Best VPNs for Portugal in 2026 that actually work
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Portugal doesn’t have strict restrictions on internet access. However, some restrictions apply to peer-to-peer sharing, such as torrenting and downloading legal content. This means you may face issues such as bandwidth throttling and traffic monitoring aimed at limiting access to restricted sites.
Luckily, with a VPN, you can bypass restrictions, change your IP address to a Portuguese one, or simply hide your current location. A VPN not only encrypts your traffic, but it also secures your data. Also, it’s useful if you want to access Portuguese libraries or offshore streaming platforms.
In this article, I share the best VPNs for Portugal in 2026 based on their performance, security, features, and price. Keep reading to find my top 5 picks.
Top 5 best Portugal VPNs – our shortlist
- NordVPN – the best overall VPN for Portugal
- Surfshark – budget-friendly VPN for Portugal
- ExpressVPN – premium Portugal VPN for bypassing geo-blocks
- IPVanish – versatile, feature-packed VPN for use in Portugal
- CyberGhost – Portugal VPN with specialized servers
Best VPNs for Portugal – our detailed list
Together with the Cybernews research team, we tested and qualified a wide range of VPN providers that have the essential features and functionalities for use in Portugal. Below, I share my top 5 VPN picks for Portugal.
1. NordVPN – best overall VPN for Portugal
| Based in: | Panama |
| Total servers/countries: | 9,500+ servers in 149 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 |
| Current deal: | Get 76% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
NordVPN is the best VPN for Portugal. It’s the most optimized option in the market with a robust selection of features that will make your experience smooth and hassle-free. Also, NordVPN offers 9,500+ servers in 149 countries, 20+ servers in Portugal, and can unblock most streaming services.
Security and privacy. NordVPN has unbreakable security – it implements AES-256 encryption, has a robust kill switch, and a regularly audited no-logs policy. As of 2026, it has undergone six independent no-logs audits, so you can rest assured your data will be safe. What's more, it offers call protection for Android against scam calls.
Performance. Super fast speeds are known to be one of NordVPN’s strongest features. This is ensured by NordLynx tunneling protocols, a variation of the well-known WireGuard protocol. During my tests, it retained 80% of my original connection speeds, which is a great result.
Features. NordVPN has an excellent suite of other features, including SmartDNS, split tunneling, specialty servers (P2P, Onion over VPN, double VPN), Threat Protection (which blocks malicious websites, trackers, and pop-ups), a dark web monitor and dark web monitor pro features, and obfuscated servers that hide your VPN usage.
Streaming. With this VPN provider, you will be able to unblock most of the streaming platforms, whether they’re local Portuguese channels, such as RTP, or platforms from abroad, like foreign Netflix libraries, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. You can even use the VPN connection with devices that don’t support native VPN apps – this is possible because of the SmartDNS technology.
Conveniently, with one NordVPN account, you can connect up to 10 devices at the same time. Additionally, NordVPN supports a wide range of devices – Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS. Prices start at $3.09/month, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee too.
Take a look at our comprehensive NordVPN review to learn more about this provider.
2. Surfshark – great budget pick VPN for Portugal
| Based in: | Unlimited |
| Total servers/countries: | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited |
| Current deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
Surfshark is our second-best VPN on the list because of its affordability and value. Now you can get the same value for an even lower price if you use our Surfshark promo code: OFFCN. It’s versatile and has a great set of local and worldwide servers , and features for multiple devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.
Security and privacy. Surfshark has unbreakable data security with the AES-256 encryption and a reliable kill switch that will automatically disconnect your device if the connection unexpectedly drops. It also runs on RAM-only servers, ensuring your data is never stored on disk.
Performance. This provider has lots of secure tunneling protocols, such as WireGuard and OpenVPN. These ensure fast connections and no speed drops. During testing, it reached average speeds of 764Mbps across many locations (baseline being 940Mbps download and 940Mbps upload). It’s the fastest option on this list.
Features. Surfshark also offers features like SmartDNS for streaming, split tunneling to select which apps to connect to the VPN, and CleanWeb for blocking malware and ads. Additionally, there's the Surfshark One package, which is a bundle of VPN, antivirus, and other extra services, like the email scam checker.
Streaming. Surfshark has 4,500+ servers in 100 countries with 46 local servers in Portugal. While its server fleet is rather average in size, Surfshark managed to unblock every major streaming site, such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Portuguese channels like RTP1 and TVI Player.
Surfshark’s prices start as low as $1.99/month, and it has unlimited simultaneous device connections. It’s one of the cheapest options on the market. And another bonus – there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee included with all plans.
Discover all the details in our Surfshark VPN review or see Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison to see how the two providers stack up.
3. ExpressVPN – premium VPN for Portugal ideal for streaming
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Total servers/countries: | Servers in 105 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | 14 |
| Current deal: | Now up to 78% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE |
ExpressVPN is a top-tier choice for users in Portugal seeking security, speed, and versatility. While ExpressVPN doesn’t disclose the exact number of servers in Portugal or the overall size of its fleet, it has servers in 105 countries and ensures reliable connections and optimal performance for Portuguese users.
