With the internet becoming more regulated worldwide and data breaches happening more often, you may want to get a VPN in 2025. However, with so many options, which one is the best fit for you? In this blog, we’ve picked out the 5 best VPNs based on key factors like speed, security features, and price.
Table of Contents
What Is the Best VPN? Factors to Consider
When choosing the best VPN service, consider these key factors to ensure it meets your specific needs for security, privacy, speed, and availability:
1. Number and Location of Servers: A larger server network can offer faster speeds and more options for bypassing geo-restrictions.
2. Speed: Speed is crucial, especially if you intend to use the VPN for streaming, downloading, or gaming.
3. Security and privacy: To protect your privacy and data, make sure the VPN provides strong encryption (like AES-256), supports secure protocols (such as OpenVPN or WireGuard), and has a strict no-logs policy.
4. Ease of use: If you’re new to VPNs, a user-friendly interface can make setup and usage much simpler.
5. Device compatibility: Ensure the VPN supports all your devices, such as phones, computers, tablets, and even smart TVs or routers. If you have multiple devices, look for a VPN that allows simultaneous connections.
6. Customer support: If you encounter issues, quickly responsive customer support (like 24/7 live chat) is important.
7. Extra features: Some VPNs offer additional features such as ad blocking, malware protection, and multi-hop connections for added security.
8. Pricing and refund policy: Check if the VPN is reasonably priced and prioritize services that offer free trials or money-back guarantees for risk-free testing.
Next, let’s take a look at which VPNs meet these criteria!
5 Best VPNs in 2025
Streaming, gaming, or protecting your online security? Whether you’re looking for the fastest VPN, the most secure option, or the best value for your money, we’ve got the right one for you.
1. X-VPN (Best VPN Overall)
🆓 Free Plan Available: Yes
💰 Pricing: Starting at $5.99/mo
💻 Available on: Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, ChromeOS, Linux, Router, Apple TV, AndroidTV, Amazon Fire TV, Firestick, Game Console
🔗 Simultaneous Connections: 5
X-VPN is an all-around VPN that suits most users. If you have high requirements for privacy and performance and want to easily bypass geo-restrictions or censorship, then X-VPN is definitely your best choice. Moreover, this top VPN is the only service on this list that offers a free plan.
Server Network
X-VPN has over 8,000 high-speed servers across 65 countries, making it the VPN with the widest server network on this list. This wide coverage makes accessing global content effortless. Additionally, X-VPN uses special obfuscation algorithms on all its servers to disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic. So, even in countries with strict censorship, you can successfully bypass firewalls.
In addition, X-VPN offers dedicated streaming and gaming servers optimized for popular platforms like Netflix and Roblox, ensuring fast speeds with no lag.
Speed & Performance
X-VPN is known for its extremely fast speeds and stable performance. Its extensive server network means you can always find a nearby server for ultra-fast connections, no matter where you are. Whether browsing, gaming, or downloading, you can expect high speed and stability. Though the free plan has slower speeds, it still offers a secure way to browse for those on a budget.
Security & Privacy
X-VPN uses military-grade AES-256 encryption to protect your online activities. It has built-in DNS leak protection to keep your real IP hidden. It also includes a Kill Switch that cuts off internet access if the VPN connection drops. This prevents any potential data leaks. X-VPN follows a strict no-logs policy, ensuring no user activity or connection logs are recorded. Plus, it offers extra security features like Double VPN for enhanced safety.
Ease of Use
The X-VPN app is designed to be simple and easy to use. You can manually select a server location or connect to the best nearby server with one click. X-VPN provides 24/7 live online support that can respond quickly to user issues. A free version of X-VPN is available, offering decent speed and performance. If you want to upgrade to a paid plan, it’s quite affordable. Click below now to get a 30-day VPN free trial!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 8000+ obfuscated servers across 65 countries | Free plan has slower speeds |
| Fast and stable | Fewer advanced security features |
| The only VPN on this list with a free plan | |
| Simple and easy-to-use interface | |
| 24/7 customer support | |
| Supports cryptocurrency payments |
2. ExpressVPN
🆓 Free Plan Available: No
💰 Pricing: Starting at $4.99/mo
💻 Available on: MacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Routers, Apple TV, Fire Stick, Chrome Extension, and more
🔗 Simultaneous Connections: 8
ExpressVPN is another best VPN worth trying because of its excellent customer service, wide server coverage, and advanced security features. However, it’s less cost-effective than X-VPN, so it’s second on our list.
