Getting online isn't always a straightforward process—especially if you've traveled somewhere with restrictions and censorship in place. Luckily, a travel VPN not only ensures that you'll always have access to essentials (like your online banking and messaging apps), but also keeps your identifiable information safe and secure while you're on your next adventure.
Picking out the perfect VPN can be just as tricky, however, which is why the Tom's Guide team has recorded more than 3,000 hours of testing. That includes 28,000 speed tests and 2,800 tests, so we can be sure that the best VPNs actually live up to their promises.
Currently, ExpressVPN leads the pack when it comes to digital travel companions, but Surfshark and Private Internet Access are awesome alternatives (and much cheaper). Keep reading for my in-depth breakdowns of each service.
The 3 best travel VPNs at a glance
The best travel VPNs in 2024
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NordVPN: the best travel VPN
✔️ You want the very best VPN service on the market. It's close, but if you're just interested having a class-leading VPN, NordVPN is it.
✔️ Netflix access is a priority. As my #1 rated VPN for Netflix, NordVPN unblocks more locations than any other provider I've tested.
✔️ You want more than just a VPN. NordVPN also offers malware detection and ad-blocking on a standard plan, with even more features available on higher tiers.
❌ You like simple apps. Compared to the likes of ExpressVPN, Nord's map interface can be quite busy.
❌ You torrent often. Only some of Nord's servers are configured for P2P, and due to this I've found it can be somewhat slow to download torrented files.
NordVPN offers everything you could realistically want from a VPN: privacy, speed, streaming service unblocking and very reasonable prices. Those looking for very simple apps might want to look elsewhere, but overall, Nord leads the market. You'll also have a 30-day money-back guarantee to make sure it's the right fit for you.
NordVPN is undoubtedly the biggest name in the VPN industry, and in my full NordVPN review I found that it has absolutely earned that reputation – it's quite simply the very best VPN you can buy.
With over 6,000 servers in over 110 countries, NordVPN practically guarantees a speedy server wherever you are and wherever you're travelling to. In fact, Nord has very recently upped the number of countries it's present in, making it an excellent choice for a travel VPN.
Not only this, but it's one of the fastest VPNs in my testing, reaching connection speeds of over 950 Mbps thanks to Nord's own NordLynx protocol, which is a reworked version of WireGuard.
Not only does NordVPN provide an effective kill switch, AES-256 encryption, they also have Onion over VPN and Double VPN. These two protocols will keep you even safer when browsing the web, no matter where you are. It also offers Threat Protection, which will keep you safe from cyber nasties like malware.
> Get the #1 travel VPN from $3.09 a month
Nord's apps are powerful and pleasant to use, but its map-based interface can look a little busy if you're using it on a smartphone rather than a PC or tablet. If you prefer a simpler interfaces you might want to go for ExpressVPN.
Another great feature of Nord's is Meshnet. Meshnet uses encrypted NordVPN connections to create a secure network, linking devices from anywhere in the world.
One are where Nord really excels is streaming. It really is one of the best streaming VPNs out there, allowing you to unblock tons of Netflix locations, iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more.
NordVPN has truly earned its place as the number one VPN for travel, and with a 30-day money-back guarantee you can try it, risk-free.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Fun interface but might seem a little crowded for some users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Though simple to use, the map-like design might not work for everyone | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of the fastest with an average speed of 950 Mbps | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortlessly unblocks most content streaming platforms | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Strong encryption with additional features like Threat Protection for safe streaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Reliable 24/7 customer support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Provides ample value for the price. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
ExpressVPN: the best travel VPN for beginners
✔️ You want access to content all over the world: ExpressVPN's 160 server locations in 94 countries and excellent unblocking make it an ideal pick for streaming, regardless of the streaming platform or your location.
✔️ You want a beginner-friendly interface: All ExpressVPN apps are easy to navigate and user-friendly, with lots of helpful guides and 24/7 support.
✔️ Your top priority is privacy and security: With an audited no-logs policy and features like Threat Manager built-in password manager, ExpressVPN is one of the most secure VPNs.
❌ You're on a tight budget: ExpressVPN isn't cheap, but it delivers excellent value for its price. However, if you're looking for cheaper options, consider Surfshark or PIA.
❌ You travel with several devices: ExpressVPN allows just five simultaneous connections. While that's still enough for solo travels, if your needs are more ambitious, services like Surfshark or PIA will suit you better.
