5 Best VPN Services in 2025: Free, Fast, and Safe

Why ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN service:

ExpressVPN is regarded as one of the best overall VPN services thanks to its excellent balance of speed, security, and ease of use. Trusted by millions worldwide, it’s a reliable choice for users who value both privacy and performance.

Key Features

• Industry-Leading Privacy Protection: ExpressVPN operates under a strict no-logs policy and is based in the British Virgin Islands — a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. It also runs on TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers), ensuring that no data is ever written to a hard drive.
• Smooth streaming experience: Known for its unmatched streaming performance, ExpressVPN is consistently one of the best VPNs for Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other popular services, making it ideal for users who want to bypass geo-blocks without buffering.
• User-friendly interface: The clean, modern design of ExpressVPN’s app makes it easy to connect in just one click, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced VPN user.
• Global Server Network: With 3000+ servers across 105 countries, ExpressVPN gives you fast, stable access to content and websites worldwide.

Shortcoming

• Expensive: ExpressVPN’s monthly plan at $12.95 may be too expensive for users on a tight budget.

If you’re looking for the best VPN service, ExpressVPN is hard to beat. Its combination of speed, global coverage, military-grade encryption, and streaming reliability makes it the best all-around option.

3. Surfshark: Best VPN for Bypassing Firewalls

If you’re looking for a VPN that can bypass firewalls and unlock global content, Surfshark VPN is a strong contender. It’s known for its robust privacy protections and flexible access options.

Key Features of Surfshark

• Borderless Mode and Disguise Technology: Surfshark’s borderless mode automatically detects restricted networks, helping you connect even through government firewalls.
• Multi-hop Servers and Memory-Only Servers: For enhanced privacy, Surfshark routes your connection through two VPN servers simultaneously, doubly hiding your location for extra protection.
• Unlimited Device Connections: Surfshark allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices under one account. This means your phone, laptop, smart TV, and even your router can be protected.
• Global Server Network: Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries, providing fast and reliable access to global content.

Shortcoming: Inconsistent speed performance affects streaming, viewing, and download speeds.

Surfshark is perfect for those who want to unblock websites, access rich content, and protect their privacy. With unlimited device support and advanced privacy tools, it’s friendly for individuals, families, and digital nomads.

4. NordVPN: Best High-Speed VPN for Gaming & Streaming

NordVPN is frequently ranked as one of the fastest VPN services in the world, and rightfully so. In independent speed tests, NordVPN consistently outperforms competitors like ExpressVPN and Surfshark, making it a great choice for gaming, streaming, and transferring large files.

Key Features

• Fast speeds: Whether you’re playing online games or streaming 4K content, NordVPN delivers ultra-low latency and high-speed connections through its vast server network. In numerous tests, NordVPN ranks in the top 20% of VPN speeds worldwide.
• Advanced security tools: NordVPN goes beyond basic encryption to offer features like double VPN, onion VPN, and threat protection to block malware and trackers.
• Trusted no-logging policy: In 2023, Deloitte audited and confirmed NordVPN’s strict no-logging policy, giving users peace of mind that their privacy is protected.
• Extensive global coverage: NordVPN offers thousands of servers in 111 countries, ensuring you’ll have a stable connection wherever you are.

Cons

• Monthly plans are pricey, but long-term plans offer significant savings.

If you want a VPN that offers top-notch speeds and security, NordVPN is a solid choice. It’s perfect for gamers, streamers, and those who value privacy and value for money.

5. X-VPN: Best Easy-to-Use VPN for Beginners

X-VPN stands out for its simple setup, intuitive design, and ease of use, making it one of the best VPNs for beginners. If you’ve never used a VPN or just want a VPN that works right out of the box, X-VPN is a great choice.

