In a world where privacy threats are increasing and content is getting geo-blocked, using a VPN isn’t optional anymore; it’s essential. Whether you’re trying to access restricted sites, protect yourself on public Wi-Fi, or maintain your anonymity online, a VPN has your back.
We tested 30+ VPNs across speed, security, usability, and streaming support. Here are our top picks for the best VPNs in 2025, plus a look at free alternatives like Planet VPN, Thunder VPN, and Urban VPN.
Quick Summary: Our Top 9 VPNs
| Rank | VPN | Best For | Free Plan | Devices | 30-Day Refund |
| 1 | NordVPN | Privacy + Streaming | ❌ (Trial) | 10 | ✅ |
| 2 | ProtonVPN | Best Free VPN | ✅ | 1 | ❌ |
| 3 | Surfshark | Unlimited Devices | ❌ (Trial) | ∞ | ✅ |
| 4 | CyberGhost | Beginners + Streaming | ❌ (Trial) | 7 | ✅ (45 Days) |
| 5 | PIA | Best Budget VPN | ❌ (Trial) | Unlimited | ✅ |
| 6 | ExpressVPN | Best Overall VPN | ❌ | 8 | ✅ |
| 7 | Planet VPN | No-Registration Free VPN | ✅ | 1 | ❌ |
| 8 | Thunder VPN | Lightweight Android VPN | ✅ | 1 | ❌ |
| 9 | Urban VPN | P2P Free VPN | ✅ | 1 | ❌ |
1. NordVPN — Best for Privacy & Streaming
NordVPN is all about serious security and smooth streaming. It uses Double VPN and Onion over VPN to keep your activity private, while offering buffer-free playback on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and more.
Key Features:
- 7000+ servers in 164 countries
- Built-in malware & ad blocker (Threat Protection)
- WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol
- Verified no-logs policy (audited)
Cons:
- Maps-based app interface is bulky
- Free trial requires card details
2. ProtonVPN — Best Free VPN with Unlimited Data
When talking about the best free VPN, ProtonVPN is in a league of its own. It’s the only free VPN with unlimited bandwidth and a strict no-logs policy. You don’t even need a credit card to start using it.
Why We Recommend It:
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- Unlimited data (no speed throttling like other free VPNs)
- No ads, no logs
- Works on Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux
Limitations:
- Only 3 free server countries (US, NL, JP)
- Slower during peak hours in the free tier
3. Surfshark — Best Value VPN for Families
Surfshark is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on features. For one low monthly rate, you get unlimited device connections, access to over 3,200 servers, and features like CleanWeb (ad/malware blocker).
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Great for large households
- Whitelister (split tunneling)
- Bypasses streaming blocks easily
- 7-day free trial for macOS and mobile
Drawbacks:
- No forever-free plan
- Fewer customization options than Nord
4. CyberGhost — Best for Beginners
CyberGhost stands out for its user-friendly design and streaming-optimized servers. It’s easy to use, even for first-time VPN users, and offers a 45-day refund, the longest on this list.
Highlights:
- Over 9,000 servers globally
- Streaming servers labeled by platform (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)
- Automatic kill switch
- Available for all major OSes
Weak Spots:
- Short 24-hour free trial
- Not ideal in countries with heavy censorship
5. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for 2025
ExpressVPN is a powerhouse in the VPN space. It balances speed, security, and streaming like no other. It has over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, supports AES-256 encryption, and runs on RAM-only servers (no data logs ever).
Why we picked it:
- Lightning-fast connections even on distant servers
- Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more
- Built-in kill switch and DNS leak protection
- Works on macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, routers, and more
Downsides:
- No free version
- Slightly higher monthly price
6. Planet VPN — Free, No-Registration VPN
Planet VPN is a fully free VPN with no registration required. It’s great for users who want something quick, simple, and lightweight. You don’t get top-tier performance, but it’s fine for basic browsing.
Features:
- Free forever
- No email or payment info needed
- Browser extensions available
- Easy to install
Where It Falls Short:
- Limited server options
- Doesn’t unblock Netflix or streaming platforms
- Not ideal for privacy-heavy users
7. Thunder VPN — Lightweight VPN for Android
Thunder VPN is often found on Android devices and offers a super simple tap-and-go experience. But it’s not great for anything more than casual browsing.
What to Know:
- Free with no signup
- Decent speeds for light use
- Clean interface
- Works on Android only
Downsides:
- No transparency on logging
- No iOS or desktop version
- Weak encryption compared to competitors
8. Urban VPN — Peer-to-Peer Free VPN
Urban VPN uses a peer-to-peer model, meaning others could use your bandwidth. It has a large network of servers and decent connection speeds, but privacy concerns remain.
Pros:
- Free and easy to install
- Lots of locations
- Works on multiple browsers
Cons:
- No clear logging policy
- Limited streaming success
- P2P model raises security flags
What Makes a VPN Truly Safe in 2025?
Not all VPNs offer the same level of protection. If you’re serious about your online privacy, there are key features to look for.
Key Security Features to Look For:
- AES-256 Encryption: This military-grade standard ensures your data stays unreadable to outsiders.
- No-Logs Policy (Audited): A VPN should never track or store your activity — independent audits prove they don’t.
- RAM-Only Servers: These wipe data on every reboot, leaving no trace behind.
- Kill Switch: If your VPN connection drops, this blocks all traffic to avoid leaks.
- Secure Protocols: Look for WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2/IPSec for fast and safe performance.
Whether it’s a paid service like NordVPN or the best free VPN like ProtonVPN, these features make the difference between real privacy and a false sense of security.
How to Choose the Best VPN in 2025
Here’s what to look for before clicking that “Install” button:
- Encryption Standards: Always go for AES-256
- No-Logs Policy: Check if it’s independently audited
- Speed & Bandwidth: Look for services that don’t throttle
- Streaming Support: If Netflix or Hulu is important, test the VPN
- Device Compatibility: Especially if you use Mac, Android, or iOS
- Customer Support: 24/7 live chat is a big plus
- Free Plan vs. Paid: Use the best free VPN like ProtonVPN if you’re on a budget, but know the limits
VPN FAQs
Still have questions about choosing or using a VPN? Here are some of the most common ones users ask.
What is the best free VPN in 2025?
ProtonVPN. It offers unlimited data, strong privacy, and no ads.
Is Planet VPN safe to use?
It’s safe for casual browsing but lacks advanced privacy protections.
Can I trust Thunder VPN with my data?
It’s decent for Android but has a vague privacy policy — not ideal for sensitive activity.
Does Urban VPN unblock Netflix?
Not reliably. It might work sometimes, but don’t count on consistent access.
Should I use a free VPN or pay for one?
Free VPNs are fine for basic use, but paid VPNs offer better speed, support, and privacy features.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to VPNs. Here’s our takeaway:
- Want the fastest, most secure VPN? Go with ExpressVPN
- Need a balance of price and performance? Choose NordVPN
- Looking for unlimited protection at no cost? Try ProtonVPN, the best free VPN
- Want to test the waters with free tools? Check out Planet VPN, Thunder VPN, or Urban VPN, but don’t rely on them for sensitive use
Still unsure? Most premium VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so try them risk-free and decide what works best for you.
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