Best VPN for San José in 2024? Speed & Privacy

Freedom House’s Freedom on the Net 2021 report awards an 87/100 rating to Costa Rica (0 = least free, 100 = most free). This is because Costa Rica has one of the most open online environments in the world.

However, San José-based online users all face the same online dangers and content blockades as users everywhere.

San José online users, while enjoying restriction-free access to the internet, are faced with danger from hackers monitoring their online travels. This is especially true for public WiFi hotspot users.

San José-based users also enjoy streaming video from services such as Netflix, but must deal with geo-controlled content policies, meaning they do not have access to all of the same content that viewers elsewhere around the globe enjoy.

Internet users who are looking to protect their online security and privacy, while also greatly expanding their access to content around the globe, will be pleased to discover a tool called a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, protecting your online travels from being monitored. In addition to encryption, which hides your online activities by encasing your connection in a virtual tunnel of sorts, a reliable VPN provides other security and privacy protections. More about that later.

A VPN also provides access to geo-controlled content by temporarily assigning a fresh IP address from another area of the world to your connected device. This opens up access to content that is normally reserved for that region’s residents.

Plus, if you’re looking for an online way to San José when you’re traveling or living abroad, you can use a provider’s Costa Rica-based servers to grab an IP address in the country. (Yes, I know the video I linked to is a song about a different San José, but if you’ve read any of my other articles, you know that I just had to do it.)

In this article, I’ll provide a close look at the 5 top VPN providers to use while in San José.

How to Use a VPN to Connect to San José

Connecting to Costa Rican VPN servers is just a matter of following a few simple steps.

1. Subscribe to a VPN provider (NordVPN is my top choice).
2. Download and install the VPN provider’s app(s) on your device(s).
3. Log into the VPN app.
4. Connect to a server in Costa Rica.
5. Enjoy your favorite Costa Rican content!

If you want to connect to content based in another country, in step 4, choose a server in a country outside of Costa Rica.

All VPNs on my list offer servers in Costa Rica.

Best VPNs for San José

These 5 top VPNs listed below all offer comprehensive VPN protection and enhancement for your internet connection in San José.

Here’s a quick TL;DR overview:

1. NordVPN: NordVPN is the top-ranked VPN provider for use in San José thanks to its large global server network, fast and well-protected connections, excellent access to geo-controlled content, and more.
2. Surfshark: Budget-minded users in search of comprehensive VPN protection at a bargain price will appreciate Surfshark. This low-priced provider’s impressive global server network delivers comprehensive protection for an unlimited number of devices at once.
3. ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is a reliable if admittedly expensive VPN that could be a valid choice for many users. The provider offers super-fast and well-protected connections for most popular devices, from an impressive global server network.
4. CyberGhost: CyberGhost is an excellent choice for rookie VPN users or for folks who simply want one-click access to a large global network of servers. One-click access to fast connections is a hallmark with this provider, as are its streaming- and downloading-optimized servers in numerous locations around the globe.
5. IPVanish: IPVanish’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance, as well as its proprietary global server network (which provides an additional layer of privacy), will make this provider’s service ideal for privacy-minded users with multiple devices to protect at the same time.

When selecting a VPN for San José, you should consider several different factors, including:

• Global server network coverage
• Level of security and privacy protections
• Connection speeds
• Native app support
• Customer support offerings

If you’re in San José or other parts of Costa Rica, I strongly advise you to protect and enhance your online activities with one of the following 5 VPN service providers.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is the #1 VPN provider for safe and expanded online use in San José and elsewhere.

The provider’s global server network boasts 5,100+ servers in 60 countries, Costa Rica included. The provider is well-known for offering reliable content access for many countries around the globe.

The provider’s connections are well-protected thanks to its use of banking-grade AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and malware, botnet and ad blocking.

Obfuscated servers help disguise your VPN connection, a Double VPN option routes your internet connection through a pair of VPN servers for doubled anonymity, and the provider owns and operates its entire global server network, keeping third-party contractors away from customers’ personal data.

A strict no-logs policy means no records of your online activities exist, while the provider’s Bitcoin payment option keeps your financial information private. The provider also runs all of its servers solely from RAM, never writing any data to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data is securely wiped when a server is rebooted.

NordVPN’s connection speeds are some of the fastest around, meaning it is an excellent choice for streaming HD or 4K video content, playing online games and sharing large files. You get unlimited bandwidth and data with your subscription.

NordVPN offers native app support for the iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Amazon Fire and Android TV device platforms. (M1 Mac owners will appreciate the provider’s native Apple Silicon support.) Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is support for numerous router makes and models.

Users can connect up to 6 devices to the provider’s servers at once on a single user account.

Customer support is an always-available situation, as the provider offers 24/7 live support chat, email support and a searchable support library.

BEST VPN FOR SAN JOSÉ:The top VPN for protecting and enhancing your internet activities in San José is NordVPN. The provider’s large global server network provides fast connections via apps for most popular devices. It offers 24/7 customer support, along with comprehensive online security and privacy protections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Internet users on a tight budget will appreciate Surfshark’s comprehensive online services, which are available at a bargain price.

