Best VPNs for Travel in 2025

International travelers will find that the services they use at home are restricted in other parts of the world. Geographical restrictions are a common obstacle for those who travel frequently. You could find yourself unable to access websites like Google, Facebook, and Netflix when visiting another country, and this is why you need a VPN for travel.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, can help you to access your home services when traveling. VPNs are privacy tools that will disguise your true location by replacing your IP address with that of a server located somewhere else in the world, giving you the appearance of being physically located in that region.

Geo-restrictions aren’t the only obstacle faced by frequent travelers. Public WiFi is infamous for having low standards of security, including hotel or airport networks. The good news is that VPNs will also encrypt your connection and keep your browsing activity completely private on the go.

I’ll dig into the details of each VPN provider individually, but here’s a quick overview of my top VPNs for international travel:

1. NordVPN: My favorite VPN for travel! Its network of over 5,600 servers in 60+ countries worldwide makes it one of the best VPNs for lifting geo-restrictions abroad. Works with most of the top streaming services and streams HD video seamlessly. It comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN out there for travelers. Wide range of fast servers to choose from across the world, plus strong security features. Unlimited simultaneous connections, too.
3. ExpressVPN: Runs over 3,000 servers in 94+ countries that can bypass geo-locks on almost everything while you’re abroad.
4. CyberGhost: The largest server network on this list, with more than 8,900 servers in 91+ countries. Fast, easy to use, and strong on security.
5. PrivateVPN; A great VPN for streaming while traveling that doesn’t compromise your online privacy.
6. IPVanish: Known for its powerful security protections and high speeds. Unlimited simultaneous connections make it great for traveling families.
7. Private Internet Access (PIA): A relatively lightweight and secure option. With servers in over 80 countries, it can unblock censorship and services for many different destinations.
8. Atlas VPN: Has over 750 servers in around 40 locations. This makes it a good option for those who travel a lot since there is a decent amount of servers and locations to choose from.
9. VyprVPN: A powerful security-focused VPN that even works when traveling in China and other censorship-heavy countries.

Not all VPN providers are the same and they tend to vary a lot in terms of the services they provide. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of VPNs for international travel based on the following criteria:

• Fast and reliable speeds
• A wide range of server availability around the world
• Accesses geo-restricted streaming content
• Doesn’t log personally identifiable information
• Uses powerful encryption and a variety of security features

You can read more about how I assess each service in the testing methodology section found later in this article.

The best VPNs for travel

So, without further ado, here are the best VPNs for travel.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is my first choice for international travel. With 5,600+ servers in 60+ countries to choose from, it operates one of the largest server networks on the market. It gets some of the fastest and most consistent internet speeds and excels at evading government and geographical restrictions on internet services. It even works fairly reliably in China.

NordVPN is considered to be a completely logless provider because it doesn’t store any user data at all. Its users’ internet traffic is secured with 256-bit encryption, an internet kill switch, and DNS leak protection. This service even has its own protocol, NordLynx, which is based on the open-source WireGuard protocol.

In addition to strong security, it is also a great choice for users who regularly stream video content. NordVPN lifts geo-restrictions on major streaming platforms such as HBO, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, and more. This is a very customizable VPN that offers servers optimized for certain tasks, such as torrenting, becoming as anonymous as possible, and using Tor over VPN.

NordVPN offers apps for Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and macOS. A basic plan allows for six simultaneous devices.

Pros:

• Thousands of servers in 60+ countries worldwide
• Strongest security in the industry
• Keeps zero logs
• Works with major streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more
• Lots of security features
• Support for all major platforms including Linux

Cons:

• Can’t favorite individual servers

BEST VPN FOR TRAVELING ABROAD:NordVPN is my top selection for traveling internationally. Offers thousands of servers, a variety of security features, and top-notch security protections. Try it out first with its risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a great option for privacy-conscious internet users on a budget. It runs a network of more than 3,000 fast servers in 95+ countries and even works in China. You can protect all of your devices at once thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections.

Surfshark does not log its users’ data and includes security features such as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, an ad blocker, a malware scanner, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. It can securely access major streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu, which means you will be able to watch whatever you want regardless of your location.

