In today’s digital landscape, online privacy, content access, and security are more important than ever. Whether you’re trying to bypass censorship, stream geo-blocked shows, or simply stay anonymous online — a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the tool you need.
We tested dozens of VPNs across speed, privacy, usability, and value to bring you the 11 best VPNs to use in 2025. Some offer free plans, others provide blazing speeds or lifetime access. Here’s our ultimate list — ranked and reviewed.
1. AtlasVPN – Best Free Plan Backed by Nord
- Based in: United States
- Free plan: Yes
- Best for: Beginners & streaming
AtlasVPN, now part of the Nord Security family, offers a simple, fast, and effective VPN with a free tier and strong performance. Features like SafeSwap and Data Breach Monitor enhance privacy while keeping things easy to use.
2. Surfshark – Best for Unlimited Devices
- Based in: Netherlands
- Free plan: No
- Best for: Families & power users
Surfshark allows unlimited device connections per account and supports premium features like CleanWeb, MultiHop, and Camouflage Mode. It excels in streaming, speed, and device flexibility — all while being budget-friendly.
3. ProtonVPN – Best Privacy & Open-Source Option
- Based in: Switzerland
- Free plan: Yes (unlimited bandwidth)
- Best for: Privacy & security
Developed by the creators of ProtonMail, ProtonVPN is privacy-focused, transparent, and audited. It includes Secure Core routing, NetShield, and native support for Tor, all backed by Swiss laws.
4. Ivacy VPN – Best Value for Money
- Based in: Singapore
- Free plan: No
- Best for: Budget streaming & torrenting
Ivacy VPN offers P2P support, strong encryption, and streaming-unblocking features — all at a very low price. It’s a no-fuss solution with decent apps and respectable speeds.
5. Hide.me – Best Free VPN with Advanced Tools
- Based in: Malaysia
- Free plan: Yes (10GB/month)
- Best for: Advanced users & privacy
Hide.me blends simplicity with power — offering split tunneling, MultiHop, Stealth Guard, and even port forwarding. Its free version includes essential privacy tools without compromising speed.
6. VPNCity – Best for Multi-Device Streaming
- Based in: Hong Kong
- Free plan: No
- Best for: Multi-device streaming
VPNCity allows up to 12 devices and offers solid streaming capabilities. It’s lesser known but delivers reliable performance, good speeds, and flexible pricing — great for families or remote teams.
7. Trust.Zone – Best One-Time Payment VPN
- Based in: Seychelles
- Free plan: Yes (3-day trial)
- Best for: Torrenting & lifetime access
Trust.Zone is ideal for privacy lovers who want to pay once and enjoy forever. While its interface is basic, it delivers solid speeds and full torrenting support under a no-logs policy.
8. ZoogVPN – Best Lightweight VPN for Beginners
- Based in: Greece
- Free plan: Yes (10GB/month)
- Best for: New users & small devices
ZoogVPN is easy to use, supports SOCKS5 proxy, and even includes split tunneling on Android. It’s a beginner’s dream with optional upgrades and streaming capabilities across Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more.
9. PrivadoVPN – Best Free VPN with Streaming Access
- Based in: Switzerland
- Free plan: Yes (10GB/month)
- Best for: Streaming & P2P
PrivadoVPN combines Swiss privacy with usability. Its free plan unblocks Netflix and offers torrent-friendly SOCKS5 proxy — something even premium VPNs don’t always deliver.
10. FastestVPN – Best Lifetime Plan with Power Features
- Based in: Cayman Islands
- Free plan: No
- Best for: Long-term use & value
FastestVPN justifies its name with fast WireGuard speeds, ad-blocking, split tunneling, and wide device compatibility. Its $40 lifetime plan is one of the best bargains on the market.
11. VPN Unlimited – Best for Device Flexibility & Lifetime Use
- Based in: United States
- Free plan: No
- Best for: Streaming & cross-platform compatibility
VPN Unlimited supports nearly every platform and offers a lifetime plan for 5–10 devices. While it’s not the most private, its streaming servers, clean UI, and flexible plans make it a reliable choice for most users.
🔚 Final Thoughts
Choosing the best VPN depends on your needs — privacy, streaming, torrenting, speed, or budget. If you want free access with strong privacy, try ProtonVPN or PrivadoVPN. For families or power users, Surfshark is unbeatable. And if you’re looking for a pay-once solution, Trust.Zone or FastestVPN may be your best bet.
No matter your choice, using a VPN in 2025 is one of the best ways to protect your digital freedom.
Which one will you try first?
