What Is the Best VPN Provider for Amsterdam in 2024?

At a Glance

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and is the most populous city in the country. While the government there does not do any widespread filtering or blocking of online content, there have been proposals to filter certain pornographic materials and ways to deal with online copyright infringement.

The government does not block or filter social networks, and Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are the most popular social networks in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. Netflix, YouTube, and other popular video streaming services are available in Amsterdam and the Netherlands as a whole.

However, the content that the streaming sites offer can vary greatly from that offered in other regions of the globe.

While the internet is open in Amsterdam, users there face the same problems other users around the globe do. These include the above-mentioned geo-blocked content, as well as monitoring by third-parties, such as hackers and your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Amsterdam residents and other Dutch citizens and visitors to the country can protect their online activities from being monitored while also opening up access to geo-controlled online content by using a tool called a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

In this article, I’ll share a close look at the top seven VPNs for use inside Amsterdam and other parts of the world.

How to Use a VPN To Protect Your Online Activities in Amsterdam

To use a VPN from inside Amsterdam, do the following:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider. (NordVPN is my top choice.)
2. Install the provider’s app(s) on your connected device(s), install browser extensions when available, and install on your WiFi router if you so desire.
3. Log into the VPN service.
4. Select a VPN server located outside of the Netherlands to access geo-blocked local content in other countries, or connect to a server stationed inside of the Netherlands if you are just looking to protect your online activities or if you are traveling or living outside of the Netherlands and are looking to access content from inside of the country.
5. Enjoy your new internet security, anonymity and improved content access!

Best VPNs for Use in Amsterdam

I always thoroughly test VPN service providers before ever recommending them to my readers.

The results of these tests indicated that the seven top VPN providers listed below provide the best services.

Best VPNs for Amsterdam:

1. NordVPN: Top VPN for use in Amsterdam. NordVPN sits atop this list of seven thanks to its large global server network, excellent app support and customer support, and its fast and well-protected connections. The provider does all of this at a reasonable price and offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Great budget VPN for Amsterdam. This budget-priced provider boasts a fast-growing global server network, fast connections, top-notch digital security and privacy, excellent app support, and an unlimited concurrent connections policy.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN protection. This provider is a well-known leader in the VPN industry. The provider’s impressive global server network includes plenty of servers in the Netherlands. Its blazingly-fast connections are well-secured, and its extensive device support (including plenty of routers) makes this admittedly high-priced VPN worth the money.
4. CyberGhost: Good VPN for first-timers. Newbie VPN users, as well as others who are looking for an easy-to-use yet powerful VPN provider, will appreciate CyberGhost’s offering. The provider’s easy, one-click protection, and its massive server network (including servers that are optimized for streaming and file sharing) make it a good choice.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN protection. PIA does an excellent job of keeping your online activities incognito, while also providing reliable access to content around the globe.
6. PrivateVPN: Small but powerful. While this provider admittedly has the smallest global server network among the providers on this list, it provides well-protected access to geo-locked content in the countries that it serves.
7. Atlas VPN: Unlimited connection protection. Atlas VPN puts no limit on the number of simultaneous connections you can make to its server network. This should make it an excellent option for users with small businesses or large families.

I ranked these providers according to the following requirements:

• Size of global server network (with servers in the Netherlands)
• Strong encryption and privacy protections
• Fast download speeds
• Comprehensive native app support
• Top-notch customer support

Best VPNs for Amsterdam – 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 Amsterdam.

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The seven best VPN services for Amsterdam are:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

I strongly encourage Amsterdam-based online travelers looking for reliable connection protection and enhancements to give NordVPN a try.

The VPN provider has a large global server network, with 5,700+ servers in the Netherlands as well as 59+ other countries.

All NordVPN-provided connections are protected by government-level 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Ad and malware protection is also available.

NordVPN follows an independently-audited and strict no-logs policy and is willing to accept cryptocurrency in return for its services.

The provider also runs all server operations completely from RAM, meaning no information is ever written to a physical hard drive. The VPN is also moving its servers to a completely self-owned and -operated model, preventing third-party access to customer information.

NordVPN offers plenty of bandwidth, easily handling video streams, fast-moving gaming, and sharing of large files.

