You don’t have time for that. That’s why I spent several weeks testing 33 premium VPNs to see which actually deliver. I found out that most of them can’t bypass censorship or geoblocks—that’s really inconvenient when you’re away from home. Of all the VPNs I tested, ExpressVPN is my top choice because of its powerful security features and huge server network. Keep reading to learn more about it and my other recommendations. They’re all secure, anonymous, and fast—and some even work in China. Ready? Let’s take off!
Why You Need A VPN For Traveling
When you travel, you probably use public WiFi networks. These networks are unsecure, leaving your personal information vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. Some hackers may even create fake WiFi hotspots just to steal your information. The VPNs I’ve suggested encrypt your data to keep your passwords and banking details secure. As encryption makes your data unreadable, it also protects you from snooping eyes, such as ISPs and the government. Another benefit of these VPNs is that they mask your IP address. In addition to hiding your physical location, this feature can make it look like you are browsing from a different country. IP masking helps you overcome online censorship. If you’re visiting countries like China or the UAE, you’re likely to experience restrictions on popular sites and services, like Facebook, Skype, and even Twitter. Connecting to a server in a non-restricted country will grant you access to these important sites because it will seem as if you’re actually in one of those countries. VPNs also use IP masking and other technologies to bypass tough geoblocks, like the ones Netflix and other streaming services use. If you want to stream your regular shows while you’re out of town, you can connect to a server in your home country to access that library. An added bonus of IP masking? You may find cheaper flights! Hotel companies and airlines sometimes price differently based on your location, so you can switch servers to look for more affordable prices. Stay Safe While Traveling!
The Best VPNs for Traveling - Full Analysis (Updated 2023)
I’ve rigorously tested 33 vendors to find the best VPNs for traveling. I’ll continue testing and updating as needed to ensure you have the best protection while you’re browsing and stream away from home. Tip: Having an issue with a VPN server? Can’t get around a geoblock or access a particular site? Just disconnect and try another.
1. ExpressVPN - Bypass Geoblocks With Fast Speeds
ExpressVPN has 3,000 servers worldwide in 94 countries, so you’re sure to find a nearby server, no matter what country you’re visiting. The most impressive feature for travelers? ExpressVPN regularly refreshes its IP addresses so that they can’t be identified as belonging to a VPN. Thanks to these efforts, I was able to bypass every geoblock I tried, including Netflix, which has powerful anti-VPN software. More great news is that ExpressVPN works in censored countries like China. This means you can continue to check social media or read the news as you travel the world. ExpressVPN’s Smart Location feature picks the closest server location so you can enjoy quick download speeds. This made it easy to enjoy a fast connection every time. You also have unlimited bandwidth so you can browse wherever you are, without worrying about ExpressVPN throttling your speeds. You also get unlimited data. In terms of security, it offers some of the toughest measures out there, with 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and the OpenVPN protocol. Thanks to a zero-logging policy and an automatic kill switch, surveillance agencies are further blinded to what you’re doing. As a seasoned traveler, I found ExpressVPN’s split tunneling feature made browsing more flexible. With just a click, I could choose which websites to access with my local IP and which to access through my VPN. This means I could do my internet banking through my VPN while browsing the latest local news updates on WiFi hotspots. ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try out with no risk. Want to know more? Explore our ExpressVPN review to see the full results of our research and testing. Try ExpressVPN Today!
2. CyberGhost - Easy to Use and Good Security for Travel
If you’re looking for a simple, intuitive interface for travel, CyberGhost is perfect for you. It’s easy to set up and allows you to configure your own connection features with one click. This simple setup means there’s no fuss when you’re out and about and want to quickly log in and browse. With CyberGhost, you have access to 9,074 VPN servers in over 90 countries. This includes streaming-optimized servers that bypass geoblocks and allow for high-definition streaming. This VPN can’t bypass China’s Great Firewall, but I still found it to be a reliable service for browsing, streaming, and torrenting in many other countries. CyberGhost promises that it’s trustworthy and careful with your personal details, but so does every company. We conducted a transparency report and found that it truly is dedicated to protecting your privacy. In addition to military-grade encryption, it also features an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a zero-logging policy. This reinforces my trust that the provider will keep all your data and browsing activity locked tight. With the ability to connect 7 devices simultaneously, there’s enough to share your subscription with your travel companions. If you’re ready to start a plan, check out our current coupons to save some cash. You can also try CyberGhost risk-free by taking advantage of its 45-day money-back guarantee. Want to know more? Explore our CyberGhost review to see the full results of our research and testing. Try CyberGhost Today!