Apps are available for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Linux.

Pros:

• Fast, stable connection speeds
• Thousands of servers are available worldwide
• Accesses and streams HD video content from abroad
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• 24/7 support

Cons:

• The server network includes a handful of slow servers
• Customer support could be better

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is one of the most secure VPNs. Fast speeds and no connection limit. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN performs well and has high-security standards. It works with several major streaming platforms including US Netflix and BBC iPlayer and secures its users’ data with military-grade encryption protocols. It even works in places with heavy internet censorship such as China, Indonesia, and Iran.

This VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a built-in kill switch to protect your data in case of an unexpected loss of connection. This VPN’s custom Lightway protocol can even protect you in the moments when you switch from mobile data to WiFi.

ExpressVPN follows a strict no-logs policy so that your online activity can’t be traced back to you. Apps are available for Android and iOS on mobile, and Windows, Linux, and macOS on desktop. A single account will protect up to five devices at once.

Pros:

• High-quality streaming from over 3,000 fast servers
• Lifts restrictions on most streaming platforms
• Meets a high standard of security
• 256-bit AES encryption

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive than other providers
• Only five simultaneous connections

FAST INTERNATIONAL STREAMING:ExpressVPN provides a wide geographic variety in their server network. Delivers some of the fastest speeds I’ve seen. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN that has expanded its server network to include more than 8,900 servers in 91+countries. This VPN provider uses 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, an internet kill switch, and DNS leak protection by default. Further internet security features include an ad blocker, anti-malware defense, and tracker-blocking. CyberGhost does not log its users’ IP addresses or any other personally identifiable data.

The provider is a great VPN choice for beginners because it lets users select a server based on which streaming platform they want to watch. These servers are clearly labeled and separate from the general-purpose ones.

CyberGhost VPN apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and macOS. Seven simultaneous connections are available under a single account.

Pros:

• Easy to use for beginners
• Severs optimized for streaming and secure online browsing
• Over 8,900 servers in 91+ countries
• Accesses almost anything

Cons:

• Beginner-friendly apps might not be helpful to advanced VPN users
• Doesn’t work in China or UAE

USER-FRIENDLY APPS:CyberGhost is a great place to start for first-time VPN users. Comes with a 45-day refund period.

5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN’s faster-than-average internet speeds make it a worthy choice for streaming fans, and it works with a variety of streaming services. Its support team can even remotely control your device in order to configure or fix the VPN, with your permission.

Its traffic is secured with 256-bit encryption, SHA256 authentication, and 2,048-bit RSA keys. There’s an internet kill switch as well as IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection. It also has a policy of not storing any internet traffic logs. Users can turn on the stealth mode to obfuscate their traffic and browse their usual sites in places like China.

All packages contain a 30-day money-back guarantee. 10 devices can be protected at once with a single subscription. Apps are available for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. One issue to note with PrivateVPN is that the customer support team isn’t available 24/7; they are only available during regular business hours.

Pros:

• 256-bit AES encryption
• Impressive connection speeds
• Accesses a wide range of streaming services from abroad
• Kill switch and leak protection

Cons:

• Smaller server network than most
• Has live chat, but they only operate during European business hours

GREAT FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN accesses a broad range of streaming sites from other countries, so you can watch anything while you travel. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish allows travelers to surf the web securely and at fast speeds. Unlike most VPN providers, IPVanish operates its own network of servers instead of renting them or outsourcing management to a third party. It is in complete control of user traffic, which means this passes through fewer hands and has fewer opportunities to be intercepted.

This is a popular VPN among torrent and Kodi users because IPVanish lets you download the Android APK directly onto your device. The interface can be used with remote controls for Kodi devices that don’t have a keyboard and mouse. It successfully accesses streaming websites like Hulu and ITV Hub as well. IPVanish keeps your data secure with 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, and an internet kill switch.

Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. This provider has no connection limit, so you’re free to protect every device you own at once. Customer support is available 24/7 over live chat.

