Best VPN Services 2025 | Top Picks for Security & Speed

ExpressVPN is overall the best VPN 2025 due to its solid unblocking ability, fast speeds, and impressive security features, making it the best VPN to use for ultimate online security, privacy, data protection, and unblocking various streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, 9Now, BBC iPlayer, MBC, CBC, and Stan in the USA.

Why did I choose ExpressVPN?

ExpressVPN boasts an extensive network with servers in 105 countries, allowing users to easily bypass geo-restrictions globally. Its dedicated IP service provides a unique static IP via a secure enclave, ensuring privacy across 27 available locations.

My testing has proven ExpressVPN to be a giant in geo-unblocking, rightfully earning it the crown as the best VPN for streaming. Its prowess at navigating around geo-blocks is unmatched in my book. I tested it by trying to access 45 geo-blocked streaming services from various countries, including the US, UK, France, Canada, Australia, Germany, India, and Hong Kong.

Along with security protocols, It is also one of the top vpn services for iPhones, Macs, Smart TVs, and others. In my experience, this VPN is compatible with various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. 

ExpressVPN’s Exceptional Security and Privacy

ExpressVPN features include AES-256-bit encryption, a capable internet kill switch, a Trusted Server network, a IP/DNS leak protection,  Private DNS, Stealth mode, and a strict No-logs policy. Due to these features, it can easily ensure that your online identity and activities remain anonymous.

ExpressVPN also offers RAM-only servers and multiple secure connection protocols, including L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2, OpenVPN UDP/TCP, and Obfuscation servers. Recently, it has also rolled out a new proprietary connection protocol called Lightway,” designed for faster connectivity, performance, and easier auditing.

ExpressVPN Speed and Performance

Throughout my speed tests in Asia, Europe, and the Americas on a 100 Mbps line, ExpressVPN proved its worth, delivering not just sporadic bursts of speed but consistent, reliable performance on its best VPN server. While conducting the ExpressVPN speed test, I got exceptional results, reaching 89.42 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection.

ExpressVPN online servers delivered speeds worthy of smooth streaming.

Reliable Customer Support and Money-back Guarantee

ExpressVPN cost starts at a premium price. However, in my seasoned opinion, the cost is a small price to pay for its unparalleled suite of top-tier VPN services.

For those sceptical about the investment, you can try this best VPN free of charge through its  7-day ExpressVPN free trial on mobile devices. It’s an excellent opportunity to test its mettle without financial commitment.

The icing on the cake is the 30-day money-back guarantee with every premium subscription. This confidence in their product allows users like me to explore their services risk-free. If you buy a VPN and decide it’s not the right fit, cancelling ExpressVPN within this period ensures a full refund.

To learn more about this best premium VPN provider, check out the VPNRanks ExpressVPN review.

Surfshark is a cost-effective VPN service renowned for its outstanding value within the competitive landscape of VPN providers. It excels in delivering commendable levels of online privacy, security, data protection, and content unblocking, all at $2.49/mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why did I choose Surfshark?

Surfshark operates a server network consisting of 3200+ servers in 100 countries, which makes it fully capable of circumventing almost every geo-restriction limitation, proving that Surfshark’s unblocking prowess is impressive.

Surfshark’s Netflix capabilities are truly impressive, effortlessly unlocking 16 different Netflix libraries worldwide. I was able to stream American Netflix with ease, no matter where I was. But it doesn’t stop there—Surfshark also gave me seamless access to a variety of streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Max, and Hulu outside the US.

Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous device connections, meaning you can secure all your devices without restrictions, making it the best VPN for multiple devices. It offers user-friendly apps for various platforms, ensuring compatibility with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and more.

Surfshark’s top-notch Security and Privacy

Surfshark stands out in the VPN market with its top-tier security features and the added advantage of unlimited device connections. It features a unique Rotating IP function that changes your IP address every 5-10 minutes. Its CleanWeb feature is particularly useful, blocking ads, trackers, malware, phishing attempts, and even persistent cookie consent notifications.

The NoBorders feature enhances your internet freedom by identifying network restrictions and suggesting the most effective servers to circumvent these barriers. While its Camouflage mode conceals your online activity, it’s important to note that this feature does not enable Surfshark to function in China.

