Secure VPN providers 2025: safe options for the best security and encryption

best Secure VPN

Trying to find the best secure VPN is no easy task. There are many VPNs out there that claim to protect your data against spying, but only a few are really worth checking out.

After extensive hands-on testing, we’ve found ExpressVPN to be the most secure VPN overall, thanks to best-in-class security features like quantum-resistant encryption and an extensive set of third-party audits. That said, if you want something a little more affordable without losing core privacy features, Surfshark isn’t far behind in terms of security.

We’re constantly evaluating the VPNs we’ve reviewed to make sure our rankings reflect reality. The TechRadar VPN team has over 11 years of experience reviewing these tools, and we test each provider regularly to ensure they meet evolving security standards. In this guide, we’ve narrowed down the best VPN services that offer the best in privacy, encryption, and anonymity.

5 best secure VPNs: quick overview

1. ExpressVPNThe best secure VPN

1. ExpressVPN – from $4.99 per month
The best secure VPN
ExpressVPN keeps your data secure with quantum-resistant encryption, a rock-solid no-logs policy audited by several third parties, and RAM-only servers that wipe all data on every reboot. All this is to say that when you’re using ExpressVPN, you can be sure your internet traffic is in good hands. It’s also based in the British Virgin Islands, which is outside any major intelligence-sharing alliances. Currently, if you sign up for two years, you get four months free for the low price of $4.99. That also includes theft insurance and a monthly credit scan for US customers, giving you additional peace of mind against identity theft. All of ExpressVPN’s long-term plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try before you buy.

2. NordVPNThe best VPN overall

2. NordVPN – from $3.09 per month
The best VPN overall
NordVPN includes all the security basics you’d expect, like AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Where NordVPN shines is with features like Threat Protection, which blocks trackers and malware at the DNS level. Threat Protection Pro goes one step further by automatically scanning the files you download for malware, acting as an anti-virus system built into your VPN client. You can get 2 years at a discounted rate of $3.09 per month, which also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, just in case you’d like to try another VPN provider.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA)The best Linux VPN

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) - from $2.03 per month
The best Linux VPN
PIA’s customizable encryption settings let you strike the right balance between security and speed. For an extra boost to your privacy, you can enable PIA’s multi-hop settings, which also include built-in obfuscation. This way, it’s far more difficult to tell if you're using a VPN, which is essential if you’re trying to evade your workplace’s restrictive network rules. It's also one of the few providers that’s proven its no-logs claim in court multiple times. Right now, you can get a 3-year plan for a huge discount, costing $1.98 per month with 2 months free. If that’s not enough, you can check PIA out risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. Proton VPNThe best VPN for privacy

4. Proton VPN – from $3.59 per month
The best VPN for privacy
Created by the team behind ProtonMail, Proton VPN is privacy-first at its core. All of Proton VPN’s servers use full-disk encryption to ensure nobody can access your data while it’s traveling through Proton VPN’s network. On top of this, you can enable Secure Core routing to send your traffic through a hardened VPN server first, protecting your traffic against attacks against the endpoint server you’re connected to. Proton is headquartered in Switzerland, meaning you’re protected by strong privacy laws. Its bi-annual plans are discounted down to $4.59 per month and covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. SurfsharkThe best cheap VPN

5. Surfshark – from $2.19 per month
The best cheap VPN
Surfshark brings some serious value with powerful security tools, such as an anti-virus solution and dark-web monitoring. The core service comes with CleanWeb, keeps you from accidentally accessing malware links, and scrubs ads from your browsing experience, drastically cutting down on the ways hackers can access your systems. Thanks to a total overhaul of its networking backend, Surfshark also offers multi-hop functionality from any two of its VPN servers in case you don’t trust the endpoint server you’re connecting to. It's budget-friendly at $1.99 a month when you buy for two years, but you’re still getting core privacy features like AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee just in case you’re not happy with the service.

