Disclaimer: If you purchase via links on our site, we may receive affiliate commissions
Updated in April 2025
Top 10 Best General VPN in 2025
When you're trying to protect yourself online, such as when you want to prevent data miners from collecting information about you or if you want to access location-restricted content or keep your data secure over public Wi-Fi, a General VPN should be your go-to option. This article addresses some frequently asked questions about General VPNs, their purpose, how they function, and their advantages. It also includes a guide to finding the best General VPNs and features some standout VPN providers, including ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN, and NordVPN. We will discuss everything in simple, beginner-friendly language, breaking down the barriers for everyone to stay safe.
10 Best General VPN in 2025
- Affordable Pricing
- Simple Interface
- Privacy Protection
- Quick Deployment
- Cost Effective
- Robust Protection
- Military Grade Encryption
- Ultra Fast Servers in 125+ Countries
- Unlimited Data and Bandwidth
- No Logs Policy
- High Speed
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- All in One Solution
- Variety of Domain Choices
- Begineer Friendly Plaform
- Smart Firewall for PC or firewall for Mac
- Password Manager
- Real Time Threat Protection
- Advanced Protection
- Innovative Technology
- Unloack Access
- Privacy Protection
- Privacy First Antivirus
- Dedicated IP Address
- NAT Firewall
- 10 Multi Device Connections
- 24*7 Live Chat
- Competitive Pricing
- Simplified Interface
- 24*7 Support Available
What is a General VPN, and how does it work?
A General VPN (virtual private network) is a service that provides a secure, encrypted connection from your device to the internet, keeping your data safe and your online activity hidden. It works by routing your internet traffic through a remote server that’s run by the VPN provider. This means your IP address is masked, and the data is encrypted in transit to keep you private.
How it operates:
- Connection: You install a VPN app on your device or configure a VPN client. Your smartphone or laptop, for example.
- Encryption: The VPN encrypts your internet traffic (its data) using protocols, like AES-256. Encrypting your data makes it unreadable for hackers, ISPs, or governments.
- Server routing: Your internet traffic is routed through a VPN server in a location you have chosen (like the US or the UK), and you are assigned a new IP address.
- Access: The VPN server sends requests for websites or services on your behalf, allowing you to browse privately or to view geo-blocked and restricted content.
Example: With ExpressVPN, you connect to a US server, stream from Netflix US, and your real IP is hidden. Instead, you are showing a US-based IP.
Let’s get deep dive into the Top 5 Best General VPN in 2025
Features:
- ExpressVPN gives speedy server speeds, strong encryption, and a wide server community spanning across international locations. They offer split tunneling, DNS leak safety, and a kill transfer for greater safety.
Advantages:
- ExpressVPN is thought for its dependable overall performance, person-friendly apps, and 24/7 customer service. They additionally provide a no-logs policy and aid for numerous gadgets and structures.
Use Cases:
- Suitable for people, businesses, and common travelers requiring rapid and steady get entry to the internet even as protective.
Pricing:
- Subscription plans begin at $8.32/month for a 1-12 months plan, presenting aggressive pricing for top rate VPN services.
Features:
- Perimeter 81 gives superior cloud VPN functionality with secure community access for far flung teams and groups. They provide multi-tenant control, zero-accept as true with safety, and automated Wi-Fi protection.
Advantages:
- Perimeter eighty one's cloud-based VPN solution is scalable and flexible, appropriate for corporations of all sizes. Their trust safety model ensures that only legal users and devices can get right of entry to company resources.
Use Cases:
- Ideal for businesses in search of stable solutions for his or her disbursed workforce, such as faraway groups, contractors, and freelancers.
Pricing:
- Pricing is available from $8 /month with variety of customers and functions required.
Features:
- UltraVPN offers rapid server speeds, strong encryption, and a huge server network spanning many places. They offer apps for diverse gadgets and platforms, including a unfastened trial for customers to test the carrier.
Advantages:
- UltraVPN's focus on simplicity and simplicity of use makes it on hand to users of all talent stages. Their rapid and dependable connections make it suitable for streaming, gaming, and standard surfing.
Use Cases:
- Suitable for individuals and households in search of a consumer-friendly VPN solution for simple privateness and safety wishes.
Pricing:
- Subscription plans start at $7.99 /month for a 1-12 months plan, imparting inexpensive alternatives for dependable VPN protection.
Features:
- ProtonVPN offers strong encryption, secure core servers, and a strict no-logs coverage. They provide DNS leak safety, built-in ad-blocking off, and customizable connection profiles.
