With growing concern about privacy, surveillance, data collection, and geo-restrictions, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) remain essential tools. But not all VPNs are created equal. Some offer strong encryption and no-logs policies, others are fast, some are cheaper, some better for streaming, etc.
Below are the top VPNs in 2025 for U.S. users — what makes them stand out, their strengths & weaknesses, plus guidance on how to choose one.
What Makes a VPN “Good for Privacy” in 2025
Before listing the VPNs, here’s what to check for — the “privacy checklist”:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| No-logs policy (independently audited if possible) | Ensures VPN provider is not keeping records of your browsing, IPs, connection times etc. |
| Strong encryption & modern protocols (WireGuard, NordLynx, Lightway, OpenVPN, etc.) | Clarity and security of your connection; resistant to snooping. |
| RAM-only servers (volatile memory, no data saved to disk) | Reduces risk of data retention if servers are seized or hacked. |
| Kill switch | If VPN connection drops, internet traffic stops — prevents IP leaks. |
| Leak protection (DNS/IP/WebRTC leaks) | Prevents revealing your real IP or DNS requests. |
| Jurisdiction | Where company is based affects how forced it is to respond to legal requests or government surveillance. |
| Multi-hop / Obfuscation / Specialty servers | For people needing extra anonymity. |
| Speed / server network | Good privacy is useless if the VPN is so slow you can’t use it. |
| Device & platform support | Need it on PC, phone, router etc. |
| Streaming / P2P support | If you want to stream content, torrent, etc. |
Top VPNs for the USA in 2025
Here are the leading VPNs, based on recent tests, reviews, speed & privacy policy evaluations. Listed roughly in order of overall balance (speed + privacy + features).
| VPN | Pros / Key Privacy Features | Cons / Things to Check |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | – Highly rated for privacy. No-logs policy, often audited. Cybernews+3GlobeNewswire+3Security.org+3 – Uses fast modern protocols (NordLynx) that combine WireGuard performance + privacy. Security.org+2GlobeNewswire+2 – Huge server network (both US + global), with many US server locations. BleepingComputer+2Invastor+2 – Strong streaming support, good for torrenting. – Offers specialty features like double VPN, “onion over VPN”. GlobeNewswire+2Security.org+2 | – Premium price vs budget VPNs. – Some server latency depends on location. – Upload speed losses can be larger in some tests. Security.org+2Security.org+2 |
| ExpressVPN | – Excellent for speed, privacy, streaming. Tom’s Guide+2Gizmodo+2 – Has servers in every U.S. state now, lowering distance to server and improving speed. Tom’s Guide – Strong leak protection, independent audits historically. – Proprietary Lightway protocol helps with stable performance. – Good UI / device support. | – More expensive than many alternatives. – Fewer customization options for power users. – Some higher latency in upload or long-distance connections. – Limited simultaneous devices compared to unlimited-device VPNs. |
| Surfshark | – Great value: strong speed, many servers, unlimited devices. Security.org+2Cybernews+2 – Strong privacy: no-logs policy, audited. – Good security features + extra tools (e.g. antivirus bundle via Surfshark One) in some plans. TechRadar+1 – Very suitable for streaming & access content. – Strong performance in US speed tests. Cybernews+2Security.org+2 | – Upload speed drop in some tests is significant. Security.org+1 – Very budget-friendly tiers may lack certain extras. – Based in the Netherlands (jurisdiction implications) though uses RAM servers etc. – Occasional issues with certain streaming services / geo-blocks. |
| Proton VPN | – Very strong privacy and transparency. No logs, independent audits. Recent audit confirming its strict no-logs policy. TechRadar – Security-focused features: Secure Core, strong encryption. – Good for speed in many use cases. – Free version available (though limited) helps test. – Based in Switzerland — favorable privacy laws. | – Fewer US server locations compared to some big providers in some plans. – Free / lower plans can have slower servers, limited features. – Premium pricing for full features. – Some streaming limitations in certain regions. |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | – Large network of servers. Strong history on privacy & being tech-flexible. – Good speeds & capable in many tests. – Strong leak protection, kill switch etc. – Affordable for people who want a lot of servers and many device connections. – Good for torrenting / P2P use. Security.org+2Vpns Rating+2 | – Privacy policy has had controversies in past (though many claims of improvement). – Upload or latency drop more in some tests. – App user-interface less polished for beginners than some competitors. – Some servers are virtual / leased in jurisdictions of concern — check server details. |
| CyberGhost | – Massive server network, including in the U.S. – Very user-friendly. Easy to setup, beginner-friendly. – Good streaming support, decent speeds. – Consistent discounts, long money-back windows. – Good for users wanting many server locations & easy setup. | – Speed drop for long distances or upload weaker in some cases. – Fewer specialty features (double VPN, etc.) than top privacy-focused ones. – Jurisdiction (Romania) helps, but not as tested / audited as some others. – Some server overcrowding may reduce performance. |
