2025 has been a challenging year for internet users around the world. There’s been major internet restrictions during political upheaval – including in Tanzania and Cameroon recently – alongside heightened censorship in countries well-known for restricting access to information online.
If that wasn’t enough, a storm of age verification laws has also flooded the internet across Western democracies.
Best Black Friday VPN deals
1. TechRadar’s top VPN pick
NordVPN is probably the most famous VPN brand, and TechRadar’s independent tests keep proving that’s not just down to good marketing. Test after test, NordVPN keeps topping our VPN rankings.
When it comes to privacy and security, NordVPN covers all the basics, with things like a no-log privacy policy, multiple VPN protocols, and a reliable kill switch, alongside some advanced features. These include Double VPN protection, quantum-safe encryption, Meshnet, and its flagship Threat Protection Pro tool, which is a shield against online threats like scams and malware.
Nord also has a great record when it comes to unblocking and its recently launched NordWhisper protocol promises to be even better at evading potential blocks on VPN traffic.
2. Best censorship-resistant VPN
Swiss-based provider Proton is an institution among privacy-conscious users. It’s the company behind Proton Mail, the most famous encrypted email service, and the ever-reliable Proton VPN.
Proton offers one of the best free VPN on the market right now. But to get access to the full version, you’ll have to upgrade to its premium plans.
A big focus for the Proton team is certainly unblocking censored content and, after rolling out its obfuscated Stealth protocol back in 2022, it keeps getting better. Plus, its unique Smart Routing technology means Proton can offer local coverage in countries where servers cannot be physically installed due to political or security issues.
Last year, Proton doubled down in its fight against censorship by bringing its Stealth protocol to Windows and adding even more servers in volatile areas. Now, the firm says it’s working on expanding these capabilities even further to fight back against ever-evolving internet blocks.
Like any of Proton’s products, its VPN has been built from the ground up to ensure privacy and security. So, you can be sure the service will take good care of your data − now, for even less money than usual…
3. Best VPN with security bundle
Surfshark is also among our VPNs’ top picks and already one of the year-round best cheap VPN. During this year’s Black Friday discounts, Surfshark’s security bundle really stood out.
Surfshark One is the perfect answer to the multiple threats facing people online everyday. Alongside a VPN subscription that includes a comprehensive set of privacy features and reliable unblocking power, Surfshark One also gives you access to its antivirus tool, its private ad-free search engine service, and a data leak detection system. Here are all the details:
How a VPN can help against internet restrictions
A virtual private network (VPN) helps people bypass internet restrictions by re-routing your internet traffic via its servers, which means the internet service provider (ISP) can’t see what you’re accessing online. Importantly, it also allows you to spoof your location.
To bypass internet blocks or other online disruptions, all you need to do is choose a VPN server located in a country free from restrictions. All the best VPN services boast a vast network of international IP locations, meaning you’ll have lots to choose from.
VPNs also encrypt your connection data, unlike other circumventing tools like proxy servers. This improves the security of your data and makes it more difficult for your activity to be monitored and blocked.
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chiara.castro@futurenet.com (Chiara Castro)
