Best VPN Services in 2025: Comparison Guide

NordVPN

Website: nordvpn.com

Supports:

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS

• Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge

• TV: Android TV, Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, Apple TV

• Gadgets: Chromebook, Raspberry Pi, Meta Quest

• Other: Routers, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch

Free plan: No, but offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Price: €12.99-€16.59/mo for monthly plan; from €4.99-€8.59/mo for a 1-year plan (prices can vary).

Security: Strong AES-256 encryption.

VPN servers: 7,700+ servers in 118 countries.

Protocols: NordLynx, IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN.

Simultaneous Connections: Protect up to 10 devices with a single subscription.

Description: NordVPN is a top-tier service known for its exceptional speed, robust security, and powerful unblocking capabilities. Its proprietary NordLynx protocol ensures a fast, stable connection, while features like Threat Protection offer more than just a VPN. It's a versatile choice for streaming, torrenting, and comprehensive daily privacy.

Pros:

• Industry-leading speeds with NordLynx protocol.

• Unbreachable security and privacy features like Double VPN.

• Excellent at unblocking streaming services.

• Independently audited no-logs policy.

Cons:

• The desktop app can feel a bit cluttered.

• Renewal prices can be higher than initial ones.

ExpressVPN

Website: expressvpn.com

Supports:

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS

• Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi

• TV: Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV Stick, Samsung Smart TV

• Gadgets: Chromebook, Kindle Fire

• Other: Routers (including their own Aircove router), PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch

Free plan: No, but offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Price: €12.95/mo for the monthly plan; from €6.67/mo for a 1-year plan.

Security: Strong AES-256 encryption, TrustedServer (RAM-only) technology.

VPN servers: High-speed servers in 105 countries.

Protocols: Lightway, IKEv2, OpenVPN.

Simultaneous Connections: Protect up to 8 devices with a single subscription.

Description: ExpressVPN is a premium service focused on simplicity, blazing-fast speeds, and top-notch security. Its proprietary Lightway protocol and RAM-only server infrastructure provide a fast and verifiably private experience. While it costs more, its ease of use and consistent performance make it a top choice for those prioritizing reliability.

Pros:

• Proprietary Lightway protocol offers exceptionally fast and reliable speeds.

• TrustedServer tech (RAM-only servers) guarantees no data is ever written to a hard drive.

• Extremely user-friendly apps across all platforms.

• Consistently unblocks major streaming platforms.

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to competitors.

• Fewer simultaneous connections than some rivals.

Surfshark VPN

Website: surfshark.com

Supports:

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS

• Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge

• TV: Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV

• Gadgets: Meta Quest

• Other: Routers, PlayStation, Xbox

Free plan: Yes, a 7-day free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available for all plans.

Price: €15.45/mo for the monthly plan; from €3.19/mo for a 1-year plan.

Security: Strong AES-256-GCM encryption.

VPN servers: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.

Protocols: WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN.

Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited simultaneous connections.

Description: Surfshark is the ultimate value proposition in the VPN market, famous for offering unlimited connections at a budget-friendly price. It's packed with premium features often found in more expensive services, making it perfect for families or individuals with many devices. It provides a fantastic balance of performance, features, and affordability.

Pros:

• Unlimited device connections on one subscription.

• Very affordable long-term plans offer great value.

• Feature-rich, including an ad-blocker (CleanWeb) and MultiHop.

• Strong unblocking capabilities for streaming services.

Cons:

• Connection speeds can be inconsistent on some servers.

• Parent company is based in the Netherlands (a Nine Eyes country).

CyberGhost VPN

Website: cyberghostvpn.com

Supports:

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS

• Browsers: Chrome, Firefox

• TV: Android TV, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV

• Gadgets: Raspberry Pi

• Other: Routers, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch

Free plan: Yes, a 24-hour free trial for desktop and a 7-day trial for mobile. Offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Price: €11.99/mo for the monthly plan; from €6.99/mo for a 6/mo plan.

Security: Strong AES-256 encryption.

VPN servers: 11,700+ servers in 100 countries.

Protocols: WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN.

Simultaneous Connections: Protect up to 7 devices with a single subscription.

Description: CyberGhost is designed for ease of use, featuring a massive server network with optimized servers that simplify finding the best connection for any task. Its intuitive apps and exceptionally long 45-day money-back guarantee make it a risk-free and highly accessible option, especially for those new to VPNs.

Pros:

• One of the largest server networks in the industry.

• Dedicated, optimized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

• Extremely generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

• User-friendly interface ideal for beginners.

Cons:

• Speeds can be less consistent than top-tier competitors.

• Parent company Kape Technologies has a controversial past.

Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN

Website: privateinternetaccess.com

Supports:

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS

• Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Edge

• TV: Android TV, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV

• Gadgets: -

• Other: Routers, Consoles (via Smart DNS)

Free plan: No, but offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Price: €11.69/mo for the monthly plan; from €3.10/mo for a 1-year plan.

