At a Glance
While Albania is an internet freedom-friendly country, internet users inside Albanian borders still face the same online perils and content restrictions as users anywhere around the globe.
Whether you’re an Albanian resident, a tourist, or working in Albania, you’ll find that a Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps you protect your online activities from prying eyes. A VPN also opens up access to a world of online content.
How Can a VPN Protect Me In Albania?
A VPN encrypts your internet connection, protecting it in a tunnel of encryption, meaning no one is wise to your online activities. It also temporarily assigns a fresh IP address to your connected device, making it appear as if you are somewhere else.
A VPN’s encryption prevents your ISP, the government, or hackers from following you around on the internet, recording your online activities and possibly stealing your personal or financial information. Top VPNs do not log their users’ online travels, so there is no evidence to be found of your online antics.
A VPN’s ability to temporarily assign a fresh IP address to your connected device offers multiple online benefits. An IP address can be used to determine your location, a fresh IP address makes it look like you are connecting to the internet from a different location. This can make it look like you’re located in another part of your city or another country, depending on the location of the VPN server you connect to. This also prevents anyone from tracking your online activities back to your real IP address.
By appearing to be in another location, this means that bad actors can’t determine your true location. This protects you against swatters, stalkers, doxxers, and other jerks.
An IP address from another country also opens up access to content that is usually limited to users living inside of that country. This enhances your streaming, gaming, and other online activities.
In this article, I’ll tell you about the seven top VPNs for use while inside Albanian borders. I will also tell you about the protective features and advantages offered by each VPN provider.
WANT TO TRY A TOP VPN FOR ALBANIA RISK-FREE?: The reliable VPN providers included in this article all offer risk-free money-back guarantee trial periods ranging from 30 to 45 days. This allows you to simply contact the VPN’s customer support department to request a refund anytime during the money-back guarantee period if you find that the VPN doesn’t meet your needs.
Best VPNs for Albania
I have put several VPNs through their paces and determined that the seven VPN providers in this article are the best to provide online protection and enhancement in Albania.
If you’re rushing to catch a plane to Albania, here is a TL;DR version of my top VPNs list. You can find the full reviews of each VPN provider a bit farther down in the article.
The best VPNs for Albania:
- NordVPN: #1 VPN provider for Albania. NordVPN is the top VPN on this list, thanks to its impressive security and privacy protection, fast connections, large global server network, comprehensive native app support, and more. The provider offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Albania. Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, blazingly-fast and well-protected connections, and top-notch app support, all for a budget-friendly price.
- ExpressVPN: Premium Albanian VPN. ExpressVPN carries an expensive price tag. However, the provider has proven its worth, thanks to its comprehensive internet protection and enhancement features, large global server network, and high-speed, well-protected connections.
- CyberGhost: Great option for VPN rookies. CyberGhost offers easy-to-use apps, providing one-click access to servers and online security and privacy protection. The provider offers comprehensive app support and boasts a large server network.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN protection for Albania. Users will appreciate PIA’s excellent online security and privacy protection (including “run from RAM” servers), as well as its reliable connections to content in several countries.
- PrivateVPN: Tiny titan VPN. PrivateVPN has the lowest total number of servers on this list, although the provider has done a good job in positioning them around the globe. The provider offers comprehensive online security and privacy protections.
- PureVPN: Quality VPN protection. PureVPN offers comprehensive online security and privacy protection for most popular devices. It also provides fast connections.
When researching which VPN providers work best in Albania, I considered the following important features:
- Global VPN server coverage
- Privacy and security protections
- Download speeds
- Customer support
- Quality of native app support
You can find out more information about the features I considered in the VPN testing methodology section a bit later in this article.
These are my top VPN service providers for Albania.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is my top VPN provider for residents and visitors in Albania.
The provider has an impressive global server network, with 6,400+ servers stationed in 110+ countries (including Albania). This provides reliable access to geo-controlled content around the majority of the globe.
NordVPN protects its customers’ connections by using banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. The provider offers additional online protection by providing malware protection and ad blocking.
It also offers a Double VPN feature that routes your connection through a pair of VPN servers, doubling up on protection.
NordVPN servers are run completely free of user logs (protecting your usage privacy), and it accepts Bitcoin to protect your payment privacy.
The provider has owned and operated servers, keeping outside contractors well away from its customer data. In addition, all NordVPN servers are run 100% from RAM, saving no data whatsoever to a physical storage device. This ensures that all data is automatically and completely wiped from the servers every time they are restarted or powered off.
NordVPN’s connections are quite fast, easily handling high-definition streaming, online games, and sharing files. The provider never ruins a good time by throttling your connection or placing daily or monthly data caps on your VPN usage.
The provider’s native app support includes options for iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, ChromeOS, Apple TV (running tvOS 17 or later), and Android TV device platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available, and the provider is also compatible with select routers.