Advantages:
- ProtonVPN is evolved by using the group behind ProtonMail, recognised for their commitment to privacy and safety. Their unfastened plan gives restricted functions, while paid plans encompass access to more servers and superior capabilities.
Use Cases:
- Suitable for privateness-conscious people, newshounds, activists, and agencies requiring high-stage safety and anonymity on-line.
Pricing:
- Subscription plans start at $3.29/month for a fundamental plan, with alternatives to improve for added functions.
Features:
- CyberGhost Provides dedicated servers for gaming, torrenting, streaming with strong encryption and DNS protection. They provide a malware blocker, ad-blocker, and automatic kill transfer.
Advantages:
- CyberGhost's user-friendly apps and devoted streaming servers make it easy to get right of entry to geo-limited content securely. Their strict no-logs coverage and 24/7 customer support enhance consumer accept as true with and delight.
Use Cases:
- Suitable for individuals and households wanting to bypass geo-blocks, secure their online activities, and defend their privacy whilst torrenting, streaming, or gaming.
Pricing:
- Subscription offering affordable alternatives for feature-rich VPN services. And plans begin at $2.29/month for a three-12 months plan.
Why should I use a General VPN for online privacy?
A General VPN enhances online privacy by:
- Hiding Your IP: Prevents websites, ISPs, or trackers from seeing your actual location.
- Encrypt Your Data: Protect your personal information (e.g. passwords, banking information) from hackers, particularly on public Wi-Fi.
- Prevent tracking: Prevents advertisers and other third-party websites from successfully gathering your browsing data.
- Censorship: Accesses content that was restricted due to governmental internet control, like in countries like China and India.
- Anonymously: An audited no-logs provider like ProtonVPN would be able to guarantee that your activity was not stored.
- Use case: CyberGhost to browse anonymously to hide the search history and streaming habits from your ISP.
Is using a General VPN legal in all countries?
Using a General VPN is generally legal in most nations, but not all:
- Legal Nations: VPNs are completely legal in the USA, Canada, the EU, Australia and almost all of Asia, including India, for personal privacy, safety and protection.
- Restricted Nations: Except few outliers, countries like China, Russia, Iran and North Korea place strict regulations on the use of VPNs or ban them completely to provide restrictions to consistent internet access. Using an unapproved VPN in those countries can lead to fines or other legal issues.
- Grey Area: Countries like the UAE or Turkey have legal VPNs, but they are monitored. Using a legal VPN application to conduct illegal use (such as accessing a banned site) is punishable by the laws set by those governments.
Advice: VPNs from reputable providers like ExpressVPN or NordVPN offer obfuscated sites that allow you to bypass restrictions in restricted or heavily censored states. Also, always check the local laws of the country before using a VPN socially abroad.
Will a General VPN slow down my internet connection?
A general VPN may slow down your internet access due to encryption and routing through different servers, but it can vary:
Factors That Impact Speed:
- Distance to Server – When connecting to a server that is farther away (e.g., Australia when you are in India), it adds latency.
- Protocol – Some protocols, e.g., WireGuard (available with ProtonVPN), are relatively lightweight compared to others, e.g., OpenVPN.
- Load on Server – The load on a server that your chosen VPN provider has on its server will impact the performance of the connection. Premium tier providers (e.g., ExpressVPN) have their servers connected to optimised network infrastructures.
Typical Speed Loss – VPN speed loss depends on the provider. Generally, 5-30% for top-tier VPN providers. NordVPN had a loss of 3% in speed in the 2025 test, whereas ExpressVPN had a loss of about 18%.
Mitigation – Consider connecting to a server that is closer to you, use a lightweight VPN protocol (i.e. WireGuard or IKEv2), and consider VPN providers that advertise fast servers (i.e. Surfshark).
Note: Free VPNs often have slower speeds because of a limited number of servers to connect to, while paid options like UltraVPN try to ensure slowdown is as little as possible.
Can a General VPN protect me while using public Wi‑Fi?
Yes, a General VPN provides great security while on public Wi-Fi (like the café or airport) by:
- Encrypted Traffic – Hackers cannot read the data you send, such as passwords or payment card information, because it is all encrypted and unreadable to them.
- Hiding your IP address – It is much harder for malicious actors to act on any personal information about you when they cannot locate you by your IP address.
- Blocking attacks – Some VPNs have features that will block sites and ads that are malicious, such as NordVPN’s Threat Protection Lite.
- Auto-connect – Use a VPN that connects automatically any time you join an untrusted network, as CyberGhost does!
