At a Glance

The El Salvadoran government does not place restrictions on the internet. However, internet users there do face the usual dangers and restrictions faced by online users around the world. Plus, fake news campaigns are fomented by key government officials, with the cooperation of online media outlets.

In 2022, a report published by multiple human rights and research groups revealed that devices used by at least 35 Salvadoran journalists had been infected with Pegasus spyware in 2020 and 2021, allegedly by the Salvadoran government.

How Can a VPN Protect Me In El Salvador?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides several security and privacy protections, while also ensuring you have access to content around the globe that would normally be unavailable.

First of all, and most importantly, a VPN encrypts your internet connection. Just like a physical tunnel, an encrypted tunnel prevents anyone from monitoring or tracking the traffic that passes through the encrypted tunnel. Quality VPNs do not log their users’ online travels, meaning there is no evidence to be had in relation to your internet usage.

A VPN also has the ability to temporarily assign a fresh IP address to your connected device. This provides two benefits. First off, if you have a temporary IP address, no one can trace your online activities back to your ISP-assigned IP address. Plus, if you select a VPN server located in another country, that fresh IP address will make it appear as if you are connecting from inside of that country, providing access to geographically controlled content that is normally only available to users located there.

In this article, I’ll tell you about the six best VPNs for use while visiting or residing in El Salvador. I will also discuss the protections and advantages offered by each VPN.

WANT TO TRY A TOP VPN FOR EL SALVADOR RISK-FREE?: The top-notch VPN providers on this list all offer money-back guarantee periods ranging from 30 to 45 days. If you subscribe to a VPN provider and then find that it doesn’t quite fit your needs, you can simply contact the VPN’s customer support department to request a refund anytime during the money-back guarantee period.

Best VPNs for El Salvador

I have tested several VPNs and have determined that the six VPN providers in this article are the best to provide online protection in El Salvador.

In case you’re in a hurry, here is a TL;DR version of my top VPNs list. Full reviews are available a bit farther down in the article.

The best VPNs for El Salvador:

1. NordVPN: Top VPN provider for El Salvador. NordVPN tops this list, thanks to its impressive global server network, fast connections, excellent app support, and top-notch security and privacy protection. The provider offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN option for El Salvador. Surfshark is my pick for the best budget-priced VPN provider. The provider offers unlimited simultaneous connections, fast connections, comprehensive online protection, and excellent app support, all for a budget-friendly price.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN protection for El Salvador. ExpressVPN is admittedly expensive. However, the provider is worth it, thanks to its top-notch internet protection and enhancement, impressive global server network, and high-speed, encrypted connections.
4. CyberGhost: Excellent option for first-time VPN users. CyberGhost offers intuitive apps, all of which offer one-click access to servers and protection. CyberGhost offers 45 days to try out their service, the longest trial period on this list.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN for El Salvador. El Salvadoran internet users will appreciate PIA’s comprehensive online security and privacy, as well as its connections to content located in several other countries.
6. PrivateVPN: Mighty-mite VPN provider. PrivateVPN admittedly has the smallest number of servers on this list. However, the provider offers comprehensive online security and privacy protections.

When researching which VPN providers work best in El Salvador, I weighed the following features:

• Global server coverage
• Online privacy and security protections
• Download speeds
• Customer support
• Native app support

You can find out more information about the criteria I used in the testing methodology section found later in this article.

These are my top VPN service providers for El Salvador.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2025

NordVPN is my most recommended VPN provider for residents and visitors of El Salvador.

The provider has a large global server network, with 6,000+ servers stationed in 60+ countries, providing reliable access to geo-fenced content around a good portion of the globe.

NordVPN keeps its customers’ online travels undercover by using government-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. The provider offers additional online safety, thanks to its malware and ad blocking features.

It also offers obfuscated server connections that hide your VPN usage. Plus, a Double VPN feature offers added anonymity and encryption by routing your connection through a pair of VPN servers.

NordVPN servers do not save user logs, and it also accepts Bitcoin to protect your payment information.

The provider’s owned-and-operated servers keep outside contractors away from its customer data. Plus, all NordVPN servers are run solely from RAM, with no data ever being saved to a physical storage device. This ensures that all data is completely wiped from the servers every time they are rebooted or powered down.

NordVPN’s connections are fast, fast enough to stream video, play games, and quickly share files. The provider never throttles your connection or imposes daily or monthly data caps.

The provider offers apps for iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, ChromeOS, Apple TV (running tvOS 17 or later), and Android TV devices. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browsing, and the provider is also compatible with several routers.

Customers are allowed to simultaneously connect more than six devices to NordVPN servers.

The VPN provider’s customer support options include around-the-clock live chat, email, and a searchable support library.

NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

”THE:”NordVPN

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a great pick for internet users on a tight budget but in search of top-notch VPN protections. The provider delivers champagne services for users with a beer bottle pocket.

Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers based in 100+ countries, providing reliable access to geo-fenced content around the globe.