Security and privacy. ExpressVPN employs AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch feature to prevent data leaks. With these measures, users in Portugal can browse the web with peace of mind, knowing their online activities remain private.
Performance. Using the proprietary Lightway protocol (WireGuard variation), ExpressVPN delivers fast speeds ideal for streaming and browsing. During our tests, it retained around 61% of the original speeds. While it’s not as fast as NordVPN or Surfshark, ExpressVPN is a decent VPN in terms of speed.
Features. With features like split tunneling and TrustedServer technology, Threat Manager, and ShuffleIP, ExpressVPN offers customization and reliability.
Streaming. Unlike NordVPN or Surfshark, ExpressVPN doesn’t have specialty servers. However, that doesn’t affect its ability to bypass geo-restrictions, making it a prime choice for accessing streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer from Portugal or abroad.
Starting at $2.79/month, ExpressVPN is a good value VPN for Portugal. Additionally, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for all plans.
Learn more in our ExpressVPN review.
4. IPVanish – robust VPN for streaming and ensuring privacy
| Based in: | United States |
| Total servers/countries: | 3,200+ servers in 113 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited |
| Current deal: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
IPVanish is another solid VPN for use in Portugal. It offers Unlimited simultaneous connections and servers in Portugal, ensuring your connection is always speedy and secure.
Security and privacy. IPVanish provides AES-256 encryption with SHA-512 functions, which scrambles your login information into hashes. Besides, there’s also an audited no-logs policy and a functional kill switch.
Performance. IPVanish supports several tunneling protocols – WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. These ensure your speeds are fast, whether you’re torrenting, gaming, streaming, or browsing. Our tests have shown good download speeds, retaining around 63% of the original performance.
Features. This VPN provider offers features like split tunneling, which lets you choose which applications use the VPN tunnel. Also, there’s a free SOCKS5 proxy for fast and secure torrenting. IPVanish also offers obfuscated servers, which allow you to connect to servers in those countries where VPN is blocked.
Streaming. IPVanish has improved its streaming capabilities. In the past, it had problems accessing Hulu, Amazon Prime, and some local channels in Portugal. But during our tests, I could unlock all major streaming platforms without any issues. However, if you plan to use a VPN solely for streaming, there are better options.
IPVanish prices start at $2.19/month. It’s an average-priced VPN provider, yet it has a 30-day money-back guarantee for you to test it before subscribing to premium plans. IPVanish also supports unlimited simultaneous connections to connect to as many devices as you want.
Sounds like a great deal? Take a look at our IPVanish review to learn more.
5. CyberGhost – Portugal VPN with servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming
| Based in: | Romania |
| Total servers/countries: | Servers in 100 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | 7 |
| Current deal: | Get 87% OFF CyberGhost + 2 months FREE |
CyberGhost is a good option for users who are looking for a Portugal VPN with specialized servers. Whether you’re looking for a tailored experience for streaming, gaming, or torrenting, you’ll find the best specialized options. Also, it has 50 servers in Portugal – the highest number on my list.
Security and privacy. Like other reputable VPNs I have tested, CyberGhost uses AES-256 encryption, which ensures strong security. It also offers advanced security features, including leak protection, a malicious content blocker, and a reliable kill switch.
Performance. During my tests, CyberGhost proved that it’s a fast provider. It retained 78% of my original internet connection speed, making it the 3rd-fastest VPN on my list, after Surfshark and NordVPN.
Features. CyberGhost also offers other features, including an ad blocker, Smart Rules that let you set up the VPN to trigger different connections based on the apps you’re using, and no-spy servers located at CyberGhost's headquarters (Romania) instead of third-party data centers, for enhanced security.
Streaming. When I tested CyberGhost, I found its streaming unblocking unreliable. I had no problems accessing Netflix and Hulu. However, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer didn’t always work. Even streaming specialized servers didn’t always unlock Disney+, while BBC iPlayer was glitchy and had long buffering times.
CyberGhost is an accessible VPN. It costs from $1.75/month and has a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. However, it allows only 7 device connections, which is quite low.
Best VPN for Portugal compared
| VPN | Rating | Servers in Portugal | Servers | Security features | Price |
| NordVPN | ✅ Yes | 9,500+ servers in 149 countries | Kill switch, Threat Protection, call protection, obfuscated servers, Double VPN, RAM-only servers | From $3.09/month | |
| Surfshark | ✅ Yes | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries | Kill switch, CleanWeb, NoBorders Mode, MultiHop, RAM-only servers | From $1.99/month | |
| ExpressVPN | ✅ Yes | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | Kill switch, Threat Manager, Ad Blocker, RAM-only servers | From $2.79/month | |
| IPVanish | ✅ Yes | 3,200+ servers in 113 countries | Kill switch, Threat Protection | From $2.19/month | |
| CyberGhost | ✅ Yes | Servers in 100 countries | Kill switch, malicious content blocker, and leak protection | From $1.75/month |
Why do I need a VPN in Portugal?
