Best 10 VPN to use in 2025 for ultimate privacy and security

Summary

Today’s digital world requires Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as essential utilities for maintaining online privacy together with security protection. Every aspect of modern VPN selection represents a crucial decision because it determines your proceeding freedom of accessing restricted content and safeguarding personal data and requiring anonymous session control. 

In this insight, you will know about the top 10 VPNs in 2025.

Rank	VPN Service
1	NordVPN
2	Surfshark
3	ExpressVPN
4	Proton VPN
5	PrivadoVPN
6	Hotspot Shield
7	Norton Secure VPN
8	IPVanish
9	CyberGhost VPN
10	UltraVPN

1. NordVPN—The All-Round Best VPN

The 2025 solution to choose when securing your network is NordVPN because it unites all essential features, including security as well as speed and usability, with a server network reaching 6,000+ across 60+ nations, which helps both streaming and censorship evasion. NordLynx protocol delivers supercharged speeds as its strict no-logs policy ensures complete user privacy. For everyday VPN requirements, NordVPN stands as the premium option to consider.

Pros:

• Fast and stable connections
• Strong encryption and security features
• It supports streaming on Netflix plus BBC iPlayer while offering other popular services
• Double VPN for extra security

Cons:

• The service charges slightly higher prices than its competition markets.
• No graphical interface for Linux

2. Surfshark—Best Budget VPN

Surfshark provides the most cost-effective solution for a VPN service that maintains advanced security functionality, including AES-256 encryption, a kill switch and obfuscation technology. The capacity to offer unlimited simultaneous connections makes Surfshark the best VPN choice for both families and small businesses.

Pros:

• Unlimited device connections
• Affordable pricing
• Ad-blocker and malware protection
• NoBorders mode for bypassing censorship

Cons:

• Occasional server congestion
• No dedicated IP option

3. ExpressVPN—Best for Speed and Reliability

The speed and performance qualities of ExpressVPN function as the premier standard in 2025. ExpressVPN delivers peak efficiency through rapid performance and maximum security when you stream 4K videos, game online or handle torrent operations. Users who face censorship face few better choices because ExpressVPN incorporates robust technology platforms that defeat censorship.

Pros:

• Exceptional speed and performance
• TrustedServer technology (RAM-based servers)
• The service enables functionality across areas with intense media controls like China.
• User-friendly interface

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to competitors
• Limited to five simultaneous connections

4.  Proton VPN 

Users who value both privacy and worldwide server connections will find Proton VPN as their optimal solution. Founded by scientists at CERN in Switzerland, the company aims to fight surveillance capitalism to become an ethical VPN provider. Users get access to broad coverage through strong third-party audits, while its unique protocol allows users to bypass VPN blocks. 

Despite its benefits, Proton VPN features underwhelming OpenVPN functionality, along with a less-than-stellar Chrome extension and restricted live chat assistance. You can use the free version but users will get better quality features if they purchase Proton VPN Plus. Users can start prices at $3.59 per month with the 24-month plan yet prices rise to $9.99 per month for single-month usage.

Pros:

•  Free Tier Available 
• Some Streaming Access  
• Affordable Pricing 
• No Data Selling  

Cons:

• Limited Data Usage 
• Fewer Server Locations   
• No Security Audits 

5. PrivadoVPN 

PrivadoVPN meets most requirements of occasional VPN users who want both protected data and streaming accessibility from their free VPN tier. Portability VPN’s free service enables users to have secure access to essential privacy features at no cost despite requiring payment for extended regular use. 

This security solution allows users restricted access to multiple Netflix catalogs worldwide and prevents data sales to other companies. Security audits are absent while data usage is restrained and the number of server locations remains limited. Premium plans start at $1.11/month for a 24-month subscription and reach $10.99/month for basic monthly usage.

Pros:

• Users can access principal VPN functions through the completely free version of this service.
• Users with ExpressVPN can stream content from international Netflix libraries through their streaming support feature.
• Long-term plans at Hotspot Shield start with monthly payments of $1.11.
• No Data Selling—Ensures user privacy by not monetizing user data.

Cons:

• The data usage of free account users operates under data consumption limitations.
• The VPN has a network of fewer server locations since their global servers are smaller than lead VPN providers.
• No Security Audits—Lacks independent verification of privacy and security claims.

6.  Hotspot Shield VPN 

The Hydra protocol on Hotspot Shield provides both exceptional speed alongside the ability to defeat VPN blockers utilized by streaming services such as Netflix. The security features of this VPN include DNS protection along with WebRTC leak defense and a strong system for IP address protection.

Key Features:

Multi-hop: Yes

Camouflage Mode: Yes

Kill Switch: Yes

Split Tunneling: Yes

Netflix Access: Yes (not in all regions)

Torrenting: Yes

Special features:

• Fast speeds
• Free option available
• Netflix access
• Torrenting support

Privacy & Security:

Evaluation reports published by Hotspot Shield demonstrate its no-logs approach, which means it maintains an absence of both VPN usage records and IP address logs. Hotspot Shield provides its users with double protection through a confidential DNS service combined with IP leak defense features.

