The VPN market is flooded with options, most promoted through aggressive affiliate marketing. We purchased subscriptions to 12 popular VPNs and spent four months testing them across multiple countries. Here's what we actually found.
What Makes a Good VPN in 2025?
Before diving into recommendations, let's establish what actually matters:
- No-logs policy: Verified through independent audits, not just marketing claims
- Speed: Real-world performance across different servers
- Security: Modern encryption protocols, no DNS/WebRTC leaks
- Jurisdiction: Based in privacy-friendly countries
- Usability: Works reliably without constant troubleshooting
The Top 5 VPNs Ranked
1. Mullvad - Best for Privacy Purists
Mullvad stands alone in its commitment to anonymity. No email required to sign up—just generate an account number. Pay with cash mailed in an envelope if you want. The company operates from Sweden, within EU jurisdiction but with strong privacy laws.
Performance was excellent across European servers, with minimal speed drops on US connections. The WireGuard implementation is among the best we tested. The only downside? No streaming optimization—Netflix and other platforms often detect and block Mullvad.
Best for: Users who prioritize privacy over streaming capabilities
2. ProtonVPN - Best All-Rounder
ProtonVPN comes from the makers of ProtonMail, with a proven track record in privacy. The company is based in Switzerland, benefits from strong privacy laws, and has passed multiple independent audits. The Secure Core feature routes traffic through multiple countries for extra protection.
Speed was consistently good, and we successfully accessed most streaming platforms. The free tier is genuinely useful—no data caps, just limited server selection.
Best for: Users wanting a complete privacy suite
3. IVPN - Best Transparency
IVPN publishes detailed transparency reports and allows anonymous signup similar to Mullvad. Based in Gibraltar, it's outside the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance. The multi-hop feature routes connections through two VPN servers, adding an extra layer of protection.
We appreciated the honest marketing—IVPN openly states what a VPN can and cannot do.
Best for: Users who value corporate transparency
4. ExpressVPN - Best for Streaming
ExpressVPN consistently bypassed geo-restrictions on every streaming platform we tested. Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu—all worked flawlessly. The Lightway protocol provides excellent speeds, and the server network spans 94 countries.
The privacy story is more nuanced. ExpressVPN was acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021, a company with a checkered past.
Best for: Users prioritizing streaming and ease of use
5. Windscribe - Best Value
Windscribe offers a generous free tier (10GB/month with email signup) and flexible paid options. The "Build a Plan" feature lets you pay only for the server locations you need, potentially saving significant money.
Best for: Budget-conscious users who want flexibility
Comparison Table
<!-- comparison -->| VPN | Price | Jurisdiction | No-Logs Audit | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mullvad | €5/mo | Sweden | Yes | 9.5 |
| ProtonVPN | $9.99/mo | Switzerland | Yes | 9.0 |
| IVPN | $6/mo | Gibraltar | Yes | 8.8 |
| ExpressVPN | $12.95/mo | BVI | Yes | 8.5 |
| Windscribe | $9/mo | Canada | No | 8.0 |
Our Recommendation
For privacy-focused users, Mullvad or ProtonVPN are our top choices. If streaming is your priority, ExpressVPN remains the most reliable option. And if budget matters most, Windscribe's flexibility is hard to beat.
Remember: a VPN is just one tool in your privacy toolkit. It won't make you anonymous—it shifts trust from your ISP to the VPN provider. Choose providers who have earned that trust through transparency and independent verification.