The provider’s app support has most popular device platforms supported thanks to options for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS (with M1/M2 Mac support), and Windows platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is router compatibility to protect the rest of your internet-capable devices. Up to six devices can concurrently connect on a single account.

Always-available customer support includes 24/7 chat, email support, and a searchable support library.

BEST VPN FOR AMSTERDAM:NordVPN is the best VPN for Amsterdam-based online users in search of reliable access to content around the globe, as well as quality digital security and privacy protection. The provider delivers fast connections for most device platforms. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a relatively new but quickly growing VPN provider. The service is an excellent VPN option for budget-minded users.

The provider boasts a fast-growing server network, with more than 3,200 servers in 100+ countries around the globe, including the Netherlands. The provider reliably accesses more than 30 Netflix libraries around the globe.

All Surfshark connections are protected with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, as well as an automatic kill switch and IPv6/DNS leak protection. The provider’s “MultiHop” server option routes a user’s internet connection through two VPN servers, doubling up on connection encryption and users’ anonymity.

A “no server connection logs ever” policy and a Bitcoin payment option team up to protect your privacy. Surfshark now runs all of its servers from RAM, writing no data to an actual hard drive, so all data is wiped when a server is rebooted or shut down. Surfshark says it reboots its servers on a regular basis.

Surfshark’s no-data-caps connections are certainly fast enough for any popular internet activity, be it video streaming, sharing and downloading large files, or playing fast-moving shooters.

Surfshark provides comprehensive app support, with Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and Amazon Fire native app options. (The company recently became one of the first VPNs to provide native M1/M2 Mac support.) Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is comprehensive router support.

The provider’s somewhat unusual unlimited concurrent connections policy will come in handy for small business owners or large families in need of VPN protection.

24/7 chat, a contact form, and a searchable support library provide excellent and always-available customer support.

GREAT FOR USERS ON A BUDGET:Surfshark is an excellent, low-priced VPN that offers above-average performance in most service categories. The service offers an unlimited concurrent connections policy, meaning all of your devices can be protected at once. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an admittedly expensive VPN service that is still worth considering, given its excellent return on investment.

The provider has 3,000+ servers stationed in 94+ countries, including the Netherlands. (The provider has servers in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. You’ll never know how hard it was to resist putting an “all the other dam places” line in there somewhere.) Those servers deliver reliable access to geo-blocked content in most parts of the globe.

All ExpressVPN connections are protected using government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch option, and IPv6 and DNS leak protection. A split-tunneling option allows users to select which apps should use the provider’s encrypted tunnel of protection.

ExpressVPN keeps no connection logs of any kind on its servers. Those servers use a “TrustedServer” technology that runs all server operations from RAM, never writing any data to a hard drive. This means all data is wiped from the server whenever it is restarted. You can also pay for your subscription using cryptocurrency.

ExpressVPN’s connection speeds were the best of any I tested recently, delivering plenty of speed for streaming video, sharing and downloading files, and playing online games. The provider never imposes data caps or throttles your connections.

App support is also a high point for the provider thanks to its app offerings for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS (with native Apple silicon support.), Chromebook, Linux, and Windows device platforms.

Brave, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Vivaldi browser extensions are also available, as is comprehensive router support. (The provider recently revamped its already excellent router firmware, offering an improved user interface.)

Up to five devices can connect at once using the same user account.

Around-the-clock customer support includes 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket system, and an easy-to-search knowledge base.

BEST VPN FOR AMSTERDAM:Dutch internet users who are willing to pay a bit more for their VPN protection will appreciate the online security and privacy protections that ExpressVPN offers. The provider offers high-speed servers around the globe. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

Rookie VPN users, as well as folks looking for an easy way to protect themselves online, will appreciate CyberGhost’s services.

This provider has some of the best global server coverage in the VPN industry. It has 9,000+ servers located in 90+ countries, including the Netherlands (all of the Dutch servers are stationed in Amsterdam). Many of those servers are optimized for file sharing and streaming video.

CyberGhost’s military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, IPv6/DNS leak prevention, and automatic kill switch do an excellent job of protecting your online travels from prying eyes. Ad and tracker blocking can be enabled, as can the ability to force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages when available.

A strict no-server-connection-logs policy and an ultra-private cryptocurrency subscription payment option team up to protect your privacy.

