Fastest VPN Service in 2025

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Having a fast VPN is crucial not only for enhancing the online experience by reducing latency and buffering but also for ensuring online security without compromising speed.

Whether you’re streaming high-definition content, engaging in competitive online gaming, or completing sensitive transactions, a swift VPN service ensures that your online activities remain secure and efficient at all times.

To help you choose the fastest VPN in 2025, I tested numerous providers based on their speed when streaming shows, playing online games, or accessing geo-blocked content. Additionally, I also took note of their security, features, and pricing.

Surfshark – The Fastest VPN Overall

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NordVPN – Best Fast VPN for Geo-Block Bypassing

Get up to 74% Off
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PureVPN – The Fastest VPN for Torrenting

Get up to 83% Off
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ExpressVPN – Fast VPN for Secure Browsing

Save 82% on a 2 Year Subscription
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ProtonVPN – Fastest VPN for Android

Save 70% on 24 Month Subscription
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CyberGhost – The Fastest VPN Service for Streaming

Get 83% off on 2 Year Plan
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PrivadoVPN - Secure VPN With Parental Control

Get up to 82% Off
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TotalVPN – Speedy VPN With an Antivirus Functionality

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Private Internet Access – Fastest VPN for Gaming

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Fastest VPN Service Providers at a Glance

  1. Surfshark – The fastest VPN overall
  2. NordVPN – Best fast VPN for geo-block bypassing
  3. PureVPN – The fastest VPN for torrenting
  4. ExpressVPN – Fast VPN for secure browsing
  5. ProtonVPN – Fastest VPN for Android
  6. CyberGhost – The fastest VPN service for streaming
  7. PrivadoVPN – Fastest free VPN for beginners
  8. TotalVPN – Speedy VPN with an antivirus functionality
  9. Private Internet Access – Fastest VPN for gaming

Factors to Consider When Picking the Fastest VPN

To help you pick the best VPN for your needs, here are some points to remember when assessing the high-speed providers I’ve assessed below:

  • Wide VPN server selection  This ensures you have multiple options to connect to within one country or location to avoid overcrowded VPN servers with bandwidth issues.
  • Fast tunneling protocols  VPN protocols such as WireGuard or IKEv2 are more advanced and faster than OpenVPN, allowing for better safety, faster speeds, and lower latency.
  • Dedicated P2P servers  Instead of routing the traffic through a centralized hub to mask your IP and encrypt data, P2P servers connect directly and, thus, are faster for file sharing and torrenting.
  • Streaming-optimized servers Certain VPN providers automatically choose the best servers and locations depending on the streaming service you wish to access. Such servers also ensure buffer-free viewing.
  • Strong encryption Strong encryption ciphers such as AES-256 and ChaCha20 are nearly impossible to crack, making your private data inaccessible to third parties.
  • Ad and tracker-blocking Ads and third-party trackers may hog some of your bandwidth or identify your precise location despite the VPN. So, choosing a VPN service that blocks ads and trackers speeds up your network and strengthens online privacy.

Fastest VPN Providers Reviewed

Routing your internet connection through a high-speed VPN has many benefits. These range from accessing geo-restricted content and services to encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address to avoid advertiser tracking, ISP throttling, and lag while gaming online.

Here is a collection of the fastest VPN service providers that will allow you to enjoy these benefits and more in 2025:

1. Surfshark – The Fastest VPN Overall

Average Speed Retention: Download: 95.09%
Upload: 90.04%
Server Fleet 3,200 servers in 100+ countries
Simultaneous Connections Unlimited
Starting Price $2.19/month

Why We Picked It

Surfshark is currently the fastest VPN service, with over 3,200 servers worldwide, exceptional security, and affordable pricing. It also offers unlimited simultaneous connections and apps for numerous operating systems and routers.

Performance

Surfshark boasts some of the fastest VPN servers. During my testing, it retained about 95% of the original broadband download speed and 90% of the upload speed. Even when streaming Formula 1 live, I saw speeds of 950 Mbps on a 1 Gbps baseline.

