Do you love traveling, but don’t want to expose yourself to unprotected Internet at your place of residence? That’s a common concern when you’re away from home and feel unsafe on an unknown network. And rightly so! The Internet at a hotel, restaurant, library, AirBnB, or anywhere in public is notorious for being targeted by users who want to invade your privacy. Even worse, they might trick you into connecting to a fake Wi-Fi, and plant spyware or malware to your device. To prevent all of this and much more, use the following list of the best VPN services for travelers.
What to look for in a VPN if you are a traveler?
As a traveler, one has to be on the go. Thus, there is always a concern for privacy as you travel across nations with different policies regarding data privacy. It is a good reason for a VPN, as there is no better alternative to protect yourself online. But how do you select a VPN that can remain effective all around the globe?
Given below are a few criteria bearing testament to a solid VPN you can rely on while traveling. These are:
Number of VPN Servers
First, the users should go for a provider that has a huge network. Stationary users might be happy with a small network, as they might find reliable servers close enough to their location. But when you are on the go, you are always in need of a VPN server. An increase in the number of servers will improve your chances of finding a nearby VPN server when needed.
Spread of Server locations
Now, a huge network should not be restricted by a limited number of server locations. Rather than having 60% of VPN networks in a single country, you can have 5% each across 10 or so. Doing so will allow travelers to connect to a reliable server from anywhere on the globe.
VPN Speed
Another contributing factor in deciding on a VPN provider is the speed of the internet connection. A fast VPN is desirable. Because slow VPNs simply defy the need for one. One should note that the network strength of a VPN also contributes to its speed. Be sure to check the VPN before purchasing.
Privacy Policy
Policies play a huge role in determining whether a VPN is fit for use or not. If you are a traveler, you need to determine the policies and regulations involved. The VPN should offer a no-logging policy, as it is the best solution for privacy-centric people. A no-logs policy simply states that the provider doesn’t store or log any PII that can be detrimental to the identity of the user.
Security
And finally, we are at the last factor, which is obviously security. A VPN has to be secure, no matter if it’s fit for traveling or not. There have to be a few basic features that can guarantee your online safety. The encryption and protocols used should be top-of-the-line, and there have to be features such as a kill switch, obfuscation, and leak protection.
Quick Comparison Table of the Travel VPNs
| VPN Provider | Number of Servers | Server Locations | VPN Speed | No-Log Policy | Security Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 5400+ | 59 countries | Fast | Yes | AES-256-bit encryption, kill switch, obfuscation, leak protection |
| ExpressVPN | 3000+ | 94 countries | Fast | Yes | AES-256 encryption, Lightway protocol, P2P support |
| Private Internet Access | 35550+ | 77 countries | Fast | Yes | WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, SOCKS5 proxy, ad/tracker/malware blocker |
| CyberGhost VPN | 6700+ | 111 locations | Fast | Yes | AES 256-bit encryption, CyberSec, IP/DNS leak protection, split tunneling |
| Surfshark | 3200+ | 65 countries | Fast | Yes | AES-256-GCM encryption, unlimited connections, CleanWeb, AdBlocker |
| HideMyAss VPN | 1070+ | 210+ countries | Fast | Yes | Kill switch, split tunneling, IP Shuffle |
| ZenMate | 2700+ | 77+ locations | Fast | Yes | 256-bit AES encryption, kill switch, split tunneling |
| Hotspot Shield VPN | 1800+ | 89 countries | Average | Yes | Catapult Hydra protocol, torrenting allowed |
| Hide.me | 1800+ | 72+ locations | Fast | Yes | IKEv2, WireGuard, SSTP, Softether, OpenVPN protocols |
| IPVanish | 1600+ | 75+ locations | Average | Yes | Military-grade encryption, TOR compatibility |
Best VPNs for Travelers
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is the best VPN provider for travelers. It comes with a perfect balance of VPN speed and the server number worldwide. We’re talking 5400+ servers in 59 countries, which are, as seen in our NordVPN review, split into obfuscated, streaming, P2P, and Onion Over VPN servers. You can connect 6 devices on one subscription, and effortlessly bypass censorship in China, Russia, UAE, Iran, etc. NordVPN also has a strict no-log policy, encrypts your Internet traffic with the AES-256-bit algorithm, and offers 3 different security protocols – IKEv2/IPSec, NordLynx, and OpenVPN. Finally, NordVPN can bypass the Netflix VPN block and unblock all major streaming services.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a large server base, only 3000+ servers, but they’re spread across 94 countries. It also ranked #1 on our list of fast VPN services, making it the best VPN for travelers that need top Internet speed. Like NordVPN it not only unblocks all top-tier streaming services, but it also has a proprietary security protocol, named Lightway. That’s not the end of similarities. ExpressVPN also has a zero-log policy, uses AES-256 military-grade encryption algorithm, and provides Internet freedom in heavily censored countries. They allow P2P transfer e.g., torrenting on all of their servers, and support up to 5 simultaneous VPN connections.
