The best Canada VPN in 2024

A range of devices with a Canada VPN active
(Image credit: ExpressVPN)

If you're in the Great White North, it's a good idea to use the best Canada VPN to protect your privacy, hide what you're searching for on the web, and even access more streaming content on sites like Netflix. 

The best VPNs work by encrypting your data, making it unreadable to anyone looking at your connection – that could be a hacker, but more often than not it's your internet service provider. By blocking their access you can avoid them harvesting and selling your data, and when you consider a large amount of Canadian data passes through the US, it's even clearer that protecting yourself from prying eyes is paramount.

My team of experts and I have tested and reviewed dozens of VPNs, and here I'm rounding up the five best Canada VPNs on the market. If you're ready to go, simply pick from the best three VPNs for Canada below. If you need more info, just keep scrolling for my in-depth reviews of all five.

The 3 best Canada VPNs today

1. NordVPN – The best Canada VPN

1. <a href="http://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=564&url_id=10992&aff_id=3013&aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="go.nordvpn.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">NordVPN – The best Canada VPN
NordVPN is a big name for a reason, and in my testing it edged past the competition. You'll get advanced offerings like a built-in antivirus, two kill switches, and ad-blocking alongside essentials including zero-logging, split tunneling, and secure protocols for a worry-free experience.

The fastest speeds I've tested coupled with tons of servers make it perfect for streaming, and you'll be able to access everything from everywhere with minimal buffering. There's a generous 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try the service risk-free before committing.

2. ExpressVPN – The best Canada VPN for mobile

2. <a href="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.expressvpn.com%2Fgo%2Fvpn-server%2Fcanada-vpn%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ExpressVPN – The best Canada VPN for mobile
ExpressVPN is comes out a very close second, but if you're mobile-first you may prefer its simple and effective apps. Combined with rock-solid privacy features and even a free password manager, it's a great premium package.

With 3,000+ servers in 105 locations, ExpressVPN works all over the world, and is also great for unblocking global streaming content. 24/7 support and simple apps make it super user-friendly, and Tom's Guide readers can claim 3 months free as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. PIA – Cheap and effective Canada VPN

3. <a href="https://privateinternetaccess.com/offer/future_60e7q6mk5?aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="privateinternetaccess.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">PIA – Cheap and effective Canada VPN
Looking for a bargain? PIA is where it's at. The provider is a budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on features, and even boasts unlimited simultaneous connections. What's more, with more servers in North America than any other provider, you're bound to get a speedy connection.

PIA is quick, delivers great privacy, knocks it out of the park when it comes to unblocking streaming sites, and has a ton of expert features for those who'll use them. You're also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee in case it's not for you.

Recent updates

In my most recent update to this page, I've reshuffled the order to represent the findings in my latest reviews. That means NordVPN has risen to the #1 spot, with ExpressVPN dropping to #2, and Private Internet Access has showed great improvement, reaching the #3 position. Elsewhere, I've made sure all the facts, figures and details are correct.

The best Canada VPNs of 2024

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

In my in-depth testing, I consider the following providers the gold standard against which any other VPN for Canada should be measured. There are options for different price points, and I'm comfortable recommending any one of these services to individuals living in or traveling to Canada.

1. NordVPN: The best Canada VPN

NordVPN on a range of devicesEditor's Choice

(Image credit: NordVPN)

1. NordVPN

The best Canada VPN available today

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous connections: 6 | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX, All4, 9Now, 10Play | Number of servers: 6,000+ | Server locations: 110+

Top streaming power
Excellent speeds
Great for privacy nuts
Tons of extras if you want them
App UI can be a little awkward
Subscribe if:

✔️ You need a VPN for streaming: NordVPN unblocked every streaming site I threw at it in my testing. 

✔️ You want an all-in-one solution: besides nailing the basics with strong encryption and an audited no-logs policy, NordVPN impresses with its add-ons, including antivirus, malware and ad-blocking, double encryption, and more. 

✔️ You need a trustworthy VPN at a reasonable price: NordVPN delivers on all fronts (speed, unblocking, security, and ease of use), all while remaining an affordable solution to the average user.  

