The 6 best VPN software solutions to secure your business in 2025
In 2025, it's impossible to turn your back on online privacy and security. Whether you want to bypass geographical restrictions outside France, protect sensitive information, or browse without being tracked, the choice of VPN (Virtual Private Network) software, whether free or paid, is essential. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you make the right strategic choice.
We'll highlight top players like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and others who promise to secure your connections every day with cutting-edge technology and a rigorous privacy policy. Get ready to discover a tool capable of revolutionizing your online experience, with complete security and peace of mind.
What is a VPN?
Definition of a VPN
A VPN, or virtual private network, is an essential tool for guaranteeing the confidentiality and security of your Internet connection. By creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server, VPN masks your real IP address, protecting your online identity.
✅ This encapsulation ensures that your Internet traffic is safe from interceptors such as hackers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), or even government agencies.
How does a VPN work?
How a VPN works may seem technical at first glance, but it's actually based on a fairly simple principle: create a secure, invisible tunnel between you and the Internet.
🤷♂️ But what does this really mean?
As soon as you activate your VPN, your device establishes a connection with a remote server. This server can be located anywhere in the world, and becomes your new gateway to the web. It's through this relay that all your Internet traffic will now transit.
But it's not just a detour. This tunnel is shielded. All data circulating through it is encrypted using powerful protocols such as AES-256, a virtually inviolable military standard. As a result, even if someone intercepts your data along the way (a hacker, your ISP, even a government agency), all they'll see is a fog of indecipherable characters.
Meanwhile, your real IP address - the one that usually betrays your geographic location and digital identity- is carefully camouflaged. The site you're visiting? It will think you're on the other side of the world, where the VPN server is located. This ruse allows you to:
- bypass geo-blocks,
- unblock content restricted to certain countries,
- escape digital surveillance.
Finally, secure data transfer takes place. Once the data reaches the VPN server, it is decrypted and sent to its final destination on the Internet. The response then travels through the same secure tunnel, back to you, and is again encrypted and decrypted at both ends. All you see is the fluidity of protected browsing. But behind the scenes, there's a whole cryptographic ballet going on with every click.
☝️ In short, a VPN doesn't just hide your tracks: it reinvents your online presence, acting as a digital mask or silent armor that puts you back in control.
So, to help you secure your network, we offer a comparison of the 6 best VPN software in 2025.
The top 6 best VPN software in 2025
Choosing the right VPN means you're well protected, whether you're working remotely, surfing the web with peace of mind, or streaming after your day's work is done... 🤫 Discover the leaders in this fast-growing market and compare them.
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 Kaspersky Small Office Security |  ExpressVPN |  CyberGhost VPN |  Surfshark VPN |  Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For companies with 1 to 250 employees | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies |
| See software | See software | See software | See software | See software |
| Learn more about Kaspersky Small Office Security | Learn more about ExpressVPN | Learn more about CyberGhost VPN | Learn more about Surfshark VPN | Learn more about Proton VPN |
Kaspersky Small Office Security
Kaspersky Small Office Security is a comprehensive cybersecurity suite designed for small businesses that want to protect their data without complexity or dedicated IT departments. Developed by Kaspersky, a recognized player in the sector, the solution meets the needs of organizations with 5 to 25 employees wishing to protect themselves against online threats while focusing on their core business.
One of its key assets? An integrated VPN, designed to protect remote connections, sensitive data and mobile employees. Easy to activate, it reinforces the confidentiality of communications - a real plus in the age of telecommuting and growing cyberthreats.
