Thanks to the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), Europe is generally seen as a privacy-friendly place. These laws protect citizens’ privacy — both online and offline. However, this doesn’t mean there’s no use for a VPN in Europe.
If you’re looking for a good Europe VPN, you might want to protect yourself against government surveillance in countries that are part of the 14 Eyes Alliance. If you’re travelling, a VPN can spoof your location and let you access region-blocked content.
Whatever your reason — the best VPNs for Europe are listed below! I’ve tested each VPN for speed, privacy, security, and extra features.
Best VPN for Europe: Shortlist
With a virtual private network (VPN), you can encrypt your online data and keep it safe from any third-party snoops. On top of that, a VPN allows you to unblock content that has been geo-restricted, such as streaming platforms.
I’ve tested all the leading providers to narrow down a shortlist of the best VPNs for Europe:
Each of these VPN’s are an excellent choice for Europe. Want to know more details? Have a look at the detailed reviews below.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Europe?
Despite the fact that most European countries have solid privacy legislation in place, we recommend using a VPN in Europe.
There are many benefits:
- Encrypt your connection: By changing your IP address and encrypting all your online data, a VPN increases your privacy. In Europe, this is especially relevant if you’re traveling to or live in one of the 14 Eyes countries, which collect and exchange your personal data.
- Unblock streaming services, apps, and websites: Since a VPN spoofs your location, it’s the perfect tool to unblock international streaming libraries such as Netflix USA or the UK collection on Disney Plus. Moreover, you can access local, European (news) sites and apps that are otherwise unavailable.
- Stay safe on public Wi-Fi: Are you traveling in Europe? A VPN can keep you safe on unsecured networks in European hotels, libraries or cafés. Cybercriminals tend to snoop on these free Wi-Fi networks to launch man-in-the-middle attacks or simply siphon off your data and credentials.
- Bypass torrenting restrictions: A VPN can help you overcome any restrictions that your internet service provider or government may have placed on downloading torrents. Not every European country has the same torrenting laws, so it’s good to keep yourself safe and secured with a VPN.
Which VPN is Best for Europe?
To help you choose your new VPN, we’ve listed the best VPNs to use in Europe below.
1. NordVPN: Best overall VPN for Europe
Our #1 overall best VPN for Europe is NordVPN. This VPN offers exceptional security and privacy features. On top of that, it’s an exceptionally fast VPN with industry-leading speeds. In my most recent round of testing, NordVPN maintained up to 96% of my original speeds.
More importantly, NordVPN is a perfect VPN for Europe, thanks to its network of 2,500 European servers — 2,000 of which are physical. It won’t take long to find a suitable European VPN server location: I only had to click on the map to get connected.
In terms of encryption, NordVPN uses the OpenVPN and IKEv2 encryption protocols. On top of this, the custom-built NordLynx protocol is based on WireGuard and keeps your data secured, whether you’re logging in remotely from the US or you’re sitting in a European café.
Finally, NordVPN is one of the best VPNs outside the 14 Eyes Alliance. Its no-log policy has been audited and verified multiple times! You can use the obfuscated servers for extra security or to bypass streaming services easily. I’ve never had any issues unblocking Netflix from anywhere with NordVPN.
If you decided to get this VPN, NordVPN costs just $ 3.09/month, and all plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- 2,500+ servers in Europe across 35+ countries
- Supports all major operating systems incl. smart TVs and routers
- Unblocks Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and more!
- Threat Protection keeps malware at bay
- 30-day money-back guarantee to try out the VPN risk-free
Cons
- Web-based login (you may be temporarily unsecured)
To learn more about this provider, comb through our in-depth NordVPN review for more information.
2. Surfshark: Best VPN for traveling to Europe
Are you traveling to Europe? Make sure you’ve got Surfshark installed on your devices! Not only does Surfshark come with unlimited simultaneous connections, but it also offers servers in 100 countries, meaning it’s one of the best VPNs within and outside of Europe.
While testing Surfshark, I was impressed with its fast speeds, high-end security features, and ability to unblock every single streaming service I tested, from BBC iPlayer to Netflix. I also frequently use Surfshark to watch European sports on geo-locked networks.
Thanks to Surfshark’s no-logs policy, your data is secured at all times. While Surfshark’s headquarters are located in the Netherlands, it has never handed over any data to any authorities.
