5 Best VPNs for Italy to Stay Safe and Anonymous in 2024
Whether you’re living in Rome or vacationing in Florence, VPNs are important online tools for your everyday online activity. You can stay safe and anonymous with VPNs wherever you are in Italy, and, if you travel abroad, you can keep up with news and shows on Rai 2 and Canale 5.
I have tested the best VPNs on the market on their security strength, ability to access content from Italy, speed, and many other additional features, and I have a winner. ExpressVPN stood out as the #1 VPN for staying safe and anonymous in Italy for its blazing fast speeds, military-grade security, and its ability to access content in countries included in its vast global server network. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try ExpressVPN out yourself risk-free. If you’re not completely satisfied with its performance, you can easily ask for a refund. Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Italy in 2024
- ExpressVPN — #1 VPN for Italy with the fastest connections. Try ExpressVPN risk-free now!
- CyberGhost — Never experience crowded servers again with 166 servers in Italy, but it has slower speeds.
- Private Internet Access — Excellent VPN with additional security features, but it is based in a 5 Eyes Alliance country.
- NordVPN — Unblocks streaming services in Italy with advanced security features, but its speeds may be slower than other top VPN services.
- Surfshark — Surfshark unblocks streaming services in Ita;y and offers advanced security features and fast speeds, but its server network may be limited in some regions.
- PrivateVPN — The cheapest and most beginner-friendly without extra security features.
- IPVanish — Offers unlimited device connections, but it is a bit more expensive than most VPNs.
The Best VPNs for Italy — Updated 2024
1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN for Italy With the Fastest Connections
Key Features:
- 2 servers in Italy with 3,000+ servers in 105 countries globally
- Keep your data secure with military-grade encryption, automatic kill switch, and malware protection
- Audited by reputable third parties to ensure its security strength and outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance for additional data safety
- Connect up to 8 devices at the same time
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is the top VPN on this list because of its blazing fast speed, great security features, and its ability to access streaming sites from Italy. From my test on ExpressVPN, I found that it didn’t slow down my internet speed much, and I was able to watch live news on Canale 5 in HD without any buffering. Its strong security features are also reasons why it’s the best option on this list.
It only took seconds to connect to ExpressVPN’s server in Milan. I ran a speed test and found that my speed only dropped by about 35%. That may seem like a lot, but all VPNs will slow your speeds to some extent with most dropping your speeds by over 50%.
During my recent trip to Italy, I accessed Canale 5, Rai 2, and Witty TV and streamed in HD on all 3 platforms without any issues. So, if you’re traveling abroad and want to keep up with the news back home then ExpressVPN can help with that. I also asked my colleagues in the US and UK to see if they could access Hulu and BBC iPlayer, and they streamed on both platforms without any issue. So, if you’re traveling in Italy and want to watch your favorite shows on those platforms then you can count on ExpressVPN for that too.
Its fast speed is the result of its Lightway Protocol, which was designed by ExpressVPN to improve the speed and security of its connections. With only 2,000 lines of code, it is much more streamlined than common VPN protocols. This more succinct code allows for faster and equally secure connections compared to competing protocols. The speed also helps keep you safe when you’re switching between networks or when you have unstable connections. The connection will immediately go back online once you’re reconnected, ensuring your anonymity at all times.
Other than the standard military-grade encryption and automatic kill switch, ExpressVPN also has built-in malware protection that guards you against malicious software online. Plus, it’s outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance that shares user data with member countries when needed, giving your data an extra layer of security.
To ensure your online safety, ExpressVPN has been audited by reputable third parties. It’s important for VPNs to undergo audits as a third party can help catch security loopholes before they play out in real life. Additionally, they can also make sure that the VPN delivers on the promises of security and privacy that it makes. So far ExpressVPN, its browser extension, and Lightway Protocol have undergone several audits by third-party cybersecurity firms, so you can use it knowing that your online security is in great hands.
If I’d have to name one disadvantage to ExpressVPN, it’d be the price. ExpressVPN’s best price comes at $6.67 per month, which is a bit more expensive than other premium VPNs. However, you’re paying for a premium VPN service that protects your data and helps you access content while you travel in the blink of an eye, so it’s worth spending the extra few dollars.
