Best VPN 2025: Top Choices for Every Need

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have moved beyond niche use—they’re now everyday tools for anyone who values online freedom and security. From unlocking global streaming libraries to protecting personal data on public Wi-Fi, VPNs play a vital role in making the internet safer and more accessible.

In 2025, the VPN market is more competitive than ever, with providers offering specialized features for streaming, gaming, cross-platform protection, and privacy. The challenge is no longer finding a VPN but choosing the one that best fits your unique needs. This guide highlights the best VPNs of 2025 based on different categories— privacy, streaming, operating systems and devices, gaming, free options, antivirus and vpn combination, and deals. We’ll focus on four leading providers: NordVPN, Surfshark, ProtonVPN, and Bitdefender VPN.

Quick Comparison: Best VPNs of 2025

NordVPN
Best For: Streaming & Gaming
Price: $3.19/mo
Features: 6300+ Servers, 111 Countries, 10 devices, Threat Protection, No-logs, Meshnet
Surfshark
Best For: Unlimited Devices
Price: $2.29/mo
Features: 3200+ Servers, 100 Countries, Unlimited devices, CleanWeb, MultiHop
ProtonVPN
Best For: Privacy & Free Plan
Price: $4.49/mo
Features: 4800+ Servers, 90+ Countries, 10 devices, Secure Core, Open-source, Tor over VPN
Bitdefender VPN
Best For: Bundled Security
Price: $2.92/mo
Features: 4000+ Servers, 50+ Countries, 10 devices, Antivirus integration

Best VPN for Privacy & Security

When it comes to privacy, not all VPNs are built the same. Jurisdiction, logging policies, and transparency play a critical role in determining which provider you can truly trust. Here’s a closer look at the top contenders for 2025.

ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN stands out with an impeccable privacy record, rooted in its Swiss jurisdiction. Switzerland enforces some of the world’s strictest data protection laws and is not a member of the “Five Eyes,” “Nine Eyes,” or “Fourteen Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliances. This provides ProtonVPN with a strong legal foundation to protect user data. Its audited no-logs policy has been independently verified by trusted third parties, ensuring that no personal browsing data is ever stored.

On top of this, ProtonVPN publishes regular transparency reports and maintains open-source apps, making its commitment to privacy unmatched in the VPN industry. For users who value maximum anonymity and transparency, ProtonVPN is the clear winner.

NordVPN: NordVPN also provides a strong foundation for privacy, thanks to its Panama-based jurisdiction, which falls outside the reach of international surveillance alliances. Its independently audited no-logs policy ensures that user activity remains private, while advanced encryption standards provide reliable protection against data leaks. While NordVPN’s parent company operates in a country with less strict data laws, its track record of transparency and repeated audits still make it a trustworthy option. It remains one of the most reliable choices for users seeking both privacy and performance.

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Privacy & Security Winner

ProtonVPN Logo

Unmatched privacy protection with Swiss jurisdiction, audited no-logs policy, and complete transparency

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Best VPN for Streaming

Streaming platforms have become more restrictive with geo-blocks, and not every VPN can bypass them. The best streaming VPNs provide fast servers, reliable access, and optimized performance across platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

NordVPN: NordVPN is renowned for its ability to unblock popular streaming platforms effortlessly. With thousands of servers worldwide, including specialized servers optimized for media, it consistently delivers smooth playback with minimal buffering.

Its SmartPlay technology automatically selects the best server for streaming, eliminating the hassle of trial and error. Combined with excellent speeds and reliable connections, NordVPN makes cross-border content access seamless.

Surfshark: Surfshark is an excellent option for families or households with multiple devices. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so everyone can stream their favorite shows without restrictions.

Its CleanWeb feature also blocks ads and trackers, creating a smoother streaming experience. While its network is smaller than NordVPN’s, Surfshark provides consistent unblocking for most major platforms.

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Streaming Winner

NordVPN Logo

Unmatched speed, SmartPlay technology, and broad streaming access make NordVPN the top choice for entertainment.

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Best VPN for Gaming

Gamers need a VPN that minimizes latency, prevents DDoS attacks, and provides stable connections to international servers. Not all VPNs can deliver high speeds without sacrificing security.

NordVPN: NordVPN is a favorite among gamers thanks to its impressive speeds and strong protection against DDoS attacks. With its Meshnet feature, players can create secure private gaming networks, ideal for multiplayer sessions or virtual LAN parties.

Its global server network ensures low latency connections, while advanced encryption keeps data secure without slowing performance significantly. It's a premium choice for serious and competitive gamers.

Surfshark: Surfshark delivers reliable gaming performance at a lower cost. Its servers are optimized for speed, and its unlimited device policy makes it an excellent choice for gamers with multiple platforms.

Although latency can vary slightly depending on the region, Surfshark remains a solid choice for casual and competitive gamers alike, offering great value for money.

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Gaming Winner

NordVPN Logo

With a low-latency infrastructure and advanced features like Meshnet, NordVPN is the best overall VPN for gamers.

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Best VPN by Operating System & Devices

Compatibility is essential when choosing a VPN. From Windows and macOS to mobile devices and smart TVs, the right VPN should work seamlessly across your entire ecosystem.

