What’s the best VPN for Europe right now?

Ensure your privacy and the safety of your personal data when accessing the internet. These are 5 of the best VPN services for Europe right now.
What’s the best VPN for Europe right now?

Europe is definitely not in the same category as countries like China, when it comes to internet restrictions. Still, when using a public hotspot of WiFi network, you should always protect your personal data.

Even when you’re browsing in the security of your own home, cyber attacks and hackers are never far away. At any time, other people are able to track your online movements and they can access your data.

Using a Virtual Private Network is the best way to ensure your online safety and privacy. That’s why you should get one of the very best VPN for Europe before you get online, no matter where you are.

What’s a VPN?

With a VPN, you ensure online privacy by adding a virtual private network, separating you from a public internet connection.

A Virtual Private Network is a way to add security to any online movement.

With a service like these, you can cover up your identity and location without hassle. The Virtual Private Network masks your IP address, ensuring your personal data safety.

These services also allows you to surf on the internet through an encrypted connection. This way, nobody can access your data, even in a public hotspot.

Advantages of using a VPN in Europe

Choosing the best VPN for Europe has tons of advantages. All of the services we mention in this article offer these advantages:

Anonymous browsing

Your personal data and IP address will be blocked. This way you can browse anonymously and nobody will be able to catch your identity.

Unblock blocked websites

In some countries, mostly not European countries, some websites can’t be accessed due to political or legal restrictions. Change your country in the settings to access any restricted content.

Mobile and desktop protection

You can install the application on your laptop or desktop computer.

With the same subscription, you can secure multiple devices, so you can also install the app on your phone. Depending on the service and subscription you choose, a different amount of devices is included.

Unlock streaming services

We all love to watch Netflix or a different streaming service. We notice that we weren’t able to watch some of our Belgian online streaming services when abroad.

A Virtual Private Network changes all that. You just tell the streaming service that you’re in that specific country!

Bypass geographic restrictions

When traveling to a country where you can’t get access to several online services, websites or streaming platforms, a VP Network can get you past these restrictions.

You’ll be able to visit the same sites as you do in your home country.

But you can also visit websites that are restricted in your home country, by logging into a server in a different country.

Stay safe while using public WiFi

Free Wi-Fi or public wireless internet connections are a hazard to your privacy. Hackers won’t leave any opportunity to access your private data, banking information, or other sensitive data you want to keep for yourself.

Public Wi-Fi tends to be a popular place for hackers and chances are good that your smartphone or laptop will eventually get hacked. Public Wi-Fi holds a lot of dangers and a decent VPN service will protect you and your data.

Best VPN for Europe

We all know we should get a VPN service before traveling to countries like China, because they block tons of online resources.

When living or traveling to Europe, you need a VPN service for the same reason, but there are quite a few other security reasons why you should consider a Virtual Private Network service. Especially when using a public WiFi hotspot or the WiFi network in a hotel.

In the list below, we mention some of the very best services you can get for worldwide travel.

  1. NordVPN
  2. ExpressVPN
  3. PureVPN
  4. PrivateVPN
  5. IP Vanish
  6. SurfShark

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is in the first place, because it offers amazing security for a great price. This service is affordable and it works like a charm.

That’s one of the reasons Nord is a market leader in Virtual Private Networking services all over the world. This is definitely a valid choice if you’re looking for a solid Virtual Private Network solution without paying too much of your hard earned money!

Nord offers tons of security settings you can adapt at will. If you have advanced knowledge of cyber security, you’ll be one happy customer. But if you’re not an expert, the standard settings will secure your every move on the web. NordVPN uses a double encryption in order to establish the best security possible.

With Nord, you can use your subscription to secure up to 6 devices. So, there’s no need to get separate subscriptions for each device.

Available platforms

Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Smart TV

Network locations

Over 5000 servers in 59 countries on every continent

Supported protocols

OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard

Options

  • Download torrents: Yes
  • Watch Netflix: Yes

Advantages

  • Great speed for standard security settings
  • No logs policy
  • 1 subscription for up to 6 devices
  • Get the free NordPass app as well!
  • Cheapest 3 year formula
  • Tons of security settings and options
  • Great for streaming services

Disadvantages

  • If you go deep in the security settings, your connection might be slow
  • No free plan, but a 30 day refund period

2. ExpressVPN

Express VPN is a popular Virtual Private Network which is available worldwide. This service has been around for a long time and they’re trustworthy, to say the least!

Express offers great security, as they don’t keep any logs of their customers, as it should be.

