Best VPNs for travel 2025: We traveled and tested top options for you
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When traveling, online safety is as important as packing your essentials. Public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes, and hotels can expose your data to malicious hackers, which could lead to your private information getting stolen.
A VPN can easily protect you. It encrypts your network data and helps you access content, like shows or news, only available in certain countries.
However, with so many VPNs available on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one. To assist, our team of Cybernews researchers traveled across various countries to test leading VPN providers under real-world conditions. Then, we analyzed the speed test data from 5 countries and compiled a list of top recommended VPNs for travel.
Best VPNs for international travel in 2025
- NordVPN – the best VPN for travel overall in 2025
- Surfshark – budget-friendly travel VPN
- Proton VPN – free VPN for traveling abroad
- ExpressVPN – user-friendly VPN for desktop users
- Norton VPN – travel VPN for smartphones
We spare no effort to test the products & their features. All information is gathered by our in-house research team & fact-checked by our team of experts. Discover the ins and outs of our testing procedures.
We tested travel VPNs under real-world conditions
To identify the best VPNs for travelers, our remote Cybernews team put leading providers to the test across multiple locations worldwide. Our researchers conducted tests from the US, Ireland, Macedonia, Australia, and the Philippines, measuring their speed metrics while connecting to distant and nearby servers. Once we gathered the data, I analyzed the results and ranked the providers from 1 to 5 based on the following key factors:
- Speed and performance (30%). Speed and server availability are critical for a smooth travel experience. Cybernews remote-working researchers tested each VPN's speed from different countries to reflect real-life conditions while traveling.
- Security and privacy (30%). I focused on encryption standards, no-logs policies, and the kill switch to ensure strong protection. I tested each VPN for solid encryption (such as AES-256), confirmed they don't keep logs of user activity, and ensured the kill switch worked reliably.
- Ease of use (20%). I evaluated the user interface and device compatibility, ensuring each VPN was intuitive and functioned well across different platforms. This is essential for travelers who rely on multiple devices.
- Cost and value for money (20%). Finally, I compared pricing plans to the features offered, favoring VPNs that provide good value. I also checked for free trials or a good refund policy so users can try the service before committing.
Travel VPNs compared by speed and server network
| Apple store rating | Platforms | Speed retention on nearby servers | Speed retention on Intercontinental servers | Starting price | 24/7 support | Money-back guarantee | |
| NordVPN | 4.7 | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS | 70.5% | 75.3% | From $3.39/month | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Surfshark | 4.8 | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS | 88.5% | 68.6% | From $1.99/month | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Proton VPN | 4.6 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | 65% | 63.9% | From $2.99/month | ✅ Yes (paid plans) | ✅ Yes |
| ExpressVPN | 4.7 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | 68.4% | 51.8% | From $4.99/month | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Norton VPN | 4.4 | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | 65% | 49.9% | From $3.33/month | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Speed retention refers to the percentage of your original internet speed that remains when connected to a VPN. For instance, if your internet speed drops from 100Mbps to 85Mbps while using a VPN, the speed retention is 85%. So, the higher the speed retention, the better the VPN performs.
The best travel VPNs of 2025 – detailed list
Our Cybernews research team and I worked hard to find the best traveling VPNs. First, we collaborated with our colleagues in 5 countries around the world to test our best-performing VPN providers. Then, once all data was gathered, I analyzed it and ranked the providers based on their performance, server network size, and ease of use. Check out the list below to find the best one for your needs.
1. NordVPN – the best VPN for travel overall in 2025
| Number of devices: | 10 |
| Countries: | 118 countries |
| Platforms: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get 76% OFF NordVPN + free eSIM data |
While traveling through 5 countries, our research team tested NordVPN on their mobile devices. After analyzing their results, I figured out that it performed well on intercontinental and mid-range connections, making it a balanced choice for any journey.
My experience with NordVPN
Based on my testing, NordVPN is the best VPN for traveling. Thanks to its vast network of 7700+ servers across 118 countries, I had no trouble connecting to my sites. It also offers an excellent arsenal of security features and is one of the most secure VPNs, so you can entirely rely on it regardless of where you're travelling.
