If you're in the Great White North and want to protect your data, using one of the best Canada VPNs will help you do so.
By using one of the best VPNs, you'll be able to encrypt your connection, protect your data and unlock the libraries of streaming platforms from across the world by spoofing your location there.
We've been hands-on with dozens of VPNs to determine how well they cover Canada. We've tested speeds, how well they support streaming services both in Canada and globally, their ease of use, and their privacy credentials to whittle them down to a top 5.
We'll be going in-depth into all these VPNs, but if you want a quick answer, check out the top 3 Canada VPNs below: NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN.
The 3 best Canada VPNs at a glance
How we chose the best Canada VPNs
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We test and evaluate VPNs in a number of different ways. To rank the best VPNs for Canada specifically, I first checked to see how many servers the VPNs offered within Canada, and in how many locations they were available.
Next were streaming tests, to see whether or not the chosen VPNs support streaming both within Canada and throughout the rest of the world. This is tested in a couple of different ways, first by using a semi-automated tool built by our in-house VPN tester.
While using the semi-automated tool gives us a good idea of whether or not the VPNs are able to access the streaming platforms, I have also hand-tested all the VPNs in real-world scenarios. This essentially means using the VPNs the exact same way someone looking to stream using these VPNs would to see whether the VPNs can actually access the platforms, as well as how easy they are to use and how good their support is should I run into any issues.
This saw me use my personal devices – a Dell laptop and an iPhone 11 – to access streaming platforms both in Canada (e.g. the Canadian library of Netflix) as well as other regional and global streaming platforms (e.g. Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer).
To do this, I selected a Canada-based server from my chosen VPN's server list, then attempted to stream content on the streaming platforms. If the VPN was detected, I switched to a different server. If this didn't solve the issues, I classed this as the VPN being unable to unblock the streaming platform.
If a VPN was unable to unblock a streaming platform, I contacted its support to see if there were any fixes available. The level of support I received during this was also factored into that VPN's ranking on this list.
Other factors also contributed to the placement of the VPN services on this list. One in particular is speed, as high VPN connection speeds mean that your base connection won't be slowed down, keeping your connection stable. So, all of the VPNs were tested on a 1 Gbps line to determine their top speeds.
Privacy and security are integral factors in making sure your VPN works as expected, so I've also considered these aspects when ranking the VPNs on offer.
Finally, I've taken a look at any extra features these VPNs offer, as well as whether or not they're paid add-ons or included as part of your subscription. While extra features like malware and ad blocking or free password managers are definitely bonuses rather than must-have, they might give a VPN an edge over the competition for some users.
Read more about how we test VPNs for an in-depth look at our testing process.
This update has seen us change the rankings for the best Canada VPN, moving NordVPN to #1, Surfshark to #2, ExpressVPN to #3, Proton VPN to #4 and PIA to #5. We included updated streaming testing information for all the providers, as well as fixes for streaming issues when using PIA.
The best Canada VPN overall
What we like:
NordVPN is ranked at #1 in our list of the best VPN services, and it retains this position in our list of the best VPNs for Canada, too.
First off, NordVPN has 300 servers in 3 locations across Canada (Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver), meaning you should have no problem finding a server to connect to.
In streaming testing, NordVPN was able to unblock the Canadian and US libraries of Netflix, as well as US-based streaming platforms Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.
Beyond North America, NordVPN was able to unblock the Japanese, Australian and UK libraries of Netflix, in addition to BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All4, 9Now and 10 Play. So, if you want to stream content from across the world as well as in Canada, NordVPN has got you covered.
If you want to stream, you won't want to be held up by buffering. Thankfully, with speeds maxing out at over 950 Mbps in testing, NordVPN ensures that your connection will be kept stable during your streaming sessions.
If you're someone who prioritises security as well as streaming, NordVPN has some handy features in this area, too. Threat Protection Pro is a full security suite, offering malware, ad and tracker blocking, in addition to a password manager, data breach scanner and even 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage.