The VPN provider recently added some new tools to its security arsenal, including a password manager, antivirus protection, and a security updater that scans your device for apps that may be outdated and vulnerable to attacks. CyberGhost ID Guard alerts you in case your email address was included in a data breach.

CyberGhost’s connection speeds are some of the best of any provider on this list, delivering plenty of bandwidth for gaming, streaming, and sharing large files. Unlimited bandwidth and data are included with the subscription.

Easy-to-use app options from the provider include support for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows devices. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browsing, while the provider’s comprehensive router protection protects all of your other connected devices.

Up to seven devices can connect at once on the same account.

Customer support is always available thanks to CyberGhost’s 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support database.

BEST VPN FOR ROOKIE USERS:Users who are new to VPNs, or who are looking for powerful, yet easy-to-use VPN protection, will appreciate CyberGhost’s apps. The provider delivers fast, well-protected connections from an impressive global server network. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) boasts a global server network with 3,300+ servers based in the Netherlands and 83+ other countries. This allows the provider to offer access to geo-controlled content around most of the globe.

The VPN delivers well-protected connections, thanks to the provider’s use of government-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak prevention. PIA also blocks ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites.

All PIA servers are run free of user logs. Bitcoin is accepted here.

PIA offers apps for most popular devices, including Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions protect your browsing sessions. The provider is also compatible with select routers.

PIA recently dropped its connection limit, now allowing users to connect an unlimited number of devices to its servers at once.

The provider’s connection speeds are the next to slowest on this list. However, PIA connections deliver enough horsepower to handle popular online activities. No worries about having your online fun cut prematurely by daily or monthly data caps or bandwidth throttling to be found here.

PIA’s customer support options include live chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support database.

RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION FOR AMSTERDAM:Private Internet Access has a large global server network with servers located in 85+ countries. The provider protects an unlimited number of connected devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN’s global server network is the smallest server network on this list, as it has a mere 200+ servers located in 63+ countries. While this provider’s server network is small, it provides reliable access to geo-limited content in the countries where it has servers.

The provider is also a bit lacking when it comes to the connection speeds department, thanks to it having the slowest download speeds in this lineup. However, PrivateVPN’s connections deliver the bandwidth needed for popular online activities.

PrivateVPN offers excellent protection for its customers’ connections, as it uses banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and other protections. A handy “Stealth VPN” feature keeps your VPN traffic hidden as it disguises it as normal browser usage.

A strict no-server logs policy means that no records are ever kept of your online travels while connected to the PrivateVPN server network. The provider also accepts cryptocurrency as a subscription payment.

PrivateVPN’s app support is also limited, with apps only for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices. Linux devices and select routers can also use the provider, with just a little manual setup. The provider lacks any browser extensions.

Up to 10 simultaneous connections can be made to the provider’s server network.

PrivateVPN’s customer support options include live chat, a support request form, and an FAQ support area.

TINY BUT POWERFUL VPN:PrivateVPN has a small global server network, yet it provides reliable access to content wherever it has servers. The provider’s industry-standard protection also keeps your VPN usage hidden, thanks to the provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN boasts a decent-sized global server network that has 1,000+ servers in 49+ countries. The network does a good job of accessing geo-controlled content in the countries where it has servers.

The VPN provides super-fast connections that are never limited by daily or monthly data caps or bandwidth throttling.

Atlas VPN’s online security protection includes banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. Meanwhile, a handy “Safebrowse” feature blocks online dangers and ads.

All of the provider’s servers are run sans any type of user logs, protecting your online travels from being tracked. Cryptocurrency is accepted here.

Atlas VPN provides native app support for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV devices. The provider currently does not offer browser and router support, although both features are being developed.

The provider puts no limits on the number of devices you can connect at once to its servers.

Live support chat is a paying customers-only option. However, everyone can make use of email support, a contact form, and a support library.

UNLIMITED VPN CONNECTIONS:Atlas VPN provides fast, well-protected connections for as many devices as you can connect. The provider delivers access to content in multiple countries worldwide. “Safebrowse” offers extra protection online. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Amsterdam

You can’t just choose the first VPN you see when looking for a VPN to use while in Amsterdam. There are several factors that you should consider.

