If you are traveling abroad and are likely to use Wi-Fi hotspots, it is essential that you use a VPN. In this guide, we show you the best VPNs to use when you're traveling anywhere in the world and why it's a smart investment for any traveler.
The Best VPNs for Traveling at a glance
Below is a quick look at the best VPNs to use when traveling. For more information about any of the services on our list, scroll down for our in-depth analysis.
- ExpressVPN - The best traveler's VPN. Lightning-fast, with servers in 94 countries, top-notch privacy features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- NordVPN - The best mid-range traveling VPN. It offers premium speeds and features at an affordable price, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark - The best value-for-money traveling VPN. It's blazing fast and easy to use, with unlimited connections and 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Private Internet Access - A secure traveling VPN. It offers a court-proven zero-logs policy, advanced features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- CyberGhost VPN - The cheapest traveler's VPN. A beginner-friendly option, with an impressive server network, and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
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VPNs, or virtual private networks, encrypt all your data going to and from your device which is incredibly effective at stopping hackers from accessing your data. Another great benefit of using a VPN is that they allow you to access services from back home that are currently blocked in your location.
There are two major benefits of using a VPN for Travel:
- To access websites from back home – VPNs allow you to get an IP address from your home country and access any site that is blocked with ease.
- Staying Secure Online when Traveling – A VPN protects your data if you connect to a badly configured router or a fake Wi-Fi hotspot belonging to a cybercriminal making it impossible for hackers to steal your data, credentials, passwords, and credit card details.
New to VPNs?
Before we take a deep dive into our VPN recommendations, if you are new to the world of VPNs and you would like to learn more, check out the guides below:
- What is a VPN – A beginner's guide to VPNs, what they are, and how they work
- VPN Encryption – An in-depth guide to VPN encryption protocols and which one is the most secure.
| TEST WINNER ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | Private Internet Access | CyberGhost VPN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | Private Internet Access | CyberGhost VPN |
| Ranking for Travel | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Performance | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 |
| Reliability | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Free trial | |||||
| Total servers | 3000 | 5300 | 3200 | 3386 | 9723 |
| Payment | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency |
| Unblocks: | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu |
| Supported platforms | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android |
The Best VPN for Traveling in 2024 | In-depth analysis
Below we have summarized everything you need to know about the five best travel VPN services. If you still want more information, click through to the providers or check out our detailed VPN reviews.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for traveling. It's a VPN that unblocks everything with super fast servers spanning the globe, premium security features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN Demo ExpressVPN is quite an expensive VPN option, however, it is considered the best VPN for traveling by many, many people - if you can afford it. It has the best of everything – encryption, speeds, server choices, and customer support (24/7). In addition, it has apps for all platforms, that are really easy to use. ExpressVPN is a respected VPN that has been around a long time, and that gives it an edge in terms of professionality and reliability. It has servers in 94 countries
worldwide, and it provides access to lots of geo-restricted services around the globe - including Netflix US. We find this VPN very easy to use, and we know that it is a favorite with consumers who often go back to it year after year. ExpressVPN also provides a no-quibble 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can test it without risking your hard-earned cash. NordVPN is the best mid-range VPN for traveling. It will keep your data secure and let you access the greatest variety of content on the move, all with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Nord Demo NordVPN is a superb VPN that is ideal for people who do a lot of traveling. It has lightning-fast servers in over 60 countries