Performance-wise, NordVPN performed well across different distances. The speeds remained high on nearby servers, retaining, on average, 70.4% of original download speed. I've also noticed even better performance with intercontinental connections, where NordVPN retained 75.3% of my internet speed. What caught my eye were the results in the Philippines, where researchers got even faster speeds with NordVPN than without a VPN by around 7%, which is an unusual event.
| Country | Original download speed | Speed on nearby servers | Speed on intercontinental servers |
| Ireland | 76Mbps | 69.5Mbps | 62.6Mbps |
| Australia | 25Mbps | 10.9Mbps | 23.9Mbps |
| US | 356Mbps | 192Mbps | 191Mbps |
| Philippines | 300Mbps | 322Mbps | 278Mbps |
| Macedonia | 25Mbps | 14Mbps | 13Mbps |
Recommended for frequent travelers
NordVPN is an excellent choice for frequent travelers. That's because it offers reliable access to your favorite sites from anywhere and provides some of the best security features to keep your data safe while traveling.
2. Surfshark – the best VPN for travelling with families
| Number of devices: | Unlimited |
| Countries: | 100 countries |
| Platforms: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
Our research team tested Surfshark in five countries worldwide. The results showed that Surfshark had the highest speed retention rates of all providers. Also, it performed the best when connecting to servers in nearby countries, making it an excellent choice for travelers visiting neighboring countries.
My experience with Surfshark
With its 3200+ servers across 100 countries, Surfshark is an excellent tool for connecting to desired locations abroad. On top of that, it offers security features, such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and MultiHop (double VPN) for enhanced privacy. Also, it provides unlimited device connections, which is perfect if you're traveling with your family.
Surfshark showed impressive performance on mid-range connections, retaining 88.5% of the original speed. What impressed me the most was when our Philippines researcher got a 42Mbps increase in download speed when connecting to servers in nearby countries – a rare but possible occurrence. Meanwhile, on intercontinental connections, the speed retention dropped to 68.6%, which is still a solid number for long-distance browsing and streaming.
| Country | Original download speed | Speed on nearby servers | Speed on intercontinental servers |
| Ireland | 76Mbps | 72.8Mbps | 67.2Mbps |
| Australia | 25Mbps | 15.4Mbps | 10.8Mbps |
| US | 356Mbps | 310Mbps | 309Mbps |
| Philippines | 300Mbps | 342Mbps | 146Mbps |
| Macedonia | 25Mbps | 21Mbps | 19Mbps |
Recommended for traveling families
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning families can protect all their devices with a single subscription. This makes it perfect for families with multiple devices since it can protect them all with one subscription.
3. Proton VPN – the best VPN for privacy-focused travelers with a free version
| Number of devices: | 10 |
| Countries: | 117 countries |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get up to 70% OFF Proton VPN |
Our remote researchers found that Proton VPN's speed retention rates stayed nearly the same, no matter how far the server was. Connecting to a nearby country was only 1% faster than connecting to a server on another continent. On the other hand, it still was slower than NordVPN by around 8%.
My experience with Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a perfect option for travelers who prioritize privacy. With over 12600 servers in 117 countries, it offers reliable connections and strong security features, ideal for regions with restrictive internet policies. Also, Proton VPN has a free version, which is perfect if you want to protect your data while traveling reliably but don't want to spend any money on it.
ProtonVPN delivered solid performance when connected to close countries, retaining 65% of the original speed. However, what surprised me was that the speed didn't drop significantly once our researchers connected to the servers on other continents – around 63.9% of speed was retained. This means you'll be able to stream and browse the internet no matter how far your connected server is.
| Country | Original download speed | Speed on nearby servers | Speed on intercontinental servers |
| Ireland | 76Mbps | 68Mbps | 59Mbps |
| Australia | 25Mbps | 5.7Mbps | 9.9Mbps |
| US | 356Mbps | 218Mbps | 285Mbps |
| Philippines | 300Mbps | 248Mbps | 194Mbps |
| Macedonia | 25Mbps | 17Mbps | 14Mbps |
Recommended for remote workers
Since Proton VPN's speed retention is consistent across distances, you can browse, stream, and work without significant slowdowns from nearly any place. On top of that, it's one of the safest VPNs on the market.
4. ExpressVPN – the best travel VPN for travelling with a laptop
| Number of devices: | 8 |
| Countries: | 105 countries |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Now up to 61% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE |
Our remote researchers' tests from abroad show that ExpressVPN performed better when the connected server was closer. This was most noticeable in the Philippines, where speed retention differed by 99.1% between local and intercontinental servers.