Your online anonymity is protected with banking-level encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. Ad and tracker blocking, as well as malware and phishing protections provide all-around security. The provider’s “MultiHop” option doubles up on your protection and anonymity.

Surfshark accepts cryptocurrency as payment, and the provider never records logs of your online activities, protecting your privacy all around. All Surfshark servers are run 100% from RAM, ensuring that all data is automatically wiped when a server is rebooted or shut down.

Surfshark provides plenty of unthrottled bandwidth, ensuring you’ll have an enjoyable online experience. The provider never imposes data usage.

The provider’s native app support options includes apps for macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Android TV devices. Also available are Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions. The provider is also compatible with select routers.

Surfshark has an unlimited concurrent connections allowance, which means you can connect as many of your internet-capable devices as you’d like to the provider’s servers.

Surfshark’s 24/7 support includes live chat, a searchable support library, and a contact form. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR EL SALVADOR:Surfshark’s fast connections are well-protected by military-level encryption. The provider allows unlimited concurrent connections, support for popular connected devices, and fine customer support. Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN provider with a premium price. That said, the provider delivers good VPN value.

The provider’s large global server network includes 3,000+ servers stationed in over 100 countries around the globe. The network provides reliable access to geo-blocked content worldwide.

All ExpressVPN-provided connections are protected by government-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and kill switch protection. The provider accepts Bitcoin and also follows a strict no-server-logs policy.

The provider uses its proprietary “TrustedServer” technology to run its servers solely from RAM, writing no data whatsoever to a permanent storage device. This ensures that all information is completely wiped upon every server reboot or shutdown.

ExpressVPN’s fast connections provide plenty of horsepower for streaming, gaming, and file sharing. There are no data caps or bandwidth restrictions to worry about when using this provider.

ExpressVPN’s app support includes options for macOS, Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, Apple TV (iOS 17 or later), Android TV, Amazon Fire, and ChromeOS platforms. Browser extensions for Brave, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge are also available. The provider offers excellent support for select routers, including customized firmware for some models.

Up to eight simultaneous connections can be made to the provider’s servers on a single account.

ExpressVPN’s customer support options include 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

You can try ExpressVPN’s service without risk for 30 days.

PREMIUM VPN FOR EL SALVADOR:ExpressVPN’s services admittedly come at the highest price on this list. However, the provider’s fast connections, reliable access to content around the globe, and support for popular connected devices all offer good value for the money. The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost provides intuitive apps for most popular devices, making it an ideal VPN option for first-time VPN users.

CyberGhost’s server network is quite large, with 11,500+ servers in 99+ countries. You’ll find plenty of streaming-, gaming-, and downloading-optimized servers around the globe.

All of the provider’s connections are well-secured with military-grade encryption and IP/DNS leak protection. Ad and malware blocking are also available, as is the ability to force websites to show secure versions of their web pages if available.

The provider’s servers are all run user logs-free, meaning there are no records of your internet travels. Pay with Bitcoin if you want to help keep your payment information private.

CyberGhost provides fast connection speeds, making it an excellent choice for watching video streaming content in 4K, playing online shooters, and sharing files (the provider offers servers optimized for all three online pastimes). CyberGhost never inflicts data caps or bandwidth limitations on your VPN usage.

CyberGhost offers easy-to-use apps for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, and Android TV device platforms. The provider is compatible with select routers.

Customers can concurrently connect up to seven devices to the provider’s servers.

CyberGhost also offers free Chrome and Firefox browser extensions that offer connections to eight servers in four countries, providing less access to geo-controlled content than when using the full-blown app. The browser extensions also only encrypt your browser-based activities.

This VPN’s customer support options include 24/7 live chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee for one-year or two-year subscriptions and a 14-day money-back guarantee period for one-month subscriptions.

BEST VPN FOR FIRST-TIME USERS:CyberGhost’s intuitive apps make it an alluring option for first-time VPN users. The provider has several gaming-, streaming-, and downloading-optimized servers in locations around the globe. The VPN provides comprehensive online security and privacy. CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee for its six-month and two-year subscription lengths.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is well-known for providing top-notch online protection for most popular connected devices.

The provider’s global server network boasts 3,300+ servers located in more than 90 countries. This provides reliable access to geo-fenced content around much of the globe.

PIA protects its customers’ internet connections with government-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. The provider also offers ad, tracker, malware, and dangerous website blocking.

Its servers are run free of user logs, so there are no embarrassing records kept of your online antics. A handy Bitcoin subscription payment option keeps your payment information undercover.

All PIA servers are run 100% from RAM, with no data being written to a hard drive or SSD, ever. Data is automatically and completely wiped from a PIA server whenever it is rebooted or powered off.

PIA’s connection speeds may be the second-slowest on this list of six but its connections are up to handling most popular online activities (as long as your usual connection speeds are up to it). Data caps or bandwidth throttling are nowhere to be found when using this VPN.

The provider’s native app support offerings include options for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux devices. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, and the provider is compatible with select routers.