Avoid if:

❌ You need a VPN for your family: Nord's 6 simultaneous connections are underwhelming, especially when you have providers like Surfshark and PIA offering unlimited connectivity. 

❌ You want the simplest of interfaces: NordVPN certainly isn't difficult to use, but its map-style interface is not the easiest to work with, especially on mobile.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

NordVPN is one of the most popular names in the industry and is extremely likable as a security software with the essentials and a built-in antivirus for extra safekeeping. It's also excellent for unblocking streaming sites, ideal for those who want to watch their favorite content from anywhere in the world.

NordVPN is arguably the biggest name in the VPN world, so it’s no surprise it works great as a Canada VPN. With class-leading privacy features and streaming power to match, my NordVPN review found it to be the very best provider on offer right now, and it's perfectly suited to users in Canada.

The provider has over 400 servers located in Canada, and that all but guarantees you’ll be able to get great speeds for streaming and regular browsing no matter where you’re located. Plus, with over 6,000 servers worldwide, if you’re on holiday or on a business trip, you should be able to get connected with ease. 

It's not only my top-rated Netflix VPN services, but it also knocks it out of the park when it comes to unblocking other streaming content. From niche Netflix libraries to Aussie sites 9Now and 10Play, I tested it with everything, and it passed with flying colors. So, whether you want to check out what's new on US Netflix or catch up on Canadian classics when you're out of the country, NordVPN has you covered.

Plus, a top speed of over 950 Mbps puts it at the upper echelon of the fastest services around, and it offers a worry-free streaming experience. 

For those looking for ultimate privacy, Nord has a lot to offer. You'll get AES-256 encryption as standard, a good kill switch, and a range of protocols including the speedy in-house NordLynx. 

NordVPN has also recently been independently audited, and has undergone many of these in the past. In simple terms, this means that it really does what it claims to do, and genuinely protects your privacy.

NordVPN is a runaway winner when it comes to additional security features, and an in-built antivirus, a data breach scanner, dark web monitoring, NordLocker cloud storage, and NordPass password manager separate it from its peers as it's more a complete security package and not just a VPN solution. 

Also, its fairly new Meshnet feature is a unique innovation unmatched by any other provider, and looks like it could offer a ton of power for gamers, streamers, and anyone else who wants to share an encrypted network with up to 60 of their friends.

NordVPN offers a great range of apps for tons of devices, but do be aware that the interface can be a little awkward as a mobile VPN – I’d much rather see a list of servers than a map. If you're worried about that, I'd consider ExpressVPN.

It's worth noting that only 6 simultaneous connections slightly dampen Nord's overall appeal, especially when providers such as Surfshark and PIA allow you to protect unlimited devices on a single plan. 

However, if you’re looking for a trusted VPN for Canada that covers every base for a reasonable price, NordVPN is the one to go for.

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NordVPN test results
FeatureCommentsRating
DesignA fun and intuitive design, but there's still some clutter to get rid of⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useThe map-style interface takes some getting used to, but the apps are generally very simple ⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceLightning-fast speeds make it one of the fastest around⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingPowerful unblocking capabilities get access to all popular and obscure libraries ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacySolid encryption, a proven no-logs policy, and add-ons like a built-in antivirus and password manager make it an all-rounder ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer support24/7 friendly and professional customer support with tons of helpful guides⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceExcellent value for money, although it's a touch expensive⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. ExpressVPN: the best Canada VPN for mobile

ExpressVPN on a range of devices

(Image credit: ExpressVPN)

2. ExpressVPN

The best Canada VPN for mobile users

Available on: Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux (command-line only), Routers, almost everything else | Simultaneous connections: 8 | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu, Peacock, Disney+ | Number of servers: 3,000+ | Server locations: 160

Excellent connection speeds
Great streaming power
Polished apps for all devices
Stellar support
Max eight connections
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a VPN you can trust with your life: with an intuitive kill switch, a rock-solid no-logs policy, regular audits, and AES 256-bit encryption, ExpressVPN offers class-leading security and complete peace of mind.