Surfshark’s global server network falls somewhere in the middle when it comes to VPN server network size, with 3,200+ servers in 65+ countries, including Costa Rica. The provider offers access to 30+ Netflix libraries in other countries.

The provider protects its users’ connections with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, malware and phishing protections, and ad and tracker blocking. Surfshark’s “MultiHop” feature uses two VPN server locations to double up on encryption and anonymity.

Surfshark’s strict no-logs policy and Bitcoin payment option keep everything on the downlow on the privacy end of things.

The provider’s connection speeds are blazingly-fast, easily handling fast-moving gaming, HD streaming services, file sharing and other popular online activities. Never a data cap and no bandwidth throttling here.

Native app support includes apps for the Windows, Linux, macOS (native Apple Silicon support), iOS, Android, Amazon Fire and Android TV device platforms. Firefox and Chrome browser extensions are available, as is excellent router support.

Surfshark puts no limit on the number of devices you can simultaneously connect to their servers, meaning users can protect all of their devices (and more) without worrying about bumping up against a limitation.

Always-available live support chat, email support, a “Contact Us” form and a searchable support database add up to 24/7 customer support.

BEST VPN FOR BUDGET-MINDED USERS:Surfshark’s top-notch VPN protection is available at a rock-bottom price. The provider puts no limit on simultaneous connections, while delivering fast and well-protected connections for most popular device platforms. There are thorough protections for your privacy and security. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN delivers premium VPN services, although be prepared to pay a premium price.

The provider has an impressive global server network, as it has 3,000+ servers in 90+ countries (including Costa Rica). The provider’s global network delivers access to geo-controlled content around the globe.

ExpressVPN’s top-notch online security protection includes government-grade AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak prevention. The provider’s proprietary “Lightway” protocol is designed for increased performance while also providing improved security.

A no-server-logs-ever policy and a Bitcoin payment option keep your privacy protected, along with ExpressVPN’s custom TrustedServer technology, which runs all server operations from RAM, with no information ever being written to the hard drive. That means that all data is completely wiped whenever the server is restarted.

ExpressVPN keeps your connection fast (as long as you have a fast connection to begin with), providing more than enough bandwidth for buffer-free streaming in high definition, gaming and torrenting. No data caps and no bandwidth throttling to worry about here.

The provider’s app support includes offerings for numerous devices, including Android, Linux, iOS, Windows, macOS, Android TV, Amazon Fire and ChromeOS. Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider also offers recently-updated router support.

A somewhat-lacking 5 devices can simultaneously connect to the provider’s servers using a single set of login credentials.

Around-the-clock customer support includes 24/7 live chat support, as well as email support, a trouble ticket system and a searchable support library.

FLEXIBLE, RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION:ExpressVPN provides premium VPN service for a premium price. The provider performs quite well in all VPN categories, including the connection speeds, app support, customer support and global server network arenas. It’s a great choice for protecting all of your online antics. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost offers an excellent VPN option for rookie VPN users and those in search of quick and easy VPN protection.

CyberGhost boasts a massive global server network, with 7,000+ servers in more than 90 countries. This is the largest server network in sheer raw numbers on this list. Costa Rican servers are available. Access to streaming- and downloading-optimized servers is available.

CyberGhost’s security protections are made up of banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill switch protection, DNS/IP leak prevention, and malicious website and ad blocking. You can set the provider to force websites to serve up secure versions of their web pages.

You can make subscription payments using Bitcoin, and the provider never saves any logs of your online activities.

CyberGhost connections are fast, and they can easily handle HD and 4K streaming, gaming and file sharing. You’ll get unlimited bandwidth and data with your subscription.

CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps provide one-click online protection for the Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV and Amazon Fire device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions make an appearance, as does support for numerous router makes and models.

Up to 7 devices can be simultaneously connected to the provider’s servers on a single account.

CyberGhost offers around-the-clock live support chat, a trouble ticket submission system and an easy-to-search support library.

BEST FOR ROOKIE VPN USERS:Novice VPN users should take a close look at CyberGhost. Easy-to-use apps provide one-click access to high-speed servers around the world, including streaming- and downloading-optimized servers. Strong encryption and privacy protections protect your connection. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

If you’re looking for total privacy for your multiple devices, you’ll likely appreciate IPVanish’s offerings.

IPVanish has 1,500+ servers in 54+ countries (Costa Rica included). While that is the smallest server total on this list, the provider’s coverage should prove to be adequate for many users’ needs. The provider owns and operates its entire global server network, keeping third-party contractors’ paws off of your personal information.

Government-grade encryption and an automatic kill switch keep your online activities incognito. The provider’s proprietary “scramble” feature makes your VPN traffic appear to be normal browser traffic.

IPVanish follows a strict no-server-logs policy. Unfortunately, no Bitcoin payment option is available, which will be disappointing to some.

