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.
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.