✔️ You're mobile-first: ExpressVPN's mobile apps are super simple yet powerful, and are the best in the business.

✔️ You want access everywhere: 160 server locations around the world (including Canada) mean that you'll be able to stream content regardless of where you are.  

Avoid if:

❌ You're on a budget: ExpressVPN packs a serious punch for its asking price, but cheaper options like Surfshark and PIA may appeal more to the budget conscious.

❌ You want a built-in antivirus: ExpressVPN tops our charts for security and privacy, but if you need a comprehensive security suite with an in-built antivirus, I'd recommend NordVPN or Surfshark. 

❌ You want a VPN for Linux: while ExpressVPN supports Linux installations, it doesn't come with a graphical user interface (GUI).  

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

ExpressVPN is just a hair's breadth behind Nord overall, and for many it will be the very best choice. With tons of server locations worldwide, excellent privacy credentials and slick apps on all devices, it's perfect if you're always on the go, or want a fuss-free experience.

ExpressVPN pushes NordVPN all the way, and really they're neck and neck when it comes to providing a quality Canada VPN. Not only does it offer excellent connection speeds all over the world, but it can unblock just about every streaming service around, is perfect for torrenting, and is incredibly private and secure to boot – my glowing ExpressVPN review is testament to its quality.

First things first, ExpressVPN boasts industry-standard AES-256 encryption combined with a selection of protocols, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and an audited no-logging policy. The PFS feature safeguards end-to-end encrypted messages from being compromised by regularly changing keys, and the key takeaway here is that even if a key were to be compromised, it won't allow the attacker to get through to any past or future messages. 

It also has a kill switch to protect you if your connection drops, plus split tunneling, which can route some of your traffic through the VPN while keeping some untouched.

When it comes to streaming, ExpressVPN is hard to beat. It does an awesome job of unblocking Canadian content – which comes in handy if you're traveling overseas and want to stay up to date with your favorite shows – and has no trouble accessing other international goodies. That includes shows and movies on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more.

Although ExpressVPN is pricier than the competition, a streaming-focused MediaStreamer tool makes up for that by allowing you to stream geo-restricted content on devices that don't natively support a VPN, like Smart TVs and gaming consoles. 

Topping out at over 950 Mbps Surfshark and NordVPN are a little faster compared to Express's 750 Mbps, but ExpressVPN still gives you over 20 times the speed needed for streaming in 4K Ultra HD and gaming online, so there's nothing to worry about. 

Don’t be intimidated by Express’s comprehensive list of features – if all you want to do is press a button and get connected, you can do that too. While fine-tuning a VPN is fun for some, we really appreciate how ExpressVPN works perfectly out the box and is perfectly suited for those that just want to plug and play – especially on mobile devices.

That's really ExpressVPN's biggest asset – it's simplicity. While other providers frontload their apps with every feature under the sun, Express takes a simpler route. This is even more noticeable on mobile, where ExpressVPN really shines.

Should you face any issue using ExpressVPN, prompt and friendly 24/7 support will help you out in no time at all. And a rich catalog of helpful articles is the cherry on top, particularly useful when you need help on the fly. 

Overall, ExpressVPN loses out to Nord because the latter offers a few more interesting features for a slightly better price. However, if you're always glued to your phone, ExpressVPN will give you a pleasant experience.

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ExpressVPN test results
FeatureCommentsRating
DesignClean interface with everything very easy to find⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useEasy to use for beginners, and lots of customization options make it equally exciting for tech-savvy users⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceFast enough for just about everything you need it for, but Surfshark and NordVPN are admittedly faster⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingAccess to every streaming platform you can think of⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyOne of the very best encryption and security measures, including a strict no-logs policy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer support24/7 customer support with tons of helpful guides⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceThose who can afford it won't regret the purchase, but cheaper options are available ⭐⭐⭐

3. Private Internet Access: the best cheap Canada VPN

PIA on a range of devices

(Image credit: Private Internet Access)

3. Private Internet Access

More Canadian servers than any other provider

Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (GUI) | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX, All4, 9Now | Number of servers: 10,000+ | Server locations: 100

Incredible value
Good for P2P
Excellent privacy features
Tons of North American servers
Speeds aren't class-leading
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want tons of servers: PIA has thousands of servers in Canada alone, plus a server in every US state. No matter where you are, you'll always have a PIA server near you. 

