10 Best VPN Services of 2025 (Free Options Included)

When it comes to protecting your online privacy, a VPN is one of the best tools available. A VPN can help mask your identity and location, making it more difficult for trackers, advertisers, and others to follow you around the web.

There are a lot of VPN providers out there, and it can be tough to know which one to choose. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best VPN services, both paid and free, to help you keep your online activity private.

What is a VPN and why you should use one?

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. As soon as you connect to the VPN, all of the traffic from your device will be encrypted and sent through the VPN’s secure servers before it reaches the internet.

This means that your ISP, government, and anyone else monitoring your traffic will only see the VPN’s IP address, making it much harder to track you online.

A VPN can also help protect you from hackers, as well. When you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network, for example, anyone on the same network can try to snoop on your traffic. But if you’re using a VPN, the only person who can see your traffic is the VPN provider.

Paid vs. free VPNs

There are a lot of free VPN providers out there, but the truth is that they’re not all created equal. In most cases, free VPNs come with major limitations, like data caps and slower speeds.

If you’re looking for a truly secure and private VPN, you’re going to want to sign up for a paid service. Paid VPNs usually come with better security features, like military-grade encryption and a strict no-logging policy. Their speeds are generally much faster, too — since they’re not sharing your bandwidth with other users, they don’t have to throttle your speeds.

They’re not expensive, either — most paid VPNs cost less than $10 per month. And if you sign up for an annual plan, you can usually save even more.

What Are the Best VPNs?

In this list, we’ve gathered some of the best VPN services to help you stay safe online, no matter what. Whether you’re looking to protect your privacy or access sites that are otherwise unavailable in your country, one of these VPNs is sure to do the trick.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN services available today. It has a reputation for providing excellent security and privacy features, making it a top choice for users concerned about online safety.

Features

Large server network: NordVPN has over 5,500 servers in more than 59 countries, providing users with plenty of options to connect to.
Strong encryption: The service uses military-grade encryption protocols to secure users’ online activity.
No-logs policy: NordVPN does not keep user logs, ensuring complete privacy and anonymity.
Ad and malware blocking: NordVPN has built-in ad and malware blocking features that keep users safe from online threats.
Double VPN: NordVPN offers a double VPN feature that routes traffic through two servers, adding an extra layer of security.

Prices:

NordVPN offers a range of pricing plans to suit different user needs, starting at $3.71 per month for a 2-year plan.
A monthly plan is available at $11.95 per month, while a 1-year plan is priced at $4.92 per month.

Pros:

Excellent security and privacy features.
Large server network.
No-logs policy ensures complete anonymity.
Ad and malware blocking features.
Double VPN adds an extra layer of security.

Cons:

Slightly more expensive than some other VPN services.
Speeds can sometimes be slower on certain servers.

Overall, NordVPN is an excellent choice for users looking for a reliable VPN service with strong security and privacy features. Its large server network and no-logs policy make it a top contender in the market. While it may be slightly more expensive than some other options, the added features and level of protection make it worth considering.

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2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN services available in the market today. It was launched in 2009 and is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands. The VPN service has more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries, offering a wide range of features to its users.

Features

Servers: ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries, which provides a vast number of options for its users. The servers are optimized for speed and stability, ensuring that users have a seamless browsing experience.
Privacy: ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not collect any data from its users. The VPN service also uses AES 256-bit encryption to ensure that user data is protected at all times.
Compatibility: ExpressVPN is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. Users can also install it on their routers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs.
Customer Support: ExpressVPN has a 24/7 customer support team that is available to assist users with any issues they may face. The support team can be reached via email, live chat, or phone.
Speed: ExpressVPN is known for its fast speeds, which makes it an excellent choice for streaming and downloading content.

Prices

ExpressVPN offers three pricing plans.

