VPN Reviews 2025: Expert Analysis
We've tested dozens of VPN services to help you make an informed decision. Our reviews cover security, speed, privacy policies, and value based on real-world testing.
NordVPN Review
Price: $3.69/month (2-year plan) | Servers: 5,500+ in 60 countries
NordVPN combines top-tier security with excellent performance. The audited no-logs policy, double VPN features, and NordLynx (WireGuard) protocol make it our top overall recommendation for hiding your IP address.
✅ Pros
- Independently audited no-logs policy
- Fast speeds with NordLynx protocol
- Double VPN & Onion over VPN
- Threat Protection (malware/ad blocker)
- Dedicated IP option available
- Works with Netflix, Hulu
❌ Cons
- Desktop app can be complex for beginners
- Only 6 simultaneous connections
- Higher monthly price ($12.99 without commitment)
Best for: Security-conscious users, streaming, and torrenting
ExpressVPN Review
Price: $6.67/month (annual plan) | Servers: 3,000+ in 94 countries
ExpressVPN consistently delivers the fastest speeds in our tests. TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers) and the proprietary Lightway protocol make it ideal for speed-focused users.
✅ Pros
- Fastest VPN we've tested
- 95 countries (widest coverage)
- TrustedServer technology
- MediaStreamer for Smart TVs
- Excellent 24/7 support
- User-friendly apps
❌ Cons
- Most expensive option
- No port forwarding
- Only 5 simultaneous connections
Best for: Users who prioritize speed and want the widest server selection
Surfshark Review
Price: $2.49/month (2-year plan) | Servers: 3,200+ in 100 countries
Surfshark offers premium features at budget prices with unlimited simultaneous connections - perfect for families. Learn what a VPN can do with this feature-packed service.
✅ Pros
- Unlimited devices (best value)
- Excellent price ($2.49/month)
- CleanWeb ad/malware blocker
- MultiHop (double VPN)
- NoBorders mode
- Audited no-logs policy
❌ Cons
- Smaller server network than competitors
- Speeds can vary by server
- Relatively new company (est. 2018)
Best for: Families and budget-conscious users who need unlimited connections
CyberGhost Review
Price: $2.19/month (2-year plan) | Servers: 9,700+ in 91 countries
CyberGhost's beginner-friendly interface and dedicated streaming servers make it the easiest VPN to use. The 45-day money-back guarantee is the longest in the industry.
✅ Pros
- Largest server network (9,700+)
- Labeled streaming/torrenting servers
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Very user-friendly interface
- 7 simultaneous connections
- Transparent privacy policy
❌ Cons
- Slower than NordVPN/ExpressVPN
- Based in Romania (EU jurisdiction)
- Monthly plan expensive ($12.99)
Best for: VPN beginners and users who want one-click specialized servers
Private Internet Access (PIA) Review
Price: $2.03/month (3-year plan) | Servers: 35,000+ in 84 countries
PIA offers the most servers and best port forwarding support for torrenting. Court-proven no-logs policy makes it trustworthy for privacy advocates.
✅ Pros
- 35,000+ servers (largest network)
- Port forwarding support
- Court-verified no-logs policy
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Open-source apps
- MACE ad/tracker blocker
❌ Cons
- Based in USA (14 Eyes country)
- Inconsistent streaming unblocking
- Complex interface for beginners
Best for: Advanced users, torrenters who need port forwarding
How We Test VPNs
Our reviews are based on extensive testing:
- Speed tests - Multiple locations using speed test tools
- Security audits - DNS leak tests via VPN detection
- Streaming tests - Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ access from various locations
- Privacy policy review - Independent verification of no-logs claims
- Customer support - Response time and helpfulness testing
- Value analysis - Features vs price comparison
Quick Comparison
- Best Overall: NordVPN (security + features)
- Fastest: ExpressVPN (speed-focused)
- Best Value: Surfshark (unlimited devices)
- Easiest: CyberGhost (beginner-friendly)
- Best for Torrenting: PIA (port forwarding)
See detailed feature comparison in our VPN comparison table or learn how to choose a VPN based on your needs. Understand why you need a VPN before subscribing.