worldwide which means that you will always have servers close by. This ensures that you can always get excellent speeds. Servers worldwide also allow you to pretend to be in a huge number of places; perfect for unblocking content that is censored or geo-restricted. NordVPN has easy-to-use software for platforms, which means it is great for holidaymakers in need of security but not a steep learning curve. NordVPN also lets you use a subscription on 6 simultaneous devices - making it perfect for somebody with a lot of devices or a family on vacation. With NordVPN your privacy is assured thanks to a no-logs policy and strong OpenVPN encryption. This will ensure you're safe from hacking when using public WiFi and that ISPs cannot track what you are doing online. We think NordVPN is incredible value for money and we recommend giving it a try using its 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark is a great value-for-money VPN for travelers. A fast service that unblocks pretty much everything, with unlimited simultaneous connections and 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark Demo Surfshark is a VPN based in the British Virgin Islands that is an excellent choice for anyone going on vacation or traveling for work. Firstly, the VPN is cheap which means that you won't have to splash out too much cash in order to gain privacy and security while away. With Surfshark you can connect to public WiFi hotspots in hotels, airports, and coffee shops without fear of hackers- or any privacy invasions from the WiFi hotspot itself. Surfshark has servers in 100 countries
around the globe, which means you will always have a choice of servers nearby. And you will be able to connect to servers back home if you need to unblock your internet banking or some other geo-restricted service. Surfshark has strong encryption to ensure that your data can never be intercepted by eavesdroppers, which also means you are safe to use sensitive services or do online shopping while you are away. Plus with Surfshark you can install the VPN on an unlimited number of devices! So if you have a laptop, a phone, and a tablet - or if you are traveling in a large group - this VPN is perfect. This VPN is also excellent for unblocking geo-restricted TV channels and Netflix - perfect for relaxing in your hotel room. Test it risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. Private Internet Access is a very secure VPN for traveling. It offers advanced security features, a strict zero-logs service, tens of thousands of servers, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. PIA Demo Private Internet Access VPN is a US-based provider that keeps zero logs, a claim it has proven in court. The VPN was recently acquired by Kape Technologies - a cybersec firm based in London whose primary aim is to help consumers gain protection online. PIA VPN has servers in 84 countries
worldwide, it provides strong OpenVPN encryption, and is one of the most popular VPN services among Reddit users. It also has live chat support and access to Netflix US. CyberGhost is the cheapest VPN for traveling. It unblocks popular streaming services and works like a dream on all platforms. All with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. CyberGhost Demo CyberGhost is a service based in Romania that provides an extremely well-rounded service for travelers and holidaymakers. The software is available for all popular platforms and, because you can install and use it on up to 7 devices at the same time, is ideal for families on vacation. The software is easy to use, and the features are all easy to access with just a few clicks. Thanks to its zero logs policy, this VPN provides watertight levels of privacy. And, the military-grade OpenVPN encryption means that this VPN can keep your data secure while on public WiFi networks. CyberGhost has servers in over 91 countries
across the globe, and all those servers provide excellent speeds for streaming in HD. What's more CyberGhost provides access to internationally popular services such as Netflix US and BBC iPlayer. We think this VPN provides formidable value for money, and you can test it risk-free thanks to its 45-day money-back guarantee. 1. ExpressVPN
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How does ProPrivacy review VPNs?
There are hundreds of different VPNs on the market and plenty of them offer a similar level of high-quality service, differing only in their nuances. However, these nuances can make a world of difference when considering a VPN for a very specific purpose. Looking for the best VPN to suit your needs might therefore feel overwhelming – especially for newbies.
Luckily, at ProPrivacy, we use and test VPNs daily – for almost a decade now! We put each of the providers we recommend through a rigorous reviewing process that includes privacy and security checks, speed tests, unblocking capability comparisons, and similar real-world evaluations.
When composing this page, I tried my hand at unblocking a variety of region-locked content using different servers and encryption protocols, and noted whether the VPN was capable of beating blocks and online censorship. I also went through each of the providers' privacy policies to ensure there haven't been any recent (unwanted) changes.
You also can rest assured that I only recommend VPNs which implement the strongest encryption measures and offer a variety of advanced protocols (like OpenVPN and WireGuard). I also put the providers' security features to the test to make sure they do exactly what they claim to do! So, in this guide, you'll only find VPN services that:
- Have thousands of servers worldwide, giving you plenty of choice
- Unblock the largest number of websites and streaming platforms
- Are super secure to keep you protected no matter where you travel
- Are lightning-fast to ensure the smoothest online experience
- Offer watertight privacy with features that actually work
Setting up a VPN for travel
When you purchase a VPN for traveling, you will be permitted to install the software on more than one device (usually between three and five). This means that one VPN subscription can be used to protect all of your family's devices while you are away.