The high-speed retention and minimal throttling make Surfshark ideal for streaming video content from other regions using services such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer. Meanwhile, its extensive server network enables access to remote gaming servers and allows fast P2P file transfer using torrents.

Features

Surfshark employs multiple VPN protocols, including WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, with strong AES-256-GCM encryption. Surfshark’s no-log policy is Delloitte-verified to further support its reliability. It also includes an ad blocker that can be extended to smart TVs and via browser extensions.

You also get features like Rotating IP and alternative ID, which make tracking your online activities more difficult. Moreover, its Camouflage and No-Borders modes prevent ISPs, apps, or authorities from knowing when you use the VPN service.

Pricing

Surfshark VPN’s pricing starts at just $2.19/month. There’s also a 7-day Android, iPhone, and Mac trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Alongside standard payment methods such as credit or debit cards, you can subscribe to Surfshark using Google Play, PayPal, and even cryptocurrencies.

Who It’s Best For

Surfshark offers top-notch stealth while being among the fastest VPNs for torrenting and gaming. Its robust security features prevent IP or DNS leaks, while a lightweight WireGuard protocol does not compromise the VPN connection speed.

For more information, read our Surfshark review.

Pros

  • Fast WireGuard protocol and minimal speed throttling
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Solid security and obfuscation features
  • 3,200 servers across 100+ countries

Cons

  • Dedicated IP and antivirus service cost extra

2. NordVPN – Best Fast VPN for Geo-Block Bypassing

Average Speed Retention: Download: 93.05%
Upload: 89.00%
Server Fleet 6,800 servers in 111+ countries
Simultaneous Connections 10
Starting Price $3.39/month

Why We Picked It

NordVPN is rife with features that guarantee it is one of the most secure and fastest VPN services among my picks. It vigilantly blocks ads, malware, and third-party trackers across apps and web pages, making it a great VPN for gaming or streaming.

Performance

NordVPN consistently scores well in performance tests, retaining over 93% of the original broadband speed with unwavering stability over its RAM-only servers. Even when connected to faraway servers, I was pleasantly surprised with speeds up to 930 Mbps on a 1 Gbps baseline.

The VPN provider also has a comprehensive set of P2P-optimized servers and supports Tor over VPN (triple routing to conceal your identity), making it one of the most well-rounded and fastest VPNs for torrenting and file sharing in an obscure manner.

Features

NordVPN offers a SmartPlay feature, which ensures you can stream content from various platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu, etc., without the internet service provider ever detecting the VPN connection.

One unique NordVPN feature is Meshnet – a remote desktop access feature that allows users to acquire access (and IP address) to a home device from another location. This is a great way to bypass Netflix’s household rule. It’s also useful for gamers wanting to access their libraries remotely and on a mobile device.

In addition to IKEv2 and OpenVPN, NordVPN relies on a proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol built atop WireGuard with reinforced security. Besides AES-256, the VPN also supports ChaCha20 encryption for swift data transfers. In its higher-tier plans, NordVPN grants access to a password manager, a dark web scanner, and Incogni’s data scrubbing service.

Pricing

NordVPN’s plans start at $3.39/month. It offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Supported payment options include credit and debit cards, Google Pay, PayPal, Amazon Pay, Sofort, cryptocurrencies, and prepaid cards.

Who It’s Best For

NordVPN’s SmartPlay protection and obfuscation features make it the perfect VPN provider for streaming and gaming without geo-restrictions, while its P2P-optimized servers facilitate high-speed torrenting.

For more information, read our NordVPN review.

Pros

  • Fast propriety NordLynx protocol
  • 6,800 servers in 111+ countries
  • Robust security features
  • Malware protection

Cons

  • No free version
  • Router configuration is tricky

3. PureVPN – The Fastest VPN for Torrenting

Average Speed Retention: Download: 78.93%
Upload: 58.90%
Server Fleet 6,000 servers in 60+ countries
Simultaneous Connections 10
Starting Price $2.14/month

Why We Picked It

PureVPN is yet another speedy VPN service with high download speed retention. This is great for streaming video content outside your region, while its dedicated peer-to-peer (P2P) servers ensure faster downloading speeds.

