Best VPN for Europe in 2025

Traveling across Europe is an exciting journey that will expose you to many diverse cultures throughout the continent. However, each country will have some form of geographical restrictions on various online content, which can be frustrating. As such, it’s a good idea to have a top-tier VPN for Europe that can unlock content and keep you secure no matter where you are.

The Cybernews research team and I evaluated around 41 VPN services to find the 8 best VPNs for Europe that offer many servers, fast speeds, and unrelenting protection. Read on to find the best service to secure your online activities while exploring Europe.

My favorite picks for a VPN in Europe

Here’s a quick glance at my top three VPN for Europe choices that demonstrated excellent performance during our in-house testing. The VPNs include plenty of great features to satisfy your needs when traveling in Europe. You can learn the specifics in the provider detailed list, or do a quick overview using our comparison table below.

1. NordVPN – best VPN for privacy and speed in Europe
2. Surfshark – speedy Europe VPN for budget-conscious users
3. Proton VPN – excellent VPN for Europe with a free tier

How to set up a VPN for Europe

Using a VPN for Europe is quite simple if you choose a top-class VPN with user-friendly apps. Here are the generic instructions on how to set it up on your device:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN with plenty of servers across Europe. I recommend picking NordVPN if you want top-tier quality.
2. Download the VPN software for your device. Most VPNs support desktop and mobile devices.
3. Open the VPN app and log in with your account.
4. Choose a VPN server that best suits your needs. A nearby server will grant the fastest speeds, while a foreign one will unblock geo-blocked content.

Travel safely in Europe with NordVPN

Why do you need a VPN for Europe?

A virtual private network (VPN) reroutes your traffic through a secure server and can be helpful in the EU for the following reasons:

• Improve privacy. Unfortunately, many EU countries are part of the Fourteen Eyes alliance. They intend to collect and share data about their citizens among the member countries. A VPN for Europe can encrypt your traffic and make your data inaccessible to outsiders.
• Increase security. Premium VPNs are excellent at helping you stay safe. Some include features like data breach monitoring or an ad blocker to protect your data and remove potentially malicious advertisements.
• Unblock global content. Major streaming service providers use region-based restrictions on their content, meaning movies available in the US are not accessible if you’re in Europe. A VPN can help you, for example, change your Netflix region and unblock the US content from the EU. This applies to Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and major streaming platforms as well.
• Access restricted websites. Certain pages, like online gambling and betting sites, are restricted in Europe. However, if you get a reputable VPN and connect to a specific server, you can access Roobet or other websites.
• Enjoy torrenting. Since sharing files on P2P networks requires extensive bandwidth usage, the ISP might throttle your connection. Also, torrenting is heavily restricted in many EU countries. Luckily, a VPN for torrenting can help you remain anonymous and allow torrenting in Europe without any interruptions.

Best VPNs for Europe – detailed list

The Cybernews research team and I analyzed around 41 to determine which are the best VPNs for Europe. We primarily focused on features vital for travel in Europe, such as server fleet scale, connection speeds, and geographical restriction removal. We concluded that the following eight providers are the most worthwhile contenders.

1. NordVPN – most private VPN to use in Europe

My experience with NordVPN

Using NordVPN when traveling in Europe was a great overall experience. The service offers around 2500+ servers across 40+ European countries, which is more than enough for carefree travel in the continent. It was secure, fast, and some of the features proved to be really useful. For example, the cutting-edge encryption kept my data safe, whether browsing from a café in Paris or connecting to hotel Wi-Fi in Berlin.

The provider also showed excellent connection speeds with the NordLynx protocol. I connected to a server in the Netherlands and reached a 472Mbps download and 443Mbps upload speed. This was perfect for both streaming and working remotely in Europe.

This speedy performance can be attributed to the provider's widespread server coverage across the region. After all, connecting from one European country to another should lead to great speeds due to the relatively-short distance between the servers. In contrast, connecting from the UK to Australia will undoubtedly have a more significant connection speed reduction.

For reference, we also tested NordVPN’s speed performance when connecting from EU locations to the US and Canada. I was expecting slower speeds due to the significant distance over the Atlantic, but I was pleasantly surprised. On average, the US delivered download speeds of 419Mbps, while Canadian servers garnered 415Mbps. While slower than connecting within Europe, the slowdown isn’t very significant, meaning you can stream US content from the EU without lagging issues.