Unless you get a travel router with a VPN, you will need to install the travel VPN on each individual device. The good news is that the VPNs in this guide have software for all devices so you can install the VPN on a laptop or a smartphone.
Here is a quick guide to help you out:
- Select a VPN for traveling from our list and click through to get a subscription. If you only want your VPN while on vacation, then you can opt for a monthly plan. However, VPNs are insanely useful all year round – even when you go back home!
- Download the VPN to your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. Remember to get the right VPN for your platform. You can install the VPN on all your family's devices if you wish, or even share it with friends that you are traveling with.
- Follow the installation prompts. The VPN will install easily and with no fuss.
- Now that it is installed, all you need to do is connect to a server. Remember, your VPN will keep you secure when you are in your own country as well as abroad, so use it every time you are on public Wi-Fi.
- Now that you are overseas, remember to connect to a server from back home! That way you can watch TV streams and use internet services from where you come from. No need to watch foreign TV shows anymore!
Using a VPN Travel Router
No matter whether you are traveling on your own, for business or with friends and family, a travel router can be a massive advantage. These nifty gadgets allow you to connect multiple devices to a public Wi-Fi hotspot without needing to connect all your devices individually. As soon as the mini router is connected to the internet, all of your and your family's devices automatically connect to that Internet connection via the travel router.
This is awesome in itself. However, it is even better if you get a travel router that has been pre-configured with a VPN! When a VPN is installed on a travel router, all the devices that connect to the internet via that travel router are automatically protected with the VPN's encryption. This means you don't need to worry about each individual device: or making sure your kids, parents – or anybody else in your party – is opening themselves up to the risk of being hacked (which could ruin everyone's vacation).
Setting up your travel router
Please be sure to update the default admin credentials on the travel router. If you don't update the username and password, the router could get hacked itself!
In addition, you will want to ensure that WPS (an older router feature) is turned off, as it does pose a security risk. Luckily, FlashRouters can help you set up all of those features correctly .
International Travel Security Checklist
With a VPN sorted, you only need to think about a few other travel security concerns. To help you out, I have created this quick list of what I consider the most important things to consider for digital security while traveling:
- Passwords – It might seem obvious but making sure your devices are password protected and set to lock up quickly is much more important when you travel, so please use stronger settings when you are away. If you leave a phone or a tablet at the beach bar or in a taxi, having it locked up almost instantly could stop the device from getting into someone's hands while still unlocked. Password managers are fantastic tools for ensuring you have strong passwords.
- Updates – Remembering to update your devices regularly can ensure you aren't suffering from vulnerabilities that give cybercriminals an easy way in, so please update often.
- Backup regularly – If you take a thousand photos and lose your device on the last day of the holiday, you will never see those photos again. As a general rule, if something is important then make sure it is backed up to the cloud. This applies even if you have never lost a device before – remember that there is always a first time. Cloud backup services are fantastic and they will back up your data automatically.
- Buy a local SIM – If you are traveling for longer periods of time, you may want to buy a local SIM with cheap local data. That way you can use the internet on the go without relying on public Wi-Fi (although the risks of doing so are mitigated by using a VPN).
Travel VPN Conclusion
When it comes to keeping your devices secure while on holiday, there is a pretty small checklist of things you must do. The best thing to do is to sit down and explain the points in this guide to all of your fellow travelers. Nobody wants a holiday to be spoiled by hackers, so be sure that the whole group takes the time to protect their devices accordingly.
A VPN is by far the best form of digital protection you can get for when you travel. So please consider one carefully: the instances of people being hacked on public Wi-Fi are at an all-time high. This is because hackers understand how easy it is to fleece people while they are sunning themselves by the pool, or lounging in an airport.
All the VPN services in this guide offer the very best way to protect devices while on the move. There are hundreds of VPNs to choose from, which can make choosing one a bit of a nightmare.
That's why we have created this VPN for traveling guide to help you pinpoint the very best options – without having to worry about stumbling onto a rip-off service. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask in the comments section below.