Other Surfshark selling points include a kill switch and a CleanWeb feature to protect you from ads, trackers, and malware. The Bypasser feature allows you to split-tunnel your VPN traffic.
You will save a lot of money as well, since Surfshark’s subscription is very affordable – just $ 1.99/month. And you can test it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Easy-to-use VPN with very affordable subscription plans!
- 600+ ultra-fast servers in 40+ European countries
- Camouflage Mode to obfuscate your traffic
- One Surfshark account on unlimited devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee available
Cons
- Occasionally, you have to pass CAPTCHA tests
Want to take a deep dive into Surfshark’s specs? We’ve reviewed Surfshark extensively.
3. CyberGhost: Most cost-effective VPN for Europe
CyberGhost has all the essential features at a budget-friendly price! It’s got some seriously impressive speeds on European servers and offers very user-friendly and easy-to-use apps. It also has dedicated servers for gaming, torrenting, and streaming.
Whether you’re streaming, checking your bank accounts, or traveling between EU countries, CyberGhost makes it possible with 11500 servers worldwide.
With 256-bit encryption your data will be protected on open Wi-Fi networks. CyberGhost is GDPR-compliant and located in Romania, which has routinely refused to comply with mandatory data retention laws in the EU, viewing them as a breach of data privacy.
If you want to try this VPN for yourself, you’re in luck! CyberGhost has an extended 45-day money-back guarantee that allows you to try the VPN without committing to anything.
Pros
- 2,000+ servers in the UK, Germany, France, and Netherlands alone
- Compatible with all major operating systems incl. consoles and smart TVs
- Unblocks streaming platforms easily
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Speeds may vary a bit per server
To see what makes this a great VPN for Europe, take a look at our extensive CyberGhost review.
4. ProtonVPN: Servers in every EU country
ProtonVPN is a high-performing VPN provider that continues to improve itself. It offers servers in every EU country and will allow you to browse, game, torrent, and stream with ease from anywhere.
I had no issue using ProtonVPN to unblock streaming services like Netflix or Disney Plus. Moreover, Proton offers a fantastic security suite with add-ons like ProtonDrive (encrypted storage) and ProtonMail (secure e-mail). It’s more than just a VPN.
In terms of security, Proton uses industry-leading encryption protocols, and even offers Tor Over VPN, which is ideal for accessing the Tor network. The VPN is headquartered in Switzerland and has a verified no-logs policy.
Compatible with all major operating systems, ProtonVPN is an easy-to-use VPN that will improve your online security in Europe. You can always use the free version of the VPN first to see if Proton is for you. But if a premium version is what you want, Proton VPN prices start at $ 2.99/month.
Pros
- Extensive network across 40+ European countries
- Can unblock any major streaming service
- 10 simultaneous connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Free version has limited server locations
To see if the service meets your needs, explore our full ProtonVPN review.
5. Private Internet Access: Europe VPN with many servers
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a great VPN to use in Europe, as well as when traveling around the globe. It has the largest VPN server network of all providers: 35000 servers in 91 countries.
In terms of privacy and security, users may have some concerns, since PIA is located in the United States (part of the 5 Eyes coalition). However, this concern is largely unwarranted. PIA has repeatedly shown not to collect or store any user data, and has even proven this in court!
When testing, I realized PIA is the perfect all-round VPN for every purpose: streaming, gaming, torrenting, and browsing the web privately. Whether you want to stream some of the best Netflix shows or watch live sports, PIA won’t give you any trouble.
Thanks to PIA MACE, your devices will stay free of trackers and malware. What’s more, PIA allows for unlimited simultaneous connections!
Pros
- Servers across 40+ European locations
- Easy-to-use VPN on all operating systems
- PIA MACE: effective malware blocker
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Headquarters in the US (part of 5 Eyes)
Learn more about this VPN by reading our full PIA review.
How I Picked the Best VPNs for Europe
When testing and selecting the best VPNs for Europe, I’ve kept the following criteria in mind:
- Security and privacy: It’s essential that a VPN keeps your data safe. I’ve tested each VPN for DNS leaks, reviewed encryption and privacy policies, and assessed extra security features.
- Unblocking capabilities: The best VPNs for Europe allow you to unblock (European) streaming content, regardless of your real location. I’ve tested each VPN’s streaming features for popular platforms like Netflix and Disney+ to give you the best recommendations.