The Whitelisting feature in Surfshark allows you to maintain a secure network environment by only permitting communications from specific email and IP addresses, websites, and apps, effectively blocking all others.

Surfshark provides robust military-grade security options, allowing users to choose between WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 encryption protocols. It incorporates 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a built-in antivirus,  a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection to ensure your identity remains concealed from your ISP and hackers.

Surfshark Speed and Performance

Surfshark speed test delivered an impressive speed of 81.32 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection. In addition, all of my video streaming was carried out with 4K Ultra-HD and Ultra-HD video quality.

I achieved results that were more or less the same speed with all of its international servers.

In my comprehensive testing, I didn’t encounter any significant slowdowns on any of Surfshark’s servers. This included tests on both long-distance and nearby servers, further cementing my view of Surfshark as a robust and speedy VPN choice.

Dependable Customer Support and Money-back Guarantee

I must say, Surfshark’s customer support really stands out. When I hit a snag trying to unblock a UK service, their 24/7 live chat was a lifesaver. The representative was helpful, incredibly patient, and professional, which boosted my confidence in Surfshark.

If you are still unsure, you can even try out the service for free through the week-long Surfshark free trial. Surfshark is practically giving away excellence.

To learn more about this provider, check out the VPNRanks Surfshark review. If you’re looking for the latest VPN deals, check out the comprehensive list here.

Private Internet Access is the best VPN for torrenting. It may not be quite the fastest VPN, the cheapest, or the most powerful. However, Private Internet Access (often stylized as simply PIA) is still a good VPN provider with various features and a crazy amount of servers to justify a place in my best VPN rankings.

Why did I choose PIA?

One feature of PIA (Private Internet Access) that really blows me away is its massive server network. They’ve got over 35000+ servers across 84 countries, which is the largest I’ve seen among consumer VPN providers.

It’s no wonder that I could access a wide range of streaming services without a hitch. Services like CBS, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu were a breeze to unblock and stream. PIA really stands out in its ability to provide unlimited and unrestricted access to a diverse array of content. I was also able to unblock and access different versions of Netflix with PIA.

Once again, with its extensive server network, popular streaming services remained easily accessible, providing unlimited and unrestricted access to platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, BFI Player, Crave TV, ORF, Nine, and CBS.

My tests show that apart from streaming, its versatility extends to gaming, allowing easy, ping-free gaming while hiding your data from the ISP, ensuring that all users, you and I included, are safe from deliberate data throttling.

PIA’s Superb Security and Privacy

PIA’s security layers are noteworthy. The MACE feature, a built-in ad and malware blocker, is a big plus. The Multi-Hop option, routing connections through a SOCKS5 or Shadowsocks proxy, adds an extra layer of security, though it’s not quite enough to make the VPN work in places like China.

I’m particularly fond of PIA’s approach to server control. Their NextGen servers, being self-owned in key regions like North America, Europe, and Australia, eliminate third-party risks. This is a significant advantage for those concerned about privacy and server reliability.

PIA sticks to the basics, too, with military-grade encryption, leak protection, and an adjustable kill switch. I experienced no leaks in my tests, even when I manually disabled the VPN.

PIA Speed and Performance

During my thorough PIA VPN speed test, it managed to churn out a respectable average speed of 65.78 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection. What’s more, it handled 4K Ultra-HD video streaming quite smoothly, with only a few minor buffering hiccups. While it may not be the speediest VPN I’ve tested, it certainly holds its own in terms of performance.

PIA servers provided adequate speeds for streaming and browsing.

However, I noticed that while PIA VPN offers zippy service on local servers, the more distant servers tend to dial down the speed a bit. For my PIA VPN speed tests on a Windows device, I cranked up the security with 256-bit encryption and the OpenVPN UDP protocol.

 PIA’s Customer Support and Money-back Guarantee

PIA offers its VPN service at a highly competitive price, packed with numerous benefits like round-the-clock live customer support, 10 simultaneous connections, and a generous 30-day refund policy. Interestingly, this refund policy can double as a PIA-free trial. It’s a clever way to get a taste of their service without fully committing immediately.

Whenever I had questions or needed help, PIA’s reliable chat support provided quick and effective assistance. It’s reassuring to know that help is just a few clicks away. And if you ever find that PIA isn’t the right fit for you, it’s straightforward to cancel your PIA subscription and claim a full refund.