As for features, NordVPN covers many essentials, like a kill switch and split tunneling. I found Threat Protection Pro to be the most useful, though. When traveling in Europe, it is essential because public Wi-Fi networks, common in airports, hotels, and cafés, are often unsecured. They can expose your devices to cyber threats like hacking and data theft. With Threat Protection, you get an extra layer of security that helps block malware, phishing attempts, and malicious websites, keeping your sensitive information safe.

Finally, NordVPN made unblocking streaming platforms and content easy, regardless of where I was or where the service was available. It worked with both European services like Sky Go and BBC iPlayer, as well as American options like Netflix and HBO Max. I could connect from anywhere and maintain access to my go-to streaming platforms, so I didn’t miss an episode or movie while away from home.

Who I recommend NordVPN for

NordVPN is the perfect VPN for anyone traveling or living in Europe who prioritizes security and accessibility. If you’re a digital nomad, a frequent traveler, or an expat, NordVPN’s speed, security, and unblocking capabilities make it easy to work remotely and access local or international content – all while staying private and secure online.

NordVPN, with all of its perks, is affordable, starting from $3.39/month for 10 simultaneous connections, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. There’s even a NordVPN free 3-day trial for Android users.

2. Surfshark – best EU VPN for price-conscious users

My experience with Surfshark

Surfshark was easy to use and provided excellent speed and security during testing and my travels in Europe. It brings robust security to anyone connecting within Europe or accessing European sites from elsewhere. Plus, its strict no-logs policy and independent privacy audits mean you don’t have to worry about your personal data being tracked.

Surfshark has over 1500+ servers across 58 cities in 46 European countries. It offers a wide range of server locations, including popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, as well as more niche locations. Regarding speed, Surfshark performed exceptionally well with WireGuard. During my tests, I reached a solid 472Mbps download and 369Mbps upload speed while connected to a server in France from Lithuania. This is fantastic news for European users who want to stream, browse, or download without any frustrating lag. I enjoyed a seamless experience when I was catching up on a show, video chatting with friends, or just scrolling through social media.

Once again, I was curious how Surfshark would perform when connecting from the EU to the US. After all, I wanted to unblock Hulu and watch Bob’s Burgers without stuttering. Luckily, the results were fantastic, but slightly slower than NordVPN. The service maintained an average download speed of 403Mbps in the US, and 406Mbps in Canada.

When connecting to and from Europe, features like a kill switch and split tunneling enhance your online safety. I think the kill switch is especially useful when browsing on public Wi-Fi in cafes or airports, which happened to me a lot when I was in Europe. If your VPN connection drops, it automatically shuts down your internet access. This way, you’re protected from potential threats on unsecured networks.

Surfshark also offers some great extras, like NoBorders Mode, which makes it harder for anyone to detect that you're using a VPN. This one was especially useful when streaming: During my tests, I was able to unblock all the EU-based streaming platforms like UK's BBC iPlayer, France's MyTF1, Germany's ARD Mediathek, and all the streaming platforms outside of EU, such as HBO Max andParamount+. There are even dedicated apps for streaming devices, including Fire TV. This level of accessibility ensures that you can stay connected to your entertainment no matter where you are in Europe.

Who I recommend Surfshark for

Surfshark is an excellent option for those who need a reliable VPN for Europe but are on a budget. Surfshark is among the most affordable VPN services, with prices starting from $1.99/month for unlimited simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee included. You can also try it for free on Mac, iOS, and Android devices for 7 days. Besides being affordable, this VPN also suits those who prioritize speed and security, and require a VPN that will help them stay connected with their loved ones or catch up on streaming content both locally and internationally.

3. Proton VPN – best free VPN for Europe

My experience with Proton VPN

I had an overall positive experience with Proton VPN. It has a nice, easy-to-use interface and plenty of good features for Europe. I find that it’s also a strong choice for European users seeking top-level privacy and security. Even the free version ensures secure and fast connections. Its open-source commitment and no-logs policy provide additional trust, making Proton VPN reliable for safeguarding data and privacy online. Unfortunately, Proton VPN’s free tier is unsuitable for streaming due to the lackluster server selection. Even the pricing page mentions that streaming is only available for paying users.

However, there’s a noticeable performance boost when switching to the premium version. During my tests, Proton VPN’s paid plan delivered solid speeds of 433Mbps download and 354Mbps upload when connected to a server in Germany with the WireGuard protocol. I could enjoy smooth streaming, quick downloads, and reliable browsing. I also unblocked BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and HBO Max with no major interruptions. So, you can definitely use this provider to access geo-restricted content while in Europe.

