Finding the right VPN can be overwhelming with so many options, but here are three solid choices for 2025.

There seems to be an endless number of VPN (virtual private network) services available these days, and it can certainly be a headache to decide between them. Some advertise unique features, some bundle extras like antivirus suites, and others get promoted heavily by influencers. At their best, VPNs can help prevent your ISP from seeing your online activities, bypass geo-restrictions, or add a layer of security on public Wi-Fi. At their worst, they’re overhyped and underperforming.

Before diving into recommendations, remember that VPNs aren’t a magic solution for privacy. They can hide your IP address and encrypt traffic, but they don’t make you completely anonymous online. With that in mind, here are three VPNs that stand out in 2025 for their balance of privacy, performance, and price.

Best VPN Overall

Mullvad

Mullvad has long been a favorite among privacy-focused users, and in 2025 it’s still the clear leader. Instead of creating an account with your email address, Mullvad gives you a randomly generated account number. That number is all you need to log in, meaning the company doesn’t store personal information that could be exposed in a breach. Payments are equally flexible — from credit cards to cryptocurrency and even cash — adding to its commitment to anonymity.

Pricing is refreshingly simple: €5 (about $5) per month, flat. No annual plans, no gimmicks. On the performance side, Mullvad consistently delivers excellent speeds and low latency, making it one of the most reliable VPNs for streaming, browsing, and downloads. It also offers advanced features like obfuscation (to get around censors) and DAITA, a system designed to protect against AI-driven traffic analysis. The one major drawback is that Mullvad doesn’t support port forwarding, which some users need for specific applications.

Why choose Mullvad? It’s private by design, affordable, fast, and backed by a strong ethical stance on digital rights.

Best VPN With More Features

Proton VPN

Proton VPN is the right choice if you want a more feature-rich service. It allows up to 10 simultaneous connections and has servers in over 100 countries, giving you plenty of flexibility to connect closer to home or abroad. It also supports port forwarding, making it attractive to users who rely on P2P apps or want to host services.

Proton VPN’s security extras include obfuscation, an integrated ad blocker, and “Secure Core,” which routes your connection through Proton’s own servers before leaving the network. These add extra layers of defense, though the trade-off is slightly higher latency compared to Mullvad. Pricing is also steeper on a monthly plan, though longer subscriptions bring the cost closer to competitors.

Why choose Proton VPN? Great if you need lots of servers, multiple devices, port forwarding, and a broader feature set than Mullvad provides.

Best Free VPN

Hotspot Shield Free

If you’re not ready to pay, Hotspot Shield Free is one of the better no-cost options. You can install it without creating an account, so there’s no personal data tied to your VPN use. There are no data caps, and speeds are decent, although limited to around 100 Mbps.

You can technically use it on as many devices as you like since there’s no login requirement. That said, it has shortcomings. The kill switch doesn’t always work reliably, meaning there’s a risk of unencrypted traffic leaks if your device restarts or the app crashes. Transparency around corporate ownership is also weaker than with Mullvad or Proton.

If you want a free VPN with a stronger privacy reputation, Windscribe Free is a good alternative. With just a username, you get 2 GB per month; with an email account, you get 10 GB. Windscribe offers servers in 10 countries, a step up from Hotspot Shield’s three, though the data cap can be restrictive.

Why choose Hotspot Shield Free? Unlimited data and ease of use.
Why consider Windscribe Free instead? More transparent ownership and better privacy practices, at the cost of a monthly cap.

Notable Mentions

• IVPN: Similar to Mullvad with account-number logins and strong privacy practices, but with fewer servers and higher prices.
• NordVPN: One of the most widely marketed VPNs, packed with extra services like password managers and cloud storage. However, it’s pricier and its kill switch isn’t as reliable as top picks.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a VPN in 2025 comes down to knowing what matters most to you. For rock-solid privacy and simple pricing, Mullvad remains unbeatable. For advanced features and broader server coverage, Proton VPN is worth the extra cost. And for those who just want a free option with no setup, Hotspot Shield Free works — though Windscribe Free may be the better bet for privacy-conscious users.

Remember, a VPN is a useful tool but not a cure-all. Modern browsers, secure connections, and good online habits are just as important. Think about your needs — streaming, torrenting, travel, or everyday browsing — and choose the VPN that best fits your habits and budget.