Performance

During my VPN speed tests, PureVPN was one of the fastest VPNs in terms of download speeds. On a 1 Gbps connection, PureVPN retained a download speed of roughly 650 Mbps, which resulted in lag-free file downloading.

However, the upload speeds were noticeably lower, at 530 Mbps, which might result in slow torrent uploads.

Features

PureVPN offers more than 6,000 servers worldwide. It supports the most popular tunneling protocols, including WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, and encrypts all data with AES-256.

PureVPN is also one of the fastest VPN services for torrenting, with more than 35 dedicated servers for P2P file transfers. For an extra fee, you can also get a cloud-based file vault, password manager, and alternative IP.

Being headquartered in the Virgin Islands, PureVPN is outside the jurisdiction of the 14 Eyes nations. Despite previously having a reputation for complying with the FBI’s directives in 2017, PureVPN has since adopted an “Always-On Audit” no-log policy to demonstrate its allegiance to privacy.

Pricing

PureVPN’s pricing starts at $2.14/month. While it lacks a free trial, you get a 31-day money-back guarantee.

In addition to credit or debit cards, you can purchase the subscription using PayPal and Google Pay or cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin via Paymentwall.

Who It’s Best For

PureVPN’s high download speeds put it among the speediest VPN providers for streaming foreign or geo-restricted content. It can easily unblock streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more. Plus, PureVPN’s broad network of servers, with dedicated P2P nodes, makes it great for torrenting.

For more information, read our PureVPN review.

Pros

  • High download speeds
  • Affordable plans
  • Extensive VPN network with 6,000+ servers
  • 35+ Dedicated P2P servers for torrenting

Cons

  • Slow upload speed
  • No multi-hop functionality

4. ExpressVPN – Fast VPN for Secure Browsing

Average Speed Retention: Download: 56.04%
Upload: 52.55%
Server Fleet 3,000 servers in 105 countries
Simultaneous Connections 8
Starting Price $4.99/month

Why We Picked It

ExpressVPN is a reliable, privacy-centric VPN service provider with a strict no-logs policy. It uses a proprietary tunneling protocol and features an ad blocker, a password manager, and parental controls built-in while supporting various devices, including its own Wi-Fi 6 router.

Performance

While ExpressVPN demonstrated consistent connection speed, it lagged behind competitors such as Surfshark and NordVPN. During my ExpressVPN speed testing, the VPN retained only 56% of the download and 53% of the upload internet speed, resulting in only 560 Mbps speed on a 1 Gbps baseline.

However, ExpressVPN redeemed itself when streaming Yellowstone on Paramount+. I was able to enjoy the show in 4K, lag-free.

For faster speeds, ExpressVPN suggests using its in-house Lightway protocol, which was crafted specifically to minimize resource utilization.

Features

ExpressVPN highly prioritizes online privacy. It exercises strict no-log principles and uses RAM-only servers to ensure all browsing data is erased after each session. Global consultancies such as KMPG, PwC, and Cure53 audit these claims biannually.

You can also choose from numerous protocols, including IKEv2, Open VPN, and its propriety Lightway protocol, secured with ChaCha20 encryption.

ExpressVPN also offers a MediaStreamer DNS, which enables VPN protection on devices that don’t inherently support it. You can also use it directly with certain Wi-Fi routers, including ExpressVPN’s Aircove Wi-Fi 6 router.

Pricing

ExpressVPN’s pricing starts at $4.99/month. It offers a 7-day free trial on Android and iOS devices and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To buy an ExpressVPN subscription, you can use credit or debit cards, PayPal, and Bitcoin.

Who It’s Best For

Backed by its privacy features and minimal buffering, ExpressVPN is great for streaming media from anywhere. It is also one of the fastest VPN providers in China, and the company continually updates instructions for people using it from within the mainland.

For more information, read our ExpressVPN review.