No matter if you want to stay anonymous online in Italy or watch Italian TV when you’re traveling abroad, ExpressVPN is the top choice. It’s super fast and secure, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not completely satisfied after using it then you can ask for a refund via live chat or email.
Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
2024 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan + 3 months free (you can save up to 49%)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Never Experience Crowded Servers Again With 166 Servers in Italy
Key Features:
- 166 servers in Italy with 11,800+ servers in 100 countries worldwide
- Streaming optimized servers help you access your favorite shows safely and quickly
- Advanced 256-bit AES encryption, NoSpy servers, and automatic WiFi protection safeguard your data online
- Allows you to connect 7 devices at the same time
- 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost has the most servers in Italy among the VPNs listed in this article. When there aren’t enough servers, there aren’t many IP addresses. If there are many people connecting at the same time, there won’t be enough IP addresses for everyone to connect to. With 166 physical servers in Italy, you won’t have to worry about that problem. During my stay, I was able to connect to a server near Milan in seconds, and, with its streaming optimized servers, I was able to stream Italian channels like Canale 5 and Rai 2 without issues.
CyberGhost has strong security features too. The military-grade encryption makes it hard for hackers to get your data, and the kill switch cuts off your internet when the VPN is off, so you can stay anonymous even when connections are unstable. Another impressive feature is its NoSpy servers. They are physically based in CyberGhost’s headquarters in Romania, which gives it an extra layer of security since no third parties can access them. Romania is also outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance that shares user data when necessary. CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy, so you can protect your data with CyberGhost knowing you’re anonymous at all times.
CyberGhost even has built-in WiFi protection that blocks attacks, malware, and malicious ads from accessing your device when you’re connected to public WiFi networks that are not secure. If you’re on vacation in Italy or if you work in cafes in Italy a lot then this feature will definitely keep your device safe.
However, CyberGhost’s speed is a drawback. After I connected to CyberGhost, My speed dropped from 93.39 Mbps to 17.72 Mbps. That’s quite a big drop in speed, and I think it might be why it took longer than usual to access Rai 2 and Canale 5. However, after I accessed those sites, I was able to stream in HD without much buffering.
Even with a little setback in speed, CyberGhost is still one of the best VPNs for Italy. With rock-solid security features and lots of servers in Italy, you can trust CyberGhost to keep your data safe no matter if you’re a local or a traveler in Italy. Plus, if you subscribe to its 2-year + 2 months plan, you can get CyberGhost for only $2.19 per month. You can try CyberGhost risk-free with its 45-day money-back guarantee. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, you can easily get a refund within 45 days.
Editors' Note: CyberGhost VPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
2024 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.19 per month + get an extra 2 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 83%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Excellent VPN for Italy With Additional Security Features to Help You Stay Safe Online
Key Features:
- 2 servers in Italy with 35,000+ servers in 91 countries around the world
- Give your data an extra layer of safety with built-in malware protection and adblocker
- The second most affordable plan on this list
- Enjoy up to unlimited simultaneous device connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
PIA is one of the best VPNs for Italy with advanced security features safeguarding your data. Other than advanced military-grade encryption, a customizable kill switch, and a no-logs policy, PIA features MACE, a built-in blocker that guards you against ads, trackers, and malware you may encounter online. It’s available on Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux, so you can stay safe no matter what device you’re using.
It didn’t take long to connect to PIA’s server in Italy, but my speed dropped from 93.39 Mbps to 12.59 Mbps, so it doesn’t offer the fastest connection. It needed a little buffering time to access both Canale 5 and Rai 2, but I could stream in HD on both platforms. My colleague in the UK accessed BBC iPlayer quickly, and I was able to access my US Hulu account with ease. So, you can keep up with your favorite shows on those platforms while you travel in Italy.
PIA offers streaming optimized servers in a handful of countries, including Italy. Its streaming-optimized servers help improve the performance while you’re streaming, so the platforms load faster and you need less buffering time when you watch shows in HD, making PIA a great option for streaming.