For example, when using public Wi-Fi, ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption to secure your data on a public Wi-Fi network, so you can use banking sites without worrying about your data being intercepted.
Tip: If the VPN discontinues for some reason (network disconnect, etc.), make sure you turn on the kill switch to prevent data up until that point from leaking out.
Do General VPN providers keep logs of user activity?
Reputable General VPN providers implement no-logs policies, meaning they do not retain records of your browsing history, IP address or any other institutional connection information:
Audited No-Logs Providers:
- ProtonVPN: Swiss-based VPN provider, independently audited and no logging of your activity.
- ExpressVPN: independent audit by KPMG, RRAM-only servers, no-logs policy.
- NordVPN: independent audit by Deloitte, no logging of user activity.
- CyberGhost: Romanian-based VPN provider, independent audit, no-logs policy.
Risky Providers: Any free or unverified VPN providers may log your activity and sell your information to 3rd party organisations. Avoid any provider that you know nothing about.
Verification: when reviewing audit details, or transparency reports (e.g ProtonVPN use of open-source apps), look for 3rd party independent audits provided to users. Examples of possible logging include Hotspot Shield and IPVanish, which may only partially log for diagnostics activities; check their policies.
Can I use one General VPN account on multiple devices?
Yes, most General VPN providers have multiple simultaneous connections.
- ExpressVPN: 8 devices (phones, laptops, routers).
- NordVPN: 10 devices – mobile, desktop and Smart TVs.
- ProtonVPN: 10 devices (free plan – 1 device).
- CyberGhost: 7 devices (and every major platform).
- Surfshark: Unlimited devices (great for families).
- PIA: Unlimited devices (good for large homes).
UltraVPN, Norton VPN, IPVanish, FastestVPN, and Hotspot Shield: Usually 5-10 devices.
Example: Surfshark allows you to cover your phone, laptop, and tablet at the same time with one account.
What is a kill switch in a General VPN, and how does it work?
A kill switch is a security mechanism that cuts off all internet access in case your VPN connection drops, preventing you from leaking unencrypted data.
How It Works:
- It runs a process that monitors the VPN connection in real-time.
- If the VPN drops out (like when a server fails), it halts all internet traffic.
- As soon as the VPN reconnects, the user can regain access.
Kill Switch Providers: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, ProtonVPN, CyberGhost, Surfshark, PIA, UltraVPN, Norton VPN, IPVanish.
Use case: When using untrustworthy public Wi-Fi or switching between server connections, there is an additional layer of security.
Example: NordVPN has some configurable options for the kill switch; the kill switch works on everything (if enabled) or specific applications (like only your browser).
Which General VPN protocol is best: OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2?
OpenVPN
- Pros: Secure (AES-256 strong), open source, can bypass firewalls (e.g., China). Supported by ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN, and CyberGhost.
- Cons: Slower than WireGuard, can use more battery.
- Best for: High security (government censorship or other severe use).
WireGuard
- Pros: Fastest, lightweight, open source, and low battery usage. Used by NordVPN (NordLynx), ProtonVPN, Surfshark.
- Cons: Newer, and thus, less testing with more restrictive environments.
- Best for: Speed, streaming, general use.
IKEv2
- Pros: Fast, stable while on mobile networks, recovers if you switch between networks. Supported by ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and IPVanish.
- Cons: Less secure than OVPN, has proprietary components.
- Best for: Mobile users, people who switch between Wi-Fi and cellular frequently.
Recommendation: WireGuard (i.e., NordLynx by NordVPN) is going to be the best protocol for speed and privacy in 2025. OpenVPN is going to be the best option for the maximum security scenario.
Can a General VPN protect against malware and phishing attacks?
While a General VPN doesn’t offer total protection from malware or phishing, it does provide some protection.
Provides Protection from:
- Protects by blocking malicious sites (similar to the NordVPN Threat
- Protection feature or Surfshark’s CleanWeb.
- Encrypts your traffic and prevents man-in-the-middle attacks on a phishing page.
- Hides your IP from your target, creating fewer opportunities for attacks.
Limitations:
- Does not replace Virus protection software (for Example, Norton VPN works in conjunction with Norton 360 antivirus. Other VPNs may support other antivirus apps, but they don’t include virus management in their features.
- Does not scan downloaded files, nor do programs need to be scanned for malware.
Providers that have malware protection include:
NordVPN’s Threat Protection, which blocks ads, trackers and malicious sites.
Surfshark’s CleanWeb blocks domains that are phishing or have malware.
ProtonVPN provides NetShield, which filters out malicious URLs.
CyberGhost blocks trackers and malicious content.
