5 Best VPNs for Traveling and Safe Browsing — Tested in 2024

Traveling means relying on public WiFi, which can expose you to identity theft and hackers. A VPN is an effective way to guard your sensitive data against snoopers and access sensitive services like online banking while traveling.

Unfortunately, most VPNs can’t protect you during your travels due to subpar performance, network constraints, and lack of robust security and privacy features. To save you time and effort, I tested the top 25 industry brands and picked the best ones for traveling.

ExpressVPN is my #1 recommendation for traveling because of its powerful obfuscated servers, blazing-fast speeds, and broad server network. You can try ExpressVPN confidently as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Use ExpressVPN while traveling

Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Traveling in 2024

The Best VPNs for Traveling Anywhere (Tested in 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN to Protect Online Privacy While Traveling

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	3,000+
📱Devices	8
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

ExpressVPN is my #1 recommendation to stay secure while traveling. It provides consistently fast speeds for lag-free UHD streaming, gaming, and other data-intensive tasks. Its TrustedServer technology guarantees complete online privacy by using RAM-only servers that can’t record your data. In addition, ExpressVPN protects you with:

• Private DNS — ensures that your DNS queries are exclusively handled by ExpressVPN within the VPN tunnel so that your online activities remain anonymous to third parties.
• Threat Manager — blocks malicious websites and trackers to ensure online privacy (I didn’t see targeted ads on sites with ExpressVPN).
• Keys Password Manager — stores your credentials and allows one-click logins to all your accounts on unsecured networks to avoid hack attempts via keyloggers.
• Built-in leak protection — makes sure your data doesn’t leak outside the VPN tunnel, keeping your IP address and online activities anonymous while traveling.
• Split tunneling — allows selective routing of traffic through the VPN, beneficial for accessing both local and home-country services while traveling.

All its 3,000+ servers in 105 countries are obfuscated and disguise your data as regular traffic to avoid flags while online banking when you’re abroad, even in China. ExpressVPN regularly refreshes its IP address pool, giving you access to IP addresses that haven’t been blocked or identified in the past.

Even on distant servers in the US and Canada, ExpressVPN clocked in at 95Mbps — just a 5% drop from my baseline speeds. Its proprietary Lightway protocol uses a lightweight codebase that requires fewer resources, minimizing drops and latency. It swiftly adapts to network changes to provide a stable connection while switching between WiFi and mobile data.

Its 8 simultaneous connections are ample for a solo traveler. It took me about 8 minutes to set up ExpressVPN on 5 of my devices. All its apps share a similar, user-friendly design that simplifies device switching. With MediaStreamer, you can use ExpressVPN on incompatible devices like gaming consoles, though it’s only a DNS proxy service.

A small issue with ExpressVPN is that it’s slightly more expensive than its peers. However, the value it offers justifies the cost. Its high-speed connections, robust security features, and ease of use across multiple devices make it a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers.

I recommend its 1-year + 3 months plan due to its 49% discount. You can try ExpressVPN confidently, as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I submitted my refund request via live chat, and the support agent approved it within 2 minutes. The money was credited into my account just 3 days later.

2. CyberGhost — Smart WiFi Protection Auto-Connects When You Join a Network

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	11,800+
📱Devices	7
💰Refund	45 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

CyberGhost’s smart WiFi protection automatically activates the VPN when you join a network. It’s particularly useful if you’re stuck between flights and have to use the airport WiFi for sensitive tasks like checking your bank statement. By automating the VPN connection, CyberGhost protects you even if you forget to turn it on. Other than that, it includes:

• Block Content — prevents malicious ads and sites from loading on your browser, while blocking web trackers from tracking you when you travel for targeted ads.
• NoSpy servers — are privately owned and managed by CyberGhost in its data center in Romania, which lies outside the 5- or 14-Eyes territory.
• Identity Guard — alerts you if your email address is compromised, so you can take immediate action (you can add up to 2 email accounts for constant monitoring).
• No-logs policy — guarantees online privacy while traveling, ensuring that your data isn’t stored on its servers or can be accessed by third parties.

Besides its extensive network of 11,800+ servers in 100 countries, CyberGhost’s optimized connections prioritize traffic for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. They can handle high bandwidth demands and route your data through the most optimal network path.

