A beneficial investment in your own online security is the purchase of the best VPN for travel for business trips to another country. When traveling you often connect to open Wi-Fi networks in public places, airports, cafes, hotels and train stations. Anyone in this network can get ahold of unencrypted data – usernames, passwords, credit card numbers.
To prevent this, the VPN for international travel will make your trips safer just for a few dollars per month. It will handle public Wi-Fi, blocked websites, streaming services, government censorship and blocked bank accounts.
Top 11 VPNs for Travel
- ExpressVPN - The best all-round VPN for travel
- SurfShark - Unrestricted number of devices
- NordVPN - The best value for money for long-term travels
- VyprVPN - The best on a budget
- CyberGhost - For novices in terms of configuration
- Private Internet Access - The most affordable long-term plan
- ProtonVPN - Free VPN-service
- Hotspot Shield - The best download and latency scores
- TunnelBear - Free trial
- IPVanish - For Kodi users with remote-controlled streaming devices
- PrivateVPN - The cheapest VPN provider
With VPN for travel, your data is encrypted and your location remains a mystery, bypassing service restrictions and censorship. When picking a VPN provider, ensure that it has platform compatibility, acceptable speed, good selection and availability of servers in the country you are visiting.
It is important to have access to the apps you use at home, including banking, financial services, messengers, communication apps (WhatsApp, Skype) and streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer). Many governments (the UAE, China) block popular entertainment services and social networks (YouTube, Facebook) to restrict access to services that contradict national interests. The VPN for traveling abroad can bypass government and geographical restrictions.
1. ExpressVPN – Our Choice
- All platforms
- No download/bandwidth restrictions
- First-class security features
- 24/7 live chat support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Simple interface, detailed manuals
- None detected
Verdict: ExpressVPN is considered one of the fastest and most stable multilingual providers. P2P support unlocks most streaming services: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer in repressive countries (China, Turkey, Indonesia, Iran). It comes with OpenVPN, IKEv2 and PPTP 256-bit AES “military” encryption protocols.
This overseas VPN is based on TrustedServer technology to ensure that there are zero activity logs. Split tunneling uses an additional server for secure access to restricted regional sites. Kill switch prevents DNS/IPv6 and network data leaks in the case of a failure.
The pool of 3000 + servers on RAM is extremely fast, ultra-reliable and offers dual encryption. This VPN accepts bitcoins as payment for extra privacy, which is a serious argument in ExpressVPN vs PIA competition.
2. SurfShark
- Unrestricted simultaneous connections
- Multihop, split tunneling
- Unlimited anonymous P2P/torrent
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Servers need to be fine-tuned
- Basic UI, Android app is unstable at times
Verdict: The company is building a network of 1700+ servers with numerous advanced security features. Users can cover all their devices, Amazon FireTV for foreign TV, routers and game consoles simultaneously. Surfshark unlocks stable platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+ from anywhere. The interface is extremely simplified.
The service doesn’t preserve any logs. It boasts 256-bit AES encryption, kill switch, P2P/BitTorrent, CleanWeb with ad blocking and tracker, malware scanning, DNS, WebRTC and IPv6 leak protection. Besides, Surfshark includes OpenVPN, dual VPN and static IP addresses.
The split tunneling tool directs traffic outside the tunnel. Whitelister whitelists certain applications as exceptions. The service offers 3 special modes: camouflage mode masks VPN activity from the provider, Multihop connects simultaneously to several countries, NoBorders uses Surfshark in restricted regions.
3. NordVPN
- Main platforms, proxy browser extensions
- Blocks ads, web threats
- It is easy to switch from the overloaded server
- 24/7 technical support, 30-day money-back guarantee
- Half-baked UI of the desktop application
- Not cheap, not the fastest
Verdict: A recognizable VPN brand offers 6 simultaneous connections. Combined with stability and the ability to bypass geo-blocks, the same as the best VPN for Netflix, you can safely view Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, torrents and perform P2P operations from anywhere.
