Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, are tools that create secure, encrypted connections between a device and the internet. By rerouting traffic through a private server, VPNs are able to hide the location of a device, allowing you to browse the web free of eavesdroppers or trackers. Many use it as a way to get around region specific blocks, especially in countries that have censored the web.
The origins of the VPN industry go back to the mid-1990s, when businesses first needed secure ways to connect employees working remotely with corporate networks. Early VPNs were largely enterprise tools, with slow adoption due to the technicalities of implementing the network.
The consumer VPN market began to take shape in the late 2000s and early 2010s, as internet privacy became a mainstream concern. Government surveillance on the web, high-profile data breaches and growing awareness of advertising tracking led to several VPN services aimed directly at protecting the consumer. These services were far more user friendly than the previous enterprise tools.
Alongside the fears of surveillance and tracking, video streaming and region specific programming led to many users downloading VPNs to bypass these restrictions. At the same time, VPN usage surged in regions with internet censorship or restricted access, with China, Turkey, and Iran being prominent examples.
The growth of mobile forced VPNs to transform into mass market apps, with longer trial periods and free tiers to entice customers less willing to pay. This is still a very competitive industry, with a lot of VPNs offering free service without registration as a way to compete with more established brands, such as Nord, Express and Surfshark.
Today, the VPN app industry is a multibillion-dollar sector that intersects with cybersecurity, digital rights, and online media. While privacy and security remain core selling points, the industry has diversified into adjacent areas such as ad blocking, tracker protection and encrypted browsers.
We have collected data and statistics on the VPN app market. Read on below to find out more.
Key VPN App Statistics
- VPN apps made $5.9 billion in 2024, a 15.6% increase on the previous year
- Close to 150 million people used VPN apps in 2025, with the most popular being Nord, Surfshark and Express
- Super Unlimited VPN and Turbo VPN, which both offer VPN without registration, were the most downloaded in 2024
Top VPN Apps
| App Name | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nordvpn-vpn-fast-secure/id905953485 | NordVPN | One of the most popular VPNs on the market with lots of server locations available |
| https://apps.apple.com/us/app/surfshark-vpn-fast-vpn-app/id1391782046 | Surfshark | Gained popularity with the introduction of the no device limit, a boon for power users |
| https://apps.apple.com/us/app/expressvpn-secure-fast-vpn/id886492891 | ExpressVPN | A long-standing VPN that balances speed, security, and ease of use across many devices |
| https://apps.apple.com/us/app/proton-vpn-fast-secure/id1437005085 | Proton VPN | Offers strong privacy with Swiss-based jurisdiction and advanced security features |
| https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vpn-super-unlimited-proxy/id1370293473 | Super Unlimited VPN | Simple, free, and unlimited VPN option that’s easy to use without registration |
| https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cyberghost-safe-private-vpn/id583009522 | CyberGhost VPN | Offers one of the largest server networks, giving plenty of choice for different locations and needs |
| https://apps.apple.com/us/app/windscribe-vpn/id1129435228 | Windscribe | Generous free tier with customizable firewall and strong ad-blocking features |
| https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tunnelbear-secure-vpn-wifi/id564842283 | TunnelBear | Beginner-friendly with a playful design, making VPNs accessible and easy to use for newcomers |
VPN App Revenue
VPN apps made almost $6 billion revenue in 2024, which is generated almost entirely from subscriptions.
VPN app revenue 2018 to 2024 ($bn)
VPN App Users
Approximately 147 million users accessed VPN apps in 2025, with significant increases in the United Kingdom, Iran and Turkey.
VPN app users 2018 to 2025 (mm)
VPN Downloads by App
Super Unlimited VPN and Turbo VPN were in a tight race for the top spot. Nord, Proton, Express and Surfshark had a lot fewer downloads, but have been available for longer.
