Best VPN in 2025: Which Service Truly Deserves the Crown This Year?

In the world of internet privacy, choosing the best VPN can be tricky. With so many options offering different features, it's important to find a service that’s safe, fast, and easy to use. According to the latest testing results of 2025, ExpressVPN has taken the top spot as the best overall VPN, beating strong competitors like NordVPN and Surfshark.

Why ExpressVPN Is the Top Pick

ExpressVPN earned an impressive rating of 8.8/10 for its solid balance of privacy, speed, and user experience. People use VPN services to protect their online data and browse safely, and ExpressVPN does that with TrustedServer technology—a system that stores no data and wipes everything clean after each session.

Another big win for ExpressVPN is its Lightway protocol, which not only boosts speed but also includes postquantum protection, making it future-ready. Whether you're watching Netflix abroad or just checking emails on public Wi-Fi, ExpressVPN keeps your connection smooth and secure.

Top Contenders: NordVPN and Surfshark

While ExpressVPN leads the pack, NordVPN and Surfshark are still great choices. NordVPN had the fastest speeds in the 2024 tests, with only an 11% drop in internet speed, and it includes strong tools like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN. That makes it ideal for users who need extra layers of encryption.

On the other hand, Surfshark is perfect for people on a budget. It’s more affordable and still offers great features, like Dynamic MultiHop and unlimited device connections. It's also one of the few VPNs for Apple TV and Linux with GUI apps, making it flexible and family-friendly.

Speed and Security: What to Look For in a VPN

When comparing top VPNs, experts look at a few important things: how much the VPN slows down your connection, how secure your data is, and how many devices you can use it on. In our 2025 testing, these were the average internet speed losses:

• NordVPN: 11%

• Mullvad: 13%

• Surfshark: 17%

• Proton VPN: 21%

• ExpressVPN: 25%

All of these fall under the 25% benchmark, making them some of the fastest VPNs available today.

Streaming, Privacy, and Cross-Platform Support

If you're someone who streams a lot or wants to unblock global content, ExpressVPN and NordVPN are great for services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. They also offer browser plugins and apps for smart TVs, routers, and even niche platforms like ARM-based Windows PCs.

On the privacy side, these VPN providers offer strong no-logs policies, 256-bit encryption, and DNS leak protection. ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN also undergo independent security audits, which help build user trust.

Is a VPN Right for You?

Whether you're a casual browser or someone with serious security needs, there's a VPN service for you. If you want all-in-one performance and easy setup, ExpressVPN is a safe bet. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option with solid performance, Surfshark is a strong alternative. And if you're after advanced features and lightning-fast speed, NordVPN is the go-to.

As online threats grow and people become more aware of privacy, using a VPN is becoming essential. Make sure to check for the latest deals and updates before you choose your plan—especially during sales like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.