Plus, I find Proton VPN apps super easy to use, making it effortless to find and switch between features. Besides the standard features like a kill switch and split tunneling, the provider’s VPN Accelerator is a great feature for anyone traveling to Europe, as it helps keep your connection fast and stable. This feature isn’t available in the free version, so upgrading to the premium version before your trip is a smart move for reliable speeds.

Who I recommend Proton VPN for

Proton VPN is tailor-made for users wanting a free VPN for Europe that provides just the essential security and privacy features without data caps. It lacks exciting extras like the ability to unblock geo-restricted streaming content, but that’s expected from free VPNs. If you want more, the paid version starts from $3.59/month and unlocks an incredible array of features like Secure Core servers, the NetShield ad blocker, and a massive server fleet worldwide.

4. IPVanish – well-balanced VPN for affordable protection in Europe

My experience with IPVanish

My experience with IPVanish was positive in all aspects when in Europe. It has strong encryption to protect my data online. Also, its strict no-logs policy, independently audited by Leviathan and Schellman Compliance, guaranteed that my data wasn’t collected or stored. This commitment to privacy is crucial in Europe, where data protection is increasingly important, and allows me to browse and stream confidently without the fear of my digital footprint being tracked.

IPVanish also had great speeds with the WireGuard tunneling protocol. I tested a server located in Germany, which gave us 465Mbps download and 395Mbps upload speeds. I could enjoy buffer-free streaming and seamless browsing both at home and when traveling in Europe.

European users will also appreciate IPVanish's incredibly beneficial features like the kill switch, split-tunneling, and obfuscation. I found the obfuscation feature to be the most useful, as it allowed me to enjoy unrestricted access to content even in countries with heavy online restrictions. I tried unblocking European and American streaming platforms with IPVanish and successfully accessed Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and YouTube TV. You can also get dedicated apps for Fire TV devices, whether you’re traveling or looking to access content from different regions.

Who I recommend IPVanish for

IPVanish is a solid VPN for those traveling to Europe from overseas and looking to stay connected with their home countries. It offers a large number of worldwide servers, especially in locations like the US or Europe. IPVanish prices start from $2.19/month, but you can always get a full refund with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. CyberGhost – budget-friendly VPN for streaming in Europe

My experience with CyberGhost

For me, CyberGhost stood out with its approachable and intuitive user interface. The overall experience is straightforward, thanks to the easy access to the provider’s specialized servers for streaming and torrenting. Meanwhile, the security features are housed in the Privacy settings and Smart rules menus. This simplicity makes it easy to configure CyberGhost to your needs.

The provider is based in Romania, which gives me peace of mind since it’s a privacy-friendly country outside the gaze of the Fourteen Eyes alliance. Moreover, the service’s no-logs policy was independently audited by Deloitte, further showcasing its commitment to privacy.

CyberGhost’s fastest VPN tunneling protocol is WireGuard, which should result in speedy connections across Europe. During my tests, I connected to servers in the Netherlands, and the download speed was 464Mbps, while upload speed was a similar 465Mbps. This is an excellent result, although I have to point out that CyberGhost doesn’t disclose its server fleet size, which makes it harder to evaluate its overall capabilities.

As expected, CyberGhost’s unique streaming servers worked well during my tests. All I had to do was find a server that’s optimized for my desired platform, connect, and unblock the service. The app includes servers for many European and foreign streaming services, such as BBC iPlayer, DRTV, HBO Max, and more.

Who I recommend CyberGhost for

CyberGhost is a solid choice for those who want to travel across Europe on a budget while having convenient access to many worldwide streaming services. The provider’s specialized servers make this activity a breeze, and our speed tests showed stellar performance. As for downsides, the lack of clarity regarding the overall server network is concerning, and one account supports only 7 simultaneous connections. Still, the overall package is quite a bargain at $2.19/month. There’s even a lengthy 45-day money-back guarantee and various free trial options to test the service beforehand.

6. ExpressVPN – VPN for Europe with a comprehensive security package

My experience with ExpressVPN

I had no trouble utilizing ExpressVPN while traveling in Europe, although its minimalist user interface required some getting used to. The provider’s various security features came in handy in various situations. For example, the Keys password manager allowed me to create new accounts for some travel sites with strong, unique passwords. Moreover, the Threat Manager feature removed trackers and other malicious websites to protect me while browsing the web.