Pros

  • Extensive security features
  • Fast Lightway protocol
  • Free password manager

Cons

  • Average speeds
  • No dedicated VPN servers for torrenting

5. ProtonVPN – Fastest VPN for Android

A logo of Proton VPN

Average Speed Retention: Download: >75%
Upload: >65%
Server Fleet 6,400 servers in 112 countries
Simultaneous Connections 10
Starting Price $3.59/month

Why We Picked It

ProtonVPN is an intuitive and beginner-friendly VPN with a strong emphasis on data privacy. Its Accelerator feature enhances the provider’s VPN speeds on Android devices. Additionally, the provider offers a very functional free VPN plan.

Performance

Due to ProtonVPN’s Accelerator technology, the provider displays excellent speeds of over 680 Mbps in various speed tests, both for downloads and uploads, making it the fastest VPN for Androids.

ProtonVPN also unlocks a horde of content libraries from popular apps, including Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, etc., and has dedicated P2P servers for torrenting and encrypted file transfers over VPN protocols.

Features

ProtonVPN includes a NetShield, which automatically blocks ads and prevents websites from injecting malware. Its Secure Core architecture also allows for a multi-hop setup that routes internet traffic through multiple servers to hide your original IP address. Moreover, Tor support ensures you are difficult to trace even on the deepest and darkest parts of the web.

In addition, ProtonVPN is based in privacy-friendly Switzerland and offers a strong no-log policy that Securitum has independently audited.

Furthermore, ProtonVPN is one of the best VPNs for Linux, thanks to its graphical user interface (GUI), which many other providers lack.

Pricing

ProtonVPN offers a forever free plan, allowing only one connection and automatically selecting the most optimal server. For greater control, opt for ProtonVPN’s paid plan, which starts at $3.59/month. While there is no free trial, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For purchases, you can only use credit and debit cards or PayPal.

Who It’s Best For

ProtonVPN is a fast VPN service with incredible infrastructure to boost speeds while bolstering privacy. Besides streaming in 4K, its low ping and high speeds make it the best VPN provider for gaming.

For more information, read our ProtonVPN review.

Pros

  • Free forever plan
  • Tor network support
  • Built-in ad and malware blocker

Cons

  • Free plan is highly limited
  • Premium pricing

6. CyberGhost – The Fastest VPN Service for Streaming

Average Speed Retention: Download: 73.48%
Upload: 65.89%
Server Fleet 11,700+ servers in 100+ countries
Simultaneous Connections 7
Starting Price $2.19/month

Why We Picked It

CyberGhost VPN has the largest server fleet and is among the fastest VPN services we have tested. It gets security features right, has an intuitive user interface, and hosts dedicated servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Performance

CyberGhost VPN offers fast transfer speeds, retaining around 73% (730 Mbps on 1 Gbps baseline) of the original internet speed. Plus, the affordability and a network of more than 11,700 servers make it a perfect option for streaming global content from anywhere.

Features

In addition to being affordable and easy to use, CyberGhost has abundant features, including AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and a built-in ad and tracker blocker. It uses RAM-only servers and benefits from being located in Romania, a privacy-friendly country.

Moreover, many of its servers are specially optimized for streaming, making it the fastest VPN for streaming TV channels, such as EuroSport, Fox and Fox News, ESPN, CBS, and Sky TV. CyberGhost works great with popular streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, Crunchyroll, Discovery+, and Apple TV.

In addition to streaming, CyberGhost VPN offers P2P-optimized servers for torrenting and low-latency gaming nodes, allowing for maintaining a low ping.

Pricing

CyberGhost VPN is one of the cheapest fast VPN service providers, with prices starting at $2.19/month. It also has a generous 45-day money-back guarantee and different free trial terms for the most popular operating systems.

You can pay via credit or debit cards, PayPal, and Bitcoin.

Who It’s Best For

With its extensive support for video content platforms, CyberGhost VPN is a great VPN for streaming. Its dedicated servers also make it the perfect VPN for gaming and torrenting without breaking the bank.

For more information, read our CyberGhost VPN review.