Server Network
It has 2000+ servers in 94 countries, covering North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. While its coverage is impressive, the total number of servers is smaller compared to some competitors like X-VPN. This can sometimes lead to server congestion during peak hours. ExpressVPN also provides dedicated servers optimized for specific tasks, like P2P file sharing and streaming access.
Speed & Performance
ExpressVPN uses its proprietary Lightway protocol, which is faster and more efficient than traditional protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2. This ensures excellent connection speeds and stable performance, even during long sessions. Server switching is rapid with nearly no interruptions, making it ideal for users needing quick connections.
Security & Privacy
ExpressVPN excels in security and privacy. It uses AES-256 encryption, TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers), and a strict no-logs policy to guarantee that user data is neither stored nor leaked. However, it lacks advanced privacy features like double VPN and ad blocking, which may be a drawback for users looking for additional features.
Ease of Use
The interface of ExpressVPN is clean and user-friendly on both desktop and mobile apps. Installation and setup are simple, with no complex configurations needed, making it easy even for tech novices. However, ExpressVPN’s subscription fees are slightly higher than other VPN services, which could be a downside for budget-conscious users.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large server network | Expensive compared to VPNs offering similar features |
| Strong privacy and security | No double VPN feature |
| Simple and easy-to-use interface | |
| 24/7 customer support |
3. NordVPN
🆓 Free Plan Available: No
💰 Pricing: Starting at $2.99/mo
💻 Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Andriod, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Andriod TV, tvOS, Firestick, and more
🔗 Simultaneous Connections: 10
NordVPN has a strong server network and excellent speed. However, limited server coverage in some regions and the complexity of certain advanced features might be factors to consider.
Server Network
NordVPN offers over 6,700 servers in 111 countries. This makes it easy to connect to servers in different regions to bypass geo-restrictions or access blocked content. If you’re unsure which server to connect to, NordVPN’s algorithm will automatically recommend the best one.
Speed & Performance
It is well-known for its fast speed, ensuring smooth video streaming and gaming experiences. Its connections are stable, so users can enjoy continuous internet access. However, the speed and stability of servers in certain regions may not be as expected.
Security & Privacy
NordVPN supports multiple VPN protocols, and its NordLynx protocol provides faster speeds without compromising online security. NordVPN also allows users to purchase a dedicated IP address, which can reduce blacklist issues associated with shared IPs. Unlike X-VPN, where all servers are obfuscated, NordVPN’s obfuscated servers are not available in all countries. This might be a limitation for users who need to bypass strict censorship.
Ease of Use
The app features a “Quick Connect” button that automatically selects the best server, making it ideal for beginners or those who prefer not to choose servers manually. While NordVPN doesn’t offer a free plan, it provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing hesitant users to try it risk-free.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide server distribution | Limited server options in smaller cities |
| Smooth streaming experience | There was a data breach incident |
| Supports up to 10 simultaneous connections | |
| Option to purchase a dedicated IP address |
4. Surfshark
🆓 Free Plan Available: No
💰 Pricing: Starting at $2.19/mo
💻 Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Andriod, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Apple TV, Fire TV, and more
🔗 Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited
Surfshark is a reliable and feature-packed VPN service, especially great for users on a budget or those needing connections on multiple devices.
Server Network
Surfshark offers over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries, covering almost all major regions. While the number of servers is decent, it’s fewer than the top three VPN providers on this list. However, Surfshark’s server coverage is still enough to meet the everyday needs of most users.
Speed & Performance
Surfshark has great server speeds that allow for HD and even 4K streaming. Its low latency makes it a great choice for gamers, especially for reducing lag and stuttering in multiplayer online games. Sometimes, though, Surfshark’s server speeds can fluctuate, particularly if you’re using dynamic multi-hop servers.
Security & Privacy
In addition to AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, Surfshark includes features like an automatic kill switch and CleanWeb, which blocks ads, malware, and phishing attempts for enhanced security. While its security features are robust, Surfshark servers may be blocked in certain countries, which can impact connection reliability.
Ease of Use
Surfshark’s apps and browser extensions are very easy to install and use. Users can quickly download and set them up to start, with server connections taking just seconds. Surfshark allows unlimited devices on a single account, making it an excellent choice for families or users with multiple devices.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide global coverage | Fewer servers available |
| Unlimited simultaneous connections | Based in the Netherlands, part of the Nine Eyes alliance |
| Easy-to-use apps |
5. Mullvad VPN
🆓 Free Plan Available: No
💰 Pricing: €5/mo (~$5.19/mo)
💻 Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chromebook
🔗 Simultaneous Connections: 5
Although Mullvad VPN is a relatively small provider, it’s highly praised among privacy-focused users. If your main concerns are privacy protection and data security, rather than streaming or extra features, Mullvad VPN is a good option.