Another selling point of PIA is that it has the second cheapest plan on this list. If you get its 2-year + 2 months subscription, you get 3 months for free, which works out to only $2.19 per month. For the security and quality you’re getting, It’s a great deal.
However, PIA is based in the US, which is the heart of the 5 Eyes Alliance. Members of the 5 Eyes Alliance include the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. The countries work together and monitor the internet activity of their citizens, and they share information with each other when needed. It’s not a good base location for a VPN company, but since PIA stores no logs, there is nothing to share if the US government does ask them to turn in data.
Even with this small drawback, PIA is a great VPN for staying safe and anonymous in Italy. It provides extra safety for your data with the additional ad and tracker blocker and malware protection, and it even has a great price. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can subscribe to PIA without risks. If you’re not satisfied with it, simply contact customer support via live chat or email.
Editors' Note: Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.
2024 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as $2.19 per month + get an extra 2 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 82%)! This is a limited offer, so grab it now before it's gone! See more information on this offer here!
4. NordVPN — Premium VPN With Cheap Prices on Long-Term Plans
Key Features:
- Short and long-term subscriptions available
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 6,300+ global servers in 111 countries
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Protect up to 10 devices at once
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for unblocking Italian content — and you can get super cheap prices when you sign up for a long-term subscription. One thing to note, however, is that when it’s time to renew your subscription, prices do increase quite significantly.
I was particularly impressed with the high performance of every server I tested. Just because a VPN has thousands of servers doesn’t mean they all work. Servers can still struggle to unblock local sites — and some can even fail to connect completely. However, I can easily access local Italian shows like Don Matteo, and Ballando con le Stelle.
I did, however, have issues with using NordVPN’s native Fire TV app. Although it worked and unblocked some streaming services, it sometimes had issues unblocking Netflix US and kept crashing. I also found that NordVPN’s user interface for desktop devices was less user-friendly than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost.
NordVPN has the following security and privacy features:
- AES 256-bit encryption
- A kill switch that cuts your internet access if your connection to a VPN server drops suddenly
- Built-in ad and malware blocker, so you don’t need a third-party ad blocker
- Fully audited no-logs policy (audited by PwC) – NordVPN doesn’t store any personal or identifying data while you’re connected to the VPN
In addition, NordVPN includes Threat Protection that protects you from viruses, infected websites, and trackers – and it works whenever you have the NordVPN app open, even if you’re not connected to a VPN server.
With plans that cost as little as $3.09 per month, it’s easy to find a NordVPN subscription plan that suits your needs. You can also stream, torrent, and browse for free for up to 30 days with its money-back guarantee. I tested this to ensure that you’ll really get your money back. At first, the support team tried to give me an extended trial period — but they initiated my refund right away after I told them I wasn’t interested in the extension. I got my money back in 6 business days.
NordVPN unblocks: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, SkyTV, HBO Max, SHOWTIME, DAZN, ESPN, YouTube TV, and more
NordVPN works on: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Chromebook, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Fire Stick, and Android TV
5. Surfshark — Best Value for Money with Unlimited Device Connections and Fast Speeds
Key Features:
- Short and long-term plans available
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 3,200+ global servers in 100 countries
- No bandwidth restrictions
- Connect unlimited devices at once
Surfshark offers the best value for money out of every premium VPN on the market. You can connect an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription, which means you can use Surfshark on all your devices without getting logged out.
I tested Surfshark’s simultaneous connections on 2 PCs, 2 phones, a Fire Stick 4K, and an iPad. My connection remained reliable on all 6 devices. Even while I was actively streaming on all my devices, my average speed was 112 Mbps — fast enough for UHD quality.
When I saw the price of this service, I thought it couldn’t possibly have top-grade security features for such a low price, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Surfshark has the following security and privacy features:
- AES 256-bit encryption on all devices, with ChaCha encryption available for Android users
- Wireguard VPN protocol enabled by default
- Diskless, RAM-only servers to protect your privacy (no data can be physically extracted from any servers)
- Kill switch (although this isn’t enabled by default)
- IP and DNS leak protection
Surfshark offers two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account. This feature requires you to enter an extra code before you can log in to ensure that only you can access your account.
