Best VPN for Military Grade Encryption in 2025

A virtual private network (VPN) is the best way to protect sensitive data from hackers and avoid unwanted surveillance from your ISP and government agencies.

A secure VPN will also hide your real IP address, so you’ll stay anonymous online. Plus, when you connect to a server in another country, you can bypass geo-restrictions on your favorite streaming services or complete your online banking from anywhere in the world.

Not every VPN connection is secure; to be sure it is, I recommend sticking with a trusted VPN provider that uses military-grade, advanced encryption standard (AES) encryption.

Keep reading and learn about the best VPNs with military-grade encryption on the market!

In a hurry? Here are 5 best VPNs with military-grade encryption 

The top 5 VPN service providers with military-grade encryption are:

Key takeaways

1. The most secure VPN providers protect your connections with military-grade encrypted data.
2. Unsecure connections put you at risk for cyber threats like hackers and unwanted surveillance.
3. Passing your private data through an encrypted VPN tunnel protects you from slowdowns caused by ISP throttling.
4. A secure VPN provider will hide your real IP address so you stay anonymous online.
5. A secure VPN server lets you access your bank account and streaming libraries from any location.

Why is it important to use a VPN with military-grade encryption?

 Military-grade encryption is the most sure-fire way to keep all your internet activity private and safe. AES encryption is the toughest type of encryption to crack, making it the best line of defense against cybercriminals and unwanted surveillance from your ISP and government agencies.

A secure VPN will also hide your real IP address and location, keeping you anonymous online. That same software allows you to securely access your bank accounts, work accounts, and favorite streaming platforms from any location.

If you are serious about cybersecurity and want unrestricted access to the World Wide Web, military-grade VPN encryption is a must!

Do I need military-grade VPN encryption?

I highly recommend using a military-grade VPN for all your online activities. Encrypting your VPN connection has multiple benefits, and only a military-level encryption key has the degree of security needed to do these jobs effectively. Here’s why I use a military-grade VPN.

• Security. A secure VPN connection will pass your data through an encrypted tunnel, keeping your sensitive data safe from brute force attacks from hackers.
• Privacy. A military-grade VPN passes your data through an encrypted tunnel so your online activities and location remain private, protecting your internet traffic from surveillance by internet service providers, government agencies, and intelligence agencies.
• Speed. Your internet service provider may throttle your speed when you use large amounts of data, for example, while streaming, gaming, or torrenting. By passing everything through an encrypted tunnel, they can’t tell how much data you are using, so they will have no reason to throttle your connection.

What to look for in a military-grade VPN?

Not all VPNs are the same. As someone who prioritizes cyber security, I recommend getting a VPN that comes with the following features:

• Strong tunneling protocols. I look for VPNs with secure protocols for tunneling, like OpenVPN, WireGuard, Lightway, or NordLynx. I would avoid using the PPTP protocol security, as it is a less secure option.
• Privacy. A private VPN provider will have an independently verified zero-logs policy and use RAM-only servers to ensure your data remains private.
• Security features: In addition to military-grade VPN encryption protocols, get a VPN that comes with a kill switch that cuts your connection if your VPN accidentally drops, as well as IP & DNS leak protection.
• Speed. Encryption takes time and can slow your internet connection speed, so be sure to get a fast VPN for seamless browsing, streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
• Compatibility. Select a VPN provider with intuitively designed apps for your home and mobile devices.
• Customer service. Protect your investment by subscribing to a VPN service with 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5 best VPNs with military-grade encryption

If you’re serious about safeguarding your online privacy, stick with one of these five VPNs. Here’s what makes them stand out:

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN strikes the perfect balance of security features, speed, and function, making it my number one choice for the best VPN with advanced encryption.

Features: I love the extra online security I get with ExpressVPN’s advanced features like an ad-blocker, a tracker-blocker, malware protection, split tunneling, and a password manager.

