What is the best VPN for 2025?

The best VPN for 2025 depends on your needs. ExpressVPN offers the best overall performance, NordVPN provides excellent security features, and Surfshark offers great value with unlimited device connections.

Which VPN is best for streaming?

ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are excellent for streaming. They reliably unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services with fast speeds and stable connections.

What VPN is best for privacy?

For maximum privacy, we recommend NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or ProtonVPN. These services have strict no-logs policies, strong encryption, and are based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions.

Which VPN is best for gaming?

ExpressVPN and NordVPN are the best for gaming due to their low latency, fast speeds, and extensive server networks. They help reduce ping and provide stable connections for online gaming.

Editorial Principles & Review Methodology

At CompareVPNPrices, our mission is simple: help you choose a VPN you can trust. To do that, we combine hands-on testing with strict editorial standards so our recommendations are fair, transparent, and useful.

How We Test VPNs

We evaluate every VPN through repeatable, real-world checks. Each review reflects fresh test data gathered under consistent conditions.

Test Environment

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
Network: High-speed home broadband with a wired baseline
Protocols we try: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 (when available)
Geographies sampled: United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan (plus others when relevant)

1) Speed & Stability

We measure raw performance and variability, not just a single "best case" number.

Compare baseline speeds (no VPN) vs. multiple VPN servers
Run tests at different times of day and on different days
Record download, upload, and ping
Track jitter and packet loss for gaming/voice reliability
Note any throttling or sudden drop-offs over longer sessions

2) Security & Privacy Checks

Safety isn't negotiable. We verify claims and look for leaks.

DNS, IPv4/IPv6, and WebRTC leak testing across supported protocols
Kill switch verification (both forced-failure and real-world scenarios)
Encryption & protocol review (cipher choices, handshake, PFS support)
App permissions and settings review (default privacy posture)
Logging claims evaluated against jurisdiction, ownership, and any third-party audits (when available)

3) Streaming & Unblocking

We test popular platforms and consistency across regions.

Access tests: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ (and others as needed)
Cross-region reliability: can it work beyond a single server?
Playback quality: resolution, buffering, start time, mid-stream drops
Smart DNS or specialized streaming servers (when provided)

4) Apps, Features & Ease of Use

The best VPN is the one you'll actually enjoy using.

Install experience and onboarding clarity
Interface design and accessibility
Feature set: split tunneling, multi-hop, ad/malware blocking, custom DNS, auto-connect, dedicated IP, and more
Device coverage, simultaneous connections, and router support

5) Support, Pricing & Value

We look beyond the headline price.

Support channels (chat, email, knowledge base) and response times
Plan structure, renewal pricing, and free trials (if any)
Refund window and how straightforward it is to claim
Payment options (credit card, PayPal, crypto, etc.)
Overall value relative to speed, security, features, and reliability

Our Editorial Standards

Independence

Our reviews are based on what we find in testing—full stop. We don't sell positive coverage, and advertisers don't preview or edit our conclusions.

Transparency

If a link could earn us a commission, you'll know. We clearly mark affiliate links and sponsorships so you can make an informed choice.

Accuracy

VPNs change fast. We retest and update pages regularly so ratings reflect current performance and features.

Completeness

Every review covers the major features and trade-offs so you understand where a VPN excels and where it falls short.

Corrections

If we make a mistake, we'll fix it promptly and note what changed.

Affiliate Disclosure

CompareVPNPrices is reader-supported. Some links on our site are affiliate links—if you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports our independent testing and lets us keep content free.

How We Make Money

Affiliate commissions from VPN purchases made via our links
Display advertising
Clearly labeled sponsored content (never affecting our verdicts)

What this means for you

Our recommendations remain independent
Affiliate relationships do not influence scores or rankings
You pay the same price whether you use our links or go direct
We only suggest products we believe are worth your time and money

Review Update Policy

We don't "publish and forget." We keep reviews current through:

Major refreshes at least every 6 months
Immediate updates when a VPN makes significant changes (pricing, logging policy, notable outages, big feature launches)
Ongoing spot checks on performance and streaming access
Reader feedback—we review substantiated reports and test them ourselves

Scoring Overview (How We Weigh Things)

While weights can shift as the market evolves, we generally consider:

Security & Privacy: 35%
Speed & Stability: 30%
Streaming & Unblocking: 15%
Apps, Features & Ease of Use: 15%
Support & Value: 5%

We publish the latest scoring rationale inside each review when weights differ (for example, on privacy-focused roundups).