✅ VPN features include:
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Unlimited encrypted VPN (depending on license), which masks the IP address and secures connections over public or unreliable networks
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Automatic VPN connection when accessing unsecured Wi-Fi, to avoid oversights
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Servers located in several countries to bypass geographic restrictions or access certain services abroad
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Military-grade encryption (AES-256) to guarantee business data confidentiality
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Ultra-simple interface, activated with a single click from the security dashboard
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Protection of sensitive transfers, ideal for online transactions, document exchange or remote access to the corporate network
In terms of pricing, Kaspersky offers a package tailored to small businesses:
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From €85.50/year for 3 workstations, 3 mobile devices and 1 server, with VPN included
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Reduced rates depending on the number of workstations (up to 25) and the length of the commitment
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Satisfaction guarantee, automatic updates and technical support included
Kaspersky Small Office Security
NordVPN: security and performance
NordVPN is a premium VPN for those who want to surf discreetly, bypass geographic restrictions or protect their data on public networks. Created by Nord Security, a company based in Panama - a country with no data retention laws - it relies on a strict non-journaling policy, audited by independent third parties. Its impressive network of over 7,700 servers in 118 countries guarantees a fast, stable connection, even for demanding uses such as streaming, online gaming or teleworking abroad. Simply put: NordVPN ticks all the boxes for both personal and professional use.
✅ Its flagship features include:
- AES-256 encryption and NordLynx in-house protocol (based on WireGuard) to combine security and performance
- Automatic Kill Switch, which cuts the Internet connection if the VPN goes down to prevent data leakage
- Split tunneling, useful for choosing which apps use the VPN and which don't
- Double VPN, which routes your traffic through two servers for maximum shielding
- SmartPlay, a hybrid DNS/VPN technology that easily unblocks streaming platforms
- Anti-Threat Protection Pro, which filters ads, malware and trackers in real time
- Meshnet, to create a private VPN network between several devices, for collaborative work or encrypted file transfers.
NordVPN offers three clear price plans:
- Basic: VPN only from €4.99/month (1-year commitment)
- Plus: from €5.99/month (1-year commitment)
- Ultimate: from €8.49/month (1-year commitment)
All subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test without pressure.
ExpressVPN: speed and reliability
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN designed for those who want to get straight to the point: concrete security, a simple interface, and reliable access to content from all over the world. Developed by Kape Technologies (like CyberGhost), the software is based in the British Virgin Islands - a territory with no data retention laws - which fuels a solid privacy policy, reinforced by regular independent audits. Fewer servers than NordVPN, but better optimized: ExpressVPN lines up over 3,000 in 105 countries, with a focus on speed and stability, especially for streaming or video calls.
✅ When it comes to tools, the software has nothing to envy its competitors:
- AES-256 encryption with 4096-bit RSA keys and Perfect Forward Secrecy
- Lightway protocol, developed in-house, faster and more battery-efficient than WireGuard
- Kill Switch (aka " Network Lock "), active by default on desktop and mobile devices
- Split tunneling, to allow only certain applications to pass through the VPN
- TrustedServer, a unique technology where servers run in RAM, without disk storage
- Guaranteed access to major streaming platforms (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, etc.)
- Native applications for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, as well as routers, smart TVs and consoles
ExpressVPN is aiming for the top end of the price range, with 3 packages:
- For a 12-month commitment: from €7.40/month
- For a 6-month commitment: from €8.89/month
- For a one-month commitment: from €11.52/month
There's also a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN
CyberGhost: best value for money
CyberGhost VPN is a VPN service focused on simplicity, transparency and accessibility, ideal for users wishing to browse securely without technical complexity. Developed by CyberGhost S.R.L., based in Romania, it benefits from a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. With over 11,500 servers in 100 countries, CyberGhost offers impressive global coverage, facilitating access to geo-restricted content and ensuring a stable connection for streaming, downloading and everyday browsing.
✅ Key features include:
- AES-256 encryption for enhanced data security.
- RAM-only servers, ensuring that no data is physically stored.
- Automatic Kill Switch, protecting your identity in the event of VPN disconnection.
- Split tunneling, allowing you to choose which applications use the VPN.
- Servers optimized for streaming, torrenting and gaming.
- Protection against DNS leakage and malicious content blocking.
- User-friendly interface, suitable for beginners and advanced users alike.
Regarding pricing, CyberGhost offers several plans:
- Monthly plan: from €11.99/month.
- 6-month plan: from €6.99/month, invoiced every 6 months.
- 2-year plan: from €2.19/month, billed every 2 years.