✔️ You need a VPN that has proven its claims: PIA appeals to privacy-conscious users, and it's the only VPN provider to have proven its no-logs policy in court twice.

✔️ You want a cheap VPN: PIA undercuts Surfshark as the cheapest provider on our list thanks to a price tag of just over two dollars a month.  

Avoid if:

❌ You want security add-ons: PIA is certainly more affordable than top providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN but it falls short when it comes to offering nifty tools such as password manager and built-in antivirus. 

You want a simple VPN: While it's still easy to use, PIA's multitude of settings could be intimidating to newbies.

❌ You want a lightning-fast VPN: PIA isn't slow by any stretch of the imagination, but services like Surfshark and NordVPN are admittedly faster.  

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Private Internet Access is an affordable VPN for Canada with lots of power under the hood, thanks to a massive server network, unlimited simultaneous connections and customization options, and a verified no-logs policy. It's not the fastest, but it's sufficiently quick and unblocks just about everything.

In my most recent Private Internet Access review, I found that the provider has recently upped its game, both in terms of its network and its general usability.

Boasting more individual servers than all of its competitors, PIA has thousands of servers in North America alone, meaning it's super simple to find a speedy server close to where you are. It nails it as a US VPN too thanks to having a server in all of the 50 states.

The most notable addition to PIA's armory is unlimited simultaneous connections. The number was previously 10, and thanks to this mammoth jump, PIA is now on par with Surfshark as far as being an ideal choice for those looking to cover a lot of devices on a single subscription is concerned. 

If you're looking to unblock YouTube, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video, you're in luck, as in my testing, PIA got us access without a hitch. You'll also be free to check out Canada Netflix, or the international content libraries, to your heart's content. The Aussie streaming site 10Play caused some issues in my last round of testing, but in my most recent tests, this seems to have been cleared up, making PIA a very good streaming VPN.

In addition to the essentials like a kill switch, split tunneling, and AES-256 encryption, PIA is also the only VPN to have proven its no-logs policy in court, twice, ensuring complete peace of mind.

Privacy-wise, PIA is seriously impressive. With a comprehensive zero-logging policy alongside interesting advanced features like port forwarding and a command line tool that allows you to write your own scripts that automate the program, it'll definitely appeal to the techier user. 

There's a lot to play around with – from encryption level to server location and everything in between, you can craft an entirely custom experience for yourself.

However, beginners may find this many options overwhelming, and although a well-put-together resource catalog and 24/7 customer support are of great help, there's no arguing that services like NordVPN and ExpressVPN are better suited to those new to VPNs or high-tech software in general.

For those using mobile devices, PIA functions well as both an iPhone VPN and an Android VPN, and although the apps aren't quite up to the standard of ExpressVPN, it's still great to use on the go.

One of the few negatives is that PIA's connection speeds are fairly slow compared to the competition, but with WireGuard connections reaching more than 510Mbps, these speeds should be satisfactory for just about any user – and for the price, it's a great value Canada VPN.

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Private Internet Access test results
FeatureCommentsRating
DesignTons of customization options can make it a bit complex ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useExcellent for experts who know their way around, but it's not too beginner-friendly ⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceDecent speeds but not as quick as Surfshark or NordVPN ⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingThousands of servers mean there's hardly a streaming platform it doesn't unblock⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyA no-logs policy that has been proven in court twice alongside best-in-class configuration ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportNo shortage of helpful guides, and 24/7 customer support pull through nicely ⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceExcellent for those pinching for pennies⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Other quality VPNs I've tested

I think one of either NordVPN, ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access should suit almost every type of user, offering a range of features and price points. However, there are plenty more quality Canada VPNs out there, so below I've outlined a couple of the other top providers.