Server Network
Mullvad VPN has over 600 servers in 48 countries worldwide. Although the number of servers is not huge, its server distribution strategy is more focused on privacy-friendly countries to ensure privacy and security. Mullvad doesn’t offer dedicated servers for specific purposes, meaning all servers can be used for activities like gaming, streaming, and P2P sharing. While this adds flexibility, it also means that some servers don’t perform as well as dedicated servers.
Speed & Performance
Mullvad was one of the first VPN services to support the WireGuard protocol, which is known for being efficient, lightweight, and offering low latency. Its server performance is very stable, so users typically won’t experience noticeable speed drops or connection interruptions. However, Mullvad VPN isn’t great at unblocking streaming services and can’t access many popular ones like Netflix. This is a significant downside for users who rely on streaming.
Security & Privacy
Its focus on user privacy is one of its main strengths. Mullvad uses AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption along with modern VPN protocols (WireGuard and OpenVPN) for top-notch data protection. It also offers advanced security features to boost defense against AI surveillance and censorship, like extended support for VPN obfuscation on the WireGuard protocol. However, because Mullvad is based in Sweden (a member of the 14 Eyes alliance), some users might worry about potential government pressure.
Ease of Use
Users can quickly connect to a server with just an account number, without complicated setups. Mullvad supports various anonymous payment methods, including cash, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, and traditional payment options like credit cards. This further enhances user privacy. However, Mullvad doesn’t offer 24/7 live chat support. You can only reach the support team via email, which may lead to longer wait times for issue resolution.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple and affordable pricing | Small server network |
| Strong privacy and anonymity | Lacks advanced features |
| Great for torrenting | Limited device connections |
| Transparent operations | Customer support only available via email |
Quick Comparison of the Best VPNs for 2025
Here’s a quick comparison of the 5 best VPNs we mentioned earlier to help you make an informed choice.
| X-VPN 👑 | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | Mullvad | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Monthly Plan Price | $11.99/mo | $12.95/mo | $11.99/mo | $15.45/mo | €5/mo |
| No-Logs Policy | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Server Locations | 65+ countries | 94 countries | 111 countries | 100+countries | 48 countries |
| Number of Servers | 8000+ | 2000+ | 6700+ | 3200+ | 600+ |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 | 8 | 10 | Unlimited | 5 |
| 24/7 Live Chat | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Among these best VPNs, X-VPN stands out. It offers the largest server network and fast speed. And it is the only provider with a free plan for everyone to try. Click below now to get X-VPN’s free version and enjoy a borderless Internet world!
Are Free VPNs as Good as Paid VPNs?
People often complain that free VPNs are unreliable. However, compared to some overpriced and overhyped paid VPN solutions, many free VPNs can perform just as well, if not better.
Free VPNs can offer basic privacy and security protection, such as protecting your data from snooping and leaks when using public Wi-Fi. By hiding your real IP address, these VPNs can prevent your online activities from being tracked and monitored. They can also help you bypass geographic restrictions to access content that was previously unavailable.
If you’re looking for the best free VPN for specific devices, click the corresponding link to check out our detailed guide:
- 5 Best Free VPNs for 2025: Unlimited & Safe
- Best Free VPN for Windows
- Best Free VPN for Mac
- Best Free VPN for Android
- Best Free VPN for iPhone
- Best Free VPN Chrome Extension
Conclusion
Which VPN is the best in 2025? Honestly, the best VPN depends on your needs. We think X-VPN is the top choice—it’s fast, stable, and very secure. Click below now to try X-VPN for free for 30 days—no risks, no hidden fees!
FAQs
Are VPNs legal?
Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries. However, some countries with strict internet regulations (like Russia or North Korea) may restrict or ban VPN usage. Please check and follow your local laws before using a VPN.
What does a VPN do?
A VPN not only boosts your online security but also lets you access geo-restricted content, take advantage of regional pricing for cheaper deals, reduce gaming lag, and more.
How to get a VPN?
To get a VPN, choose a reputable provider like X-VPN, ExpressVPN, or NordVPN. Visit their website or app store, download the app to your device, sign up for an account, and follow the setup instructions to start using it.
