The best VPN is basically the one that keeps you safe online and includes all the features you need in one package.
VPNs are essential for protecting your data, maintaining anonymity, and accessing content from different countries. For example, if you want to enjoy Disney+ from another region, using a VPN is the perfect solution.
To help you find the ideal VPN service for your needs, we've curated a list of the top six VPNs in 2025, covering everything from security features to speed and server coverage. Plus, we've included a helpful FAQ section to answer all your questions about VPNs and ensure you're making an informed decision.
What is the Best VPN?
The best VPN depends on your needs, but NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are some of the most popular and reliable options. However, they're not the only VPNs to choose from...
ExpressVPN is another top contender in the VPN market, offering over 3,000 servers across 105 countries and 160 locations, providing users with ample connection options. It supports up to eight simultaneous device connections, ensuring protection across your entire set of devices.
This VPN supports a wide range of platforms once again, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux, as well as devices like Apple TV, Roku, PlayStation, and Xbox, making it easy to secure almost any device you own.
In terms of protection, ExpressVPN uses industry-standard encryption and protocols such as Lightway and OpenVPN for fast, secure connections. It also offers DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and support for P2P file sharing to boot, making it an excellent VPN choice for the price.
NordVPN is one of the top VPN options available based on our friends at Gfinity's experience, offering AES-256-bit encryption, the highest level of encryption, to keep your data secure. Its 'Double VPN' feature further enhances security by encrypting your traffic twice. In addition, the VPN provides strong DNS leak protection and kill switches to prevent your IP address from becoming visible if the connection drops.
With over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, NordVPN ensures a vast range of options for connecting securely. It also allows up to six devices to connect simultaneously, ensuring flexible coverage across multiple locations.
NordVPN works seamlessly across a variety of platforms too, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. That makes it a versatile option for securing your internet traffic on any device.
For those wanting a nice and accessible experience with a VPN, Surfshark should certainly have you covered.
The UI is nice and simple to use with an option to 'Quick connect' to the service, as well as a list of loads of locations to easily connect to and a settings menu - using a VPN doesn't need to be tricky business, after all.
Speaking of loads of locations, Surfshark provides you with the chance to connect up to over 3,200 servers across 65 countries with over 100 different server locations, so you've got a shedload of choice.
Moreover, this particular service also allows for unlimited connections so you actually can protect every single device you own with no limits on the amount you can connect to the service, whilst it remains nice and speedy to use.
Surfshark also boasts a private DNS and, with its double VPN setting, an extra layer of security, which can help to provide you with a little bit more peace of mind that your data is safe.
Private Internet Access, commonly known as PIA, is an exceptional service offering a wide array of features, particularly notable for its extensive network reach. With over 10,000 servers spanning 78 countries and boasting 100 unique server locations, users have an impressive selection to choose from.
Beyond its vast server options, PIA supports connectivity across 10 devices simultaneously, ensuring comprehensive protection across all your devices without any worries about leaving one unprotected.
Regardless of the operating system you use - be it Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or Linux - Private Internet Access comes equipped with an assortment of privacy features, including the convenient Smart DNS functionality.
Additionally, PIA offers a nifty Chrome extension that allows you to easily manage additional settings, such as blocking location access, third-party cookies, and website referrers, providing an added layer of control and security.
For those just wanting to try out a VPN with a handy free tier, Windscribe is a great choice. Whilst others may offer a 30-day free trial, Windscribe is a reputable VPN provider that offers a free tier that allows you to access 10 locations with a generous data allowance of up to 10GB a month. This is particularly useful if you just want to keep data safe and don't need extra bandwidth for gaming or P2P downloads.
With that being said, there is a paid tier that gives you access to 400 servers across 60 countries, which, whilst it may not seem a lot, still provides you with a good selection of locations to connect to and will be more than enough choice. Moreover, Windscribe also allows you to use other providers' OpenVPN setup files from within the app, which just adds another layer of convenience
In addition, the fact there's an unlimited quantity of connections can just keep things easy, and it also means you aren't trying to juggle which devices you want to have connected at any given time.
Proton VPN is an excellent choice if you're looking for a wide range of servers, offering over 1,700 options across 63 countries, ensuring plenty of flexibility when choosing a connection. With support for up to 10 simultaneous connections, it’s perfect for protecting multiple devices at once. Plus, its compatibility with various platforms makes it highly versatile.
One of Proton VPN's standout features is its free tier, which offers access to 23 locations without any bandwidth limits, allowing users to explore the service before committing to a subscription. Even on the free plan, you can test advanced protocols like WireGuard, providing robust security options without the cost.
Additionally, Proton VPN includes a Proton email service, which can be upgraded with joint subscription plans for enhanced privacy features, making it a solid all-in-one solution for security-conscious users.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a VPN
- Wide range of server locations:
- A VPN with many server locations offers more flexibility and versatility for connecting from different regions.
- Concurrent connections:
- Check how many devices can be connected at the same time. Options vary—some VPNs allow 5, others 10, and some offer unlimited connections.
- Device compatibility:
- Make sure the VPN supports the devices you use. Some only work on phones and computers, while others also support TVs, game consoles, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are always some questions that can pop up time and time again when it comes to VPNs, so here are our two cents to help you make an informed decision.
What is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address.
It creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, protecting your data from snooping or tracking. VPNs are commonly used for:
- Keeping personal information safe on public Wi-Fi
- Accessing region-locked content (like streaming services)
- Hiding browsing activity from ISPs or third parties
This added privacy and security make VPNs a valuable tool for both casual and privacy-conscious users.
Should I leave a VPN on all the time?
Yes, leaving a VPN on continuously provides consistent protection and privacy across networks.
Keeping your VPN active ensures your data stays encrypted whether you’re on public Wi-Fi, mobile data, or a private network. It also protects your activity across multiple devices, as many VPNs allow connections on 5 or more devices simultaneously.
However, there are times you might want to disable it, such as when using apps that rely on location accuracy (like Google Maps), since the VPN may interfere with GPS or location-based services.
Is getting a VPN worth it?
Yes, a VPN is worth it for most users due to its added security and privacy benefits.
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, helping keep sensitive data like passwords, banking details, and browsing activity protected. It also hides your real IP address, giving you an extra layer of anonymity. Plus, it allows you to bypass geo-blocks and access region-restricted websites or content.
Even if you're not doing anything sensitive online, the peace of mind alone often makes a VPN worth the investment
Are all VPNs slow?
VPNs can slow your connection slightly, but good providers minimize the impact.
How noticeable this slowdown is depends on:
- Your distance from the VPN server
- The server load
- Your ISP’s base speed
- The VPN protocol used
Some VPNs, like ExpressVPN with its Lightway protocol, are optimized for speed, making the difference in performance barely noticeable in many cases.
Does VPN help with ping?
Generally, no, VPNs do not improve ping and can sometimes make it worse.
Ping refers to the time it takes data to travel between your device and a server. Since VPNs reroute your traffic through an additional server, they often increase latency slightly.
In some very rare cases (e.g., ISP throttling or poor routing), a VPN may marginally improve stability, but it is not a reliable method for reducing ping in online gaming.
Does a VPN hide your IP address?
Yes, a VPN hides your real IP address by replacing it with one from a different location.
When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a secure server, and your actual IP address is masked. This helps:
- Protect your identity
- Prevent websites and advertisers from tracking your location
- Bypass location-based content restrictions
This IP-masking function is one of the core privacy features of a VPN.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, choosing the right VPN depends on your specific needs, whether it's security, access to content, or device compatibility. With the options we've outlined, you can confidently protect your online activity and enjoy a safer, more private browsing experience.