Streaming, gaming, or working while traveling? A VPN can be your essential tool for staying secure and unrestricted online. Our team has rigorously tested top VPN providers to evaluate their performance in privacy protection, speed, and user experience.
Table of Contents
Why Use a VPN in 2025 ?
With increasing concerns over data privacy, cyber threats, and content restrictions, VPNs offer a reliable solution by:
- Enhancing Online Privacy : Encrypting your internet connection to protect personal data.
- Bypassing Geo-Restrictions : Accessing content and services unavailable in your region.
- Securing Public Wi-Fi Connections : Protecting data when connected to unsecured networks.
- Preventing ISP Throttling : Maintaining consistent internet speeds without interference.
Key Features to Consider
When selecting a VPN, consider the following features to ensure it meets your requirements:
- Encryption Standards : Look for AES-256 encryption for robust security.
- No-Logs Policy : Ensure the provider does not store user activity logs.
- Server Network : A wide range of servers across multiple countries enhances accessibility and speed.Server Network: A wide range of servers across multiple countries enhances accessibility and speed.
- Connection Speed : High-speed connections are crucial for streaming and gaming.
- Device Compatibility : Support for various operating systems and devices.
- Customer Support : 24/7 support can be invaluable for resolving issues promptly.
Top VPN Services Reviewed
After testing several VPNs over the past few months, I wanted to share my real experience with three popular names: TotalVPN, Surfshark, and PC Protect. Each had its strengths and weak spots, and depending on what you’re after, one might suit you better than the others.
🥇 TotalVPN (with TotalAV) – The Best All-in-One VPN in 2025
I wasn’t expecting much when I started testing TotalVPN, because it’s mainly bundled with TotalAV, their antivirus software. But within a couple of days, I realized this thing is a hidden gem — especially if you’re looking for a complete security package without needing to subscribe to multiple services.
The setup took less than five minutes. The app is clean, simple, and actually pleasant to use. It even includes built-in ad blocking, malware protection, and a solid antivirus — so you’re covered on all fronts.
What really surprised me, though, was the consistent connection stability. I tried servers in the US, UK, Germany, and Japan — streaming on Netflix and Disney+ worked without any drama. I even ran leak tests and no DNS or IP leaks showed up, which gave me real peace of mind.
Sure, the server list isn’t as huge as some competitors — about 50+ servers across 30 countries — but the servers worked really well. Speeds were solid, especially considering it’s bundled software.
If you’re looking for a reliable VPN that does more than just hide your IP, TotalVPN (via TotalAV) is my #1 pick this year — especially for users who want antivirus and VPN in one place, without paying double.
🥈 Surfshark – Excellent VPN, But Just a VPN
Surfshark’s been a fan favorite for a while, and it’s easy to see why. It offers unlimited device connections, which is perfect if you’re running a small army of laptops, phones, and smart TVs like I am.
Performance-wise, it’s fast, secure, and streaming-friendly. Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer — no issues. It comes with solid privacy features like MultiHop, a no-logs policy, and CleanWeb to block ads and trackers.
The downside? It’s just a VPN. You don’t get antivirus or device optimization tools like you do with TotalAV. Also, while most servers are fast, I did hit a few that slowed things down or struggled to connect.
If you want a pure VPN with all the right features, Surfshark is a strong second choice. But for me, it felt a bit limited compared to the all-in-one value I got with TotalVPN.
⚠️ PC Protect – Fine for Casual Users, But That's About It
Let’s talk about PC Protect. It looks great on the surface: antivirus, VPN, and a few cleanup tools in one neat dashboard. If you’re not super tech-savvy and just want basic internet protection, this is probably enough.
But if you expect more from your VPN — speed, reliability, actual privacy — you’ll be disappointed. I experienced slow loading times, especially when trying to stream. There were also possible DNS leaks during testing, and the privacy policy wasn’t exactly clear about what data they might be logging.
Worse, the app constantly nagged me to upgrade or buy something else. That got old fast.
In short: PC Protect might be okay for beginners, but it’s nowhere near what TotalVPN or Surfshark can offer. Use it if you’re just getting started online and want a simple bundle, but look elsewhere for serious VPN needs.
VPN Speed Test Data
- TotalVPN : ~6% (excellent for bundled security VPN)
- Surfshark : ~8% (variable depending on server)
- PC Protect : ~18% (less ideal for streaming or gaming)
About VPNs
How We Test VPNs
- Speed Tests : Measured baseline internet speed and compared against VPN-connected speed across 3 continents
- Streaming Capability : Tested unblocking of Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube
- Security Tests : Ran DNS and IP leak tests; verified encryption protocols
- Privacy Audit : Analyzed privacy policies and logging practices
- Privacy Audit : Rated setup and UI/UX across desktop and mobile apps
✅ Final Verdict: What I’d Recommend
🏆 TotalVPN (via TotalAV): The best all-in-one package for privacy, performance, and antivirus. If you want real protection and smooth streaming, start here.
🔥 Surfshark: A strong standalone VPN. Great speeds and features, but missing the extra layers of protection TotalVPN offers.
🧪 PC Protect: Easy to use, but limited. Best suited for light users who don’t care much about advanced features or speed.
