7 Best VPNs for Montreal to Stay Safe and Anonymous in 2024
Your activities and data may be monitored if you use the internet in Montreal or other parts of Canada. Advertisers collect information for marketing purposes, and people are often targeted by hackers and cybercriminals.
A VPN can keep your identity hidden and your data private when you’re online. It also enables you to access your favorite shows and home accounts if you’re visiting Montreal.
I tested over 50 VPNs and found that ExpressVPN is the best for Montreal. It has the fastest speeds and unblocks most global streaming services. You can try ExpressVPN for yourself risk-free as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Montreal in 2024
- ExpressVPN — The fastest VPN for Montreal with the best privacy features and a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you buy ExpressVPN confidently.
- CyberGhost — Includes streaming-optimized servers for Montreal, but short-term subscription plans are more expensive.
- Private Internet Access — Has the most number of servers to avoid congestion in Montreal, but it can’t always unblock BBC iPlayer.
- NordVPN — Threat Protection feature blocks ads, malware, and trackers for uninterrupted browsing in Montreal, but its Double VPNs are slow.
- Surfshark — Montreal servers support P2P file sharing, but it’s headquartered in a 9 Eyes jurisdiction.
Plus, 2 more VPNs for Montreal. Jump here to see more.
The Best VPNs for Montreal — Updated 2024
1. ExpressVPN — The #1 VPN For Montreal With the Fastest Speeds and Access to Most Content
Key Features:
- 4+ server locations in Canada (including 1 in Montreal) and 3,000+ more in 105 countries globally
- Military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, RAM-based servers, a Network Lock kill switch, and more
- Customer support is available via email, 24/7 live chat, and online guides
- Connect up to 8 devices at the same time in Montreal
- 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans
ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN for Montreal. Not only is it the fastest VPN I’ve tested, but it also never failed to unblock every major platform. It uses advanced TrustedServer technology to stop its servers from storing information and prevent data leaks.
ExpressVPN was faster in tests than other VPNs. I connected to a server in Montreal and my speeds only reduced by 4% from baseline (speed without VPN connection). Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story on Netflix loaded in just 2 seconds, and there was no lag despite playing in UHD.
Its servers around the world are effective at unblocking global content. ExpressVPN bypassed geoblocks (technology that restricts access to content based on IP address) on Canadian networks like CBC, France’s Canal+, and more including:
Netflix | Amazon Prime Video | Disney+ | Hulu | Peacock TV | Showtime |
DAZN | CTV Television | BBC iPlayer | France 2 | MAX | CBC Gem |
ESPN | Fubo TV | Crave | CTV | Paramount+ | Arte |
Lightway is ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol balanced for speed and security, with super-fast connections and open-source code vetted by security experts. You can also choose OpenVPN, L2P, or IKEv2, and all your data will be protected with uncrackable AES 256-bit encryption.
ExpressVPN also includes these features to keep you safe:
- Data leak protection — prevents your real IP address and DNS information in Montreal from being exposed when you’re connected to a server.
- Automatic kill switch — cuts off your internet connection if your device goes into sleep mode to prevent leaks of your data in Montreal.
- Split tunneling — lets you route traffic from some apps through ExpressVPN’s encrypted tunnel while using other apps with a local IP address in the same session.
- Independently audited — verified by KPMG, Cure53, and PwC that ExpressVPN doesn’t store any user data.
- RAM-based servers — ensure that none of your Montreal browsing information is stored anywhere.
- Privacy-friendly jurisdiction — operates from the British Virgin Islands, where the authorities don’t ask for user logs.
I tested ExpressVPN’s Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android apps and found them to work without glitches. All apps allowed me to easily switch servers and connect to the fastest one automatically. You can also connect 8 devices at the same time with a single account — I tried this and noticed no slowdowns.
While ExpressVPN is not one of the most affordable monthly VPNs, its superior speeds and security are worth the price. Plus, it accesses most global content. The 2-year + 4 months free plan is $4.99 a month but ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you decide to go with a different VPN instead.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
ExpressVPN is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Kindle, Amazon Fire, Android TV, gaming consoles, select routers, and more.