Surfshark on a range of devices

4. Surfshark

The best value Canada VPN

Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (GUI) | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX, All4, 9Now, 10Play | Number of servers: 3,200+ | Server locations: 100+

Excellent value
Simple, usable apps
Excellent for streaming
Use one plan on an unlimited number of devices
OpenVPN speeds are lackluster
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want unlimited simultaneous connections: with just one Surfshark account, you can protect as many devices as you want. 

✔️ You want the fastest speeds: Topping out at 950 Mbps, Surfshark is one of the fastest I've tested, making it an ideal choice for speed obsessives.

✔️ You want a budget-friendly package: Surfshark quite simply offers terrific bang for your buck.  

Avoid if:

❌ You need a flawless kill switch: Surfshark's kill switch failed when I tampered with low-level settings, and while that's not going to happen in real life, providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN are slightly more reliable.

❌ You want a VPN for torrenting: Surfshark supports torrenting, but it doesn't hold a candle to the likes of ExpressVPN or PIA. 

❌You want tons of configuration: Surfshark focuses on being very beginner-friendly, and experts may find the lack of customization options unsettling.  

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Surfshark is a great choice of family VPN, thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections. It also offers blazing speeds, 360-degree security, excellent streaming support, and one of the lowest price points in the industry. Try it for yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee.  

If you're on a budget, Surfshark is my top-rated cheap VPN – and it just so happens to be an excellent VPN for Canada, too. With all the features you need and none you don't, my Surfshark review found that it's faster than any other at a fraction of the price.

With AES-256 encryption and several protocols including WireGuard, plus an ad blocker, kill switch, tracker-free web browsing, antivirus, and even a built-in data breach notifier, its desktop clients are powerful and reliable. It’s easy to install and provides quick access to Surfshark’s 3,200+ servers worldwide – with around 90 of them in Canada itself. That's great news for folks for want to shore up their security without sacrificing performance. Why? Well, if you connect to a nearby server, your data doesn't have to travel as far as it would if you connected to a server on the other side of the world.

Although its server count is not as impressive as Nord or PIA, it's present in a staggering 100 countries (including China) and is a force to reckon with when it comes to bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming sites. 

It's worth noting, though, that while you won't have difficulty finding a good Canada VPN server, cheap rival PIA has far more servers on the North American continent.

From BBC iPlayer to Netflix and everything in between including Hulu, Prime Video, and YouTube, you'll be able to binge your favorite movies and TV shows no matter where you are. 

Peaking at an excellent 950 Mbps, Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs when using the WireGuard protocol. That said, its OpenVPN speeds of 130 Mbps fall behind some of the industry heavyweights. 

However, that will only be a problem if you want to use Surfshark on a third-party app, want to install it on a router, or need to use obfuscation (known as Camouflage mode in Surfshark-speak). For everything else, you can just set the apps to use WireGuard and enjoy lightning-fast speeds.

The mobile apps are polished and professional, offering a very simple way to get connected anywhere in the world. There's a nifty NoBorders mode that gives you a list of the best-performing servers near you so that you can choose the fastest one. 

What's more, they also solve one of many of its rivals' downfalls – with unlimited simultaneous connections, you can cover as many devices as you like, whether that’s 5 or 105. If you need whole-family cover, Surfshark is an excellent choice.

Some users may find Surfshark’s apps too simple, and beyond protocols and the kill switch, there’s not a lot to change, but that really won’t matter to many. The provider’s charm is in its simplicity – it’s cheap, easy, and reliable. Good stuff.

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Surfshark test results
FeatureCommentsRating
DesignA minimalistic, fun, and intuitive design that will make beginners very happy⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useSimple apps on all platforms, and navigation is a cakewalk ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceThe fastest among all the VPNs I’ve tried⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingEffortlessly unblocked every streaming site I tested it with⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyThe kill switch could use some tweaks, but everything else is top-notch⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer support24/7 friendly support with no shortage of guides ⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceIts value for money is second to none⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. Proton VPN: Swiss security + great free version

Proton VPN on a range of devices

(Image credit: ProtonVPN)

5. Proton VPN

Seriously secure VPN for Canada

Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (GUI) | Simultaneous connections: 10 | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX, All4, 9Now, 10Play | Number of servers: 3,000+ | Server locations: 69 countries

Excellent privacy and security features
Can access US, Canada, UK Netflix
Great speeds
Powerful, privacy-focused apps
More complex than some rivals
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a self-sufficient VPN: Proton VPN comes with an auto-connect feature, meaning that you connect to the VPN once and you're always protected.

