Best VPNs for Privacy (2025 Edition)
VPN usage is widespread: over 1.75 billion people worldwide use VPNs regularly, with about 42% of internet users in the U.S. relying on them for secure browsing, streaming, or privacy protection. Despite this popularity, many free or low-quality VPNs pose serious privacy risks. Notably, over 60% of free VPN users encounter slow connections, intrusive ads, or unreliable connections.
Meanwhile, 25% of readers in a TechRadar survey admitted using free VPNs despite the associated risks—even though some free services have been linked to spying and data leakage. When it comes to privacy, you shouldn’t gamble. Below are trusted VPNs that safeguard your data and come with strong reputations
What Makes a VPN Truly Private
When it comes to VPNs, not all services live up to the “private” label. A provider that promises anonymity but lacks the right technical and operational safeguards may leave you exposed. Truly private VPNs are distinguished by a handful of non-negotiable features.
The most critical is a no-logs policy that has been independently audited. This ensures the provider isn’t quietly recording your browsing history, IP addresses, or connection times. NordVPN, for instance, has undergone multiple third-party audits to confirm that it keeps no identifiable logs. This kind of transparency builds confidence that even if pressured, the provider has no data to hand over.
Next is modern encryption and protocols. At a minimum, VPNs should use AES-256 encryption with protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, or proprietary lightweight variants such as ExpressVPN’s Lightway. These standards aren’t just marketing jargon — they’re what make intercepted data unreadable. ExpressVPN’s adoption of Lightway, for example, helps deliver both speed and strong cryptographic security.
Jurisdiction is another overlooked factor. Providers based in privacy-friendly countries such as Switzerland or the British Virgin Islands aren’t subject to invasive data retention laws. Proton VPN, headquartered in Switzerland, benefits from some of the world’s strongest privacy protections.
Some VPNs have gone further by shifting to RAM-only servers, meaning all data is automatically wiped whenever a server reboots. This design leaves nothing stored on physical drives, reducing the risk of seizures or data leaks. Mullvad and ExpressVPN are well-known for this approach, which underscores their commitment to privacy by design.
Finally, practical features like a kill switch, leak protection, and customizable privacy controls round out the package. These ensure that even if a VPN connection drops, your real IP address won’t leak, and you can fine-tune your level of protection depending on your activity.
Top VPN Recommendations
NordVPN
Why it stands out: A well-rounded choice for speed, privacy, and streaming. It ticks all the boxes: audited no-logs policy, advanced threats protection, double VPN options, Meshnet functionality, and 24/7 support. Levelling up in 2025, it’s widely trusted as a private, high-performance VPN.
Surfshark
Why it stands out: Best value VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections, solid privacy features, and a fully audited infrastructure. Surfshark includes ad-blocking (CleanWeb), multi-hop, and split tunneling. In recent testing, it emerged as the best VPN for streaming on a budget.
Proton VPN
Why it stands out: Privacy-centric Swiss provider with transparent, audited practices and a fully functional free tier. Secure Core servers, open-source apps, and strong streaming support make it a top choice for privacy-focused users.
ExpressVPN
Why it stands out: Known for unmatched ease-of-use, fast speeds, and robust security. It offers RAM-only “TrustedServer” setup, strong encryption, a broad global server network, and streaming reliability. A higher price, but the premium experience often justifies it.
Mullvad
Why it stands out: Ultimate privacy focus—completely anonymous signups (via numeric codes only), open-source clients, and anonymous payment options. No email needed; no account created. Swedish-based, privacy auditing conducted. Tightly priced (€5/month).
Choosing the Right VPN
- Prioritize privacy and encryption — Free services may cut corners.
- Test free tiers or trials — Proton VPN and PrivadoVPN let you start free safely.
- Consider jurisdiction — Countries like Switzerland or the BVI give stronger privacy guarantees.
- Balance devices and needs — Surfshark (unlimited devices) or NordVPN (fast + secure) fit multi-device households.
- Check community input — Reddit and tech communities consistently point toward Proton, Mullvad, and Surfshark for privacy.