Canadian subscribers can even go one step further in protecting their data by getting it removed from any data brokers via access to data removal tool Incogni. This perk isn't available to subscribers elsewhere, so it's great reason to sign up if you are in Canada.
So, if you're after a Canada VPN that will keep you safe in all aspects online, as well as supporting streaming across the world, NordVPN is a great choice.
What could improve:
While NordVPN's server spread is decent, it's not quite as good as some other providers. While Proton VPN is available in three locations across Canada (the same as NordVPN) it has 849 servers, more than double the servers as NordVPN. Plus, PIA is available in four locations across Canada – one more than NordVPN.
While this shouldn't impact your use of NordVPN too much, if you want a VPN for Ontario specifically, then you'll need to go for PIA.
NordVPN is also pretty expensive at CA$4.39 per month for a two-year subscription, with its extra cybersecurity features only available as paid add-ons. You can see the differences below:
- Plus: a password manager and Threat Protection Pro, costing CA$5.69 per month for a two-year subscription, billed at CA$136.56 plus tax upfront.
- Complete: the above features plus encrypted cloud storage, costing CA$6.99 per month for a two-year subscription, billed at CA$167.76 plus tax upfront.
- Ultra: the above features plus personal data removal by Incogni, costing CA$8.99 per month for a two-year subscription, billed at CA$215.76 plus tax upfront.
Alternatively, if you want a VPN that offers all these features for a much lower price, go for ExpressVPN – it offers the same cybersecurity features as NordVPN's for CA$4.99 per month for a two-year subscription (CA$139 paid upfront for 28 months' coverage).
🔒 Read our in-depth NordVPN review for all the details.
Buy NordVPN if:
✅ You want the best Canada VPN. NordVPN is our #1 rated VPN overall, and is similarly great as a Canada VPN.
✅ You want a VPN with a security suite. You can add cybersecurity features like tracker, ad and malware blocking, to your NordVPN subscription.
✅ You want to stream content from across the world. NordVPN unblocked every streaming service I tested it with, both in Canada and the US, as well as Australia, Japan and the UK.
Don't buy NordVPN if:
❌ You're on a tight budget. With a two-year subscription costing CA$4.39 per month, NordVPN's one of the more expensive VPNs on this list. If you're on a strict budget, consider Surfshark or PIA.
❌ You want a VPN with an extensive Canadian server spread. NordVPN's Canadian server spread is decent but other providers like Proton VPN and PIA offer more servers and more locations respectively.
The best value for money Canada VPN
What we like:
Surfshark offers 3,200 servers in 105 locations worldwide, with 150 servers in 3 locations (Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto) in Canada specifically.
This is a VPN that proves that low price does not equal low quality. A two-year subscription costs just CA$2.79 per month (CA$75.33 plus tax upfront). Despite this, it's the fastest VPN we've tested, maxing out our test line at 950 Mbps on a 1 Gbps line, and achieving speeds of around 1,300 Mbps on a 10 Gbps line.
Now, these speeds are a little higher than you're likely working with, but even on my (generally fairly slow) domestic Wi-Fi, I was able to achieve speeds of 63 Mbps while connected to Surfshark (for reference, my base internet speed usually hovers around the 50-55 Mbps mark – which may mean my ISP is throttling my internet).
These speeds are a real boon during streaming sessions, ensuring that you're not held up by any lag or buffering. As one of the best streaming VPNs, Surfshark was able to unblock both Canada and the US' Netflix libraries, as well as Disney+, Amazon Prime Video. It was also able to unblock Netflix in the UK, Japan and Australia, as well as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, C4, 9Now, 10 Play.
If streaming is your top priority, then Surfshark is a good choice. It was the only VPN that didn't encounter any issues during streaming tests (though that being said, the majority of issues the other VPNs had were minor).
If you like to stream across a range of devices, Surfshark is also a great option as it does not have a device limit. This means you can use one subscription across as many different devices as you want, and can even share one subscription across your entire household.
