Best VPN for Travel

ExpressVPN isn’t just the best VPN for travel -- it’s our Editors’ Choice for the top VPN on the planet. While Surfshark, Private Internet Access and NordVPN boast higher total server counts, Express offers more countries, so it’s better for globetrotters. With connectivity options in over 105 countries, you shouldn’t have issues tapping into an optimal server. 

Although all VPNs cause some speed loss, ExpressVPN keeps it to a minimum with an exceptionally low 18% average dip. While we clocked NordVPN at a 10% average speed loss, that’s only marginally quicker than Express. With ExpressVPN’s blazing-fast connectivity, you can comfortably game or stream videos -- even in 4K ultra HD. I streamed Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and Netflix issue-free with great international content unblocking. For instance, I watched Prey -- normally a Hulu Original -- on Disney Plus with ExpressVPN by changing to a UK server while in the US. On the flipside, you can easily stream your home country’s Netflix while abroad using Express servers (as long as Express has a presence in your country of origin).

I appreciated ExpressVPN’s slate of standard privacy features. Express touts a strict no-logging policy, which lends peace of mind, although you can (and should) remain skeptical of those claims, which are essentially unverifiable. The service also offers AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch and TrustedServer technology that theoretically doesn’t store any data while your VPN is enabled. Moreover, ExpressVPN underwent an impressive 12 audits in 2022, resulting in an unmatched level of transparency, and its British Virgin Islands jurisdiction is outside of the 14 Eyes. I’d have liked a Linux graphical user interface (GUI) app, which is more beginner-friendly, but that’s admittedly a niche audience. The biggest drawback for Express is its price: At $13 monthly, $60 bi-annually or $100 yearly, this is one of the most expensive VPNs on the market. Especially for that price, I’d like more than just eight simultaneous connections. While that’s better than NordVPN’s six, providers like Surfshark and IPVanish are unlimited. Still, its excellent performance, top-notch privacy and extensive server network make ExpressVPN a fantastic all-around choice.

Surfshark is a wallet-friendly VPN that doesn’t skimp on features, speed or servers. At $14 per month, $48 annually (then $60 yearly after your initial 12 months) or $60 total for two years (before spiking to $60 every 12 months), Surfshark is one of the cheapest VPNs available. Despite its modest price, you’ll enjoy a generous network with over 3,200 servers in 100 countries for finding a reliable connection across the globe. Moreover, Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous connections (ExpressVPN only gives you eight while NordVPN offers just six) making it a great multidevice VPN.

Our lab tests found an impressive 17% average speed loss, which matches some of the fastest VPNs on the market, like ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Thanks to its blisteringly fast connectivity, you can easily perform internet-demanding tasks like 4K streaming and competitive gaming. I could stream geo-protected content from Netflix, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video. Watching Star Trek: The Next Generation on Netflix -- usually a Paramount Plus exclusive -- was a real treat (although I’ve got a Paramount Plus subscription and the complete series on DVD). Aside from its Windows, MacOS, Android and iPhone 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 -- like circumventing geo-specific censorship while traveling. You’ll find a stringent no-logging policy, AES-56-bit encryption and a kill switch. Aside from these 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. Unfortunately, Surfshark’s jurisdiction falls under the 14 Eyes, so folks with tight security needs -- like journalists working with sensitive data -- might be disappointed. I’d also like to see more regular and comprehensive audits to match the transparency of competitors like Nord and Express. Nevertheless, Surfshark punches well above its weight class, delivering outstanding bang for your buck without sacrificing privacy and performance. 

Private Internet Access (PIA) brings a lot to the table, particularly for regular travelers. Its large server network blankets the globe with 35,000 servers in 91 countries. While ExpressVPN and Surfshark deliver more individual country choices, 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.

PIA remains wallet-friendly, setting you back $12 monthly, $40 annually or $79 every three years. While its three-year bundle offers the lowest price, we don’t recommend shelling out for more than 12 months of service upfront for a VPN because of volatility. After a year, your VPN service might suffer slower speeds, have a data breach or get acquired by a less-than-reputable company.

Like Surfshark and IPVanish, PIA provides unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can run a VPN on as many devices as you wish at the same time. With a respectable 24% average speed loss, you can work remotely, stream videos and play video games online. Despite its modest cost, PIA doesn’t skimp on privacy: Its apps are open-source, we didn’t detect any leaks, and Deloitte performed an independent no-log audit. There’s even a GUI Linux app alongside polished Windows, MacOS, iPhone and Android options. You get the typical lineup of privacy features, including a kill switch, AES 256-bit protection and even RAM-only servers. But PIA’s US jurisdiction may off-put users with serious security concerns. Moreover, we experienced some issues streaming -- while Netflix or Amazon Prime Video worked fine on US and UK servers, it failed to unblock Disney Plus UK libraries. Thus, PIA isn’t ideal for entertainment enthusiasts. But Private Internet Access remains an excellent option for budget-conscious, privacy-focused travelers with its exhaustive list of servers.  

NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs on the planet, with a best-in-class 10% average speed loss. It’s also extremely reliable, secure and exceptional for geo-unblocking content. While Nord features more overall servers (5,000) than its rivals ExpressVPN, Surfshark and IPVanish, its country list falls well short of those competitors at 60. By comparison, ExpressVPN and Surfshark give you 100-plus countries. If you need to connect to one of the locations where Nord has a significant foothold, it’s a fantastic option. Nord saves you money on the front end, costing $13 monthly, $67 annually or $102 total for two years of service. Both the one- and two-year plans jump to $100 per 12 months after introductory pricing, which is about the industry standard. 

Although ExpressVPN delivers almost the same performance with more countries, Nord amps up privacy with its Double VPN and Onion Over VPN features that add extra encryption. Admittedly, NordVPN’s six simultaneous connections feel stingy compared with Express’s eight or Surfshark’s and PIA’s unlimited allowances. But running a VPN on six devices at once works for most folks. Ultimately, NordVPN is an excellent VPN that provides plenty of privacy without sacrificing internet speeds, and its decent server selection suffices for many travelers. 

IPVanish offers 2,200 servers in over 52 countries, a smaller international selection than many competitors; ExpressVPN and Surfshark tout 100 or more country locations with NordVPN, ProtonVPN or PIA delivering 60-plus. In our experience, its internet download speeds were somewhat uneven, with fast speeds marred by occasionally noticeable dips, which could impact gaming or 4K streaming. Despite its intuitive apps, IPVanish’s Quick Connect feature sometimes failed syncing with an optimal server, so we often just resorted to selecting one manually.  

Still, IPVanish provides plenty of perks, including unlimited simultaneous connections, reasonably fast internet download speeds and user-friendly apps. It streams and unblocks region-restricted content from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus with aplomb. At $13 monthly, $42 annually or $72 total for two years (both the 12- and 24-month plans jump to $90 per year after the sweet introductory pricing), IPVanish saves you money upfront compared to companies like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. While IPVanish works fine for casual use, you can get a VPN with a much larger server network and more robust privacy features, both of which benefit travel. Nevertheless, IPVanish’s user-friendly apps make it a great choice for beginners seeking a VPN to add peace of mind and allow for streaming abroad.