Express is a great way to work around your actual location and the Netflix streaming services connected with that. Sometimes, Netflix catches us and ask us to turn off the Virtual Private Network app, but in most cases, it works like a charm.

The Express app works well on both laptop and mobile phone. The interface is easy to understand and doesn’t have too much clutter and advanced details. Just: cover me up!

With Express you can connect up to 5 devices for your subscription, so you only need to buy 1 subscription to cover all your devices.

Available platforms

Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Chromebook, router, Kindle, and more

Network locations

160 locations on all continents

Supported protocols

PPTP, L2TP, IKEv2, OpenVPN-UDP, OpenVPN-TCP

Options

  • Download torrents: Yes
  • Watch Netflix: Yes

Advantages

  • Great speed
  • Hundreds of locations spread all over the world
  • Great customer support
  • No logs policy
  • 1 subscription for up to 5 devices
  • Great for streaming services

Disadvantages

  • No free plan
  • More expensive than its competitors

3. PureVPN

Pure VPN is based in Hong Kong and offers a wide range of server locations all over the world. This service offers a reliable and fast Virtual Private Network for people anywhere in the world. For over 10 years, PureVPN has been protecting the privacy of internet users all over the world.

One of the important advantages of Pure is the amazing speed at which you can use the internet, while being connected to this Network. Pure VPN doesn’t slow your internet connection down too much, which makes it a great choice for people with slow internet or people traveling in a van or in hostels.

You can try Pure for 0,99 US dollars for 7 days as a cheap trial. After that, you’ll still get a 30 day money back guarantee.

Available platforms

Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers, Smart TV, Xbox, Playstation

Network locations

2000+ servers in 140+ countries worldwide

Supported protocols

PPTP, L2TP, SSTP, IKE v2, OpenVPN SSL

Options

  • Download torrents: Yes
  • Watch Netflix: Yes

Advantages

  • Amazing speed
  • 5 simultaneous logins on 1 subscription
  • One click kill switch for emergencies
  • No logs policy
  • Dedicated safe browser you can use
  • Low pricing, because of usual discounts
  • Great for people with a slow internet connection

Disadvantages

  • No clear disadvantages

4. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a Swedish provider, which offers a great service.

Their service is great if you plan on doing a lot of streaming. This service offers a few different streaming locations you can use to watch specific Netflix streams or the BBC iPlayer.

PrivateVPN is a great and trustworthy choice for a Virtual Private Network provider. They offer a lot of neat features, like an emergency kill switch and the option to download torrents while covering your location and IP address.

For streaming video on different platforms, Private offers a nice array of options in order to watch streaming services without delays or interruptions.

Available platforms

Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers

Network locations

150+ servers in 60+ countries

Supported protocols

L2TP/IPSEC, PPTP, IKEv2, OpenVPN-UDP, OpenVPN-TCP

Options

  • Download torrents: Yes
  • Watch Netflix: Yes

Advantages

  • Great pricing for the quality
  • 6 simultaneous logins
  • No logs policy
  • 7-day free trial

Disadvantages

  • Steep price if the discount is not applicable

5. SurfShark

SurfShark is the last service in our list, but definitely not one to skip! SurfShark has 1700+ servers in over 60 countries, mostly in Europe. This makes it an excellent solution for people living or traveling in Europe.

SurfShark is one of the cheaper services and it’s a good competitor for the other services. Even though the platform is relatively new, it’s a great competitor, willing to give all you need for a small price.

If you live or travel in the EU, SurfShark is a good choice as a VPN for Europe.

Available platforms

Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome OS, Smart TV, Xbox, Playstation

Network locations

1700+ servers in 63 countries all over the world. The majority of their servers is located in the EU, but they also have servers in every continent.

Supported protocols

Standard IKEv2/IPsec with the option to switch to OpenVPN

Options

  • Download torrents: Yes
  • Watch Netflix: 15 Netflix libraries

Advantages

  • Unlimited simultaneous logins
  • No broadband limitations
  • Integrated AdBlocker
  • Kill switch to block all internet access in an emergency

Disadvantages

  • Younger than its competitors (not necessarily a disadvantage)
Surfshark VPN Europe

How to use a Virtual Private Network

Using a Virtual Private Network service isn’t all that difficult, especially once you’re past the installation phase.

  1. Get a subscription with one of the service providers we mention above
  2. Install the app on the device you want (desktop, laptop, mobile, tablet)
  3. Sign in with your user credentials
  4. Adapt the settings to your liking

To adapt the settings, you just get into the app dashboard. You’ll be able to choose your location.

