically cheaper than monthly plans.
What We Like
- Very fast download speeds
- Very good free plan for desktop users
- Works in restrictive countries
- Torrenting access
What We Don’t Like
- Can’t access Disney+
- Doesn’t have as many extra features as other VPNs
- Doesn’t have the best upload speeds
Hotspot Shield Privacy – Very Good
A lot of VPNs say they have a no-logs policy, but provide no data to back it up. That’s not the case with Hotspot Shield. The VPN had its no-logs claims audited by an independent security firm in 2023. The audit concluded that the VPN doesn’t log any sensitive user data.
All Hotspot Shield Premium servers (125 locations) Hotspot Shield Speed – Excellent
Hotspot Shield was the fastest VPN we tested, with just a 3.17 percent reduction from our usual download speeds — even lower than NordVPN’s speed loss. That said, Hotspot Shield’s upload speed didn’t perform as well, dropping by as much as 80 percent just like Surfshark. Hotspot Shield is great for downloading large files and streaming videos, but skip it if you’re a regular uploader.
>> Related: What Is ISP Throttling?
Hotspot Shield Security – Very Good
Hotspot Shield delivers security through a number of built-in app features. It offers leak protection against IPv6, DNS and WebRTC leaks by providing a private DNS. We ran over 20 tests, and we never experienced any leaks.
We’re also very happy with the VPN’s proprietary Hydra protocol. It uses military-grade encryption and provides obfuscation, allowing the VPN to work in restrictive countries that censor the internet (such as China and Russia).
Using Hotspot Shield on my Mac Who It’s Best For:
Hotspot Shield is an excellent option for users interested in super-fast download speeds. Its Hydra protocol maintains very fast download speeds on both nearby and distant servers.
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5. Norton Secure VPN - Best Bundled VPN
View Plans Links to Norton.comProduct Specs
Multi-hop Yes Camouflage Mode No Kill switch No Split Tunneling Android and Windows only Netflix Yes Torrenting No
Why We Picked It
Norton is most famous for its Norton antivirus software and LifeLock service (LifeLock is one of the best identity protection services; read more in our LifeLock review). Adding Norton Secure VPN to the mix makes the bundle even better. In addition to all the protections you normally get, you can also use the VPN to enjoy a certain level of online anonymity by making your online activities harder to track.
» Learn more: A 2025 Guide to Personal Digital Security and Online Safety
What We Like
- AES-256 encryption
- Great Wi-Fi security tools
- Blocks trackers
- 10 devices maximum
What We Don’t Like
- P2P support could be improved
- No split tunneling on iOS devices or Macs
- Can’t access BBC iPlayer
- Kill switch isn’t available on Macs or iOS devices
Norton Secure VPN Privacy – Fair
We read Norton Secure VPN’s logging policy, and we can confirm that it doesn’t log user IPs or browsing traffic. It does collect bandwidth usage and connection timestamps, which is more information than other VPNs collect. But it still counts as a no-log VPN, because it doesn’t collect any data that could be used to identify you.
>> Read More: Norton Antivirus Review
Norton Secure VPN Speed – Good
Norton Secure VPN took the 12th spot in our VPN speed comparison ranking. That’s not bad, considering we tested over 60 VPNs. Our download speed dropped by less than 10 percent, but the upload speed (average 11 Mbps) and latency (average 125.5 ms) were less impressive. If you need a VPN for activities such as video conferencing or online gaming, Norton Secure isn’t the best option.
Norton Secure VPN Security – Very Good
Norton’s app improved our digital security in more ways than one, but we liked one nifty security feature in particular. The app automatically detects if we’re connected to a suspicious Wi-Fi network, such as password-less coffee shop Wi-Fi. It then automatically connects the VPN to the fastest available server.
We have to point out, however, that Norton Secure VPN doesn’t offer as many servers as other VPNs. It has servers in only 29 countries. That’s less than a third of NordVPN’s 118 countries and Surfshark’s 100 countries. Just something to keep in mind.
Norton App Home Page Who It’s Best For:
Norton Secure is best for those who want to bundle a good VPN service with additional security tools, such as an antivirus or identity theft protection.
Norton Secure: Gabe Turner’s insights on ease of use and functionality.
How These Top-Rated VPNs Keep You Safe Online
VPNs encrypt your internet traffic. That means they make it completely unreadable so nobody can spy on it — not your ISP, not hackers and not the government. VPNs also hide users’ IP addresses. Basically, when you use a VPN to access websites, only the VPN’s IP address will be visible.
The top VPNs — the ones we tested and ranked above — offer tried and tested encryption standards. They also don’t log your IP address or what sites you browse.
» Check Out: Learn How To Fix Common VPN Issues
The Fastest VPNs On This List
VPN encryption protects your data, but it also slows down your internet speeds. That’s why we test and compare the speeds of each VPN we recommend.
