Make no mistake: your online data is a highly sought-after commodity. Every link you click and every site you visit is valuable information for companies like your internet service provider (ISP) or Google, who may sell or exploit it for advertising purposes. Even government agencies could be interested in monitoring your digital activity.
To regain control of your privacy, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an essential tool. This service encrypts your connection and routes it through a secure server before reaching the internet, allowing you to browse with greater anonymity and protection.
Why Use a VPN?
While no VPN guarantees complete anonymity, the best ones protect your personal data and hide your IP address from prying eyes. The most trustworthy providers operate with strict no-logs policies, verified by independent audits, ensuring they never store your browsing history.
Additionally, a VPN lets you virtually change your location, which is useful for accessing geo-restricted content. This is particularly relevant if you live in France, the UK, or certain U.S. states, where age-verification laws restrict access to adult platforms.
Our Top Picks for 2025
After extensive testing, Proton VPN stands out as the best VPN for most users. It’s the most privacy-focused option, featuring open-source apps, an independently audited no-logs policy, and a strong commitment to digital freedom. Its premium version offers fast servers, advanced features like multi-hop and split tunneling, and allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. While its free tier is limited, it’s the only truly unrestricted free VPN available. For its excellence, Proton VPN has earned the Mashable Choice award.
Coming in second, TunnelBear is a great alternative, especially for beginners. Its user-friendly interface, unlimited connections, and regular security audits make it a reliable choice. However, its free plan only includes 2GB of monthly data, and in our tests, it failed to bypass geo-blocks. Still, it’s a solid pick for casual users who want simple, effective protection.
By: Nestor Castillo, ForAllTechNews Director