Comparing VPN services: what’s the best VPN in 2025?

Secure encryption is a must for any VPN service. AES-256 is the industry standard that leading providers like Surfshark use. Modern VPN protocols are also important in keeping your internet traffic secure. A VPN with WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols is a great place to start.  

On top of that, a no-logs policy, kill switch, and effective IP address masking are basic features you’d expect from a solid VPN. Other nice-to-haves include things like an ad blocker, cookie pop-up blocker, and the option to choose a static IP address.

Not all VPNs cost the same, and more expensive VPNs don’t always give you better quality. If you want the best VPN deal, look for long-term plans that include all the essential features. Surfshark’s two-year subscription starts at $1.99/mo with no corners cut, while most other VPNs will charge higher prices for a similar plan.

As a rule of thumb, avoiding free VPNs is also a good idea. Even the best free VPNs won’t give you unlimited access to their full server pool, and your internet speed may suffer as a result. Even worse, free VPNs might also track your activity or sell your data to advertisers, violating your privacy instead of protecting it.

Your VPN protocol, server load, and physical distance between you and your server can impact your VPN connection speed, so it’s important to choose a provider that offers high-speed protocols and an extensive server network. It’s worth noting that independent VPN reviews found Surfshark to be the fastest VPN around.

Since you never really know what kind of internet speed you’ll get until your VPN connection is active, top providers offer a money-back guarantee, letting you try out their apps risk-free. You can even compare VPNs simultaneously to find the one that’s best for you quickly.

A VPN with a large number of servers can help deliver consistently fast speeds. More servers typically bring less crowding and better performance.

What’s equally important is how many locations those servers cover. Having more options makes it easier to change your IP address with a server close to you, which can be another important factor in getting a fast connection speed.

Using a virtual private network may sound overwhelming at first, but the best VPN providers equip you with a wealth of customer support resources if you ever need help.

For instant assistance, find a service that offers 24/7 live support via chat. Email ticketing is helpful for issues that aren’t time-sensitive, and a vast knowledge base is great whenever users want to find answers independently.

Any VPN provider can promise you anything under the moon, but these words don’t mean much until they’re proven. The best VPN services undergo regular audits from reputable firms and distribute the findings publicly in a transparency report.

Surfshark, for instance, underwent security infrastructure audits from Cure53 in 2018 and 2021. A separate audit by Deloitte in 2022 verified Surfshark’s strict no-logs policy.

You likely access the internet on your computer, mobile device, smart TV, and more, so getting a VPN that only encrypts traffic and masks your IP address on a single device doesn’t make sense.

Multi-device protection among reputable VPN providers starts at about five devices, while leaders like Surfshark offer unlimited connections.

High-speed VPN servers, like 10Gbps servers, are important because they deliver significantly faster and more reliable connections. They can handle large volumes of data, so they’re excellent for activities like downloading large files or accessing streaming services.

High-speed servers also reduce the risk of latency, congestion, and performance drops, ensuring a more consistent experience, even during peak usage times.

When comparing VPN providers, it’s vital to check out what else they offer. A VPN is great, but you won’t get complete online protection from a single tool.

Some VPNs bundle extra products like an antivirus, data leak alerts, and an ad blocker to go beyond basic privacy. If you find a VPN that doesn’t come with anything else, you might be limiting your overall privacy.