“Bro, my bank account just got hacked. I thought my VPN was supposed to protect me.”
“Let me guess. You’re using some kind of random free VPN?”
“Yeah…”
“Well, that explains everything.”
This conversation is all too common these days. Free VPNs can leak your data, log your activity, and leave you wide open to hackers. If you’re serious about your online security (and you absolutely should be), it’s time to upgrade to a proper VPN service.
After spending weeks testing the best VPNs available for 2025, I’ve narrowed it down to six solid options. Each excels in different areas – whether you’re a streaming fanatic, a dedicated gamer, or just someone who values watertight security and lightning-fast speeds.
What Makes a Great VPN?
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s clarify what separates the wheat from the chaff in the VPN world. A truly great VPN offers the perfect balance of:
Essential Security Features
Any VPN worth its salt must have AES-256 encryption (the same level used by governments and military organizations), a strict no-logs policy (independently audited, ideally), and DNS leak protection. Without these basics, you might as well be browsing naked on the internet – and trust me, nobody wants to see that.
Performance That Doesn’t Compromise
There’s no point having Fort Knox-level security if your internet crawls along like a pensioner in the supermarket queue on pension day. The best VPNs maintain impressive speeds even when connected to distant servers, ensuring your Netflix binge sessions remain buffer-free.
User-Friendly Experience
All the fancy features in the world are useless if you need a computer science degree to figure them out. Top VPNs offer intuitive interfaces across all devices, making protection as simple as clicking a button. Rather like making a proper cup of tea – it should be straightforward but done properly.
Surfshark: Best for Unlimited Device Connections
Surfshark offers an impressive combination of affordability, robust security, and user-friendliness that makes it particularly appealing for households with multiple devices.
Security Credentials
Surfshark doesn’t mess about when it comes to encryption, offering AES-256-GCM for OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, plus ChaCha20 for WireGuard. In plain English, that’s military-grade protection with optimized performance. Its MultiHop servers and kill switch add extra layers of security that would make even James Bond nod approvingly.
However, there’s a slight wrinkle in Surfshark’s privacy armor. Being based in the Netherlands means it falls under Nine Eyes jurisdiction – an intelligence-sharing alliance that could theoretically compel data sharing. It’s a bit like telling your most gossipy friend a secret and expecting it to stay private. Not impossible, but there’s always that risk.
Global Coverage and Usability
With over 3,200 servers spread across 100 countries, Surfshark offers extensive global coverage. This ensures reliable connections and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions faster than you can say “I fancy watching American Netflix.”
Its intuitive mobile and desktop apps make it perfect for beginners, while standout features like CleanWeb help block ads, trackers, and malware. The Bypasser feature (Surfshark’s version of split tunneling) allows for selective VPN usage of apps – handy when you want some activities to bypass the VPN.
Value Proposition
Surfshark’s crown jewel feature is its unlimited device connections on a single subscription. This makes it ideal for families or tech enthusiasts with more gadgets than the Currys PC World warehouse. Starting at just £2.19 a month for a 2-year plan, it offers excellent value and added cybersecurity tools.
ProtonVPN: Best Free VPN for Privacy
If Surfshark is the family-friendly option, ProtonVPN is the privacy purist’s dream. It’s the only VPN on my list with a completely free plan that’s actually worth trying – no small achievement in a market flooded with dodgy free options.
Security Approach
ProtonVPN takes security as seriously as a British person takes queue etiquette. It uses AES-256 encryption with modern protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, but its standout Secure Core feature routes traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries, adding an extra layer of anonymity.
Interestingly, while most VPNs use RAM-only servers, Proton opts for full disk encryption. They argue that RAM-only doesn’t prevent live data access, so instead, they keep encryption keys offsite. It’s like keeping the key to your diary in a different location than the diary itself – even if someone finds your diary, they can’t unlock its secrets.
Privacy Credentials
Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN benefits from some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. It operates outside the 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance alliances, meaning it has no government data-sharing obligations. Its strict no-logs policy has been independently audited by SEC Consult, adding credibility that’s harder to find than a sunny day in Manchester.
In my speed tests, ProtonVPN actually outperformed the best overall VPN in multi-hop connections, delivering faster upload and download speeds on the same network. That’s quite the achievement, like beating Usain Bolt in a sprint.
Features and Pricing
ProtonVPN is feature-packed, offering NetShield (an ad, tracker, and malware blocker), dedicated P2P servers, Tor over VPN, and strong streaming support. With over 11,000 servers across 117 countries, it has one of the largest networks available.
The free plan offers servers in three countries, unlimited bandwidth, and no ads – making it perfect for casual users or those testing the VPN waters. For advanced features, the paid plan starts at £4.49 a month for a 2-year subscription. While pricier than Surfshark, it’s a fair price for the privacy-focused approach.
ExpressVPN and CyberGhost: Corporate Cousins with Different Strengths
Both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are owned by Cape Technologies, a cybersecurity firm that’s been collecting VPN services like I collect teabags. This corporate consolidation raises eyebrows among privacy purists, but let’s examine what each brings to the table.
Security and Privacy Stance
Both VPNs use RAM-only servers and follow strict no-logs policies verified by independent audits – ExpressVPN by KPMG and CyberGhost by Deloitte. They both feature AES-256 encryption, but ExpressVPN stands out with its proprietary Lightway protocol optimized for speed without sacrificing security.
Privacy-wise, ExpressVPN operates from the British Virgin Islands, which is free from mandatory data retention laws. Meanwhile, CyberGhost is based in Romania, which is also outside the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance. Both jurisdictions are about as privacy-friendly as a confessional booth.