✔️ You want a Linux VPN: Proton VPN is one of the few providers to operate a graphical user interface (GUI) on Linux devices, making it a go-to choice for Linux users. 

✔️ You want a reliable VPN: Swiss privacy laws and open-source apps open for inspection at any time make Proton VPN a great choice for privacy purists.  

Avoid if:

❌ You want to stream on the free plan: Unlike PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN's free plan does not come with unblocking capabilities, and it's only adequate for normal day-to-day usage.

❌ You're on a tight budget: Proton VPN's paid plans are feature-rich, but their pricing goes against them when it comes to competing with industry giants like Surfshark and PIA.  

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Proton VPN is an excellent choice for privacy-focused individuals as its independent audits, open-source platforms, and strict privacy laws are some of the most foolproof around. You can try it risk-free with its limited free plan or enjoy its full potential with a premium plan on a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Proton VPN is a benchmark for what security in a VPN looks like, and on the back of an incredibly impressive Proton VPN review, here it is on yet another top 5 list.

Although it has fewer servers in Canada than rivals Surfshark and PIA, it's a great fit for those looking to globetrot Netflix in privacy, as in my testing it was able to unblock UK, US, and Canadian libraries – much better than a lot of the competition. Plus, it can access BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, YouTube, and more. Basically, you'll be spoiled for choice regardless of whether you're in Canada or overseas on holiday.

It's worth noting that although Proton VPN has a fantastic free VPN, it doesn't come with unblocking capabilities as that's reserved for paid users only. That said, the limited free plan provides access to servers in the US, so those in and around the region (Canada included) will be able to make the most of Proton's free offering. 

Privacy is also a high priority for Proton VPN, and as well as a full bare-metal DNS network and safe servers all over the world, you'll also be able to use the Secure Core feature. 

Essentially, this routes your connection through an ultra-secure server (Iceland, Switzerland, or Sweden) before sending it on to your location of choice. This is great if you also need a UAE VPN, Turkey VPN, or any other similar risky location by ensuring your identity is protected even if your endpoint is compromised – an already extremely unlikely circumstance at the worst of times.

Like Private Internet Access, Proton VPN too offers open-source apps, meaning anyone with the necessary expertise will be able to access its code and check for vulnerabilities to assure themselves of the service's reliability. 

Thanks to the very stringent and secure Swiss privacy laws at its core and an always-on VPN feature for round-the-clock protection, Proton VPN is as good as it can get for you if you're a privacy purist.

One minor drawback could be its 10 simultaneous connections, which although very reasonable, is bittersweet – sweet because it's more than Express and Nord and bitter because it's less than Surfshark and PIA. 

Overall though, Proton VPN is a seriously potent, private VPN, and while it does lack live chat support (right now), it's definitely worth considering if privacy is at the top of your list. 

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Proton VPN test results
FeatureCommentsRating
DesignDynamic and intuitive design with the dark mode at its heart ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useThe mobile apps are seamless, but desktop users have some understanding to do⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceSufficiently quick for every use case⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingGets past all major streaming sites with ease⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyVery privacy-focused with open-source apps, an always-on VPN feature, and superb encryption ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportNot the most prompt, but tons of self-help resources won't leave you in the lurch⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceA handy free plan for standard use, but the premium plans have steep pricing⭐⭐⭐

How to choose a Canada VPN

Most users will want a good all-rounder as their Canada VPN. Rock-solid privacy and a watertight zero-logging policy come first, and will ensure your data stays private from your ISP, the government, and any other dodgy snoopers on public Wi-Fi.

Then, excellent apps for a good range of devices will be important for most, as staying protected on the go is just as important as at home. Streaming support is also a big plus, and in my testing the most private services are also the best for this, so no sacrifices need to be made.

