Choosing the right VPN can feel overwhelming. At SitusProxy, we evaluate VPNs for speed, privacy, no-logs claims, streaming reliability, jurisdiction, and price. Below are our top VPN picks for 2025 with plain-English explanations, pros/cons, and when to choose each one.
Why Use a VPN Instead of a Proxy?
A proxy website can hide your IP for a single session, but a VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts all traffic from your device and routes it through secure servers. That means stronger security on public Wi-Fi, better consistency for streaming, and fewer breaks on JS-heavy sites. If privacy and reliability matter, use a VPN; keep proxies for low-risk browsing and quick tests.
Top 5 VPNs Compared (2025)
| VPN | Best For | No-Logs & Audits | Jurisdiction | Streaming | Starting Price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Streaming & speed | Audited no-logs (PwC/KPMG) | British Virgin Islands | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu (reliable) | $6.67/mo (12-mo) |
| NordVPN | Overall privacy | Audited no-logs (Deloitte), RAM-only | Panama | Netflix, Prime Video | $3.29/mo (2-yr) |
| Surfshark | Budget & unlimited devices | Audited no-logs | Netherlands | Netflix libraries, Disney+ | $2.49/mo (2-yr) |
| CyberGhost | Ease of use | Audited no-logs | Romania | Dedicated streaming servers | $2.19/mo (3-yr) |
| ProtonVPN | Transparency & free plan | Audited, open-source apps | Switzerland | Good on paid plans | Free / $4.99+ premium |
*Intro prices based on long-term plans; check provider sites for current offers.
Best VPNs Reviewed in Detail
1) ExpressVPN — Fast & Reliable for Streaming
ExpressVPN is consistently fast with a broad 94-country network and simple apps. Great for travelers and streaming fans who want things to “just work.”
- Specs: AES-256, Lightway & OpenVPN, RAM-only servers, kill switch.
- Privacy: Independent no-logs audits; based in BVI.
- Streaming: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu worked in our tests.
- Good for: Streaming reliability, polished UI, fast global hops.
- Not for: Strict budgets (pricing is higher).
2) NordVPN — Privacy & Security Leader
NordVPN blends strong security with speed. Extras include Double VPN, Meshnet, and Threat Protection for malware/tracker blocking.
- Specs: AES-256, NordLynx (WireGuard), Double VPN, kill switch.
- Privacy: No-logs verified by Deloitte; Panama jurisdiction.
- Streaming: Netflix and Prime regions were stable.
- Good for: Security-minded users, travelers, gamers.
- Not for: Older machines (desktop app can feel heavy).
3) Surfshark — Unlimited Devices on a Budget
Surfshark’s standout perk is unlimited devices on one account. Solid for families and multi-device users who want value without complexity.
- Specs: WireGuard, MultiHop, CleanWeb ad/tracker block.
- Privacy: Audited no-logs; EU data rules (Netherlands).
- Streaming: Netflix libraries and Disney+ worked in tests.
- Good for: Tight budgets, households with many devices.
- Not for: Niche regions (smaller network than big two).
4) CyberGhost — Best for Beginners
CyberGhost focuses on simplicity with clear profiles (e.g., “For Streaming”). If you want plug-and-play, this is the easiest to live with.
- Specs: WireGuard & OpenVPN, streaming-optimized servers.
- Privacy: Audited no-logs; Romania jurisdiction.
- Streaming: Strong results using dedicated servers.
- Good for: First-time users who value convenience.
- Not for: Power users who want advanced switches everywhere.
5) ProtonVPN — Transparent & Has a Free Plan
From the Proton team (ProtonMail), ProtonVPN is open about security and publishes audits. The free tier has no data limits—great for basic protection.
- Specs: WireGuard & OpenVPN, Secure Core (multi-hop), kill switch.
- Privacy: Swiss jurisdiction; open-source apps with audits.
- Streaming: Best results on paid plans.
- Good for: Transparency, students, Linux users.
- Not for: Heavy streaming on the free tier (slower).
How to Choose a VPN (Quick Checklist)
Privacy & Trust
- No-logs policy with independent audits
- Jurisdiction outside invasive surveillance alliances
- Open-source apps and regular security updates
Speed & Streaming
- WireGuard-based protocol (or optimized proprietary)
- Proven access to Netflix/Prime if you need it
- Stable latency for gaming and calls
Features & Value
- Kill switch, split tunneling, DNS leak protection
- Device limits (or unlimited) that match your needs
- Transparent pricing and refunds
Support & Platforms
- Apps for all OS + routers
- 24/7 support and helpful docs
- Clear policies for P2P, streaming, and travel
Our Test Methodology
We install each VPN on desktop and mobile, then run repeatable tests: baseline and encrypted speed (wired & Wi-Fi), real-world streaming checks, DNS/WebRTC leak tests, and hands-on usability. We review audits, privacy policies, and jurisdiction, and we retest periodically when major updates ship.
We do not sell user data. If we ever use affiliate links on review pages, they won’t affect rankings.
About Free VPNs
“Free” often means limitations (data caps, slower servers) or trade-offs (ads, logging). If you must use a free option, ProtonVPN is the safest bet. For everyday privacy or streaming, a reputable paid VPN is worth it.
- Never trust unknown apps requesting excessive permissions.
- Read the privacy policy: who owns the service? what’s logged?
- Prefer providers with audits and transparent teams.
VPN Reviews 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions
Which VPN is best for streaming?
In our tests, ExpressVPN was the most consistent for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu in 2025.
Which VPN is cheapest?
Surfshark and CyberGhost offered the lowest long-term effective monthly prices.
Is there a good free VPN?
ProtonVPN has a trustworthy free tier with no data caps, but speeds are slower than paid tiers.
Which VPN is most private?
NordVPN and ProtonVPN pair strong no-logs policies with independent audits and robust security.
Can I use a proxy instead of a VPN?
A proxy can hide your IP for a single site. A VPN encrypts your entire connection and is far stronger for privacy. See our Situs Proxy guide for details.