All subscriptions include a 45-day money-back guarantee, offering a generous trial period to evaluate the service.
CyberGhost VPN
Surfshark: protection for multiple devices
Surfshark is an affordable, feature-rich VPN service, ideal for budget-conscious users without compromising security and performance. With over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, it offers robust global coverage, facilitating access to geo-restricted content and ensuring a stable connection for streaming, downloading and everyday browsing.
✅ Key features include:
- AES-256 encryption for enhanced data security.
- WireGuard protocol for fast, stable connection speeds.
- Automatic Kill Switch, protecting your identity in the event of VPN disconnection.
- Split tunneling (Bypass), allowing you to choose which applications use the VPN.
- MultiHop (Double VPN), for an extra layer of privacy.
- CleanWeb, blocking ads, trackers and malware.
- Camouflage Mode, hiding VPN use even from your ISP.
- NoBorders Mode, allowing VPN use in censored areas.
- Unlimited simultaneous connection on all your devices.
Surfshark offers several price plans, depending on the length of your commitment. Here are the prices for a one-year commitment:
- Starter Plan: from €3.19/month.
- Plan One: from €3.39/month.
- Plan One+: from €6.09/month.
All subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee, offering a trial period to evaluate the service.
Surfshark VPN
Proton VPN: security first
Proton VPN is a privacy-focused Swiss VPN service, offering robust security and exemplary transparency. Developed by Proton AG, also behind ProtonMail, it benefits from Switzerland's strict data protection laws. With over 11,500 servers in 117 countries, ProtonVPN provides extensive global coverage, ideal for users concerned about their privacy and data security.
✅ Key features include:
- AES-256 encryption and OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2 protocols for optimum security.
- Secure Core, a technology that redirects traffic via secure servers in privacy-friendly countries.
- Automatic Kill Switch, protecting your identity in the event of VPN disconnection.
- Split tunneling, allowing you to choose which applications use the VPN (available on Windows and Android).
- NetShield, blocking ads, trackers and malware.
- Compatibility with the Tor network, offering an extra layer of anonymity.
- Open source applications for total transparency and independent security audits.
- User-friendly interface, suitable for beginners and advanced users alike.
Regarding pricing, ProtonVPN offers 2 plans that evolve according to the length of the commitment:
- Free plan: access to servers in 5 countries, one simultaneous connection, no data limit.
- VPN Plus: from €7.99/month (2-year commitment).
- Proton Unlimited: from €2.99/month (2-year commitment).
All subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee, offering a trial period to evaluate the service.
Proton VPN
How to choose your VPN?
Criteria to consider
Choosing a VPN in 2025 is a bit like choosing a bottle of wine: you need to be able to read between the lines. With dozens of services on the market, here are the essential criteria for making an informed and secure choice:
- First and foremost, good VPN software must guarantee solid security, with AES-256 encryption and modern protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN. But that's not enough. You also need to make sure that the provider applies a strict no-logs policy, ideally confirmed by independent audits.
- Look at speed: a high-performance VPN shouldn't slow down your connection, especially if you're streaming or downloading. An extensive network of servers in several countries and an optimized infrastructure make all the difference here.
- Ask about useful features, such as kill switch (to prevent data leakage in the event of disconnection), split tunneling (to choose which apps pass through the VPN and which don't), and anti-advertising and anti-tracking options.
- When it comes to usage, you'll want a service that's easy to learn and use, with well-designed apps that are compatible with all your devices - computers, mobiles, routers and even smart TVs.
- Analyze the value for money: it's better to invest a few euros a month in a reliable VPN, than to turn to a free version that's often limited, or even risky.
☝️ Ideally? Opt for an offer with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out without obligation. In short, you don't choose a VPN at random: you choose it as a trusted ally for your digital life.
