Internet users in Ecuador enjoy only a “partly free” online experience. The Ecuadorian government has the tools to monitor its citizens’ online activities.
Ecuadorians also face the same online perils and restrictions as online users everywhere, including being monitored by hackers and facing online content roadblocks that keep them away from their favorite content, streaming and otherwise.
However, there is good news for online users in Ecuador and the rest of the world. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can keep online activities undercover, while also helping users evade online roadblocks when it comes to streaming and other types of content.
A VPN encases your internet connection in a virtual “tunnel” of encryption. Much like a freeway tunnel, a VPN’s encrypted tunnel hides the traffic passing through it, ensuring that hackers, the government and your Internet Service Provider (ISP) cannot track your online travels.
Quality VPNs also do not keep logs of your online activities. This means there is no record of your online antics to use against you at a later time.
A VPN can also temporarily assign a new IP address to your internet-capable device. If you select a VPN server located in another country, your new IP address will make it appear as if you are located in that country. This allows you to access geo-controlled content intended only for online users in that country.
In this article, I tell you all about the 5 top VPN service providers that offer the best online security and privacy while in Ecuador, while also improving your access to content around the globe.
How to Use a VPN in Ecuador
By following the steps listed below, you can reliably protect and enhance your Ecuadorian internet activities:
- Subscribe to a quality VPN provider. (NordVPN is my top choice.)
- Install the VPN’s app(s) on your favorite device(s).
- Log in to the VPN service.
- Select a VPN server outside of Ecuador to access geo-blocked content located in another country, or to protect your online activities. Only one of the providers on this list has servers based inside of Ecuador (ExpressVPN).
- Enjoy your secure and enhanced internet freedom!
Best VPN Services for Ecuador
The 5 top VPN providers listed below offer reliable protection and enhancement for your Ecuador-based online activities.
The short and sweet version is as follows:
- NordVPN: This #1 provider boasts a large global server network and fast download speeds. NordVPN’s online security and privacy protections are second to none, and the provider offers apps for a plethora of devices.
- Surfshark: The budget-priced option on this list, Surfshark offers fast, reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe. The provider’s services include top-notch protection and unlimited simultaneous connections.
- ExpressVPN: Admittedly, this is the most expensive VPN on this list. However, it is also one of the best values on this list. The provider boasts a large global server network, fast and well-protected connections, and reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe. It’s also the only provider on this list to offer servers in Ecuador.
- CyberGhost: First-time VPN users will appreciate this well-known provider thanks to its easy-to-use apps that provide one-click access to a massive global server network, which has streaming- and downloading-enhanced servers stationed around the globe.
- IPVanish: This provider’s global server network is a bit small when compared to other VPNs on this list. However, it is currently in the process of growing it. The provider’s global server network is self-owned and -operated, which provides an extra layer of security by keeping third-party contractors away from IPVanish customers’ data.
When ranking these VPN providers, I considered the following:
- Global server network
- Security and privacy protections
- Connection speeds
- Native app support
- Customer support
Here are the details about the 5 top VPN service providers for Ecuadorian residents and visitors.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is the top pick for reliable and secure VPN service from inside of Ecuador, as well as other countries around the globe.
The provider has 5,200+ servers based in 60 countries around the globe. This impressive server network provides reliable access to geo-controlled content across the world.
The provider is working to add additional privacy for its users, as it is currently transitioning its leased server network to a fully owned and operated model. This keeps third-party contractors away from customers’ personal information.
NordVPN protects its users’ connections with banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill switch protection and IP/DNS leak protection. Ad and malware blocking are an option, and the provider offers users its proprietary NordLynx protocol (based on Wireguard), which is optimized for both performance and protection.
All NordVPN servers are run according to a strict and independently-audited no-server-logs policy, and the provider also accepts cryptocurrency as a subscription payment option.
All NordVPN servers are also run 100% from RAM, with no data of any kind being written to a physical hard drive. This ensures that data is completely wiped from a NordVPN server whenever it is rebooted.
NordVPN delivers fast connection speeds that can easily handle your favorite online activities, such as sharing files, streaming and gaming online. Unlimited bandwidth and data make the scene here.
Native apps are available for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS (with native M1 Mac support) and Windows devices. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, as are comprehensive router features.
Up to 6 devices can connect simultaneously on a single account.
Always-available customer support options include 24/7 live support chat availability, email support and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Fast connections
- Impressive global server network
- All server operations run totally from RAM
- Comprehensive privacy and security
- Top-notch native app support
Cons:
- Doesn’t label streaming servers in apps
BEST VPN FOR ECUADOR:NordVPN is the top pick for VPN protection while in Ecuador. The provider’s impressive global server network provides reliable access to content around the globe. The provider’s speedy connections are also well-protected, keeping your online security and privacy intact. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark will prove to be an attractive VPN option for users on a tight budget.