Key Features

• Newbie-friendly interface: X-VPN has a simple design, so you can easily get started even if you have never used a VPN.
• Large server network: X-VPN has more than 8000 servers in more than 60 countries, providing extensive access to international content and websites.
• Streaming access: X-VPN can unblock major platforms such as Netflix US, Disney+, and HBO Max, allowing you to enjoy your favorite shows anytime, anywhere.

Cons

• Users may experience occasional speed drops, especially during high-traffic hours.
• Compared to some competitors, X-VPN’s pricing is on the higher side given its features.

If you’re looking for a simple, easy-to-use VPN that’s compatible with popular streaming platforms, consider X-VPN. While it’s not the fastest, its simplicity and ease of use make it a good choice for casual VPN users.

Other Best VPN Services Worth Considering

In addition to our top 5 picks, other best VPN services may better suit specific user needs. Here are a few more excellent options to consider:

1. Astrill VPN – Best for Bypassing Firewalls

Astrill is a strong choice for users in countries with strict internet censorship. While it requires a premium plan or dedicated IP to perform optimally, its ability to bypass firewalls makes it highly effective in restricted regions.

2. Proton VPN – Best for Security and Open-Source Enthusiasts

Proton VPN offers robust security features, including Secure Core servers and strong encryption. It’s also one of the few VPNs that are open-source and independently audited. Great for streaming Netflix and Disney+, and ideal for privacy-conscious users.

3. Mullvad VPN – Best for Anonymous Payments and Privacy

Mullvad VPN is ideal for privacy purists. It allows anonymous sign-up without an email and supports cash and crypto payments. Mullvad is also one of the most no-log VPNs on the market.

4. PureVPN – Best Budget VPN with Wide Compatibility

PureVPN supports a wide range of devices, including Kodi and Chromebook. It maintains a strict no-logs policy, offers a 31-day money-back guarantee, and accepts Bitcoin for added payment privacy.

How We Test the Best VPN Services?

To ensure our recommendations are trustworthy and useful, we follow a consistent and transparent testing process when evaluating the best VPN services on the market. Here’s how we test each provider:

1. Performance and speed testing: We run multiple speed tests using servers in different regions to measure download, upload, and latency performance. We check stability during activities like streaming, video calls, gaming, and large file transfers.
2. Streaming and geo-unblocking capabilities: We test each VPN’s ability to reliably access popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, and BBC iPlayer from different locations.
3. Privacy, security, and encryption: We evaluate whether the VPN uses strong encryption protocols (e.g., AES-256, ChaCha20), has a no-logs policy, supports a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
4. Server network and global coverage: A good VPN should offer extensive server coverage. We consider the number of servers, the countries they support, and whether they offer specialized servers (e.g., for torrenting, gaming, or obfuscating traffic).
5. Device compatibility and user experience: We test each VPN on multiple devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browser extensions) to evaluate app design, ease of use, and the number of simultaneous device connections.
6. Pricing, free trials, and refund policies: We compare different price tiers, check whether free trials or money-back guarantees are offered, and assess whether the VPN offers enough features to justify its price.
7. Customer support: Finally, we test each VPN provider’s customer support channels, including live chat, email, and help center resources.

How to Set Up a VPN?

If you haven’t used a VPN yet, don’t worry. Here are the steps on how to set up the best VPN service (example for LightningX VPN):

Step 1: Download LightningX VPN

Visit the official website of LightningX VPN, choose a package that suits your needs, and download it. LightningX VPN supports Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, TV, Linux, and Chrome.

Step 2: Register a VPN account

After downloading, follow the in-app prompts to register an account. You can also bind your email address to log in to your account.

Step 3: Select a server

LightningX VPN provides 2000+ servers. Just click “Connect” to turn on the VPN. You can also choose “Auto-select server” to get the fastest network speed.

Step 4: Customize if needed

You can enable advanced features such as automatic connection, protocol selection, TUN mode, and DNS settings for better privacy protection.

Once connected, your IP address will be hidden and your data will be encrypted using advanced security standards such as AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20. The next step is to access the Internet safely and freely!