7 Best VPN & Security Tools for Privacy-Conscious Users (2025)

After testing over 30 VPNs, password managers, and security tools, we’ve identified the 7 essential tools that provide genuine privacy and security without complexity or compromise.

Whether you’re protecting sensitive work data, browsing on public Wi-Fi, or simply taking control of your digital privacy, these tools represent the best balance of security, usability, and value in 2025.

How We Evaluated#

We tested each tool for at least 3 weeks with real-world usage, evaluating:

• Security — Encryption standards, audit history, track record
• Privacy — Logging policies, jurisdiction, data practices
• Ease of use — Learning curve, app quality, cross-platform support
• Performance — Speed, reliability, resource usage
• Value — Price relative to features and competition

1. NordVPN — Best VPN Overall#

NordVPN has consistently ranked among the top three VPNs since 2012, and it’s our top pick for 2025. With 5,900+ servers in 111 countries, the blazing-fast NordLynx protocol, and innovative features like Meshnet and Threat Protection, it delivers premium VPN performance at mid-tier pricing.

Why We Love It#

NordVPN strikes the perfect balance between power and usability. The NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) provides speeds that rival or exceed competitors, while the independently audited no-logs policy ensures genuine privacy. Unlike budget VPNs that make compromises, NordVPN delivers everything: speed, security, streaming, and advanced features.

Key Highlights#

• 5,900+ servers in 111 countries for excellent global coverage
• NordLynx protocol delivers 30-50% faster speeds than OpenVPN
• Independently audited 3 times (PwC 2018, 2020; Deloitte 2023)
• RAM-only servers that wipe all data on reboot
• Threat Protection blocks malware, trackers, and ads even when VPN is off
• Meshnet creates secure encrypted networks between your devices
• Double VPN routes traffic through two servers for maximum anonymity
• Excellent streaming — unblocks Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and 15+ services
• 10 simultaneous connections for multiple devices

Pricing#

The 2-year plan at $3.39/month offers exceptional value — premium VPN features at budget VPN pricing.

Speed Performance#

In our tests from a 500 Mbps connection:

• Local servers: 412 Mbps (15% loss) — Excellent
• Cross-country: 356 Mbps (26% loss) — Very good
• International: 267 Mbps (33% loss) — Strong, supports 4K streaming
• Long-distance: 145 Mbps (54% loss) — Good, still very usable

NordVPN ranks in the top 3 fastest VPNs we’ve tested.

2. ExpressVPN — Best Premium VPN#

ExpressVPN is the “Apple of VPNs” — premium-priced, beautifully designed, and exceptionally polished. If you want the absolute best VPN experience with zero learning curve and don’t mind paying nearly double the competition, ExpressVPN delivers.

Why We Love It#

ExpressVPN has the most intuitive VPN apps we’ve tested. Setup takes 2 minutes, and connecting is as simple as pressing a button. The Lightway protocol delivers consistently fast speeds, especially on long-distance international connections. While it costs more than NordVPN, you’re paying for refinement and peace of mind.

Key Highlights#

• Best-in-class app design — Most intuitive VPN interface available
• 3,000+ servers in 105 countries with excellent reliability
• Lightway protocol optimized for speed and efficiency
• MediaStreamer DNS works on devices without VPN app support (smart TVs, consoles)
• Split tunneling on all platforms including macOS and iOS
• Independently audited no-logs policy (PwC 2019)
• RAM-only servers ensure no data persistence
• Best customer support — 24/7 live chat with 2-3 minute response times
• 8 simultaneous connections

Pricing#

ExpressVPN costs nearly double NordVPN on comparable plans, but you get marginally better international speeds and the most polished experience.

3. Surfshark — Best Budget VPN#

Surfshark is the budget VPN that doesn’t feel like a budget VPN. At just $2.19/month on the 2-year plan, it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, strong security, and reliable streaming unblocking — making it ideal for large households or users with many devices.

Why We Love It#

Surfshark proves you don’t need to spend $10/month for a quality VPN. Despite the low price, you get WireGuard protocol speeds, RAM-only servers, independently audited no-logs policy, and unique features like CleanWeb (ad/malware blocking) and Nexus (dynamic server routing). The unlimited device policy is unmatched.

Key Highlights#

• Unlimited simultaneous connections — Connect every device you own
• 3,200+ servers in 100 countries provides solid global coverage
• WireGuard protocol delivers fast speeds at budget pricing
• CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware
• Nexus technology routes traffic through entire network for enhanced privacy
• Independently audited no-logs policy (Cure53 2021, 2023)
• RAM-only servers ensure no data retention
• Excellent streaming — unblocks Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer
• 2-year plan at $2.19/month is unbeatable value

Pricing#

At $2.19/month with unlimited devices, Surfshark offers the best value in the VPN industry for large households.

4. 1Password — Best Password Manager#

1Password is the password manager that strikes the perfect balance between security and usability. Its clean design, excellent browser integration, and unique features like Travel Mode and Watchtower make it our top pick for most users.

Why We Love It#

1Password makes security feel effortless. The browser extension fills passwords instantly, suggests strong passwords automatically, and stores everything from credit cards to secure notes. Unlike some password managers that feel like digital vaults you must consciously access, 1Password integrates so seamlessly you forget it’s there — until you realize you haven’t typed a password in months.