Surfshark: Surfshark is unbeatable when it comes to device coverage. With support for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and even smart TVs and routers, it ensures all your devices stay protected.

The unlimited device policy means you never have to worry about running out of connections, making it ideal for households with many users or devices.

NordVPN: NordVPN offers polished, easy-to-use apps for nearly every major operating system. Its browser extensions, mobile apps, and router compatibility make it one of the most versatile providers on the market.

Though it limits simultaneous connections compared to Surfshark, NordVPN excels in consistency, speed, and usability across all its platforms.

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Device & OS Winner

Surfshark Logo

With unlimited device connections and broad platform compatibility, Surfshark is the perfect choice for securing all your gadgets.

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Best Free VPNs

Free VPNs are often limited, but the right provider can still deliver reliable protection without hidden risks. Transparency, speed, and data allowances make all the difference.

ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN sets itself apart by offering a free plan with no data limits. While speeds are capped during peak times and servers are limited, it remains a trustworthy choice thanks to its strong privacy policies and open-source apps.

Unlike most free VPNs, ProtonVPN doesn’t bombard users with ads or sell data. It prioritizes security over aggressive monetization, making it one of the few truly safe free options.

Bitdefender VPN: Bitdefender VPN offers a free tier bundled with its antivirus software. While data is capped and advanced features are reserved for paid users, it’s a decent option for occasional browsing protection, especially for those already using Bitdefender's security suite.

It’s not designed for streaming or heavy usage, but it provides a convenient layer of protection for light users who need a quick and easy solution.

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Free VPN Winner

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ProtonVPN offers unlimited data, strong privacy policies, and no hidden catches, making it the most reliable free VPN.

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Best VPN Deals

Affordability is important, especially when committing to a long-term plan. These VPNs offer unbeatable value without sacrificing essential features.

Surfshark: Surfshark consistently offers some of the lowest long-term subscription rates in the industry. Despite its affordability, it doesn’t cut corners, delivering fast speeds, strong privacy tools, and unlimited device connections.

Its money-back guarantee ensures risk-free testing, making it a go-to choice for budget-conscious users who want premium features for a low price.

Bitdefender VPN: Bitdefender VPN is often included with Bitdefender’s antivirus packages at little or no extra cost. This makes it an appealing option for users already invested in the Bitdefender ecosystem, providing a convenient bundle deal.

While its standalone VPN isn’t as powerful as top-tier providers, its bundle deals offer significant savings for basic users who just need simple online protection.

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Deals Winner

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Surfshark offers unbeatable long-term pricing with a robust feature set, providing the best value for your money.

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Best Antivirus VPN Combination

For complete digital protection, a combination of antivirus and VPN is essential. While antivirus software guards your device against malware and viruses, a VPN encrypts your internet connection to protect your privacy and identity. These security suites offer the best of both worlds in a single, convenient package.

Bitdefender Total Security: Consistently praised for its near-perfect malware detection scores in independent lab tests, Bitdefender’s security suite is a powerhouse. Its integrated VPN offers a secure connection for safe browsing on public Wi-Fi and encrypting your data.

The premium VPN add-on offers unlimited traffic, making it a highly effective and reliable security option. With a focus on performance and robust features, it's a top choice for serious security.

McAfee Total Protection: McAfee is a long-standing name in cybersecurity, and its Total Protection suite provides comprehensive security with a range of features. It includes a strong antivirus engine and a powerful, unlimited VPN to keep your online activity private and secure.

The package also offers a firewall, password manager, and identity theft protection, making it a robust option for users who want extensive coverage across multiple devices.

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Deals Winner

Bitdefender Logo

Bitdefender Total Security offers a powerful combination of industry-leading malware protection and a reliable VPN, giving you the best of both worlds.

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Final Verdict: The Best VPN in 2025

NordVPN: Best All-Around

NordVPN earns its spot as the best all-around VPN by offering a powerful combination of speed, security, and a massive network of servers. It provides advanced features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a unique Meshnet feature for secure private networks. With its intuitive apps across all major platforms and a proven no-logs policy, it's a reliable choice for any user looking for a comprehensive solution.

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Surfshark: Best Value & Unlimited Devices

Surfshark stands out for its incredible value, offering an unlimited number of simultaneous device connections—a rare perk in the VPN market. While it's more budget-friendly, it doesn't compromise on features, providing a clean interface, robust security protocols, and a solid kill switch. It’s an excellent option for large households or individuals with many devices to protect.

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ProtonVPN: Best for Privacy & Free Plan

ProtonVPN is a top-tier choice for privacy enthusiasts, thanks to its strong Swiss-based jurisdiction and a transparent, independently audited no-logs policy. Its standout feature is a truly functional and secure free plan, which makes it a fantastic starting point for anyone who wants to test the waters of VPN privacy without commitment.

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Bitdefender VPN: Best Antivirus Bundle Option

For users who are already invested in Bitdefender's antivirus ecosystem, the Bitdefender VPN is a seamless and convenient add-on. It's a solid, no-fuss VPN that is perfectly integrated into the security suite, making it easy to manage both your device's protection and your online privacy in one place. It may lack some of the advanced features of dedicated VPN providers, but it's a great choice for simplicity and bundled security.

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