Let’s dive into the wonderful world of VPNs, where privacy is king, streaming services are unblocked, and your ISP is blissfully unaware of your internet habits. Here are the top VPNs, carefully selected by experts who probably live in a bunker somewhere, judging by their obsession with online privacy. Get ready for VPN goodness. These VPNs are listed in no particular order with the exception of PrivateInternetAccess at the very top.
Private Internet Access (PIA) – All the Servers, All the Time
Of course, at the top of my list is PrivateInternetAccess. PIA, as it’s affectionately called, is like the nerdy kid in class who always has the biggest collection of Pokémon cards. With over 35,000 servers in 78 countries, it’s got more servers than you’ll ever need – but it’s nice to know they’re there. Security? Check. PIA’s got the requisite AES-256 encryption and no-logs policy, and they’re super transparent about it, which is refreshing in a world where transparency is about as common as a unicorn.
This VPN is a top pick for people who don’t want to mess around and just want things to work, and work well. Also, their server count makes them feel like they’re compensating for something. Still, it gets the job done with flying colors.
Why it’s top-rated: Massive server network, solid security, and a transparency report that doesn’t sound like corporate mumbo jumbo. Experts love it and I highly recommend it.
[SOURCES]
NY Post: The Best VPNs for Streaming Netflix Wherever Life Takes You
TechRadar: The Best VPN Service 2025
CyberNews: Best VPN Services of 2025
NordVPN – The ‘Fort Knox’ of VPNs
NordVPN is like that friend who carries hand sanitizer everywhere and double locks their doors. This VPN is packed with security features – AES-256 encryption, Double VPN (because once isn’t enough), and a strict no-logs policy. Oh, and it even throws in Onion over VPN, which is apparently as secretive as the recipe for Coca-Cola.
With over 7,100 servers across 118 countries, you’ll be hopping around the world faster than a digital Carmen Sandiego. Want to stream Netflix from Japan while pretending you’re in Brazil? Done. NordVPN doesn’t just promise privacy – it audits itself. Yes, it hires actual humans to come in and say, “Yup, they’re legit!”
Why it’s top-rated: Experts can’t get enough of the absurd number of servers, rock-solid security, and Nord’s commitment to privacy.
[SOURCES]
NY Post: NordVPN Review: Why This Option May Be the Best to Keep Your Info Secure
TechRadar: The Best VPN Service 2025
CyberNews: Best VPN Services of 2025.
ExpressVPN – Because Who Needs Slow Internet?
ExpressVPN is the Usain Bolt of VPNs. It’s fast, flashy, and really likes to win. With a network of servers in 94 countries, it’s got enough coverage to satisfy even the most wanderlust-filled Netflix binge-watcher. It’s also got that AES-256 encryption everyone loves to talk about, plus a no-logs policy, because duh – if you’re going to spy on your ISP, you don’t want anyone spying on you.
ExpressVPN even rolled out a proprietary protocol called Lightway. It’s fast. It’s secure. And, unlike the actual highway, there’s no traffic. Want to see just how speedy this bad boy is?
Why it’s top-rated: People love speed, ease of use, and the ability to pretend they’re in a different country. Experts drool over Lightway, and you will too.
[SOURCES]
NY Post: The Best VPNs for Streaming Netflix Wherever Life Takes You
TechRadar: The Best VPN Service 2025
Surfshark – VPN on a Budget (and Still Awesome)
Surfshark is the Dollar Store of VPNs – cheap but surprisingly solid. It’s the only one on this list that lets you connect, wait for it, unlimited devices at once. That’s right, share it with your roommate, your cat, your grandma, and the toaster. At its price point, this VPN is a bargain, but don’t think it skimps on security. We’ve got the usual suspects – AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy – just like the big boys.
With 3,200 servers in 100 countries, Surfshark is more than capable of handling your questionable internet habits while still giving you access to geo-restricted content.
Why it’s top-rated: It’s like the budget airline of VPNs, except there’s no “optional” hidden fee for your personal data.
[SOURCES]
CyberNews: Surfshark vs NordVPN: 2025 Tests & Comparison
TechRadar: The Best VPN Service 2025
CyberGhost – For People Who Fear User Interfaces
Ever wanted to use a VPN without feeling like you need an engineering degree? Enter CyberGhost. It’s got a user interface so friendly, even your tech-challenged aunt could figure it out. Add to that its optimized servers for streaming and torrenting, and you’ve got a VPN that knows exactly what you’re here for – binging Netflix and pirating old episodes of Friends. (Just kidding, please don’t pirate stuff.)
With over 7,000 servers in 90 countries, you won’t have to worry about buffering during that all-important series finale. Oh, and CyberGhost comes with the standard AES-256 encryption and no-logs policy because apparently that’s non-negotiable in VPN-land.
Why it’s top-rated: It’s easy to use, optimized for exactly what you want, and doesn’t make you feel like an idiot.
[SOURCES]
NY Post: The Best VPNs for Streaming Netflix Wherever Life Takes You
TechRadar: The Best VPN Service 2025
CyberNews: Best VPN Services For 2025
Proton VPN – From the Makers of Privacy with a Capital “P”
Proton VPN is brought to you by the fine folks behind ProtonMail, the email service for people who want to send messages like they’re in a spy thriller. Proton VPN’s claim to fame? Privacy and security, of course. It has all the usual fancy stuff – AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and servers scattered across 69 countries – but what really sets it apart is its Secure Core feature. This reroutes your connection through multiple servers, so tracing you would require a level of persistence reserved for world-class stalkers.
Proton VPN also offers a free version, which is adorable, because free VPNs usually come with a side of “we’ll sell your data,” but not Proton! They proudly claim their free version is for privacy advocates who can’t be bothered to pay for stuff. Thanks, Proton! Also, it’s got a kill switch, because nothing says “I take security seriously” like your internet dropping dead when things get dicey.
Why it’s top-rated: It’s perfect for the uber-paranoid and privacy-minded who enjoy feeling like James Bond without the actual danger. And yes, people adore it for the free plan and that “we’ll never sell you out” attitude. Privacy nerds worldwide can’t stop raving about it.
[SOURCES]
TechRadar: An impressive, if unspectacular, security package.
PC Mag: Proton VPN Review
CNET: The Best Free VPN, With an Excellent Paid Plan.
Mullvad VPN – The “I Don’t Want Your Email” VPN
Mullvad VPN is like that paranoid friend who refuses to share their Netflix password because privacy matters. Mullvad takes anonymity so seriously, it doesn’t even want your email address. Sign up with a random account number, pay with Bitcoin, cash, or gold doubloons (okay, maybe not gold, but close), and you’re all set. Want to be off the grid? This VPN practically demands it.
With fewer servers than its flashier cousins (about 900 across 40 countries), Mullvad is more focused on hardcore privacy than impressing you with flashy features. It’s got AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and audited security. While it may not give you access to the entire Netflix catalog from 100 countries, it does the job for privacy enthusiasts who dream of never being found.
Why it’s top-rated: People love its no-nonsense, no-personal-info-required approach, and those who value true anonymity treat it like a holy grail. Don’t trust me? Just ask the undercover privacy warriors who review it.
[SOURCES]
PC Mag: This low-cost VPN doesn’t skimp on features or privacy protections