A virtual private network masks your public IP address, which provides information about your general geographical location. VPNs fulfill various needs, including bolstering online privacy, unblocking region-restricted content like foreign Netflix libraries and circumventing internet censorship. A diverse suite of features makes VPNs particularly useful when traveling. Whether you want to stream movies and shows while traveling, check your email from abroad while making it look like you're back home or add an extra layer of protection on public Wi-Fi (such as at the airport terminal and your hotel), a VPN is essential for travel. If you're studying abroad for a semester, traveling home for the holidays or on a cross-country road trip, a virtual private network is a great addition to your app arsenal. Let’s dive into the best VPNs for travel to keep you connected wherever you roam.
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What is the best VPN for travel?
| NordVPN | ProtonVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | |
| Number of servers | 8,000-plus | 16,800-plus | 3,000-plus | 4,500-plus |
| Number of countries | 126 | 127 | 105 | 100 |
NordVPN is the best VPN for travel overall, boasting an impressive 8,000-plus servers peppering 126 countries -- which is the most individual nations out of our top-rated VPNs. Its fast speeds and generous worldwide server network make it a great choice for travel, domestically and internationally, as well as streaming.
Proton is the best free VPN on the market, offering access to servers in five countries. Additionally, its paid premium plan boasts an exhaustive network of 16,800-plus servers in 127 countries.
ExpressVPN is an excellent all-around VPN for travel, with more than 3,000 servers in 105 countries. With servers in all 50 of the United States, ExpressVPN is an exceptional choice for traveling to and within the US. Some competitors include more simultaneous connections and a slightly larger international server network but ExpressVPN's apps are intuitive for VPN newcomers and privacy power users alike.
Surfshark is the best value VPN for travel, with a terrific feature set that doesn't break the bank or cut privacy corners, alongside a solid web of 4,500 servers in 100 countries.
Best VPNs for travel
Best VPN for Speed
NordVPN
Pros
- Generous international server network
- Exceptionally fast
- Excellent for streaming
- Intuitive apps
Cons
- Inconsistent pricing structure
- Not as transparent as other VPN rivals
NordVPN is the best VPN for travel overall. That's thanks to its comprehensive international server network of 8,000-plus servers throughout 126 countries, making it a good option for a VPN when traveling domestically or internationally. With that many servers, you’re likely to find one nearby, even while abroad. This sizable web of servers is in line with top competitors, including Proton VPN (127 countries), ExpressVPN (105 countries) and Surfshark (100 countries).
Why we like it
Nord remains a popular virtual private network option because of its exceptionally fast connections, privacy-focused features and excellent geo-unblocking for streaming services. Its user-friendly design that doesn't compromise on settings makes it an outstanding choice for casual VPN newcomers and seasoned power users alike. Whether you want to stream from apps like Netflix and BBC iPlayer or have critical privacy concerns, NordVPN is an outstanding choice.
In our 2025 speed tests, NordVPN solidified itself hands-down as the fastest VPN with an essentially unnoticeable 3% average internet download speed loss. Whether you choose an OpenVPN connection or the NordLynx protocol, you’ll enjoy the smallest possible internet speed degradation. With apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android/Android TV, iOS/iPadOS, browsers and even Apple TV, Nord runs on almost any platform you can think of.
We appreciate NordVPN's commitment to privacy and security. In addition to features like Onion Over VPN (Tor) and a Double VPN, which deliver additional encryption when compared with a standard VPN connection, a 2024 audit by Deloitte backed up its no-log claims for improved transparency. Folks with serious privacy needs can even buy a Nord subscription with cryptocurrencies for pseudo-anonymity. While zero-logging policies are challenging to verify with absolute certainty, third-party audits provide peace of mind. On the entertainment side, we had no issues streaming US and UK Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus libraries on most devices -- another perk when traveling abroad.
At $13 a month, $60 for the first year or $83 total for the first two years, NordVPN sets you back less initially than premium VPN rivals like ExpressVPN, but more than budget-oriented companies like Surfshark and PIA. Subsequent price hikes drive the price to $140 a year, which is exorbitantly high. Thankfully, you can stack subscriptions to avoid a hefty auto-renewal. Overall, NordVPN sports advanced privacy features in an intuitive service with a slew of worldwide servers.
