What to Look for in a VPN for Traveling

1

Security

Strong encryption and security protocols

2

Speed

Fast connection speeds for all activities

3

Reliability

Stable connections with minimal drops

4

Ease of Use

User-friendly apps across all platforms

Top 5 Best VPNs for Traveling

Based on our testing specifically for traveling, these VPNs performed best. Each has been evaluated for the features that matter most for this use case.

#1
E

ExpressVPN

★★★★★ 9.4/10 3,000 servers 105 countries
$8.32 /month
97
Speed
96
Privacy
98
Streaming
78
Value

Key Features

  • Kill Switch
  • No-Logs Policy
  • Split Tunneling
  • Netflix Support
  • P2P Torrenting
  • 8 Devices

Pros

  • Fastest VPN speeds with Lightway protocol
  • Best-in-class streaming unblocking
  • User-friendly apps on all platforms

Cons

  • Premium pricing compared to competitors
  • Only 8 simultaneous connections
#2
N

NordVPN

★★★★★ 9.5/10 6,400 servers 111 countries
$3.29 /month
95
Speed
98
Privacy
96
Streaming
92
Value

Key Features

  • Kill Switch
  • No-Logs Policy
  • Split Tunneling
  • Double VPN
  • Netflix Support
  • P2P Torrenting
  • 10 Devices

Pros

  • Industry-leading security features
  • Massive server network in 111 countries
  • Excellent streaming unblocking capabilities

Cons

  • Occasional server connection delays
  • No free trial available
#3
S

Surfshark

★★★★★ 9.2/10 3,200 servers 100 countries
$2.19 /month
91
Speed
94
Privacy
93
Streaming
98
Value

Key Features

  • Kill Switch
  • No-Logs Policy
  • Split Tunneling
  • Double VPN
  • Netflix Support
  • P2P Torrenting
  • Unlimited Devices

Pros

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Best value for money in the market
  • Strong security with CleanWeb ad blocker

Cons

  • Speeds can be inconsistent on some servers
  • Relatively newer provider
#4
V

VyprVPN

★★★★ 8.3/10 700 servers 70 countries
$3 /month
83
Speed
91
Privacy
78
Streaming
82
Value

Key Features

  • Kill Switch
  • No-Logs Policy
  • Split Tunneling
  • Netflix Support
  • P2P Torrenting
  • 10 Devices

Pros

  • Owns entire server infrastructure
  • Chameleon protocol defeats VPN blocking
  • Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland

Cons

  • Smaller server network
  • Higher monthly pricing
#5
P

ProtonVPN

★★★★★ 9.1/10 4,600 servers 91 countries
$4.99 /month
89
Speed
99
Privacy
87
Streaming
85
Value

Key Features

  • Kill Switch
  • No-Logs Policy
  • Split Tunneling
  • Double VPN
  • Netflix Support
  • P2P Torrenting
  • 10 Devices

Pros

  • Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
  • Open-source and independently audited
  • Secure Core multi-hop servers

Cons

  • Smaller server network than competitors
  • Free tier has limited server access

Quick Comparison

VPN Rating Speed Price Devices
#1 ExpressVPN
9.4/10 97/100 $8.32/mo 8 Get Deal
#2 NordVPN
9.5/10 95/100 $3.29/mo 10 Get Deal
#3 Surfshark
9.2/10 91/100 $2.19/mo Unlimited Get Deal
#4 VyprVPN
8.3/10 83/100 $3/mo 10 Get Deal
#5 ProtonVPN
9.1/10 89/100 $4.99/mo 10 Get Deal

Frequently Asked Questions

A VPN protects you on unsecured hotel/airport WiFi, lets you access home content abroad, bypass local censorship, and avoid price discrimination based on location.

Yes, connecting to a server in your home country lets you access your regular streaming libraries as if you were at home.

ExpressVPN and NordVPN have the best success rates in China. Look for obfuscation features that disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS.

Yes, always install and configure your VPN before traveling. In some countries, VPN websites are blocked, making it difficult to download apps.

VPN legality varies by country. VPNs are restricted or illegal in China, Russia, UAE, and others. Check local laws before traveling and use discretion.

Install a VPN app on your phone, enable auto-connect on untrusted networks, use the kill switch, and avoid connecting to unknown WiFi without VPN.

Yes, prices can vary by location. Try connecting to different countries when booking to potentially find better deals on flights and accommodations.

Try different servers, switch protocols, use obfuscation mode, or contact support for servers that work in your location. Having a backup VPN is also wise.

Cruise ship WiFi is expensive and often monitored. A VPN adds security and may help access geo-blocked content, though speeds may be limited.

VPN encryption adds about 5-15% overhead to your data usage. This is minimal but worth considering on limited mobile data plans abroad.