When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn Finding the best VPN for travel when planning an international trip should be a top priority so you can ensure your privacy and security while away from home. Travelers often face issues like geo-restrictions and censorship and can benefit from additional security when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks in foreign countries.
VPNs can help address all these challenges and can encrypt your connection to protect your data and mask your IP address to allow you to access geo-restricted services and streaming platforms. In this guide, I’ll explore the key features to look for in a travel VPN and provide you with all the information you need to choose the best service for your needs based on my experience and testing.
NordVPN – Safest VPN for International Travel
Surfshark – Fastest VPN for Travelers
ExpressVPN – Most User-Friendly Travel VPN
PureVPN – Best VPN for Accessing Content Worldwide
ProtonVPN - Secure VPN With an Unlimited Free Plan
Best VPNs for Travel at a Glance
- NordVPN – Safest VPN for international travel
- Surfshark – Fastest VPN for travelers
- ExpressVPN – Most user-friendly travel VPN
- PureVPN – Best VPN for accessing content worldwide while traveling
- Proton VPN – Best VPN for privacy-conscious travelers
- Show Full Guide
Best Traveling VPNs Reviewed
Let’s take a closer look at the best VPNs for international travel. I’ll examine each provider’s performance, server fleet, features, plans, and suitability for different types of travelers based on my own testing and research.
1. NordVPN – Most Secure VPN for International Travel
| Starting Price | $3.39/month (two years) |
|---|---|
| Free Version/Trial | 7-day Android trial |
| Server Fleet | 6,400+ servers in 111 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
Pros
- Huge global server network
- Fast connection speeds
- Advanced security features
- Specialized server options
- SmartPlay technology
Cons
- No free plan
- Free trial limited to Android
2. Surfshark – Fastest VPN Connections for Travelers
| Starting Price | $2.19/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version/Trial | 7-day trial for iOS, Mac, Android |
| Server Fleet | 3,200 servers in 100+ countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
Pros
- Among the fastest VPNs on the market
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Unblocks most popular streaming websites
Cons
- No free plan
- HQ in a 9-Eyes Alliance nation
3. ExpressVPN – Most User-Friendly VPN Service for Travel
| Starting Price | $6.67/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version/Trial | 7-day iOS, Android trial |
| Server Fleet | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
Pros
- User-friendly apps and features
- Servers in 105 countries
- Automatic server selection
- 24/7 live chat support
- Fast Lightway protocol
Cons
- More expensive than some competitors
- Average speeds
4. PureVPN – Best VPN for Accessing Global Content While Traveling
| Starting Price | $2.14/month (two years) |
|---|---|
| Free Version/Trial | 7-day trial |
| Server Fleet | 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
Pros
- Large server network
- Supports port forwarding
- Advanced security features
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Fewer features for smartphones
- Slow upload speed
5. ProtonVPN – Best VPN for Privacy-Conscious Travelers
| Starting Price | $3.59/month (two years) |
|---|---|
| Free Version/Trial | Free plan |
| Server Fleet | 6,300+ servers in 100 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Chromebook |
Pros
- Extensive server network
- Open source for robust transparency
- Excellent free VPN plan
- Fully featured Linux app with GUI
Cons
- No free trial
- Free users have limited server choices
Best VPN for International Travel Compared
In the comparison table below, I’ve compiled all the key information on my best travel VPN shortlist entries so you can easily evaluate them and find the best VPN service for your international travel needs:
| Best Travel VPNs | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | PureVPN | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $3.39/month (two years) | $2.19/month | $6.67/month | $2.14/month (two years) | $3.59/month (two years) |
| Free Version / Trial | 7-day Android trial | 7-day trial for iOS, Mac, Android | 7-day iOS, Android trial | 7-day trial | Free plan |
| Server Fleet | 6,400+ servers in 111 countries | 3,200 servers in 100+ countries | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries | 6,300+ servers in 100 countries |
| Speed Retention | 73% | 73% | 53% | 79% | 90% |
| Simultaneous Connection | 10 | Unlimited | 8 | 10 | 10 |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux. | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Chromebook |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
How We Review and Test VPN Services
20 VPNS TESTED
25 DATA POINTS MEASURED
300+ HOURS TESTING
500+ USER REVIEWS READ
To provide our readers with accurate and well informed recommendations, we tested 20 leading VPN services to find the best in the market. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
- Security Features: We made sure that the provider uses standard security features and a secure tunneling protocol.