| IPVanish | – Strong U.S. presence. Many servers & locations. – Good speeds & supports multiple device connections. – Good for torrenting, often praised for upload performance. – Transparent user policies. – Often less expensive than top premium options. | – Less features for stealth / obfuscation in some plans. – UI / apps sometimes less intuitive. – Smaller extras (e.g. built-in malware protection or antivirus) may be missing or add-ons. – Jurisdiction (based in USA) may raise concerns for some privacy purists. |
| Hotspot Shield | – Extremely fast download speeds in many tests. – Strong for streaming, unblocking geo-restricted content. – Stable connections. – Generous free / basic-tier options (but with trade-offs). | – Free / low tiers have restrictions. – Upload speeds / latency may drop heavily in some tests. – Sometimes concerns over logging / policy transparency (depends on plan). – Less advanced features for power users. |
| Others / Honorable Mentions | – VyprVPN: Good for privacy, with proprietary features like obfuscation (Chameleon protocol). – Mullvad: Very privacy-focused, minimal required info, allows anonymous payment, good audit history (if available). – OVPN, IVPN: More niche, strong privacy communities, good options if you want max control. – Smaller / newer providers: If audited, with good encryption & transparency, can offer good value. | – Might have fewer server locations. – Less polish in apps, less support. – Can be more expensive per feature. – May have lower speeds compared to big providers under heavy load. |
Comparing VPNs: Speed, Price, Jurisdiction & Streaming
Below is a more detailed comparison of the key aspects that typically matter most for U.S. users.
| VPN | Approximate Average Speed Retention (Download) in U.S. | Jurisdiction / No-Logs Policy Strong? | Price / Value for Money | Streaming / Unblocking Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Around 90-95% of native speed in many U.S. server tests. Vpns Rating+2Security.org+2 | Yes. No-logs, audited, Panama jurisdiction. Vpns Rating+2Security.org+2 | Mid-to-premium, but regular discounts. Good for many devices. | Very strong for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc. Invastor+1 |
| ExpressVPN | Also retains high percentages of speed; top tier download/streaming performance. Vpns Rating+2Tom’s Guide+2 | Yes. British Virgin Islands, known for strong privacy, audited. Vpns Rating+1 | Higher priced. But strong value for reliability & performance. | Excellent unblock ability across streaming platforms. |
| Surfshark | Very good download retention (80-95% depending on server). Upload / latency some drop depending on location. Cybernews+1 | Strong no-logs, audits, extra security features. Cybernews+1 | Among best value per device. Unlimited devices is a plus. | Very capable in streaming and unblocking geo-restricted content. |
| Proton VPN | Good for download, sometimes lower performance on long-haul or remote servers. Security.org+1 | Excellent audit history, Swiss jurisdiction, strong privacy features. TechRadar+1 | Free plan + paid tiers. Paid gives more speed & features. | Good with streaming, though sometimes slower or limited by server load. |
What to Avoid or Be Careful About
- Free VPNs that log/collect data or have very weak policies. A free VPN is never “private” if it profits by selling data.
- VPNs with weak or vague “no-logs” policies: If they don’t explain specifically what logs they keep (connection times, IP, metadata), avoid.
- Providers in jurisdictions with heavy surveillance laws (where law enforcement or government can force data disclosure).
- Slow protocols or ones that have not been updated; avoid outdated encryption.
- Not having a kill switch or leak protection can defeat the purpose.
- Overcrowded or overloaded servers: cheap plans with few servers can lead to slow performance and unsteady connections.
- Hidden fees / long-term commitments: Always check the refund window.
Which VPN is Best Depending on Your Use Case
Here are recommendations based on what you may want:
| Use Case | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Max overall privacy + speed | NordVPN or ExpressVPN |
| Budget + many devices | Surfshark |
| Strong transparency, plus free option | Proton VPN |
| Streaming U.S. content from abroad | ExpressVPN or NordVPN |
| Torrenting / P2P | PIA, NordVPN, Surfshark |
| Beginner / easy to set up | CyberGhost, Surfshark |
Conclusion & Tips
VPNs are powerful tools, but used properly. For 2025 in the U.S., the best options balance speed, privacy, and features. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN consistently lead the pack.
Here are quick final tips:
- Always use the latest app versions and VPN protocols.
- Connect to servers close to your real location when possible (for speed).
- Use specialty features (multi-hop, obfuscation) only when needed — they may reduce speed.
- Read and store your VPN provider’s privacy policy & independent audit reports.
- Enable automatic kill switch & leak protection.
- Use VPN alongside good device hygiene (updates, secure passwords, etc.).