Monthly plan: $12.95 per month
Six-month plan: $9.99 per month (billed as $59.95 every six months)
Annual plan: $6.67 per month (billed as $99.95 every 12 months)

Pros

Fast speeds: ExpressVPN is known for its fast speeds, which makes it an excellent choice for streaming and downloading content.
No-logs policy: ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not collect any data from its users.
Compatibility: ExpressVPN is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.
Customer support: ExpressVPN has a 24/7 customer support team that is available to assist users with any issues they may face.

Cons

Price: ExpressVPN is more expensive than some other VPN services available in the market.
Limited free trial: ExpressVPN only offers a 7-day free trial, which may not be enough time for some users to fully test the service.

ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN service that offers fast speeds, robust security features, and excellent customer support. Its wide range of servers and compatibility with multiple devices makes it a popular choice among users. Although it is more expensive than some other VPN services, the quality of the service justifies the price.

3. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a popular VPN service that offers both free and paid plans. It has more than 7,200 servers in over 90 countries and provides its users with excellent security and privacy features.

Features:

CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not record any user activity or connection logs.
It uses AES-256 encryption, which is currently the strongest encryption method available.
CyberGhost has a kill switch that stops all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, ensuring that your real IP address is never exposed.
It has dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming, providing users with the best possible performance and experience.
CyberGhost’s ad and malware blocker, as well as its automatic HTTPS redirection feature, help users stay safe while browsing the web.

Pricing:

CyberGhost offers a variety of pricing plans, including a free version with limited features, as well as paid plans with more advanced features. The prices vary depending on the length of the subscription, but the monthly rate ranges from $3.49 to $12.99.

Pros:

CyberGhost offers a wide range of server locations, making it easy to find a server that suits your needs.
It has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and configure.
CyberGhost offers excellent security and privacy features, including AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
Its dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting make it an excellent choice for those who want to use a VPN for these purposes.
CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, giving users plenty of time to test the service before committing to a longer subscription.

Cons:

CyberGhost’s free version is limited in terms of server locations and features.
Some users have reported slow connection speeds, particularly when connecting to servers located far away.
CyberGhost is based in Romania, which is not a member of the Five Eyes or Nine Eyes alliances, but it is still subject to EU data retention laws.

Overall, CyberGhost is a reliable VPN service that offers excellent security and privacy features at an affordable price. Its user-friendly interface, dedicated streaming and torrenting servers, and ad and malware blocker make it an excellent choice for a wide range of users.

4. IPVanish

IPVanish is a popular VPN service provider that offers secure and private internet browsing for its users. Here are some of its key features:

Features:

Provides access to over 1,600 servers in over 75 locations worldwide
Offers unlimited bandwidth and unlimited server switching
Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections on multiple devices
Has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring user privacy
Offers 24/7 customer support via live chat or email
Utilizes military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to protect user data
Supports a wide range of protocols including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2

Pricing

IPVanish offers three different pricing plans:

Monthly plan for $10.99/month
Yearly plan for $44.99/year
Quarterly plan for $13.50/quarter

Pros:

Large number of servers and locations
Strong encryption and protocol support
Allows multiple simultaneous connections
User-friendly interface
24/7 customer support

Cons:

Slightly more expensive than some other VPN services
No free trial available
Some users have reported slow connection speeds on certain servers

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a popular VPN service provider known for its strong privacy and security features. Here are some details about this VPN:

Features:

PIA offers strong encryption and security protocols to keep your online activities private and secure.
It has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t keep any records of your browsing history or online activities.
PIA offers a wide range of server locations in over 45 countries, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from anywhere in the world.
It offers unlimited bandwidth and allows up to 10 simultaneous connections on multiple devices.
PIA has a built-in ad blocker and malware protection to enhance your online security and improve your browsing experience.

Prices:

PIA offers three pricing plans: monthly, yearly, and a two-year plan. The monthly plan costs $9.95 per month, while the yearly plan costs $3.33 per month, billed annually at $39.95. The two-year plan costs $2.69 per month, billed at $69.95 every two years.
It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free.

Pros:

Strong privacy and security features.
No-logs policy.
Wide range of server locations.
Built-in ad blocker and malware protection.
Affordable pricing plans.

