The best travel VPNs: Expert tested

The best VPN for travel is NordVPN, providing fast speeds, top-notch security features, and quick connections. 

At ZDNET, we have tested many VPN services over the years. I have used NordVPN extensively for years and found that it provides more rapid connections and slightly better speeds abroad. I've also found it reliable for streaming services, no matter where I am.

Even when not traveling, NordVPN can secure your internet connection from any device.

*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.

The best travel VPN for you will balance security and speed. Some VPNs prioritize encryption and other security measures over performance, and while this won't affect your web browsing or streaming speeds too much, it's still a factor to consider. 

However, our top VPN, NordVPN, isn't the cheapest. Other factors, like unlimited device connections, may also influence your decision.

When you are deciding on the most suitable travel VPN for you, you should consider the following factors:

• Price: VPN prices vary, and although the most expensive services can cost you upwards of $10-$20 per month, you can also find solid, reliable VPNs for as little as a few dollars. However, you may be interested in paying top rates if there are additional features you want, such as password managers or reliable connections in countries such as China.
• Trial length: You need to consider your preferred price point regarding how long you think you will need a VPN. If you're in it for the long haul, consider a two-year subscription—as you also tend to earn the best prices with the longest terms. Some VPNs will offer more extended options. However, if you're only traveling for a month, you might be willing to pay a little extra so you are not tied up to a yearly contract or more.
• Server countries: If you're going to another country, be sure to check that your VPN works there. Most VPNs work in many countries without a problem, but some areas—such as China or Russia—may require specific VPNs. 
• Security: Consider the VPN's security track record. Preferably, the VPN will be open to external audits, and they won't suffer any significant recent data breaches. You will also want a VPN provider that constantly improves its security posture. 

Many providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by members of our ZDNET team. We've been talking about other VPNs for years, spoken with their management and their users, and developed a generally favorable impression.

Therefore, our team tested and analyzed the best VPNs for travel in 2024 below using the following criteria that were most important in helping you make an informed decision:

• Performance: Our top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance, especially while you're in different countries. After all, there's no point in using a VPN while streaming if your connection continually drops or lags, making it intolerable.
• Testing: ZDNET tests VPN services from multiple locations, but we can't test from all locations. After all, every home, community, local ISP, and nation has a different infrastructure. 
• Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit how many devices you can connect to a service simultaneously. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, and possibly even a smart TV you want to connect to a VPN, you'd need a service that allows at least five simultaneous connections.
• Security: There's no point in using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We also ensured that the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about improving security over time and patching reported bugs.
• Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection and is an essential feature for a VPN. It protects by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.
• Geoblocks and streaming: VPNs can be vital to accessing local content and services while you're away from home. We ensured that our top recommendations perform well in these factors and are unlikely to slow down your connection while you stream. 
• Countries & servers: How many different countries does the VPN have servers in? This can include physical and virtual servers and whether or not there are enough—at least 50 or so—to provide variety.
• Trial length & price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee. 

Check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page for a more extensive breakdown.

A VPN is a virtual private network that allows users to browse the internet privately and securely connect to public Wi-Fi networks with a layer of protection that masks data. VPNs allow users to change their virtual location by redirecting the connection through worldwide servers. A VPN will also encrypt your traffic, keeping your online activities hidden from prying eyes.

However, if your online activities are monitored at the ISP level—say, by a government—they may recognize a VPN's "signature." While they can't see the details of what you're doing, they will know that a VPN is in use. 

VPNs are useful in unblocking geo-restricted content and can be a vital tool for accessing information in countries with repressive governments. They are essential services for anyone who wants to maintain high safety and privacy online. 

A travel VPN is a virtual private network that provides a secure internet connection while you travel. It encrypts your online traffic and hides your IP address, protecting sensitive data from cybercriminals and government surveillance. It also allows you to bypass internet censorship and geo-restrictions.

A VPN is useful when relying on public internet hotspots, such as those available at hotels. While you should avoid using public internet hotspots as much as possible for security reasons, a VPN will help protect your privacy if you have no other option.

You may also want a travel-suitable VPN for accessing content geo-linked to your home rather than your new location.

If you experience traffic slowdowns, check the VPN and Wi-Fi connection between your device, router, or access point. Sometimes, connectivity issues begin at the source, and in other cases, switching your selected VPN server may be enough to resolve speed problems or connectivity drops.

A VPN might somewhat slow down your internet speed because the data must be encrypted and decrypted before being transmitted. However, a good travel VPN will have minimal impact on your speed, and the added security is worth the small loss in speed.

If you use a public hotspot or hotel connection while you're away, your speed will likely be low at the source and not as rapid as you are used to at home.

Using a VPN is legal in most countries, but some exceptions exist. Some countries, such as China, Russia, and Iran, restrict VPN usage or have banned the use of VPNs entirely. Other countries have some restrictions on VPN usage. It's essential to research the local laws of the country you're traveling to before using a VPN.

There are several sources. Reaching out to your VPN vendor is always a good idea. They often have a good feel for the countries in which their services operate and will frequently post guidance on their websites. 

If you're a US citizen, consider visiting US State Department resources. It lists travel advisories for US citizens, and they have foreign service officials who can provide general guidance. Check the travel advisories web page. Your nation's foreign ministry may have a similar service if you're outside the United States.

To understand which countries either ban or discourage VPN usage, NordVPN has a legal guide that lists countries with severe restrictions, bans, and possible penalties for breaking VPN laws. 

No. VPNs can generally protect your data while it's in motion. But if your computer or phone is seized (whether or not it's encrypted), it's possible law enforcement can access your data. Some governments might hold your devices for whatever reason they deem helpful. 

Online services you access in-country might have less protection than those in your host country. Of course, normal travel security issues, like being careful what you spend, how you handle cash, who you trust, and so on, could also carry risks during travel.

A DNS leak is the exposure of your information when you are using a VPN, with data -- such as DNS queries -- leaking outside of secure, encrypted tunnels. If your activity is exposed, this compromises the whole point of using a virtual private network in the first place. 

The majority of reputable VPNs will ensure that DNS leaks don't happen, but if you can use online services, such as DNS leak test, to check your connection.

Yes. Don't assume any network endpoint is safe when traveling. Always make sure your connections are encrypted when communicating from any network connection.

Many VPN services claim you can save hundreds of dollars on flights by changing your location. Plenty of blog posts with anecdotal evidence support the theory that a VPN can help cut the price of your plane ticket. But the reality is less clear, and the most likely scenario is that no one knows how much (if at all) a VPN can help you score cheap flights.  

Airfare prices are set by algorithms based on complicated factors, such as demand. You could notice a price difference using a VPN to spoof your location, but the change in cost may or may not be related to your location. Practically, it isn't easy to account for every possible variable. Also, given the amount of data available to consumers, the real advantage of using a VPN may be that it remains anonymous.

Another way to look at it is if a VPN reduces the cost of airfare, it's most likely not going to have as big of an impact as other factors. There are different tactics for booking cheap flights that should be higher on your priority list. Booking early, keeping an eye out for price drops (check if there are change fees before booking), or traveling during days or times of day when there is less demand are great ways to secure the best possible flight prices.

To set up a travel VPN, subscribe to a VPN service and download the VPN software for your device. Then, open the software and sign in using your credentials. Choose a server location and connect to the VPN. Once connected, your internet traffic will be encrypted, and your IP address will be hidden.

Remember, you can use a VPN on different devices, including your laptop and smartphone.

Yes. You can choose your home country as a default location, but if you would prefer to have an IP assigned from a different country—the US rather than the UK, for example—you will always be able to do so. However, the locations available vary depending on the VPN you are using.