Give yourself the gift of digital privacy this Christmas

1. VPN
2. VPN Services

Give yourself the gift of digital privacy this Christmas Features By Aleksandar Stevanović published 24 December 2025

A VPN is the gift that keeps giving

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Getty Images) Share Share by:

• Copy link
• Facebook
• X
• Whatsapp
• Reddit
• Pinterest
• Flipboard
• Threads

Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google

With Christmas Day just hours away, the rush to bag the best gifts is (hopefully) winding down. But if you've left a little room under the tree, now's the perfect time to treat yourself (and your data) to something useful.

Right now, some of the best VPNs are offering steep discounts, giving you the chance to lock in multi-year privacy protection at the lowest prices of the year. It's a great way to stay secure and anonymous online as we head into 2026.

From government censorship to aggressive geo-blocking and tighter age restrictions, digital freedom is under pressure, but a quality VPN can help you reclaim it. Our top picks come with handy tools, like stealth protocols designed to help you bypass bans, as well as global networks of speedy VPN servers.

You may like

• 3 Christmas VPN deals to keep your present hauls safe
• 2025 was a bad year for internet freedoms – here's the 3 cheapest ways to reclaim your digital rights
• We're VPN experts and these are our favorite Cyber Monday VPN deals of 2025

We've picked out three standout options worth considering this Christmas, all tested, top-rated, and ready to go.

NordVPN: The star on top of the tree

NordVPN has consistently topped our rankings in 2025, and for good reason. Whether you're looking for airtight privacy, smooth streaming, or everyday protection, NordVPN delivers across the board.

It's packed with features that go beyond the basics. Threat Protection Pro helps block ads, trackers, and malware before they can wreak havoc on your devices. Multiple VPN protocols are available (including NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2), and independent audits back up its strong no-logs policy.

NordVPN also excelled in our in-house streaming tests, reliably unblocking Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more with fast, buffer-free playback. It's a smart choice for streamers who don't want to compromise on privacy.

That said, it doesn't offer unlimited simultaneous connections, and some features vary slightly between platforms. Still, it's a solid pick for nearly every type of user. You'll also find handy extras like Meshnet for secure device-to-device connections and a kill switch that works consistently across platforms. These kinds of details make NordVPN feel polished and dependable.

Whether you want a full security suite or just a fast, trustworthy VPN to run in the background, NordVPN remains the best all-rounder on the market heading into 2026.

NordVPN – The best VPN overall ($2.99 per month)NordVPN sits at the top of our overall rankings because it ticks every box... and then some! It's easy to use, even for VPN newbies, and more than fast enough to keep up with your day-to-day browsing. In addition, it has:

🌎 Servers in over 110 countries🍿 Unblocks all of today's top streaming platforms💻 Support for up to 10 simultaneous connections

Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

View Deal

Surfshark: cheap, cheerful, and chock-full of tools

If you want a feature-rich VPN without the premium price tag, Surfshark is a great pick, especially during the holiday sale. It's the most affordable provider in our top three, but it doesn't cut corners on core functionality.

You may like

• 3 Christmas VPN deals to keep your present hauls safe
• 2025 was a bad year for internet freedoms – here's the 3 cheapest ways to reclaim your digital rights
• We're VPN experts and these are our favorite Cyber Monday VPN deals of 2025

You get excellent unblocking power and reliably fast speeds, making it an ideal streaming VPN. Surfshark worked seamlessly with Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer in our latest tests. It also boasts servers in 100 countries, giving you plenty of flexibility for bypassing regional restrictions or exploring foreign content libraries.

The standout perk here is unlimited simultaneous connections. That means you can protect every device in your household, and a few more, with just one subscription. It's a big win for families, households with lots of gadgets, or anyone helping relatives get set up.

There's also a clean, easy-to-use app interface across desktop and mobile, with clear settings and minimal clutter: a welcome touch if you're new to VPNs or setting one up for someone else.

The main catch is Surfshark's renewal pricing, which increases significantly after your initial term. To get the most value, it's best to lock in the two-year plan while the offer is active.