What could improve:
Surfshark's Canadian server spread is admittedly low, with just 150 servers in three locations across Canada. This is half the servers offered by NordVPN, and roughly a sixth of the servers offered by Proton VPN.
Surfshark also is a little lacking in terms of configuration. While its simple apps are definitely useful for those who prefer a streamlined interface, this simplicity means that it just doesn't have the same customization options as Proton VPN or PIA. If you want a VPN for Canada that you can completely customize the connection of, you're better off going for one of these options.
While Surfshark is initially good value for money at CA$2.79 per month for a two-year subscription, after this term ends you will be subject to significant price hikes. To avoid these, you'll need to cancel your subscription before it ends then re-subscribe.
🔒 Read our in-depth Surfshark review for all the details.
Buy Surfshark if:
✅ You want a super-fast VPN. In our latest round of speed testing, Surfshark had the fastest speeds of any VPN provider at over 950 Mbps.
✅ Streaming is your top priority. Surfshark did not have any issues with streaming, minor or otherwise, in our latest round of testing.
✅ You want a cheap Canada VPN. With a two-year plan costing CA$2.79 per month plus tax, Surfshark is one of the cheapest VPNs on this list.
Don't buy Surfshark if:
❌ You want a Canadian VPN you can customize. Due to its more streamlined, simple apps, Surfshark does not offer the level of configurability that Proton VPN and PIA do.
❌ You want a VPN with an extensive Canadian server network. With 150 servers in three locations across Canada, Surfshark's Canadian server network certainly isn't the smallest, but it's not as widespread as NordVPN or PIA's.
The easiest Canada VPN to use
What we like:
ExpressVPN has servers in 3 locations across Canada (two Toronto locations, Vancouver and Montreal), and while it does not officially publish how many Canada-specific servers it has, it has 3,200 servers worldwide.
ExpressVPN is a great choice as a VPN Canada if you're new to VPNs, or don't want to mess around re-learning a VPN's UI whenever you download it across a different device.
This is because unlike other VPN providers, ExpressVPNs apps stay exactly the same, no matter what device you're using. For example, if you're looking for the best Fire Stick VPN and well as one of the best Windows VPNs, you can download ExpressVPN safe in the knowledge that you'll understand how it works no matter what platform it's on.
Speaking of Fire Stick, if you're someone who likes to stream content ExpressVPN has you covered here, too. In my unblocking tests, it was able to unblock the Canadian, US, UK, Japanese and Australian content libraries of Netflix. It was also able to unblock Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, All4, 9Now and 10 Play, meaning you can watch content from the Great White North and beyond.
If you're looking for a Canada VPN that includes a lot of added extras at no additional price, ExpressVPN is a really good option. All of its subscriptions include its ad and tracker blocker Threat Manager, as well as a password manager, extra cybersecurity features that tend to be paid upgrades for other VPNs, like Surfshark or NordVPN.
What could improve:
ExpressVPN did suffer some minor issues during my streaming tests, struggling to unblock ITVX in the UK and the Netflix libraries of Japan and Australia.
If you're someone who likes to watch foreign TV, or an expat who lives in Canada who wants a completely uninterrupted service, consider going for Surfshark, NordVPN or Proton VPN. However, it's important to note that these issues were solved by switching servers, so they shouldn't impact you too much if you do decide to go for ExpressVPN.
It would be remiss of me to not address the fact that ExpressVPN is the most expensive VPN on this list. However, if you consider the features that it includes, then it's actually pretty good value for money. If you want a full security suite as well as a VPN, then you should consider it.
However, if you just want a basic VPN to encrypt your data online and spoof your location to somewhere else, then Surfshark and PIA will do this for a fraction of the price.
🔒 Read our in-depth ExpressVPN review for all the details.
Buy ExpressVPN if:
✅ You want an easy-to-use VPN. With a streamlined interface that stays consistent across all apps, ExpressVPN is ideal for both those new and not-so-new to VPNs.
