At a Glance
Online users in Berlin benefit from Germany’s relative online freedom. However, users there are still subject to the same online dangers and restrictions as users anywhere else in the world.
Berlin-based internet users are subject to being tracked by hackers, their Internet Service Provider (ISP), and other nosy types. Plus, geographical restrictions severely limit their access to all of the content that Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming sites offer.
Can a VPN Help Me in Berlin?
Luckily, there is a handy tool that Berliners can take advantage of that will provide optimal online security and privacy, while also delivering reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) both protects and enhances your online activities when residing in or visiting Berlin (and the rest of the world, for that matter.)
A VPN encrypts your internet connection to keep your online travels incognito, preventing the bad guys and other nosy types from monitoring your online activities and accessing your personal information.
A VPN can also temporarily assign a new IP address from another country to your connected devices, making it appear as if you are located in that other country. This opens up access to geo-blocked content that is usually only available in that country.
For example, connecting to a VPN server based in the United States will provide access to streaming services and other geo-blocked content in the U.S.
In this article, I’ll offer a look at the six top VPNs available for protecting and enhancing your online activities from Berlin, the country of Germany or anywhere else around the globe.
Best VPN Services for Use in Germany
Thanks to my thorough testing, I’ve discovered that these six top VPN providers listed below offer the best protection for your online activities while you’re in Berlin. The kurz aber bündig rundown is as follows.
Best VPNs for Germany:
- NordVPN: #1 VPN for Berlin. This VPN is my top provider for use in Berlin, Germany. The provider’s large global server network provides fast and well-protected connections, delivering reliable digital security and privacy, as well as comprehensive access to geo-blocked content. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guaranteed.
- Surfshark: Best budget Berlin VPN. The budget-priced VPN option on this list, Surfshark boasts a large global server network, unlimited concurrent and fast connections, and top-notch security and privacy protections.
- ExpressVPN: Premium VPN for Berliners. This admittedly premium-priced provider is one of the most well-respected providers in the industry. The provider’s global server network is quite impressive and delivers fast connections that are comprehensively encrypted.
- CyberGhost: Best VPN bet for rookies. Rookie VPN users will be drawn to this service’s easy-to-use apps that provide fast connections from a truly impressive global server network, which features streaming- and downloading-optimized servers in many areas.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN protection. PIA’s reliable online protection keeps users’ online activities safely incognito. It also provides reliable access to content around much of the globe.
- PrivateVPN: Small but powerful VPN network. While PrivateVPN has a below-average global server network, it provides reliable and well-protected access to the countries it serves.
When ranking these VPN providers, I considered the following:
- Global server network (with servers in Germany)
- Security and privacy offerings
- Connection speeds
- App support
- Customer support
TRY A TOP VPN RISK-FREE
If you’d like to try a top-notch VPN for Berlin with absolutely no risk to your pocketbook, this is for you. The VPNs on this list (including NordVPN) offer a no-risk full-featured free trial period of 30 to 45 days. If you find that one of these VPN providers isn’t a good fit for your needs, you can simply contact the provider’s customer support department and easily cancel your subscription for a full refund.
Best VPNs for Berlin – Summary table
We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Berlin.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | ExpressVPN.com | CyberGhost.com | Private Internet Access.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Berlin | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | German servers | 240+ servers | 2 cities | 2 cities | 1650+ servers | 2 cities | 2 cities | Avg Speed (Europe) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 25 Mbps | 41 Mbps | Popular Sites Unblocked | 95% | 88% | 86% | 85% | 70% | 85% | Simultaneous Connections | 6 | Unlimited | 5 | 7 | Unlimited | 10 |
Best deal (per month) | $3.39 Up to 72% off | $1.99 87% off a 2yr Starter plan + 3 FREE mo | $4.99 61% off plus 4 months Free! | $2.19 SAVE up to 83% off 2 year plan + 2 months free | $2.19 Save 82% on a 2 year plan + Get 2 months free | $2.00 Save 85% on a 12 month plan + 24-mo/free |
Here is my list of the six best VPN services for Berlin residents and visitors.
1. NordVPN
Native Berliners, as well as visitors to the German city, are strongly advised to give this top-ranked VPN service provider a try.
The provider has 5,700+ servers located in 60+ countries around the globe, with plenty of servers located in two German cities, Berlin included. The impressive server network provides reliable access to geo-controlled content around the globe.
All NordVPN-provided connections are well-protected thanks to the provider’s use of government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. Ad and malware blocking are also available, as is a new NordLynx protocol (based on the WireGuard protocol) that offers both security and performance benefits.
NordVPN follows an independently-audited no-logs policy, and the provider accepts cryptocurrency in return for its services.
