Switzerland’s population enjoys a large amount of internet freedom. This country has some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. Freedom House gave the country a 2020 Freedom in the World score of 96/100 (0 = least free, 100 = most free).
There are currently no government restrictions on citizen access to the web, and the government doesn’t appear to be monitoring email or internet chat rooms without the correct legal authorization.
In 2015, Swiss police were granted new snooping powers, expanding them to cover all forms of communications, which includes email, text messages and IP addresses. ISPs in Switzerland are required to retain user logs and billing data for a period of 12 months.
Swiss users can knowingly download pirated audio or video content from a foreign website without worrying about prosecution.
Amazon Prime Video & Netflix are available in Switzerland. However, the content available from the Swiss flavor of Netflix is different from that which is available in other countries. Some other streaming services restrict their access to viewers located in the service’s home country.
Swiss users need not worry about having their online travels monitored or recorded, or having their online entertainment options limited. A VPN provides both comprehensive connection protection and reliable access to geo-blocked local servers and websites from around the planet.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at the top 5 VPN services that work best for all of your online activities both, inside and outside of Switzerland.
How to Use a VPN To Protect Your Swiss Online Activities
To use a VPN from inside Switzerland, do the following:
- Subscribe to a VPN provider. (NordVPN is my #1 option.)
- Install the provider’s app(s) on your device(s).
- Log into the VPN service.
- Select a VPN server outside of Switzerland to gain access to content in other countries, or connect to a Swiss server if you are just looking to protect your online activities or if you are outside of Swiss borders and are looking to access content from inside the country.
- Enjoy your new online anonymity!
Best VPNs for Use in Switzerland
These 5 top VPN service providers provide the best VPN services for Swiss internet users. TL;DR version:
- NordVPN: This VPN provider has been a leader in the industry for years. It provides reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe via speedy, well-protected connections from a multitude of apps for different devices.
- Surfshark: This is the budget-priced option on this list of 5 thanks to its low-priced multi-year subscription plans. The provider offers top-notch connection protection, above-average connection speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections.
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN shines when it comes to its global server network, which covers most of the globe. That, combined with its fast speeds and ability to unblock all sorts of content, makes it a top-notch provider for streaming and gaming.
- CyberGhost: Novice VPN users, or users who are simply looking for an easy-to-use yet powerful VPN service, will do well to take a closer look at CyberGhost. The provider’s apps offer quick access to an extensive global server network that grants access to global content.
- IPVanish: This provider offers an extra bit of online privacy that’s not available from other VPNs on this list. IPVanish’s self-owned and -operated global server network keeps third-party contractors away from your personal information.
I ranked the providers on this list by the following factors:
- Global server coverage (including Swiss servers)
- User privacy and security protections
- Download speeds
- App support
- Customer support
The 5 best VPN service providers for use inside of Switzerland are:
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is the #1 provider when it comes to VPN protection for your Swiss online activities.
The provider certainly doesn’t cut any corners in its global server coverage, as it has over 5,500 servers stationed in Switzerland and over 58 other countries.
Those servers all provide well-protected connections, using bank-grade encryption, an internet kill switch, and IPv6 and DNS leak protection. Malware and ad blocking are also available.
Your privacy is also well protected thanks to NordVPN’s strict no-logs policy and acceptance of cryptocurrency in return for their services.
NordVPN’s connection speeds are the fastest on this list. Whether you enjoy streaming HD or 4K movies, playing video games online or sharing files, NordVPN can easily handle it. Plus, there are no user data caps to worry about with this provider.
There’s a good likelihood that no matter which device you use, NordVPN has an app for it. Apps are available for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows device platforms.
Chrome and Firefox browser extensions also make the scene, while comprehensive router protection ensures the rest of your connected devices are protected. Up to 6 devices can concurrently connect on a single set of login credentials.
24/7 support chat, email support and a searchable support library all add up to always-on customer support.
Pros:
- Servers in Switzerland and 58+ other countries
- Blazingly fast speeds
- Excellent multi-platform app support
- Lower-priced annual subscriptions
- Comprehensive privacy and security features
Cons:
- Apps could be more user-friendly
BEST VPN FOR SWITZERLAND:NordVPN is the best choice for Swiss internet users, who will appreciate the provider’s optimal online protection, comprehensive app support and top-notch server network that provides full access to geo-blocked local content around the globe. A 30-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
If you’re looking for comprehensive VPN protection that won’t break the bank, you’ll want to take a closer look at Surfshark.
The provider’s global server network continues to grow, with over 3,200 servers in 65+ countries (including Switzerland) at last count. That’s a large increase from their server numbers this time last year.
All Surfshark-provided connections are protected using banking-grade encryption, as well as an internet kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. The provider’s “Multi-Hop” option routes your connection through two VPN servers, providing double encryption and anonymity.
Surfshark accepts Bitcoin as payment and never saves any logs on their servers.
Those servers provide fast connections to all of your favorite online content and can easily handle HD video streams, online gaming, and sharing and downloading large files. No daily or monthly data caps spoil the online fun.
The provider’s app selection includes options for the Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows and Amazon Fire device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions also make an appearance, as does extensive router support.