In my tests, CyberGhost’s optimized servers were 11% faster than regular ones. I also averaged 87Mbps on distant regular connections in Australia and the UK. These scores were plenty for streaming the latest ongoing season of Rick & Morty on my home Netflix library.

Unlike ExpressVPN, CyberGhost lacks obfuscated servers and might have trouble working in high-censorship countries like the UAE and China. However, it works fine in mildly restrictive places like Turkey, but please ensure that you’re not breaching any laws.

I suggest signing up for the 2-year + 2 months plan because it provides a 83% discount. You can try CyberGhost’s risk-free with its 45-day refund guarantee. I asked for mine via live chat support and got reimbursed in 5 working days.

3. Private Internet Access — Most Extensive Network Offers Global IP Addresses Wherever You Go

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	35,000+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

PIA’s extensive network is perfect for getting an IP address at your travel destination. With 35,000+ servers in 91 countries, you can secure yourself anywhere you go. For enhanced privacy, you can enable SOCKS5 or Shadowsocks proxy to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN.

With its unlimited simultaneous connections, I used PIA on 8 of my devices without glitches or crashes, an issue I’ve often experienced with many VPNs. Its desktop apps have expandable interfaces, display connectivity info, and list servers by latency for quick selection.

The drops I got with PIA never exceeded 15% on faraway servers. Compared to other VPNs that reduce speeds by over 40%, this is a pretty good score. On overcrowded airport networks, PIA minimizes your speed loss for uninterrupted and secure browsing.

Besides its MACE ad blocker, which protects you from intrusive ads and malicious content in real-time, PIA makes traveling secure with:

• Flexible encryption — lets you reduce encryption to 128-bit to improve speeds, but I recommend the 256-bit cipher for sensitive tasks.
• Kill switch — cuts off internet connectivity if your device suddenly crashes and the VPN server drops to prevent data exposure.
• InBrowser — is PIA’s browser that clears your data and history after the session ends and lets you browse through the Tor network for better privacy.

My only reservation with PIA is its location in the US, which is part of the 5 Eyes group of intelligence-sharing countries. However, PIA has a strict no-logs policy and uses RAM-only servers to guarantee online privacy even on unsecured airport or hotel WiFi.

The 2-year + 2 months plan is a steal at just $2.19 a month. You can try PIA risk-free for 30 days with its refund policy. I asked for my money back through its live chat support and had to provide my invoice details. The agent verified my details, and I got my refund in 5 days.

4. NordVPN — Proprietary NordLynx Protocol Guarantees Fast Speeds and Enhanced Privacy

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	6,300+
📱Devices	10
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx protocol protects you from snoopers while traveling while maintaining high speeds. It’s built around the efficient WireGuard and uses a double NAT system that provides a fresh set of IP addresses to make you hard to track or identify. In my tests, NordLynx was 8% faster than other protocols on average.

Besides its impressive network of 6,300+ servers in 110 countries, NordVPN has specialty Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and P2P connections. They’re tailored to each respective task. Obfuscated servers are grouped in a separate tab to protect your privacy in high-censorship countries. Additionally, NordVPN secures you with:

• NordPass — lets you store, organize, and access your passwords securely to seamlessly log in to your accounts on airports and other public networks.
• Dark web monitoring — notifies you if your data appears on the dark web, so you can take corrective action immediately.
• Invisibility on LAN — hides you from other devices on the same network for anonymously browsing and accessing online banking.

You can secure up to 10 devices simultaneously with a single NordVPN subscription. It supports all popular platforms, and you can even set it up on your smart TV, Fire Stick, or router. With Meshnet, you can directly link your laptop to your home PC, enabling file access as if you were at home to securely retrieve important documents.

Unfortunately, NordVPN’s Double VPN servers reduced my speeds considerably. However, you don’t need them as a single 256-bit cipher is enough to keep you secure on public networks. Even with double encryption, I streamed MKBHD’s UHD videos with some initial buffering.

NordVPN’s 2-year + 3 months plan offers a 74% discount and a 30-day window to try it risk-free. The live chat support agent tried to offer me an extended trial but proceeded to approve my refund request after I declined — I got my money back in 5 business days.