Speed Performance:

Hotspot Shield delivers the fastest VPN connection, resulting in an average speed decline of 3.17%. The speed decrease during uploads reached an alarming 80%, which degrades performance for uploading but enhances connectivity for downloading and streaming content.

Security Features:

The Hydra protocol supports fast operating speeds while maintaining complete security and works across all platforms. The VPN guarantees both IP leak protection while offering additional privacy options through its iOS-specific Always-On feature and automatic network connection system.

Best For:
Hotspot Shield is ideal for users seeking affordable, fast streaming and security, especially for Netflix streaming and other entertainment options. It’s best suited for those who prioritize speed and security while streaming, with less emphasis on uploading large files.

7.  Norton Secure VPN

The digital security suite from Norton offers complete protection through its secure VPN services, which integrate with the antivirus programs and the popular LifeLock identity protection. Dynamic IPs from Norton Secure VPN change their address each time you use the VPN, which delivers better online security by reducing tracking capabilities across the web.

Features:

Encryption: AES-256 encryption for secure web activity.

Dynamic IPs: Once you disconnect and reconnect, the service rotates your IP addresses, thus improving your privacy.

Speed: While download speed works reasonably well, upload speed and latency performance make it inadequate for online gaming and video conferencing tasks.

Privacy: While the VPN gathers mobile information along with bandwidth statistics, it does not store IP addresses or visited website records.

Security: Users can protect their traffic with dual-server encryption and the VPN automatically activates security when joining any potentially dangerous public networks.

Compatibility: Android users and Windows and Mac users can access this VPN but iOS and Mac users miss the split tunneling function and kill switch feature.

Pricing:

Customers gain the best price benefits by bundling Norton’s antivirus plans, which start at $4 per month. If you purchase the VPN separately, you will pay $3.33 per month during the first annual term.

Best For: Users prefer Norton’s easy-to-use VPN with strong encryption and extra digital protection when selecting their gateway device.

8.  IPVanish: Best Customer Support

Excellent customer support sets IPVanish apart because users get phone access to representatives along with email and live chat options throughout the entire day and night. This service provides high-speed connections that support an unlimited number of endpoint connections.

Features:

Encryption & Security: 256-bit AES encryption, multiple protocols, and a kill switch. This system provides the added security layer of multi-hop capability.

Speed: When tested, this VPN service demonstrated the second-fastest speeds along with minimal drops in speed and low latency, thus making it ideal for high-speed operations.

Privacy: The service follows a no-logs policy that undergoes independent third-party verification. Through its secure browser feature, IPVanish provides users with secure browsing access.

 Customer Support: Notable for friendly 24/7 support, especially via phone and live chat.

Pricing: $3.33/month for a one-year plan, though renewal rates rise to $89.99/year.

Best For: Users prioritizing excellent customer service and fast, secure connections across multiple devices.

9.  CyberGhost VPN 

CyberGhost VPN is a top choice for Mac users, offering a user-friendly app with advanced features such as split tunneling (Smart Rules), a kill switch, and several auto-connect options. It boasts over 10,000 servers across 100 countries, providing secure connections globally.

While it supports up to seven devices simultaneously without bandwidth or traffic limits, its performance on Windows may be slower than some other VPNs.

Key strengths include being outside the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes alliances; great customer support; affordability; and a vast server network. However, the VPN’s logging policy, limited split tunneling availability for Android, static IP addresses, and slower upload speeds are drawbacks.

CyberGhost provides good privacy, with fast download speeds, though upload speeds suffer significantly. Its security is highly rated, with successful IP address masking that allows seamless access to streaming services like Netflix and Disney+.

10.  UltraVPN Review – Best for Day-to-Day Use

UltraVPN is a straightforward and affordable VPN, ideal for casual users who want reliable online privacy without the complexity of advanced features. Priced at $2.99/month (with a one-year subscription), it offers solid performance with good speeds, a bug-free app, and 1,000 servers across 125 locations.

Pros:

• Simple, user-friendly interface
• Affordable subscription plans
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Strong IP address protection

Cons:

• No true kill switch on Android
• Limited protocol options, especially on mobile
• Higher-than-average speed loss

Privacy: UltraVPN doesn’t log user data, and it responded to India’s new data collection laws by pulling out of the country, showing its commitment to privacy. However, it lacks third-party audits to verify its claims.

Speed: While it uses the Hydra protocol (known for high speeds), UltraVPN showed a 40% speed loss, making it suitable for browsing but not for large downloads or streaming.

Security: UltraVPN offers strong security with 256-bit AES encryption, malware protection, and IP address leak prevention. Despite speed shortcomings, the use of the proprietary Hydra protocol enhances security by avoiding the vulnerabilities of more commonly used protocols.

Use a VPN and enhance your online privacy and security!