The Best VPNs for Travel 2026
Best VPNs for Travelers in 2024: Unblock Content and Secure Your Data on the Go
As an experienced cybersecurity professional who has tested dozens of VPNs over the years, I know firsthand just how important a reliable VPN service is for travelers. Whether you‘re connecting to unsecured public WiFi networks at airports and cafes, trying to access your favorite streaming services from abroad, or seeking to protect your sensitive data on unfamiliar networks, a VPN is an essential tool for any traveler in 2024.
But with so many VPN providers out there vying for your business, it can be a challenge to determine which ones are truly the best fit for frequent travelers. That‘s why I‘ve done the legwork to extensively test and research the top contenders to bring you my expert picks for the very best travel VPNs this year.
What travelers should look for in a VPN
When evaluating VPNs for travel, there are a few key features and considerations to prioritize:
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Extensive global server network: Look for a VPN with servers in dozens of countries around the world to ensure you can get an IP address in the location you need. The more server locations, the better.
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Excellent speeds and reliability: A VPN won‘t do you much good if it slows your connection to a crawl. Opt for services that excel in speed tests and offer consistently fast, stable performance.
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Robust security and privacy: At a minimum, your VPN should offer AES 256-bit encryption, a verified no-logs policy, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Bonus points for RAM-only servers and extra features like double VPN.
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User-friendly apps for all devices: Make sure your VPN has intuitive, easy-to-use apps for your phone, laptop, tablet, and any other devices you travel with. 24/7 customer support is also important.
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Unblocks streaming services: For entertainment on the go, choose a VPN proven to consistently work with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and more.
Top VPNs for travelers in 2024
With the criteria above in mind, here are my top recommendations for the best VPNs for travel this year:
- ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is my top overall pick for travelers thanks to its massive network of 3,000+ high-speed servers in 94 countries, providing plenty of connection options globally. It excels in privacy and security with RAM-only servers that wipe data on every reboot, perfect forward secrecy, and a no-logs policy audited by PwC.
ExpressVPN‘s apps are a breeze to use but also offer plenty of advanced features like split tunneling and a kill switch. Best of all, it reliably unblocks over a dozen regional Netflix libraries as well as other popular streaming platforms, and its proprietary Lightway protocol delivers incredibly fast speeds for buffer-free viewing.
Pros:
- Superb global server coverage
- Excellent speeds and reliability
- Top-notch security and audited no-logs policy
- Easy to use apps for all major devices
- Works with 10+ Netflix regions and other streaming sites
Cons:
- Pricier than some competitors
- Only 5 simultaneous connections
- NordVPN
A very close runner-up is NordVPN, another excellent choice for travelers. Its network spans 60+ countries with 5400+ servers, including obfuscated and double VPN options for extra security and privacy in high-risk locations. NordVPN also boasts an independently audited no-logs policy, leak protection, and a customizable kill switch.
Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN works well for streaming with dedicated IP and obfuscated streaming servers optimized to unblock content without getting detected. It delivers consistently fast speeds across its network. The apps aren‘t quite as polished as ExpressVPN‘s but still easy enough for novices to set up and use.
Pros:
- Large global network with special server types
- Strong focus on security and privacy
- Works well for streaming
- Good value with 6 device connections
- Solid speeds across all servers
Cons:
- Desktop app can take some getting used to
- Some slow server connections
- Surfshark
If affordability is a top priority, Surfshark is the best budget-friendly VPN for travel. For a very low price, you get access to 3,200+ servers in 65 countries, unblocking for 30+ Netflix libraries and other streaming sites, advanced security features like multi-hop and a built-in adblocker, and user-friendly apps for just about every device.
While it can‘t quite match ExpressVPN or NordVPN in terms of speed, features or unblocking abilities, it gets the job done quite well for the price and even throws in unlimited device connections. Just be aware that parent company Nord Security is based in Lithuania, a 5/9/14 Eyes country.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Works with many Netflix regions and streaming services
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Easy to use apps with lots of features
- CleanWeb adblocker and multi-hop connections
Cons:
- Slower speeds than top competitors
- Based in 5/9/14 Eyes jurisdiction (Lithuania)
Honorable mentions
A few other VPNs worth considering for travel:
- ProtonVPN: Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland with excellent security standards, good unblocking ability, and user-friendly apps (but fewer features).
- IPVanish: Good-sized network, reliable apps, decent speeds and security, unblocks US Netflix (but inconsistent with other sites).
- IVPN: Privacy-focused provider with advanced features like multi-hop, open source apps, and anonymous payments (but higher prices).
What about free VPNs?
I generally don‘t recommend free VPNs for travel, as they typically have much more limited server networks, slower speeds, less reliable security, and a higher likelihood of selling your data to advertisers. You‘re better off choosing a low-cost service like Surfshark that still provides a quality experience versus a free VPN that will likely cause you frustration. The security risks just aren‘t worth the few bucks saved.
Other considerations
Be aware that some countries like China, Russia, Iran place restrictions on VPN usage. It pays to do your research on each destination‘s local laws regarding VPNs before you go.
Some additional tips for using a VPN while traveling:
- Install the VPN app on all your devices before your trip
- Connect to the VPN server closest to your physical location for the best speeds
- Use the VPN even on hotel WiFi and mobile data networks, which can still be monitored
- Allow extra time for slower connection speeds when using a VPN
- Troubleshoot connection issues by switching servers, protocols, or reaching out to customer support
Hopefully this in-depth guide has helped you choose the perfect VPN for your needs as a traveler in 2024. Adding a good VPN to your travel toolkit will help secure your private data, access the content you want, and provide peace of mind on the go. Safe travels!