While Surfshark does have slightly fewer global servers than rivals such as CyberGhost and PIA, I didn’t experience any issues finding an Italian server during my tests. I easily connected fast working servers every time, and I had excellent speeds for streaming Netflix in UHD, downloading torrents, and browsing the internet.
You can try Surfshark for yourself with the 30-day money-back guarantee. It has plans that cost as little as $2.19. Requesting a refund is easy with Surfshark’s live chat feature. Although the support team asked why I wanted to cancel my subscription, I had no problem getting my money back (and it only took 4 days!).
Surfshark unblocks: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Sling TV, Hotstar, HBO Max, DAZN, and more
Surfshark works on: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire Stick, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Android TV, Kodi, and selected routers
6. PrivateVPN — Save on Online Security With the Cheapest & Most Beginner-Friendly VPN for Italy
Key Features:
- 1 server in Italy with 200+ servers in 63 countries around the globe
- Solid privacy policy with super beginner-friendly features
- Use across 10 devices at the same time
- 30-day money-back guarantee
PrivateVPN has the most affordable plan on this list as well as the most beginner-friendly features. If you subscribe to its 3-year plan, you’ll only pay $2.00 per month for online privacy and the ability to access content safely from Italy. It’s also super easy to use, so you shouldn’t have trouble using PrivateVPN even if you’ve never used a VPN before.
PrivateVPN is a beginner-friendly VPN. Its “Simple Mode” has no fancy options that may confuse VPN newbies. When you first download it, it even gives you small tutorials that tell you where the country list is and how to start a connection, which is perfect for those who have never used VPNs before. If you want more options, PrivateVPN also offers lots of security protocols for you to customize your security and speed according to your needs.
PrivateVPN even offers a remote setup service that no other VPNs offer. It installs and configures the VPN on your device to help you get started quickly.
In terms of speed, PrivateVPN dropped my internet speed from 93.39 Mbps to 12.09 Mbps, which is an almost 90% decrease in speed. It took some buffering to load sites, but I accessed Canale 5, Rai 2, and WittyTV easily when I was on my short trip to Italy, so you can keep up with news and shows in Italy with PrivateVPN when you’re traveling abroad.
A downside to PrivateVPN is that it doesn’t have many security features like many other premium VPNs. It doesn’t have an ad blocker, tracker blocker, or malware protection. Even the common split tunneling function is missing, and all other VPNs on this list offer this. For example, PIA offers a blocker that protects you against ads, trackers, and malware. It also features split tunneling, and it only costs 3 cents more than PrivateVPN per month if you subscribe to PIA’s best deal. However, PrivateVPN offers built-in WiFi protection, and not every VPN has this feature, so you can stay safe from attacks while connected to public WiFi.
Despite these limitations, PrivateVPN is still one of my top VPN picks for Italy because of its affordable price and beginner-friendly design and services. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try PrivateVPN without risks. If it doesn’t live up to your expectations, you can ask for a refund on its live chat or email.
2024 Update! PrivateVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $2.00 per month with the 3-year plan (you can save up to 85%)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here.
7. IPVanish — Stay Safe & Anonymous on All Your Devices With Unlimited Device Connections
Key Features:
- 26 servers in Milan, Italy along with 2,400+ servers in 55 countries worldwide
- Fast servers with unlimited bandwidth
- Allows for unlimited simultaneous device connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
With unlimited device connections, IPVanish can secure every device you own during your stay in Italy. It also offers unlimited bandwidth, so you can stream to your heart’s content with IPVanish. Its fast servers also decrease buffering time, so you get a smoother browsing experience.
Thanks to its fast servers and the WireGuard protocol, IPVanish is faster than most other VPNs on this list except ExpressVPN. IPVanish dropped my speed from 93.39 Mbps to 28.20 Mbps. It’s still a big drop, but it’s more than twice as fast as PrivateVPN and PIA according to my tests. This way, I was able to stream in HD without much buffering.
Speaking of streaming, I couldn’t connect to its server in Milan the first time when I was in Italy, but it worked after a couple of tries. IPVanish gave me access to Rai 2 and Witty TV without issues, but I couldn’t access Canale 5. As for other location-specific streaming platforms, my colleagues used IPVanish to access BBC iPlayer and Hulu immediately. So, if you’re traveling in Italy, you won’t be denied access to those sites and the shows you love.
