Five VPNs Worth Your Consideration
You know what to look for in a VPN. Now let's get specific. I've researched and tested multiple providers, and these five stand out for hitting the sweet spot between features, security, and affordability.
Disclaimer: I use NordVPN personally and have a referral link for them. But I'm not here to push one option. I'm here to give you choices so you can make the decision that's right for you.
Quick Comparison
All prices are in USD (as of August 2025):
Provider | Price / Month (USD) | Devices | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
NordVPN | $3.50 | 6 | Double VPN, mesh network, split tunneling |
Surfshark | $2.49 | Unlimited* | Double VPN, ad/malware blocker |
ProtonVPN | $4.99 (Free available) | 10 | High-privacy routing, free tier option |
ExpressVPN | $6.70 | 5 | Tracker blocking, streaming optimized |
Mullvad |
$5.50 |
5 |
Maximum anonymity, cash payment option |
*Check for any simultaneous connection limits
1. NordVPN: The All-Rounder
This is what I use, and for good reason. If you want something that just works without compromising on features, NordVPN hits the mark.
Standout features:
- Double VPN routing (your traffic bounces through two servers before hitting the internet)
- Mesh networking (create secure device-to-device connections)
- Split tunneling
- Six simultaneous devices
Independently audited by: Deloitte and PWCTrial: 7-day free trial + 30-day money-back guarantee
Best for: Most people looking for solid all-around protection
2. Surfshark: Budget King with Unlimited Devices
At $2.49/month with unlimited devices, this is the budget champion. Perfect for families or if you've got a lot of connected devices.
Standout features:
- Unlimited devices (check for any connection limits)
- Double VPN
- Built-in ad and malware blocker
- Split tunneling
Independently audited by: Deloitte
Best for: Families, multiple devices, tight budgets
3. ProtonVPN: The Privacy Purist (With a Free Option!)
Based in Switzerland (privacy heaven), Proton is one of the few free VPN options I'd actually recommend. Even the free tier has no ads and no logs.
Standout features:
- Free tier available (limited servers and speed, one device)
- Ten devices on paid plan
- Double VPN through high-privacy countries only
- Swiss jurisdiction
Free tier includes:
- Unlimited data
- No ads
- No logs
- Servers in Netherlands, US, and Japan
- Slower speeds
- No streaming/P2P
- One device only
Independently audited by: Securitum and SEC Consult
Best for: Privacy-focused users, those wanting to try before committing to paid
4. ExpressVPN: The Premium Option
At $6.70/month, it's the priciest on this list, but there's a reason it's everywhere. It's fast, stable, and great for streaming.
Standout features:
- Built-in tracker blocking
- Optimized for streaming services
- Split tunneling
- Five devices
Independently audited by: PWC
Best for: Streaming enthusiasts, those prioritizing speed and stability
5. Mullvad: Maximum Anonymity
This is the option for people who take privacy seriously. No email required. No account needed. You can literally mail them cash.
Standout features:
- No personal information required
- Can pay with cash (anonymously)
- Open-source apps
- Port forwarding available
- Five devices
Trade-offs:
- No split tunneling
- No double VPN
- Limited features (focused on core VPN functionality)
Independently audited by: Assured and Cure53
Best for: Maximum anonymity, privacy purists who don't need extra features
The Bottom Line
All five of these providers:
- Have been independently audited for their no-logs claims
- Are from reputable companies
- Offer solid security features
- Won't break the bank
If you want an all-rounder: NordVPN
If you want the cheapest with unlimited devices: Surfshark
If you want to try free first: ProtonVPN
If you want the best for streaming: ExpressVPN
If you want maximum anonymity: Mullvad
These aren't the only good VPNs out there, but they're a solid starting point for most people's needs. Do your own research, use free trials where available, and find what works best for your specific situation.
Download the full transcript for detailed breakdowns of each provider.
Next up: A final wrap-up episode to tie everything together and cover some additional security considerations.
NordVPN: https://askcharlyleetham.com/likes/nordvpn
* Get up to 3 months free (depending on the plan you choose) and I'll receive the same.

