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Best VPN services 2025: How the fastest VPNs with the best networks stack up

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NordVPN is one of the most widely used VPNs, and for most users it ticks all the boxes. It's secure, fast, suitable for streaming, and has all the features you'll likely need. 

Why we like it: I've found it to be one of the fastest VPNs with the most consistent speed measurements and rapid initial server connectivity. It's still worth noting that rival ExpressVPN is slightly faster. 

In my tests with Netflix, NordVPN emerged as a top VPN for streaming content with a high success rate in accessing geo-blocked content. When set up with the Privacy Hero 2 router, it also did exceptionally well in accessing streaming services worldwide. 

NordVPN offers many features beyond the basics, including support for peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing and an optional second layer of encryption through Double VPN. This allows you to set up a dedicated IP address to run a VPN that also acts as a server. 

In January, the company launched NordWhisper, a new protocol designed to allow users to connect to VPN servers from networks that typically limit traditional VPN traffic and have restrictive network policies. In a new service update, NordVPN has revealed the release of a full graphical user interface (GUI) for Linux, which means users no longer have to rely on the command line.

NordVPN also has a kill switch that activates if your connection suddenly drops, protecting your connection and data. In its fifth independent audit, NordVPN says its no-logs policy has been verified. 

Review: NordVPN: Consistent speed and performance

Who it's for: Those who want a fast VPN to use across different devices, and for a relatively affordable price. NordVPN is compatible with all major platforms and provides a server network of 111 countries, and it allows you to connect 10 devices simultaneously under one account. It's also excellent for streaming.

Who should look elsewhere: NordVPN will suit most users' needs, but if you want speed first, ExpressVPN might be the right alternative.

You can pick between three types of plans with two-year, one-year, or one-month contract terms, depending on whether you want advanced features such as a password manager, data breach scanner, cloud storage, or file encryption.

Prices start at $3.39 per month on a two-year plan or $5 per month for a one-year subscription.

Alternatively, you can try out NordVPN for a month and take advantage of the organization's 30-day money-back guarantee. 

NordVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 111 | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: Email address and billing information only | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7

Countries and servers 10 Usability 9 Speed and performance 10 Security 8 Price 7
Pros
  • Stable connections
  • Rapid speeds
  • Secure
  • Extensive server network
  • Impressive user interface
Cons
  • Doesn't offer unlimited simultaneous connections
Price $13 per month, $60 for the first year or $83 total for the first two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $140 per year)Latest tests No leaks detected, 3% average internet download speed loss in 2025 testsNetwork 7,400-plus servers in 118 countriesJurisdiction Panama

NordVPN

Best VPN overall

4.4 / 5 Score

NordVPN is one of the most widely used VPNs, and for most users it ticks all the boxes. It's secure, fast, suitable for streaming, and has all the features you'll likely need. 

Why we like it: I've found it to be one of the fastest VPNs with the most consistent speed measurements and rapid initial server connectivity. It's still worth noting that rival ExpressVPN is slightly faster. 

In my tests with Netflix, NordVPN emerged as a top VPN for streaming content with a high success rate in accessing geo-blocked content. When set up with the Privacy Hero 2 router, it also did exceptionally well in accessing streaming services worldwide. 

NordVPN offers many features beyond the basics, including support for peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing and an optional second layer of encryption through Double VPN. This allows you to set up a dedicated IP address to run a VPN that also acts as a server. 

In January, the company launched NordWhisper, a new protocol designed to allow users to connect to VPN servers from networks that typically limit traditional VPN traffic and have restrictive network policies. In a new service update, NordVPN has revealed the release of a full graphical user interface (GUI) for Linux, which means users no longer have to rely on the command line.

NordVPN also has a kill switch that activates if your connection suddenly drops, protecting your connection and data. In its fifth independent audit, NordVPN says its no-logs policy has been verified. 

Review: NordVPN: Consistent speed and performance

Who it's for: Those who want a fast VPN to use across different devices, and for a relatively affordable price. NordVPN is compatible with all major platforms and provides a server network of 111 countries, and it allows you to connect 10 devices simultaneously under one account. It's also excellent for streaming.

Who should look elsewhere: NordVPN will suit most users' needs, but if you want speed first, ExpressVPN might be the right alternative.

You can pick between three types of plans with two-year, one-year, or one-month contract terms, depending on whether you want advanced features such as a password manager, data breach scanner, cloud storage, or file encryption.

Prices start at $3.39 per month on a two-year plan or $5 per month for a one-year subscription.

Alternatively, you can try out NordVPN for a month and take advantage of the organization's 30-day money-back guarantee. 

NordVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 111 | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: Email address and billing information only | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7

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