It offers the kill-switch function for specific applications, Tor over VPN. Besides, Nord VPN boasts double protection of AES-256-GCM encryption and OpenVPN connections from DNS leak protection.
NordVPN maintains a strict no-log policy, doesn’t store user data, and doesn’t register with bitcoin payments. It lets users pick a server for streaming HD video, Multihop connections. The SmartPlay function is used to bypass geo-blocks and unblock streaming services. A large pool of 5200 + servers ensures that no network server becomes overloaded.
4. VyprVPN
- Sophisticated scrambling technology
- Robust customizable clients
- Main platforms, routers, Android TV, QNAP, Blackphone, Anonabox
- 24/7 technical support, 30-day money-back guarantee
- Problematic Windows switch
- Not the best speed
Verdict: VyprVPN has a reputation for bypassing state censorship in repressive countries (China, Iran) by reacting to new aggressive blocking methods. When China started the VPN packet verification program, VyperVPN added encrypted OpenVPN packets.
It uses 256-bit AES protocols with SHA256 authentication, its own DNS service and a vast array of protocols, including Chameleon’s proprietary metadata scrambling. This will help you get online in blocked countries and prevent government surveillance by hiding the fact that you are using a VPN.
VyprVPN is capable of unblocking such streaming services as Netflix and Hulu. It offers switch kill and the ability to get a dedicated IP address from the largest bank. The company has its own infrastructure of 700 + servers, which gives an advantage in performance and makes Vypr the best VPN for travel.
5. CyberGhost
- Intuitive, 7 simultaneous connections
- Well-distributed pool of 6300 + servers
- Multilingual technical support in the chat
- Free trial for Win/Mobile
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Outdated UI, not the best speed
- Doesn’t work in China or the UAE
Verdict: It is the best free VPN for Chrome that combines advanced settings with ease of use. The main focus is on the task-based interface. Pick a geo-blocked service from the list – Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Sky Go, Disney+, Comedy Central, Eurosport – the app will automatically connect to the best server.
This VPN for travel uses 256-bit encryption, the OpenVPN Protocol, an emergency switch and DNS leak protection. The service blocks ads, trackers, malicious sites and ransomware attacks. HTTPS guarantees the most secure connection. Compressing data and excluding certain websites from tunneling will save money on your mobile.
CyberGhost boasts dedicated P2P exchange and torrent download servers, premium No-Spy servers with dual encryption for authentication and VPN connections. The privacy policy is strengthened by the refusal to register IP addresses. Besides, CyberGhost offers static IP addresses, anonymous payment with bitcoin or gift cards.
6. Private Internet Access
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Additional expert functions
- Ultra-configurable apps, advanced network settings
- Free mobile apps
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No trial version or additional services
- Adblocking is disabled in Android VPN
Verdict: The network covers 2000+ servers with BitTorrent and P2P support, as well as additional expert-level features: port forwarding, SOCKS5 support. It provides 10 connections, kill switch, good online documentation and security guide.
Applications of the main platforms and extensions, detailed guides for routers and other devices mean that the service can work everywhere. Due to all that, the service is often called the best VPN for travel. Chrome, Firefox and Opera browser extensions include many additional privacy features: Flash-blocking, cookie clearing, camera and microphone protection.
Private Internet Access is notable for split tunneling and an integrated MACE tool for blocking ads, malware and trackers. Strong encryption, leak protection and a strict no-log policy protect sensitive data and anonymity.
7. ProtonVPN
- Free plan with unrestricted bandwidth
- Qualitative and speedy clients
- Flexible low-cost plans
- Multihop, Tor connections
- Fewer servers and locations than most VPNs
- Full access at the highest payment level
Verdict: ProtonVPN is a company with extensive experience in the field of security. The free plan doesn’t contain ads or logging policies, and there are no bandwidth or traffic restrictions. ProtonVPN supports only IKEv2 and OpenVPN, uses top-class encryption, can route traffic through multiple servers and the Tor network.