Get ExpressVPN's Black Friday Deal! You can subscribe to ExpressVPN for as low as $ 4.99 per month + get extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 61%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Specialized Servers For Smooth Streaming From Montreal
Key Features:
- 11,670+ servers in 100 countries, including 260 in Montreal
- Military-grade encryption, DNS leak protection, and NoSpy servers
- 24/7 live chat, email support, and online troubleshooting guides and tutorials available
- Allows you to connect 7 devices at the same time
- 45-day money-back guarantee on long-term plans
CyberGhost has 100+ streaming-optimized servers to access global content including Canadian platforms. During tests, CyberGhost’s specialized servers unblocked CBC, Netflix Canada, and DAZN Canada on the first try. They can also access American Netflix and other global services.
Other servers around the world are just as effective at bypassing geoblocks. There are over 11,670 servers in 100 countries. In all, CyberGhost’s server network unblocks:
Netflix | Amazon Prime Video | Disney+ | Hulu |
Peacock TV | Paramount+ | Showtime | CTV Television |
BBC iPlayer | France 2 | MAX | CBC Gem |
ESPN | Fubo TV | Crave | DAZN |
The VPN has an impressive 260+ servers in Montreal, so local servers are likely to be uncrowded and fast. I tried 3 servers in Montreal and 2 in New York to test CyberGhost’s speeds, and my connections never slowed by more than 7%.
Going through the different apps, I found options to use the OpenVPN, L2TP/ IPSec, IKEv2/ IPSec, and PPTP protocols. All 4 protocols use military-grade AES 256-bit ciphers. These privacy and security features also keep you safe when you use the internet in Montreal:
- Data leak protection — prevents your IP and DNS information from being exposed by making sure they stay within the encrypted VPN tunnel.
- Automatic kill switch — terminates your entire browsing session immediately if your device disconnects from the VPN.
- Split tunneling — lets you select which apps will be secured by a VPN connection and which ones won’t so you can access local and foreign content simultaneously.
- Strict no-logs policy — verified by a reputable independent audit firm, Deloitte. Plus, CyberGhost is based in privacy-friendly Romania, which has no data-sharing agreements with other countries.
- RAM-based servers — don’t store any information about your online activities while using the internet in Montreal.
Every CyberGhost app is user-friendly, allowing you to quickly connect to the fastest server by clicking the prominent power button. The Mac app displays the current load on each server, enabling you to conveniently select the least crowded option.
Compared to other VPNs, CyberGhost’s monthly plan costs more. However, the 2-year + 4 months plan offers good value at $2.03 per month, and the 45-day refund policy provides reassurance. I sent my request via its 24/7 live chat feature and an agent processed it immediately. I received my money within a week.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
CyberGhost is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, Amazon Kindle, gaming consoles, select routers, and more.
Get Black Friday Deal and Cyber Monday Deal from CyberGhost! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! 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) — Large Global Server Selection For Fast Connections in Montreal
Key Features:
- 830+ Montreal servers and at least 35,000 more in 91 countries
- Military-grade encryption, DNS/IP leak protection, an automatic kill switch
- Customer support available via email, Twitter, 24/7 live chat, and online knowledge base
- Connect unlimited devices at the same time
- 30-day money-back guarantee
PIA has a large server network, so you can browse without slowdowns. There are a staggering 35,000 servers in 91 different countries, with 3,050+ in Canada alone and at least 830 in Montreal. The chances of any server being congested and slow are extremely small.
I tested 3 Montreal servers and a Chicago server, and my speeds never slowed by more than 10%. PIA is one of the best VPNs for playing Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 — with a ping of around 50ms, I was faster than any other player on the leaderboard.
With PIA, you can choose between OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. Both give you the option of military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to protect your identity and data. Leak protection also prevents your identity from being revealed while you stream or browse the web in Montreal. Other privacy and security features include:
- Automatic kill switch — terminates your browsing session if your internet connection drops while you stream in Montreal, preventing any data exposure.