The provider’s servers run all server operations directly from RAM, meaning no information is ever written to a physical hard drive, ensuring the data is completely erased whenever the server is restarted. The VPN is also in the process of moving its entire server network to a self-owned and self-operated model, which will keep third-party contractors away from customer information.
NordVPN connections are plenty fast, meaning they are easily up to handling popular online activities, such as streaming video, gaming, and sharing large files.
The provider’s app support includes offerings for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), and Windows platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browsing.
Meanwhile, NordVPN’s comprehensive router features have the rest of your connected devices protected. Up to six devices can connect at once on a single account.
Always-available customer support includes an around-the-clock chat option, email support, and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Servers in Germany and close to 60 other countries
- Fast connections
- App support for most popular devices
- All server operations run directly from RAM
- Comprehensive privacy and security
Cons:
- No labeled streaming servers in apps
BEST VPN FOR BERLIN:NordVPN is the best VPN for Berlin-based internet users who desire fast connections, superior online security and privacy protections, and reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is a reliable VPN service provider that offers top-notch services for a budget price.
An impressive global server network boasts 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries, Germany included. The network provides reliable access to content around the globe.
Surfshark protects its users’ connections with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, as well as automatic kill switch and IPv6/DNS leak protection. A “MultiHop” option allows users to optionally route their connection through a pair of VPN servers, adding anonymity and connection encryption.
A strict “no server connection logs ever” policy and a Bitcoin payment option team up to protect your usage and payment privacy. Surfshark has recently joined the growing ranks of VPN providers that run their servers 100% from RAM, which wipes all data from the servers whenever they are restarted or shut down.
Fast, no-data-caps connections – which can easily handle most any popular internet activity – are the rule here, rather than the exception.
The provider offers native app options for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and Amazon Fire device platforms. (The company provides native support for M1 and M2 Macs.) Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions, as well as router support are also available.
The provider offers an unlimited simultaneous connections policy, meaning you’ll never come up short when you require coverage for multiple devices.
24/7 chat, a contact form, and a searchable support library all add up to plenty of customer support options.
Pros:
- No limit on simultaneous connections
- Impressive global server network
- “MultiHop” server option
- Comprehensive native app support
Cons:
- Single-month subscription price is expensive
BEST BUDGET VPN OPTION:Surfshark is great for those on a budget. Boasts an impressive global server network, excellent online protections, fast connections, and an unlimited concurrent connections policy. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
This venerable VPN provider may charge a premium price, but it offers equally premium VPN services in return.
The provider’s global server network includes 3,000+ servers stationed in close to 95+ countries around the globe, Germany included. The network offers reliable access to numerous streaming sites, as well as other geo-blocked content around the globe.
ExpressVPN’s comprehensive connection protection includes government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch option, and IPv6 and DNS leak protection. The provider offers a proprietary Lightway protocol designed for improved performance and protection.
The provider’s servers contain no user logs, and the provider also accepts cryptocurrency as a subscription payment. Meanwhile, the service’s “TrustedServer” technology runs all server operations directly from RAM, never writing data of any kind to a physical hard disk. All data is erased when the servers are rebooted.
ExpressVPN provided the fastest download speeds of any provider in my most recent rounds of connection speed testing. Unlimited bandwidth and no data caps are a part of the deal.
App support includes native offerings for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS (with native Apple silicon support), Chromebook, Linux, and Windows platforms. Brave, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Vivaldi browser extensions protect your browsing sessions. Comprehensive router support includes a recently redesigned interface for its excellent router firmware, offering an improved user experience.
Up to five devices can connect at once on a single user account.
Customer support options include 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable knowledge base.
Pros:
- Large global server network
- Fastest download speeds in recent testing
- Comprehensive digital privacy and security
- Servers run completely from RAM
Cons:
- More expensive than other VPNs in this article
- Allows only five connections at a time
RELIABLE VPN FOR BERLIN:Users will appreciate the premium security and privacy protections that ExpressVPN offers – that is, if they are willing to pay the price. The provider offers performance- and security-centric connections from a large server network, offering reliable access to geo-blocked content around the world. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
Those of you with little to no experience with VPN apps will appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use yet powerful app lineup.
The provider’s massive global server network currently includes 9,000+ servers based in 90+ countries, including Germany. Many of the provider’s servers are optimized for downloading files and streaming video.
All CyberGhost connections are well-protected thanks to its use of military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, IPv6/DNS leak prevention, and an automatic kill switch. Ad and tracker blocking are also options, as is the ability to force websites to deliver secure versions of their pages when they are available.
A total no-server-connection-logs policy, as well as a cryptocurrency subscription payment option, make up top-notch privacy protections.
The VPN service provider recently added a password manager, antivirus protection, and a security updater to its security arsenal. An ID Guard feature alerts you if your email address was part of a data breach.