These are the most important considerations that I weighed when deciding upon which VPNs to recommend for use while living in or visiting Amsterdam:

• Speed: Connection speed is an important factor for any online activity, as no one likes to wait for long periods of time for their video to buffer or a website to load. All of the VPNs I include on my list scored highly in my most recent round of connection speed tests.
• Server network: Finding a VPN with an impressive global server network is important for gaining access to geo-blocked content around the globe. That’s why it’s critical to check where a VPN has servers stationed before subscribing to a provider. Also, having numerous servers in Amsterdam will likely mean faster speeds, as a single server shouldn’t be overloaded with users.
• Value: Never settle when choosing a VPN service. Carefully consider its cost in relation to the features and functionality it provides. I make sure every VPN I include on my lists offers excellent value and an extensive return on investment.
• Ease of use: It is not only important for a VPN to offer apps for the most popular device platforms (bonus points for offering apps for lesser-known platforms), the apps must be easy to use. Apps with logical UI design offer quick access to whatever and wherever you require. Each VPN I include on my list offers apps that offer ease of use.
• Security and privacy: A VPN should offer, at the least, banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. Strict no-logs policies are also important, as it ensures that the VPN isn’t saving records of your online activities.
• Streaming: Streaming is one of the most popular pastimes for many VPN users. That’s why streaming access is something I look for in every VPN I include on my list when applicable. Each VPN on my list offers reliable access to streaming sites such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other popular services.

Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.

Will a Free VPN Work in Amsterdam?

Sure, “free” VPN service is enticing. After all, “free” is everyone’s favorite price, right?

However, by taking a closer look at “free” VPNs, you’ll find that they have hidden costs.

Topping the list, you’ll find that “free” VPNs are missing a crucial piece from the “Virtual Private Network” experience. This is because many VPNs of this ilk make money by logging their users’ online activities, and then selling that information for a pretty penny to advertisers and other interested parties.

Free providers also make money by inserting unwanted tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browsing sessions. And, those cookies continue to track you even when you’re not connected to the VPN provider’s servers.

Free VPNs are also severely lacking in the convenience and performance arenas.

Free VPNs may force you to wait for a while until you’re allowed to connect to one of their free servers. Once you are given the green light to connect, you’ll find that you’re either automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choosing, or that only a few servers are available to choose from.

Once connected, you’ll most likely find that your internet speeds have dropped precipitously. Many no-charge VPN providers throttle their free users’ connections to preserve bandwidth for their paying customers. They also impose daily or monthly data caps on free VPN usage.

I don’t know about you, but I would avoid this at all costs. NordVPN and Surfshark offer their services at extremely reasonable prices, making them much better options.

What Does a VPN Do For Me?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is absolutely the best way to protect and enhance all of your online travels.

Plenty of third parties would love to track your online movements. Hackers are looking to steal as much information about you as they can, your ISP may be monitoring your activities so they can sell that info to advertisers, and the government, well, they are the government; they’re just naturally nosy.

A VPN encases your internet connection in a tunnel of impenetrable encrypted protection, keeping all of your online activities undercover and mostly untraceable.

VPNs are especially useful for those who frequent unprotected WiFi hotspots, such as those found in coffee shops, stores, airports and other public places. Most hotspots do not encrypt their wireless signal, making it easier to connect, but also making it easier for hackers to monitor other hotspot users’ activities. A VPN-encrypted connection prevents this.

A VPN also comes in handy in hiding your online activities from your ISP. I’m not referring to anything illegal, but ISPs have been caught in the past blocking or throttling your connection if they catch you engaging in streaming from certain services, sharing files (any files), or conducting any other “unapproved” activities.

A VPN can also make it appear as if you are connecting to the internet from another region of the globe. It does this by temporarily assigning your device a new IP address, located in another area of the world. This tricks content providers into allowing access to their geo-blocked content.

Conclusion

Amersterdamians (Amsterdamites? Amsterdamies?) and visitors to the Netherlands can easily protect and enhance their online activities by putting a reliable Virtual Private Network to work. NordVPN is my #1 choice for providing that protection.

NordVPN’s wide-ranging global server network provides speedy and well-protected connections that provide access to geo-blocked local content around the globe. The provider offers support for popular devices and offers local Dutch IP addresses, excellent router compatibility, and 24/7 customer support.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.

VPN in Amsterdam FAQs