5. Surfshark — Static IP Addresses for Easy Online Banking While Traveling

Great VPN

Great VPN

📍Servers	3,200+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

Surfshark’s static IP addresses let you access banking services from abroad without triggering fraud alerts. Banks flag dynamic IP addresses as suspicious and can block your account if you use them repeatedly, which isn’t the case with static ones. Surfshark also has:

• GPS Override — syncs your physical location with the VPN server, preventing apps from geo-tracking you and allowing you to use geo-services like Tinder while traveling.
• IP address rotation — changes your IP address at regular intervals to make your browsing activities untraceable on foreign networks.
• Invisible to Devices — makes you invisible to others on shared networks to prevent hackers and cyber threats from infiltrating your device.

With its unlimited simultaneous connections, I easily used Surfshark multiple computers at a library without being logged out of my home devices. Installing Surfshark on my desktop took 2 minutes and downloading its phone apps took under a minute.

The only issue with Surfshark was that it was relatively slow on distant servers compared to ExpressVPN. However, nearby and mid-range connections yielded near-baseline speeds, so I wasn’t too concerned. I avoided its Multi Hop servers to avoid further speed reductions from the double encryption.

Being among the most affordable monthly VPNs, Surfshark’s 2-year + 3 months plan only costs $2.19 a month. You can try it risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. I submitted my refund request without explaining why I was leaving — the support agent confirmed my request, and I got my money back after a week.

Comparison Table: 2024’s Best VPNs for Traveling

Why Do I Need a VPN While Traveling?

When you travel you’re exposed to insecure internet networks. Using a VPN is crucial to protect your online data and maintain privacy in these unfamiliar digital landscapes

• Security on public WiFi — public networks in hotels and airports are unencrypted. A VPN encrypts your data, keeping your online activities secure from potential hackers.
• Privacy from trackers — websites and advertisers can track your online behavior. VPNs mask your IP address to keep your browsing private.
• Safe online transactions — online banking on unsecured networks risks data theft. A VPN secures your sensitive financial information for complete confidentiality.
• Network reliability — a VPN can provide a more stable connection, especially if you’re using an overcrowded network at an airport.
• Secure communication — by encrypting your data, you can send sensitive documents back home without fearing interception from prying eyes.

How to Use a VPN While Traveling in 3 Easy Steps

How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Traveling

While searching for the best VPNs for traveling, I focused on key features that ensure flexibility, security, and convenience for travelers:

• Server network — I ensured the VPNs covered a wide range of locations to ensure more location choices and flexibility while traveling anywhere.
• Speeds — I ran multiple speed tests and picked the VPNs that maintained speeds close to my baseline for lag-free streaming, video-conferencing, and other data-intensive tasks.
• Security and privacy — I looked for military-grade encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. These features guarantee online anonymity.
• Ease of use — I prioritized a user-friendly interface, device compatibility, and simultaneous connections to let you conveniently secure all your devices while on the move.
• Money-back guarantee — I made sure all my top picks offer a risk-free trial period, so you can try them out before committing to the purchase.

FAQs: VPNs and Traveling

Is it legal to use a VPN while traveling?

It depends on the country, but VPNs are legal in most places except China, Saudi Arabia, and others. If you’re in a VPN-friendly country, consider using the top VPNs I’ve picked for traveling. However, I don’t condone using a VPN for illegal activities like accessing geo-restricted content or gambling if your country prohibits it. Here’s a list of countries where VPNs are illegal:

Countries where VPNs are banned	Belarus, China, Iran, North Korea, Oman, Russia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates
Countries where VPNs are heavily restricted	Bahrain, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the UAE, Uzbekistan, and Yemen

Can I use a proxy instead of a VPN while traveling?

Yes, but using a reliable VPN from my list is better. Unlike a VPN, most proxies don’t encrypt data but only spoof your location. This leaves you exposed to cyber threats, malware infections, and possible identity theft. Proxies also lack the robust security and privacy features of VPNs, such as leak prevention and a kill switch.

Which VPN is the best for travel?

I recommend ExpressVPN as it outperformed every other contender in my tests. However, you can use any of these top-rated VPNs for optimal performance and security while traveling. They all offer good network coverage, protection features, and speeds.

What to do if my VPN isn’t working while traveling?