We mainly measure the speeds using three metrics: the download speed, upload speed and ping. We also focus on reliability and consistency. A fast VPN should be able to maintain smooth speeds while browsing websites, downloading large files or streaming videos
All the VPNs on our list are generally fast, but we were particularly impressed with NordVPN since it maintains really fast download and upload speeds. Hotspot Shield is also worth mentioning since it has super-fast download speeds. But its upload speeds are somewhat slow, so we don’t recommend using it for securely uploading large files.
Can You Trust The Top VPN Services?
A VPN encrypts your traffic and changes your IP, but it could still log that data. The VPN could then share it with third parties, such as advertisers.
Here’s how we determine if we can trust a VPN service:
- Privacy policy: We read the VPN’s privacy policy to make sure it actually doesn’t log any data that could be tied to our identity, such as IP addresses and browsing traffic.
- Third-party audits: We can easily access and read a VPN’s privacy policy, but we have no way to actually confirm that the VPN adheres to it. That’s where third-party audits come in. Trustworthy VPNs undergo independent security audits that verify their no-log claims.
- Company headquarters: Where a VPN company is located matters, because some countries have laws that could compromise user privacy. In India, for example, VPN companies are required to log usage data (IP addresses, visited websites, etc.).
FYI: Some VPNs are located in countries that are part of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes or 14 Eyes alliances (groups of countries that share surveillance data with one another). That isn’t ideal, but it’s not terrible either. As long as the VPN undergoes regular audits to prove its no-log claims are true, it’s safe to use.
The Best VPNs Around The World
We conducted a comprehensive study of how adults in the United States use and shop for VPNs, and we found that 68 percent of the survey respondents use a VPN. The importance of using a VPN isn’t exclusive to the U.S. or North America alone though. Everyone who uses the internet can benefit from a VPN.
We made a list of VPN recommendations for specific countries in which VPN use is high, such as in Asia Pacific countries, where 30 percent of internet users use VPNs2:
- Spain
- Japan
- Hong Kong
- Singapore
- South Korea
- The Netherlands
- Mexico
- United Arab Emirates
- Australia
- France
- Germany
Our Testing Process: What We Test When Reviewing VPNs
To make sure we recommend only good products, we spend weeks testing each VPN to make sure it provides excellent value. We also dedicate a lot of time to comparing the VPNs to determine how we rank them. Here’s a quick look at which metrics we prioritize.
- Security: We make sure the VPN uses industry-standard encryption ciphers (AES or ChaCha20). We also make sure it uses secure protocols, such as OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2/IPSec.
- Privacy: We check each VPN’s privacy policy to make sure the service doesn’t log user data, such as IP addresses and browsing traffic. We also check if the VPN has undergone third-party security audits.
- Speeds: We test each VPN’s speeds on both nearby and distant servers. We make sure to recommend only VPNs that maintain fast speeds for browsing, streaming, gaming, video calls and other online activities.
- Streaming and torrenting: We check if the VPN can access popular streaming services, such as Netflix, Disney+ and Max. We also make sure the VPN allows torrenting on some servers (ideally all servers).
- User experience: We install all of the VPNs apps on our personal devices. We then note how easy it is to navigate the apps, find and change settings, and connect to different servers.
- The overall value: We check each VPN’s pricing options to make sure it’s affordable. We also check if the VPN service has a free version, a free trial or a generous money-back guarantee.
>> Find Out More: A 2025 Guide to VPNs
VPN FAQs
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Is it worth paying for a VPN?
It is worth paying for a VPN. VPNs that are “free” typically limit the time you can use them and the amount of data you can use while connected, which is pretty limiting for most people. If you’re consistently on public Wi-Fi networks or want to access a private server, VPNs are worth shelling out a few dollars a month.
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Are VPNs trustworthy?
In general, VPNs are trustworthy, as nearly none of the companies we review logged our web traffic or activity. However, some VPNs are definitely more trustworthy than others; we prefer companies based in countries that are non-members to Five Eyes, Nine Eyes and 14 Eyes, international surveillance alliances. We also look for VPNs with strict logging policies that only keep the minimum amount of customer data to run their services; these kinds of VPNs are more trustworthy than most.
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Can you be tracked if you use a VPN?
Typically, you can’t be tracked if you use a VPN. VPNs hide your web traffic and activity and replace your real IP address with a stand-in. However, some VPN companies do keep your real IP address along with your device type, the times you went online, and more information that could be used to track people. That’s why it’s important to look at the VPN’s privacy policy and make sure that it’s strict.
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Which free VPNs are best?
The best free VPNs, which mostly offer limited versions of their premium VPNs, are Hotspot Shield, Privado VPN, AtlasVPN, Surfshark, and TunnelBear.
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Bitdefender. (2023). The Importance of Multi-Hop VPNs in Our Privacy-Deprived World.
bitdefender.com/blog/hotforsecurity/the-importance-of-multi-hop-vpns-in-our-privacy-deprived-world/ -
Statista. (2018). Where Do People Use VPNs? statista.com/chart/16141/top-vpn-region/
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Speedtest. (2020). Homepage. speedtest.net/