- Speed: A VPN that significantly slows down your connection is useless. I’ve tested speeds for each VPN on multiple servers to make sure this reflects in the ranking.
- Value-for-money: Nobody wants to pay a lot of money for a product that doesn’t work properly. I’ve kept the price-quality ratio of each VPN in mind when choosing the best VPNs for Europe.
Best VPNs for Europe Compared
Below, you can find a quick comparison of the best VPNs for Europe to help you make the best decision.
| Editor’s Pick | |||||
| VPN |  |  |  |  |  |
| Servers | 9000+ | 3000-5000 | 5000+ | 10000+ | Thousands |
| Operating systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, NordLynx | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, WireGuard, Stealth | OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/IPsec |
| Logs | Zero logs | Zero logs | Zero logs | Zero logs | Zero logs |
| Netflix | |||||
| Money-back guarantee | Money-back guarantee, 30 Days | Money-back guarantee, 30 Days | Money-back guarantee, 45 Days | Money-back guarantee, 30 Days | Money-back guarantee, 30 Days |
| Price | $ 3.09 | $ 1.99 | $ 1.75 | $ 2.99 | $ 1.75 |
| Visit NordVPN | Visit Surfshark | Visit CyberGhost | Visit Proton VPN | Visit Private Internet Access (PIA) |
How Do I Change My VPN to Europe?
Follow the steps listed below to change your VPN location to Europe.
- Get a subscription with a tried-and-tested VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN. It’s fast, has thousands of VPN servers across Europe, and boasts some of the strongest, advanced security features around.
- Download and install the VPN for your operating system.
- Open the app and choose a server in a European nation, such as Germany or France.
- Connect to the server that you’d like to use.
- Now, you’ve successfully changed your virtual location to Europe, gaining a new IP address.
Can I Use a Free VPN in Europe?
Yes, you can use a free VPN in Europe. However, keep in mind that you will have to deal with some serious limitations:
- Few server locations: Free VPN providers often only have a few servers available. You’ll be lucky to find ones in the specific European country you want to connect to.
- Data or speed caps: Restrictions on speed or bandwidth are common with free VPN providers. Most will have a monthly data limit you can use before you have to upgrade.
- Subpar privacy and security: When it comes to data security, you’re better off with a premium VPN. Free providers are more likely to leak, collect or store your data.
- Limited features: Most free VPN providers are limited in terms of security features, especially when it comes to adblockers or malware protection.
If you do wish to use a good free VPN for Europe, we recommend PrivadoVPN. This provider has free servers in the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. It also has a verified no-logs policy.
Wrap-Up: Get a Europe VPN
Whether you’re a European resident or you’re traveling around, you can optimize your streaming and browsing with a VPN! Not only will a VPN keep you better protected against cybercrime, but you will also be able to unblock a world of entertainment.
I’ve tested the best VPNs for Europe and can confidently recommend NordVPN as the best overall VPN for Europe. This provider has a wide-spanned network across the European continent, comes with blazing-fast speeds, and can unblock any streaming service.
Since NordVPN has a solid money-back guarantee of 30 days, you can see if this is the VPN for you without committing to anything!
Got questions about the best VPN in Europe? Check out our FAQ section for some of the frequent questions we receive.
Yes, VPNs generally work well in Europe. While you may need to occassionally change servers to bypass specific geo-blocks, reliable providers like NordVPN and Surfshark work very well in Europe!
A VPN will improve your online security when traveling in Europe. Your private data will be safe on public Wi-Fi networks. Moreover, you can use a VPN to access your at-home apps or unblock streaming platforms.
NordVPN works best in Europe. This top-rated VPN has fast servers across the entire European continent. It also offers incredible speeds, advanced security features, and user-friendly applications.
Yes, you’ll find that VPNs are legal in most European countries. However, some countries may restrict the purposes for which a VPN can be used.
For more information on VPN legislation, check out our full article on the legal usage of VPNs across the world.
Even though European nations are largely privacy-friendly, you should still use a VPN. It has the following benefits:
- A VPN encrypts your data, protecting it from government surveillance or other prying eyes on the internet.
- You can use a VPN to change your location to a different country and access content that is geo-blocked.
- A VPN helps ensure you remain safe and anonymous when using public Wi-Fi in a European Starbucks.
