In an era where digital privacy and online freedom are top priorities, choosing the best VPN service in 2025 can be overwhelming. Whether you’re securing your data on public Wi‑Fi, streaming global content, or protecting sensitive information from trackers and hackers, a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) has become essential (Best VPN Services). TechRadar’s latest VPN guide offers a clear, expert‑curated ranking of the top VPN services of 2025, focusing on privacy, performance, ease of use, and streaming capabilities — the features most users care about today.
Why These Rankings Matter
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, making it harder for third parties — including ISPs, advertisers, and cybercriminals — to track your activity. But not all VPNs are created equal. In 2025, the best VPN services excel in a few key areas:
🔐 Privacy and security — Strong encryption, no‑logs policies, and independent audits
⚡ Performance — Fast, consistent connections for browsing, downloads, and gaming
📺 Streaming support — Ability to unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more
💡 Ease of use — Intuitive apps across devices and platforms
💰 Value — Competitive pricing and money‑back guarantees
These criteria help separate premium services from lesser alternatives and inform smarter choices for users with different priorities.
Top VPN Services Ranked by TechRadar 2025
1. NordVPN — Best Overall VPN
According to TechRadar’s 2025 ranking, NordVPN holds the crown as the best overall VPN service. It strikes a strong balance between speed, security, ease of use, and streaming support, making it ideal for most users. With advanced features like post‑quantum encryption, a no‑logging policy, and compatibility with major streaming platforms, NordVPN delivers a comprehensive package for privacy‑minded users and casual streamers alike.
NordVPN also offers excellent deals, such as multi‑year plans at highly competitive monthly rates, often bundled with additional months free.
Best for: All‑around protection and performance.
2. Surfshark — Best Budget VPN
TechRadar highlights Surfshark as a standout budget option that doesn’t compromise on features. With unlimited device support and fast speeds, it’s perfect for families or households with many connected devices. Surfshark’s pricing puts it among the most affordable premium VPNs of 2025, and its streaming capabilities are strong for the price.
Best for: Budget‑friendly multi‑device protection.
3. ExpressVPN — Best for Simplicity and Streaming
For users who prioritize ease of use and consistent streaming performance, ExpressVPN shines. Its interface is intuitive, making it ideal for beginners, while its server network and protocol technology deliver excellent unblocking performance for Netflix, Hulu, and other geo‑restricted services.
Best for: Beginners and global streaming.
4. Proton VPN — Best for Privacy Enthusiasts
Proton VPN earns praise for its strong focus on privacy, secure infrastructure based in Switzerland, and broad server coverage — including regions often underserved by other providers. Its strong encryption and transparent privacy stance appeal to users who want maximum anonymity online.
Best for: Privacy and international accessibility.
5. PrivadoVPN — Best Free or Freemium VPN
TechRadar also highlights PrivadoVPN as one of the best options in the free VPN category, offering users a solid 10GB monthly data allotment without sacrificing essential security or speed. While it doesn’t match paid services in performance, it’s an excellent choice for occasional users or those trying out a VPN for the first time. (
Best for: Users seeking a reliable free VPN.
How to Choose Your Best VPN in 2025
Selecting the right VPN depends on your priorities:
🛡 Privacy first: Prioritize no‑logs policies and jurisdiction (e.g., Switzerland or Panama)
📺 Streaming: Choose a VPN with strong unblocking performance and high speeds
💸 Budget: Look for long‑term discounts and money‑back guarantees
📱 Ease of use: Consider app design and multi‑platform support
Many top services now include free trials or money‑back guarantees, allowing users to test performance risk‑free before committing.
learn more about UK VPN Usage Up Despite Online Safety Act Impact
Conclusion — VPNs You Can Trust in 2025
TechRadar’s 2025 VPN rankings provide a reliable roadmap for anyone looking to enhance privacy, security, and online freedom. Whether you’re choosing NordVPN for its balance of features, Surfshark for budget‑friendly protection, or ExpressVPN for ease of use, the best VPN services this year emphasize user trust, robust performance, and flexibility. With the right choice, you can protect your online activity, unblock content around the world, and browse with peace of mind in an increasingly connected digital era.