Comparative table of the 6 best VPNs in 2025
| Software | Type of user | Key benefit | 3 key features | Entry price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaspersky Small Office Security | SMEs and VSEs |
All-in-one cybersecurity solution |
Secure VPN with AES-256 encryption, Secure browsing, Simple centralized management | From €85.50 / month |
| NordVPN | Professionals, telecommuters, demanding streamers | Excellent speed + robust infrastructure | AES-256 encryption, Dual VPN, Pro Threat Protection | From €3.39/month |
| ExpressVPN | Users looking for premium simplicity | Intuitive interface and in-house protocol | Lightway protocol, TrustedServer (RAM-only), Kill Switch | From €7.40/month |
| CyberGhost | Beginners, small budgets, streaming fans | Dedicated servers for every need | Split tunneling, Servers optimized for streaming, Malicious content blocking | From €2.19/month |
| Surfshark | Families, multi-devices, travelers | Unlimited connections with a single account | CleanWeb (ad blocker), MultiHop, Camouflage Mode | From €2.19/month |
| Proton VPN | Privacy-sensitive users | Secure Core and open source apps | Secure Core, Tor compatibility, NetShield (anti-malware + ads) | Free option |
Why use a VPN?
Practical applications of VPN
Working remotely from an airport, hotel or coworking space? Practical. But also an open invitation to cybercriminals, booby-trapped Wi-Fi networks and data leaks. With a VPN, connections are end-to-end encrypted: it's your private line, even in the middle of a crowded Starbucks.
And it doesn't stop at security. A VPN also guarantees access to internal company resources, without exposing servers to the general public. Your employees can connect to internal tools as if they were in the office, while remaining invisible to the outside world. No need to open firewall loopholes.
Another concrete example is competitive intelligence. Whether to test a landing page by simulating a German IP, or to monitor prices on an Asian market without being detected, VPNs become a real strategic lever for marketing, product or purchasing teams.
☝️ And let's not forget regulatory compliance. In certain sectors (legal, finance, healthcare), encrypting exchanges is a must. VPNs help to tick the RGPD boxes, without getting caught up in the technicalities.
Advantages of using a VPN
VPN acts like a digital airlock: it drastically reduces your company's exposure surface on the Internet. And it's not just a question of "doing as the others do", it's a question of control. Control over what circulates, how it transits, and who accesses it.
Installing a VPN means regaining control over something essential, but often overlooked: the trajectory of your data. Without a VPN, your data flows are either unencrypted or barely encrypted, at the mercy of opportunistic malware or an inquisitive network operator. With a VPN, everything is encapsulated, encrypted and redirected to secure servers beyond the reach of third parties. 🛡️
It's also a governance tool: you decide who can access what, from where and how, without having to multiply complex layers of authentication or open up your information system in a big way. It's simple, flexible, invisible, and fits in with your security policy.
Finally, it's a way of standardizing security, even in a heterogeneous environment. Whether you have freelancers, subsidiaries, mobile sales staff or external partners, a good VPN puts everyone under the same bubble of trust. And that's a rare thing in cybersecurity.
Can you trust a free VPN, and if so, which one?
Let's be clear: in the world of VPNs, free often comes with a hidden price. For professionals and businesses, using a free VPN can be akin to entrusting the keys to your network to a stranger. However, some offers stand out for their reliability and transparency.
Proton VPN is one of the few free solutions that inspire confidence. Its free version offers military-grade encryption, a strict no-logging policy and a total absence of advertising. Although limited to a few servers and without support for streaming or P2P, it is a credible option for one-off needs or testing.
However, for regular business needs, it is advisable to opt for paid solutions offering guaranteed performance, support and compliance with security standards. Services such as NordVPN, Kaspersky or CyberGhost, as mentioned above, offer free trials or money-back guarantees, enabling you to test their offers without commitment. 🤝
Free browsing is also a question of tools
Using a VPN is no longer an option reserved for geeks or privacy activists: it's become a common-sense digital reflex for individuals and businesses alike. Whether to protect data, work remotely, or simply access a borderless Internet, VPN is a discreet but indispensable ally.
Between NordVPN, CyberGhost, Surfshark, ExpressVPN and Proton VPN, there's no shortage of solutions - it's just a question of choosing the one that best suits your needs, your level of technophilia... and your budget. In any case, investing in a good VPN means regaining control over your connection and surfing with peace of mind.