- Also featured in: Best VPN for Streaming, Best VPN for Amazon Fire TV
Best VPN Service Overall
ExpressVPN
Pros
- Large international server network
- User-friendly apps across all platforms
- Strong commitment to privacy and transparency
- Great for streaming
Cons
- Expensive
ExpressVPN is an exceptional all-around VPN, especially for beginners, thanks to its uncomplicated apps. Boasting servers in all 50 states, ExpressVPN is a particularly solid choice for traveling to and within the US, as well as unblocking regional streaming sports such as NFL, WNBA or NWSL matches. It's also the VPN with the most impressive intersection of privacy features and server network, making it ideal for privacy-focused users on the go.
Why we like it
Express is excellent for streaming, is extremely user-friendly plus boasts forward-thinking privacy and transparency. Because of its 3,000-plus servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN is a solid choice for travel -- its server roster jostles with other providers, including NordVPN, Proton VPN and Surfshark. We like the reliability of its apps, which are slick and intuitive to use, unlike some other VPN providers whose apps feel like they require a manual to operate.
We clocked an 18% average speed loss when using ExpressVPN. That’s slower than NordVPN (3%) and Proton VPN (16%), but still plenty fast for bandwidth-intensive applications like gaming or 4K video streaming. Express did a great job unblocking geo-restricted content, like foreign Netflix and Disney Plus libraries, managing to load some tough-to-unblock international Netflix libraries, like Egypt Netflix (of the VPNs I tested, only Proton VPN and ExpressVPN were able to show it).
ExpressVPN is also one of the most expensive options on the market. At $13 a month, $75 for the first 15 months or $98 total for the first 28 months (the one- and two-year plans renew at $100 annually), ExpressVPN is considerably more expensive than the $48 for the first year or $60 total for the first two years that Surfshark normally charges (the one- and two-year plans jump to $79 per year upon renewal). Rival NordVPN is in between the cost of ExpressVPN and Surfshark at $13 a month, $60 for the first year or $83 total for the first two years (then $140 annually on the one- and two-year plans).
- Also featured in: Best VPN Service, Best VPN for Windows
Best Open-Source VPN
Proton VPN
Pros
- Tons of worldwide servers
- Highly transparent and private
- Outstanding for streaming
- Great free plan
Cons
- No 24/7 live chat support
Proton VPN is the best free VPN for travel -- whereas many free VPNs sell your data, plaster your screen with ads or impose tight data usage restrictions, Proton VPN's no-cost tier doesn't. But its paid plan is a compelling upgrade for folks who need more servers and greater control over connectivity.
Why we like it
You’ll benefit from a solid selection of 16,800-plus servers in 127 countries with its paid plans. It's an outstanding option for privacy-minded folks, with open-source apps that lend a sense of transparency, Secure Core servers, Tor Over VPN and full-disk encryption, which enhances security. The Swiss-based VPN company is an excellent option for use while traveling because its VPN adds best-in-class privacy, a benefit for situations like preventing your internet service provider from tracking your browsing history. Moreover, Proton includes the only free tier we recommend, which lets you connect to servers in five countries (the US, Japan, Poland, Romania and the Netherlands). Its average 16% internet download speed loss that we measured in our 2025 testing means that Proton VPN is more than capable of handling 4K video streaming, Zoom calls, online gaming and other bandwidth-intensive tasks.
However, Proton's free plan is limited to use on one device at a time and you can't select a server manually. While Proton's zero-dollar plan works well for folks seeking basic privacy, it's not suitable for anyone who needs to use servers in a specific country. Pricing for its paid plan is simply average at $10 monthly, $60 annually or $108 for two years (both the one- and two-year plans renew at $80 a year), but Proton’s unmatched privacy and transparency justify the cost. Note that we don’t recommend a two-year subscription despite attractively low prices because of the way VPNs change so quickly: Your initially fast, secure VPN provider might suffer slow servers or a data breach over a year. Ultimately, Proton VPN is an exceptional pick for privacy-conscious travelers and features a terrific free VPN plan, with a premium tier that delivers an outstanding roster of international servers.
- Also featured in: Best VPN for Netflix, Best Free VPN
Best cheap VPN
Surfshark
Pros
- Diverse international server network
- Lots of unique security features
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons
- 14 Eyes jurisdiction (Netherlands)
Surfshark is the best budget VPN for travel. It's wallet-friendly and doesn’t skimp on features, speed or servers. At $15 a month, or $48 for the first year and $60 for the first two years, Surfshark is one of the cheapest VPNs available -- even with a later price increase to $79 annually. Despite its modest price, you’ll enjoy a generous network of more than 4,500 servers in 100 countries to find a reliable connection across the globe. Moreover, Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous connections -- which is more generous than the still-great 10 simultaneous connections that NordVPN and ExpressVPN give you -- making it a great multidevice VPN.
