#1 - NordVPN: A feature-packed giant in the VPN space
Whether you just want to stream Netflix or have serious privacy needs, NordVPN is a fast, user-friendly and full-featured virtual private network.
NordVPN boasts reliable and competitive speeds, according to CNET's hands-on VPN testing, resulting in the least internet speed degradation of any provider we've analyzed. It's not just fast. NordVPN brings a lot more to the table: It's secure, competitively priced and loaded with user-friendly apps. That well-rounded performance makes Nord a solid VPN for everyone from privacy-concerned users to entertainment enthusiasts. In our 2025 hands-on assessment of NordVPN, we ran over 250 internet speed tests, streamed hours of videos and tested its apps on a smorgasbord of devices. We also analyzed its price and compared NordVPN's value to competitors. NordVPN tops every VPN we've tested in the speed category, but it scored lower than some of its competitors on transparency (it has undergone fewer independent audits) and accessibility (there are cheaper options with more simultaneous connections). Overall, NordVPN is one of the top three best VPNs
Important bits:
- Thousands of servers
- Servers in more than 100 countries
- User friendly apps on every platform
- Lots of payment options, including crypto
- High speed
#2 - Mullvad: High speeds and industry leading privacy
Sweden based Mullvad is excellent for the budget-conscious, privacy-focused VPN user who appreciates independently owned VPN products and the flexibility of not having to lock into a long-term subscription to save on the price. The company doesn't want to know anything about you: It doesn't care about your name, email address or what you had for breakfast. And it would rather not have any insight into your payment details, either. You can even pay by sending them an envelope with cash in the mail.
Important bits:
- Best VPN for the privacy conscious
- Over 700 servers
- Locations in more than 50 countries
- RAM-only server infrastructure for even better privacy
