Best VPNs for Europe and the EU to bypass restrictions

In this guide, we’ll tell you which VPNs are the best for Europe, with recommendations for providers that can protect your connections and open up sites that are otherwise off-limits. 

Are you planning a trip to Europe and want to ensure your online privacy and security while you're there? Or maybe you’re an expat seeking access to geo-restricted European content? In either case, we can help. 

A virtual private network (VPN) routes your internet traffic through a remote server operated by the VPN provider. If this server is in Europe, it will look like you’re connecting from Europe. In addition, the connection between your device and the VPN server is encrypted, so that your internet traffic is hidden from your ISP.

We’ll explore which VPN providers are the best options for Europe in more detail later. For now, here’s a summarized list.

The best VPNs for Europe: 

1. NordVPN: Our recommended VPN for Europe and the EU. Has 2,500+ speedy RAM-only servers in 35+ European countries. Enables one-click access to the Tor network and MultiHop servers, and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Europe and the EU. Provides unlimited simultaneous connections, a full GUI for its Linux app, and RAM-only servers in 46+ European countries. Static IPs are available in Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands.  
3. ExpressVPN: Secure RAM-only servers available in every European country and excellent access to streaming platforms. Has an Onion site on the Tor network, an app for routers, and obfuscation that bypasses blocks in China.
4. Mullvad: Privacy-focused company with servers in 30+ European countries. Allows practically anonymous sign-up, and has a clearly defined privacy policy. Its software and infrastructure have been independently audited. 
5. Proton VPN: Swiss provider with servers in every country in the EU. A great choice for both streaming and torrenting, with decent speeds and secure core servers for extra protection. Unrestricted browsing. 
6. IVPN: Has servers in 26+ European countries and a commendable approach to transparency. All apps are open source and the company instigates annual independent audits of its infrastructure and software. 
7. CyberGhost VPN: Very fast connection speeds, excellent access to popular streaming services, and a vast network of servers in 43+ European countries. Has an audited no-logs policy.

Summary Table

Choosing the best VPNs from the many that have European servers isn’t easy, which is why we used the following criteria to help narrow the field. We discuss our testing methodology in more detail later in the article. 

• Multiple European servers for a local IP address
• Fast connection speeds
• Able to access streaming services
• Strong privacy and security features
• Good value for money
• Easy-to-use apps
• Ability to avoid censorship in countries worldwide 
• Responsive customer support

To be included as one of our top three providers, we also require VPNs to have a RAM-only server network, independently audited software and infrastructure, effective obfuscation, and a company base beyond the reach of known intelligence-gathering alliances. 

Best VPNs for Europe and the EU

Now let’s explore each of our recommended providers in a little more detail:

NordVPN is a well-known VPN provider with 2,500+ RAM-only servers in 35+ European countries. It has fast connection speeds and optimized servers that provide double-VPN and Onion-over-VPN connections. Globally, it has 8,000+ servers in 126+ countries.

It's a popular choice for streaming and offers easy access to the European catalogs of popular platforms such as Netflix, YouTube TV, and Amazon Prime Video. NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature helps smart TVs and games consoles access geo-restricted streaming services by switching their DNS servers to an appropriate region. 

NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy that’s been verified via audits of its infrastructure and software. The company itself is registered in Panama, which has no data retention laws or links to intelligence-gathering alliances. 

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. These come equipped with obfuscation that can bypass blocks imposed in European countries like Belarus, leak protection, split tunneling, a kill switch, and a dark web monitor. 

While using them, customers’ internet traffic is protected by a combination of 256-bit AES channel encryption, together with SHA384 for authentication and a 3072-bit DHE-RSA key exchange.

Having had its servers in a third-party data center attacked in 2018, NordVPN switched all of its servers to running on volatile memory and began the ongoing process of colocation. This involves buying servers outright and housing them in purpose-built data centers. A single account allows for up to 10 simultaneous connections. 

BEST VPN FOR EUROPE: NordVPN is our recommended VPN for Europe. It has servers in 35+ European countries, excellent access to streaming services, and MultiHop and Tor connections. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark has rapidly become one of the most popular VPN providers on the market, no doubt thanks to a generous feature set coupled with relatively low subscription fees. It’s a particularly good choice for Europe, with RAM-only servers in 46+ European countries and static IP addresses available in Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands.

The service works consistently well with a range of popular streaming platforms and connection speeds are fast enough to stream 4K content without buffering. 

Subscriptions include unlimited device connections and provide access to apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. These come with built-in leak protection, an ad, tracker, and malware blocker, and automatic connection for P2P clients.

Users’ internet traffic is protected using a combination of 256-bit AES encryption, together with a SHA512 authentication hash and 2048-bit DHE-RSA key exchange. The company has an audited no-logs policy and its obfuscation enables access to authoritarian countries like Belarus and China. 