Why we like it
In our 2025 testing, Surfshark showed a 21% average speed loss, which still qualifies it as one of the fastest VPNs on the market even if it trails NordVPN by a bit. Thanks to its fast connectivity, you can easily perform internet-demanding tasks like 4K streaming and competitive gaming. I could stream geo-protected content from Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and Netflix. Watching Star Trek: The Next Generation on Netflix -- usually a Paramount Plus exclusive -- was a real treat (although I have a Paramount Plus subscription and the complete series on DVD). Aside from its Android, iPhone, MacOS and Windows apps, Surfshark has a GUI Linux app, which means you can pack your Steam Deck or Linux laptop.
Surfshark’s robust privacy features make it a solid choice for working with sensitive data, such as circumventing geo-specific censorship while traveling. Aside from the basics, Surfshark features amenities including Dynamic Multihop and IP Rotator, making it even harder to uncover your IP address and further strengthening privacy. Its RAM-only servers and obfuscation further bolster Surfshark’s already strong data protection. There's even a unique IP spoofing feature on Android devices that lets you trick apps like YouTube TV into thinking you're in a different city, state or even country -- a nifty feature for apps that don't play nicely with a traditional VPN connection. Unfortunately, Surfshark’s jurisdiction falls under the 14 Eyes, so folks with tight security needs -- like journalists working with sensitive data -- might be disappointed. However, Surfshark published its first transparency report in August 2024, which serves as a key trust signal to privacy-minded folks. Surfshark punches well above its weight class, delivering outstanding value without sacrificing privacy and performance.
- Also featured in: Best VPN for Mac, Best VPN for Amazon Prime Video
Factors to consider in a VPN for travel
There’s a lot to think about when selecting a VPN for travel. Leveraging our years of expertise in the VPN space coupled with what you’ll need when traveling, here’s what to look for:
Server network
Specifically for travel, you’ll want a large VPN server network. More overall connectivity options are beneficial; you’ll also want plenty of countries if you plan on any international travel. Therefore, it's important to consider both the total number of servers and the number of servers per country. For instance, some VPNs have thousands of servers sprinkled through only a few nations. At the high end, you'll find VPNs with servers in 100 or more countries, although I'd recommend picking a VPN with a presence in at least 50 international locations. Many servers in a smaller handful of countries might work if you only travel to one of those spots. For regular international adventures, greater country choice comes in handy.
Privacy
VPNs add a layer of protection by encrypting your traffic and masking your IP address, making it harder for cyber attackers to access your browsing data. When traveling, you’ll likely use open wireless networks at an airport terminal, in the hotel lobby or at a coffee shop, but a VPN keeps your browsing data private from snooping ISPs, prying network administrators or compromised Wi-Fi networks.
Look for a strict no-logging policy that's been audited by a reputable third-party to back up zero-log claims. You'll want to use a VPN provider that has modern encryption -- either AES 256-bit (OpenVPN and IKEv2) or ChaCha20 (WireGuard or IKEv2), depending on the VPN protocol.
Obfuscation, which tries to disguise your VPN use as standard web traffic, can be useful in scenarios where you need to hide the fact that you're using a VPN, such as while on school Wi-Fi or when traveling to a country where VPNs are frowned upon. You can find obfuscated servers as well as obfuscation-focused VPN protocols, such as NordVPN's NordWhisper or Proton VPN's Stealth.
A standard VPN connection should suffice for fundamental privacy or streaming. But if you've got serious privacy concerns, consider a VPN specialty servers that bolster your privacy even further. Double hop, or multi-hop, uses two VPN connections instead of one to make it even harder to trace your web traffic back to your device. Tor over VPN, or Onion over VPN servers, use Tor -- The Onion Routing -- to make it more difficult to follow your internet activity back to your device. Double VPN and Tor over VPN servers both achieve similar feats, but using different technologies. Depending on your needs, a VPN, Tor, a proxy server or a combination of privacy protections might be the right choice to use.
