NordVPN
- Audited no-logs policy with RAM-only servers
- NordLynx protocol delivers excellent speeds
- Comprehensive threat protection features
- Meshnet feature for secure device connections
Choose a VPN You Can Trust
We test VPNs for privacy, speed, and reliability using professional methodology and transparent criteria. Start with our top pick or compare all options with detailed reviews.
Independent Reviews
Professional Testing
Transparent Criteria
Learn About VPNs
New to VPNs? Start here with our comprehensive beginner-friendly guides.
What is a VPN?
Complete beginner's guide to understanding how VPNs work, why you need one, and how they protect your privacy online.
Read the guideOnline Privacy Tips
20+ actionable privacy tips to protect your data in 2025. From VPNs to secure browsers and encrypted messaging apps.
Protect your privacyVPN Setup Guide
Step-by-step instructions to set up any VPN on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and routers. Includes troubleshooting tips.
Setup your VPNTop 5 VPNs Compared (2025)
Side-by-side comparison of the best VPN services based on our independent testing. All prices shown are the lowest available with long-term plans.
| Rank & VPN | Rating & Price | Speed | Servers | Streaming | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
NordVPN
Best Overall
|
★★★★★ $3.09 /month | 95 /100 | 6,400+ 111 countries | Excellent | Get NordVPN Full Review → |
|
2
ExpressVPN
Best Speed
|
★★★★★ $6.67 /month | 93 /100 | 3,000+ 105 countries | Excellent | Get ExpressVPN Full Review → |
|
3
Surfshark
Best Value
|
★★★★☆ $2.19 /month | 88 /100 | 3,200+ 100 countries | Excellent | Get Surfshark Full Review → |
|
4
CyberGhost
User Friendly
|
★★★★☆ $2.19 /month | 85 /100 | 11,500+ 100 countries | Very Good | Get CyberGhost Full Review → |
|
5
PIA
Privacy Focus
|
★★★★☆ $2.03 /month | 82 /100 | 35,000+ 91 countries | Good | Get PIA Full Review → |
All plans include 30-day money-back guarantee (CyberGhost: 45 days) • Prices shown for long-term plans
In-Depth VPN Reviews
Thorough, unbiased reviews focused on privacy, speed, and overall trust.
ExpressVPN
- Lightway protocol with superior performance
- Consistently excellent for streaming services
- Independently audited privacy claims
- Premium customer support quality
Surfshark
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- CleanWeb ad and malware blocker
- Excellent price-to-features ratio
- Strong security and privacy features
Our Professional Testing Methodology
We follow industry-standard AMTSO VPN Performance Testing Guidelines to ensure fair, comprehensive, and unbiased evaluation of every VPN service we review.
View Complete Testing MethodologyPerformance Testing
Comprehensive speed testing across multiple servers, protocols, and time periods using standardized equipment and methodology.
Security Audits
Rigorous testing for DNS leaks, kill switch functionality, encryption strength, and protocol security vulnerabilities.
Server Evaluation
Assessment of global server coverage, connection reliability, and specialty server performance for streaming and P2P.
Privacy Analysis
Detailed review of logging policies, jurisdiction analysis, third-party audit reports, and transparency measures.
Why VPN Security Matters in 2025
Expanding Attack Surface
Remote work, public Wi-Fi, and IoT devices increase exposure. A well-configured VPN encrypts traffic on untrusted networks and protects against sophisticated threats.
Data Brokers & Tracking
ISPs and ad networks can profile browsing habits. Quality VPNs reduce IP-based tracking and limit cross-network data collection for better privacy.
Regional Access & Censorship
Connectivity and content vary by region. VPNs help maintain private, stable connections when networks restrict access or censor content.
VPN Speed vs Security: Finding the Balance
Start with WireGuard
Modern protocols like NordLynx (WireGuard) and Lightway typically offer the best combination of speed and security for most users.
Smart Server Selection
Choose nearby servers for optimal performance. Switch regions when you need specific streaming libraries or lower latency for gaming.
Optimize App Settings
Enable kill switch and leak protection for security. Use split tunneling selectively and choose the right protocol for your needs.
Set Up Your VPN the Right Way
Our comprehensive setup guide covers Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS with clear screenshots, security tips, and troubleshooting advice for optimal privacy protection.
Open the VPN Setup Guide