3. Private Internet Access
If you read our Private Internet Access review, you know it’s the best VPN for frequent travelers. After all, the network of 35550+ servers across 77 countries is unbeatable. Granted, the speed isn’t top-tier on every service, but the sheer number is staggering nonetheless. They have a no-logging policy, offer two primary security protocols known for low data consumption, WireGuard and OpenVPN, and even a VPN proxy via SOCKS5. The VPN service comes at a very low price while providing 256-bit AES encryption, the ability to connect up to 10 devices at once, and even a built-in ad/tracker/malware blocker.
4. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN lets users access more than 6700 VPN servers in 111 locations. This alone makes it one of the best VPN for traveling abroad. Other key features important to travelers include an AES 256-bit encryption, and a built-in ad/malware/tracker blocker named CyberSec. The VPN provider also provides features such as IP/DNS leak protection, split tunneling, kill switch, and supports top-rated VPN protocols such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. CyberGhost VPN is well-known for its no-strings-attached free trial and offers the longest money-back guarantee period of 45 days.
5. Surfshark
Surfshark is the best VPN service for group traveling. That’s because it’s one of the cheapest VPN providers while allowing unlimited VPN connections on one subscription. Moreover, users get a 30-day money-return guarantee and Surfshark offers 3200+ VPN servers in 65 countries, all of which guarantee safe torrenting. You’ll also get to hide your VPN with Camouflage Mode and can neutralize ads/malware/trackers with CleanWeb andAdBlocker features. Travelers can also use the NoBorders feature to bypass VPN blocks in censored countries and remain protected with AES-256-GCM encryption and a zero-logging policy.
6. HideMyAss VPN
Reading HideMyAss VPN review can make some rate it the top VPN for travelers. We don’t blame them, with the world’s largest server network of 1070+ servers in 210+ countries and 290+ different locations. Their servers also have a 20 Gbps bandwidth and 189 of those are dedicated to streaming. They’re also renowned for providing a free 7-day trial and not logging user’s online activities. Their apps come equipped with features such as kill switch and split tunneling, and allow up to 5 simultaneous connections. While on the road, use HideMyAss’s IP Shuffle feature and you won’t get caught.
7. ZenMate
ZenMate might not have as extensive a server network but it’s the best travel VPN provider for many. This German VPN provider offers an unlimited number of concurrent VPN connections on one account. It also has 2700+ servers in 77+ server locations, never logs your data, and is a great choice for streaming. Its dedicated streaming VPN servers eliminate buffering while unblocking HBO GO, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video. ZenMate also encrypts your traffic with 256-bit AES encryption, doesn’t log your activity, offers a kill switch and split tunneling, and even a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money refund guarantee.
8. Hotspot Shield VPN
Hotspot Shield VPN is the best VPN for short travel because of its high long-term price. However, you can take advantage of its 7-day free trial and a 45-day refund policy. On the other hand, if money isn’t a problem and top VPN speed was all you care about, go for it. By using the in-house security protocol, Catapult Hydra, you’ll enjoy a masterful mix of speed and security. Plus, you’ll get access to more than 1800 servers in more than 89 countries worldwide. Finally, torrenting is permitted on all of their servers, and you can connect between 5 and 25 devices back-to-back.
9. Hide.me
Hide.me, which we reviewed already, just might be the top VPN for traveling safely. The VPN service allows you to connect to 1800+ in 72+ locations around the world. It also unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus. Furthermore, it supports high-grade security protocols such as IKEv2, WireGuard, SSTP, Softether, and OpenVPN. Finally, Hide.me works in China, has extensive app support, and permits connecting a maximum of 10 devices concurrently. Unfortunately, like the one above, its main downside is the high price.
10. IPVanish
IPVanish matches Hide.me closely with over 1600 servers in 75+ locations around the globe. The VPN provider is also well-known for owning every chain in their infrastructure, eliminating the possibility of third-party infiltration. IPVanish also offers military-grade encryption, up-to-date security protocols, and a no-logging policy. You can even combine TOR (The Onion Router) with a VPN through their Onion Over VPN feature for top-notch security. We also had an easy time going around anti-VPN blocks imposed by Netflix, SlingTV, Disney+, and HBO Max.