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can benefit you in many ways. Here are some reasons why you should use a VPN in Portugal:
- Access geo-blocked content. With a VPN, you can unblock Portuguese and offshore content, and get access to different libraries on streaming platforms like Netflix or local channels like RTP1, RTP Notícias, TVI Player, and more.
- Access betting and poker sites that are restricted in Portugal. A VPN connection is also a great way to access blocked poker and betting sites, such as Pokerstars, Betfair, William Hill, and others. All you need is to connect to a server where these sites are legal (I tested the London server).
- Enhanced security and privacy. Even though Portugal has a fairly open Internet, you and your data are still vulnerable to hackers and snoopers. A VPN connection ensures your data’s safety and anonymity online at all times.
- To avoid ISP throttling your Internet connection. Many ISPs may throttle streaming platforms like Netflix or downloading torrents, slowing down the connection. A VPN solves the headache by simply hiding your Internet traffic.
Are VPNs legal in Portugal?
Yes, VPNs are completely legal to use in Portugal. There are no laws against using a VPN, as long as it’s used for legal purposes. However, any unlawful Internet activity, like downloading and sharing copyrighted content, even with a VPN, is illegal in Portugal.
Using a VPN service is legal in most countries; however, your activities while using a VPN are subject to the laws of the country where you’re located.
It’s also worth mentioning that using a VPN can breach the Terms of Use of the websites that you’re trying to unblock. For example, trying to access betting sites in Portugal can cause you trouble, as websites can detect that the customer is using a VPN. As a result, the user's account and wallet can get frozen.
How to get a Portuguese IP address?
You can easily get a Portuguese IP address either by being located in Portugal or changing your IP address with the help of a VPN. Below, I share a short step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Here’s how to get a Portuguese IP address:
- Choose a reliable and trustworthy VPN. I recommend using NordVPN – Get 76% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free
- Download your chosen VPN and install it on your device
- Launch the VPN app and connect to a server in Portugal
- Go to a geo-restricted website you want to access
- Enjoy your block-free browsing
Is the internet censored in Portugal?
No, the internet is not censored in Portugal. There are no government restrictions on internet access, and it’s mostly free in the country. The only blocks that are enforced are on gambling or betting sites. That is mostly if they don’t have a license to operate in Portugal.
Beyond that, Portugal is protected by the EU’s regulations that preserve net neutrality. In simple words, companies connecting you to the Internet have to treat all the content equally. The government then ensures identical access to websites and services for all users.
Even though surveillance and censorship policies are not strict in Portugal, they are different in other countries. So, to bypass and access local services outside Portugal, you’re still going to need a VPN. A virtual private network redirects your Internet traffic outside your ISP’s network. This way, you can bypass any geo-restrictions and enjoy your private browsing experience.
Conclusion
All in all, if you’re in Portugal (or want to change your IP address to Portugal offshore), a VPN can help you get access to most of the geo-restricted content, can help to protect your privacy, enhance security, and get the speeds of streaming to another level.
After careful research and testing, I selected the best VPNs to provide you with the best possible experience. My winner – NordVPN, outranked all the services with its versatile servers, functionalities, and strength of encryption. It lets you choose from 20 Portuguese servers and provides blazing speeds, as well as strong encryption and access to unblock many streaming services – a solid must-have VPN suite.
FAQ
What can I stream in Portugal with a VPN?
If you’re located in Portugal, you can unblock and access content that’s available in other countries. If you’re located outside Portugal, a VPN can help you stream some Portuguese TV channels like RTP1, TVI Player, and RTP Notícias.
Does NordVPN have servers in Portugal?
Yes, NordVPN has more than 20 servers in Portugal to choose from. NordVPN’s smart algorithms select the best VPN server based on your location to get the best speed and security.
Can I access blocked websites from Portugal?
Yes, you can access blocked websites from Portugal. However, it depends on the technology that the blocked website is using to block access in the first place. I recommend using NordVPN to unblock websites and blocked streaming platforms.
Which VPNs have the most reliable Portugal servers for streaming?
NordVPN and Surfshark have the most reliable servers for streaming. Both services are strong at unblocking content, and personally, when using Portugal servers, I didn’t have any problems accessing the most popular streaming platforms with either VPN.
Which VPN works reliably with RTP Play?
NordVPN is great at accessing RTP Play. It has 20+ Portuguese servers that ensure consistent access and streaming without lag. However, if you are on a budget, a great alternative is Surfshark.
Is it legal to use a VPN to watch Portuguese TV and streaming services from abroad?
Yes, it is legal to use a VPN to watch Portuguese TV and access streaming services from abroad. However, using a VPN can breach the Terms of Use of some streaming platforms. It’s advisable to check whether the site you want to access allows VPN use to avoid potential problems.
What VPN works best with TVI Player outside Portugal?
Surfshark works best with TVI Player out of all VPN services I tested. It unlocked it every time I wanted to stream on TVI Player, and there were no buffering issues. Another great VPN that works well with TVI Player is NordVPN.