My experience with ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries and excels in security and privacy. It covers the basics with strong AES-256 encryption and a reliable kill switch on all apps. It also provides a unique Threat Manager, which blocks data sharing and tracking between various apps and websites. On top of that, ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs for Windows due to its Lightway protocol. This protocol will increase your network speed, which is especially useful while traveling.
From a performance perspective, ExpressVPN showed a speed retention of 68.4% on servers closer to you and 51.8% on intercontinental servers. Its average intercontinental speed was much lower due to a drastic drop in the Philippines, where speed fell from 300Mbps to 0.9Mbps when connected to the US.
| Country | Original download speed | Speed on nearby servers | Speed on intercontinental servers |
| Ireland | 76Mbps | 60.6Mbps | 50.5Mbps |
| Australia | 25Mbps | 9Mbps | 13.5Mbps |
| US | 356Mbps | 267Mbps | 335Mbps |
| Philippines | 300Mbps | 298.3Mbps | 0.9Mbps |
| Macedonia | 25Mbps | 13Mbps | 11Mbps |
Recommended for privacy-concerned travelers
ExpressVPN is excellent for travelers who value privacy. It offers strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch for security. It also blocks trackers and malicious sites for safer browsing.
5. Norton VPN – travel VPN for phones
| Number of devices: | 10 |
| Countries: | 30 countries |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Now up to 54% OFF Norton VPN |
While testing Norton VPN from various countries, our researchers noticed its speed retention remained relatively consistent regardless of the server's distance. They couldn't test the speed of the nearest servers in the Philippines and Macedonia because Norton VPN doesn't let users choose specific servers.
My experience with Norton VPN
Norton VPN's servers are spread across 30 countries and are primarily concentrated in Europe and the US. It also offers comprehensive security with the help of AES-256 encryption and the secure OpenVPN tunneling protocol. On top of that, it has user-friendly apps for Android and iOS, designed with a clean and intuitive interface, making it one of the best phone VPNs.
Speaking of performance, Norton VPN showed a 64.96% speed retention on closer servers and 49.89% on intercontinental servers. However, the performance is similar regardless of server distance. The higher average speed for nearby servers resulted from fewer test results, as data from Macedonia and the Philippines were unavailable.
| Country | Original download speed | Speed on nearby servers | Speed on intercontinental servers |
| Ireland | 76Mbps | 60.6Mbps | 42.5Mbps |
| Australia | 25Mbps | 11.6Mbps | 11.5Mbps |
| US | 356Mbps | 245Mbps | 252Mbps |
| Philippines | 300Mbps | - | 158Mbps |
| Macedonia | 25Mbps | - | 6Mbps |
Recommended for US and European travellers
Norton VPN is an excellent VPN while traveling to Europe and the US. Most of their servers are concentrated in these continents, meaning the performance will improve.
Why should you use a VPN for travel?
When you travel, a VPN should be your go-to companion for online privacy and accessing content. Whether connecting to public Wi-Fi at an airport or hotel, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic. This way, you can browse securely, stream your favorite shows, and even access your bank account without worrying about who might be watching.
Also, some banking sites might block access without a VPN if they detect that you're in a different country. With a VPN, you can set your location back home and access your accounts without issues. Plus, it adds an extra layer of security, which is especially important when dealing with financial information on public networks.
In short, a VPN is a must-have for any travel kit. Whether it's protecting your data, finding travel deals, or streaming your favorite shows, you'll quickly realize you can't travel without it once you start using it.
VPN for travel – how to choose the right one
When choosing a VPN for travel, there are a few key factors I always recommend focusing on. First, it’s important to select a VPN with a wide list of servers in different countries. This allows you to access content from anywhere, including your home country, which can be especially useful when abroad.
Security should be a top priority. Look for a VPN that uses strong encryption, like AES-256, to keep your data safe when connected to public Wi-Fi. Features like a kill switch are also crucial, as they protect your privacy by cutting off your internet connection if the VPN drops unexpectedly.
Speed is another critical factor, especially since traveling often means dealing with slow or unreliable internet connections. A good VPN should maintain fast speeds, particularly for streaming or video calls, so you’re not left frustrated by buffering or lag.