Like CyberGhost, ExpressVPN doesn’t mention how many servers there are in its fleet. As such, I was initially concerned about its speed potential, which was compounded further by its use of a proprietary protocol. However, I was pleasantly surprised because the provider garnered a download speed of 465Mbps and an upload speed of 472Mbps with its servers in the Netherlands. This shows that ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol is on par with the likes of WireGuard.

Besides Keys and Threat Manager, ExpressVPN includes split tunneling, a kill switch, and an ad blocker to protect your online activities. Crucially, the service has undergone 23 independent audits as of July 2025 that confirm the provider’s commitment to securing its customers. The no-logs policy alone was audited three times by KPMG and PwC.

Lastly, the VPN worked well at unblocking various streaming services, even though it doesn’t have any specialty server categories for this task. I was able to unblock European and American versions of worldwide services like Netflix, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video.

Who I recommend ExpressVPN for

ExpressVPN is meant for travelers who want to spare no expense for a reliable VPN for Europe. The service includes many crucial security features in its plan without asking you to choose between multiple subscription options like with NordVPN and Surfshark. And while the starting price of $4.99/month appears steep, the peace of mind is definitely worth it.

7. TotalVPN – affordable VPN for Europe with antivirus features

My experience with TotalVPN

TotalVPN performed reasonably well during my travels. It provided surprisingly good connection speeds with its fleet of 1800 servers across 80 countries. The service is lacking in terms of conventional VPN features, but makes up for it by including a robust antivirus and password manager at no extra cost. At least it includes the usual tools like a kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection.

The VPN comes with the WireGuard protocol, meaning it’s reasonable to expect speedy connections. TotalVPN delivered in this regard, providing me with 470Mbps download and 464Mbps upload speeds when connecting to German servers from Europe.

The service’s antivirus package is comprehensive, which is expected from one of the best antivirus services available. You can rely on it to protect you in real time and to scan your device if you’re worried that some malware slipped through the cracks. There’s also a PC optimization tool if you want to squeeze more performance out of your travel laptop.

It should come as no surprise that such a security-oriented service isn’t well-equipped for streaming. In my experience, it wasn’t very consistent at unblocking worldwide video entertainment platforms. More precisely, it struggled with the UK-based BBC iPlayer and Disney+, although US platforms like Netflix and YouTube TV worked well. Another minor gripe I have with TotalVPN is its residence in the UK and lack of independent audits.

Who I recommend TotalVPN for

I recommend TotalVPN to budget-conscious users who are especially worried about encountering malware while traveling. The provider’s antivirus suite should easily deal with most cyberthreats, and the included password manager allows you to create secure accounts with unbreakable passwords. And while there’s room for improvement in the privacy department, I think that can be overlooked when prices start at only $1.59/month.

8. Bitdefender VPN – well-rounded VPN for Europe from an established antivirus company

My experience with Bitdefender VPN

Bitdefender VPN worked pretty well during my travels. I was happy that, unlike TotalVPN, Bitdefender offers a separate VPN app from its antivirus software. This enabled me to install the lightweight VPN app on devices that didn’t need complete antivirus protection.

This service comes with the WireGuard protocol, which allows it to deliver excellent connection speeds in Europe. In my case, it garnered a download speed of 467Mbps and an upload speed of 473Mbps in Sweden. Additionally, its fleet of 3000+ servers across 100 countries is similar to Surfshark’s in terms of numbers, meaning users can expect a similar level of speed performance as one of my top three VPNs for Europe.

Like TotalVPN, Bitdefender VPN is primarily an antivirus service, yet it offers a few more interesting VPN features to improve your security. For example, you can enable Double Hop to encrypt your traffic twice by routing your connection through two VPN servers, just like with NordVPN and Surfshark.

Additionally, Bitdefender worked surprisingly well when streaming, which is an improvement over our previous tests in 2024. It worked with many global Netflix libraries, as well as region specific services like Hulu and BBC iPlayer. Plus, I didn’t experience any lagging issues, thanks to the provider’s solid connection speeds.

Who I recommend Bitdefender VPN for

Bitdefender VPN is a solid choice for those who want a powerful antivirus combined with a feature-abundant VPN. Unlike with TotalVPN, you can have the VPN app separate from the antivirus package, which adds flexibility. Also, this VPN showed better results during my streaming tests, which might also explain the provider’s slightly pricier $2.92/month price tag that makes it less appealing to frugal travelers.