- Split tunneling — allows you to choose certain sites and apps to be accessed with your local Montreal IP address and others with a different one.
- Strict no-logs policy — independently verified by Deloitte to store none of your information on its servers.
- RAM-based servers — can’t record your data as they don’t use hard drives.
You can choose the fastest server easily from Montreal on the Mac and Windows apps because PIA displays them in order of latency. With the click of a button, you can find the list of servers available and other settings options to change protocol, encryption, and more.
The one downside is that PIA doesn’t always bypass BBC iPlayer’s geoblocks. However, it does reliably unblock Netflix US from Canada and other streaming platforms like:
Netflix UK | Amazon Prime Video | Disney+ | Hulu | Peacock TV | DAZN | Showtime |
CTV Television | CBC | MAX | CBC Gem | ESPN | Fubo TV | Crave |
You can get PIA with the 2-year + 4 months plan for just $2.03 a month. Plus, you’ll have 30 days to submit an online support ticket to request a refund. I tested this and received an email confirmation on the same day. In just 5 days, my money was returned.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
PIA is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, gaming consoles, select routers, and more.
Get PIA's Black Friday Deal! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as 2.03$ per month + get an extra 4 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!
4. NordVPN — Built-in Ad and Malware Blocker Lets You Browse Without Interruptions in Montreal
Key Features:
- 6,300+ servers in 111 countries, including 75+ in Montreal
- Independently-audited no-logs policy, military-grade encryption, and a kill switch
- 24/7 live chat, email support, and online knowledge base
- 10 simultaneous device connections
- 30-day refund policy
NordVPN’s Threat Protection blocks ads so you can browse the internet in Montreal without annoying interruptions. It also stops trackers and malware to keep your privacy secure. While many VPNs offer features like this as a paid add-on, NordVPN includes it in its standard package.
I tried 3 of NordVPN’s 75+ Montreal servers, and none decreased my speeds by more than 15%. I watched “360° Dangerous Honey Hunting” on the National Geographic YouTube channel in UHD with no buffering or lag to miss even a second of the bees swarming.
Additionally, NordVPN’s global servers also reliably bypasses geoblocks from Montreal on platforms like:
Netflix | Amazon Prime Video | Disney+ | Hulu | Peacock TV | Paramount+ |
BBC iPlayer | CBC | MAX | CBC Gem | ESPN | Fubo TV |
Headquartered in privacy-friendly Panama, NordVPN also offers advanced security and privacy features. It uses military-grade AES-256 encryption across its three protocols (including its proprietary NordLynx protocol), as well as:
- Automatic kill switch — instantly terminates your browsing session if your device’s connection drops.
- Double VPN — routes your traffic through two servers for another layer of encryption.
- Strict no-logs policy — verified by Swiss audit firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers.
- RAM-based servers — lack physical hard drives so they can’t record any of your data.
One small drawback is that using the Double VPN feature slows down your speeds compared to using a single server. However, this trade-off is expected when prioritizing security over speed. For everyday use like streaming, single encryption is more than secure.
The 2-year + 3 months plan costs $2.99 a month, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. I personally tested the refund policy by contacting NordVPN via 24/7 live chat and my refund was processed immediately. I had my money within a week.
NordVPN is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, gaming consoles, and more.
5. Surfshark — Torrent-Optimized Servers For Safe P2P File-Sharing in Montreal
Key Features:
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, including Montreal
- Military-grade encryption, DNS/IP leak protection, and split tunneling
- Access help over email, 24/7 live chat, website support tickets, or online FAQs
- Allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Surfshark has servers optimized for P2P file sharing in Montreal and other places where torrenting is legal. I used a P2P-optimized server in Canada (you can check which servers are P2P-optimized via the “Speed Test” tab) and was able to download copyright-free files from BitTorrent. However, be aware that it’s illegal to torrent copyrighted material even if using a VPN.
