The 7 Best VPNs in 2025: Our Tested & Reviewed Top Picks

https://www.ign.com/articles/best-vpn

Leanne Butkovic Aug 13, 2025 · 2 mins read
The 7 Best VPNs in 2025: Our Tested & Reviewed Top Picks
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Having spent nearly a decade testing VPNs, there’s one thing that was crystal clear to me from the outset that remains true today: Not all VPNs are created equal. Some boast powerful unblocking and seamless streaming, while others offer a more robust security setup or a stronger stance on privacy. These VPNs are available at prices to suit all budget levels too – some are even free.

The challenge is finding the best VPN for your specific needs, the list of which only seems to grow given the age verification steps implemented in the UK and, even more recently, the U.S. starting with YouTube. To make this easier, I’ve run dozens of VPNs through a series of tests to see where they excel and, crucially, where they fall short. This includes measuring server speeds, accessing streaming services from abroad, checking for DNS leaks, reading privacy policies, and even contacting each VPN’s support to gauge response time and quality. It’s about as comprehensive an approach as there is, resulting in a fair and accurate picture of the very best VPN services in 2025.

TL;DR: These Are the Best VPN Services:

Still not sure exactly what a VPN is or how it works? Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN is a service you can use to encrypt your internet connection and spoof your virtual location. When you connect to a VPN, it routes your traffic via a secure, encrypted tunnel to a server in your preferred location. The encryption provides security from hackers and snoopers but, in hiding your IP address, a VPN also allows you to sidestep annoying geographic restrictions on content.

1. Proton VPN

The Best VPN

2. ExpressVPN

Best VPN for Streaming

3. NordVPN

Best VPN for Gaming

4. Surfshark

Best VPN for Extra Features

5. IPVanish

Best VPN for Unlimited Devices

6. CyberGhost

Best VPN with a Free Trial

7. Mullvad

Best VPN for Anonymity