Overall, I rate ExpressVPN as the very best Canada VPN. With plenty of servers both in and outside Canada, top streaming support and excellent, audited privacy credentials, it's the full package. 

How we test the best Canada VPNs

When it comes to recommending a product that users will entrust with quite possibly every byte of their online life, I have to be absolutely sure that my choices are correct, and thoroughly tested.

For a comprehensive rundown, check out out our full methodology of how we test VPNs. For the time-poor, though, here are the crib notes.

Unlike some sites, we don't simply reel off a spec sheet and declare the provider with most impressive claims the winner. Instead, we have a dedicated team in-house that gets hands-on with all the providers listed (and more). 

Every 6 months, after scouring the website for new claimed features or changes in policy, we sign up to a plan and install it on a range of devices. The Windows app sees the most rigorous testing, and it's here that we'll try to break the kill switch, ensure any leak protection is working correctly, and measure connection speeds.

The other apps, including the Mac VPN, Android, iOS and Windows, also see comprehensive testing, and we'll check every available setting in every app to make sure it's functioning as promised by the provider.

As we use the apps, if anything appears to be behaving strangely we'll investigate that. We might dig into the source code, or view the contents of its RAM. This general usage stage is also how we make decisions on aesthetics and ease of use – although these are admittedly more subjective.

Then comes the streaming testing. We'll test each VPN with all the big streaming sites from a number of locations to ensure it's working as claimed. As Netflix is still hugely popular and somewhat troublesome when it comes to VPNs, we test the biggest providers every month to make sure my recommendations are still relevant.

Best Canada VPN FAQ

What is the best Canada VPN?

In short, I consider ExpressVPN to be the #1 VPN for Canada available today. With unbeatable privacy, tons of servers, great speeds and excellent streaming potential, it's the full package. However, if you're looking for a slightly cheaper alternative, Surfshark will cover all your bases from $1.99 a month.

Why do I need a Canada VPN?

The two biggies are privacy and streaming.

If you follow the news you'll know that online freedoms are gradually getting eroded in Canada and the US (well, the whole world, really), so having a VPN is the first and easiest step to take in making sure you're looking after your data.

By anonymizing all your traffic, a good Canada VPN can help you avoid hackers and trackers, targeting advertising, ISP throttling and so much more – check out our mega page on VPN uses to learn about everything they can do.

Also, streaming is a huge part of our lives now, but if you head overseas it's quite likely you won't be able to access the content that you're used to. By using a VPN you'll be able to spoof your location back home, giving you access to everything you're used to.

You'll also be able to explore different regional streaming services from your own home in the same way – just pick a server and get going.

Can I get a Canada VPN free?

While free Canada VPNs do exist, you need to be careful. Also, you have to be aware that every free service has its drawbacks.

You'll likely be subjected to daily or monthly data caps, ranging from the generous to the pathetic, and you also probably won't get the same high speeds as you would if you paid for a service.

Some are also known to inject adverts into your browsing, which is one of the main things people use VPNs to avoid.

If you won't be using you VPN much at all, a free service could work. However, if you want to stream, game, or even just have it on all day, you'll need something fully fledged – and with Surfshark starting at around $1.99 a month, you won't have to pay much either.

Is a VPN legal in Canada?

Using a VPN in Canada is entirely legal, and having one installed on your computer does not incriminate you in any way.

However, Just because VPNs can make it possible to 'get away' with illegal activities such as pirating content and software, using one does not suddenly make illegal acts legal. 

We in no way condone using a VPN to perform illegal activities, but we can also reassure you that in Canada, having a VPN subscription alone is nothing to worry about.

Disclaimer

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.

Mo Harber-Lamond
VPN Editor

Mo is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide. Day-to-day he oversees VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity content, and also undertakes independent testing of VPN services to ensure his recommendations are accurate and up to date. When he's not getting stuck into the nitty-gritty settings of a VPN you've never heard of, you'll find him working on his Peugeot 205 GTi or watching Peep Show instead of finally putting up those shelves.

With contributions from