Tip: combine with anti-virus software to be as protected as possible.
How do I choose the best General VPN provider in 2025?
- Check the security: Look for AES-256 encryption, an audited no-logs policy, and kill switches (like ProtonVPN).
- Check the speed: Consider protocols like WireGuard or IKEv2 (NordVPN, ExpressVPN).
- Server Network: The more servers (NordVPN – 7,800+ servers), the better for better performance and geo-unblocking.
- Streaming support: Check if it works with Netflix, Hulu or BBC iPlayer (Surfshark, ExpressVPN).
- Devices: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, routers (CyberGhost).
- Pricing: Compare costs and trials (PIA – $2.19/month, NordVPN 7-day trial, etc).
- Support: Shop for 24/7 live chat or email support (ExpressVPN had amazing support).
- User reviews: Check the X platform or Trustpilot for reviews.
How do I check if my General VPN is working correctly?
To check that your General VPN is working, follow these simple steps:
- Check Your IP Address: Go to whatismyipaddress.com to check your IP to ensure it matches the location of the VPN server and is not the real IP.
- Check For Leaks: Use dnsleaktest.com or ipleak.net to check for any DNS, WebRTC or IPv6 leaks.
- Check Your Encryption: Check your VPN app for an active connection with AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption.
- Check Access: Try to access some geo-limited content (such as a US Netflix account with ExpressVPN).
- Check Kill Switch: Disconnect the VPN manually, and access to the internet should stop if the Kill Switch is engaged.
As an example, ProtonVPN users can confirm NetShield is working by visiting sites that are ad-heavy to see whether the ads are blocked.
Which is the cheapest General VPN provider with good performance?
PIA (Private Internet Access) is the most affordable General VPN with great performance:
- Features: Unlimited connections, MACE ad/malware blocker, WireGuard, 91 countries, open-source apps.
- Details: Starting at $2.19/month (3-year plan), 7-day mobile trial, 30-day Money Back Guarantee. ~20% speed loss from tests, capable of streaming.
Find out more about what you can do on a budget: PIA’s website for cheap plans.
Alternative: Surfshark
- Features: Unlimited devices, CleanWeb, WireGuard, 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries.
- Details: Starting at $1.99/month, 7-day trial, 21% speed loss.
Find out more about cost-efficient solutions: Surfshark’s website for cheap plans.
What is the best General VPN provider for privacy and speed?
NordVPN is the best General VPN with privacy and speed:
- Features: NordLynx (WireGuard), AES-256 encryption, Threat Protection, Double VPN, 7,800+ servers in 111 countries, and an audited no-logs policy.
- Details: Starting at $3.39/month, 10 devices, 3% speed loss, unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer. The best for privacy and streaming.
Find out more about top-tier VPNs.
Runner-up: ProtonVPN
- Features: Open-source, Switzerland-based, NetShield, Secure Core, 10 devices, 3,000+ servers in 70 countries.
- Details: Starting at $3.59/month, free tier available, 10% speed loss, strong privacy focus.
Learn more about privacy-first VPNs.
Which is the best and cheapest General VPN provider in India (2025)?
Best General VPN in India – Cheap.
Surfshark
- Features: Unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad/malware blocker, WireGuard, 3,200+ servers in 100 locations (including India), audited no-logs policy
- Details: Starts at ₹149/month (~$1.99), 7-day trial for Android/iOS, 30-day money-back guarantee, low-latency Indian servers, reliably unblocks Netflix and JioCinema.
Find out more about affordable VPNs in India.
Alternative: PIA.
PIA
- Features: Unlimited connections, MACE blocker, WireGuard, Indian servers, open-source apps
- Details: Starts at $2.19/month (~₹183), 7-day trial, reliable for privacy based on industry reputation as well as reliability when it comes to unblocking Netflix and other streaming services.
Find other examples of inexpensive VPNs.
Conclusion
In our General VPN Review, we explain why General VPNs are accompanied by privacy, security, and accessibility for the online user in whatever direction they choose in 2025. NordVPN is top of the food chain for speed and privacy, while Surfshark and PIA are budget options worthy of consideration for those in India and wherever else you call home.
ProtonVPN is also a made-for-privacy user option like Surfshark and PIA in that its apps are open-source. ExpressVPN is a good option for more novice users. Whether you are attempting to secure a public Wi-Fi connection, stream a Netflix show, or avoid censorship in your region, a General VPN such as NordVPN or Surfshark will give you consistency and performance.
Discover more privacy-related solutions at the Alternate Product website and maintain online security!