Cons:

The user interface may not be as user-friendly as some other VPNs.
Some users have reported slower connection speeds when using certain servers.

6. Surfshark

Surfshark is a popular VPN service that has gained a lot of attention for its affordable prices and strong security features. It is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, which has no data retention laws, making it a great choice for privacy-conscious users.

Features:

MultiHop feature to route traffic through two VPN servers for added security
CleanWeb feature to block ads, trackers, and malware
Whitelister feature to allow certain apps or websites to bypass the VPN connection
Kill switch to automatically disconnect from the internet if the VPN connection is lost
Unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account

Prices:

$2.49/month for a 2-year subscription
$6.49/month for a 6-month subscription
$12.95/month for a monthly subscription

Pros:

Affordable pricing
Strong security features, including MultiHop and CleanWeb
No-logs policy
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Supports a wide range of devices and platforms

Cons:

Some users have reported slower connection speeds compared to other VPN services
No public audit of its no-logs policy

7. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is a popular VPN service provider that offers fast and secure internet connection to its users. It is a user-friendly VPN that is suitable for all types of users, including beginners and experienced ones. Some of the features and benefits of Hotspot Shield include:

Features:

Hotspot Shield has a large network of servers located in more than 80 countries, which allows users to connect to any location of their choice.
It uses military-grade encryption to protect user data and online activities from hackers, government surveillance, and other cyber threats.
Hotspot Shield offers fast internet speeds and unlimited bandwidth, which allows users to stream and download content without any restrictions.
It has a user-friendly app that is compatible with various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Hotspot Shield offers a free version of its service, which allows users to access limited features.

Benefits:

Hotspot Shield provides a secure and private internet connection that allows users to browse the internet anonymously.
It is a reliable VPN service that offers 24/7 customer support to its users.
Hotspot Shield has a no-logging policy, which means it does not track or store user data or online activities.
It offers a 45-day money-back guarantee to its users, which allows them to try the service risk-free.

However, some of the drawbacks of Hotspot Shield include its limited free version, which has a lot of ads, and its pricing, which is relatively higher compared to other VPN services.

8. TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a VPN service that offers easy-to-use software with a friendly interface. It is a good choice for beginners who are new to VPNs, as it is simple to set up and use.

Features:

Simple and easy-to-use software
Offers both free and paid plans
Fast server speeds
Strong encryption and security
Supports multiple devices

Pros:

User-friendly interface
Available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
Has a free plan with limited data usage
Offers a no-logs policy

Cons:

Limited server options compared to other VPNs
Not suitable for advanced users who need more features
The free plan only offers 500 MB of data per month

Pricing:

TunnelBear offers a free plan with limited data usage of 500 MB per month. The paid plans start at $3.33 per month for the 3-year plan, $4.99 per month for the 1-year plan, and $9.99 per month for the monthly plan.

9. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a Switzerland-based VPN provider known for its security-focused features. It offers a free plan as well as paid plans with more advanced features. Here are some details about ProtonVPN:

Features:

ProtonVPN has a strict no-logging policy and is located in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws.
It uses strong encryption methods and provides a secure core network for added protection.
ProtonVPN offers a kill switch, split tunneling, and Tor integration for added privacy.
It also offers access to servers in over 50 countries and allows P2P traffic on certain servers.
ProtonVPN provides customer support via email and a knowledge base.

Pricing:

ProtonVPN offers a free plan with limited features and access to servers in only three countries.
Paid plans start at $5 per month for the Basic plan, which offers access to servers in all countries and up to two simultaneous connections.
The Plus plan, which offers additional features such as secure streaming and Tor over VPN, is priced at $10 per month.
The Visionary plan, which includes ProtonMail and the highest level of security and features, is priced at $30 per month.

Pros:

Strong security and privacy features, including a no-logging policy and secure core network.
Access to servers in over 50 countries and P2P traffic on certain servers.
A free plan is available.
ProtonVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Cons:

The free plan has limited features and access to servers.
Prices for paid plans are slightly higher compared to other VPN providers.
Customer support is limited to email and a knowledge base.