PIA puts no limit on the number of devices that users can simultaneously connect to its server network.

Its several support options include live chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

PIA offers a 30-day no-risk money-back guarantee.

 comprehensive online security and privacy, keeping El Salvadorans’ online activities undercover. The VPN provides reliable access to geo-controlled content in 90+ countries around the globe. Customers can simultaneously protect an unlimited number of connected devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has the lowest server numbers on this list. However, the provider has done a good job in locating its limited server resources.

PrivateVPN has a mere 200+ servers in its global server network. However, those servers are well distributed among more than 63 countries, providing reliable access to geo-controlled content.

The provider scores the lowest connection speed numbers on this list. Even so, the provider can handle your favorite online activities. Plus, PrivateVPN never ruins a good time by imposing data caps or by throttling your bandwidth.

All PrivateVPN-provided connections are protected by government-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and other protective features. The provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature hides its users’ VPN activity by disguising it as normal browser traffic.

The provider follows a strict no server logs policy, meaning there are never any records of your online activities. A cryptocurrency payment option keeps your payment information private.

PrivateVPN’s native app support includes offerings for Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows devices. While browser extensions are currently unavailable, the provider is compatible with select routers.

Users can connect up to 10 devices at once to the PrivateVPN server network.

PrivateVPN support offerings feature agent chat, a support request form, and an FAQ page.

PrivateVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

UNDERCOVER VPN PROTECTION:While PrivateVPNs’ server count is rather small, the servers are well-spread among more than 63 countries. The provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature disguises your VPN usage as normal browser traffic. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

Methodology for Assessing VPNs for El Salvador

El Salvadoran internet users face the usual dangers and restrictions faced by internet users everywhere. Plus, journalists and bloggers are sometimes targeted for mischief. This makes a VPN an important tool in your online toolbelt.

Below are just some of the features I researched when creating this list of VPNs for use while visiting or living in El Salvador.

• Connection speeds: The faster your internet connection is, the more enjoyable your online experience will be. The VPNs I include on my list are up to handling any popular online activity.
• Server network: A VPN’s server network should have servers stationed in as many countries as possible. Also, look for providers with multiple servers in each country, as that helps prevent any single server from being overloader by too many connections at once.
• Value: A VPN provider’s true value can best be calculated by comparing its asking price to the services it offers. The VPNs I included on this list all offer an excellent return on investment.
• Ease of use: A VPN should offer easy-to-use apps for as many connected devices as possible. The VPNs on this list offer apps for many popular devices.
• Security and privacy: A VPN should protect your connection with banking-level encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak prevention. A no-user-logs-ever policy is also a must. The VPNs I recommend offer all of these protective measures and more.
• Streaming: Streaming is a popular online activity for many internet users. 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.

This list includes just some of the features I investigate as part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. My data-driven approach provides a better understanding of each VPN provider and its services, allowing me to recommend only VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.

How to Use a VPN for El Salvador

It’s easy to use a VPN to protect and enhance your internet activities while inside El Salvador. It requires only a few simple steps.

5 steps to use a VPN in El Salvador:

1. Subscribe to a VPN provider (NordVPN is my top pick).
2. Install the provider’s app(s) onto your device(s).
3. Log into the VPN.
4. Select a VPN server located anywhere if you’re looking to keep your online activities undercover, or select a server located in another country to gain access to geo-fenced content located in that country.

Enjoy your newly protected and enhanced internet access!

Is a Free VPN a Good Option for El Salvador?

I simply will not recommend using a “free” VPN for several reasons.

First of all, some free VPNs require their users to sit in a virtual waiting room until they’re allowed to connect. Once you are finally given the go-ahead, you’ll likely find you have only a few server locations to choose from, and that’s if you’re not automatically connected to a server of the VPN’s choosing.

Your connection speeds will slow considerably, as free VPN service providers often impose daily or monthly data caps on your VPN usage, while also severely throttling connection speeds.

Free VPNs also put your privacy at risk, making money by logging your online activities and selling that information to the highest nosy bidder (or turning those logs over to the government if ordered). Some of these “free” VPN providers have been caught inserting ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browsing sessions.

As you can see, free VPNs are just not worth trying.

El Salvador VPN FAQs

Are VPNs Legal to Use in El Salvador?

Even though the El Salvadoran government is known to monitor postings on websites and social media sites, VPNs are legal in the country, allowing El Salvadorans to keep their online activities undercover.

What Are Some Popular Geo-Restricted Platforms in El Salvador?

Popular geo-restricted platforms usually only available to El Salvadorans include streaming services like the El Salvadoran versions of Netflix, Viki TV, Paramount+, and more. Also, some El Salvadoran government websites, as well as online banking services may only be accessible with an El Salvadoran IP address.

Conclusion

El Salvadoran internet users should always take advantage of the online protection and enhancement offered by a quality VPN service, like NordVPN.

NordVPN is my top VPN for El Salvador and anywhere else, thanks to the provider’s fast and well-encrypted connections, comprehensive 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.