Best VPN for Travel in 2024

NordVPN has a huge server fleet of over 6,400 servers spread across 111 countries, providing users with ample options for secure connections while traveling and an assurance you’ll be able to find fast servers nearby.

My performance tests found that NordVPN maintains 70% to 75% of the original connection speed when downloading and uploading data. This places NordVPN among the fastest VPN providers in the industry – on par with Surfshark and outperforming ExpressVPN.

• Proprietary protocol – NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard, offers fast and secure connections, and it’s ideal for travelers who need to quickly connect to VPN servers.
• Web protection – NordVPN Threat Protection, an ad-blocking and malware protection feature, ensures a safe browsing experience while using public Wi-Fi networks abroad.
• Obfuscated servers – For those visiting countries with strict internet censorship, there are obfuscated servers, which mask the fact you’re using a VPN, helping you bypass restrictions.
• Specialized servers – Additional options include Onion Over VPN connections for enhanced privacy, P2P servers for secure file sharing, and Double VPN servers, which route online traffic through multiple VPN servers for added security.
• SmartPlay – SmartPlay is another bonus. It combines VPN and Smart DNS technologies and allows users to access geo-restricted content around the world.
• Drawbacks – If there’s one drawback, it’s that while NordVPN supports Linux, you’ll need to use the command-line interface, unlike some competitors like ProtonVPN.

NordVPN’s plans start at $3.39/month, and you can connect ten devices simultaneously. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee, and Android users are eligible for a free seven-day trial on Google Play.

NordVPN is a great choice for international business travelers needing secure access to sensitive data. That includes journalists and activists needing online anonymity, as well as anyone who prioritizes security and privacy.

With a network of 3,200 servers spread across 100+ countries, Surfshark ensures travelers can always find a nearby server for optimal speeds.

My testing revealed that Surfshark consistently delivers some of the fastest VPN speeds on the market, retaining 73% of the standard connection speed when downloading data and an even more impressive 80% when uploading. This places it ahead of ExpressVPN and on par with NordVPN.

• Protocols – Surfshark uses the advanced WireGuard protocol for enhanced performance, security, and efficiency.
• NoBorders Mode – The NoBorders Mode is a standout feature for travelers. It can intelligently bypass network restrictions and censorship, automatically adjusting your VPN settings for unrestricted internet access in countries with strict internet regulations.
• Camouflage Mode – Complementing this, Camouflage Mode disguises your VPN traffic, making it virtually undetectable by your ISP and the websites you visit. This is particularly useful when accessing streaming platforms that block VPNs.
• GPS override – Surfshark also offers a GPS override feature for Android users, allowing you to change your device’s GPS location to keep your real location private – something that may come in handy when on the road.
• CleanWeb – CleanWeb, meanwhile, acts as a powerful shield against online threats, blocking ads, trackers, and malicious websites for a safer and more streamlined browsing experience when using unfamiliar networks.

Surfshark’s plans start at $2.19/month, making it one of the most affordable premium VPN services available, and it’s one of the few that offers unlimited connections.

The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and seven-day free trials for iOS, Android, and Mac.

Surfshark is an ideal choice for travelers who prioritize fast, secure, and reliable internet access. With its robust security features and exceptional geo-unblocking capabilities, Surfshark is perfect for secure streaming around the globe.

ExpressVPN has a network of over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, ensuring users can find a nearby server wherever their travels take them.

During my tests, ExpressVPN delivered average download speeds of 53% and upload speeds of 56% relative to an unsecured connection, with relatively consistent performance across server locations.

While these speeds fall behind some competitors like Surfshark and NordVPN, ExpressVPN still offers reliable performance for most travel-related tasks.