For anyone new to VPNs or simply watching their budget, Surfshark strikes a smart balance between affordability, usability, and performance.

Surfshark – the best cheap VPN ($1.99 per month)Surfshark proves that you don't need to pay a fortune for a solid security-conscious VPN. Plus, its Alt ID tool can help you cut down on the amount of info you share over the web.

🌎 Servers in 100 countries🏃‍➡️ Consistently quick, even when gaming and torrenting💻 Support for unlimited simultaneous connections

Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it with zero risk.

View Deal

Proton VPN: A full plate of privacy

Proton VPN is built for privacy-first users who care as much about values as features. It's developed by the team behind Proton Mail, and the same commitment to digital freedom runs through the entire product.

Based in Switzerland, Proton VPN benefits from strong local privacy laws and no mandatory data retention. Its Secure Core feature routes traffic through hardened servers in privacy-friendly jurisdictions, adding another layer of protection. And with its custom Stealth protocol, Proton VPN is a strong option for bypassing censorship in restrictive regions.

NetShield, the service's built-in ad, malware, and tracker blocker, adds daily protection, though it can interfere with streaming platforms if you're using OpenVPN. That makes NordVPN or Surfshark better choices if consistent streaming is a top priority.

Still, Proton VPN's transparency, open-source apps, and robust security tools make it one of the best no-compromise VPNs on the market today. Whether you're dodging surveillance, avoiding trackers, or just want a cleaner, safer web experience, it's a serious tool for serious privacy.

Proton VPN – The best VPN for privacy vProton VPN is a privacy-first provider that's jam-packed with innovative tools designed to keep you, and your most sensitive data, safe. But that's not all, a Proton VPN plan also comes with:

🌎 Servers in 120 countries🔒 Swiss-grade security💻 Support for up to 10 simultaneous connections

All Proton VPN plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee as standard.

View Deal Aleksandar StevanovićSocial Links NavigationFreelance Writer

The (cyber) devil is in the details - a saying that Alex firmly believes in every time he powers up his PC. As a freelance writer, Alex explored a plethora of topics and industries during his 10+ years-long career. Cybersecurity is his current focus, allowing his innate attention to detail (and OCD) to adorn each reader- and value-oriented piece he crafts. 

Show More Comments

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Logout Read more 3 Christmas VPN deals to keep your present hauls safe    2025 was a bad year for internet freedoms – here's the 3 cheapest ways to reclaim your digital rights    We're VPN experts and these are our favorite Cyber Monday VPN deals of 2025    These Netflix VPNs are still on sale – don't miss out on big Cyber Monday savings    I discovered 3 criminally underused VPN features – and they're all on sale right now!    The best VPN deals this December 2025 – get the lowest price possible    Latest in VPN Services 3 Christmas VPN deals to keep your present hauls safe    You can now create a Windscribe account completely anonymously – here's how    How Surfshark's web content blocker differs from traditional parental controls to help users safeguard loved ones    Surfshark expands dedicated IP to Linux in its latest desktop update    All I want for Christmas is NOT a scam – Surfshark shares some tips to avoid digital threats during the festive season    Mullvad VPN boosts WireGuard speeds and stability with new Rust-based engine    Latest in Features I love Sanda, a wild and heartwrenching Christmas anime on Prime Video    AI Santa Claus is coming to town    These are the 6 best Christmas films of all-time according to you, the TechRadar audience    The best Minecraft Christmas ideas in 2025    I tested 30 pairs of headphones in 2025, and these are the 4 I still want to use    I’m a solo vlogger — these are the 6 pieces of kit I recommend for creating content that shines    LATEST ARTICLES

1. 1Give yourself the gift of digital privacy this Christmas
2. 2AI-created ransomware and NFC attacks lead the surge in new cyberattacks - here's how you can stay safe this holidays
3. 33 Christmas VPN deals to keep your present hauls safe
4. 4These malicious Google Chrome extensions have stolen data from over 170 sites - find out if you're affected
5. 5I’m a solo vlogger and these are the 6 pieces of gear I recommend for creating content that shines