Also, this overseas VPN pleases us with bitcoin support, well-thought-out clients for mobile and desktop PCs, some unique configuration options, but at the same time ease of use for novices. You will find P2P support and Netflix unblocking as well. ProtonVPN has opened the source code of its applications and notes that the service has passed Mozilla verification.
8. Hotspot Shield
- Ease of use, download speed
- Unrestricted anonymous P2P/torrenting
- No IP address leaks
- 7-day trial, 45-day money-back guarantee
- Mobile apps could be improved
- Didn’t unblock Amazon Prime Video
Verdict: Hotspot Shield has a decent free VPN for Windows but commercial Premium is better. A few dollars give users unrestricted bandwidth, full access to 3,200 + servers, 5 device connections, round-the-clock technical support, and no ads at all.
Hotspot Shield’s proprietary Catapult Hydra Protocol provides some of the best download speeds. In addition to being able to run the service on devices, Hotspot has added functionality to support the use for routers, Linux and TV streamers. The SmartVPN feature lets users pick websites to bypass the VPN.
9. TunnelBear
- Transparent privacy policy
- Straightforward, convenient, affordable
- Browser extensions, including the standalone Blocker plugin
- Unrestricted P2P or BitTorrenting
- Lack of variety of server locations and low-level settings
- Free 500 MB per month
- No multihop and split tunneling
Verdict: The service is oriented at those who are just starting to work with a VPN. All the attention is paid to ease of use and humor. Following a no-log policy, the company regularly hires independent experts to conduct public security audits of its servers, systems and code. TunnelBear VPN has 1000+ servers and a decent free version for one device. Users can get up to 1 GB per month by posting tweets about the company, which can increase their limit.
TunnelBear boasts advanced capabilities, such as Trusted Networks, which is a whitelist of trusted Wi-Fi networks. Vigilant Mode prevents data from slipping over an Internet connection within seconds of reconnecting. GhostBear aims to bypass blocking by masking VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic.
10. IPVanish
- Unlimited number of simultaneous connections
- Unrestricted anonymous P2P/torrenting
- No user logs, no IP address leaks
- 24-hour technical support chat, 30-day money-back guarantee
- Non-anonymous registration, unclear privacy policy
- Basic security features
- iOS doesn’t have OpenVPN, kill switch
Verdict: Get the benefit of multiple simultaneous connections and highly customizable apps of the best VPN for iPad. The company manages a network of 1500+ servers independently.
It is a favorite of unrestricted BitTorrent/P2P and users of open-source Kodi for streaming media, integrating Android APK into the media player. The built-in Kodi plugin provides worldwide access to media. The interface of this VPN for international travel is convenient to manage devices remotely.
IPVanish manages to unblock such streaming sites as Netflix, BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub. It offers 256-bit encryption, kill switch, DNS leak protection, 250 GB of backup space, as well as syncing via SugarSync.
Besides, it uses a dynamic IP system. When connecting, a new IP address is assigned for the duration of the session. After disconnecting, the address is returned to the pool. IPVanish is also notable for a customizable interface, which gives the service another point in IPVanish vs NordVPN battle.
11. PrivateVPN
- Faster than many other providers
- Anonymous registrations
- No bandwidth or download restrictions
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Limited server network
- Chat only during business hours
Verdict: It is the cheapest developing VPN with decent security and remarkable network speed, sometimes sacrificing stability. Its growing network of global servers means it can unblock and stream content with geographical restrictions, making it the best VPN for travel. PrivateVPN protects connections using an array of protocols, including OpenVPN.
The service offers a secure connection since it uses 256-bit encryption, SHA256 authentication and 2048-bit RSA keys. Besides, it boasts a kill switch, as well as protection against IPv6, DNS and WebRTC leaks. PrivateVPN adheres to the policy of not storing Internet traffic logs. One of the strong points of this provider is its support capabilities. The staff is available via chat and can remotely solve your problem if you give them permission.