ExpressVPN is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a secure and reliable travel VPN that you can set and forget and bank on to unblock all kinds of content no matter where you are. With friendly 24/7 support, easy-to-use apps, and tons of helpful guides, Express is as beginner-friendly as they come. Try it first-hand with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN has tons of individual server locations – 160 locations in 105 countries, even in obscure and restrictive countries like China, Indonesia, and Iran – making it a great VPN for traveling since there will almost always be a high-speed ExpressVPN server near your location.
It’s also one of the most privacy-focused VPNs with RAM-only servers and proprietary Lightway protocol that ensures a speedier, more secure, and more reliable connection. Couple this with an effective kill switch and Express’s auto-connect feature, and you’ll never have to worry about your internet traffic being exposed to governments or malicious users.
The auto-connect quickly re-establishes connection with a VPN server in case your current connection accidentally fails. This will save you the trouble of constantly having to check whether you have an active VPN connection – one less thing to worry about when you’re out and about.
> Try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days
ExpressVPN’s superior unblocking abilities add to its usability as a travel VPN – you can relax in your hotel room at night by streaming your favorite content from around the world without worrying about whether your current location has any geo-blocks or not.
Not only does Express provide the best coverage in US and Europe, but it also has 26 locations in the Asia-Pacific region. Express’s massive reach helps it unblock everything, from Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, to 9Now, 10Play, and even K-Dramas.
In my ExpressVPN review I found its 5 simultaneous connections to be a little stingy, especially when competitors like PIA and Surfshark offer unlimited connections. But ExpressVPN wins in device compatibility – it has simple apps for not only Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux but also routers, Chromebooks, Amazon Fire Stick, and Kindle Fire.
ExpressVPN isn't the cheapest, and you’d be better off with Surfshark or PIA if you don’t want to spend a lot on a VPN. However, with reliable connections across the globe, simple and easy-to-use apps, helpful guides, and 24/7 customer support, it's the best overall package. Take it for a test run with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Minimalistic and easy-to-navigate interface | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Ideal for both beginners and experts as it's both simple and configurable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Not as fast as Surfshark or Nord, but still fast enough for just about everything | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks everything except a couple of obscure Netflix libraries | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Loaded with security features plus free add-ons | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 assistance by friendly professionals | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Worth the money but not among the cheapest providers | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Surfshark: the best cheap VPN
✔️ You want a VPN for all your travel buddies: A single Surfshark subscription will cover the devices of all your family members and even friends, thanks to unlimited simultaneous connections.
✔️ You want a fast VPN: Surfshark is the fastest VPN I’ve tested, peaking at a speed of 950 Mbps, ensuring a smooth and lag-free experience.
✔️ You want a budget VPN: Surfshark offers excellent value for money, with prices starting at less than $2.50 a month.
❌ Kill switch is a priority for you: The kill switch isn't Surfshark’s strongest suit, but it’s overall decent and works well most of the time. However, for a foolproof kill switch, NordVPN or ExpressVPN are better alternatives.
❌ You're a Windows user: Surfshark doesn’t roll out updates for all Windows versions below 8.1, and there's no 7-day trial option for Windows devices across the board.
Surfshark provides exceptional value for money with industry-leading speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections. It’s a streaming beast and unblocks all platforms swiftly and securely with no shortage of security measures. Don’t miss out on one of the top VPNs for traveling with a group, and put it to the test with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
In my Surfshark review I named the Netherlands-based provider the best cheap VPN I’ve tested, and with unlimited connections as its key offering, it's an excellent travel VPN if you're with a family or a fairly large group. One Surfshark plan will cover as many devices as you want it to, and the device compatibility is on a par with the likes of Express and Nord, covering almost everything from Android to Linux devices to routers.
On the streaming front, there’s nothing Surfshark can’t unblock, be it Netflix, Amazon Video, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, 10Play, 9Now, or any other streaming platform. Despite the unlimited connections, Surfshark maintains a robust no-logs policy, and none of the users on any plan will have their data logged or privacy jeopardized.
Surfshark is present in more countries (100) than most VPNs I’ve tested, and although its server count (3,200) is not as impressive as Nord or PIA, it's more than enough for anyone traveling abroad.
In terms of speed, Surfshark is a runaway winner as it consistently clocks over 950 Mbps – higher than other VPNs I tested. However, the speed dropped down to 150 Mbps when I set it to use the OpenVPN protocol, meaning it’s not your best option if you’re looking to install Surfshark on a router or want to use it with a third-party app.
As a great China VPN, the Surfshark app will automatically switch on the NoBorders mode if it detects any kind of restrictions on your network. The NoBorders mode will then go ahead and fetch you a list of the best high-performing servers on your network capable of bypassing the restrictions you’re facing. This is ideal for digital nomads and travelers that keep moving from one country and network to another.