Specialized Use Cases
When it comes to streaming, CyberGhost shines with dedicated streaming servers optimized for geo-blocked content. During testing, its Swedish streaming server performed flawlessly – I was able to watch Scandinavian crime dramas with more ease than assembling IKEA furniture.
CyberGhost also offers specialized servers for gaming and torrenting, reducing ping and optimizing downloads with real-time distance indicators. I tried it during an online racing game and noticed no lags in gaming speed, making it ideal for those long gaming sessions where every millisecond counts.
Corporate Concerns and Pricing
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. Cape Technologies (previously known as Crossrider) has a history of adware development, raising privacy concerns despite its rebranding. Additionally, ExpressVPN faced scrutiny in 2021 when an executive was linked to Project Raven, a UAE surveillance program. While there’s no proof of ExpressVPN compromising user data, these incidents may leave some users more skeptical than a Brit being offered tea made in a microwave.
ExpressVPN’s premium positioning is reflected in its pricing – its plans start at £12.95 per month, with a two-year plan costing £4.99 a month. CyberGhost, meanwhile, is more budget-friendly at £2.19 per month for a 2-year plan. CyberGhost also offers a longer 45-day money-back guarantee compared to ExpressVPN’s 30-day policy.
Overall, ExpressVPN stands out for its speed, strong privacy jurisdiction, and user-friendly design, making it the best for ease of use and consistent speed. CyberGhost, with its budget-friendly plans and dedicated servers, earns the title of best for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
NordVPN: The Best Overall VPN for 2025
And now, the moment of truth. The VPN that excels across all categories and claims the crown as the best overall VPN for 2025 is… NordVPN. Let’s break down why it deserves this title more than the Queen deserves her crown jewels.
Unmatched Security Features
NordVPN locks down your data with AES-256 encryption and protects DNS requests with private servers to keep your browsing activity hidden. Unlike ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, which rely on single-hop encryption, NordVPN’s Double VPN feature routes traffic through two different servers for added security – something Surfshark and Proton also offer.
For extra protection against cyber threats, NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro blocks malware and trackers even when you’re not connected to the VPN. It’s like having a bouncer for your internet connection, keeping out the digital riffraff.
NordVPN operates from Panama, where data retention laws don’t apply. It has undergone four independent audits by Deloitte and PwC, proving its strict no-logs policy. Compared to others, this solidifies NordVPN’s position as the most transparent and trustworthy VPN – rather like being the most honest politician, except in this case, it’s actually meaningful.
Innovative Features
A standout feature is Meshnet, which creates an encrypted private network across devices. It lets you route internet traffic through another device as if it were a VPN server. For example, you can browse from your phone using your home PC’s IP, ensuring security and consistency. Meshnet also supports remote file access and unlimited encrypted file transfers.
If VPNs were Swiss Army knives, NordVPN would be the deluxe model with all the attachments. Split tunneling? Check. Dedicated IP? Check. P2P support? Check. Onion over VPN? Absolutely. Obfuscated servers? You bet – these specialty servers let you bypass VPN blocks in places or corporate networks that restrict access.
Performance and Value
NordVPN has superior global coverage with 7,124 servers across 118 countries, ensuring faster speeds and less congestion. Its proprietary VPN protocol, NordLynx, outperforms ExpressVPN’s Lightway in speed and efficiency – as my speed tests confirmed.
For torrenting, NordVPN’s P2P servers prevent ISP throttling, ensuring fast, reliable downloads. Streaming is effortless with its SmartPlay technology, bypassing geo-blocks without extra setup. While ExpressVPN and CyberGhost compete closely in these categories, NordVPN delivers better speed consistency at a more competitive price.
At £3.39 a month for the 2-year plan, NordVPN is slightly pricier than Surfshark but more affordable than ExpressVPN. Like Surfshark and Proton, NordVPN also offers bundled extras, including a password manager and one terabyte of cloud storage.
With its unmatched security, privacy, speed, and affordability, NordVPN is the ultimate all-around choice, securing the title of best overall VPN for 2025. It’s the VPN equivalent of a perfect cup of tea – satisfying in every way and reliable when you need it most.
Choosing the Right VPN for Your Needs
While NordVPN takes the crown as the best overall option, the perfect VPN for you depends on your specific needs. Let’s recap the strengths of each contender:
For Households with Multiple Devices
If you’ve got more devices than you can count and need to protect them all, Surfshark’s unlimited connections policy makes it the obvious choice. At £2.19 per month for a 2-year plan, it’s also one of the most affordable options on the list.
For Privacy Purists on a Budget
ProtonVPN’s free tier offers genuine protection without the usual compromises found in free VPNs. If you’re privacy-conscious but can’t justify a subscription yet, this is your best bet. When you’re ready to upgrade, their paid plans offer Swiss-grade privacy protection.
For Streamers and Gamers
CyberGhost’s specialized servers make it the go-to choice for streaming geo-blocked content and lag-free gaming. Its budget-friendly pricing is the cherry on top for entertainment enthusiasts.
For Those Who Value Simplicity
ExpressVPN’s intuitive interface and consistent speeds make it perfect for users who want protection without complexity. It’s pricier than other options, but sometimes you get what you pay for – like buying Heinz beans instead of the supermarket own brand.
Remember, whichever VPN you choose, it’s a significant upgrade from using no protection at all or relying on dubious free services. Your online privacy is worth investing in – after all, you wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked, so why leave your digital life exposed?
The internet can be a dangerous place, full of hackers, surveillance, and restrictions. A quality VPN is your digital bodyguard, ensuring you can browse, stream, and communicate with confidence. Choose wisely, and your online experience will be both safer and more enjoyable – rather like having a proper umbrella in a British downpour.