Best VPN for Travel: Stay Private While Browsing the Web and Streaming On-the-Go

Moe Long

Updated Sat, September 6, 2025 at 4:00 PM UTC

Two hands hold a smartphone with a VPN app pulled up on the screen.

What is the best VPN for travel?

NordVPN is the best VPN for travel overall, boasting an impressive 8,000-plus servers peppering 126 countries -- which is the most individual nations out of our top-rated VPNs. Its fast speeds and generous worldwide server network make it a great choice for travel, domestically and internationally, as well as streaming.

Proton is the best free VPN on the market, offering access to servers in five countries. Additionally, its paid premium plan boasts an exhaustive network of 15,000-plus servers in 122 countries.

Proton VPN server list — Screenshot/CNET

ExpressVPN is an excellent all-around VPN for travel, with more than 3,000 servers in 105 countries. With servers in all 50 of the United States, ExpressVPN is an exceptional choice for traveling to and within the US. Some competitors include more simultaneous connections and a slightly larger international server network but ExpressVPN's apps are intuitive for VPN newcomers and privacy power users alike.

ExpressVPN server list — Screenshot/CNET

Surfshark is the best value VPN for travel, with a terrific feature set that doesn't break the bank or cut privacy corners, alongside a solid web of 3,200 servers in 100 countries.

About VPNs for travel

A virtual private network masks your public IP address , which provides information about your physical location. VPNs fulfill various needs , including bolstering privacy, unblocking geographically protected content like foreign Netflix libraries and circumventing bandwidth throttling. That suite of features makes VPNs particularly useful when traveling. Whether you want to stream region-restricted movies and shows while traveling, log into your online banking app from abroad without triggering a CAPTCHA or add an extra layer of protection on public Wi-Fi (such as at the airport terminal and your hotel), a VPN is essential for travel. The benefits of VPNs make them great to install before you embark on your journey.

Here at CNET, we've thoroughly assessed dozens of VPNs, running speed tests, checking for DNS leaks, streaming videos and comparing prices to analyze value. When rounding up the top travel VPNs, we primarily focused on each provider's server locations by number of countries and total options. We also considered privacy features, device compatibility and general performance. Whether you're on studying abroad for a semester, galivanting across the globe on business or on a cross-country road trip, a virtual private network is a great addition to your app arsenal. Let's dive into the best VPNs for travel to keep you connected wherever you roam.

Factors to consider in a VPN for travel

There's a lot to think about when selecting a VPN for travel. Leveraging our years of expertise in the VPN space coupled with what you'll need when traveling, here's what to look for:

Server network

Specifically for travel, you'll want a large VPN server network. More overall connectivity options are beneficial, you'll also want plenty of countries if you plan on any international travel. Therefore, it's important to consider the total number of servers as well as the individual country count. For instance, some VPNs have thousands of servers sprinkled through only a few nations. At the high end, you'll find VPNs with servers in 100 or more countries, although I'd recommend picking a VPN with a presence in at least 50 international locations. Many servers in a smaller handful of countries might work if you only travel to one of those spots. For regular international adventures, greater country choice comes in handy.

Privacy

VPNs add a layer of protection by encrypting your traffic and masking your IP address, making it harder for cyber attackers to access your browsing data. When traveling, you'll likely use open wireless networks at an airport terminal, in the hotel lobby or at a coffee shop, but a VPN protects your data from eavesdropping, whether by cyber criminals or snooping ISPs. Look for a strict no-logging policy, and AES 256-bit encryption (OpenVPN and IKEv2) or ChaCha20 (WireGuard or IKEv2) at a minimum.

Device compatibility

You'll want a VPN that runs on the gadgets you're bringing on your trip. Make a list of the devices you want to bring along with a VPN installed and ensure your provider has apps for those electronics. Luckily, most providers offer solid Windows, MacOS, Android and iPhone apps. Many offer Linux VPN apps, but only a few feature a graphical user interface, which is more beginner-friendly than a command-line interface. If you want to tote your Linux laptop or a Steam Deck along, look for a VPN with a Linux GUI app. Although most folks don't travel with streaming devices, you might tote along a Fire Stick , Android TV box or Apple TV for your hotel room.

Speed

All VPNs throttle your internet upload and download speeds somewhat, but the fastest options drop your connectivity by an average loss of only 10% to 25%. Especially if you're performing internet-intensive tasks like streaming video in 4K, Zooming for work, gaming or uploading YouTube videos, you'll want a fast VPN. Even if you aren't, reliable internet speeds are great for a better experience checking your email and browsing the web.