✅ You want a VPN with extra cybersecurity features. ExpressVPN includes some great extra features as standard, like a password manager and ad and tracker blocking, that are paid add-ons for most other VPNs.
✅ You want a Canada VPN with great freebies. All of ExpressVPN's subscriptions come with tracker and ad blocking and a password manager at no extra cost.
Don't buy ExpressVPN if:
❌ You want a cheap VPN. ExpressVPN is the most expensive Canada VPN on this list, at $4.99 per month for a two-year subscription.
❌ You want a VPN with a flawless streaming unblocking record. ExpressVPN did have some minor issues during our streaming tests, as was detected by multiple streaming platforms.
The most secure Canada VPN
What we like:
With 849 servers in 3 locations (Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto), plus 3 secure core servers within Canada, Proton VPN has a lot to offer Canadian users in terms of server network and security.
As one of the most secure VPNs, Proton VPN is dedicated to ensuring its users' data stays private. For VPN users in Canada who want to stay as private and secure as possible, Secure Core is a real bonus.
This handy tool routes your traffic first through a server in a country selected specifically for its strong privacy laws (e.g. Iceland, Switzerland or Sweden), then onto a server in your chosen country. This helps protect you against VPN network attacks and further increase your privacy through doubling up on the amount of encryption offered.
You may think this focus on security means Proton VPN is lacking in other areas, but this couldn't be further from the case. Not only is Proton VPN one of the best Netflix VPNs, unblocking Netflix for Canada, the US, UK, Australia and Japan, but it performs consistently well in other streaming tests, too.
In my testing, I was able to access Amazon Prime, Disney +, ITVX, All4, 9Now and 10 Play without any issues.
If you find a particular server setup that works well for you, and would like to keep returning to it but don't want to scroll down Proton VPN's admittedly impressively long server list, its handy Profiles feature is perfect for you. You can select the specific server, location and encryption protocol and save it to your profile, getting connected to your preferred settings in a matter of clicks. You can even colour-code and name them.
If you're after the best iPhone VPN for Canada, I'd definitely recommend Proton VPN. This is thanks to its recent redesign of its Windows, Android and iOS apps which has made it easier to use than ever. I know this from experience – I used Proton VPN's previous UI for four weeks for my Proton VPN review and it was great to see some of my previous criticisms get addressed in the redesign.
This included getting rid of its function server map (now it's just a cool aesthetic one that shows you where you're connected to), and moving the "disconnect" button from where the "home" button is on most other apps to a widget.
What could improve:
Proton VPN is one of the most expensive VPNs on this list, with a two-year subscription costing CA$5.49 per month (CA$131.76 for 24 months' coverage).
With this being said, like ExpressVPN, it does include a lot of great extras in all of its subscriptions, like its malware, ads and tracker blocker, Netshield (it does have other subscription tiers which offer more features, though).
While Proton VPN does have one of the best free VPNs, it's not super helpful as a VPN for Canada. For a start, it only has 5 servers available for use, and the closest server is in the US. Plus, you'll experience medium speeds and while it does offer unlimited data, it does not support streaming.
If you want a VPN that will just encrypt your data while you're online, and you're not bothered about where your location is set to, then Proton VPN Free is a good option. If you want to be able to stream content, however, then you're better off going either for a premium VPN, or for Privado VPN Free.
🔒 Read our in-depth Proton VPN review for all the details.
Buy Proton VPN if:
✅ You want a customizable VPN for Canada. You can pick the exact location, server and encryption protocol you want for your connection with Proton VPN's Profiles feature.
✅ You want a Canada VPN that's great for iOS. Proton VPN's app redesign has made its iOS a lot more streamlined and easy to use.
✅ You need a wide server spread. With 849 servers across 3 locations in Canada, Proton VPN has one of the largest server networks on this list.
Don't buy Proton VPN if:
❌ You want a cheap VPN. At CA$5.49 per month for a two-year subscription, Proton VPN is more expensive than Surfshark, PIA and NordVPN.