CyberGhost’s connection speeds are easily fast enough for gaming, streaming, and file sharing. No bandwidth limitations and no data caps are part of the deal.
Easy-to-use apps are available for a large variety of popular devices, including Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions, as well as comprehensive router features, make the scene.
Users can connect up to seven of their devices at once.
Customer support options include 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support knowledge base.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use apps
- Massive global server network
- Fast, no-caps connections
- Streaming- and downloading-optimized servers
Cons:
- Doesn’t work in some overly restrictive regions
- Can’t access some video streaming sites
GOOD OPTION FOR FIRST-TIME VPN USERS:First-time VPN users, or those who are in search of powerful, yet easy-to-use VPN protection, will appreciate CyberGhost’s feature set. You’ll get well-protected and fast connections from a large global server network. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) boasts a large global server network, with 3,300+ servers stationed in 84+ countries (including Germany). This above-average-sized server network delivers reliable access to geo-fenced content around most of the globe.
All PIA-provided connections are well-covered by banking-grade encryption, while also being protected by a kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection. The provider also blocks ads, trackers, and malware, as well as dangerous websites.
All PIA servers are run completely 100% user tracking logs free, so there is no evidence left behind of your online antics. Bitcoin is accepted as a subscription payment, which keeps your payment info undercover. PIA now runs all of its servers 100% from RAM, with no data whatsoever being written to a physical hard drive or SSD.
The provider offers native app support with options for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux devices. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider is also compatible with several select router makes and models.
PIA recently began allowing unlimited connections to its servers, allowing users to protect all of their connected devices at once.
PIA’s connection speeds are the second-slowest on this list. However, its connections deliver plenty of bandwidth for your favorite online activities. Also, there are no daily or monthly data caps or bandwidth throttling to worry about here.
In your time of need, live chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library are all available.
Pros:
- Impressive global server network
- Blocks ads and other online nasties
- Outstanding native app support
Cons:
- Lacks streaming-optimized servers
- Doesn’t work reliably from inside China
RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION FOR BERLIN:Private Internet Access provides online security and privacy for all of your devices at once, thanks to its unlimited connections policy. PIA’s impressive global server network provides access to geo-fenced content around most of the globe. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Private Internet Access.
6. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN’s global server network includes a mere 200+ servers located in 63+ countries (including Germany), making it the smallest network on this list. However, the network still provides reliable access to content in the countries it does serve.
The provider also takes the “prize” for the slowest connection speeds on this list. However, you’ll find that PrivateVPN can still handle your favorite online activities.
PrivateVPN doesn’t lag behind anyone when it comes to connection protection, thanks to the provider’s use of banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and more. The provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature hides your VPN traffic by disguising it as normal browser activity.
A strict no-server logs policy means there are no records kept of your online activities. A cryptocurrency subscription payment option is available to protect your payment privacy.
PrivateVPN’s app support is also somewhat limited, offering apps for only Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows device platforms. Linux devices and select routers can be manually set up to use the provider. Browser extensions are also missing.
Users can concurrently connect up to 10 devices to the provider’s servers.
PrivateVPN support options include live chat, a support request form, and an FAQ support area.
Pros:
- “Stealth VPN” keeps your VPN usage undercover
- Reliable access to geo-fenced content
- Comprehensive online security and privacy
Cons:
- Thinly-stretched server network
- App selection is a bit lacking
TINY BUT MIGHTY VPN:PrivateVPN’s small but powerful global server network provides reliable access to geo-controlled content in the countries where it has servers. The provider’s “Stealth VPN” protection keeps your VPN usage undercover. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of PrivateVPN.
Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Berlin
There are several factors that you should always consider when in search of VPN protection while visiting or living in Berlin.
Below, you’ll find a list of the most important things that I considered when I was making a decision about which VPNs to recommend for use in Berlin:
- Connection speeds: Fast connections are an important factor for most popular online activities. From browsing the web to gaming to streaming videos, faster is always better. All of the VPNs I include on my lists performed quite well in my most recent connection speed testing.
- Global server network: A large global server network makes it easier to access geo-blocked content around the globe. Multiple servers in each country offer improved performance, as that means a single server likely won’t be hit with too many users.
- Value: Always carefully weigh a VPN provider’s asking price against the features and performance it provides. Every VPN I include on my list offers excellent value for the money.
- Ease of use: It’s a connected world, and any VPN worth consideration should offer apps for the most popular device platforms. Apps should also be easy to use. Each VPN I include on my list offers well-designed apps.
- Security and privacy: Any VPN worth your consideration should at the very least protect your online activities with banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. A strict no-logs policy is also quite important.
- Streaming: VPNs included on my lists offer reliable access to streaming sites, such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and numerous other popular services.