Recent updates

ExpressVPN has claimed the top spot in our secure VPN rankings. The service is a battle-tested option that invests heavily in the security of its users, with a proprietary protocol, frequent audits, and groundbreaking research into DNS leaks. Check out our latest VPN test results for more insights.

The 5 best secure VPNs in 2025

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The best VPN for beginners

(Image credit: ExpressVPN)

1. ExpressVPN

An audited no-logs policy and sleek apps

Server locations: 160 | Maximum devices supported: 8 | Refund period: 30 days | 24/7 customer support: Yes

Audited no-logs service
Ultra-reliable kill switch
Intuitive apps for all devices
Excellent 24/7 customer support
Above average prices
Not the fastest VPN

ExpressVPN isn’t quite as feature-rich as some of the other choices on our list of the best secure VPNs, but it’s at the top for one single reason: it’s been built from the ground up for security. Once you get under the hood, it’s clear every design decision has been made with your privacy in mind.

The best VPN overall

2. NordVPN

The best all-in-one security suite

Server locations: 154 | Maximum devices supported: 10 | Refund period: 30 days | 24/7 customer support: Yes

Double data encryption
Lightning-fast speeds
Audited apps, no logging claims, IOxT certification of Android app
New Meshnet feature to securely link devices
Some user interface shortcomings
Basic browser extensions

It’s neck and neck between NordVPN and ExpressVPN when it comes to security. While ExpressVPN focuses on getting core VPN features right, NordVPN offers a whole suite of security tools that keep your device from being compromised. However, some of these features aren’t available on the cheaper plans, so you’ll need to make sure you pick the right option for your needs.

The best VPN for Linux

PIA on a range of devices

3. Private Internet Access (PIA)

My top pick for Linux with a full stack of security tools

Server locations: 151 | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited | Refund period: 30 days | 24/7 customer support: Yes

Open-source apps
Dedicated streaming servers
Tons of customizable features
Port forwarding included
Audited no-logs policy
Below-average WireGuard speeds
Not as beginner-friendly as other providers

PIA is a veteran in the VPN space, with over a decade of expertise in providing privacy solutions. It’s reflected in its app, as PIA provides plenty of customisation options that allow you to choose between speed and security as necessary.

However, the real reason that PIA is on our list is because its no-logs policy has been battle-tested. It has been summoned to court twice to provide internet browsing data from its customers. Both times, PIA has demonstrated that it's unable to comply. Simply put: it can’t, because it doesn’t hold customer data.

The best free VPN

Proton VPN interface for various platforms

(Image credit: Proton VPN)

4. Proton VPN

A privacy-focused provider that you can try for free

Server locations: 144 | Maximum devices supported: 10 | Refund period: 30 days – free version available | 24/7 customer support: No

Open-source, audited, and top-quality apps 
Free plan with unlimited bandwidth
No significant logging of any kind  
Improved network coverage (also for free plan)
Offers a Linux GUI
Somewhat pricey
Customer support needs improvement

Proton has an entire suite of privacy-preserving tools on offer, which Proton VPN slots into nicely. Developed by the same team behind Proton Mail, Proton VPN has a zero-compromise approach to user privacy. It's also based in Switzerland, meaning that Proton benefits from some rock-solid privacy protection laws that prevent law enforcement from requesting IP data.

ExpressVPN and NordVPN both have slightly more extensive security features on offer, but that’s not to say that Proton VPN lags behind. It's constantly improving both the VPN client apps and security features on offer.

The best cheap VPN

(Image credit: Future)

5. Surfshark

Great value for a secure VPN that scores well in every area

Server locations: 141 | Maximum device supported : Unlimited | Refund period: 30 days | 24/7 customer support: Yes

Improved WireGuard speeds
Unlimited simultaneous connections
A dream to use
Excellent unblocking capabilities
Pause VPN feature
No notification if your VPN drops
Some Windows kill switch issues in extreme situations

Surfshark is the best cheap VPN on the block, but that doesn’t mean it underperforms when it comes to security. Surfshark’s security features are underpinned by a software-defined network called Nexus, which allows Surfshark to offer features like full multi-hop coverage that other VPN providers can’t match.