I found Surfshark’s connection speeds good for torrenting, streaming, gaming, and browsing. Although not as fast as ExpressVPN, the P2P-optimized server in Chicago only dropped my speeds to 70Mbps from 100Mbps, which was faster than most VPNs I tested. I downloaded a 4GB file in only 8 minutes.
In tests, Surfshark was able to unblock:
Netflix | Amazon Prime Video | Disney+ | Hulu | CBC |
Peacock TV | MAX | CBC Gem | ESPN | Paramount+ |
To keep you secure, your data is protected with 256-bit encryption. Surfshark also has additional security and privacy features like:
- Data leak protection — ensures that your DNS and IP information doesn’t pass through encryption.
- Automatic kill switch — ends your Montreal internet session if the connection is lost.
- Bypasser — allows access to certain sites and apps using your local Montreal IP address and others with another.
My only concern with Surfshark is that it’s based in the Netherlands, which is bound by the 9 Eyes intelligence sharing agreement. However, Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy and publishes a warrant canary on its website that provides information on government requests for user data.
The 2-year + 4 months subscription costs just $1.99. Plus, Surfshark offers a free trial for Android, macOS, and iOS apps. You’ll also have 30 days to request a refund if you decide to do so. I tested this policy by using the 24/7 live chat and received my refund within a week.
Surfshark is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, and more.
6. PrivateVPN — Dedicated IP Addresses Let You Access Your Overseas Accounts from Montreal
Key Features:
- Servers in Montreal and 200+ more in 63 countries
- Perfect Forward Secrecy and military-grade encryption
- Email support, 24/7 live chat, and online FAQs
- Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously
- 30-day refund policy
PrivateVPN offers a “Dedicated IP Address” feature that helps you use your overseas streaming accounts when you’re in Montreal. These servers are in the US, UK, and other locations to give you an exclusive IP address. Geoblocks sometimes detect and block traffic from frequently-used IP addresses, but a dedicated address can bypass these geoblocks.
As well as being secure, PrivateVPN is fast. I connected to a Montreal server and my speed never slowed by more than 16% according to speed tests. I uploaded a 20-minute YouTube video in UHD, and it only took 15 minutes.
During tests, PrivateVPN was able to unblock many popular platforms from Montreal, including:
Netflix | Amazon Prime Video | Disney+ | Hulu |
Peacock TV | MAX | CBC | ESPN |
One drawback of PrivateVPN was the lack of a split tunneling option. However, manually switching from a VPN to a regular connection takes just a few seconds so it didn’t bother me. Plus, PrivateVPN has plenty of other security and privacy features like data leak protection and an automatic kill switch to ensure none of your information is exposed.
The 3-year plan costs $2.00 a month. You can also pay in cryptocurrency to sign up completely anonymously. There’s a 30-day refund policy — you need to request this via email. I did this and received my money back in under a week.
PrivateVPN is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more.
7. IPVanish — Internally-Owned Network Keeps Your Data in Montreal Away From Third-Parties
Key Features:
- 2,400+ servers in 55 countries globally, including 55+ in Canada
- Military-grade encryption, kill switch, and internally-audited no-logs policy
- Customer support options include 24/7 live chat, email, and online knowledge base
- Connect unlimited devices simultaneously
- 30-day refund policy applies to all long-term plans
IPVanish maintains all of its servers in-house to ensure your total privacy in Montreal and security. Because the company owns its own servers rather than renting them (as many other VPNs do), no third parties can access your data when you use them.
I connected to a server in Montreal and another in New York, and speeds were very fast using both. The slowdown was only between 15% and 18% — my connection was fast enough for a Facebook video call with no lag at all.
The server network unblocks services including:
Netflix | Amazon Prime Video | Disney+ |
Peacock TV | MAX | CBC |
It also has a range of features to keep you safe and anonymous while you’re online in Montreal. IPVanish offers AES 256-bit encryption, data leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy.