- Privacy Policies: We looked for VPNs that come with a no-logs policy, and verify the extend to which user privacy is upheld.
- Speed: We run speed tests three times a day and draw an average of the result to see how much of the original broadband speed is retained.
- Compatibility: We ensure the VPN provider offers multiple simultaneous connections and is compatible with the most popular operating systems.
- Geo-unblocking: We test whether the VPN service can unlock different libraries (content available in different countries) on the most popular streaming platforms.
- Customer Experience: When researching products and services, we read real user experiences and test out their customer support channels ourselves.
- Price and Value for Money: We set out to recommend reasonably priced products that offer value for money.
What Is a Travel VPN and Why Do You Need It?
The software will encrypt your internet connection and mask your IP address, enabling you to securely connect to public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, cafes, and airports. This reduces the risk of hackers intercepting sensitive data, such as login credentials and financial information, protecting you from fraud and identity theft.
Another benefit of using a travel VPN is its ability to circumvent censorship so you can access websites and services that may be blocked in certain regions. For instance, if you’re traveling to China, where popular platforms like Google, Facebook, and Twitter/X are restricted, a VPN can help you bypass these restrictions and stay connected.
The best VPN for overseas travel will also allow you to access content from your home country that might otherwise be unavailable due to geographical restrictions. This might include streaming your favorite TV shows or movies on Netflix, Hulu, or the BBC iPlayer or keeping up with sporting events on region-locked platforms.
In addition to enhancing online security and accessibility, a travel VPN can help you get better deals on flights, accommodation, and rental cars by allowing you to compare prices from different regions without being subject to location-based price discrimination.
We have created detailed vpn guides by country to help you learn more about the specifics of each region:
Key Factors to Consider in a VPN for Travel
If you’re looking for the best VPN, the following key factors are worth considering to ensure you have a secure and reliable online experience while abroad:
Global Server Coverage – Pick a VPN provider that offers a large network of strategically located servers so you can access geo-restricted content and bypass censorship.
Speed – Look for a travel VPN service that delivers fast and stable connections to minimize buffering and latency issues when streaming or browsing.
User-Friendly Apps and Compatibility – Make sure to get a VPN that has intuitive, easy-to-use apps for the different devices and platforms you plan to use.
Encryption and Protocols – It’s worth prioritizing VPN providers with advanced security credentials, such as having independently audited no-logs policies, extra VPN security features, and a range of protocols to pick from.
Customer Support – Choose a VPN company that provides prompt and reliable customer support via channels such as live chat and email and a comprehensive knowledge base to quickly resolve any issues.
Are Travel VPNs Legal to Use?
While VPNs are generally legal in most Western countries, such as the United States, Canada, and the majority of European nations, some countries have imposed restrictions or bans on VPN use.
Countries like China, Russia, and Iran, for instance, have implemented regulations on VPN usage, requiring providers to obtain government approval and comply with local data retention laws. In these regions, using an unauthorized VPN may result in punitive consequences, ranging from fines to imprisonment.
In other cases, such as in the United Arab Emirates, the use of VPNs is prohibited for accessing blocked services or engaging in illegal activities. Those found violating these laws may face substantial fines or imprisonment.
Similarly, the government in Türkiye has cracked down on VPN use, blocking access to popular providers and imposing penalties on users who circumvent restrictions.
Travelers should be aware that engaging in illegal activities while using a VPN, such as accessing copyrighted material or participating in cybercrime, remains illegal and can lead to serious legal repercussions.
How and Where Can I Check Whether VPN Use Is Legal in My Destination?
The laws surrounding VPN use vary between countries, so you should do research before traveling.
Reliable resources for this information include the embassy or consulate website for your destination country, which will often provide insights into local regulations. VPN service providers frequently also offer guides on region-specific legal considerations.
VPNs are banned entirely in Belarus, Iraq, North Korea, Oman, and Turkmenistan, while China, Russia, Egypt, India, Iran, Türkiye, UAE, and Uganda heavily restrict usage.
Will a Travel VPN Slow Down My Internet Speed?
This depends on factors such as the distance between your location and the chosen VPN server, the quality of your internet connection, and the VPN provider’s infrastructure and bandwidth capacity. If you connect to a server that’s geographically distant or overloaded with users, you may experience more noticeable latency and slower connection speeds.