Speed: During speed tests, ExpressVPN retained 97% of its baseline speeds on local connections and 95% of its baseline speeds on an overseas connection, ensuring smooth browsing, streaming, torrenting, and gaming.

Privacy & Security: Express has advanced security features, including military-level VPN encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy to keep your data private and secure.

Performance: The secure and fast connection you get with ExpressVPN supports uninterrupted browsing, streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Streaming: Access global content on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer without geo-restrictions getting in your way. Its network spans 3,000+ servers across 105 countries so you can enjoy broad access to worldwide content.

Compatibility: Its user-friendly apps work with Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Linux, supporting up to 8 simultaneous connections.

Pricing: Plans start at $6.67/month, including 3 free months, a 30-day trial, and 24/7 live chat support.

2. NordVPN

A premium VPN with competitive pricing, NordVPN combines strong encryption and high performance for all online activities.

Features: As a cybersecurity fanatic, I love the extra security features I get with NordVPN, such as Threat Protection Pro, double VPN encryption, dedicated IP addresses, and Dark Web Monitoring.

Speed: I retained an impressive 98% of my baseline speed on local connections and 96.8% of my baseline speed on overseas VPN servers during testing.

Privacy & Security: With the highest level of VPN encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a verified no-logs policy, NordVPN is one of the most secure VPN services.

Performance: You’ll have no trouble browsing, streaming, gaming, or torrenting while connected to NordVPN.

Streaming: I can unblock platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more with ease and enjoy worldwide content via Nord’s 7,100+ VPN servers across 118 countries.

Compatibility: The apps are user-friendly and support Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux devices, with up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Pricing: The pricing starts at $3.59/month, including 4 bonus months, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and 24/7 live chat support.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is the ultimate budget-friendly VPN with premium features. It protects your online data on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously at a fraction of the cost of the premium VPN providers.

Features: With Surfshark, you’ll get the same advanced features you get with all of the best VPN services, including ad-blocking, tracker blocking, malware protection, static IP, data breach monitoring, and Perfect Forward Secrecy, which changes encryption keys constantly.

Speed: While slightly slower than the premium VPN providers, Surshark maintained a solid 82% of baseline speeds on local connections and 78% on long-distance connections while using the WireGuard VPN protocol.

Privacy & Security: Military-level VPN encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy ensure your online data is secure.

Streaming: Easily bypass geo-restrictions on Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and more. With Surfshark’s 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, you’ll have endless hours of entertainment.

Compatibility: The apps are easy to use and available for all major platforms, including iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, and Linux devices, with unlimited simultaneous connections.

Pricing: Subscription plans start at a low $1.99/month, including 4 free months, 24/7 live chat, and a 30-day trial.

4. CyberGhost

For privacy on a budget, CyberGhost offers a secure connection and reliable service for all your online activities.

Features: On top of all the essentials, for a little bit extra, you can purchase a dedicated IP address and the CyberGhost Security Suite Antivirus protection.

Speed: I retained 73% of my baseline speeds locally, with variable long-distance performance.

Privacy & Security: CyberGhost offers military-grade encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy.

Performance: CyberGhost comes with specialized VPN servers for gaming, streaming, and P2P file sharing, which support optimal performance.

Streaming: Easily access geo-restricted shows on Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and more using the 11,500+ servers in 100 countries in CyberGhost’s network.

Compatibility: Intuitive apps support all major operating systems, including iOS, macOS, Linux, Android, and Windows, with 7 simultaneous connections.

Pricing: A 2-year plan costs $2.03/month, including 4 free months, 24/7 live chat support, and a 45-day trial.

5. Proton VPN

Proton VPN supports secure browsing and has a free version that includes unlimited bandwidth and data, so you can enjoy solid performance for all of your Internet activities.

Features: With features like a VPN accelerator, Secure Core, and a Stealth mode, Proton VPN has what it takes to support secure and quick Internet traffic.

Speed: I retained 75% of the baseline speeds on a US server and 60% of the baseline speed on a European server using the Proton VPN Plus plan.