The provider’s large global server network, which includes 3,200+ servers located in 65 countries around the world, offers the ability to unlock 30+ Netflix libraries around the globe.
Government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and IPv6/DNS leak protection all keep your online activities incognito. The provider’s “Multi-Hop” server option routes your internet connection through a duo of VPN servers, doubling up on anonymity and connection encryption.
The provider follows a strict no-server-logs policy and accepts Bitcoin as subscription payment.
The provider offers super-fast connections, the fastest I saw in my most recent testing, and can easily handle popular internet activities. No data caps or bandwidth throttling to worry about here.
Android, iOS, Linux, macOS (with native M1 Mac support), Windows and Amazon Fire app support is available. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, along with top-notch router support.
Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy prevents you from ever running out of connections when the need arises to protect multiple devices.
Customer support options include 24/7 live support chat, a contact form and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- No limit on simultaneous connections
- “Multi-Hop” option doubles up on encryption and anonymity
- Impressive global server network
- Comprehensive app support
Cons:
- One-month subscription price is a bit expensive
BEST VPN FOR BUDGET:Surfshark is an excellent option for users on a tight budget. However, the provider’s excellent services belie its low price. The provider boasts an impressive global server network, super-fast download speeds, top-notch online security and privacy, and unlimited simultaneous VPN connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
While ExpressVPN is the highest-priced VPN option on this list of 5, it provides an excellent return on investment.
The provider has an impressively-sized global server network that boasts over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, Ecuador included. ExpressVPN is well known for providing reliable access to geo-controlled content around the globe.
Government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch option and IPv6/DNS leak protection do an excellent job of keeping your online activities incognito. The provider’s proprietary Lightway protocol is designed to excel in both performance and protection.
ExpressVPN operates its servers completely log-free, and it also allows you to protect your payment privacy by accepting cryptocurrency as payment.
In addition, it uses a proprietary “TrustedServer” technology to run all of its servers 100% from RAM, writing no data of any kind to an actual hard drive. This ensures that all data is securely wiped from the servers whenever they are rebooted.
ExpressVPN offers some of the fastest download speeds that I have ever seen. Streaming, gaming, sharing files – none of these are a challenge for ExpressVPN. No bandwidth limitations or data caps to deal with here.
The provider offers native app support for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Chromebook, Linux and Windows device platforms. Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions are also available. ExpressVPN recently updated its router firmware, improving the user interface and performance.
Up to 5 devices can connect at once on a single account.
ExpressVPN’s customer support options include always-available live support chat, an email support option, a trouble ticket system and an easy-to-search knowledge base.
Pros:
- Large global server network
- Fast download speeds
- Top-notch online privacy and security
- All servers run 100% only from RAM
Cons:
- Most expensive option on this list
- Only 5 simultaneous connections
RELIABLE VPN FOR ECUADOR:No doubt, ExpressVPN’s service will cost you a bit more. However, the provider offers an excellent value for the money. The provider’s fast and well- protected connections from its large global server network provide reliable access to geo-controlled content around the globe. A 30-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
First-time VPN users or those who are looking for easy-to-use VPN protection will appreciate CyberGhost’s services.
The provider boasts a massive global server network made up of more than 7,100 servers based in over 90 countries around the globe. Quite a few of those servers are streaming- and downloading-optimized.
CyberGhost also boasts fast download speeds, easily handling streaming, gaming and any other online activity. No data caps or bandwidth throttling to be found here.
All of the provider’s connections are protected using military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. Malicious website and tracker blocking is also available. The VPN can also force many websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages if available.
CyberGhost also offers a security suite for Windows users. The suite offers antivirus and malware protection, a feature that allows you to control how much information Microsoft can collect, and a feature that informs you when apps need updating.
Also available are a password manager and a feature that warns you when your email address is exposed in a data breach.
CyberGhost doesn’t save logs of any kind, and you can also pay with Bitcoin to keep your payment info private.
The provider’s easy-to-use app lineup includes options for the Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire and Android TV device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, along with comprehensive router support.
Up to 7 devices can simultaneously be protected on a single account.
Customer support options include 24/7 live support chat, a trouble ticket tracking system and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Huge global server network
- Streaming- and downloading-optimized servers
- Easy-to-use apps
- Up to 7 simultaneous connections
Cons:
- Issues working properly in some overly restrictive countries
- Apps don’t offer many advanced options
GREAT VPN FOR NOVICE VPN USERS:CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps for most popular connected devices make it an excellent option for rookie VPN users. Fast download speeds from a massive global server network are another advantage. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. IPVanish
This provider may be a bit short when it comes to server numbers, but it’s working on it.
While IPVanish’s global server network currently includes only 1,900+ servers in more than 55 countries, it has announced that it will expand the network over the next year.