To learn more about this provider, check out the detailed Private Internet Access review.

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for you if you are a privacy-conscious user. While it can’t quite match ExpressVPN in terms of all-around excellence, it provides one of the best security and privacy-focused experiences.

Why did I Choose NordVPN?

NordVPN offers 6000+ servers in 61 countries. While the server network country coverage may be slightly lower than what I have seen till now, its 6000+ servers beautifully compensate for it and ensure an endless and reliable unblocking experience worldwide.

I was pleasantly surprised by NordVPN. Usually, with a focus on heavy-duty security, you’d expect slower VPN connection speeds. But NordVPN breaks that stereotype. The connection was relatively fast for a provider that never boasts about connection or streaming speeds. My video streams were consistently in 4K Ultra HD without a hint of buffering.

What are NordVPN security features?

I’m genuinely impressed with NordVPN’s security arsenal. The AES-256-bit encryption, Double VPN, and Onion Over VPN are like a digital Fort Knox. The Obfuscated servers, DNS leak protection, and the dual kill switches are the kind of features that make me sleep easy at night, knowing my online security and privacy are in good hands. It truly is one of the best VPNs I have ever used.

When NordVPN launched its NordLynx protocol in 2020, I was sceptical. But it’s more than just hype. Built around WireGuard, NordLynx strikes the perfect balance between speed and privacy. It’s boosted NordVPN’s connection speeds, even with distant servers, without compromising privacy. It’s available across major platforms, which is a big plus.

The Threat Protection feature is another ace up NordVPN’s sleeve. It’s not just an ad blocker; it’s an internet bodyguard. When I tested it on ad-heavy sites, like allrecipes.com, it wiped out every ad, turning it into a list of blocked threats. It’s impressive.

NordVPN Speed and Performance

In my specific tests in the US, NordVPN was a beacon of stability and speed. While performing the NordVPN speed test on the Atlanta server, I got an impressive speed of 83.82 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection.

NordVPN provided reliable speeds, which were good enough for streaming Netflix.

NordVPN’s Customer Support and Money-back Guarantee

During my tests, I encountered an issue with my NordVPN connection, so I reached out to their customer support team. I must say, the experience was remarkably positive. I connected with a representative via live chat, and I was impressed by how quickly they responded. The representative was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly patient.

I find NordVPN pricing to be quite a bargain, especially considering the quality of service they offer. Their subscription plans are flexible and affordable. I mean, a deal at just is a steal. Plus, the 30-day money-back guarantee adds a layer of confidence in their service.

For those on the fence, the NordVPN free trial is a no-brainer. It’s a hassle-free, 7-day trial on mobile devices, absolutely free. It’s the perfect way to test the waters. And if you’re not convinced, cancelling NordVPN within the first month for a full refund is straightforward—no strings attached.

If you wish to learn more about this provider, I suggest you read the NordVPN review.

IPVanish has been a reliable performer for high-speed VPN connection in my VPN tests for ages. After thorough testing, I found IPVanish to be one of the fastest VPNs, as it delivered a speed of 86.75 Mbps across the board during my testing.

Why did I choose IPVanish?

IPVanish boasts an extensive server network comprising 2200+ servers spread across 75 locations, with a staggering 40,000+ IP addresses at your disposal. This vast network ensures reliable and secure access to geo-restricted content and safe torrenting.

This massive network means I was able to carry out encrypted web browsing from multiple international locations, allowing me to avail of localized coupons and discounts while guarding my internet traffic against snoopers, advertisers, and Man-in-the-Middle attacks.

Another advantage was that it enabled me to seamlessly stream content from various services, including Netflix with IPVanish, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Spotify, CCTN, NHK, Crackle TV, and more, all in stunning 4K Ultra-HD video quality.

IPVanish is renowned for delivering lightning-fast VPN connections. One notable aspect of IPVanish is its exceptional ability to provide bufferless, smooth, and high-definition video streaming. During the testing, its capacity to deliver uninterrupted streaming experiences left a lasting impression, making it an ideal choice for avid streamers.

Security and Privacy features of IPVanish?

IPVanish really stands out with its security features. Its zero-log policy and AES-256-bit encryption are like a fortress, and the range of secure connection protocols, including OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec, is impressive. The internet kill switch is a crucial feature, ensuring online security and privacy are always at their maximum.