Customers can simultaneously connect up to 10 devices to NordVPN servers.
NordVPN customer support options include always available live chat, email, and a searchable support library.
A 30-day money-back guarantee gives you plenty of time to give NordVPN a good try.
Pros:
- Excellent native app support
- Fast connections
- Has 6,400+ servers located in 110+ countries
- All servers are run 100% from RAM
- Comprehensive privacy and security protection
Cons:
- No streaming-optimized servers
THE BEST VPN FOR ALBANIA:NordVPN does a top-notch job of protecting you and your connected devices whenever you’re on the internet. The provider delivers fast, well-protected connections to geo-repressed content around most of the globe. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark delivers champagne services for a beer bottle pocket price.
The provider has over 3,200 servers based in 99+ countries (including Albania), providing wide-ranging access to geo-fenced content from around the globe.
Surfshark protects your online anonymity by using banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. Ad and tracker blocking, along with malware and phishing protection, team up to provide total online protection. A handy “MultiHop” option doubles up on your protection and anonymity by routing your connection through two servers.
Surfshark accepts cryptocurrency to protect your subscription payment privacy, and the provider never records your online travels, protecting your usage privacy. All of the provider’s servers are run 100% from RAM, ensuring that all data is automatically wiped from a Surfshark server when it is rebooted or shut down.
It delivers super-fast download speeds, ensuring you’ll enjoy your online experiences. The provider never imposes data usage caps or bandwidth throttling.
The provider offers native app support for macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, Apple TV running iOS 17 or later, and Android TV devices. Also available are Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions. The provider is also compatible with select routers.
Surfshark’s unlimited concurrent connections allowance means you can connect as many devices as you’d like to the provider’s servers.
24/7 support includes live chat, a searchable troubleshooting library, and a contact form.
The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Fast connection speeds
- Low-priced extended subscriptions
- No limit on simultaneous connections
- Comprehensive online security and privacy
Cons:
- No streaming-optimized servers
BEST BUDGET VPN FOR ALBANIA:Surfshark provides fast, well-protected connections. The provider offers an unlimited concurrent connections allowance, support for most popular connected devices, and top-notch customer support. Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN provider that charges a premium price. However, the provider has thousands upon thousands of customers who believe the higher price is worth it.
The provider boasts a large global server network with 3,000+ servers located in more than 100 countries around the globe (including Albania). The network provides reliable access to geo-blocked content worldwide.
All ExpressVPN-provided connections are protected with government-level encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and kill switch protection. The provider accepts Bitcoin in return for its services and also follows a strict no-server-logs-ever policy.
The provider’s proprietary “TrustedServer” technology runs its servers 100% from RAM, writing no data of any kind to a permanent storage device like a hard drive. This ensures that the servers are completely wiped when they are rebooted or shutdown.
ExpressVPN boasts impressively fast connections, providing plenty of bandwidth for streaming, gaming, and other popular online pastimes. There are no data caps or bandwidth restrictions to deal with when connected to this provider’s VPN network.
ExpressVPN offers app support for macOS, Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, Apple TV (iOS 17 or later), Android TV, Amazon Fire, and ChromeOS devices. Brave, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions are also available. The provider also supports several routers, offering customized firmware for some models.
Customers can make up to eight simultaneous connections to the provider’s servers.
ExpressVPN customer support offers 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.
The provider gives you 30 days to try out the service.
Pros:
- Reliable access to content around the globe
- App support for popular connected devices
- Fast, well-protected connections
- Huge global server network
Cons:
- Most expensive provider on this list
- No streaming-optimized servers
PREMIUM VPN FOR ALBANIA:ExpressVPN admittedly has the highest asking price of any provider on this list. That said, the provider’s fast and well-protected connections, reliable access to content, and support for most popular connected devices all offer an excellent return on investment. The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps for most popular devices make it an attractive option for first-time VPN users.
CyberGhost’s server network is quite large, with thousands of servers spread among 99+ countries (including Albania). The provider offers streaming-, gaming-, and downloading-optimized servers in several locations around the world.
All of the provider’s connections are protected with military-level encryption and IP/DNS leak protection. Ad and malware blocking are also available.
The provider’s servers are all run free of user logs, meaning there are no records kept of your internet travels while connected to CyberGhost’s servers. Paying with Bitcoin will help to keep your payment information private.
CyberGhost’s fast connection speeds are easily up to handling streaming video content in 4K, playing games, and sharing files (optimized servers are available for all three pastimes). CyberGhost never places data caps or bandwidth limitations on your VPN data usage.
CyberGhost has easy-to-use apps for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, and Android TV devices. The provider is compatible with select routers. CyberGhost also offers free Chrome and Firefox browser extensions.