In most cases, though, a reputable VPN service with optimized servers and solid infrastructure will have a very limited impact on your connection speed so you can enjoy smooth browsing, streaming, and downloading.
What Should I Do if I Experience Traffic Slowdowns With a VPN?
If you encounter traffic slowdowns while using a travel VPN, consider implementing the following strategies to optimize your connection speed:
- Server Selection – Experiment with connecting to different VPN server locations, prioritizing those that are geographically closer to your physical location. Nearby servers should typically offer lower latency and faster connection speeds.
- Protocol Optimization – Explore the different VPN protocols your provider offers and switch to a more efficient option, such as WireGuard or IKEv2, which are known for their speed and stability.
- Network Troubleshooting – Assess your local network configuration and ensure that your router and firewall settings aren’t interfering with your VPN connection.
- Device Optimization – Close background applications and browser tabs that may be consuming bandwidth and resources.
- Plan Upgrade – If you consistently experience significant slowdowns, consider upgrading to a VPN plan that offers faster speeds, unlimited bandwidth, or access to optimized servers designed for streaming and gaming.
How to Set Up a Travel VPN
Setting up a travel VPN is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. Before your trip, follow this step-by-step guide to configure your VPN:
Sign up for NordVPN
Go to NordVPN’s site and sign up for a subscription. It’s a good idea to also review the internet privacy laws of your destination at this point.
Download the app
Once complete, go to the site’s downloads page and download and install the VPN app on your device.
Launch the app
It’s smart to set up the app in advance to avoid any last-minute issues and to dedicate a few minutes to exploring its features and settings. To that end, launch the app.
Pick a server
Click on the globe symbol in the left menu and use the map or the search field to select a server. If you want to access content from your home country, select a server located there. For optimal connection speeds, choose a server location that’s close to you.
Get Connected
Click the name of the server or the Quick Connect button to establish a secure VPN connection. You may want to spend some time practicing with the VPN to familiarize yourself with its functionality.
Additional Online Security Tips for Travelers
In addition to using a travel VPN, there are several other tools and best practices travelers can use to enhance their online security:
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Activate 2FA on your key accounts, such as email, banking, and social media, to ensure that unauthorized access to your accounts will be blocked even if your password is compromised.
Install Antivirus Software – Protect your devices by installing security software to detect and block cyber threats, such as viruses and phishing attacks.
Use a Secure Password Manager – Simplify password management and enhance security by using a reliable password manager to generate and store unique, complex passwords for your online accounts. Check out our list of the best password managers to find one that suits you.
Don’t Click on Suspicious Links – Be vigilant when clicking on links, downloading attachments, or accessing websites, and avoid interacting with pop-ups and ads, as they could lead to infected sites or phishing scams.
Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi – Avoid accessing sensitive information, such as financial or personal data, while connected to public Wi-Fi. Always connect through your travel VPN for safety.
Can I Use a Free VPN When Traveling?
While it may be tempting to use a free VPN when traveling, you should consider the risks and limitations of these services. They often lack the robust security features of paid plans.
A primary concern with free VPNs is how they handle data. Some free providers monetize their services by collecting and selling user data to third parties, compromising your privacy and potentially exposing your information to advertisers or worse.
Free VPNs also often have limited server options and bandwidth restrictions, resulting in slow connection speeds and an inability to access geo-restricted content.
Some free VPNs have even been found to carry malware or engage in deceptive practices, such as injecting ads or redirecting you to sponsored websites, putting your online security at risk.
Instead of looking for a free travel VPN, I recommend picking a reputable paid VPN service that prioritizes private internet access and security. Many reliable VPN providers offer free trials and money-back guarantees, allowing you to test their services before committing.
If you want to use a free service, I recommend Proton VPN, which includes unlimited bandwidth, as the best free VPN for travel. However, it only offers a handful of servers and lacks advanced security features, meaning it’s still best to upgrade.
FAQ
Which VPN is best for changing countries?
Do I need a VPN for international travel?
Does using a VPN lower airline prices?
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What is the best VPN to use when booking travel?
References
- All Proton VPN apps are now open source and audited (Proton VPN)
- ExpressVPN: Audit report on our privacy policy (ExpressVPN)
