There’s a lot to think about when selecting a VPN for travel. Using our years of expertise in the VPN space, combined with what you need when traveling, here’s what to look for:
Server network
For travel specifically, you’ll want a large VPN server network. While more general connectivity options are beneficial, you’ll also want a lot of countries if you plan on traveling internationally. That’s why it’s important to consider the total number of servers versus the number of individual countries. For example, some VPNs have thousands of servers spread across just a few countries. On the higher end, you’ll find VPNs with servers in 100 or more countries, though I’d recommend choosing a VPN with a presence in at least 50 international locations. Lots of servers in a smaller handful of countries can work if you’re only traveling to one of those spots. For regular international adventures, a wider selection of countries is helpful.
Privacy
VPNs add a layer of protection by encrypting your traffic and masking your IP address, making it harder for cyberattackers to access your browsing data. When you’re traveling, you probably use open Wi-Fi networks in an airport terminal, hotel lobby, or coffee shop, but a VPN protects your data from eavesdropping, whether by cybercriminals or snooping ISPs. Look for a strict no-logs policy and at least AES 256-bit encryption (OpenVPN and IKEv2) or ChaCha20 (WireGuard).
Device Compatibility
You’ll want a VPN that runs on the gadgets you’ll be taking with you on your travels. Make a list of the devices you plan to bring with you that have a VPN installed, and make sure your provider has apps for those electronics. Fortunately, most providers offer solid Windows, macOS, Android, and iPhone apps. Many offer Linux VPN apps, but few have a graphical user interface, which is more beginner-friendly than a command line interface. If you’re planning to bring your Linux laptop or a Steam Deck, look for a VPN with a Linux GUI app. While most people don’t travel with streaming devices, you can pack a Fire Stick, Android TV box, or Apple TV for your hotel room.
Speed
All VPNs throttle your upload and download speeds to some extent, but the fastest options will only slow your connectivity by an average of 10% to 25%. You’ll need a fast VPN, especially if you’re doing internet-intensive tasks like streaming video in 4K, Zooming for work, gaming, or uploading YouTube videos. Even if you’re not, reliable internet speeds are great for a better experience when checking email and browsing the web.
Support for streaming
In addition to privacy, many people use VPNs to unblock region-restricted content. For example, you can use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer, which is normally only available in the UK, from other countries, such as the US. A VPN is also useful when you’re travelling. If you’re on holiday abroad but want to access Netflix libraries from your home country to continue your binge-watching, a VPN makes that possible. Check which VPNs unblock the streaming services you want to watch from abroad.
Price
VPNs range from around $13 per month to around $90 per year. You generally get a discount if you pay for a year or more of service up front, but we don’t recommend paying for more than 12 months at a time. While the VPN you choose may initially be fast, secure, and great for streaming, it could get acquired by a shady company, get a data breach, or slow down over the course of a year. We recommend sticking with an annual plan for the best value and least risk.