Surfshark merged with Nord Security – NordVPN’s parent company – in 2022, but has so far kept its own distinct personality. For example, its Nexus technology changes users’ IP addresses without disconnecting them from the VPN network. It also allows them to create bespoke MultiHop connections by choosing their own entry and exit servers. 

GREAT VALUE: Surfshark provides unlimited device connections, a Linux app with full GUI, and easy access to streaming services. Connection speeds are fast and it has RAM-only servers in Europe. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service that is consistently ranked as one of the best available. It has RAM-only servers in every European country and offers a suite of strong security features. These include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Its Trusted Server Technology ensures every server has an up-to-date operating system installed on a weekly basis.

In terms of privacy, ExpressVPN adheres to a no-logs policy and has had third-party audits of its software and infrastructure. It is based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no data retention laws and is beyond the reach of known international intelligence-gathering alliances.

Subscribers can bypass blocks imposed by restrictive European countries like Belarus using ExpressVPN obfuscation. Users in such restrictive countries can sign up to the service via a dedicated Onion site on the Tor network. 

ExpressVPN offers a user-friendly interface and supports a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. The company also makes a dedicated app for routers, enabling subscribers to protect every connected device on their own network – including those that are otherwise incompatible with VPNs.

The service is a great option for streaming and is able to access all of the most popular platforms. Thanks in part to its proprietary connection protocol, it is fast enough to stream 4K content without buffering. A MediaStreamer tool enables devices like smart TVs and games consoles to spoof their DNS addresses and bypass geo-restrictions. 

ExpressVPN has been owned by Kape Technologies since 2021. Kape Technologies was formerly known as Crossrider and specialized in creating software that injected adware into users’ browsers. The company is now dedicated to cybersecurity and has purchased a number of other VPNs to bolster its position. For its part, ExpressVPN says that it continues to operate autonomously.

TRUSTED SERVERS: ExpressVPN has speedy RAM-only servers across Europe. It’s a great choice for streaming, and has a dedicated Onion site and effective obfuscation. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Mullvad is a staunchly independent Swedish provider with a healthy attitude toward customer privacy. It has servers in 30+ European countries and a clear no-logs policy. The company has had both its infrastructure and software independently audited, which is reassuring given Sweden’s membership of the SIGINT Seniors Europe international intelligence-sharing alliance.

The company charges the same amount for subscriptions as it did in 2009. Subscribers pay five euros – approximately $5.50 – a month regardless of whether they want the service for a month, a year, or a decade. Furthermore, they can get a 10% discount for paying using cryptocurrency. No email address is required to sign up, and subscriptions can be paid for in cash.

Mullvad VPN apps all have a full GUI and are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. They come equipped with automatic WireGuard key rotation, a kill switch, split tunneling, MultiHop servers, obfuscation, and access to the Shadowsocks proxy. Subscribers unable to use the apps can download configuration files to use with the official WireGuard or OpenVPN clients.

Mullvad VPN has good connection speeds, though it’s not the best option for streaming. If streaming is your priority, you’d be better off with one of the top three providers on our list. A strong option if you often work remotely on public WiFi and want robust levels of privacy.

PRIVATE AND SECURE: Mullvad has servers in 30+ European countries and includes options for anonymous signup. It has a straightforward pricing structure and a robust privacy policy. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Mullvad.

Proton VPN is known for providing secure connections that can be entrusted with sensitive data. It’s a favorite of activists, journalists, and anyone protective of their privacy. 

The company has servers in every country in the EU, most of which have additional Secure Core servers. These route internet traffic through secure data centers owned by Proton VPN in Iceland, Switzerland, and Sweden.

Proton VPN apps are all open-source and available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, and Linux. These come with a stealth mode that enables connections in restrictive countries like China and Belarus. 

Other features include built-in leak protection, one-click access to the Tor network, a kill switch, split tunneling, and an ad, tracker, and malware blocker. Proton VPN allows port forwarding, which is useful for torrenters eager to seed and download more efficiently.

Proton VPN is a good option for streaming and is able to access platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. Connection speeds are good enough for buffer-free streaming of HD content. The company has a VPN accelerator tool that uses a modified version of OpenVPN to maintain speeds for long-distance connections.

Proton VPN has a zero logs policy and has had its infrastructure and software independently audited. Allows you to connect up to 10 devices at once.

STRONG ON PRIVACY: Proton VPN has servers in every EU country and fast connection speeds. It works great with all major streaming platforms and is also a good option for torrenting. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

IVPN is an independent and refreshingly transparent provider with servers in 26+ European countries. It makes it clear from the outset what a VPN can – and can’t – do, as well as providing details of the people involved with the company. All of its apps are open-source and available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. 

The company’s privacy policy is easy to read and understand. It is verified through annual independent audits of IVPN’s software and infrastructure. The service is great for those with privacy concerns, as it allows them to sign up without needing an email address and pay using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Monero. 

