Top VPN Services: Expert-Reviewed
We've extensively tested the best VPN solutions, ranking their security, speed, streaming capabilities, and features. Here are our recommendations.
Best VPN overall
Best VPN overall
NordVPN is our top VPN as the service provides excellent speeds, stability, anda vast server network.
74% off (+3 free months)
Best VPN for speed
ExpressVPN
If speed is your top priority, consider ExpressVPN: one of our long-term favoritesfor rapid connections, fast servers, and streaming.
61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months)
Best value VPN
Surfshark VPN
Surfsharkis our top pick as an affordable, long-term VPN that demonstrates excellent value for money.
86% off (+ 3 extra months)
Best open source VPN
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is an affordable, open source VPN with a security focus and useful features.
Best free VPN
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is one of the very few free VPNs we can recommend.Whilerestricted, the plan is backed by paid subscribers.
Virtual private networks (VPNs) encrypt your data and hide your IP address. But there is far more to VPNs than that: they are essential tools to stop others from spying on your online activities, and they can help protect your sensitive information from theft.
A VPN is vital when you are traveling or when you have to use public Wi-Fi networks. They forge an encrypted tunnel between your device and the service you are trying to access, which can prevent eavesdropping and stop you from being so easily tracked online.
Suppose you want to appear from somewhere else. In that case, VPNs are also great because they assign you an IP in a different area -- allowing you to unlock access to streaming content libraries, including movies and TV shows, that are locked to specific locations. Also: Best malware removers of 2025 & best free software uninstallers
While VPNs are not a silver bullet for security, they are invaluable in keeping your browsing activities hidden by routing traffic through the VPN provider's server network. Furthermore, some VPNs also offer additional privacy features, including ad-blocking, data breach scanners, password managers, and threat monitoring.
A VPN is vital when you are traveling or when you have to use public Wi-Fi networks. They forge an encrypted tunnel between your device and the service you are trying to access, which can prevent eavesdropping and stop you from being so easily tracked online.
Suppose you want to appear from somewhere else. In that case, VPNs are also great because they assign you an IP in a different area -- allowing you to unlock access to streaming content libraries, including movies and TV shows, that are locked to specific locations. Also: Best malware removers of 2025 & best free software uninstallers
While VPNs are not a silver bullet for security, they are invaluable in keeping your browsing activities hidden by routing traffic through the VPN provider's server network. Furthermore, some VPNs also offer additional privacy features, including ad-blocking, data breach scanners, password managers, and threat monitoring.
Which VPN service is the best at the moment?
Our pick for the best overall VPN is NordVPN. Based in Panama and subject to strict data protection laws, NordVPN has always been a top contender in the VPN space. NordVPN offers the full package: fast speeds, stable connections, an expansive server network, and excellent streaming capabilities. It's not the cheapest VPN available, but if you want a solid VPN for the foreseeable future that is suitable for most use cases and is backed by solid customer support, NordVPN is for you.
Our second pick is ExpressVPN, one of the fastest options around, although the price might deter some users. The ZDNET team has decades of experience in the VPN arena. We've tested all the best VPNs on the market, rigorously evaluating them through frequent speed tests and ranking them based on the number of servers, security features, price, and more.
Read on to find the best VPN for you in 2025.
Our second pick is ExpressVPN, one of the fastest options around, although the price might deter some users. The ZDNET team has decades of experience in the VPN arena. We've tested all the best VPNs on the market, rigorously evaluating them through frequent speed tests and ranking them based on the number of servers, security features, price, and more.
Read on to find the best VPN for you in 2025.