An unlimited concurrent connections allowance means this provider is a great choice for small businesses, large families or anyone else who has a need for multi-device protection.
You’ll never go without support thanks to 24/7 support chat, a contact form and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Budget-priced subscriptions
- “Multi-Hop” Double VPN protection for added anonymity
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Fast download speeds
Cons:
- Apps could use more advanced options
BEST VPN FOR BUDGET:Surfshark is worthy of investigation by budget-minded internet traffic users who are looking for excellent online protection that won’t drain the last Franc from their checking account. The provider’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance is a particular draw. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN‘s excellent global server coverage, comprehensive multi-platform support and fast connection speeds make it a great option for users who love to stream and game.
The provider’s global server network of 3,000+ servers stationed in around 94 countries, including Switzerland, provides access to geo-blocked content in most of the free world.
Your online activities are well-protected from monitoring thanks to military-grade encryption, an internet kill switch option, and IPv6 and DNS leak prevention. Plus, the provider’s split-tunneling feature allows you to select which apps will use the provider’s encrypted connection protection.
Privacy policy is also a no-worry situation, thanks to the provider’s strict no-server-logs policy, as well as its super-private Bitcoin subscription payment option.
ExpressVPN’s internet connections deliver speeds well above the required speeds for 4K streaming experience, online gaming and efficiently sharing large files. (Depending on your usual connection speeds, of course.) No worries about getting caught short, as ExpressVPN never inflicts data caps with it’s unlimited bandwidth policy.
Supported device platforms include Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Chromebook, Linux and Windows.
You can use the provider’s Chrome and Firefox browser extensions to protect your in-browser sessions, and comprehensive router support protects all of your other connected devices. Up to 5 devices can connect at once on a single set of login credentials.
Providing the best service with 24/7 customer support includes always-available live support chat, email support, a trouble ticket system and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Excellent global server coverage
- Reliable geo-blocked content access
- Top-notch privacy and optimal security features
- Support for most popular devices
Cons:
- More expensive than many competitors
- Simultaneous connections allotment a bit low
STREAMING:ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for streaming and gaming lovers because of the fast speeds that its multitude of apps offer, as well as its massive global server network. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
Newbie online users or users looking for top-notch VPN protection without many buttons to push and switches to set will appreciate CyberGhost.
CyberGhost’s global server network is one of the best around, with over 6,700 servers based in 89+ countries, including Switzerland. A large number of those servers are optimized for streaming content services and file sharing.
All of your online activities are well protected when you connect to a CyberGhost VPN server thanks to the provider’s use of government-level encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, an internet kill switch, and even blocking of ads and trackers in your browser. In addition, you can enable an option that forces websites to only display HTTPS versions of their pages, if available.
On the privacy end of things, the provider follows a strict no-server-logs policy and happily accepts the uber-private Bitcoin as subscription payment.
You likely won’t notice a big slowdown in your connection speeds when using CyberGhost, as it easily provides enough power for HD and 4K streaming, online gaming and file sharing. Don’t worry about how much bandwidth you use, either, as the provider has no user data caps of any kind.
The provider’s selection of easy-to-use apps includes offerings for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux and Windows device platforms.
Chrome and Firefox browser extensions for your browser-related activities are also available, as is extensive router protection for all your devices. Up to 7 devices can connect at the same time using the same account.
Always-available customer support includes 24/7 live support chat, email support, a trouble ticket system and a searchable support database.
Pros:
- Comprehensive global server network
- Speedy connections
- Easy-to-use, yet powerful apps
- Optimized servers for streaming content and file sharing
Cons:
- Advanced users might find option selection lacking
- Can’t unblock all streaming services
BEST VPN FOR NEW USERS:Inexperienced internet users will appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use, yet powerful app lineup. The provider offers excellent performance in every service category, without requiring users to flip a load of switches or press a lot of buttons. A 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. IPVanish
IPVanish will be an attractive option to many online travelers thanks to the extra layer of privacy it offers to its customers.
The provider has a global network of 1,400 self-owned and -operated servers spread among Switzerland and 57+ countries. Owning and operating all of its servers means IPVanish keeps third parties away from your personal information, providing an additional layer of privacy protection.
IPVanish connections are all protected by government-level encryption, an internet kill switch, an auto-reconnect feature, and a proprietary “scramble” feature that hides your VPN activity by disguising it as web browsing online activity.
Although IPVanish doesn’t offer a cryptocurrency payment option, it does follow a strict no-server-logs-ever policy.
IPVanish connection speeds measure in at above average, provisioning plenty of speeds for video streaming, fast-moving online games, and sharing and downloading large files. No user data caps to spoil the fun here.
IPVanish app support has the popular platforms covered, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS and Amazon Fire devices. Setup instructions for Linux and Windows Phone devices are available from the provider’s website.
However, there are no browser extensions available, although router support is available. An unlimited number of devices can connect at once on a single set of login credentials.
24/7 customer support chat, a searchable support database and email support are included in the provider’s always-available customer support.