Device compatibility
You’ll want a VPN that runs on the gadgets you’re bringing on your trip. Make a list of the devices you want to bring along with a VPN installed, and ensure your provider has apps for those electronics. Luckily, most providers offer solid Windows, MacOS, Android and iPhone or iPad apps. Many offer Linux VPN apps, but only some feature a graphical user interface, which is more beginner-friendly than a command-line interface. If you want to tote your Linux laptop along, look for a VPN with a Linux GUI app. Although most folks don’t travel with streaming devices, you might tote along a Fire Stick, Android TV box or Apple TV for your hotel room.
Speed
All VPNs slow down your internet upload and download speeds somewhat since your data gets encrypted, but the fastest options drop your connectivity by an average loss of only 10% to 25%. Especially if you’re performing internet-intensive tasks like streaming video in 4K, Zooming for work, gaming or uploading YouTube videos, you’ll want a fast VPN. Even if you aren’t, reliable internet speeds are great for a better experience when checking your email and browsing the web.
Streaming support
Aside from privacy, many people use VPNs to unblock region-restricted content. For instance, you can use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer -- normally available only in the UK -- from other countries, like the US, meaning you can stream shows like The Jetty. Similarly, a VPN is useful when traveling. If you’re on vacation in a foreign country but want to access Netflix libraries from your home country to continue your binge-watching, a VPN makes that possible. Check which VPNs unblock the streaming services you want to watch from abroad. If you want to stream movies and television shows, consider one of the best VPNs for Netflix or best VPNs for Amazon Prime Video.
Price
VPNs range from about $13 a month to about $100 annually. Generally, you’ll get a discount by paying for a year or more of service upfront, but we don’t recommend shelling out for more than 12 months at a time. While the VPN you pick might initially be fast, secure and excellent for streaming, it could get acquired by a shady company, suffer a data breach or get slower during a year. We suggest sticking to an annual plan for the best value and the least risk.
Why you should use a VPN for travel
A VPN makes a great travel companion thanks to its privacy features and geographic unblocking. Because a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, it protects your data to a degree from others on a public Wi-Fi network seeking unencrypted data. Websites you visit don’t see your actual IP address and instead view an IP given to you by your VPN software, making it harder to view personal information such as your physical location or online activity. You’re still susceptible to malware, viruses and phishing attacks, so keep in mind that a VPN isn’t an antivirus software replacement. You can find antivirus software bundled with some VPNs and vice versa.
VPNs can spoof apps and internet-connected services like websites into thinking you’re located in a different region. For example, you might be on holiday in the UK but want to access your Gmail while still making it look like you're at home in the States, a VPN could help. Or perhaps you’d like to stream a movie that is only available on US Netflix while in Canada. Using a VPN, you can make it appear like you’re in a different city or even country.
While traveling, you might use mobile data on your phone or tablet. Some wireless carriers throttle, or slow down, streaming videos over cellular data, which may result in worse video quality. But a VPN could help you circumvent throttling restrictions while on mobile data.
Whether for entertainment purposes or bypassing regional content restrictions, VPNs can circumvent location restrictions. If a VPN isn't already on your holiday packing list, it should be.
How we test VPNs for travel
I couldn’t use this article as an excuse to travel extensively but I have country-hopped regularly, with notable stints in the UK, Peru and Sierra Leone. On a trip to Rome in 2019, I downloaded a VPN on my laptop and Android phone before leaving so I could stream Netflix from the hotel and access my Gmail without triggering a security alert (at the time, I was using VPN Unlimited, although I’ve since switched to NordVPN). To select the best VPNs for travel, we rigorously assessed dozens of providers by running speed tests, checking for DNS leaks, poring over terms of service, using apps and streaming videos. We researched VPN provider server networks, factoring in the overall number and country locations, which dictate whether a virtual private network is suitable for globe-trotting.
Other VPNs we tested
PIA
Private Internet Access brings a lot to the table, particularly for regular travelers. Its large server network blankets the globe with 35,000 servers in 91 countries. ExpressVPN and Surfshark deliver more individual country choices but PIA’s sheer number of servers lets you easily find an optimal connection. It’s an especially great VPN for folks traveling domestically or to one of the worldwide locales where Private Internet Access maintains a decent presence. In our experience, we found PIA unblocked Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and Netflix on US and UK servers, making it a good VPN for streaming.