Streaming support

Aside from privacy, many people use VPNs to unblock region-restricted content. For instance, you can use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer -- normally available only in the UK -- from other countries, like the US, meaning you can stream shows like The Jetty. Similarly, a VPN is useful when traveling. If you're on vacation in a foreign country but want to access Netflix libraries from your home country to continue your binge-watching, a VPN makes that possible. Check which VPNs unblock the streaming services you want to watch from abroad.

Price

VPNs range from about $13 a month to about $100 annually. Generally, you'll get a discount by paying for a year or more of service upfront but we don't recommend shelling out for more than 12 months at a time. While the VPN you pick might initially be fast, secure and excellent for streaming, it could get acquired by a shady company, suffer a data breach or get slower during a year. We suggest sticking to an annual plan for the best value and the least risk.

Why you should use a VPN for travel

A VPN makes a great travel companion thanks to its privacy features and geographic unblocking. Because a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, it protects your data to a degree from others on a public Wi-Fi network seeking unencrypted data. Websites you visit don't see your actual IP address and instead view an IP given to you by your VPN software, making it harder to view personal information such as your physical location or online activity. You're still susceptible to malware, viruses and phishing attacks, so keep in mind that a VPN isn't an antivirus software replacement . You can find antivirus software bundled with some VPNs and vice versa.

VPNs can also spoof apps and internet-connected services like websites into thinking you're located in a different region. For example, you might be on holiday in the UK but want to access your Gmail without triggering a security login. Or perhaps you'd like to stream a movie that is only available on US Netflix while in Canada. Using a VPN, you can make it appear like you're in a different city or even country. Whether for entertainment purposes or bypassing CAPTCHAs, VPNs can circumvent location restrictions.

For more geographically specific VPN information, check out our guides to the best VPNs for Canada , Mexico , Australia and Japan .

Best VPNs for travel

NordVPN

NordVPN is the best VPN for travel overall. That's thanks to its comprehensive international server network of 8,000-plus servers throughout 126 countries, making it a good option for a VPN when traveling domestically or internationally. With that many servers, you're likely to find one nearby, even while abroad. This sizable web of servers edges out competitors, including Proton VPN (122 countries), ExpressVPN (105 countries) and Surfshark (100 countries).

Why we like it

Nord remains a popular virtual private network option because of its exceptionally fast connections, privacy-focused features and excellent geo-unblocking for streaming services. Its user-friendly design that doesn't compromise on settings makes it an outstanding choice for casual VPN newcomers and seasoned power users alike. Whether you want to stream from apps like Netflix and BBC iPlayer or have critical privacy concerns, NordVPN is an outstanding choice.

In our 2025 speed tests , NordVPN solidified itself hands-down as the fastest VPN with an essentially unnoticeable 3% average internet download speed loss. Whether you choose an OpenVPN connection or the NordLynx protocol, you'll enjoy the smallest possible internet speed degradation. With apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android/Android TV, iOS/iPadOS, browsers and even Apple TV, Nord runs on almost any platform you can think of.

We appreciate NordVPN's commitment to privacy and security. In addition to features like Onion Over VPN (Tor) and a Double VPN, which deliver additional encryption when compared with a standard VPN connection, a 2024 audit by Deloitte backed up its no-log claims for improved transparency. Folks with serious privacy needs can even buy a Nord subscription with cryptocurrencies for pseudo-anonymity. While zero-logging policies are challenging to verify with absolute certainty, third-party audits provide peace of mind. On the entertainment side, we had no issues streaming US and UK Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus libraries on most devices -- another perk when traveling abroad.

At $13 a month, $60 for the first year or $83 total for the first two years, NordVPN sets you back less initially than premium VPN rivals like ExpressVPN , but more than budget-oriented companies like Surfshark and PIA. Subsequent price hikes drive the price to $140 a year, which is exorbitantly high. Thankfully, you can stack subscriptions to avoid a hefty auto-renewal. Overall, NordVPN sports advanced privacy features in an intuitive service with a slew of worldwide servers.

Also featured in: Best VPN for Streaming , Best VPN for Amazon Fire TV

See at NordVPN

Proton VPN

Proton VPN is the best free VPN for travel -- whereas many free VPNs sell your data, plaster your screen with ads or impose tight data usage restrictions, Proton VPN's no-cost tier doesn't. But its paid plan is a compelling upgrade for folks who need more servers and greater control over connectivity.