Privacy & security: Military-level VPN encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy provide strong data protection on all Proton VPN service plans, including the free version.

Streaming: You can unblock geo-restricted libraries on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more. Paid plans include 8,600+ servers in 112 countries for broad access to shows, while the free plan comes with 86 servers in 3 countries, which is more limited but includes the US, which usually has the largest content libraries.

Compatibility: The apps work seamlessly with Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and Linux devices on up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Pricing: Paid plans start at $4.99/month, with a 30-day trial.

Methodology: How I chose the VPNs on the list

As I mentioned previously, not all VPN providers are the same, so I put dozens through rigorous testing to choose the 5 best VPNs with military-grade VPN encryption. Here’s what I looked for:

• Security features. I selected VPNs with AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, secure tunneling protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, or an equivalent), and IP & DNS leak protection.
• Privacy features. My recommended VPN services have an independently verified no-logs policy and RAM-only servers to protect your privacy.
• Speed. I conducted speed testing using multiple VPN protocols and servers to ensure my recommended VPNs were fast enough for seamless browsing, streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
• Compatibility. I tried out the VPN apps on multiple devices and operating systems to see if they were easy to set up and use for newbies and experienced users alike.
• Geo-spoofing. I gave preference to VPNs that allowed me to bypass geo-blocks on popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
• Customer service. I tested customer support via live chat, e-mail support, and their FAQ sections to see if they provided easy-to-understand, professional, accurate, and prompt advice.
• Trial period. Before you sign up for a VPN, make sure you’ve got 30 days to cancel and get a full refund; otherwise, you may get stuck in a long contract with a service you aren’t happy with.

What are the most secure VPN protocols?

VPN protocols are a key factor in the security and speed of your Internet connection. The VPN protocol refers to how your data is sent and received through the VPN tunnel. Here are the most secure VPN protocols:

• OpenVPN protocol. This VPN protocol offers a high level of security without slowing down your connection too much.
• IKeV2 protocol. The IKeV2 protocol is a solid choice for a secure tunnel with good speed.
• WireGuard. A newer, lightweight VPN protocol offering the best speed and secure connections.
• Lightway. ExpressVPN’s proprietary version of the WireGuard protocol provides a high level of speed and security.
• NordLynx. NordVPN’s proprietary version of the WireGuard protocol. It offers secure connections and excellent speed.

Which is better, AES-128 or AES-256 bit encryption?

Deciding which advanced encryption standard is best for you depends on your priorities. Both AES-128 and AES 256-bit encryption offer a high level of security. If you want the most secure VPN server possible to encrypt sensitive information, stick with AES 256-bit encryption. It’s a little slower but is much harder to crack.

If you are looking for more of a balance between speed and security, AES-128-bit encryption may be a better choice, as it offers a faster connection speed without compromising your VPN encryption. It’s a good option for data-heavy activities like streaming and gaming.

Can a free VPN have military-grade protection?

A free VPN can have military-grade encryption, but you need to be careful! Most free services use the PPTP protocol, which has some significant security issues. You also need to look out for free VPNs that sell your browsing history to third parties, which means your private data is out there, no matter how strong your encryption is.

If you want to use a free VPN, I recommend sticking with Proton VPN. It comes with a military-level AES 256-bit encryption protocol and won’t sell your browsing history to anyone!

FAQ

Does NordVPN have military-grade encryption?

Yes. NordVPN is a secure VPN with advanced security features, including military-grade AES 256-bit VPN encryption.

Is AES 256 military grade?

Yes. AES-256-bit encryption is a military-grade level of encryption,n and it’s what you want to look for in a secure VPN.

Conclusion

The key to a great virtual private network is its encryption standard. A secure VPN service protects your Internet traffic with military-level encryption, secure VPN protocols, a kill switch, leak protection, and a zero-logs policy.

If you are looking for the most secure VPN provider that also offers great speed, access to geo-restricted websites worldwide, and a user-friendly interface, I recommend ExpressVPN!