Ease of use is also important. I suggest choosing a VPN with a simple, intuitive interface that lets you connect quickly and without hassle, even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy.
Finally, consider the price. It’s wise to find a VPN that strikes the right balance between features and cost, and I always recommend looking for one that comes with a solid money-back guarantee. This way, you can test the service risk-free to make sure it meets your needs.
By focusing on these factors, you can ensure that you stay secure and connected, no matter where your travels take you.
When I’m choosing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider for travel, security, and speed are the basics, but what really sets a VPN apart for me is its ability to bypass restrictions without getting detected. In some countries, strict regulations can block VPN connections, so I look for features like obfuscation that help the VPN blend in and avoid detection.
After testing several VPNs in different countries, I’ve found that the most reliable ones not only maintain fast speeds but also offer a seamless experience. Being able to quickly connect, whether I’m at an airport or settling into a new hotel, makes a huge difference. It’s this ease of use, combined with strong privacy features, that really matters when I’m on the move.
How to setup your device before traveling
Before you travel, secure your devices, not just your luggage. Here are a few simple steps to keep your device secure and running smoothly while travelling:
- Enable auto-connect. Set the VPN to auto-connect to a server when joining a new Wi-Fi network, ensuring security as soon as you connect to a public or unfamiliar network.
- Activate the kill switch. Ensure the VPN’s kill switch feature is enabled to automatically disconnect your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing potential data exposure.
- Update device software. Before travel, ensure your operating system and apps, including the VPN, are updated to prevent security vulnerabilities and improve overall performance.
- Backup important files. Before your trip, back up essential data (e.g., documents and photos) to ensure you don’t lose important information if your device has an issue.
- Disable unnecessary apps. Disabling or uninstalling apps that unnecessarily use location services or background data can help improve battery life and save bandwidth while traveling.
- Pre-download content. Download offline content like maps, movies, or documents before traveling, so you’re not reliant on internet access in regions with poor or insecure connections.
Where are VPNs legal, illegal, or banned?
When using a VPN, it's crucial to know where they're legal and where they could cause issues. Here’s a simple table showing the list of countries where VPNs are restricted or banned.
| Country | VPN Status |
| China | Restricted/banned |
| Russia | Restricted/banned |
| Iran | Restricted/banned |
| UAE | Restricted |
| Turkey | Restricted |
| North Korea | Banned |
| Iraq | Banned |
In most countries, such as the United States, Canada, and much of Europe, VPNs are legal and widely used for privacy and accessing content. However, some countries, including China, Russia, and Iran, have strict regulations, and using an unauthorized VPN there can lead to fines or other penalties. These governments often block VPN services and monitor those who attempt to bypass restrictions.
How can a VPN save money while traveling?
Using a VPN can save you money when traveling. Websites often track where you’re browsing from and can show higher prices based on your location or if you’ve visited the site multiple times. To get around this, I use a VPN to change my virtual location to another country or region. For instance, by connecting to a server in a different country, I’ve been able to find cheaper flights and hotel rates.
I’ve also noticed that some websites show different prices depending on where you’re browsing from. With insights from the Cybernews research team, I tried switching my IP address using a VPN. This allowed me to compare prices from different regions, and I ended up finding some great deals that I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
Another benefit of a VPN is accessing region-specific deals or discounts that are only available to locals. This has been really useful for booking local services, like car rentals or tours, at a lower cost than what’s usually offered to international visitors.
Finally, using a VPN helps me avoid dynamic pricing, where prices go up based on my browsing history or repeated searches. By masking my real IP address and clearing cookies, I make sure I’m seeing the most unbiased prices available.
FAQ
Which country should I choose for the VPN?
The best country to choose for your VPN connection depends on what you’re trying to achieve. If you want to access content that’s restricted in your location, connect to a country where that content is available. If privacy is your main concern, choose a country with strong privacy laws, such as Switzerland or Sweden, to ensure your data is well-protected.
Do VPNs work internationally?
Yes, VPNs work internationally, allowing you to connect to servers in different countries no matter where you are. This lets you access content from other regions, secure your connection on public Wi-Fi, and maintain privacy while traveling. However, keep in mind that some countries restrict or ban VPN usage, so it’s important to check local laws before using a VPN in certain regions.
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