Why we like it

You'll benefit from a solid selection of 15,000-plus servers in 122 countries with its paid plans. It's an outstanding option for privacy-minded folks, with open-source apps that lend a sense of transparency, Secure Core servers and Tor Over VPN and full-disk encryption, which enhances security. The Swiss-based VPN company is an excellent option for use while traveling because its VPN adds best-in-class privacy, a benefit for situations like preventing your internet service provider from tracking your browsing history. Moreover, Proton includes the only free tier we recommend, which lets you connect to servers in five countries (the US, Japan, Poland, Romania and the Netherlands). Its average 16% internet download speed loss that we measured in our 2025 testing means that Proton VPN is more than capable of handling 4K video streaming, Zoom calls, online gaming and other bandwidth-intensive tasks.

However, Proton's free plan is limited to use on one device at a time and you can't select a server manually. While Proton's zero-dollar plan works well for folks seeking basic privacy, it's not suitable for anyone who needs to use servers in a specific country. Pricing for its paid plan is simply average at $10 monthly, $60 annually or $108 for two years (both the one- and two-year plans renew at $80 a year), but Proton's unmatched privacy and transparency justify the cost. Note that we don't recommend a two-year subscription despite attractively low prices because of the way VPNs change so quickly: Your initially fast, secure VPN provider might suffer slow servers or a data breach over a year. Ultimately, Proton VPN is an exceptional pick for privacy-conscious travelers and features a terrific free VPN plan, with a premium tier that delivers an outstanding roster of international servers.

Also featured in: Best VPN for Netflix , Best Free VPN

See at ProtonVPN

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an exceptional all-around VPN, especially for beginners, thanks to its uncomplicated apps. Boasting servers in all 50 states, ExpressVPN is a particularly solid choice for traveling to and within the US, as well as unblocking regional streaming sports such as NFL , WNBA or NWSL matches. It's also the VPN with the most impressive intersection of privacy features and server network, making it ideal for privacy-focused users on the go.

Why we like it

Express is excellent for streaming , is extremely user-friendly plus boasts forward-thinking privacy and transparency. Because of its 3,000-plus servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN is a solid choice for travel -- its server roster jostles with other providers, including NordVPN, Proton VPN and Surfshark. We like the reliability of its apps, which are slick and intuitive to use, unlike some other VPN providers whose apps feel like they require a manual to operate.

We clocked an 18% average speed loss when using ExpressVPN. That's slower than NordVPN (3%) and Proton VPN (16%), but still plenty fast for bandwidth-intensive applications like gaming or 4K video streaming. Express did a great job unblocking geo-restricted content, like foreign Netflix and Disney Plus libraries, managing to load some tough-to-unblock international Netflix libraries, like Egypt Netflix (of the VPNs I tested, only Proton VPN and ExpressVPN were able to show it).

ExpressVPN is also one of the most expensive options on the market. At $13 a month, $75 for the first 15 months or $98 total for the first 28 months (the one- and two-year plans renew at $100 annually), Express is considerably more expensive than the $48 for the first year or $60 total for the first two years that Surfshark normally charges (the one- and two-year plans jump to $79 per year upon renewal). Rival NordVPN is in between the cost of ExpressVPN and Surfshark at $13 a month, $60 for the first year or $81 total for the first two years (then $140 annually on the one- and two-year plans).

Also featured in: Best VPN Service , Best VPN for Windows

See at ExpressVPN

Surfshark

Surfshark is the best budget VPN for travel. It's wallet-friendly and doesn't skimp on features, speed or servers. At $15 a month, or $48 for the first year and $60 for the first two years, Surfshark is one of the cheapest VPNs available -- even with a later price increase to $79 annually. Despite its modest price, you'll enjoy a generous network of more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries to find a reliable connection across the globe. Moreover, Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous connections -- which is more generous than the still-great 10 simultaneous connections that NordVPN and ExpressVPN give you -- making it a great multidevice VPN .

Why we like it

In our 2025 testing, Surfshark showed a 21% average speed loss, which still qualifies it as one of the fastest VPNs on the market even if it trails NordVPN by a bit. Thanks to its fast connectivity, you can easily perform internet-demanding tasks like 4K streaming and competitive gaming . I could stream geo-protected content from Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and Netflix. Watching Star Trek: The Next Generation on Netflix -- usually a Paramount Plus exclusive -- was a real treat (although I have a Paramount Plus subscription and the complete series on DVD). Aside from its Android, iPhone, MacOS and Windows apps, Surfshark has a GUI Linux app, which means you can pack your Steam Deck or Linux laptop.

