The Best VPN to Use for Speed and Security

With so much happening online—and in people’s personal lives—businesses that fail to deliver secure experiences risk losing customers. There’s an urgency to invest in security on the customer and business side, which includes VPNs. And that’s the focus today. But what’s the best VPN to use?

According to a NordVPN review published by Cybernews, more companies now gravitate toward advanced cybersecurity strategies that go beyond basic consumer VPNs.

And given projections suggesting that up to 45% of enterprises could be affected by cyber threats this year alone, implementing multiple layers of protection is crucial.

A business-grade VPN often serves as the first and most critical layer.

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What Does a VPN Really Do?

The internet is an essential extension of our everyday lives—vital for work, school, entertainment, and communication. Yet, this hyper-connected reality also brings serious risks.

Cyber threats remain ever-present, waiting for the perfect moment to steal data, access sensitive files, or breach systems.

A virtual private network (VPN) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. This encryption obscures your IP address and safeguards your data, granting you both privacy and anonymity while you browse, stream, or work online.

And while you can go online without a VPN, doing so leaves you more exposed—especially if you’re a gamer, digital nomad, student, or remote worker.

Here are some key personal benefits of using a VPN:

Avoid ISP throttling that can slow down your connection
Access geo-blocked content (useful for travelers or remote workers)
Unlock region-based pricing to find better online deals
Secure your connection on public Wi-Fi, which is typically unencrypted and risky

On a business level, VPNs are even more vital.

They provide:

A secure way for remote and branch employees to access company tools and data
Smooth, uninterrupted data transfers—important for roles like video editing or software development
Confidentiality in operations and anonymous communication
A cost-effective way to further enhance cybersecurity

VPN Top Picks for Speed and Security

While most VPNs share similar core functions, not all deliver the same performance.

A sluggish service can frustrate users and slow down workflows, while weak security features can jeopardize your entire network. Speed and security matter most when choosing a VPN!

Here are the best VPNs to use.

1. NordVPN – Best All-Around for Speed and Protection

NordVPN consistently ranks at the top of the industry thanks to impressive speed, airtight security, and a steadfast commitment to online privacy.

They have a vast network of over 6,000 servers in 111 countries.

Here’s what NordVPN’s sophisticated security infrastructure includes.

Threat Protection: Shields you from malware, phishing, and intrusive ads
Onion Over VPN: Routes your connection through the Tor network for extra anonymity
Multi-Factor Authentication: Adds an additional barrier against unauthorized access
Dark Web Monitor: Alerts you if your credentials are leaked online
DNS Filtering: Prevents harmful content from loading in the first place
Meshnet: Creates an encrypted private tunnel across your devices
1TB of Encrypted Cloud Storage: Available in higher-tier plans

NordVPN is an excellent choice for businesses that prioritize security and scalability, as well as for privacy-focused individuals who need fast, uninterrupted browsing.

2. Surfshark – Best Budget-Friendly with Premium Features

Surfshark demonstrates that affordability doesn’t have to mean cutting corners. Supporting unlimited devices on a single account, it provides a host of advanced tools and easily ranks among the best-value VPNs on the market.

Although its server network is smaller compared to NordVPN, Surfshark performs admirably in speed tests and boasts strong privacy options.

No-Logs Policy: Verified by independent audits
Kill Switch & DNS Leak Protection: Keeps data secure if your connection drops
Antivirus and CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware
Camouflage Mode: Hides VPN usage from your internet provider
Split Tunneling: Decides which apps use VPN protection
Private DNS: Prevents third parties from seeing your browsing activity

Given its combination of strong features and low cost, Surfshark is particularly ideal for families, freelancers, and small business owners seeking robust security without overspending.

3. ExpressVPN – Best for Global Access and Consistency

ExpressVPN remains a top choice for users who demand consistent worldwide performance.

Its proprietary Lightway protocol is a stand-out. It’s designed for speed, stability, and security, offering faster connections and less battery drain on mobile devices than older standards like OpenVPN.

With servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN is an excellent option for frequent travelers or those needing to access geo-restricted content. It’s not just about speed, though.

Key features include:

Network Lock (Kill Switch): Instantly halts all traffic if the VPN connection drops
Split Tunneling: Allows specific apps to bypass the VPN while others remain protected
Threat Manager: Stops apps from communicating with known trackers
Password Manager: Generates and stores complex passwords securely
Smart DNS: Unblocks streaming platforms without routing all your traffic
ShuffleIP: Periodically changes your IP address for enhanced anonymity
Intuitive Interface: Straightforward to use across multiple devices

ExpressVPN delivers a premium user experience, and it’s on the pricier side. Still, it’s a great choice for professionals, power users, and anyone who requires a blend of speed, security, and simplicity.

4. Proton VPN – Best VPN to Use for Privacy-Conscious Users

If you need solid VPN performance without spending a dime, Proton VPN is a standout choice.

Created by the same team behind Proton Mail, this Switzerland-based service is known for its strong commitment to security and transparency. Even the free tier offers unlimited data, which sets it apart from most other no-cost VPNs.

Proton VPN’s privacy-forward approach includes:

Secure Core Architecture: Routes traffic through hardened servers in privacy-friendly countries
No-Logs Policy: Strictly enforced and independently audited
DNS Leak Protection: Prevents data from accidentally leaking
Two-Factor Authentication: Adds extra security to your login process
Per-Session Encryption Keys: Generates a new key for each session
NetShield: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware
Password Manager Integration: Simplifies secure logins

Proton VPN is ideal for activists, journalists, and privacy enthusiasts. Thanks to this VPN, you don’t have to compromise on security even if you’re not ready to pay for a subscription.

The Best VPN to Use – In a Nutshell

When it comes to choosing a VPN, pick one that matches your specific needs.

Businesses often focus on security and scalability, while travelers or remote workers may care more about speed and ease of use. Whatever the need, you can find a VPN to use in this lineup that checks all the boxes.

Ask yourself: Are you mainly streaming video? Protecting important business data? Accessing geo-blocked content?

Each of these scenarios can point you toward a different service.