Let me be real with you: most VPN reviews are garbage. They're written by people who've never actually used the products, regurgitating spec sheets and calling it a day. I've been using VPNs for over 8 years, and I've personally tested every single VPN on this list for at least a month each.
I'm talking real-world testing. Streaming Netflix from different countries. Working from coffee shops. Torrenting large files (legally, of course). Testing speeds at different times of day. Dealing with customer support when things broke. The whole nine yards.
Here's what I've learned: the "best" VPN depends entirely on what you actually need it for. A VPN that's amazing for streaming might be overkill if you just want basic privacy. And the fastest VPN might have a clunky app that drives you insane.
So instead of giving you a one-size-fits-all answer, I'm breaking down exactly what each VPN does well, where it falls short, and who should actually buy it.
How I Tested These VPNs
How I Actually Tested These VPNs
I didn't just run a speed test and call it a day. Here's my process:
Speed Testing: I tested each VPN at three different times of day (morning, afternoon, evening) connecting to servers in 5 different countries. I used Ookla's speed test and real-world downloads to measure actual performance.
Streaming: I tested Netflix US, UK, and Japan. BBC iPlayer. Disney+. Amazon Prime Video. If a VPN claims to unblock streaming, I verified it.
Daily Use: I used each VPN as my primary for at least 2 weeks. That means working, browsing, streaming - everything. You learn a lot about an app when you use it every day.
Support: I contacted each VPN's support team with questions. Some were amazing. Others... not so much.
Privacy Audit: I reviewed each VPN's privacy policy, checked for independent audits, and researched their track record.
NordVPN
Industry-leading security with 8,900+ servers in 178+ locations
NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN services, known for its robust security features, vast server network, and excellent streaming capabilities. With over 8,900 servers across 178+ locations, NordVPN offers reliable connections, impressive speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, and post-quantum encryption support.
- Excellent security with double VPN and Onion over VPN
- 8,900+ servers across 178+ locations worldwide
- Great for streaming Netflix and other services
- No-logs policy audited by PwC
- Fast connection speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
- Post-quantum encryption support
- 10 simultaneous device connections
- Tiered pricing can be confusing
- Occasional slow connections to distant servers
- No split tunneling on iOS
Pricing
Basic (Monthly)
$12.99/mo
Plus (2 Years)
$3.89/mo
Most PopularBasic (2 Years)
$2.99/mo
ExpressVPN
Premium VPN with fastest speeds and 105 countries
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service known for its blazing-fast speeds, strong security, and exceptional ease of use. With servers in 105 countries and up to 14 simultaneous connections on the Pro plan, it's one of the most reliable VPNs for streaming and general privacy.
- Fastest VPN speeds we've tested
- Servers in 105 countries
- Excellent for streaming all major platforms
- TrustedServer technology (RAM-only)
- 24/7 live chat support
- Works in China and other restricted regions
- Up to 14 simultaneous connections (Pro plan)
- Most expensive VPN option
- Tiered pricing structure
- No dedicated IP option
Pricing
Basic (Monthly)
$12.99/mo
Advanced (2 Years)
$4.49/mo
Most PopularBasic (2 Years)
$3.49/mo
Surfshark
Best budget VPN with unlimited devices and 4,500+ servers
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that doesn't compromise on features. With unlimited device connections, 4,500+ RAM-only servers upgraded to 10Gbps, and unique features like GPS spoofing on Android, it's perfect for families or users with many devices.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Very affordable at $1.99/mo (2-year plan)
- 4,500+ RAM-only 10Gbps servers
- CleanWeb ad and malware blocker
- GPS spoofing on Android
- NoBorders mode for censored regions
- No-logs policy audited
- Speeds can be inconsistent
- Customer support response times vary
- Renewal pricing higher ($6.58/mo)
Pricing
Monthly
$15.45/mo
1 Year
$3.19/mo
2 Years
$1.99/mo
Most Popular
ProtonVPN
Swiss-based VPN with 15,000+ servers and free tier
ProtonVPN is built by the team behind ProtonMail, focusing on privacy and security. Based in Switzerland with 15,000+ servers in 120+ countries, it offers a free tier with no data limits and unique features like VPN Accelerator and Stealth protocol for bypassing VPN blocks.
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- 15,000+ servers in 120+ countries
- Free tier with no data limits
- Open-source apps
- Secure Core multi-hop servers
- VPN Accelerator for faster speeds
- Stealth protocol bypasses VPN blocks
- Free tier limited to 5 countries
- Free tier randomly assigns servers
- Prorated refunds only
Pricing
Free
$0/mo
Plus (Monthly)
$9.99/mo
Plus (2 Years)
$2.49/mo
Most Popular
CyberGhost
Huge 11,500+ server network with dedicated streaming servers
CyberGhost offers a massive server network with 11,500+ servers across 100 countries, including dedicated streaming and gaming servers. Based in privacy-friendly Romania, it's user-friendly and provides great value with longer subscription plans.