3. PrivateVPN - Best for User-Friendly Service
PrivateVPN is among the best VPNs because of its simple interface and ease of use. It’s quick and easy to get started, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user who prefers its advanced mode. The VPN is committed to delivering a user-friendly experience. So if you run into any issues, you can connect to live help through TeamViewer. Get assistance with installation, finding the right server, or anything else you can think of. PrivateVPN has 200 VPN servers in 63 countries. Its server coverage is small, but don’t let that discourage you. I experienced reliable speeds and good performance when I connected to servers in Europe, Asia, and the US. PrivateVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, the strongest security available. It also includes an automatic kill switch and a no-logs policy. Although PrivateVPN is located in Sweden, which is part of the 14-Eyes Alliance jurisdiction, you don’t have to worry. This doesn’t affect its no-logs policy — it can’t share any of your info, even if ordered, because it doesn’t keep it to begin with. Ready to have a user-friendly experience with PrivateVPN? Try it out risk-free: It’s generously offering a 7-day free trial, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. Want to know more? Explore our PrivateVPN review to see the full results of our research and testing. Try PrivateVPN Today!
4. ZenMate - Reliable Speeds and Easy to Use
ZenMate has 4,700 servers in 70+ locations worldwide, including the UK, Hong Kong, France, and Germany. If you’re touring Europe, you’ll have access to a good number of servers, but you may have limited connections anywhere else. During my tests, I found it had great speeds, even when connecting from Australia to faraway servers in the US. What’s really appealing about ZenMate? It’s incredibly easy to set up on all your devices. You only have to follow a few steps to install, and with a click, you’re ready to connect. Zenmate has dedicated streaming profiles. I found this convenient as I didn’t have to test multiple servers when I wanted to rewatch the best episodes of The Office on Netflix. It can bypass most geoblocks, too, which is good news for travelers as you can easily access content from back home. However, ZenMate can’t overcome China’s Great Firewall, so it’s not a good option for travel to that country. ZenMate encrypts your data with the best encryption available, 256-bit AES. It also features an automatic kill switch and a no-logs policy, which guarantees your online safety. Want to test all of ZenMate’s features with no risk? Check out its free 7-day trial and 30-day money-back guarantee. Want to know more? Explore our Zenmate review to see the full results of our research and testing. Try Zenmate Today!
5. VyprVPN - Best for Censorship While Traveling
Want to fight censorship and protect yourself with good security protocols on your travels? VyprVPN’s service is great for accessing geo-restricted sites and bypassing censorship with its unique Chameleon protocol. The Chameleon protocol scrambles your metadata to combat VPN blocks and get around deep packet inspection — no one will know you’re using a VPN. I can confirm that VyprVPN works in China. So browsing and streaming while you travel across Europe and Asia won’t be a problem. VyprVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and a zero-logs policy to protect your identity. It also has its own NAT firewall that adds an extra layer of security while you travel. It stops hackers and botnets from logging on to your computer without you knowing. VyprVPN has 70+ global locations with access to over 300,000 IP addresses. Access to so many IP addresses means you can just connect to a different one if your original encounters a block or other issue. Need to browse on more than one device? VyprVPN lets you connect up to 10 simultaneously, so bring them all on your travels. If you want to give VyprVPN a go without any risk, use its 30-day money-back guarantee. There’s also 24/7 customer support for help getting started or any issues you encounter along the way. Want to know more? Explore our VyprVPN review to see the full results of our research and testing. Try VyprVPN Today!
6. IPVanish - Unlimited Bandwidth for All Your Travels
IPVanish has expansive coverage with 2,200 servers in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, with 40,000 shared IPs. During my thorough tests, I found speeds were quite impressive and there were very few buffering issues. It can bypass geoblocks to access services like US Netflix and BBC iPlayer in the UK, among others. With unlimited bandwidth, you can browse and stream endlessly without disruptions in speeds. Can IPVanish offer you the best in security? Yes, it definitely can. It uses the highest-grade security features, such as 256-bit AES encryption and an automatic kill switch. Want convenience while browsing on the go? IPVanish uses Auto Reconnect to automatically restore a dropped connection—you don’t have to do anything. IPVanish also keeps a zero-logging policy, so your data will never be stored. This means it can’t be leaked or handed over to ISPs, advertisers, or government agencies. IPVanish offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so test it out to see if it’s right for you. Have questions? Use its 24/7 live chat for quick help. Want to know more? Explore our IPVanish review to see the full results of our research and testing. Try IPVanish Today!
