Ecuadorian citizens who are traveling internationally or who are living abroad will likely find that they lack access to their favorite TV shows and films, as well as online financial and other services.
This is because much of the content on the internet is geographically restricted. This means that if you’re outside of Ecuadorian borders, you are unable to access the content designated for access only inside of that country.
In addition, in 2021, Freedom House rated Ecuadorian internet users’ online experience as “partly free.” Government actors are using iffy copyright claims to get content critical of the government removed. Legal attacks are constantly leveraged at journalists in the country.
In addition to government-inflicted online restrictions and dangers, Ecuadorians also face the same issues as all internet users around the globe. This includes lack of access to geo-controlled content, as well as being monitored by the government, ISPs and hackers, putting their personal and financial information at peril.
All of these issues can be remedied by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
A VPN encrypts your internet connection, hiding your online travels from outside monitoring.
A VPN also has the ability to temporarily assign a fresh IP address from another country to your connected device. Since IP addresses can be used to identify the geographical location of a device, a VPN can make it appear as if your device is connecting from another country.
This means that if you connect to a VPN server located in Ecuador, it will look to the rest of the internet that you are connecting from that country. This allows you to access content that is normally restricted to Ecuadorian internet users.
In this article, I provide a close look at the 2 top VPN service providers to provide reliable access to an IP address in Ecuador.
How to Get an IP Address in Ecuador
Do the following to obtain an IP address in Ecuador:
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN service, like ExpressVPN, the top VPN on this list.
- Install the provider’s app(s) on your connected device(s).
- Connect to a VPN server located in Ecuador.
- Visit a site or service that you normally can’t access from outside of Ecuador. (You may need to clear your browser’s cache and cookies.)
- Enjoy your newly protected access to Ecuadorian content!
TRY A TOP VPN RISK-FREE: Most quality VPN providers offer a no-risk free trial subscription period. (The providers on this list offer at least 30 days to try their services.) This gives you a completely no-risk opportunity to give the VPN service a try, then cancel your subscription for a full refund during the trial period if you find that the provider isn’t a good fit for your needs.
Best VPNs for Getting an IP Address in Ecuador
The 2 VPN providers below have proven to offer the most reliable methods to obtain an Ecuador IP address.
The Reader’s Digest version of this article is:
- ExpressVPN: This provider may be the more expensive one of the two providers on this list, but it is also the best way to obtain an IP address in Ecuador. The provider delivers fast download speeds, and its well-protected connections come from a large global server network that has servers based in Ecuador.
- Hotspot Shield: This provider’s fast download speeds are more than up to handling streaming and gaming. Hotspot Shield’s global server network includes servers in 80+ countries, including Ecuador.
How to Choose the Best VPN for an IP Address in Ecuador
The following features are what I considered when ranking VPNs for an Ecuadorian IP address:
- Has servers located in Ecuador (DUH!)
- Connection speeds
- Security and privacy protections
- Native app support
- Customer support
Below, you’ll find the 2 top VPNs for getting an Ecuadorian IP address.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN may carry a high price, but it offers a high level of VPN service in return.
This reliable provider boasts a large global server network that provides proven access to geo-controlled content around the globe. The provider’s network is made up of more than 3,000 servers stationed in Ecuador and 90+ other countries.
The provider’s download speeds are the fastest of the two providers on this list. ExpressVPN connections provide more than enough bandwidth for gaming, streaming and any other online activity.
All of the provider’s connections are well protected thanks to its use of banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, a built-in automatic kill switch, and IP and DNS leak prevention. ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol provides improved performance and security.
A strict no-logs policy means there are no records kept that might expose your online antics. The provider also accepts Bitcoin as a payment method.
ExpressVPN runs all of its servers using its proprietary “TrustedServer” technology, which runs all server operations totally from RAM, with no data whatsoever being written to a physical hard drive. This means all data is securely wiped from the provider’s servers whenever they are restarted.