❌ You want a free Canada VPN for streaming. While Proton VPN Free has a lot of things to offer as a free VPN, streaming support is not one of them.
The best Canada VPN for tech experts
What we like:
Private Internet Access (PIA) does not officially state how many servers it has, however, it does have at least 10,000 servers globally and 4 server locations in Canada (Montreal, Ontario, Toronto and Vancouver).
This is one more location than the rest of the providers on this list, meaning if you want a Canada VPN for Ontario specifically, PIA is the best choice for you.
PIA is one of the most private VPNs on the market, meaning if you're looking for a VPN for complete anonymity, you should consider PIA.
PIA has a strict no-logs policy, and publishes quarterly Transparency Reports which show how many times user data has been requested, and how many times it hasn't been shared. After all, you can't share what you don't have.
If you need to keep the fact you bought a VPN hush-hush, PIA accommodates this, too, by allowing you to pay for it using cryptocurrency.
It won't break the bank, either, as one of the best cheap VPN services its prices start from CA$2.19 per month for a two year subscription (CA$56.94 for 26 months' coverage).
What could improve:
PIA's performance in my streaming tests left a little to be desired. While it didn't have any issues with my testing of Canadian streaming services, it ran into issues with Amazon Prime, All4, Netflix's Australian catalog and 10 Play.
However, for some streaming services I was unable to access them one day but could stream content on them the next day with no issues. So, it may just depend on the day.
Additionally, PIA's support was super helpful when I reached out to them regarding streaming issues, emailing me back in just 20 minutes. If you run into the same issues I did (i.e. your VPN being detected), PIA recommends doing the following:
- If the website is only available in a specific region, connect to at least 3 server locations in that region. If not, you may connect to at least 3 random server locations.
- Change to a different VPN protocol then try accessing again. To change VPN protocol, go to Settings > Protocols.
- Try a different browser or log out and log back into the app.
At 436 Mbps, PIA's WireGuard speeds are more than half the speed of all of the VPN providers on this list. However, if you favour security over speed, you'll be pleased to know its OpenVPN speeds were better than ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Proton VPNs at 220 Mbps.
Finally, PIA's apps may be a bit complex for new users. It does have a quick-connect on/off button, but once you go into its settings they are definitely geared towards the more technically-minded.
If you're after a super customizable VPN, then this will be a real plus. If you want a more simple VPN, though, you should go for Surfshark, ExpressVPN or Proton VPN.
🔒 Read our in-depth Private Internet Access review for all the details.
Buy Private Internet Access if:
✅ You want a Canada VPN for Ontario. PIA is the only VPN on this list with a server in this city.
✅ You want a super-private VPN. With the option to pay in cryptocurrency and quarterly transparency reports proving it doesn't share your data, PIA ensures your VPN use will stay anonymous.
✅ You want a cheap Canada VPN. PIA is one of the cheapest VPNs on this list, with a two-year subscription costing just CA$2.19 per month.
Don't buy Private Internet Access if:
❌ Streaming is your top priority. While it was able to unblock most streaming services eventually, I did frequently run into issues during streaming testing with PIA.
❌ You want a super fast VPN. PIA's speeds shouldn't impact you too much, but at 436 Mbps they just don't reach the level of performance as Surfshark, Proton VPN or NordVPN.
Are VPNs legal in Canada?
While using a VPN is legal in Canada, there are some legalities you should consider. The first is that if you're using a VPN to stream content only licensed in Canada from elsewhere, this could violate the licensing agreement for whatever streaming platform you're using and may even lead to your account being terminated (although we've never actually heard of this happening).
For this reason, if your VPN use is detected this will disrupt your streaming session. What this looks like depends on the platform, with Netflix only showing you TV shows or movies that it has a global license for (e.g. Stranger Things), while for Amazon Prime Video it will simply not play any content if your VPN use is detected.
If you want a VPN that has flawless performance in streaming tests, go for Surfshark. I didn't have a single issue when using it to stream content.
What's the best VPN for Canada?