10. PureVPN

PureVPN is another VPN service provider that has gained popularity in recent years. It has more than 6,500 servers in over 140 countries, making it one of the largest VPN networks in the world. PureVPN offers a range of features that appeal to both individual users and businesses.

Features:

Security: PureVPN offers military-grade encryption, which ensures that all data transmitted through the VPN is protected. It also provides features such as a kill switch and split tunneling, which enhances security.
No-Log Policy: PureVPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not keep any records of users’ online activities.
Compatibility: PureVPN is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more.
Streaming: PureVPN is optimized for streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more. It provides fast streaming speeds and unlimited bandwidth.
Customer Support: PureVPN provides 24/7 customer support through live chat, email, and ticketing system.

Pricing:

PureVPN offers a range of pricing plans, including monthly, yearly, and bi-yearly plans. The monthly plan costs $10.95 per month, while the yearly plan costs $5.81 per month. The bi-yearly plan costs $3.33 per month. PureVPN also offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

Large server network
Strong encryption and security features
No-logs policy
Optimized for streaming
24/7 customer support

Cons:

Can be expensive compared to other VPN services
Speeds can be inconsistent on some servers
Some users have reported connectivity issues on certain devices

VPN Services FAQs.

What is the most trustworthy VPN?

There is no definitive answer to this question as different people have different opinions on what makes a VPN trustworthy.

However, there are some general criteria that most people agree on when it comes to choosing a trustworthy VPN provider, such as a strong commitment to privacy, good security features, and positive user reviews.

What is the best free VPN?

There are a lot of free VPN providers out there, but not all of them are created equal. Some free VPNs are known to sell user data or show advertising, while others are supported by intrusive ads.

If you’re looking for a free VPN, we recommend Windscribe. It’s a great all-around VPN with a generous free plan that gives you 10GB of data per month.

Windscribe is a desktop application and browser extension that work together to block ads and trackers, restore access to blocked content, and help you safeguard your privacy online.

You can learn more about Windscribe and get started with the service by visiting their website.

Which VPN gives free unlimited data?

There are a few VPN providers that offer free unlimited data, but they are generally quite slow and have other restrictions in place.

One of the best free unlimited VPNs is hide.me. It doesn’t have any speed or data limits, and it offers a number of features that make it ideal for protecting your privacy.

In addition to its unlimited data, hide.me also offers a number of security features, including military grade encryption and a strict no logs policy. This means that your data is safe and secure, and it can’t be used to track you.

Is there a 100% free VPN?

Most so-called “free” VPN services offer only limited features or give you a short trial period before asking you to pay. However, there are a few exceptions.

Windscribe is one of the few free VPN services that offer all of the features you need to stay safe and protect your privacy online. It doesn’t have any data limits or restrictions on speed, making it one of the fastest and most reliable free VPNs available.

In addition to its excellent speed and performance, Windscribe also offers a number of features that make it ideal for protecting your privacy. It has a built-in ad and tracker blocker, which can help stop advertisers and others from following you around the web. It also offers a “double-hop” feature, which routes your traffic through two VPN servers for extra security.

Other good free VPN providers are TunnelBear and ProtonVPN.

The bottom line

To sum up, VPNs are essential tools for ensuring online privacy, security, and unrestricted internet access. With the increasing number of cyber threats and privacy violations, it’s crucial to choose the right VPN service that best suits your needs. In this article, we have listed the 10 best VPN services of 2023, each with its own unique features, benefits, and drawbacks.

From the highly secure and private NordVPN to the user-friendly ExpressVPN, the VPN services on our list offer reliable and high-speed connections with a wide range of server locations worldwide. They also provide strong encryption protocols, advanced security features, and a strict no-logs policy to protect your sensitive information.

However, it’s important to note that no VPN service is perfect, and each has its own limitations and drawbacks. It’s crucial to carefully consider your needs and preferences before choosing a VPN service. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or the highest level of security, the VPN services on our list provide excellent options for anyone seeking a reliable and effective VPN solution.