7. SaferVPN - Best for Streaming While You Travel
SaferVPN has 950 servers in 35 countries, with optimized servers designed to make streaming quicker and more reliable. You can mark your favorite servers, too, so you can reconnect quickly. You definitely need the best security while traveling, especially in unsecure locations. SaferVPN protects you with 256-bit AES encryption that makes your data unreadable and an automatic kill switch that prevents data leaks. SaferVPN also offers automatic WiFi protection. As soon as you try to connect to a public WiFi spot, the VPN will activate, connect to a server, and protect your info from hackers and other snoops. You’re also protected by a no-logs policy—SaferVPN will never store your personal details. SaferVPN is committed to customer support. It’s got incredibly helpful quick-start guides and offers a 24/7 live chat for any lingering questions. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it risk-free. Want to know more? Explore our SaferVPN review to see the full results of our research and testing. Try SaferVPN Today!
8. UltraVPN - Reliable Connections With Simple Interface
UltraVPN has just over 830 VPN servers, which is smaller coverage than I usually like to see. This is why I’ve ranked the service 10th on the list. However, it does have good reach with servers in major countries like the US, the UK, Canada, Spain, Germany, and Australia. The biggest drawback to having such few servers is that you may not be able to access as much content while traveling to some countries. Another issue, which I experienced first-hand during testing, is that its servers often become overcrowded, which decreases your connection speed. While the server issues are big, the VPN’s other features are in line with what you’d expect from a premium service. UltraVPN has a super-easy installation and setup process, making it a good choice when you’re in a hurry. There’s no manual configuration—all you have to do is click Connect when you find the server you want. I tested several servers throughout the day, and I found the speeds to be fast and reliable. I browsed and streamed on multiple devices, including a laptop and a mobile phone. UltraVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, meaning your data is virtually unreadable to hackers. For extra security, it also features an automatic kill switch and a no-logs policy. Like most premium VPNs, you can rely that UltraVPN will keep your online identity hidden and secure. Want to test out its reliable connections for yourself? UltraVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free. Want to know more? Explore our UltraVPN review to see the full results of our research and testing. Try UltraVPN Today!
Research Methodology
I spent weeks carefully combing over the features and capabilities of over 30 VPNs to see which offered the most consistent performance for travelers. I used several devices during my tests and carefully recorded my results to put together the above list. Here’s what I looked for:
Strong security measures like 256-bit encryption, automatic kill switches, and no-logging policies to ensure your safety and privacy, especially when you use unsecure networks, like public WiFi. Large server coverage so you’ll have easy access to nearby servers, no matter where you’re traveling. Fast, reliable speeds and unlimited data so you don’t have to worry about buffering, lagging, or data caps as you browse or stream. The ability to bypass geoblocks so you can use popular streaming services and get around censorship, even in countries like China and Iran.
Do these VPN providers keep logs?
All the VPNs on this list maintain no-logs policies. When you use them, your online activity will never be monitored or recorded. If an ISP or government agency requests info, these VPNs will have nothing to hand over.
Is it legal to use a VPN everywhere?
In most cases, it’s completely legal to use a VPN. However, there are exceptions in countries like Russia and China. This is due to the internet censorship that some countries impose. The biggest offenders are China, Russia, Iran, and the UAE. Read more about the legality of VPNs and which countries restrict their use in our detailed guide. If you’re traveling to a place where VPN use is restricted, remember that you won’t be able to access VPN sites once you enter the country. For this reason, install your preferred VPN prior to traveling. This will ensure you can activate the VPN and bypass the restrictions that keep you from accessing Google, Youtube, Facebook, and other censored sites.
Are VPNs trustworthy?
As your personal information and identity are on the line when you use a VPN, it’s vital that you choose one that will truly protect you. Not all VPNs are worthy of your trust—some provide mediocre service, while others are outright scams. All the VPNs on this list have been thoroughly researched and tested to guarantee they’re trustworthy.
Should I use a free VPN while traveling?
It may be tempting to use a free VPN while you travel, especially if you’ll only be away for a short time. But you should know that many free VPNs can be quite problematic. Some track and sell your personal info, while others impose usage limits so strict that they’re virtually unusable. Think about it: You’re using a VPN because you want to protect your privacy and secure your devices. Why take a gamble on a free service that may do more harm than good, especially when premium VPNs can be so affordable?
The Bottom Line
I spent countless hours testing and retesting hundreds of features across 33 premium VPNs to determine which offer the best features and performance for travelers. The ones I’ve recommended above are secure, speedy, and reliable. Among all the VPNs on this list, ExpressVPN is my top choice for its state-of-the-art security features and incredible server coverage that spans 60 countries. Have a VPN already, but aren’t sure how it stacks up? Check out our guide on how to test your VPN’s safety features to make sure you’re truly protected. If you’re ready to sign up for a VPN for your travel, save some money by first checking out our latest VPN coupons and deals. The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.
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