IVPN has good connection speeds and uses the lightweight WireGuard protocol by default, though OpenVPN is also available. It is a good choice for torrenting as it allows port forwarding on its US servers. 

IVPN struggles to evade the blocks put in place by popular streaming sites. If streaming is your priority, consider one of our top three VPN providers instead. 

Other IVPN features include automatic WiFI protection, split tunneling, obfuscation using Obfsproxy, a kill switch, and automatic WireGuard key and IP address rotation. IVPN additionally provides access to a SOCKS5 proxy, MultiHop servers, and an ad, tracker, and malware blocker.

TRANSPARENT PROVIDER: IVPN provides servers in 26+ European countries and a regularly audited no-logs policy. It has automatic WiFi protection, split tunneling, and access to MultiHop servers. Incredible speeds, excellent security measures. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost VPN is known for its user-friendly interface, affordable pricing, and fast speeds. It has an impressive 11,500+ RAM-only servers in its network, and a presence in 43+ European countries. 

The provider is a solid choice for streaming, with servers optimized for individual streaming platforms. Speeds are consistently fast and users can stream 4K content without buffering. It comes with labeled servers, which can be used to access geo-restricted content with a couple of clicks. 

CyberGhost supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. All apps come with a kill switch and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. 

Split tunneling is available, but only for those using the Android app. Windows users can do something similar by creating a URL bypass using the Smart Rules tool – which is itself only available for Windows. This same tool can also link named apps to particular CyberGhost servers. This is useful if you want a torrent client to always connect to a P2P-optimized server on launch, for example.

Advanced security features include ad blocking and malware filtering, along with access to the provider in heavily censored countries. It also comes with an automatic kill switch, and you can pick from a selection of secure protocols. 

CyberGhost was bought by Crossrider – now Kape Technologies – in 2017. Like the other VPNs under Kape ownership, CyberGhost has had its no-logs policy verified by an independent audit of its server network and management systems. CyberGhost additionally issues quarterly transparency reports, where it details third-party data requests.

FAST CONNECTIONS: CyberGhost has fast RAM-only servers in 43+ European countries. It provides excellent access to all popular streaming platforms via optimized servers. Fast download speeds. Plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

Testing methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Europe

Choosing the best VPN for Europe can be a daunting task, as there is a huge number with servers in the region. To help make the decision-making process easier, we objectively test each VPN provider against a specific list of criteria using our testing methodology. We explore each element of this list below. 

• Servers in Europe: Choosing a VPN provider with servers in a range of European countries gives you a greater choice of IP addresses. This, in turn, provides more options for accessing different types of geo-restricted content. All of our recommended providers have a strong presence throughout Europe. 
• Fast connection speeds: The best VPNs provide fast and stable connection speeds, allowing you to browse the web and stream content without any lag or buffering. We regularly test the top VPN providers so that we only recommend those that have recently achieved fast speeds.
• Able to access streaming services: Any VPN provider with servers in Europe will enable you to stream a range of local TV channels. What they won't guarantee is access to international streaming platforms. We check which VPN services work with the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Ideally, it will also work with further streaming platforms like Netflix US. 
• Strong privacy and security features: A VPN should be able to protect your online privacy by securely encrypting your internet traffic, while also providing strong security features. We require that VPN services offer 256-AES encryption, a strict no-logs policy, a kill switch, and leak protection. We also like to see the inclusion of obfuscated servers, split tunneling, MultiHop servers, and port forwarding, minimizing the prospect of privacy issues. 
• Good value for money: We’ve tested enough VPNs to know what level of service should be offered for a particular price range. We only recommend those that we consider worth paying for.
• Easy-to-use apps: VPN apps should be easy to set up and use, with a user-friendly interface and intuitive features. They should be consistent between platforms and offer plenty of scope for customization.
• Responsive customer support: The best VPN companies invest in providing reliable and responsive customer service. This includes options such as live chat, email support, and a searchable and comprehensive knowledge base. 

Bonus points

In addition to the above, we also require our top three providers to have the following:

• Access to China: In its ongoing attempt to control what its citizens can and can’t see online, the Chinese government has created incredibly sophisticated VPN-blocking technology. The majority of VPNs are unable to bypass these blocks, despite claims to the contrary. 
• Diskless infrastructure: Traditionally, VPN companies have used servers that are able to store information long-term. In recent years, providers have begun switching their networks to RAM-only servers. Since these do not store any data on a hard drive or solid-state drive, there is far less risk of it being compromised in case of a cyber attack. When a server is shut down, all data is wiped from the memory, making it virtually impossible for hackers to access any sensitive information.
• Incorporation outside the scope of intelligence alliances: The existence of cross-border intelligence-gathering alliances is well-documented. Member countries of the Five/Nine/Fourteen Eyes alliances routinely share information gathered via mass surveillance of each other’s citizens. It’s a murky business, and one that the better VPNs try to distance themselves from by registering their companies in countries not known to have membership of any such alliances. 
• Audited software and infrastructure: There have been several court cases involving VPNs providing customer information to requesting authorities – despite previously claiming to keep zero logs. To try and reassure consumers that their no-logs policies are adhered to, some VPN companies engage third-party auditors to examine their software and infrastructure. As well as verifying no-logs claims, these audits enable any exploits or vulnerabilities to be identified.