Key Highlights#

• Excellent browser integration on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
• Travel Mode temporarily removes sensitive data when crossing borders
• Watchtower alerts you to compromised passwords, weak passwords, and reused passwords
• Secret Key provides additional security beyond master password
• 1Password X works entirely in browser without desktop app
• Family sharing with 5 accounts, shared vaults, and permissions
• 2FA integration stores TOTP codes alongside passwords
• Native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
• Zero-knowledge encryption — 1Password cannot access your data

Pricing#

The Families plan at $4.99/month ($0.99/person) offers exceptional value for households.

Security#

• AES-256 encryption with PBKDF2 key derivation
• Secret Key adds 128-bit entropy to master password
• Zero-knowledge architecture — 1Password never sees your data
• SOC 2 Type II certified and regularly audited
• Bug bounty program with responsible disclosure

5. Bitwarden — Best Free Password Manager#

Bitwarden is the open-source password manager that proves you don’t need to pay for password security. The free plan includes unlimited passwords, unlimited devices, and core features that match premium competitors.

Why We Love It#

Bitwarden’s free plan is so comprehensive that most users never need to upgrade. You get unlimited password storage, cross-device sync, browser extensions, and mobile apps — features that other password managers charge $30-50/year for. The open-source codebase has been audited multiple times, providing transparency that closed-source competitors can’t match.

Key Highlights#

• Free plan includes unlimited passwords on unlimited devices
• Open-source — Code is publicly auditable and independently verified
• Cross-platform browser extensions and native apps
• Self-hosting option for ultimate control (advanced users)
• Bitwarden Send for secure password sharing via encrypted links
• Multiple independent security audits verify encryption implementation
• Premium at $10/year adds 2FA, 1GB encrypted storage, priority support
• Zero-knowledge encryption — Bitwarden cannot access your data

Pricing#

The free plan is so good that upgrading is optional for most users.

Security#

• AES-256 encryption with PBKDF2-SHA256 key derivation
• Zero-knowledge architecture — All encryption happens client-side
• Open source — Code audited by security community
• Third-party audited by Cure53, Insight Risk Consulting
• SOC 2 Type II and SOC 3 certified

6. Proton VPN — Best Privacy-Focused VPN#

Proton VPN is built by the same privacy advocates behind ProtonMail. Based in Switzerland with some of the world’s strongest privacy laws, Proton VPN prioritizes anonymity above all else — and offers the only trustworthy free VPN plan.

Why We Love It#

Proton VPN’s free plan is genuinely no-logs and doesn’t monetize your data through ads or bandwidth selling. The company has a proven track record defending user privacy against government requests. While speeds don’t match NordVPN or ExpressVPN, the uncompromising focus on privacy makes Proton VPN the best choice for activists, journalists, and privacy maximalists.

Key Highlights#

• Free plan that’s actually safe — No ads, no logs, no bandwidth selling
• Switzerland jurisdiction with strongest privacy laws in the world
• Open-source apps allow independent security verification
• Secure Core routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries first
• NetShield blocks ads, trackers, and malware (paid plans)
• No-logs policy backed by Switzerland’s lack of data retention laws
• Tor over VPN for maximum anonymity
• Kill switch on all platforms

Pricing#

The free plan is the only free VPN we recommend — genuinely no-logs and safe to use.

7. Mullvad VPN — Most Anonymous VPN#

Mullvad is the VPN for people who take anonymity seriously. You can pay with cash mailed anonymously, create accounts without email addresses, and connect via WireGuard or OpenVPN. It’s the VPN that privacy activists and security researchers actually use.

Why We Love It#

Mullvad doesn’t just claim to be privacy-focused — it’s architected from the ground up for anonymity. No email required, no personal information collected, account numbers are randomly generated, and you can literally mail cash to subscribe. The flat €5/month pricing ($5.50 USD) is refreshingly transparent with no multi-year upsells.

Key Highlights#

• No email or personal information required — Just generate account number
• Pay with cash mailed anonymously (or cryptocurrency)
• Flat €5/month pricing with no promotional games
• Open-source apps audited by security researchers
• WireGuard protocol for fast speeds
• Owned infrastructure — Mullvad owns/controls servers (no third parties)
• RAM-only servers with disk encryption
• No-logs policy verified by Swedish jurisdiction

Pricing#

No promotional pricing, no multi-year discounts — just flat, honest pricing.

Comparison Table#

Essential Security Stack#

For comprehensive protection, we recommend combining:

1. VPN: NordVPN for speed, security, and streaming
2. Password Manager: 1Password for seamless integration or Bitwarden if budget-conscious
3. Two-Factor Authentication: Authy or built-in password manager TOTP

This three-layer approach protects you from:

• ISP tracking and data collection (VPN)
• Password breaches and credential stuffing (Password Manager)
• Account takeover via stolen passwords (2FA)

Total cost: $6.38/month (NordVPN + 1Password) or $3.39/month (NordVPN + Bitwarden free)

How to Choose#

For VPN:#

1. Want best overall value? → NordVPN ($3.39/mo, premium features)
2. Want easiest experience? → ExpressVPN ($6.67/mo, most polished)
3. Have many devices? → Surfshark ($2.19/mo, unlimited connections)
4. Prioritize privacy above all? → Proton VPN or Mullvad
5. Need free option? → Proton VPN Free (only safe free VPN)

For Password Manager:#

1. Want best experience? → 1Password ($2.99/mo, most polished)
2. On a budget? → Bitwarden Free (unlimited passwords/devices)
3. Have a family? → 1Password Families ($4.99/mo, 5 people)

FAQ#