• Proprietary protocol – ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol offers faster speeds and a more reliable connection than traditional VPN protocols. At the same time, ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology ensures all its servers run on RAM and are wiped clean with every reboot.
• Independent audits – ExpressVPN also undergoes regular independent audits to test and prove the company’s privacy claims, ensuring you can rely on it.
• Smart Location – The provider offers a user-friendly app with an intuitive interface, and the Smart Location feature makes it easy for travelers to quickly connect to the optimal server for their location. The built-in Speed Test feature, meanwhile, can help you compare different servers and pinpoint the best for you.
• Suppot – In case of connection issues or any other concerns, the company offers 24/7 live chat support, ensuring you can get assistance and offering a lifeline for travelers.

ExpressVPN’s plans begin at $6.67/month with a two-year subscription and allow you to connect up to eight devices. The VPN provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a seven-day trial for iOS and Android users.

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for travelers who’ll benefit from its usability, such as non-tech savvy users. Its intuitive interface, straightforward setup process, and wide range of apps make it easy to get a secure connection and access content while abroad.

PureVPN has a fleet of over 6,500 servers spread across 65+ countries, ensuring users have a wide range of options when choosing a connection point.

During my speed tests, PureVPN maintained strong download speeds, retaining nearly 79% of the original speed. However, its upload speeds were notably lower, averaging about 23%. For more details, check out our fastest VPN service guide.

• Smart server selection – PureVPN’s smart server selection algorithm is particularly useful for travelers. It analyzes server load, distance, and network congestion to recommend the optimal server and protocol combination for your location.
• Unblocking services – The provider is also particularly strong when it comes to unblocking streaming services, such as Netflix’s international libraries, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
• Security features – The provider uses AES-256 encryption and includes a kill switch, preventing data leaks if your VPN connection drops, among its security features.
• Dedicated IP addresses – The dedicated IP feature can be a valuable asset for users who need a static IP address, like expats and frequent business travelers. It’s worth noting that PureVPN doesn’t support dedicated IPs when WireGuard is in use, though, unlike most competitors.
• Port Forwarding – The VPN also offers a Port Forwarding add-on, which enables secure access to devices on your home network while you’re away, providing security and convenience for a fee. You can also get a real, geographic IP address assigned to you with the residential network add-on.

PureVPN offers affordable plans starting at $2.14/month and allowing ten simultaneous connections. It also provides a 31-day money-back guarantee and a seven-day free trial.

PureVPN is the perfect choice for streamers, entertainment enthusiasts, and individuals who want to access a wide range of content from different regions while traveling. At the same time, of course, you can maintain a high level of security and privacy.

ProtonVPN has a global network of over 6,300 servers distributed across 100 countries.

While its performance doesn’t match the fastest VPNs on the market, ProtonVPN retains a respectable part of the original connection speed, preserving over 75% of the download speed and more than 65% of the upload speed.

The provider’s Accelerator technology also enhances speeds, offering up to 4x performance across its apps and servers, which is ideal for less stable internet connections.

• Privacy and security – With its audited no-logs policy and HQ in Switzerland, a country known for its privacy-friendly laws, ProtonVPN ensures your data remains confidential as you travel.
• Secure Core architecture – The VPN’s Secure Core architecture routes your traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries before it reaches its final destination, providing an extra layer of security against network-based attacks.
• NetShield – In addition, NetShield, ProtonVPN’s ad-blocking feature, protects users from malware, trackers, and other online threats, making it an invaluable tool when connecting to unfamiliar networks.
• Tor support – For travelers requiring the highest level of anonymity, ProtonVPN offers Tor support, routing your traffic through the Tor network and making it even more difficult to trace your online activities.

ProtonVPN plans start at $3.59/month and allow up to ten simultaneous connections. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ProtonVPN also provides an excellent free-forever plan with unlimited data, but it’s limited to a single connection and a limited selection of servers.

ProtonVPN is an excellent choice for people who prioritize privacy and security while traveling, such as government officials, diplomats, and business executives.

It’s also one of the few VPNs with a full Linux app, putting it among the best VPNs for Linux.