VPNs are seriously useful security tools that can protect your identity and data, bypass online restrictions to access extra content, and much more. If this is all very new to you, youve probably got a lot of questions. Dont worry, because we can help.
Weve done all the hard work for you and thoroughly researched these services to provide the information that matters to you. Heres everything you need to know about VPNs.
VPNs (or Virtual Private Networks) provide important protection for your data and identity when youre online. They offer this online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). This means that all of your activity is untraceable and secure.
Basically, you can think about VPNs as encrypted tunnels through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.
Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to the world, unless youre using a VPN. Theres no need to panic, because whether youre sending important emails, doing some online shopping, or paying essential bills, VPNs make sure that everything remains private and anonymous.
First and foremost, VPNs are designed to provide online security, but there is another reason that millions of people use these services: streaming more content from around the world. By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another location, you can trick your favourite streaming services into thinking that you are based in a different country. This means that you can watch all of the shows and films from global libraries, like all the extra content on U.S. Netflix. This is the quickest and easiest way of boosting your content options, without the need to rely on a dodgy stream.
There are plenty of things that you should consider when it comes to VPNs, but we dont have all day. Instead of listing off every feature offered by the best VPNs, we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to think about.
Before you make any sort of decision, you should look out for connection speed, server network, number of logins, and more important features:
Bandwidth — There are some VPNs out there that place monthly caps on network bandwidth, meaning you can only download a certain amount of data. You should avoid these services, unless youre on a free trial. If youre paying for a VPN, you should be able to download and upload as much as you want.
Connection speed — Using a VPN is going to produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldnt accept a significant drop that is going to result in buffering. Be sure to select a VPN that doesnt negatively impact your connection speed to the point that you cant watch a film or download a file without frustration.
Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and whilst its important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best options will all offer powerful protection for your data. You are likely to come across terms like military-grade and enterprise-grade, which just means that you can rely on it to do its job.
Number of connections — Some VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account. Others limit you to just a single device. You should look out for a service that offers multiple simultaneous connections, so you can stay protected on all your devices at the same time.
Server network — The very best VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. Its useful if a VPN has a lot of servers in key locations, because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming, shopping, or browsing anonymously. Its not a straightforward case of more is better, but its always good to have options.
Privacy policy — Its worth paying special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of the VPN you are planning on using. These practices should be laid out in a privacy policy, and if they arent clear, its best to avoid. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. If privacy is the objective, its absolutely essential that your VPN is not going to store these details. If it does, the whole thing is kind of pointless.
There are other things to consider, like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start.
There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. So why would you ever pay for a VPN?
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs. There tends to always be a catch with free versions, and its normally in the form of limited data usage. If youre just an occasional user, these plans will work fine. But if youre going to be streaming or downloading, this isnt going to work. Free trials are a little bit different: they come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they dont tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isnt a long-term solution.
What were saying is that the best option for streaming securely and accessing the online world without restrictions is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up. The best VPNs are generally the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if youre willing to commit to a lengthy contract.
There are a lot of VPN providers out there all offering different sets of features, with different pricing structures. We recommend taking some time to carefully access your options, and decide on what you really need from a VPN. Once you have established your priorities, you can check out this definitive list of the best VPNs this month.
We have tracked down everything on offer and lined up a selection of the very best VPNs for streaming, shopping, and everything else. We have tried to find something for everyone and every budget, and you can find popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN in this list. All you need to do is weigh up these options against your own set of priorities, and then pick a favourite from the bunch.
These are the best VPNs in 2025.
ExpressVPN always seems to be found near the top of VPN roundups, and its clear why. Its one of the best services for speed, security, and streaming, with a wide range of advanced features that should suit almost every user.
It is one of the most expensive VPNs out there, but it makes sense when you consider everything that ExpressVPN offers. Users get strong connection speeds, powerful encryption, and access to a diverse network of servers located all around the world.
What sets ExpressVPN apart from the competition is its ability to unblock sites like Netflix. If youre investing in a VPN for streaming, ExpressVPN should be at the top of your list.
Private Internet Access keeps things simple with powerful encryption, strong connection speeds, and a massive server network. Basically, it covers all of the essentials.
Users dont get much beyond VPN protection, but what more do you need? If youre looking for a straightforward service that delivers where it counts, Private Internet Access should be something to seriously consider.
You also get 10 simultaneous connections with Private Internet Access, meaning its a great option for large households.
CyberGhost VPN offers a seriously comprehensive product, but its strong stance on privacy sets it apart from the competition. CyberGhost VPN does not store information on your IP address, DNS queries, browsing history, or session duration, which is reassuring.
Users also get strong server distribution, split tunnelling for a security boost, multiple simultaneous connections, and much more. Connection speeds could be better, but they are still decent.
As an added bonus, CyberGhost VPN is really easy to install and use, with an attractive and intuitive interface that should suit everyone.
ProtonVPN offers users the choice of services, with Basic, Plus, and Visionary plans available. Each one offers a different package of features, so it really depends on your expected usage.
ProtonVPN is Switzerland-based, meaning your data is shielded by Swiss privacy laws, which are some of the strongest in the world. ProtonVPN also has a strict no logging policy that means none of your data can be revealed to third parties. Users also get a kill-switch, DNS leak prevention, and much more.
What sets ProtonVPN apart from the competition is its free version. No, this doesnt include the most advanced features, but it still offers enough for most users.
NordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs on offer, with a large and diverse collection of servers and a strong set of rarely seen tools like WireGuard technology.
All users get access to over 5,500 servers located all over the world, with the option of connecting six devices at the same time. NordVPN is one of the few VPNs that lets you route your traffic between its own secure VPN servers and the Tor network, which creates an extra secure connection.
NordVPN doesnt offer the fastest speeds and its on the pricey side, but that shouldnt stop you from investing in this secure VPN.
Surfshark is probably the best VPN for large households, as you can connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with the same plan.
Thats not all though, because Surfshark offers a wide range of impressive features including split tunnelling and enterprise-grade infrastructure. Its also one of the best services for streaming.
Surfshark is not the cheapest provider, but if youre willing to commit to a longer contract, the monthly rate comes down sharply.
TunnelBear wins if your priority is finding a service that doesnt intimidate. Users get a slick and friendly interface with reliable customer support for troubleshooting any issues. Its not the most advanced service on this list, but users still get plenty of features for protecting their data and hiding their identity when online.
TunnelBear also offers one of the best free versions. You are restricted to only 500MB of data per month and you wont get the best connection speeds, but this might be all you need if youll only need to stream from time to time. Upgrading to a paid plan removes the restrictions associated with the free plan. You wont get download limits, and youll be able to connect to a greater number of servers and connect more devices simultaneously.
Topics
Cybersecurity
Streaming
Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.
Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashables sister site, AskMen.