What sets IPVanish apart in my eyes is its unique offer of backup and antivirus protection, albeit at an extra cost. The integration of SugarSync cloud backup with IPVanish’s VPN service provides a double layer of protection for both your connection and data. And with VIPRE Advanced Security, your computer is safeguarded against malware threats.

The multiple connection protocols, including WireGuard®, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and IPSec, make IPVanish adaptable to any speed and security requirement I have. In sum, IPVanish is a comprehensive tool that effectively shields me from prying eyes, spying efforts, viruses, and various online threats, especially in risky public Wi-Fi scenarios.

IPVanish Speed and Performance

IPVanish truly stands out for its rapid VPN connections, which I found to be the case on more than 90% of its servers. My own comprehensive IPVanish speed test showed remarkable results, with speeds often surpassing 86.75 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

No significant speed drop was recorded during IPVanish speed testing on its VPN servers.

One of the most striking qualities of IPVanish is its ability to provide seamless, high-definition video streaming without any buffering. Throughout my testing, its capability for uninterrupted streaming impressed me, marking it as a top choice for anyone serious about their streaming experience.

IPVanish’s Cutomer Support and Money-back Guarantee

If you’re curious about this VPN or interested in the IPVanish free trial, I’d say go for it. The trial is a great way to get a feel for their service. And remember, if you ever decide to cancel your IPVanish subscription, their 30-day guarantee period makes it easy to get a full refund. This level of flexibility and customer focus sets IPVanish apart in the crowded VPN market.

For a comprehensive overview of IPVanish, including its features, performance, and user experience, don’t forget to check out the VPNRanks in-depth IPVanish review.

CyberGhost, in my opinion, stands out as the best VPN with user-friendly apps, thanks to its effortless and aesthetically pleasing software. I’ve always appreciated how intuitive and feature-rich their interface is. It’s clear to me that a lot of thought went into designing this VPN, with buttons for every function right at your fingertips.

Why did I Choose CyberGhost?

CyberGhost offers 11651+ servers in 100+ countries. These servers are carefully categorized into multiple connection modes that guarantee best-in-class streaming, online gaming, torrenting, and even dedicated IP connections.

I was genuinely impressed by the streaming-optimized servers offered by CyberGhost. These servers eliminated any geographical restrictions and video quality issues I faced with various streaming platforms like Disney+, Hulu, Foxtel, Nine, CBS, EuroSports UK and more.

The Smart Rules panel shows that CyberGhost has considered the user experience. For example, when you boot up your computer, it allows you to automatically connect to your preferred server and launch a particular app (such as your default browser in incognito mode). Unfortunately, the apps are sometimes a little inconsistent, but it’s still a top VPN that I strongly recommend.

CyberGhost’s Security and Privacy

CyberGhost’s security features stand out. Their AES-256-bit encryption, internet kill switch, and secure DNS are just the tip of the iceberg. The DNS/IPv6 leak protection and strict no-logs policy add layers of privacy, and being based in Romania, a safe jurisdiction, is a huge plus for avoiding prying eyes.

Their dedication to data protection is evident. The unique NoSpy servers, managed solely by CyberGhost staff, significantly reduce the risk of data interception. The customizable Block Content feature that fights off ads, trackers, and malware is a lifesaver, especially when coupled with Smart Rules for public WiFi protection.

CyberGhost Speed and Performance

In my experience, this VPN’s performance during the CyberGhost speed test was decent, clocking an average of 75.47 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection. This was the first time I encountered a VPN delivering speeds below 80 Mbps in my tests. Testing over 20 server locations on a 100 Mbps base connection, CyberGhost consistently delivered reliable speeds.

CyberGhost provided sufficiently high speeds during my speed test.

It’s normal for a VPN to reduce speeds due to traffic encryption and rerouting slightly, but a good VPN shouldn’t slow you down by more than 30%. By that standard, CyberGhost performs admirably, making it a solid choice for those needing speed and reliability.

CyberGhost’s Customer Support and Money-back Guarantee

Plus, the option to try out the CyberGhost free trial offers a great opportunity to test the waters before fully committing. CyberGhost, in my opinion, is a stellar deal for anyone serious about online privacy.

For a comprehensive overview of CyberGhost, including its features, performance, and user experience, don’t forget to check out the detailed CyberGhost review.