Europe VPNs side-by-side comparison

Europe VPN providers	Rating	Price	Servers	Privacy policy	Based in	Compatibility
NordVPN	4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	$3.39/month	7700+ servers in 125 countries	No logs, Independently audited	Panama (outside the 14 Eyes alliance)	Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Sufshark	4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	$1.99/month	3200+ servers in 100 countries	No logs, Independently audited	The Netherlands (in the 14 Eyes alliance)	Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Proton VPN	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	$3.59/month	13600+ servers in 122 countries	No logs, Independently audited	Switzerland (outside the 14 Eyes alliance)	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
IPVanish	4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	$2.19/month	2400+ servers in 140 countries	No logs, Independently audited	United States (in the 14 Eyes alliance)	Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux
CyberGhost	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	$2.19/month	Servers in 100 countries	No logs, Independently audited	Romania (outside the 14 Eyes alliance)	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
ExpressVPN	4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	$4.99/month	Servers in 105 countries	No logs, Independently audited	British Virgin Islands (outside the 14 Eyes alliance)	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
TotalVPN	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	$1.59/month	1800+ servers in 80 countries	No logs	United Kingdom (in the 14 Eyes alliance)	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Bitdefender VPN	3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	$2.92/month	3000+ servers in 100 countries	No logs	Romania (outside the 14 Eyes alliance)	Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS

Are free VPNs good enough for Europe?

No, I think most free VPNs aren’t good for Europe. First off, the majority of free VPNs have abysmal server networks with only a few connection points worldwide. This aspect leads to slower speeds and poor results when trying to access any geo-blocked content. Even worse, some free VPNs might include annoying ads or other privacy concerns.

Your best bet at protecting yourself for free while traveling in Europe is a free trial of a premium VPN. It’s a special offer that unlocks a VPN’s premium package for a limited time, which might be enough for a short trip. Alternatively, consider going the money-back guarantee route if you need a longer testing period.

If you’re really strapped for cash, then I can only recommend Proton VPN as a suitable free VPN for Europe. It has an excellent reputation, a few server options in the continent, and unlimited data. Naturally, the VPN is lacking in many areas, but that’s expected from free VPNs. At least it doesn’t include ads and other frustrating issues.

How I tested and rated EU VPNs

An excellent VPN service consists of many variables. Therefore, I’ve reviewed 41 providers to help you find the best VPN for Europe. These are the criteria used during the VPN testing process:

1. Global and EU servers (30%). It’s essential for a VPN to have a wide selection of servers to provide top-class services. Likewise, I’ve picked VPNs that offer large server fleets, including the ones in Europe.
2. Unblocking capabilities (20%). Since streaming platforms are actively blacklisting VPNs, only the best VPNs for streaming can remain undetected. My selected providers easily unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and other popular sites.
3. Security and speed (20%). These two are essential when choosing a VPN for Europe or any other country. As a result, my picked providers offer blazing-fast speeds with the revolutionary WireGuard tunneling protocol and strong security with AES-256 encryption.
4. Compatibility (15%). Since users have multiple devices, it’s vital that a VPN is compatible with all of them. I’ve examined each provider’s offerings and selected only those that support all major operating systems and have user-friendly apps.
5. Additional features (10%). Apart from providing the essentials, like a kill switch and split tunneling, top-notch VPNs include some extras. For example, I’ve picked providers offering threat protection and ad blockers.
6. Available specialty servers (5%). Every user has different needs when it comes to VPNs. Thus, I’ve tested whether providers have specialty servers, like obfuscated or P2P servers that could improve your experience when using a VPN.

Final thoughts

Having a VPN while traveling across Europe will ensure you won’t have to worry about regional restrictions when crossing borders. For example, you’ll be able to access content from your home country like movies and banking sites. Additionally, free Wi-Fi hotspots in popular tourist destinations and cheap hotels are usually lacking regarding security, meaning it’s a good idea to have a VPN for added protection.

In my experience, NordVPN is the best VPN option for Europe, thanks to its vast server fleet, swift speeds, and top-tier features. On the other hand, you can get similar results with cheaper providers like Surfshark and IPVanish. However, Proton VPN’s free version is also suitable if you spent all your money on flight tickets and hotels.

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