If you’ve ever searched for the best VPN, you know the internet is flooded with sponsored lists and biased articles that can leave you unsure who to trust. To help, we analyzed real user discussions on Tech and privacy-focused communities to find VPNs people actually use and recommend for privacy, streaming, and everyday browsing.
Users consistently highlight these reasons for using a VPN:
✅ Protect online privacy and hide IP address
✅ Secure data on public WiFi
✅ Bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services
✅ Avoid ISP throttling
✅ Enhance online security when traveling
Top VPNs Users Recommend
Based on recurring recommendations and user experiences, these VPNs stand out:
- NordVPN
NordVPN has earned a strong reputation as one of the fastest and most secure VPNs on the market, and our testing confirms why it remains a top choice for 2025.
With a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited four times (2018, 2020, 2022, 2024), NordVPN ensures your browsing activity and connection data are never tracked or stored, providing peace of mind for privacy-conscious users.
It uses AES-256 encryption, the industry standard for security, keeping your data safe while you browse, stream, or download. In our tests, we found no DNS leaks, confirming your online activities remain private.
In terms of speed, NordVPN delivers fast, stable connections even when connected to distant servers, making it ideal for streaming in 4K, online gaming, and downloading large files with minimal latency.
The clean, intuitive interface makes it easy for beginners to get started, while advanced users will appreciate the customizable settings and the Quick Connect feature, which automatically links you to the fastest available server.
With over 7,900 servers across 126 countries, NordVPN’s extensive network provides flexibility to choose virtual locations, bypass geo-restrictions, and optimize speeds no matter where you are.
Customer support is another area where NordVPN excels, offering 24/7 assistance via live chat and email with responsive, knowledgeable, and professional support to ensure issues are resolved promptly.
Overall, NordVPN combines speed, privacy, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable VPN for streaming, secure browsing on public WiFi, and accessing global content in 2025.
- Mullvad VPN
Mullvad VPN is a top pick for anyone who values true online privacy. Unlike many VPN services, Mullvad’s approach is to collect as little user data as possible, offering an affordable flat rate while allowing users to pay anonymously, even with cash.
Mullvad’s transparency sets it apart, clearly stating it does not log your traffic, DNS requests, IP addresses, or bandwidth usage. It also skips the typical subscription model, letting users pay month-to-month or yearly without linking personal details, ensuring your anonymity from sign-up to payment.
In testing, Mullvad delivered impressive speeds across downloads, uploads, and latency, making it suitable for streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing. It successfully accessed Netflix libraries across the US, UK, Japan, Canada, and Australia, providing reliable streaming without sacrificing privacy.
While the app’s design is simple, it’s easy to install and use on all major devices. You can connect using an interactive map or select specific servers, making it beginner-friendly while giving control to experienced users.
Whether you’re browsing from home or using public WiFi in cafes and airports, Mullvad VPN offers fast, private, and no-nonsense protection, making it an excellent option for those who want a VPN that truly respects user privacy.
- Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a standout choice for anyone who values privacy and versatility in a VPN service. Built by the team behind Proton Mail, it offers strong privacy protection while delivering solid streaming, torrenting, and general browsing performance.
What makes Proton VPN unique is its commitment to privacy-first operations, including an open-source codebase, regular security audits, and a bug bounty program to catch potential vulnerabilities. It uses full disk encryption on its servers, ensuring that even if servers are seized, your data stays protected. Proton VPN also offers a Stealth protocol to disguise VPN usage, which is especially valuable in regions with heavy internet censorship.
Beyond privacy, Proton VPN includes essential features like an ad blocker, kill switch, split tunneling, and multi-hop connections, along with the option to route your traffic through the Tor network for additional anonymity. Users can also take advantage of Proton’s integrated ecosystem, with access to Proton Mail, Proton Drive, and Proton Calendar, even on free plans, making it a great value for home and professional use.
Speed and performance are solid, with Proton VPN offering stable upload and streaming capabilities, although raw download speeds are slightly behind some competitors. Still, its low latency and jitter make it reliable for streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and other services across various regions, including Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, thanks to its large server network spanning 13,000+ servers in 122 countries.
The user experience is clean and intuitive, with recent updates enhancing the mobile and desktop app interfaces for easier navigation and faster server selection based on activities like streaming or gaming. While customer support is not 24/7, Proton VPN’s clear documentation and user-friendly design make it accessible even for beginners.
- ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN stands out for its user-friendly design, excellent global coverage, and strong security features. With servers in 105 countries and its proprietary Lightway protocol, it offers reliable speed for streaming, gaming, and browsing while ensuring your connection remains secure with advanced encryption and privacy practices.
ExpressVPN doesn’t log user activity and undergoes regular independent audits, reinforcing its commitment to privacy. Users also benefit from helpful features like a built-in ad blocker, dark web monitoring, and a password manager included in the subscription.
While it’s priced higher than many competitors and lacks a free version, ExpressVPN’s simplicity, reliable performance, and robust security tools make it a top choice for those seeking a seamless and secure VPN experience for everyday use and location spoofing for streaming around the world.
- SurfShark
Surfshark is an excellent budget-friendly VPN that delivers solid privacy, security, and streaming capabilities while allowing unlimited devices on a single account, making it perfect for families or power users. It offers strong speeds, impressive AES-256 encryption, and handy features like ad blocking, Camouflage Mode to bypass VPN blocks, and an Alternative ID tool for added anonymity while browsing.
With a clean, user-friendly app available across all major platforms, Surfshark makes it easy to stream, torrent, and browse securely, even offering advanced tools like multi-hop connections and IP rotation for enhanced privacy. Surfshark’s combination of value, performance, and innovative features makes it a standout choice for users seeking a reliable and flexible VPN without breaking the bank.
There are many VPNs available on the market, each with its own strengths and limitations. The services we’ve highlighted above are excellent choices, offering a mix of speed, privacy, ease of use, and streaming capabilities to suit different needs. However, it’s important to remember that the best VPN for you will depend on your specific priorities, whether that’s advanced privacy, streaming performance, or multi-device flexibility. Take the time to do your own research and make use of free trials or money-back guarantees where possible. This way, you can test how a VPN fits your routine and ensure you’re making an informed choice that truly works for you.