Surfshark's robust privacy features make it a solid choice for working with sensitive data, such as circumventing geo-specific censorship while traveling. Aside from the basics, Surfshark features amenities including Dynamic Multihop and IP Rotator, making it even harder to uncover your IP address and further strengthening privacy. Its RAM-only servers and obfuscation further bolster Surfshark's already strong data protection. There's even a unique IP spoofing feature on Android devices that lets you trick apps like YouTube TV into thinking you're in a different city, state or even country -- a nifty feature for apps that don't play nicely with a traditional VPN connection. Unfortunately, Surfshark's jurisdiction falls under the 14 Eyes, so folks with tight security needs -- like journalists working with sensitive data -- might be disappointed. However, Surfshark published its first transparency report in August 2024, which serves as a key trust signal to privacy-minded folks. Surfshark punches well above its weight class, delivering outstanding value without sacrificing privacy and performance.

Also featured in: Best VPN for Mac , Best VPN for Amazon Prime Video

See at Surfshark

How we test VPNs for travel

I couldn't use this article as an excuse to travel extensively but I have country-hopped regularly, with notable stints in the UK, Peru and Sierra Leone. On a trip to Rome in 2019, I downloaded a VPN on my laptop and Android phone before leaving so I could stream Netflix from the hotel and access my Gmail without triggering a security alert (at the time, I was using VPN Unlimited, although I've since switched to NordVPN). To select the best VPNs for travel, we rigorously assessed dozens of providers by running speed tests, checking for DNS leaks, poring over terms of service, using apps and streaming videos. We researched VPN provider server networks, factoring in the overall number and country locations, which dictate whether a virtual private network is suitable for globe-trotting.

Other VPNs we tested

PIA

Private Internet Access brings a lot to the table, particularly for regular travelers. Its large server network blankets the globe with 35,000 servers in 91 countries. ExpressVPN and Surfshark deliver more individual country choices but PIA's sheer number of servers lets you easily find an optimal connection. It's an especially great VPN for folks traveling domestically or to one of the worldwide locales where Private Internet Access maintains a decent presence. In our experience, we found PIA unblocked Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and Netflix on US and UK servers, making it a good VPN for streaming .

Its wallet-friendly pricing sets you back just $12 monthly, $40 for the first year ($50 annually upon renewal) or $79 total for three years. By comparison, most VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN typically charge $60 to $100 a year. The value-packed Surfshark charges about $48 for your first year and its price jumps to $60 after its initial sweet introductory pricing.

Despite its relatively low cost, PIA doesn't cut corners. Although it's not the most feature-rich VPN, you'll get a solid privacy suite, including a kill switch that stops your internet if your VPN gets disconnected, split tunneling for using a VPN for some apps but not others and 256-bit encryption over OpenVPN or IKEv2 with ChaCha20 on WireGuard. There's multihop, which routes your connection through another server for additional privacy, and obfuscated servers, making it tougher for apps or ISPs to identify when you're using a VPN. PIA also boasts unlimited simultaneous connections -- the pricier ExpressVPN limits you to eight.

Unfortunately, PIA delivered middling internet speeds in our testing with an average speed loss of 49%. All VPNs slow down your connection somewhat, with the fastest VPNs offering an average internet speed loss of 25% or less. Folks with faster internet connections like fiber shouldn't notice a difference even with a higher speed loss but PIA isn't ideal for people with slower speeds like satellite internet users. With its decent features, pricing transparency and subscriptions that significantly undercut the competition, PIA remains a solid VPN that boasts a generous server network, unlimited simultaneous connections and relative affordability compared to VPN rivals. But for the price, you're better off with Surfshark, which is faster and offers a larger global server network.

Read our PIA review .

IPVanish

IPVanish offers 2,400-plus servers in 108 countries, which is in the same ballpark as NordVPN, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark. (Disclosure: IPVanish is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) In our experience, IPVanish's internet download speeds were uneven, with a 44% average internet download speed loss in our 2024 testing, with fast speeds marred by occasionally noticeable dips, which could impact gaming or 4K streaming .