For instance, if you’re in a country where a certain website can’t be viewed, you just change your country to one that is supported. Refresh the blocked webpage and Voila! You should be able to access it!

What to look for in the best VPN for Europe

Before getting your private security service, you should check if it has everything you need from a Virtual Private Network.

These are the specifics to look out for:

Contract duration

If you plan on traveling for a few weeks and only want to cover yourself during your travels, a 1 month plan might be a good choice. However, even at your own home, a Virtual Private Network is an added security. It’s more than a simple luxury to be able to cover your tracks. We all need our privacy and even at your home internet network, you might be hacked or tracked.

That’s why we recommend to get a full time plan to provide protection online, instead of only getting security while traveling.

Most of the providers mentioned above, offer plans for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or multiple years at once. Make sure to surf through a secure connection anywhere, always.

Connection speed

You’ll always loose a little bit of speed while using a Virtual Private Network. Securing and encrypting signals takes time, no matter the speed of the service. 

But with a great service, you won’t loose too much speed. Look out for a service which offers a golden ratio between high security and internet speed.

Servers: numbers and locations

Have a look at the number of server locations provided. If you have specific location needs, most services have a neat list of all the server locations they provide.

In some cases, you may want to connect to a server in your home country. Make sure the Network offers servers in your desired location.

Kill switch

A kill switch will disconnect you from the internet in less than 1 second.

The kill switch might be essential if you’re using a public Wifi signal and something happens to your connection. It’s worth to look out for a VPN service which offers a kill switch for immediate disconnection.

Streaming services

The first time I tried to watch Netflix with the Virtual Private Network app running, Netflix caught me red-handed. The website refused to serve me! Now, most of the time, Netflix isn’t causing me any trouble and it won’t usually detect the security service, but obviously, they’re on the hunt for location incorrect data.

Make sure your Virtual Private Network has the ability to get past streaming service security.

Device compatibility

Most of the services in this list offer security for a plethora of apps and devices. If you have a specific device you need to secure, make sure it’s in the list of devices.

Privacy

Most services who offer some of the best VPN for Europe, state on their website that they’re not keeping customer logs.

And that’s how it should be. Make sure that the service keeps no data about your online business. A No Logs Policy is the best approach.

Security, of course

This one could have been on the first spot, but hey. You’re looking into VPN services in search for the best VPN for Europe, I’m pretty sure that safety is on your mind. Check if the Network has solid security protocols to keep you and your data safe at all times.

Mobile app

If you plan on traveling or using public wifi when using public transportation, a mobile app is a nice extra.

Make sure to install the VPN app on your mobile device as well. This way, you’re also protected when surfing on your mobile device.

Why not use a free VPN service within Europe?

Although there are quite a few free Virtual Private Network services available, we don’t recommend using them. They usually have a few disadvantages over paid services and they’re not as secure and fast.

A free service also needs to make money, so they tend to do so by showing you tons of advertisement, which isn’t too much fun to watch while surfing the internet.

As for security and privacy, it’s not always easy to find out exactly how secure your service is.

Often, it’s a smart choice to select an established service as VPN for Europe. You can check reviews and find data of other people who did their research. An established and paid service always offers a better service than a free service which isn’t that invested in the safety of its customers, as they’re not paying.

When it comes to trust and security, you should always choose a service which is reliable and with which you have a secure feeling.

So, the best VPN in Europe…

Now that we told you about these 6 amazing VPN services to use in Europe or abroad, which is actually the best and most trustworthy?

I definitely recommend the 2 flagship services: NordVPN and ExpressVPN. With these 2 services, you can rest assured that your privacy is protected and your data is secure.

PureVPN, PrivateVPN and SurfShark are trustworthy services you should definitely have a look at. They might be younger, but they’re willing to go all the way to protect your privacy and secure your internet connection. As newer players, they also offer more for a better price.

IpVanish is the least interesting one for European residents and travelers, as they mostly focus on the US market. Their support desk isn’t all too friendly either.

Aside from the services we mentioned in this article, there are a lot more choices to select when it comes to security, but we don’t want to overload you with information. In the end, you only need one!

If you’re in doubt about which Virtual Private Network to choose, start out with NordVPN. Have a look at their website and get a 3-year deal, which is their cheapest solution in the long term. If you don’t feel an immediate connection when accessing their site, go on and check out ExpressVPN.

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My name is Inge. I'm a traveler, writer and photographer. All those things I want to share with you. I've traveled a lot and wish to explore some more unknown territory.

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