How to use a VPN in Europe

Using a VPN in Europe is really easy, meaning you can watch your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports in just a few clicks. Not only will this help while you're traveling around Europe, but also the rest of the world. To get started, follow these simple steps:

How to use a VPN in Europe and the EU:

1. Choose a VPN provider listed in this guide. Our number-one pick is NordVPN, thanks to its extensive network of servers in Europe, fast speeds, excellent unblocking ability, and decent security features. Plus, you can try before you buy with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Download the VPN app onto your device(s). Surfshark and IPVanish both offer unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can connect every device you own at once.
3. Open the app and sign in. Make sure you create a secure password and save your login information.
4. Select a server in your desired location. For example, if you wish to watch Canal+, you will need to connect to a server in France. This will give you a French IP address.
5. Stream all of your favorite shows uninterrupted. Not only will you be able to unblock geo-restricted services, but you'll also be kept safe in the online environment.

If this doesn't work, try clearing your cache and cookies. Still experiencing issues? Make sure you get in touch with your VPN provider's customer support team.

Can I use a free VPN for Europe?

You can, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Most free VPNs come with limited features and bandwidth when compared with a paid VPN. Their server networks are smaller, providing far fewer options in Europe and much slower connection speeds. You might find options in the United Kingdom, but a lack of streaming support will make it tough to watch services like BBC iPlayer and Channel 4 while connected. 

More worryingly, some free VPNs may not use encryption to secure your data, while others may log your online activities and sell them to third-party advertisers. Many free VPNs have unclear ownership and may be based in jurisdictions with lax data privacy laws. It's not a good idea to use a free VPN if you value online privacy. 

Best VPNs for Europe and the EU: FAQs

Can I access European TV with a VPN?

Yes. Our recommended VPNs have servers in countries like Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK, Denmark, Bulgaria, Finland, Norway, and more. This gives you many options for watching European streaming services and TV networks from the US, Latin America, Asia, or anywhere else in the world. 

If you want to watch a TV platform from your home country on vacation, simply choose a VPN server in the country you require. Once the VPN connects, you can head over to the streaming player in your browser and watch your favorite shows.

Please bear in mind that not every VPN might work with every streaming service. Our recommendations have a proven track record of working with popular services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, and Disney+. They also have fast servers throughout Europe, which makes them a good option for streaming in HD.

Despite this, we recommend that you test your favorite VPN with your European streaming services using the money-back guarantee. This will allow you to check that the VPN works completely risk-free. Below, we have included a list of the most popular European streaming services, including the country you should connect to in brackets:

• BBC iPlayer (United Kingdom)
• ITV Hub (United Kingdom)
• Channel 4 (United Kingdom)
• Channel 5 (United Kingdom)
• Sky Go (United Kingdom)
• Sky Ticket (Germany)
• ZDF Mediathek (Germany)
• ARD Mediathek (Germany)
• ProSieben (Germany)
• RTL (Germany)
• Viaplay (Sweden)
• SVT Play (Sweden)
• TV4 Play (Sweden)
• France.tv (France)
• Canal+ (France)
• Molotov (France)
• Joyn (Germany)
• RAI Play (Italy)
• Mediaset Play (Italy)
• TIMvision (Italy)
• C More (Sweden/Finland/Norway/Denmark)
• RTP Play (Portugal)
• NPO Start (Netherlands)
• VRT NU (Belgium)
• My5 (United Kingdom)

Should I use a VPN when traveling in Europe?

We’d always recommend using a VPN when traveling – particularly if you’re loath to pay roaming charges for your devices. Public WiFi networks, such as those found in cafes, airports, and hotels, are often unsecured. Using them puts your data at risk of being intercepted by bad actors. Some VPN providers – such as NordVPN – have tools that automatically encrypt your data when you connect to a public WiFi network. 

Do European countries throttle bandwidth?

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in EU countries are prohibited from blocking or intentionally slowing down internet traffic, except where necessary. The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) says bandwidth throttling could should only be considered “necessary” when needed to:  

• Comply with a legal order 
• Ensure network integrity and security
• Manage exceptional or temporary network congestion, provided that equivalent categories of traffic are treated equally 

Countries bound by EU Regulation 2015/2120 (Open Internet Regulation) include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. Some non-EU members – such as Norway and Finland – also abide by the regulations.