Pros

  • Affordable pricing
  • Large server fleet
  • Speedy dedicated servers

Cons

  • Average speeds
  • Only seven simultaneous connections

7. PrivadoVPN – Fastest Free VPN for Beginners

Average Speed Retention: Download: 52.86%
Upload: 49.72%
Server Fleet 322 servers in 47 countries
Simultaneous Connections 10
Starting Price $1.99/month

Why We Picked It

PrivadoVPN offers a varied range of servers on its free plan and consistent performance whether you pay to use it or not. It unlocks access to major streaming providers and has dedicated P2P servers for optimized torrenting.

Performance

PrivadoVPN free plan retained roughly 52% (520 Mbps) of my download and 49% (490 Mbps) of my upload speeds, making it the fastest free VPN service. However, due to its limited monthly data (10 GB), this is better suited for casual scrolling and not so much for streaming or gaming.

Features

While PrivadoVPN’s free version offers all the basic VPN features, the paid plan includes an ad blocker and protection from malware. It also comes with 322 servers across 44 locations and supports SOCKS5 proxy resolving, which allows faster performance.

The VPN offers AES-256 encryption, a system-wide kill switch, and support for faster IKEv2 and WireGuard tunneling protocols. Plus, it features parental controls to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate or malicious content on the web and social media apps.

The small server network ensures lower ping while playing casual online games, but it’s unsuitable for highly competitive titles. The close-knit fleet is optimized for P2P transfers, making it an excellent torrenting option.

Pricing

In addition to a limited free plan, you can upgrade to the paid package for just $1.99/month. The plan also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Besides credit and debit cards, you can use PayPal and cryptocurrencies to purchase the subscription.

Who It’s Best For

PrivadoVPN excels as a fast, free VPN for casual scrolling. Additionally, its simplistic dashboard makes it a perfect choice for first-time users.

For more information, read our PrivadoVPN review.

Pros

  • Good performance and server fleet on the free plan
  • Servers suited for casual gaming and torrenting
  • Parental control

Cons

  • Fewer servers in limited locations
  • Less consistent streaming support
  • No browser extensions

8. TotalVPN – Speedy VPN With an Antivirus Functionality

A logo of TotalAV

Average Speed Retention: Download: 70.06%
Upload: 64.96%
Server Fleet 50 servers in 30+ locations
Simultaneous Connections 8
Starting Price $29.00/year

Why We Picked It

Total VPN is a fast VPN service suitable for inexperienced users looking for an intuitive virtual private network. It is ideal for high-speed and encrypted data transfer between nearby locations.

Performance

Despite a small server fleet, Total VPN’s performance was fairly impressive and comparable to that of more popular alternatives such as PureVPN and NordVPN. Even when running a full antivirus system scan, I noted speeds of 630 Mbps (1 Gbps baseline).

Total VPN also ensures reliable, low-latency gaming performance if you choose nearby servers. However, platform limitations translate to poor support for gaming consoles and require routing traffic wirelessly through a Mac or a Windows PC, resulting in potential performance drops.

Features

The biggest benefit of using TotalAV’s VPN service is that you can access international content libraries on most apps, such as Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, etc. However, there have been reports about the service being flagged by Amazon Prime Video.

Total VPN’s non-US servers support P2P transfers, so you can expect speedy torrenting from nearby locations. It also uses AES-256 encryption and supports numerous fast tunneling protocols, like IKEv2 and OpenVPN. Notably, you’ll have to switch the protocol after purchasing the subscription. Total VPN also offers a kill switch functionality, but it is limited to Windows.

Pricing

The VPN comes with a single plan, which starts at $29.00 for the first year and renews at $119.00/year. This plan includes a complimentary subscription to TotalAV antivirus and an ad-blocker.

Who It’s Best For

Total VPN is a safety-oriented product best suited for extensive device security and streaming on Windows PCs.

For more information, read our TotalAV review.

Pros

  • Good speeds from nearby servers
  • Ad-blocker and antivirus included
  • P2P servers for torrenting

Cons

  • Small server fleet
  • Kill switch only for Windows
  • No dedicated IPs or split tunneling

9. Private Internet Access – Fastest VPN for Gaming

A logo of Private Internet Access VPN

Average Speed Retention: Download: 48.69%
Upload: 50.45%
Server Fleet 35,000+ servers in 90+ countries
Simultaneous Connections 10
Starting Price $2.19/month

Why We Picked It

Private Internet Access (PIA) features a graphically engaging user interface with frequent updates to improve functionality. The provider also has practically unlimited servers, specially optimized for gaming and speedy browsing.