The best VPN for Canada based on our testing is NordVPN, thanks to its great combination of fast speeds, top-of-the-line security and excellent server support.
However, overall, the best Canada VPN is the one that works best for you – all of our suggestions are great VPNs so feel free to take advantage of their 30-day money-back guarantees and test a few out for yourself.
Can I use a free Canada VPN?
While good free VPNs do exist, they are few and far between. They're frequently limited as they're free versions of a premium VPN, meaning you're likely to be held back by smaller server spreads, data limits and/or less security features as compared to a paid-for VPN.
One example of this is Privado VPN Free. While it does support streaming, it also has a strict 10B data limit, which will run out after a couple of hours' worth of streaming. However, if you go for Proton VPN Free for its generous unlimited data, you'll find that it doesn't support streaming at all.
If you want to venture into the free VPN offerings of various app stores, you'll find many making wild claims about their performance. Be warned, though – many of these VPNs will fund themselves by collecting and selling your data to third parties.
In the worst cases, they aren't actually VPNs at all, and are actually fronts for info-stealing malware.
So, if you don't want to be held back by your VPN and avoid all this hassle, going for a premium one is the best bet.
You don't even need to shell out for one, either – PIA and Surfshark are just CA$2.19 per month and CA$2.79 per month for a two-year subscription, respectively.
How do I change my VPN to Canada?
If you're new to VPNs, the concept of spoofing your location to somewhere else may seem like it'll be complex, but thankfully the VPN itself does all the tricky bits for you.
To change your location to Canada, simply navigate to your chosen VPN's server list, and either search for or scroll down to a server based in Canada. Click to connect to it, and viola! You'll now be virtually within the Great White North.
If you're likely to keep returning to the same settings over and over, I'd suggest getting Proton VPN. Using its Profiles features, you can select the exact location, server and encryption protocol you want to use, then even name and colour-code it. It'll be saved to your account, so you can get connected with your ideal settings in just a matter of clicks.
How does a VPN work for Canada?
Whether it's accessing content region-locked to Canada, or being within Canada itself and wanting to encrypt your connection without appearing to be elsewhere in the world, a VPN is a handy tool to have both in and outside Canada.
When using a VPN, you connect to the VPN first, which then creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. This means that your data is safe from any prying eyes, for instance your internet service provider (ISP) or the government.
This also assigns you a different IP address to your home address, meaning your online activity cannot be traced back to you.
You can spoof your location using a VPN by connecting to a server hosted by the VPN provider in a different province or country.
Back to the best Canada VPNs ^
How to choose the right Canada VPN
The first thing to consider when choosing a Canada VPN is whether or not it has servers where you want them. For example, all the VPNs on this list have servers in Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto, but only PIA has servers in Ontario.
Next thing to consider is what you specifically want to use it for. Decent streaming support is paramount if you want the best streaming VPN service to catch up with movies and TV shows from Canada, while fast speeds are a must if you're after the best gaming VPN to reduce lag and ping.
However, if you're specifically after a VPN to increase your online security and privacy, then security features like ad and tracker blocking or obfuscated servers will be more beneficial to you.
Price may also be an important factor. If you want the best VPN for Canada at the lowest price, then Surfshark or PIA will be right for you. However, if you want a VPN with extra cybersecurity features at no extra cost, then ExpressVPN or Proton VPN will be a better option.
Back to the best Canada VPNs ^
The experts that test VPNs at Tom's Guide
Olivia joined Tom's Guide in October 2023, and is currently VPN Commissioning Editor. She regularly uses VPNs to make sure they deliver what they promise, and specializes in testing VPNs with streaming sites.
For this review, Olivia did all the research on the VPN providers listed and tested their ability to stream Canada-specific content to bring you the most up-to-date information.
Mo has written about VPNs for Tom's Guide, day-in, day-out, for five years. He's an expert when it comes to what makes a VPN truly usable, and loves it when a VPN makes staying safe online as easy as possible. He is also a contributor to TechRadar, T3, and What Hi-Fi?.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