Customers can simultaneously connect up to seven devices to the provider’s servers.
Around-the-clock customer support offers 24/7 live chat, a trouble ticket system, and a support library.
CyberGhost offers a 14-day money-back guarantee period for one-month subscriptions and a 45-day money-back guarantee for one-year or two-year subscriptions.
Pros:
- Free Chrome and Firefox browser extensions
- Easy-to-use apps for most popular devices
- Servers optimized for popular online activities
- Servers stationed in more than 100+ countries
Cons:
- Browser extension connection locations are limited
- Monthly subscription price is expensive
BEST VPN FOR ROOKIES:CyberGhost is an attractive option for first-time VPN users, thanks to its easy-to-use apps. The provider has gaming-, streaming-, and downloading-optimized servers in several locations around the globe. The VPN provides comprehensive online security and privacy. CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee for its extended subscription deals.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) provides comprehensive online protection for most popular connected devices.
The provider’s global server network boasts thousands of servers stationed in more than 90 countries around the globe (including Albania), providing reliable access to content around much of the globe.
PIA keeps its customers’ internet activities undercover by using government-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. Blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites.
All PIA servers are run completely free of user logs, so there are no traces of your online antics to be found. The provider accepts Bitcoin as a subscription payment, keeping your payment information private.
Its servers are run 100% from volatile RAM, with no data being written to a physical storage device like a hard drive or SSD. All server data is automatically and completely wiped whenever a server is rebooted or powered down.
PIA’s average connection speeds are the second-slowest on this list. However, depending on your usual ISP-provided connection speeds, those connections can handle your favorite online activities. Data caps or bandwidth throttling are never imposed by this VPN.
The provider’s native app lineup includes offerings for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux device platforms. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are available, and the provider is compatible with select routers.
PIA has an unlimited simultaneous connections policy.
The provider’s customer support options include live chat, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library.
PIA offers new customers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Servers in 90+ countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connections allowance
- No data saved to physical storage device
Cons:
- Second-slowest connection speeds on this list
- Doesn’t work properly in heavily restrictive countries
RELIABLE ALBANIAN VPN PROTECTION:PIA provides top-notch online security and privacy. The provider delivers reliable access to geo-fenced content in more than 90 countries. The provider’s unlimited connection allowance keeps all of your devices protected. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Private Internet Access.
6. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN has the lowest number of servers on this list. That said, the provider does a good job of locating its limited server resources.
PrivateVPN has 200+ servers well distributed among more than 63 countries (not including Albania), providing reliable access to geo-controlled content in those countries.
The provider also offers the slowest connection speed numbers on this list. Even so, the connections are up to handling your favorite online activities. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about PrivateVPN imposing data caps or throttling your bandwidth.
PrivateVPN’s customers’ connections are well-protected with government-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and more. A handy “Stealth VPN” feature disguises its users’ VPN activity as normal browser traffic.
The provider’s strict no-server logs policy means there will be no records of your online activities when connected to a PrivateVPN server. A cryptocurrency payment option keeps your payment information undercover.
PrivateVPN offers somewhat limited native app support, with options for Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows devices. While no browser extensions are available, the provider is compatible with select router makes and models.
Users can connect up to 10 devices at once to the PrivateVPN server network.
PrivateVPN’s support department offerings include agent chat, a support request form, and an FAQ page.
The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- “Stealth VPN” disguises your VPN usage
- No data caps or bandwidth restrictions
- Comprehensive online security and privacy
Cons:
- Server numbers need a boost
- App support needs improvement
KEEPS YOUR ONLINE ACTIVITIES PRIVATE:While PrivateVPN’s server count is admittedly quite low, the servers can be found in more than 63 countries. The provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature hides your VPN usage by disguising it as normal browser traffic. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of PrivateVPN.
7. PureVPN
PureVPN offers quality VPN protection for all of your devices while offering access to content in many areas of the world.
The provider has a global server network made up of 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries (including Albania). This provides reliable access to geo-fenced content in many areas of the globe.
PureVPN protects its customers’ connections private and secure by using banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection.
The provider’s strict no-logs policy means no records are ever kept of your online activities. A cryptocurrency payment option adds payment information privacy (sorry, no refunds for cryptocurrency payments).
The provider’s connections are some of the fastest I’ve ever seen, providing more than enough protected bandwidth to handle any popular online activity. PureVPN never imposes data caps or bandwidth throttling.
PureVPN’s native app offerings include options for Chromebook, Windows, Mac, Android, Android TV, Apple TV (tvOS 17 or later), iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave browser extensions are available. Select WiFi routers can be manually configured to work with the provider.
Customers can connect up to 10 devices at once to PureVPN’s servers on a single account.
The VPN provider’s support offerings include chat, email, and a searchable support knowledge base.