Performance

PIA demonstrated above-average speed loss, lagging behind competitors such as NordVPN or PureVPN. Both my download and upload speeds fell by 50% of my baseline speed to about 500 Mbps.

This resulted in a few lags during my Valorant session, but nothing too significant. The speed also improved when I switched the server location to a nearby one.

Features

Despite the slower speeds, Private Internet Access server optimizations make it ideal for torrenting and playing non-competitive online games. The package also includes security features such as IP and DNS masking, multi-hop, split tunneling, and built-in ad and malware protection.

PIA has VPN apps on virtually all operating systems, but its Smart DNS functionality allows it to secure devices that typically don’t support VPN connections. In addition, PIA also has a Linux app with a GUI identical to the Windows and Mac versions.

The VPN is compatible with various web browsers and also bundles a secure browser within the VPN app for mobile devices. Lastly, an independently audited no-logs policy is in place.

Pricing

PIA VPN prices start at $2.19/month. A dedicated IP and antivirus solution are available as add-ons. You also get a seven-day trial on mobile apps and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For payments, you can use credit and debit cards, PayPal, Amazon Pay, and cryptocurrencies via BitPay.

Who It’s Best For

With its extensive network of specialized servers, PIA is great for low-impact gaming on closeby servers.

For more information, read our Private Internet Access review.

Pros

  • Largest server fleet
  • Kill switch on all platforms
  • Multi-hop

Cons

  • Inconsistent speeds
  • Headquartered in the US (Five Eyes Alliance)
  • Basic security features

Fastest VPN Service Providers Compared

Here is a brief overview of the fastest VPN providers we tested, their speed retention, the platforms they support, the server network, and their pricing.

Surfshark NordVPN PureVPN ExpressVPN ProtonVPN CyberGhost PrivadoVPN TotalVPN PIA
Speed on 1 Gbps Baseline 950 Mbps 930 Mbps 640 Mbps 560 Mbps 680 Mbps 730 Mbps 490 Mbps 660 Mbps 500 Mbps
Simultaneous Connection Unlimited 10 10 8 10 7 10 Up to  8 10
Server Fleet 3,200 servers in 100+ countries 6,800 servers in 111+ countries 6,000 servers in 65+ countries 3,000 servers in 105 countries 6,400 servers in 112 countries 11,700+ servers in 100+ countries 322 servers in 47 countries 50 servers in 30+ locations 35,000+ servers in 90+ countries
Kill Switch Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes, Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS only Yes Yes, Windows only Yes
Free trial Yes, 7 days Yes, 7 days No Yes, 7 days, Android and iOS only No

Free-forever plan

macOS: 24-hour
Android:3-day
iOS: 7-day
No

Free-forever plan

No

Free-forever plan

No
Starting Price $2.19/month $3.39/month $2.14/month $4.99/month $3.59/month $2.19/month $1.99/month $29.00/year $2.19/month
Methodology

How We Review and Test VPN Services

20 VPNS TESTED

25 DATA POINTS MEASURED

300+ HOURS TESTING

500+ USER REVIEWS READ

To provide our readers with accurate and well informed recommendations, we tested 20 leading VPN services to find the best in the market. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:

  • Security Features: We made sure that the provider uses standard security features and a secure tunneling protocol.
  • Privacy Policies: We looked for VPNs that come with a no-logs policy, and verify the extend to which user privacy is upheld.
  • Speed: We run speed tests three times a day and draw an average of the result to see how much of the original broadband speed is retained.
  • Compatibility: We ensure the VPN provider offers multiple simultaneous connections and is compatible with the most popular operating systems.
  • Geo-unblocking: We test whether the VPN service can unlock different libraries (content available in different countries) on the most popular streaming platforms.
  • Customer Experience: When researching products and services, we read real user experiences and test out their customer support channels ourselves.
  • Price and Value for Money: We set out to recommend reasonably priced products that offer value for money.