Unfortunately, the most impressive security features are locked behind an additional subscription to Surfshark One. On the flip side, Surfshark is one of the only VPNs out there that offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so if you’ve got a significant number of devices you need to protect, then Surfshark’s a great choice.

How does VPN encryption work?

Encryption can only go so far. If the authorities demand logs or other details on users from a VPN firm, encryption won’t stop the provider from handing said details over – which is why you should always be on the lookout for a firm that has a super-solid ‘no logs’ policy. That’s because while encryption might keep your data private and unreadable to your ISP, it’s still visible to the VPN itself.

That’s a common misconception about VPN security and encryption in regard to online privacy. Further misunderstandings can stem from the mishmash of jargon that surrounds talk of encryption, which is all likely to be meaningless to the casual VPN user. Terms like 128-bit, 256-bit, and AES are likely to confuse, so a bit of explanation is in order.

Encryption relies on advanced mathematical formulae to work its magic. Some types of encryption are stronger than others, and that’s where the terms 128-bit and 256-bit enter the picture – the latter is stronger than the former.

AES stands for Advanced Encryption Standard and is the computer cipher or the actual algorithm used to perform the encryption.

Want to learn more?

We cover all of the key concepts, without the techy jargon, in our guide to encryption.

Blowfish and AES are by far the most common ciphers found in daily VPN usage, and you’ll most commonly see VPN providers offering AES 256-bit encryption. The latter is something of a worldwide standard for solid security, with 256-bit encryption producing a staggering 1.1579 x 10 to the power of 77 possible keys.

Given that, even if you were using the combined power of all the world’s most powerful supercomputers, it’s not possible to pull off a brute-force attack to crack a symmetric 256-bit key (not before the death of the universe rolled around, anyway.)

Also, worth mentioning is Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), a system of private encryption keys generated for each new session – this basically ensures that even if the current particular key in use is somehow compromised, the encryption of past sessions can’t be cracked (because they all use a different key).

The best secure VPN FAQs

What is the most secure VPN?

It’s impossible to say definitively which VPN is the most secure, but out of the ones we’ve tested, we’re most confident in ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol is built to combine lightning-fast connectivity with future-proof security, so even if quantum attacks become viable on current encryption standards, ExpressVPN is still ahead of the curve.

Combined with RAM-only servers and a proven no-logs policy, ExpressVPN is a VPN provider that’s gone above and beyond to protect your data. However, all of the VPN providers on our list offer their own unique security benefits.

Are VPNs good for security?

Yes, VPNs are excellent tools for boosting your digital security when used with other privacy solutions, but be warned: a VPN won’t solve all of your security issues.

What they will do is encrypt your internet traffic, making it nearly impossible for your ISP to identify what you’re doing with your connection. They also hide your IP address when you’re using the internet, so that the services you interact with see your VPN IP address instead. Where possible, you should choose a VPN with audited no-logs policies, leak protection, and up-to-date encryption protocols.

Which VPN protocol should I use?

It depends on your use case, but generally, WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 are all appropriate choices for secure VPN protocols. WireGuard is currently the best balance of speed and security, but it’s not as widely supported as OpenVPN. OpenVPN has been thoroughly tested and is in use at the enterprise level all over the world, but the large codebase and heavyweight implementation make it significantly slower than WireGuard or IKEv2. IKEv2’s best for use on mobile devices. Avoid outdated protocols like PPTP or L2TP whenever possible.

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Sam Dawson
VPN and cybersecurity expert

Sam Dawson is a cybersecurity expert who has over four years of experience reviewing security-related software products. He focuses his writing on VPNs and security, previously writing for ProPrivacy before freelancing for Future PLC's brands, including TechRadar. Between running a penetration testing company and finishing a PhD focusing on speculative execution attacks at the University of Kent, he still somehow finds the time to keep an eye on how technology is impacting current affairs.