Pros:
- Plenty of server locations
- Proprietary global server network
- Unlimited devices can connect at once
Cons:
- No Chrome or Firefox browser extensions
- Short-term subscription options are expensive
EXTRA LAYER OF PRIVACY:IPVanish offers an extra layer of user privacy that no other VPN on this list can thanks to its totally self-owned and -operated server network. It also scores well in most service categories, especially because of its unlimited simultaneous connections allowance. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of IPVanish.
Will a Free VPN Services Work in Switzerland?
While you can indeed find a free VPN that will work from inside of Switzerland, I’m willing to bet that you’ll be less than satisfied with the experience.
First off, the “private” part of “Virtual Private Network” is sorely lacking when using a free VPN.
Many free VPN providers keep their lights on and servers humming by tracking their users’ online activities and then selling the information they collect to advertisers and other folks who are willing to pay to take a peek at that info.
Other no-cost VPNs have been caught inserting unwanted tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browsing sessions. (Those cookies stick around, even after you’ve disconnected from the provider’s servers.)
Convenience is also sorely lacking when using a freebie VPN service. When you connect to freebie VPN, you may find yourself cooling your virtual heels until you’re allowed to connect. Then, once you’re given the green flag, you’ll likely find that your VPN server selection is limited at best, and that’s if you’re not automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choosing.
You’ll also likely be disappointed with a free VPN’s performance.
Once you’re finally connected to a free VPN, you may find that your connection speeds are much slower. Free VPNs are known for throttling their users’ bandwidth, as they want to preserve most of their bandwidth for paying customers. You’ll also find that most no-pay VPNs will restrict your usage with daily or monthly data caps.
I don’t know about you, but none of the above sounds alluring to me. I’d rather spend a few bucks a month for paid VPN protection that has none of the above limitations.
What Does a VPN Do For Me?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the best tool available for protecting and enhancing all of your online activities.
Under the protection column, you’ll find that a VPN encrypts your connection. This encases your internet connection in a tunnel of impenetrable protection, preventing anyone from monitoring or intercepting your online activities.
There are plenty of folks out there who would love to know what you’re up to online.
This includes your Internet Service Provider (ISP), which is allowed to track your online travels and then sell information about them to advertisers and other nosy parties. It also includes hackers, as they would love to steal your personal information. Last but not least, your government would love to track you because, well, they’re the government, it’s what they do.
Since a VPN hides your online activities, it comes in handy when you’re using unprotected WiFi hotspots, like those found in coffee shops, hotels and other public places. This means hackers can’t monitor your online activities (like shopping, banking and more) and steal your valuable personal information.
A VPN’s encryption also enhances your online activities. First, it does so by hiding them from your ISP. It prevents your ISP from blocking or throttling your connection simply because you’re engaging in “unapproved” online activities, like file sharing or viewing video from certain streaming services.
A VPN also can open access to restricted content you might normally not have access to. Many streaming services, gaming companies and financial firms will limit access to the services and sites according to your geographical location.
A VPN can “spoof” your location by temporarily assigning a new local IP address to your connected device. This makes it appear that you’re connecting from the same region of the world that the VPN server is located in. To the rest of the online world, that is where they see you as being located, opening up access to the content in that part of the world.
Conclusion
Swiss residents and visitors to the country will appreciate the online protection and enhancement possibilities that a Virtual Private Network offers.
NordVPN offers comprehensive online protection for you and all of your connected devices. The provider delivers lightning-fast access to geo-blocked local content worldwide thanks to its comprehensive global server network. Help is always available thanks to the provider’s 24/7 customer support.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.
VPNs for Switzerland FAQ
Can I Watch BBC iPlayer in Switzerland?
While BBC iPlayer is normally blocked from viewing from outside of the United Kingdom, you can view the streaming service by using a reliable VPN, like NordVPN. A VPN can temporarily assign your device a new IP address, which is located in the U.K. This fools the BBC iPlayer service into allowing you to access its content.
How Do I Unblock YouTube TV From Switzerland?
It’s easy to unblock YouTube TV from Switzerland. First, you subscribe to a quality VPN provider (like NordVPN), install the VPN app on your viewing device, and log into the VPN provider. Next, you select a VPN server located inside the United States, connect to your YouTube TV account and enjoy the show!
Can You Watch ITV Hub in Switzerland?
Although ITV Hub is usually blocked from being viewed from outside of the United Kingdom, the streaming service can be viewed from other regions of the world by using a VPN, like NordVPN. A VPN temporarily assigns your device a new IP address inside the U.K. This allows you to access streaming services that restrict access to viewers inside of the U.K.
Contents [hide]
- How to Use a VPN To Protect Your Swiss Online Activities
- Best VPNs for Use in Switzerland
- 1. NordVPN
- 2. Surfshark
- 3. ExpressVPN
- 4. CyberGhost
- 5. IPVanish
- Will a Free VPN Services Work in Switzerland?
- What Does a VPN Do For Me?
- Conclusion
- VPNs for Switzerland FAQ
- Can I Watch BBC iPlayer in Switzerland?
- How Do I Unblock YouTube TV From Switzerland?
- Can You Watch ITV Hub in Switzerland?