IPVanish also offers strong security features to help protect your privacy online. Other than its solid zero-logs policy and military-grade encryption, IPVanish offers WiFi protection that guards you against malicious attacks that may come through public WiFi connections. It also owns all servers in its network, so you don’t have to worry about third parties accessing them.
IPVanish is not the most expensive VPN, but it’s still a bit pricier. With its 2-year plan, you get its best deal at $2.99 per month. That’s almost double the price of PrivateVPN and PIA’s plans. However, it’s audited and approved by third-party cyber security firms, and it offers the additional security feature of malware protection and split tunneling, making it well worth the money.
With unlimited device connections, fast servers, and solid security features, you can stay safe on every device with IPVanish while in Italy. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try IPVanish out yourself risk-free. If you’re not happy with it after trying, you can contact customer support through its live chat function or email and ask for a refund.
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Italy
I’ve tested the best VPNs on the market for use in Italy, and here are the criteria that each must fulfill before making it to the top five.
- Strong security and privacy features — Each VPN must have a no-logs policy and military-grade encryption to ensure that your data is safe at all times wherever you are in Italy.
- Global server network — Every VPN on this list has a global server network, so you can stream content from Italy.
- Local servers — Servers based in Italy give you reliable and fast access to Italian content and sites.
- Fast speeds — VPNs on this list all run fast enough for you to stream in HD without much buffering in Italy.
- Apps for popular devices — All VPNs must be compatible with popular devices and systems, so you can use them on your gadgets without issues.
- Customer support — Every VPN here offers 24/7 support to help troubleshoot any issue that might come up while you’re using the VPN.
- Beginner-friendly features — All VPNs here are easy to use, so even total beginners won’t have problems using them.
- Money-back guarantee — Each VPN here has a reliable money-back guarantee that allows you to claim a refund if the services are not up to your expectations.
Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
3 Easy Steps to Get a VPN in Italy
- Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN as it’s the best all-round VPN for Italy.
- Connect to a server. Choose a server from the list or let the VPN find the fastest one for you.
- That’s it! Now you can browse the web safely and anonymously.
FAQs on VPNs for Italy
Is using a VPN legal in Italy?
Can I use a proxy in Italy instead of a VPN?
How do I check if my VPN works?
You know your VPN is working when you can stream the content you’re trying to access. For example, when you connect to PIA’s Italian server, you should be able to stream Italian news and shows on Rai 2, Canale 5, and more.
If you’re using a VPN just for safeguarding your data, you can use a free IP checker tool to see if your VPN works. The IP checker tells you whether your IP address is exposed or protected. If it says it’s protected, you know your data is safe.
Is it safe to use a free VPN in Italy?
Probably not. Even though there are some safe and reliable free VPNs on the market, I found that free VPNs are often more unreliable and have fewer servers than their premium counterparts. This means you might run into server overcrowding or simply unstable connections often. Free VPNs are also lacking in security features. Many of them even store logs, so you might not be able to stay safe and anonymous online in Italy. If you’re not careful, it could even be unsafe for you. Some free VPNs have been caught selling their users’ data before, so it’s a risky move that you should avoid.
The best way to keep your data safe in Italy is still by using a premium VPN. These VPNs offer advanced security features, reliable connections, and fast speeds. Some VPNs with the best monthly plans only cost a few bucks per month. Plus, top VPNs like Cyberghost even come with tried-and-true money-back guarantees, so you can get a refund if you’re not satisfied with their services.
Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Get a VPN (That Works) for Italy!
No matter if you’re a local living in Italy or a traveler exploring this beautiful country and its delicious cuisine, a good VPN is essential for you to stay safe and anonymous online.
Having tested the best VPNs on the market, I found that ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Italy for its fast speed, reliable connections, and rock-solid security. Its extensive global network also allows you to keep up with Italian shows on Canale 5 and Rai 2 when you’re abroad. You can also try ExpressVPN yourself now without risks, as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with it, you can ask for a refund on its live chat feature.