- 11,500+ servers in 100 countries
- Dedicated streaming and gaming servers
- User-friendly interface
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Based in privacy-friendly Romania
- RAM-only 10Gbps servers
- Good value on long-term plans
- Doesn't work in China or UAE
- No multi-hop connections
- Desktop app can be resource-heavy
Pricing
Monthly
$12.99/mo
6 Months
$6.99/mo
2 Years + 4 Months
$2.03/mo
Most Popular
Mullvad VPN
Privacy-first VPN with anonymous accounts and flat €5/month pricing
Mullvad VPN is a privacy-focused Swedish VPN known for its unique anonymous account system requiring no personal information. With a simple flat-rate pricing of €5/month, RAM-only servers, and post-quantum encryption support, it's the go-to choice for privacy purists who prioritize anonymity over streaming capabilities.
- No personal information required - just a 16-digit account number
- Simple flat pricing of €5/month with no upsells
- RAM-only servers that don't retain data
- Post-quantum encryption support (DAITA)
- Accepts cash and cryptocurrency payments
- Partnership with Tor Project for Mullvad Browser
- All servers are 10-20 Gbps
- Doesn't work with Netflix or most streaming services
- Only 5 simultaneous device connections
- Smaller server network (700+ servers)
- No dedicated mobile apps features
Pricing
Monthly
$5.5/mo
Most Popular12 Months (Amazon)
$4.75/mo
IPVanish
Unlimited device connections with 2,500+ servers in 105+ countries
IPVanish is a US-based VPN offering unlimited simultaneous connections, 2,500+ servers in 105+ countries, and 40,000+ shared IP addresses. With a verified no-logs policy audited by Schellman in 2025 and features like multi-hop connections, it's ideal for households with many devices.
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- 2,500+ servers in 105+ countries
- 40,000+ shared IP addresses
- No-logs policy verified by independent audit (2025)
- Multi-hop (double VPN) connections
- 24/7 support via phone, chat, and email
- Apps for all major platforms including Fire TV
- US-based company (Five Eyes jurisdiction)
- Streaming can be inconsistent
- No browser extensions
Pricing
Monthly
$12.99/mo
Yearly
$3.33/mo
2 Years
$2.19/mo
Most Popular
Private Internet Access
Veteran VPN with 35,000+ servers and proven no-logs policy
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a veteran VPN provider known for its customizable security settings, unlimited connections, and proven no-logs policy verified in court. With 35,000+ servers in 91 countries including all 50 US states, it offers excellent coverage.
- Proven no-logs policy (verified in court)
- Unlimited device connections
- 35,000+ servers in 91 countries
- Servers in all 50 US states
- Highly customizable settings
- Open-source apps
- 7-day free trial on mobile
- US-based company
- Interface can be complex for beginners
- Streaming support is hit or miss
Pricing
Monthly
$11.95/mo
1 Year
$3.33/mo
3 Years
$2.03/mo
Most Popular
TunnelBear
User-friendly VPN with free tier and annual security audits
TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN known for its charming bear-themed interface and commitment to transparency through annual independent security audits. Based in Toronto, Canada, it offers a free tier with 2GB/month and unlimited paid plans with servers in 47 countries.
- Free tier with 2GB monthly data
- Annual independent security audits (Cure53)
- Unlimited device connections on paid plans
- Simple, beginner-friendly interface
- GhostBear obfuscation feature
- 175,000+ 5-star reviews
- Based in privacy-friendly Canada
- Smaller server network (47 countries)
- Inconsistent speeds on some servers
- No router support
- Free tier lost server selection feature
Pricing
Free
$0/mo
Monthly
$9.99/mo
1 Year
$4.17/mo
3 Years
$3.33/mo
Most PopularFinal Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
After all my testing, here's the bottom line:
NordVPN is my top pick for most people. It hits the sweet spot of speed, features, and price. The apps are polished, streaming works great, and I've never had a reliability issue.
ExpressVPN is worth the premium if you travel frequently or need the absolute best streaming access. It's the most reliable for getting around geo-blocks.
Surfshark is the budget champion. Unlimited devices and a price that's hard to beat. Perfect for families or if you have a lot of devices.
Proton VPN is what I'd recommend if privacy is your #1 concern. Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, and a company that genuinely cares about privacy (they also make ProtonMail).
The others are solid options too, but these four cover 95% of use cases.
Our Top Recommendation
NordVPN
Industry-leading security with 8,900+ servers in 178+ locations. Starting at $2.99/mo.
Get NordVPNA Note From the Author
I update this comparison every quarter with fresh testing. VPNs change frequently - speeds improve, apps get updated, prices change. Last update: December 2025.
Have questions? Found something I missed? Drop a comment below or reach out on Twitter. I read everything.