Why Do I Need a Fast VPN?

A fast VPN can enhance your online experience with faster internet speeds, improved connection stability, and heightened privacy and security.

A reliable, high-speed VPN can help you circumvent geographical restrictions, unlock streaming services, and ensure your online privacy – this is precisely why most people invest in a VPN for personal use.

With a fast, trusted VPN at your disposal, you can enjoy all the advantages of an unrestricted online life. Of course, you might also be interested in looking at the best VPNs overall.

What Factors Influence Internet Speed While Using a VPN?

Even the fastest VPNs in the market will slow down your internet connection. Here are a few reasons as to why:

  • Far-off Servers – If the server is geographically far from your present location, you will experience slower speed due to the longer time required for data to travel.
  • Multi-Hop –  Routing your data through more than one VPN server is beneficial for your privacy, but it slows down your connection considerably due to the additional time needed to encode and decode the data.
  • Older Protocols – VPNs using older tunneling protocols, such as OpenVPN, will be considerably slower than the new ones, such as WireGuard or IKEv2.
  • Device-Specific Limitations – Certain protocols favor particular devices and may slow down others. For instance, IKEv2 is generally faster on Apple devices.
  • Server Hardware – Faster CPU and RAM at the server side result in faster encryption and decryption, making your VPN connection speedier. Some VPN providers, such as ProtonVPN, use parallel CPU threads to process data faster.
  • Server Bandwidth – Even if all VPN servers deployed by a provider are equally capable, some might witness more footfall than others, resulting in slower data transfer to and from the server. This can be fixed by changing the server.

How to Speed up Your VPN Connection

Besides choosing one of the fastest VPN services, there are some quick fixes every VPN user can try to speed up their VPN connection:

  • Connect to a Nearby Server – Reduced physical distance from a server increases the VPN’s speeds.
  • Split Tunneling – The technique allows users to selectively choose apps or web pages that will be routed through the VPN while others won’t. This reduced the burden on the VPN’s bandwidth.
  • Switch to Faster VPN Protocols – Avoid OpenVPN and older tunneling protocols such as SSTP, PPTP, and L2TP. Instead, use WireGuard or IKEv2, which are faster and more secure.
  • Switch to a Wired Connection – The simplest way to speed up a connection over a VPN is to remove latency caused by a wireless connection. Instead, a wired connection can eliminate the delay caused due to physical obstructions such as walls or doors.

What Is the Fastest Free VPN?

In my testing, PrivadoVPN emerged as the fastest free VPN. Despite being less popular, PrivadoVPN offers a larger number of servers and locations and more control than ProtonVPN, which also offers a free plan.

Unlike ProtonVPN, PrivadoVPN does not throttle speed when using the free version. However, the free plan comes with only 10GB of data per month, while ProtonVPN’s free tier gives access to unlimited data but does not allow you to choose server locations.

Besides the specific limitations, free VPNs often lack the same level of privacy protection as paid versions. VPN providers might store personal data to offset some of the costs. Free VPNs might also lack crucial features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection, which risk exposing your data to the ISP and, eventually, authorities.

For those reasons, I recommend opting for premium providers like Surfshark or NordVPN, which offer generous free trials and money-back guarantees to use them for free before committing.

Conclusion – What’s the Fastest VPN?

Overall, fast VPNs are essential for ensuring that our online activities are not only secure but also speedy, be it streaming, gaming, or browsing. A VPN connection will slow your connection a little due to its nature; however, with a secure and fast service, you won’t even notice that.

After thorough testing of over a dozen VPNs, Surfshark emerged as the fastest VPN in 2025. Its high-speed connections, robust security features, and user-friendly interface set it apart from the competition. For anyone looking to enhance their online experience without compromising on privacy or speed, consider Surfshark.

FAQs

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Tsvetomir Koychev
Editor

Tsvetomir is a tech-savvy Editor and Writer, focused on online privacy and security. With close to five years of experience in the field, he strives to simplify complex topics and fact-check every detail to ensure his readers always get the most accurate information.