Security: Customizable AES-128/256 encryption.

VPN servers: Next-gen servers in 91 countries (massive network, but exact number isn't public).

Protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec.

Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited simultaneous connections.

Description: Private Internet Access (PIA) is a highly trusted VPN with a strong emphasis on user privacy and transparency, demonstrated by its open-source apps and court-proven no-logs policy. Offering unlimited connections and highly customizable settings, it's a favorite among advanced users who want granular control over their security.

Pros:

• Allows unlimited device connections.

• Highly customizable security settings for advanced users.

• All apps are 100% open-source for full transparency.

• Proven no-logs policy confirmed in court.

Cons:

• Based in the USA (part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance).

• Can be less reliable for unblocking some streaming services.

Proton VPN

Website: protonvpn.com

Supports:

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS

• Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge

• TV: Android TV, Fire TV Stick, Chromecast

• Gadgets: Chromebook

• Other: Routers

Free plan: Yes, an excellent free plan with unlimited data on servers in 5 countries.

Price: €9.99/mo for the monthly plan; from €4.99/mo for a 1-year plan.

Security: Strong AES-256 encryption, Secure Core architecture.

VPN servers: 13,000+ servers in 110 countries.

Protocols: WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, Stealth.

Simultaneous Connections: Protect up to 10 devices on paid plans.

Description: From the creators of ProtonMail, Proton VPN is a service built with maximum security and privacy as its primary goal. It offers an unparalleled free plan and unique Secure Core servers for ultimate protection, making it the top choice for journalists, activists, and anyone handling sensitive information.

Pros:

• The best free VPN plan available, with no data limits.

• High-security "Secure Core" servers route traffic through privacy-haven countries.

• Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws.

• Open-source and independently audited.

Cons:

• Free version has speed limitations and fewer servers.

• Paid plans are priced higher than many competitors.

Mullvad VPN

Website: mullvad.net

Supports:

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS

• Browsers: Firefox (in partnership with Mozilla)

• TV: -

• Gadgets: -

• Other: Routers

Free plan: No, but offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Price: A simple, flat rate of €5/mo.

Security: Strong AES-256-GCM encryption.

VPN servers: 736+ servers in 49 countries.

Protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, Bridge.

Simultaneous Connections: Protect up to 5 devices with a single subscription.

Description: Mullvad is built for one thing: absolute privacy. It is famous for its anonymous account creation process and simple, transparent pricing model. While it lacks the large server network and streaming focus of others, its unwavering dedication to privacy makes it the gold standard for users who want to be as anonymous as possible online.

Pros:

• Allows for completely anonymous signup with no personal info required.

• Transparent and simple flat-rate pricing.

• Strong commitment to privacy, with regular independent audits.

• You can pay with cash by mail for ultimate anonymity.

Cons:

• Smaller server network compared to major providers.

• Not designed or optimized for unblocking streaming services.

• Customer support is available only via email.

TunnelBear VPN

Website: tunnelbear.com

Supports:

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

• Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Edge

• TV: -

• Gadgets: -

• Other: Limited Linux support

Free plan: Yes, a free plan with a 2GB monthly data limit.

Price: €9.99/mo for the monthly plan; from €4.17/mo for a 1-year plan.

Security: Strong AES-256 encryption.

VPN servers: 8,000+ servers in 47+ countries.

Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited simultaneous connections.

Description: TunnelBear is the most accessible and beginner-friendly VPN available, using a charming bear-themed design to make online privacy simple for everyone. While it's not built for power users or streamers, its commitment to simplicity and regular security audits makes it a trustworthy and fun choice for securing your everyday Browse.

Pros:

• Incredibly fun and easy-to-use interface, perfect for beginners.

• Conducts regular, public independent security audits.

• Unlimited device connections on paid plans.

• A decent free plan for testing and very light use.

Cons:

• Not reliable for unblocking streaming platforms like Netflix.

• Fewer advanced features and configuration options than others.

Atlas VPN

Website: atlasvpn.com

Supports:

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS

• Browsers: -

• TV: Android TV, Fire TV Stick

• Gadgets: -

• Other: -

Free plan: Yes, a free plan with a 5GB monthly data cap and servers in 3 locations.

Price: €11.29/mo for the monthly plan; from €1.75/mo for a 3-year plan.

Security: Strong AES-256 encryption.

VPN servers: 1,000+ servers in 49+ countries.

Protocols: WireGuard, IKEv2.

Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited simultaneous connections.

Description: Atlas VPN is a fast-growing, budget-friendly service that provides core privacy features and unlimited connections at a rock-bottom price. Its free version is a great starting point, while the premium plan unlocks excellent streaming performance and unique features like SafeSwap. Backed by Nord Security, it's a fantastic value pick for securing all of your devices.

Pros:

• Unlimited connections on both free and premium plans.

• Extremely budget-friendly long-term subscription prices.