IPVanish’s fast download speeds make it easy to stream HD video, play online games, and share large files and documents.

IPVanish delivers app support for the macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, ChromeOS and Amazon Fire device platforms. Manual setup instructions are available for Raspberry Pi and Linux devices. IPVanish offers router support, but no browser extensions are available.

IPVanish’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy makes the provider an excellent option for family and small business use. The policy allows you to simultaneously connect as many devices as required on just one account.

Customer support is an around-the-clock prospect thanks to IPVanish’s 24/7 live support chat, FAQ library and searchable support database.

UNLIMITED PRIVATE CONNECTIONS:Family and small business users with multiple devices to protect at once will appreciate IPVanish’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance. The provider’s proprietary global server network keeps third-party contractors away from your personal data. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of IPVanish.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for San José

Even though San José residents and visitors enjoy a free online experience, they still face the same dangers and restrictions that internet users anywhere also face. This means there are several factors that you should consider before deciding on a VPN service.

These are the features that I researched when considering any VPN for use while in San José:

• Connection Speed: Faster connection speeds make for more enjoyable online experiences. This makes it important to find a VPN provider that slows your connection as little as possible. (All VPNs slow your speeds at least a little bit.) The VPNs included on my list all slow your connection speeds as little as possible.
• Server Network: The larger your VPN’s global server network is, the better your access to geo-controlled content around the globe. Plus, having multiple servers in a single country decreases the chances that an individual server will be hit with too many users at once, improving server performance.
• Value: Always search for a VPN that will give you much in return for your hard-earned money. All VPNs on my list provide a great return on investment.
• Ease of Use: Easy-to-use apps for popular device platforms should be available from any provider that you’re considering. The providers on my list offer powerful yet easy-to-use apps for popular device platforms.
• Security and Privacy: At the very least, your VPN should protect its users’ connections using government-grade encryption, a kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. Any extra protections are a bonus. A strict no-logs policy is also a must-have feature. Proprietary server networks offer an added layer of privacy.
• Streaming: Streaming is arguably one of the top popular pastimes for VPN users. The VPNs I include on my list provide reliable access to a large number of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video and others.

Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.

Can I Use a Free VPN in San José?

Yes, you absolutely can find a free VPN that will work from inside of San José, but you will also be dissatisfied with the experience, and you will absolutely put your privacy at risk.

First off, free VPNs are not convenient to use.

Some “free” VPN providers will require you to cool your virtual heels in a queue until you’re allowed to connect to their servers. Once you’re finally allowed to connect, you’ll either have a severely limited selection of servers to choose from, or the VPN will automatically connect you to a server of its choice.

Either way, you may not end up connected to a server in the country you were looking for.

Once you’ve grabbed a connection, you’ll probably find that your free VPN has heavily throttled your connection speeds. Plus, the free VPN will limit your online activities with a daily or monthly data cap. (VPNs want to preserve their bandwidth and data usage for paying customers.)

Now for the privacy risk part of things.

Basically, the “private” portion of “Virtual Private Network” is missing when you use a free VPN provider.

You see, many free VPNs pay their bills by tracking their users’ online activities, then selling that valuable information to advertisers and others that are willing to pay for it.

Plus, some free VPNs have been caught inserting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browsing sessions. (Tracking cookies will track you, even when you’re not connected to the VPN network.)

It’s your choice, but please make an informed decision. Don’t take a chance on a free VPN provider. They’re just not the “deal” that they seem to be. NordVPN and Surfshark offer their services at a bargain price and don’t pose any of these issues.

What Else Can A VPN Do For Me?

A reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides top-notch protection and enhancement for your online travels.

A VPN temporarily assigns a new IP address to your internet-connected device. Since an IP address can be used to determine your geographical location, a new IP from another country provides access to content that is usually limited to that country.

This means you’ll have access to streaming video and music content, gaming servers, financial services and other content that is usually unavailable from your real location.

A VPN’s encrypted protection keeps prying eyes from monitoring your online activities. This prevents the government, your ISP or black hat hackers from monitoring your online travels.

A VPN’s encryption protects you when you’re connected to a public WiFi hotspot in a hotel, a coffee shop or other public locations. Most hotspots lack encryption, meaning that all of your online activities are possibly being monitored. That means a hacker could steal information while you’re shopping, paying bills or banking online.

An encrypted internet connection also prevents your ISP from monitoring your online travels. This prevents the ISP from logging your activities so they can sell the information to advertisers or give it to the government.

Encryption also prevents the ISP from throttling or blocking your connection simply because you’re engaging in what the ISP defines as “unapproved” activities, like streaming from certain sources or sharing files via P2P.

Conclusion

NordVPN is the top VPN option to protect your San José-based internet activities from being monitored, while also opening up access to online content based around the world.

NordVPN’s impressive global server network provides fast connections that are protected by optimal online security and privacy. The VPN also provides access to geo-controlled content in countries around the globe. The provider boasts excellent app support, as well as top-notch customer support.

For more information or to subscribe, visit the NordVPN website.

VPN for San José FAQs