First, pick a VPN that meets the criteria I’ve mentioned to narrow down potential issues like IP address leaks. If the issue persists, do the following:

• Switch servers: Sometimes, the issue might be with a specific server. Try connecting to a different server location.
• Check your internet connection: Make sure you have a stable and working internet connection. VPNs won’t work without a reliable internet connection.
• Update the app: Check for updates to your VPN software. An outdated app can cause connectivity issues.
• Restart your device: Simple but often effective, restarting your device can resolve temporary glitches affecting the VPN.
• Check local regulations: VPN use is restricted or blocked in some countries. Make sure you’re using a VPN that’s allowed in the country you’re visiting.
• Try different protocols: Switching to a different protocol within the VPN app can sometimes resolve connection issues.

Will a VPN slow down my speeds while traveling?

Yes, a VPN will almost always provide speeds below your baseline. The trick is to use a premium option like ExpressVPN that minimizes packet loss and maintains your speeds. Since a VPN encrypts your data and routes it through another location, it takes more time for the data to reach you.

What are some tips to protect myself online while traveling?

First and foremost, use a reliable VPN while traveling due to the reasons listed above.

• Use strong passwords: Create complex and unique passwords for different accounts to prevent them from being hacked. Top VPNs come with built-in password managers.
• Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts to ensure only you can sign in to your accounts.
• Avoid public WiFi for sensitive tasks: Refrain from online banking or checking your financial statements on public networks.
• Be wary of phishing attempts: Stay vigilant against suspicious emails or messages, especially those asking for personal information and never click on unfamiliar URLs.
• Disable auto-connect: Turn off your device’s feature that automatically connects to available WiFi networks so that you don’t accidentally join a malicious network.
• Use secure websites: Ensure the website is secure (look for HTTPS in the URL) before entering personal information — this indicates that the site has a security certificate.

What are the benefits of using a VPN while traveling?

It depends on the VPN but generally, a VPN provides security and privacy on public networks. Use this comparison chart to pick your favorite. With one of these VPNs, you’ll be able to get past restrictions on work or school networks that limit website availability. If you’re a gamer on the go, using a VPN can save you from potential DDoS attacks that disrupt your experience.

Can a VPN help me avoid roaming charges?

No, but it can help you browse the web safely on mobile data, follow these 3 easy steps to use a VPN while traveling. Roaming charges apply when you use a mobile network outside your carrier’s area, regardless of VPN use. To avoid these charges, use local Wi-Fi, buy a local SIM card, or get a travel plan.

Is airport WiFi safe?

No, airport networks aren’t encrypted so your online activities can be picked up by snoopers on the same network. Using a trusted VPN like ExpressVPN hides you from prying eyes. Without it, attackers can position themselves between your device and the network’s connection point and intercept and potentially alter your data.

Is it safe to use a free VPN while traveling?

No, especially not on public networks. Instead, you can use a trusted VPN like CyberGhost, free for 45 days with its money-back guarantee. You’ll get a full refund if you ask for it before the period expires.

I requested my refund via CyberGhost’s live chat and got it within 5 days

Most free VPNs lack robust security and privacy features, while some even sell your data to third parties or might even infect your device. There are a handful of reliable free VPNs, but they have constraints like overcrowded servers, bandwidth limitations, and data caps.

Get a Reliable VPN for Traveling in 2024

While traveling, you might have to connect to public networks at the airport, a coffee shop, or your hotel. Using public WiFi without a VPN exposes you to severe cyber threats, as your data is vulnerable to hackers and snoopers. A VPN encrypts your traffic so that even if it’s intercepted, it can’t be decoded.

Unfortunately, most VPNs oversell themselves and can’t protect you while traveling. To save you time and effort, I tested the leading industry names and picked the best ones. ExpressVPN is my #1 recommendation due to its top-shelf security, privacy, and speeds. You can try ExpressVPN confidently as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Summary — Best VPNs for Traveling in 2024

Rank

Provider name

Our score

Price

Top Ranked Top Choice

1.

9.8

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$6.67 / month Save 49%

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2.

9.6

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$2.19 / month Save 83%

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3.

9.4

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$2.19 / month Save 82%

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4.

9.4

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$3.09 / month Save 76%

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5.

9.4

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$2.29 / month Save 85%

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