• SafeSwap servers automatically rotate your IP address while connected.

• Good for unblocking streaming services on paid plans.

Cons:

• Relatively small server network.

• Based in the US (Five Eyes country).

• Fewer features than its parent company, Nord Security.

Hotspot Shield VPN

Website: hotspotshield.com

Supports:

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS

• Browsers: Chrome

• TV: Android TV, Fire TV Stick

• Gadgets: -

• Other: Routers

Free plan: Yes, a free plan with a 500MB daily data cap and one US server location.

Price: €12.99/mo for the monthly plan; from €7.99/mo for a 1-year plan.

Security: AES-256 encryption.

VPN servers: Servers in 80+ countries.

Protocols: Hydra (proprietary protocol).

Simultaneous Connections: Protect up to 10 devices on the premium plan.

Description: Hotspot Shield is best known for its proprietary Hydra protocol, which is engineered to provide some of the fastest VPN connection speeds available. It offers a functional free plan for basic needs and a premium version with broad server access. It remains a popular choice for users whose main priority is raw speed for activities like gaming and downloading.

Pros:

• Proprietary Hydra protocol delivers very fast connection speeds.

• Decent free plan for light Browse.

• Easy-to-use interface.

Cons:

• The free version is ad-supported and collects some usage data.

• Based in the US (Five Eyes).

• Past controversies regarding data logging practices.

IPVanish VPN

Website: ipvanish.com

Supports:

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS

• Browsers: -

• TV: Fire TV Stick, Android TV, Apple TV

• Gadgets: Chromebook

• Other: Routers, Nvidia Shield

Free plan: No, but offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on yearly plans.

Price: €12.99/mo for the monthly plan; from €3.33/mo for a 1-year plan.

Security: AES-256 encryption.

VPN servers: 2,400+ servers in 140+ locations.

Protocols: WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, IPSec.

Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited simultaneous connections.

Description: IPVanish is a solid VPN provider that offers a rare combination of unlimited connections and full ownership of its server infrastructure, giving it greater control over security. It provides fast, reliable connections and is particularly popular among Kodi users for its Android TV and Fire Stick compatibility. Its current audited no-logs policy and strong performance make it a contender.

Pros:

• Unlimited simultaneous device connections.

• Good speeds, especially on nearby servers.

• User-friendly apps with plenty of information for tech-savvy users.

• Owns and manages its entire server network.

Cons:

• Based in the US (Five Eyes jurisdiction).

• Struggles to unblock some major streaming platforms consistently.

• Had a past logging controversy, though it is now under a strict no-logs policy.

Windscribe VPN

Website: windscribe.com

Supports:

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS

• Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge

• TV: Fire TV Stick, Android TV (Nvidia Shield)

• Gadgets: -

• Other: Routers

Free plan: Yes, a very generous free plan with up to 10GB of data per month.

Price: €9.00/mo for the monthly plan; from €5.75/mo for a 1-year plan. Also offers a "Build a Plan" option.

Security: AES-256 encryption.

VPN servers: Servers in 69 countries and 112 cities.

Protocols: WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, Stealth.

Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited simultaneous connections.

Description: Windscribe is a feature-packed VPN that appeals to both free and power users. Its free plan is one of the most generous available, offering a high data cap and multiple server locations. For paid users, it provides unlimited connections and a powerful, customizable firewall and ad-blocker called R.O.B.E.R.T. Its flexible pricing makes it a versatile tool for the tech-savvy user.

Pros:

• Very generous free plan with up to 10GB/month and access to multiple countries.

• Unlimited connections and highly configurable.

• Unique "Build a Plan" pricing model.

• R.O.B.E.R.T. feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware.

Cons:

• Connection speeds can be inconsistent.

• The apps can be complex for beginners.

• No 24/7 live chat support.

PureVPN

Website: purevpn.com

Supports:

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS

• Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge

• TV: Android TV, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV

• Gadgets: Chromebook

• Other: Routers, Consoles

Free plan: No, but offers a 31-day money-back guarantee. Often has paid trials for a very low cost.

Price: €12.95/mo for the monthly plan; from €3.99/mo for a 1-year plan.

Security: AES-256 encryption.

VPN servers: 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries.

Protocols: WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN.

Simultaneous Connections: Protect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

Description: PureVPN is a veteran provider that has made significant strides in transparency by adopting an "always-on" third-party audit policy, meaning they can be audited at any time without notice. It boasts a vast server network and has introduced quantum-resistant encryption, showing a commitment to future-proofing security. For users who value this level of verified transparency, PureVPN is a compelling option.

Pros:

• First VPN with an "always-on" audit policy by a major firm.

• Large and geographically diverse server network.

• Good speeds with WireGuard protocol.

• Supports quantum-resistant encryption.

Cons:

• Had a past logging controversy, which the new audit policy aims to address.

• App experience can be inconsistent across platforms.