Surfshark offers excellent value for money, and its security suite with 256-bit AES encryption, an intuitive kill switch, ad and malware blockers, and Surfshark’s native antivirus Surfshark One add to the overall appeal of Surfshark. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee and see if it’s for you.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Beginner-friendly with its cool and intuitive design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | As simple as it gets, one of the best providers for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The fastest among all the VPNs I’ve tried | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks almost all streaming platforms with ease | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | The kill switch could’ve been better, but everything else pulls through nicely | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 reliable customer support assistance in case it feels a little difficult to navigate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Budget VPN with excellent value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Other quality VPNs I've tested
✔️ You want a reliable traveling VPN: PIA has proved its no-logs claims in court twice, so you can rest assured that your online activities remain private.
✔️ You travel with multiple devices: PIA supports unlimited simultaneous connections, so you don’t have to worry about getting logged out before sharing it with your travel buddies.
✔️ You want a huge server network: PIA has over 20,000 servers, ensuring that no matter where you are, there’s a server nearby.
❌ You want to stream 10Play: PIA ran smoothly on almost every platform I tried, but unfortunately, 10Play couldn’t make the cut.
❌ You want a beginner-friendly VPN: The highly configurable PIA has a lot to offer to the tech-savvy, but newbies might find it difficult to wrap their heads around all that it offers.
❌ You want a built-in password manager: PIA is no doubt trustworthy when it comes to privacy, but it lacks a password manager. If that’s a must for you, go with ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
Private Internet Access is a superb bargain pick with a high degree of customizability and unlimited simultaneous connections. Although not the most beginner-friendly, it has professional 24/7 support and lots of resources on its website to answer any queries. With a massive server network and class-leading privacy, PIA is fast and unblocks everything with ease. Try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
PIA hits it out of the park as a travel VPN with over 20,000 servers across 84 countries, including a server in every state in the US. While its total number of countries is slightly less than both ExpressVPN and Surfshark, it still has servers in highly restrictive countries like Turkey and China and makes streaming local news sites and television shows there a breeze.
However, PIA falls short and is unable to bypass restrictions in countries like Iran, Syria, Cuba, Myanmar, and a couple of others, so unless you have any plans to travel to these countries, PIA is more than a decent option.
In my Private Internet Access review I was impressed that the provider had increased its simultaneous connections to cover unlimited devices (previously 10), and at just a little more than $2 a month, it makes for a compelling package, especially for the long term, where you get even more discounts.
PIA is one of the most secure VPNs, having proven its no-logs policy in court, twice. A unique MACE feature is a culmination of various blocking functionalities – ads, trackers, and malware. There’s also a super handy browser extension that comes with more blocks on intrusive internet elements like third-party cookies, location access permissions, website referrers, and more.
The only letdown I ran into was that PIA’s mobile and tablet apps are not the most intuitive and lack attention to detail – unlike ExpressVPN and NordVPN apps – but are still overall beginner-friendly.
PIA speeds do not beat industry leaders like Surfshark and NordVPN but given that you really only need around 20 Mbps for streaming content in HD, PIA’s 500 Mbps is more than sufficient. Talking about streaming, 10Play was the only streaming platform PIA couldn’t get through but other than that, I have no complaints.
To sum it up, PIA is the cheapest provider on my list today, and its free email breach scanner and Boxcryptor license to encrypt and secure your cloud storage make it all the more value for money. There’s a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without putting any money on the line.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | While the interface is customizable, it’s flooded with too many options which makes it cumbersome | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Best suited for tech enthusiasts, not so much for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Fast for general day-to-day but doesn’t compare to NordVPN and Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Couldn’t get past 10Play but for smooth sailing for every other platform | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Proven no-logs policy and class-leading configuration | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Tons of helpful guides and 24/7 friendly support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Seriously good value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You’re on a budget: Available at less than three dollars a month, CyberGhost is neck-and-neck with Surfshark and PIA as one of the best budget VPNs.
✔️ You’re looking for the longest money-back guarantee: While the industry standard is 30 days, CyberGhost shines through with a 45-day money-back guarantee so that you have more than enough time to be sure before committing.
✔️ You’re a beginner: CyberGhost has a simple and navigable interface, plus lots of tutorials and detailed guides to make the experience smooth for those new to VPNs.
❌ You're a streaming addict: If your watchlist is mostly UK Netflix and Disney Plus, CyberGhost may disappoint you as it couldn’t get past both these platforms in my most recent testing.
❌ You want a VPN for your family: Although CyberGhost’s 7 simultaneous connections are better than rivals Nord and Express, it falls behind Surfshark and PIA with unlimited simultaneous connections.
