The Best VPNs for Zoom and Video Calls in 2025

Nothing kills a video call faster than a frozen frame, robotic audio, or a dropped connection. When you're pitching to a client, interviewing for a job, or catching up with family, the last thing you want is your VPN introducing lag. But here's the thing: a good VPN doesn't have to slow you down. The right one actually makes your calls more secure, bypasses throttling from your ISP, and — with modern protocols like WireGuard — can deliver speeds that rival your raw connection.

We pored over independent speed tests, latency benchmarks, and real-world user reports to find the things actually worth buying for Zoom, Google Meet, and any video-calling app you rely on. Here are our picks.

The contenders at a glance

Best overall: NordVPN

NordVPN is our top recommendation for video calls, and it's not close. Powered by NordLynx — their proprietary take on WireGuard — it delivers an average global download speed of 665 Mbps in independent tests.3 That's more than enough headroom for 4K Zoom streams, screen sharing, and virtual backgrounds without a hitch.

With over 6,400 servers across 111 countries, you're virtually guaranteed a nearby, low-latency hop to whatever Zoom data center you're connecting to.1 That proximity matters: every extra millisecond of latency makes your call feel less natural. NordVPN's Threat Protection also blocks trackers and malicious sites in the background, so you're not just fast — you're safe.

The verdict: If you want one VPN that handles video calls flawlessly while also being the best all-around VPN on the market, this is it.2

Best for reliability: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has built a reputation on consistency, and that's exactly what you want when you're on a critical call. Its proprietary Lightway protocol is engineered for stable, low-latency connections that don't spike or drop under load. In our research, ExpressVPN consistently ranked among the most reliable services for maintaining connection quality over time.2

With 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, you'll find a fast server near your location almost anywhere in the world. The apps are dead-simple to use — no fiddling with settings — and the 8 simultaneous connections cover your laptop, phone, and tablet.

The verdict: ExpressVPN is the pick for users who prioritize rock-solid stability over raw speed, especially if you're on calls all day and can't afford surprises.

Best for server density: CyberGhost

CyberGhost operates a staggering 11,600+ servers in 100 countries — the largest fleet on this list.1 For video calls, that density means you can almost always find a server with single-digit ping times to your location. More servers = less congestion = smoother calls.

CyberGhost also offers dedicated streaming and torrenting profiles, and its WireGuard implementation keeps speeds high. The 7 simultaneous connections are generous enough for a household, and the 45-day money-back guarantee (on long plans) gives you plenty of time to test it on your actual workflow.

The verdict: If you travel frequently or live in a region where server congestion is a problem, CyberGhost's sheer scale gives you the best chance of finding a fast, uncongested route.

Best for privacy-first calls: ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN comes from the team behind ProtonMail, and it's built with a genuine privacy-first ethos. All plans include a strict no-logs policy, and the Secure Core architecture routes traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly jurisdictions.1 For business calls where confidentiality matters — legal consultations, financial discussions, journalist sources — that extra layer matters.

Despite the privacy focus, ProtonVPN doesn't sacrifice speed. Its WireGuard implementation delivers competitive throughput, and the free tier (limited to one connection, medium speeds) is genuinely usable for occasional calls. The paid plan unlocks 10 simultaneous connections and full speeds.

The verdict: ProtonVPN is the right choice when security and privacy are the primary concern, but you still need call quality that won't embarrass you on a client call.

How to choose the right VPN for video calls

Here's what actually matters for Zoom and similar apps:

Latency, not just download speed. A VPN can add 10–100ms of round-trip time. For natural conversation, you want under 50ms if possible. Pick a server close to both you and the Zoom data center.

WireGuard (or Lightway) is non-negotiable. Older OpenVPN connections add more overhead. Every VPN on this list supports a modern, high-performance protocol.3

Server density helps. More servers in more locations means less congestion and shorter physical distances. That's why CyberGhost's 11,600+ servers and NordVPN's 6,400+ give them an edge.

Split tunneling is a bonus. If your VPN app supports it, you can route only Zoom traffic through the VPN while keeping your local network traffic direct — reducing latency even further.

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