The Best VPNs to Protect Yourself Online in 2025: Affordable and High-Quality Options

Published on: March 27, 2025, Researched and prompted by Soraima

In simple terms, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is like a secure, private tunnel on the internet. It connects your computer to a special server run by a VPN company.

This connection hides your real location (IP address) and scrambles your data so no one can see what you're doing online. It also helps you get past blocked websites or restrictions, making your internet use safer and more private.

Whether you’re browsing, streaming, or working remotely, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an essential tool to safeguard your data from prying eyes.

But with countless options available, how do you choose one that’s both affordable and reliable?

Video by Proton VPN

Don’t worry—I’ve rounded up the best VPNs in 2025 that offer top-notch security, performance, and value without breaking the bank.

Here’s a detailed look at five standout VPNs that deliver quality service at reasonable prices.

✅ 1. NordVPN: The All-Rounder Champion

Price: $3.39–$5/month (2-year plan, ~$60–$80 upfront)
Why It’s Worth It: NordVPN is a household name for good reason. With over 7,400 servers across 60+ countries, lightning-fast speeds, and military-grade AES-256 encryption, it offers exceptional privacy and performance. Features like a kill switch, an audited no-logs policy, and Threat Protection Pro (blocks malware and ads) make it a versatile powerhouse. Whether you’re streaming, torrenting, or simply browsing securely, NordVPN has you covered.
Who Should Get It: Anyone seeking a premium VPN experience at a mid-tier price.

💡 NordVPN’s long-term plans offer incredible value, and its 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try it risk-free. If you want a VPN that does it all without costing a fortune, NordVPN is tough to beat. Learn more

💰 2. Surfshark: Budget-Friendly and Feature-Packed

Price: $1.99–$2.50/month (2-year plan, ~$48–$60 upfront)
Why It’s Worth It: Surfshark proves you don’t need to spend big for premium protection. For under $3 a month, you get unlimited simultaneous connections, 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, and robust security features like AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy. It effortlessly unblocks streaming platforms like Netflix, and extras like Double VPN and an ad-blocker sweeten the deal.
Who Should Get It: Budget-conscious users with multiple devices who refuse to compromise on quality.

💡 Surfshark’s unbeatable price and unlimited device support make it perfect for families or tech-savvy users juggling multiple devices. Learn more

🔒 3. Proton VPN: Privacy First, Always

Price: $4.99–$9.99/month (2-year plan, ~$120 upfront) + free tier available
Why It’s Worth It: From the creators of ProtonMail, Proton VPN is built with privacy at its core. With 11,000+ servers in 117 countries, Secure Core servers for extra protection, and an open-source design, it’s a favorite among security buffs. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited, and even its free plan offers decent privacy (though with fewer servers and a one-device limit).
Who Should Get It: Privacy enthusiasts who value transparency and are okay with paying a little more for top-tier features.

💡 Proton VPN’s commitment to openness and security makes it a standout choice in today’s surveillance-heavy world. Learn more

🌍 4. Private Internet Access (PIA): Affordable and Server-Rich

Price: $2–$3/month (2-year plan, ~$40–$56 upfront)
Why It’s Worth It: PIA boasts an impressive 35,000+ servers in 90+ countries—the largest network on this list. It offers customizable AES-256 encryption, a court-proven no-logs policy, and handy features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and MACE (an ad-blocker). While its speeds aren’t the fastest, they’re reliable for most tasks, and the low price is hard to argue with.
Who Should Get It: Users who want affordability, flexibility, and a massive server selection.

💡 PIA’s low cost and extensive network make it ideal for anyone prioritizing value and control over their VPN experience. Learn more

🎥 5. CyberGhost: User-Friendly and Streaming-Ready

Price: $2.19–$6.99/month (2-year plan ~$56, or $6.99 for 6 months)
Why It’s Worth It: CyberGhost offers a perfect blend of ease of use and power. With 10,000+ servers in 100+ countries, it’s optimized for streaming and torrenting, offering dedicated servers for platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. It includes strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee on longer plans.
Who Should Get It: Beginners or streaming fans who want a simple, affordable VPN that performs.

💡 CyberGhost is perfect if you’re new to VPNs or just want a hassle-free way to unlock content while staying secure online. Learn more

🔎 How to Choose the Right VPN for You

With so many great options, picking the best VPN depends on your needs:

💸 Budget: Surfshark and PIA are the cheapest without sacrificing quality.
🎬 Streaming: NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost excel at unblocking services.
🛡️ Privacy: Proton VPN and NordVPN lead with audited no-logs policies and advanced features.
📱 Device Count: Surfshark’s unlimited connections are unbeatable for multi-device households.

💡 Most of these VPNs offer steep discounts on 1- or 2-year plans, bringing monthly costs below $5—far cheaper than monthly subscriptions. Plus, their 30- to 45-day money-back guarantees let you test them risk-free.

🚀 Why You Need a VPN in 2025

Online threats are evolving—and they aren’t slowing down. From hackers on public Wi-Fi to ISPs tracking your every move, a VPN encrypts your connection and masks your IP, keeping your data private. Whether you’re dodging geo-restrictions or shielding your browsing habits, these affordable VPNs ensure you don’t have to choose between security and your wallet.

✨ So, which one will you pick?

With NordVPN’s versatility, Surfshark’s value, Proton VPN’s privacy focus, PIA’s server abundance, or CyberGhost’s simplicity, you’re covered—no matter your priority.

Stay safe online—and don’t overspend doing it!