IPVanish provides plenty of perks, including unlimited simultaneous connections, user-friendly apps and great streaming capabilities. It streams and unblocks region-restricted content from Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu and Netflix with aplomb. At $13 monthly, $40 for the first year or $53 total for two years, IPVanish initially saves you money upfront compared to competitors like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. However, its exorbitantly expensive renewal prices of $156 a year for the annual plan and $312 for the two-year plan trounce even pricey autorenewals of ExpressVPN ($100 renewal) and NordVPN ($140 renewal). IPVanish works fine for casual use, but you can get a VPN with more robust privacy features and faster internet speeds, all of which benefit travel. IPVanish's user-friendly apps make it a decent choice for beginners seeking a VPN to add peace of mind and allow for streaming abroad. But wallet-friendly VPNs PIA and Surfshark are better options for the money because of their larger server networks.

Read our IPVanish review

CyberGhost

With 11,500-plus servers spanning 100 countries, CyberGhost offers loads of choices for international travel. It's decent for streaming from BBC iPlayer, Netflix and other sites. You can use specific servers optimized for streaming, but streaming works on all servers. CyberGhost remains wallet-friendly at $13 per month, $42 every six months or $57 total for the first two years of service (you're billed annually after 24 months of service on its two-year plan).

CyberGhost lacks advanced privacy features like Tor Over VPN or double-hop servers, both of which make it even more difficult to trace your traffic back to its source. There is obfuscation , which makes it more difficult to determine that you're using a VPN, which can circumvent restrictions by countries, ISPs or Wi-Fi networks that have blocked VPNs. Obfuscated servers could be useful when running a VPN at school, work or in a country where virtual private networks are frowned upon.

CyberGhost's high internet speed loss isn't ideal for demanding applications like 4K streaming or gaming. CyberGhost does provide some useful features, including a kill switch , which shuts off your internet if your VPN gets disconnected, and split tunneling for selectively choosing some apps but not all to route through your VPN. All things considered, CyberGhost is acceptable for casual use like streaming videos or web browsing, and its exhaustive server network is particularly well-suited to travel. Uneven speed loss and middle-of-the-road privacy features mean you've likely got better choices.

Read our CyberGhost review .

What to look forward to in 2025

Out top-rated VPNs -- ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN and Mullvad -- all now offer Linux GUI apps, which are easier to use for beginners than command-line-only apps. So if you're a Linux user and want to bring your Linux laptop along while traveling, you can install an intuitive graphical user interface VPN app. In July 2025, ExpressVPN announced that it had server locations in all 50 US states, making is great for travel to and within the United States, as well as solid for streaming regional sports content, such as NFL, WNBA or NWSL games.

Alongside traditional VPN protocols, like WireGuard (or its equivalents) and OpenVPN, some VPN providers now provide obfuscation-focused VPN protocols, such as NordVPN's NordWhisper and Proton VPN's Stealth, which try to mask the fact that you're using a VPN. If you need to have a VPN running in a situation where VPNs are frowned upon -- such as in certain countries or on school Wi-Fi, for instance -- an obfuscation-centric VPN protocol could come in handy.

Best travel VPN FAQs

What is the best VPN for travel?

NordVPN is the best VPN for travel thanks to its extensive network of 7,200-plus servers in 118 countries, paired with its almost-nothing 3% speed loss in our testing.

Can you use a VPN for travel?

Yes, you can use a VPN while traveling. VPNs have multiple uses, but they're great for bolstering online privacy while using unsecured Wi-Fi networks and unblocking geo-restricted content, such as streaming your home country's Netflix library from abroad.

Which VPN is the best for changing countries?

The VPN that's best for changing countries depends on which country you need to connect to since providers offer different country servers. In general, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, NordVPN and Surfshark are excellent choices, each boasting more than 100 countries to pick from. The more individual country choices you've got, the better a VPN is for switching locales.

What are a VPN's pros while traveling?

Using a VPN while traveling delivers several benefits, including additional privacy, unblocking geographically restricted content and avoiding censorship of social media or news websites in certain countries.

Is it worth getting a VPN for travel?

Yes, it's worth getting a VPN for travel. A virtual private network set to a server in the country you're physically located in lets you enjoy an encrypted connection while on public Wi-Fi. By using a VPN server from your home country while traveling abroad, you can avoid CAPTCHAs and access streaming service libraries from your country of origin.

Check out Yahoo's latest streaming advice, based on hands-on testing.

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