Also, IPVanish owns and operates its entire server network, which keeps third-party contractors away from your personal data.
All online activities are incognito thanks to the provider’s banking-level 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch with an auto-reconnect option, and a “scramble” feature that disguises your VPN activity as normal browser activity. The provider is currently rolling out the WireGuard connection protocol to all of its users.
While the provider doesn’t accept cryptocurrency, it does follow a strict no-server-logs policy.
IPVanish’s connection speeds, while far from being the fastest on this list, provide more than enough bandwidth for your favorite online activities. No bandwidth limitations or data caps to worry about with this provider.
IPVanish offers apps for the Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS and Amazon Fire device platforms. You can set the service up manually for Linux and Raspberry Pi devices. Browser extensions are currently unavailable. However, router support is available.
There is no limit on the number of devices that you can connect simultaneously to IPVanish servers.
IPVanish customer support options include around-the-clock live support chat, a support library and email support.
Pros:
- Top-notch security and privacy protections
- Keeps third-party contractors away from personal information
- No limits on concurrent connections
Cons:
- No browser extensions
- No cryptocurrency payment option
UNLIMITED DEVICE PROTECTION:IPVanish’s proprietary global server network makes it an attractive option to users who are looking for a little extra privacy protection. Connect an unlimited number of devices at once. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of IPVanish.
Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Ecuador
VPN users looking for reliable VPN service while inside Ecuador should keep in mind several factors when deciding which VPN is the best.
The list below includes all of the factors that I consider when making a decision about which VPNs to recommend for a particular situation or country:
- Connection Speeds: The faster your connection, the more enjoyable your online activities (unless it’s paying bills or taxes). The VPNs I include on my list perform well in my connection speed tests.
- Global Server Network: A large global server network offers better access to geo-blocked content around the globe. Plus, look for a large number of servers in each country, as it helps prevent a single server from being overloaded.
- Value: You’ll always want to choose a VPN that offers features and functionality that are commensurate with its price. Each VPN on my list offers an excellent value.
- Ease of Use: App support is an important consideration. Apps should be available for numerous device platforms and be as easy to use as possible. The VPNs on my list offer support for multiple devices, and the apps are intuitive.
- Security and Privacy: At a minimum, a VPN’s security features should include banking-grade encryption, as well as automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. A no-logs policy is also an important feature.
- Streaming: The VPNs on this list all offer reliable access to streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and other streamers, including those based in Ecuador.
Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.
Why Can’t I Use a Free VPN in Ecuador?
Sure, you can probably find a free VPN that will work from inside of Ecuador. However, you are not going to be happy with the free VPN experience.
First of all, “free” VPNs can be damaging to your online privacy.
Many sans-fee VPN providers pay their bills by tracking their users’ online activities. They then sell that extremely valuable information to advertisers and other nosy types.
Some freebie providers have been caught inserting unwanted tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browser sessions. (And those cookies will continue tracking you, even when you’re no longer connected to the free VPN’s servers.)
Free VPNs are also lacking in the convenience and performance departments.
You may be forced to chill out for a while before being allowed to connect to a free VPN’s limited number of servers. Or, you may find that you’re automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice. Either way, you may not be able to connect to a server in your country of choosing.
Once you’re finally connected, you’ll likely see your connection speeds plunge. Most free VPNs will also limit your usage with daily or monthly caps on your data usage.
If you’re looking to save some money on VPN protection, try NordVPN or Surfshark. Both offer excellent VPN protection for a low price.
What Other Advantages Does a VPN Provide?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) protects your online activities from prying eyes, while also providing access to geo-controlled content around the globe.
A VPN encrypts your connection to keep your online activities undercover. This prevents your ISP, the government and hackers from tracking and monitoring your online travels.
A VPN’s encrypted protection also prevents your ISP from throttling or blocking your internet connection because you’re engaged in what it considers to be “unapproved” activities, like streaming from some video services or sharing files with other users.
That same encryption also protects you when using an unprotected public Wi-Fi hotspot. Hackers target hotspot users while they browse the web, check email, pay bills or shop online, as there is no encrypted protection on the hotspot.
A VPN also provides access to geo-blocked content around the world.
A VPN assigns a new IP address to your internet-capable device. Since websites and services use IP addresses to determine a device’s geographical location, it will look as if you’re connecting from another location of the world, opening access to content limited to that area of the world.
Conclusion
Residents and visitors in Ecuador should take advantage of a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN), which offers features that protect and enhance their internet activities. My #1 choice is NordVPN.
NordVPN delivers top-notch online protection and privacy. An impressive global server network provides fast connections to geo-blocked content around the world. The provider offers comprehensive native app support for the most popular device platforms. Customer support is available 24/7.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.