Pros:

• Great for torrenting and Kodi usage
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Self-owned server network
• Exceptionally high speeds

Cons:

• Doesn’t accept payments in cryptocurrency
• One of the smaller server networks on this list

GREAT FOR KODI:IPVanish is a privacy-first VPN. Very useful for torrenting, but doesn’t consistently work with Netflix. Zero-logs policy and a 30-day money back guarantee.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a lightweight option with servers in over 80 countries. This large number of locations makes it easy to choose servers that allow for the circumvention of geographic restrictions and censorship in general. This VPN also provides fast connection speeds thanks to its use of the WireGuard VPN protocol which is efficient and fast. The app’s interface can also be customized according to a user’s preferences.

Strong security measures are provided too. These measures include AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling. These measures all ensure that users are kept safe while online.

PIA provides apps for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. There is a customer service live support chat available 24/7 as well and 10 simultaneous connections are allowed.

Pros:

• Strong security measures
• Can provide secure access to many services
• WireGuardVPN protocol is fast and efficient
• Several customization options are available

Cons:

• Doesn’t work in China
• App design could be a little more polished

LIGHTWEIGHT AND CUSTOMIZABLE OPTION:PIA is a lightweight option that isn’t heavy on system resources. It is also customizable and capable of helping users to bypass censorship and geographic restrictions. This service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee as well.

8. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is a smaller provider with about 750 servers in around 40 locations. While the server network isn’t huge, it still provides lots of options for users trying to circumvent censorship and geographical restrictions. In addition, connection speeds are fast and users can stream HD content without lag or buffering with this service.

On top of these positive points, Atlas VPN also provides strong security measures. These measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. This service stores no logs either and MultiHop servers are available that are capable of encrypting users’ connections twice for added security.

This provider has apps for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android and an unlimited number of connections can be supported under one subscription.

Pros:

• Can access many different streaming services
• Fast connection speed
• MultiHop servers encrypt data twice
• No identifying logs are stored

Cons:

• Doesn’t work in China
• Customer service could be better

FAST AND SECURE OPTION:Atlas VPN has strong security measures in place such as double encryption through MultiHop servers. Connection speeds are also fast. This service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

9. VyprVPN

VyprVPN is known for being reliable in countries where there is strict government control over the internet, such as China. It uses 256-bit AES encryption protocols along with SHA256 authentication. This service stores no logs, and it’s one of the fastest VPNs on this list. Not only that, but it has its own protocol, Chameleon, that can hide the fact that you’re using a VPN in the first place, keeping you protected against ISPs, government agencies, and hackers.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android. Additionally, up to 30 devices can be protected at once.

Pros:

• Powerful encryption and security features
• Works in China and other censorship-heavy countries
• Fast and reliable connection speeds

Cons:

• Speeds could be improved
• Not reliable for streaming services like Netflix and Hulu

BYPASS CENSORSHIP:VyprVPN is a privacy-first VPN provider that will keep you safe online during your travels. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: how I found the best VPNs for international travel

VPNs vary widely from service to service, so it can be difficult to tell which ones are best for international travel. Here are some of the things I looked at when assessing each VPN using my extensive testing methodology:

• Strength of network: I take into account the number and location of servers available on a given VPN provider. I also check that the servers are capable of lifting geographical restrictions when you’re abroad. If you’re from the US but traveling in Norway for example, you might still want to access US Netflix while in Norway.
• Speed: I conduct speed tests to ensure that the VPN network is fast and reliable. These tests take place during gaming, streaming, and general browsing so that I can guarantee protection regardless of activity.
• Supported devices: I check that these VPNs offer apps for every popular device or operating system. So it doesn’t matter whether you use Windows or macOS for desktop, iOS or Android for mobile, I can recommend a compatible VPN service.
• Simultaneous connections: If you have a large number of devices, or plan on traveling with friends or family, a VPN with many simultaneous connections is important to have. I check how many devices are supported and whether or not the VPN poses good value for money.

How do I set up a travel VPN?

Here’s how to set up a travel VPN: 

1. Download a VPN provider that is reliable for travel – I recommend NordVPN.
2. Install on each of your devices.
3. Open the app and follow the instructions displayed on your screen.
4. After installation is complete, restart all devices.
5. When back online, open the VPN app and connect to a server in a location of your choice.

VPN FAQs for international travellers