PureVPN offers a 31-day money-back guarantee (and that’s one more than 30, innit?).
Pros:
- Fast connections
- Comprehensive app and customer support
- Excellent online security and privacy
Cons:
- Kill switch not available on all apps
- No refunds when you pay with cryptocurrency
PROTECT YOUR ONLINE ACTIVITIES:PureVPN delivers comprehensive online security and privacy protection, excellent native app support, and fast connections. PureVPN’s server network provides access to content in several countries. The provider offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.
Read my full review of PureVPN.
Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Albania
Internet users inside Albanian borders face the same dangers and restrictions online as internet users everywhere. This makes a VPN an important tool for protecting and enhancing your online activities.
Below is a sampling of the features I considered when creating this list of VPNs for use in Albania.
- Connection speeds: A fast internet connection is your friend. Fast connections equal a more enjoyable online experience. The VPNs on this list can easily handle any popular online activity.
- Server network: Look for a VPN with servers stationed in as many countries as possible. Award bonus points for multiple servers in each country, as that helps prevent a single server from being overloaded by too many users at once.
- Value: To calculate a VPN provider’s real value you need to compare its asking price to the services it offers. The VPNs on this list all offer excellent value for their asking price.
- Ease of use: A VPN should offer easy-to-use apps for popular connected devices. The VPNs on this list offer apps for most popular devices.
- Security and privacy: Your connection should be protected with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak prevention at a minimum. A no-user logs policy is also a must-have. The VPNs I recommend offer all of these protective measures and more.
- Streaming: Streaming video and audio are popular online activities. The VPNs on this list offer reliable access to several popular streaming services, such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Spotify, and other streamers.
These are just some of the features I consider as part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. This data-driven approach provides an overview of each VPN provider and its services. This allows me to recommend only those VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.
How to Use a VPN for Albania
Using a VPN to protect and enhance your internet activities while inside Albania is easy. Just follow a few simple steps.
5 steps to use a VPN in Albania:
- Subscribe to a VPN provider (NordVPN is my #1 ranked VPN).
- Install the provider’s app(s) onto your connected device(s).
- Log into the VPN.
- Connect to a VPN server located in your own country if you’re simply looking to keep your online activities incognito. You can also select a server located in another country to gain access to geo-controlled content located in that country.
Enjoy your newly protected and enhanced internet access!
Is a Free VPN a Good Option for Albania?
There are several reasons I will not recommend using a “free” VPN for any online activity. Let’s take a look at a few.
You’ll find that some free VPNs will require you to sit cool your heels in a virtual waiting room until you’re allowed to connect. Once you are finally given the green light to connect, you’ll likely find that you’re restricted to only a few server locations to connect to, and you may simply be connected to a server of the VPN’s choosing.
You can also expect to see your connection speeds slow considerably when using a free VPN provider, as free VPN service providers often throttle their free users’ bandwidth, while also imposing daily or monthly data caps on free users’ VPN usage.
Free VPNs also put your privacy at risk, as free VPNs will log your online activities and then sell that information to the highest bidder. Some “free” VPN providers have been caught inserting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browser sessions.
As you can see, free VPNs are just not worth trying.
Albania VPN FAQs
Are VPNs Legal To Use in Albania?
VPNs are legal in Albania, allowing internet users there to keep their online activities incognito. VPN usage is legal in the majority of countries around the globe, with only a few countries outlawing or restricting their usage. Be sure not to use a VPN for illegal purposes, as that can result in additional charges.
How Can I Get an Albanian IP Address?
All you need to do is subscribe to a VPN with servers located in Albania. Connect to one of those servers and you’ll grab an Albanian IP address, which will make it appear that you’re connecting from inside of Albania. Luckily, all but one of the VPNs on this list have servers based in Albania.
What Are Some Popular Geo-Controlled Platforms in Albania?
Popular geo-restricted platforms in Albania include the Albanian versions of Netflix, Amazon Prime, Rakuten TV, SkyShowtime, and others. Also, some Albanian websites, such as online banking and other financial services may only be accessible with an Albanian IP address.
Conclusion
Albanian internet users should always use a quality VPN service, like NordVPN, to keep their online activities undercover and to open up access to content in other regions of the globe.
NordVPN is my #1 VPN pick for Albania and other countries, thanks to its fast and well-protected connections, excellent app support, and top-notch customer support. The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.
Contents [hide]
- At a Glance
- How Can a VPN Protect Me In Albania?
- Best VPNs for Albania
- 1. NordVPN
- 2. Surfshark
- 3. ExpressVPN
- 4. CyberGhost
- 5. Private Internet Access
- 6. PrivateVPN
- 7. PureVPN
- Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Albania
- How to Use a VPN for Albania
- Is a Free VPN a Good Option for Albania?
- Albania VPN FAQs
- Conclusion