My in-depth research doesn’t end here. In fact, the features listed above are just a portion of what I consider in my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. My data-driven approach provides a better understanding of VPNs and their services. This allows me to recommend only those that are a good fit for your needs.
How to Use a VPN in Berlin
With just a few simple steps, you can protect your Berlin-based internet activities. Just follow these simple steps:
- Subscribe to a quality VPN provider. (NordVPN is my #1 choice.)
- Install the VPN provider’s app(s) on your compatible connected device(s).
- Sign into the VPN service.
- Select a VPN server outside of Germany to access geo-blocked content located outside of the country, or select a server inside the country if you’re looking to protect your in-Berlin online activities. If you’re located outside of Germany and wish to access geo-blocked content from inside of the country, select a VPN server inside of Germany.
Enjoy your newfound, secure internet freedom!
Why Can’t I Use a Free VPN in Berlin?
You can certainly use a free VPN service provider while in Berlin. However, I will almost guarantee that you will not be pleased with the overall free VPN experience.
You’ll find that a “free” VPN has numerous hidden costs.
First off, your online activities will be less than private. Many free VPNs track their users’ online travels, then bundle up all that info and sell it to advertisers and other Nosy Nellies.
Other free VPNs have been caught inserting unwanted tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browsing sessions.
You’ll also find that free VPNs are lacking in convenience and performance.
You may be forced to wait before connecting to a free VPN’s limited number of servers, or you’ll find that you will automatically be connected to a server with no input on your part.
Once you’re connected, your connection speeds may drop precipitously, and you’ll likely be forced to deal with daily or monthly data caps that will severely limit your online activities.
Is any of this sounding good to you yet? NordVPN and Surfshark offer impressive services for a budget-friendly price. You’d be much better off choosing one of them if you’re concerned about money.
What Advantages Does a VPN Provide?
A Virtual Private Network both protects and enhances all of your online activities.
The online security protection comes in the form of an encrypted tunnel of protection, which prevents third parties like your ISP, the government and hackers from monitoring your online travels.
The encryption also prevents your ISP from throttling or blocking your connection if you engage in “unapproved” activities, like watching video from certain streaming services or sharing files via P2P services.
Encryption also protects you while you’re connected to an unprotected public WiFi hotspot, such as those found in hotels, airports, and coffee shops. Hotspots are attractive targets for bad actors trying to steal the personal information of users who are browsing the web, checking email, paying bills, or shopping online.
In addition, a VPN opens up access to geo-blocked content that would normally be unavailable to users in your area of the globe.
A VPN does this by temporarily assigning a fresh IP address to your device. Since IP addresses can be used to determine a device’s geographical location, this location “spoofing” provides access to streaming services, gaming, and other types of geo-controlled content.
SEE ALSO: Watch TV Now from Outside of Germany and How to Watch German TV Abroad
Berlin VPN FAQs
Are VPNs Legal in Berlin?
Germany, much like most other countries around the world, allows the use of a VPN to protect and enhance your online activities, as long as you don’t use it for illegal activities. Using a VPN to facilitate a criminal act could lead to additional charges if you’re caught. But, using one for legal activities is just fine when you’re hanging out in Berlin.
Can I Use a VPN to Keep Me Safe While I Travel?
Absolutely. As a matter of fact, I strongly recommend that you use a VPN any time you’re not connecting from your home or business network. While most home or office WiFi networks are password-protected and encrypted, most WiFi hotspots you’ll encounter while traveling will likely be unencrypted.
An unencrypted internet connection makes it much easier for hackers (and governments) to track your online activities, possibly monitoring your personal data. So, always use a VPN when you’re out and about anywhere. Before using it in a foreign country, check to make sure VPN use is legal there.
Conclusion
I strongly advise users who reside in or are visiting Berlin to use a VPN service provider’s ability to protect and enhance their internet travels. My top choice for Berlin online users is NordVPN.
NordVPN provides optimal connection protection, offers access to online content housed around most of the world, fast connections, no data caps, and top-notch online security and privacy. NordVPN apps are available for all popular device platforms, and customer support is available 24 hours per day.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.
Contents [hide]
- At a Glance
- Can a VPN Help Me in Berlin?
- Best VPN Services for Use in Germany
- Best VPNs for Berlin – Summary table
- 1. NordVPN
- 2. Surfshark
- 3. ExpressVPN
- 4. CyberGhost
- 5. Private Internet Access
- 6. PrivateVPN
- Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Berlin
- How to Use a VPN in Berlin
- Why Can’t I Use a Free VPN in Berlin?
- What Advantages Does a VPN Provide?
- Berlin VPN FAQs
- Are VPNs Legal in Berlin?
- Can I Use a VPN to Keep Me Safe While I Travel?
- Conclusion