2025 has been a challenging year for internet users around the world. Major internet restrictions have accompanied political upheaval in countries such as Tanzania and Cameroon, while heightened censorship continues in nations already known for restricting online access to information.
If that wasn’t enough, a wave of age verification laws has swept across Western democracies. People in the UK, several US states, some European countries, and soon Australia, now have to prove they are over 18 by sharing sensitive personal details to access content deemed inappropriate for minors.
Amid this chaos, the best VPN services have stepped up to offer refuge for individuals concerned about their privacy and free speech rights online. With more governments considering mandatory age checks and authoritarian regimes increasing internet censorship, VPNs are expected to become even more essential in the coming year.
The good news? Black Friday VPN deals make this the cheapest time of year to enhance your digital privacy and security.
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## Best Black Friday VPN Deals
### 1. TechRadar’s Top VPN Pick: NordVPN
NordVPN is probably the most famous VPN brand, and TechRadar’s independent tests consistently prove that its reputation isn’t just due to good marketing. Time and again, NordVPN tops VPN rankings.
When it comes to privacy and security, NordVPN covers all the essentials — offering a strict no-log privacy policy, multiple VPN protocols, and a reliable kill switch. It also boasts advanced features like Double VPN protection, quantum-safe encryption, Meshnet, and its flagship Threat Protection Pro tool, which shields users from online threats such as scams and malware.
NordVPN also has a strong record for unblocking restricted content. Its recently launched NordWhisper protocol promises to be even more effective at evading blocks on VPN traffic.
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### 2. Best Censorship-Resistant VPN: Proton VPN
Swiss-based provider Proton is a staple among privacy-conscious users. Known primarily for Proton Mail, the world’s most famous encrypted email service, Proton also offers Proton VPN — one of the best free VPN options available.
To get full access, you’ll need to upgrade to the premium plans. A major focus for Proton is unblocking censored content. Since launching its obfuscated Stealth protocol in 2022, Proton VPN has continuously improved its censorship resistance.
Proton’s unique Smart Routing technology allows it to provide local coverage in countries where physically installing servers is impossible due to political or security concerns.
Last year, Proton enhanced its censorship-fighting capabilities by bringing its Stealth protocol to Windows and adding more servers in volatile regions. Now, the company is working on further expanding these features to combat ever-evolving internet restrictions.
Built from the ground up with privacy and security in mind, Proton VPN ensures your data remains safe — and right now, it’s available for even less money than usual.
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### 3. Best VPN with Security Bundle: Surfshark
Surfshark ranks among the top VPN picks and is already known as one of the best cheap VPNs available year-round. This Black Friday, Surfshark’s security bundle really stands out.
Surfshark One is the perfect solution for the multiple threats online users face every day. Alongside its VPN subscription — which includes a comprehensive set of privacy features and reliable unblocking power — Surfshark One also offers:
– An antivirus tool
– A private, ad-free search engine service
– A data leak detection system
Importantly, Surfshark allows you to spoof your location. To bypass internet blocks or other online disruptions, simply choose a VPN server located in a country free from restrictions.
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## Why Choose a VPN?
All the best VPN services boast vast networks of international IP locations, giving you a wide range of options to choose from. Unlike other circumvention tools like proxy servers, VPNs encrypt your connection data. This not only improves the security of your data but also makes it significantly harder for your online activity to be monitored or blocked.
With internet censorship, age verification laws, and privacy risks on the rise, investing in a reliable VPN service during Black Friday deals is a smart move to safeguard your digital freedom.
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Protect your online privacy and access the internet freely — take advantage of the best Black Friday VPN deals today!
https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privacy-security/2025-was-a-bad-year-for-internet-freedoms-heres-the-3-cheapest-ways-to-reclaim-your-digital-rights