❌ You want the best customer support: CyberGhost’s customer support is not troublesome in the slightest, but that of NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and PIA are just better.
CyberGhost is fast, reliable, and one of the best VPNs for beginners. With a whopping 45-day money-back guarantee, it’s an ideal pick for those who need a longer test run before committing. There’s also a free trial, the duration of which varies from one device type to another.
CyberGhost is an easy-to-use VPN for traveling, and with over 9,000 servers in 91 countries and multi-year plans costing less than $2.50 a month, the provider certainly scoots past the likes of Express and Nord in terms of reach and affordability.
In my CyberGhost review, I tested for speed and was pleasantly surprised. Its WireGuard protocol averaged 540-730 Mbps, so it’s definitely speedier than Express and even PIA on a good day. But it’s the OpenVPN speeds that impressed me the most about CyberGhost. While other providers like Surfshark could only eke out 150 Mbps tops when set to use their OpenVPN protocol, CyberGhost peaked at a very respectable 380 Mbps.
Irrespective of the country you travel to, your data will be protected by essentials like 256-bit AES encryption, an audited no-logs policy, a kill switch, and an ad blocker and anti-tracker to keep viruses and hackers at bay.
CyberGhost’s ability to unblock your local banking site for fast and secure transactions and its above-par security on public Wi-Fi makes it a nifty tool for people traveling abroad for an extended vacation.
And if you’re someone like me who loves to tuck their gaming console under their arms and carry it everywhere you go, you’ll be glad to know that you can set up CyberGhost on your gaming console without any hassle, thanks to its SmartDNS support.
CyberGhost can be hit-and-miss when it comes to streaming. While it unblocks most streaming platforms like US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime with ease, it couldn’t get me access to UK Netflix and Disney Plus, which could be a deal breaker for some. But there are dedicated servers for both streaming and downloading, and both those options – “For Streaming” and “For Downloading” – are put in plain sight in the CyberGhost app.
CyberGhost’s customer support lacks consistency, but it works just as you’d want it to 7 out of 10 times. With the highest money-back guarantee of 45 days and a free trial of 3 to 7 days, depending on your device type, there’s no reason you shouldn’t give CyberGhost a try.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | An intuitive design that’s easy to customize even for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | A navigable interface makes it a delight for those not too well-versed with VPNs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Decent speeds but not the fastest around | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Couldn’t unblock UK Netflix and Disney Plus despite having more servers than most rivals | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Reliable security, including ad blocker and anti-tracking tools for complete anonymity when traveling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | The support agents are quite helpful but overall lack consistency | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Super affordable with a whopping 45-day money-back guarantee | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How to choose a travel VPN
The essentials of a good travel VPN include servers in a wide range of locations, 24/7 friendly & prompt support, and obfuscated servers for assured protection in privacy-unfriendly countries like China, Russia, and Iran, where Western websites like Google, YouTube, and Instagram are not accessible due to government restrictions.
You should look for a VPN provider with a wide network of servers around the world so that no matter where you go, there’s always a server nearby. It’s recommended you prioritize services with obfuscated servers as they provide more secure connectivity in regions like China, where the internet is heavily restricted.
Obfuscated servers make your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, and even your ISP wouldn't know that you are using a VPN. This will help you bypass tools that are meant to block VPNs.
A travel VPN will spoof your real IP address and make it look like you’re in a different region so that foreign governments can’t go snooping around your online activities or restrict your internet usage in the slightest.
You should also look at the streaming performance of a VPN before you make it your travel buddy. Ideally, you’d want your VPN to unlock all popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer, but there are several options that even unblock platforms like 9Now and 10Play.
Next up, your VPN should be fast enough to allow streaming in HD or 4K. A rapid VPN will also ensure stable connections, giving you peace of mind that your VPN protection won’t be sluggish or lapse unexpectedly.
It’s also important that your VPN has 24/7 friendly support because you’re going to want your issues to be resolved quickly when in a foreign country. Last but not least, a money-back guarantee gives you peace of mind in case you don't get along with a particular product.
Do I really need a travel VPN?
Unless you want to expose your personal information and what you do online to prying eyes like hackers, ISPs, and foreign governments, a travel VPN is an absolute must.
Also, if you want to keep in touch with your home country’s content even when you’re out and about, a travel VPN becomes indispensable. This is because not all countries allow every streaming service to operate freely, and sometimes, it’s the streaming platform itself that differentiates between regions.
Netflix, for example, has different libraries in the UK, US, India, Japan, and so on. For someone in the UK traveling to the US, a travel VPN will give him access to the UK Netflix library by deceiving the service to make it look like he’s in the UK.
