Choosing a VPN in 2025 is harder than ever. There are dozens of providers, all claiming to be the "fastest," "most secure," or "best value." Most comparison sites are paid to promote specific services—which means you're not getting the full picture.
We took a different approach. We analyzed 14 major VPN providers across the metrics that actually matter: real-world speed performance, verified security audits, true long-term pricing (including what happens when your promotional rate expires), and features that affect daily use.
What we found surprised us. The "cheapest" VPNs often cost more over five years. Some providers haven't had a security audit in nearly a decade. And four of the most popular "competing" VPNs are actually owned by the same company.
In This Guide
Our Top 5 VPN Picks for 2025
1. NordVPN
The best balance of speed, features, and price. Five independent audits verify their no-logs claims.
2. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Lowest 5-year total cost. Unlimited devices, open-source apps, and court-proven no-logs policy.
3. Surfshark
Unlimited simultaneous connections at the lowest intro price. Great for households with many devices.
4. Mullvad
The "anti-VPN VPN." No email required, accepts cash, same price since 2009. Police raided them in 2023—found nothing.
5. ExpressVPN
Most reliable for unblocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and international content. Premium price, premium polish.
Full VPN Comparison Table
Here's every VPN we tested, with the numbers that actually matter. Pay close attention to the "Renewal Price" column—that's what most sites don't tell you.
| VPN | Intro Price | Renewal | 5-Year Cost | Devices | Last Audit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $2.99/mo | ~$100/yr | $380 | 10 | 2024 ✓ |
| ExpressVPN | $3.49/mo | ~$100/yr | $398 | 8-14 | 2025 ✓ |
| PIA | $2.03/mo | ~$79/3yr | $158 ⭐ | Unlimited | 2024 ✓ |
| Surfshark | $1.99/mo | $79/yr (+231%) | $291 | Unlimited | 2024 ✓ |
| Mullvad | €5/mo | €5/mo (same) | $336 | 5 | 2023 ✓ |
| CyberGhost | $2.19/mo | ~$57/yr | $228 | 7 | 2024 ✓ |
| ProtonVPN | $3.59/mo | ~$80/yr | $348 | 10 | 2025 ✓ |
| IPVanish | $2.19/mo | ~$90/yr | $327 | Unlimited | 2024 ✓ |
| Hide.me | $2.69/mo | ~$70/yr | $280 | 10 | 2015 ⚠ |
| VyprVPN | $5.00/mo | ~$60/yr | $300 | 5 | 2018 ⚠ |
⚠️ The Renewal Price Trap
What They Don't Tell You
That "$1.99/month" VPN? It becomes $6.58/month when your introductory period ends. Over 5 years, the "cheap" option can cost more than the "expensive" one.
Here's the reality: VPN companies advertise their lowest possible price—usually a 2 or 3-year plan with an introductory discount. After that initial period, you're hit with the renewal rate, which can be 2-3x higher.
Let's do the math on Surfshark, the VPN with the most aggressive intro pricing:
Surfshark: 5-Year True Cost
Compare that to Private Internet Access, which renews at nearly the same rate:
PIA: 5-Year True Cost
PIA costs $133 less over 5 years despite Surfshark's lower advertised price. This is why we calculate true long-term cost, not just intro rates.
For a deeper dive into this issue, see our full analysis: VPN Renewal Price Shock Exposed.
How We Tested
We evaluated each VPN across five key criteria:
🚀 Speed Tests
We measured download speed retention across 10 server locations using a 1Gbps baseline connection. Results expressed as percentage of original speed retained.
🔒 Security Audits
We verified when each provider was last independently audited and by whom. Providers with audits older than 3 years are flagged.
💰 True Pricing
We calculated 5-year total cost including renewal rates, not just intro pricing. This reveals the actual long-term value.
📺 Streaming Tests
We tested unblocking Netflix (US, UK, Japan), BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Hulu from multiple locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which VPN is truly the cheapest over 5 years?
Private Internet Access (PIA) at approximately $158 total over 5 years ($2.63/month average). Their 3-year plan renews at nearly the same rate, unlike competitors whose prices jump 200%+ after the intro period.
Which VPN is best for Netflix and streaming?
ExpressVPN is the most reliable for streaming, consistently unblocking Netflix libraries worldwide, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more. NordVPN is a close second and offers better value.
Are free VPNs safe?
Most free VPNs are not safe—they make money by selling your data. The exception is ProtonVPN's free tier, which is genuinely unlimited and funded by their paid users. We recommend starting there if budget is a concern.
Why doesn't Mullvad offer discounts?
Mullvad's philosophy is radical transparency. They charge €5/month—always have since 2009. No promotional games, no renewal traps. You know exactly what you'll pay. They're also the only major VPN that doesn't require an email address to sign up.
Which VPNs have been audited recently?
NordVPN (5 audits, latest 2024), ExpressVPN (23+ audits, latest 2025), ProtonVPN (SOC 2 Type II, 2025), and Surfshark (2024) all have recent third-party audits. Be cautious of VyprVPN (last audited 2018) and Hide.me (last audited 2015).
The Bottom Line
After testing 14 VPN services, here's our honest take:
- Best for most people: NordVPN offers the best balance of speed, security, and value. Their five independent audits and extensive feature set justify the price.
- Best for budget-conscious users: Private Internet Access costs the least over 5 years and offers unlimited devices. Don't be fooled by lower intro prices elsewhere.
- Best for privacy maximalists: Mullvad. No email required, accepts cash, and Swedish police literally raided them and found nothing. That's proof, not promises.
- Best for streaming: ExpressVPN remains the most reliable for unblocking content, though NordVPN is catching up.
Whatever you choose, avoid signing up for monthly plans (they're a ripoff) and always check the renewal price before committing. Your future self will thank you.