Unlike many other VPNs, IPVanish offers a phone support option. Unfortunately, when I tested the UK line, I was instructed to leave a voicemail 3 different times after waiting for 5 minutes. Thankfully, the 24/7 live chat and email support options had faster responses.
For $2.19 per month, you can subscribe to IPVanish’s 2-year plan, which includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested this with the 24/7 live chat and received a response within 2 minutes. The refund process was fast and I had my money back in less than an hour.
IPVanish is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Montreal
To find which of the best VPNs work well in Montreal, I tested for:
- Strong security and privacy features — The best VPNs for Montreal protect your data with military-grade encryption, IP leak protection, and a kill switch, so you don’t have to worry about hackers.
- Global server network — To access global content from Montreal, your VPN has to have servers where the platforms you want to access are based.
- Fast speeds — You need a VPN with high-speed servers in Montreal or nearby cities to enjoy bandwidth-heavy activities without interruptions.
- Apps for popular devices — The VPNs on this list have apps for all major devices so you can browse and stream on any of your internet-capable devices in Montreal.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
3 Easy Steps to Get a VPN in Montreal
- Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN as it’s the overall best VPN to use in Montreal.
- Connect to a server. Let the VPN find the fastest server for you automatically, or choose one from the list.
- That’s it! Now you can browse the web in Montreal safely and anonymously.
FAQs on VPNs for Montreal
Is using a VPN legal in Montreal?
Yes, using a VPN is legal everywhere in Canada. If you’re traveling there, use a top VPN in Montreal to keep your information safe from hackers and other online spies. Canada is a member of the 5 Eyes Alliance, which shares surveillance data with other members so your privacy might be at risk.
Though using a VPN in Canada is allowed for security, illegal online activities are still prohibited with or without a VPN. I don’t condone breaking the laws anywhere, even with a VPN. If in doubt, check the laws of where you are before using the internet with a VPN.
Can I use a proxy in Montreal instead of a VPN?
No, I wouldn’t recommend using a proxy. High-quality VPNs for Montreal keep you safe and anonymous online wherever you are but proxies lack strong security and privacy features. Most proxies don’t even encrypt your data, leaving you vulnerable to hackers or snoopers.
Some proxies log your data to sell it to third parties. In addition, most proxies can’t bypass geo-blocks in Montreal because their servers are frequently blacklisted. A reliable, secure VPN is a much better option than any proxy.
How do I check if my VPN works?
You can use this free IP lookup tool to make sure your VPN works properly. It shows your location and whether your real IP address is exposed to assess your online anonymity.
If the tool reveals your actual IP address, your VPN might be leaking your data. Make sure you’re using one of the recommended VPNs for Montreal and try connecting to a different server to fix the problem.
Is it safe to use a free VPN in Montreal?
No, I don’t recommend free VPNs for Montreal or anywhere else. While there are some fairly good free VPNs available, it can be difficult to work within their limitations. Many free VPNs impose data caps or limit your bandwidth, so it’s difficult to stream shows and movies.
Some free VPNs are dangerous because they don’t encrypt your data properly or collect it to sell to advertisers. Others inject malware to your device. It’s better to use a premium VPN like the ones on this list as they offer better security features and faster speeds. Many of them even have money-back guarantees — for example, you can use CyberGhost and get your money back within 45 days.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Get a VPN (That Works) for Montreal Today!
Since cybercriminals are known to target internet users in North America, it’s best to use a VPN in Canada to hide your personal data and location. A VPN is even more crucial if you rely on unsecured public WiFi in the country. As a bonus, a VPN can also help you access your streaming accounts from back home when traveling in Montreal.
Of all the VPNs I’ve tested, ExpressVPN is the best for Montreal. It unblocked streaming platforms and global content without fail and I got the fastest speeds with ExpressVPN than any other VPN. You can also try ExpressVPN risk-free because if you don’t like it, you’ll have 30 days to ask for a refund.
Summary: These Are The Best VPNs for Montreal in 2024
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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