Its wallet-friendly pricing sets you back just $12 monthly, $40 for the first year ($50 annually upon renewal) or $79 total for three years. By comparison, most VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN typically charge $60 to $100 a year. The value-packed Surfshark charges about $48 for your first year and its price jumps to $60 after its initial sweet introductory pricing.
Despite its relatively low cost, PIA doesn’t cut corners. Although it’s not the most feature-rich VPN, you’ll get a solid privacy suite, including a kill switch that stops your internet if your VPN gets disconnected, split tunneling for using a VPN for some apps but not others and 256-bit encryption over OpenVPN or IKEv2 with ChaCha20 on WireGuard. There’s multihop, which routes your connection through another server for additional privacy, and obfuscated servers, making it tougher for apps or ISPs to identify when you’re using a VPN. PIA also boasts unlimited simultaneous connections -- the pricier ExpressVPN limits you to eight.
Unfortunately, PIA delivered middling internet speeds in our testing with an average speed loss of 48%. All VPNs slow down your connection somewhat, with the fastest VPNs offering an average internet speed loss of 25% or less. Folks with faster internet connections like fiber shouldn’t notice a difference even with a higher speed loss but PIA isn’t ideal for people with slower speeds like satellite internet users. With its decent features, pricing transparency and subscriptions that significantly undercut the competition, PIA remains a solid VPN that boasts a generous server network, unlimited simultaneous connections and relative affordability compared to VPN rivals. But for the price, you're better off with Surfshark, which is faster and offers a larger global server network.
IPVanish
IPVanish offers 3,200-plus servers in 113 countries, which is in the same ballpark as NordVPN, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark. (Disclosure: IPVanish is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) In our experience, IPVanish's internet download speeds were uneven, with a 44% average internet download speed loss in our 2024 testing, with fast speeds marred by occasionally noticeable dips, which could impact gaming or 4K streaming.
IPVanish provides plenty of perks, including unlimited simultaneous connections, user-friendly apps and great streaming capabilities. It streams and unblocks region-restricted content from Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu and Netflix with aplomb. At $13 monthly, $40 for the first year or $53 total for two years (the one- and two-year plans renew at $90 a year) IPVanish initially saves you money upfront compared to competitors like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. IPVanish works fine for casual use, but you can get a VPN with more robust privacy features and faster internet speeds, all of which benefit travel. IPVanish’s user-friendly apps make it a decent choice for beginners seeking a VPN to add peace of mind and allow for streaming abroad. But wallet-friendly VPNs PIA and Surfshark are better options for the money because of their larger server networks.
CyberGhost
With 11,500-plus servers spanning 100 countries, CyberGhost offers loads of choices for international travel. It’s decent for streaming from BBC iPlayer, Netflix and other sites. You can use specific servers optimized for streaming, but streaming works on all servers. CyberGhost remains wallet-friendly at $13 per month, $42 every six months or $57 total for the first two years of service (you’re billed annually after 24 months of service on its two-year plan).
CyberGhost's high internet speed loss isn’t ideal for demanding applications like 4K streaming or gaming. CyberGhost does provide some useful features, including a kill switch, which shuts off your internet if your VPN gets disconnected, and split tunneling for selectively choosing some apps to route through your VPN. But CyberGhost lacks advanced privacy features like Tor Over VPN or double-hop servers, both of which make it even more difficult to trace your traffic back to its source. All things considered, CyberGhost is acceptable for casual use like streaming videos or web browsing, and its exhaustive server network is particularly well-suited to travel. Uneven speed loss and middle-of-the-road privacy features mean you’ve likely got better choices.
VPN advancements in 2025
Our top-rated VPNs -- ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN and Mullvad -- all now offer Linux GUI apps, which are easier to use for beginners than command-line-only apps. So if you're a Linux user and want to bring your Linux laptop along while traveling, you can install an intuitive graphical user interface VPN app. In July 2025, ExpressVPN announced that it had server locations in all 50 US states, making it great for travel to and within the United States, as well as solid for streaming regional sports content, such as NFL, WNBA or NWSL games.
Alongside traditional VPN protocols, like WireGuard (or its equivalents) and OpenVPN, some VPN providers now provide obfuscation-focused VPN protocols, such as NordVPN's NordWhisper and Proton VPN's Stealth, which try to mask the fact that you're using a VPN. If you need to have a VPN running in a situation where VPNs are frowned upon -- such as in certain countries or on school Wi-Fi, for instance -- an obfuscation-centric VPN protocol could come in handy.