ExpressVPN apps provide native support for the iOS, Windows, Android, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, Android TV and Amazon Fire device platforms. Chrome, Firefox and Edge browser extensions are available to protect your browsing sessions, and ExpressVPN’s recently updated router support keeps all of your devices protected through a single point of access.
The provider’s SmartDNS service enables connected devices that are not compatible with the provider’s apps to gain access to geo-controlled content from around the globe. It should be noted that the SmartDNS service does not encrypt your internet connection as the provider’s VPN offering does.
The provider limits users to a somewhat underwhelming 5 simultaneous connections.
Support is an always-available proposition thanks to around-the-clock live support chat, email support, a trouble ticket submission system and a support library.
Pros:
- Servers located in Ecuador
- Top-notch multi-platform device support
- Comprehensive security and privacy protection
- Provides reliable access to geo-blocked content
- All server operations run 100% from RAM
Cons:
- Pretty expensive
BEST VPN FOR ECUADORIAN IP ADDRESSES:While ExpressVPN may be the most expensive VPN on this list, it offers an excellent value. Comprehensive online security and privacy protections, speedy connections, top-notch app support and 24/7 customer support are just some of the reliable offerings from ExpressVPN. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
2. Hotspot Shield
This provider offers well-secured connections to Ecuadorian servers.
Hotspot Shield’s large server network offers 3,200+ servers in 80+ countries, Ecuador included.
All connections from the provider are protected by banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption. A kill switch and IPv6 and DNS leak protection add to the protection. You can configure Hotspot Shield’s apps to automatically enable VPN protection when you connect to a public WiFi hotspot.
Hotspot Shield keeps no logs of your online activities. Unfortunately, the provider does not accept any form of cryptocurrency for subscription payments.
Once upon a time, Hotspot Shield logged its users’ activities. However, the VPN’s new ownership has changed that policy, so it no longer saves any logs that can be tied back to a user’s online activities.
The provider’s connection speeds, while not the fastest in the industry, are easily up to handling all popular online activities, including streaming, gaming and more.
Hotspot Shield’s app options include native support for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire and Android TV devices. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, and the VPN can be manually set up to work with select routers.
The provider’s “Premium” subscription option allows you to concurrently connect up to 5 devices to its servers.
Customer support is available 24/7, with live chat support, email and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Impressive global server network
- Access to multiple streaming services
- Comprehensive online security and privacy
- Servers in Ecuador
Cons:
- No cryptocurrency payment option
- Limited configuration options
RELIABLE ECUADORIAN IP ADDRESSES:Hotspot Shield’s impressive global server network provides fast connections to globally-controlled content. The provider’s connections are more than up to handling anyone’s favorite online pastimes. Comprehensive security protections keep your connection undercover. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.
Methodology for Assessing VPNs to Obtain an Ecuadorian IP Address
Natives of Ecuador who are living or traveling internationally will appreciate a VPN’s ability to provide access to an Ecuadorian IP address. That said, there are numerous factors to consider before deciding on a VPN provider.
Factors to consider:
- Server Network: Make sure that the provider actually has servers located inside of the country you wish to obtain an IP address from. Also, the more servers that are stationed in the country, the better, as it helps prevent any single server from being overloaded.
- Connection Speed: The faster your internet connection, the more enjoyable your online activities will be. (Well, not paying bills or taxes – there are limits.) The VPNs on my list both provide above-average connection speeds.
- Value: To calculate a VPN’s value, compare its asking price to the features and performance that the provider offers. Both of the VPNs on my list offer an excellent value.
- Ease of Use: VPN service providers should offer a selection of easy-to-use apps for as many popular device platforms as possible. The VPN providers on my list offer a selection of easy-to-use apps.
- Security and Privacy: Never settle for less than banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection to keep your online activities incognito. A no-server-logs-ever policy is also a must.
- Streaming: Accessing geo-controlled streaming services is arguably one of the most popular uses for a VPN. The VPNs on my list offer reliable access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu and other popular streaming sites.
Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.
Why Are Websites and Services Geo-Blocked?
If you visit a different part of the world, you’ll likely find that you can no longer enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows from your home country. You’ll also find that major streaming services – such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and others – don’t offer your favorite content.
This is because streaming services sign contracts with TV and movie producers, and those contracts limit access to the content to users in specific countries. This means that if you’re outside of Ecuador, you can’t view Ecuadorian content.
You may also find that other sites and services will block you from accessing them. Banks and other financial institutions will limit access to a customer’s account to connection from inside their home country. This is a security measure designed to prevent hackers from accessing your accounts.
A VPN helps you get around geo-blockades by temporarily assigning a new IP address to your device, which is located inside another country. For example, a new IP address located inside of Ecuador makes it appear as if you and your device are located inside of that country, opening up access to content normally reserved for viewers inside of Ecuador.
How Is Content Geographically Blocked?
Your internet-capable device is assigned an IP address whenever it connects to the massive global network known as the internet.
The IP address acts as a unique identifier, allowing other devices on the internet to identify where an information request originates and where the info is supposed to go to (much like your home’s postal address identifies your house).
Plus, like a postal address, an IP address can identify your geographical location. This is because each country is assigned a unique range of IP addresses for only connected devices in that country to use.
This means that when you are outside of your home country, you will likely be blocked from viewing the content that is normally available for viewing when you’re at home.
How Can I Access Blocked Ecuadorian Content From Overseas?
If you’re missing out on watching your favorite Ecuadorian content while traveling or living abroad, you’ll want to investigate the benefits that a reliable VPN offers.
By connecting to a VPN server located inside of Ecuadorian borders, your device will grab an Ecuadorian IP address, making it appear as if you are connecting from inside that country. This will allow you to access geo-blocked content from that country.
It should be noted that you must have a subscription to any streaming services you wish to access or have a login for other sites or services.
To access blocked content from overseas, follow the steps listed below:
- Subscribe to a VPN provider (ExpressVPN is my top pick).
- Install the VPN’s app(s) on your device(s).
- Start up the app and connect to a server inside of Ecuador.
- Visit the site or service you want to access. (You may need to delete browser cookies and clear your browser cache to connect successfully.)
- Enjoy your new access to your favorite Ecuadorian content.
What Else Can a VPN Do For Me?
A VPN, which is a versatile online security and privacy tool, also improves your access to geo-blocked content around the globe.
A VPN encrypts your internet connection, which keeps hackers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), the government and other nosy types from tracking your online activities.
Since many public WiFi hotspots are not encrypted, users put their personal and business information at risk when they connect to a hotspot. Hotspots are favorite targets of bad actors that can monitor your online activities while you’re connected to the hotspot. However, a VPN’s encrypted protection keeps your online activities hidden from the bad guys.
A VPN also comes in handy when connecting from home. A VPN prevents your ISP from monitoring your activities and throttling or blocking your connection simply because you’re engaged in what your ISP considers as “unapproved” activities, which can include streaming from certain sources or sharing files via P2P.
Keep in mind, though, that a VPN cannot help you get around the data caps that many ISPs place on their customers’ usage. Data use is data use, even when it’s encrypted.
Can I Use a Free VPN Provider to Grab an IP Address in Ecuador?
I’ll admit, “free” is a tempting price. However, in some cases, you should avoid “free” like you’d avoid the plague. This is especially true when it comes to VPN services.
“Free” VPNs can actually end up costing you more in the long run.
First of all, “free” VPNs can cost you in the convenience and performance arenas.
You may find that you’ll be forced to cool your heels for a while before being allowed to connect to one of the provider’s limited number of servers. Or, you may find that you’re automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choosing – and don’t expect for an Ecuadorian server to be available.
Once you’re finally connected to the free VPN’s server network, you’ll likely find that your connection speeds have dropped precipitously. Daily or monthly data caps will also restrict your free VPN usage.
“Free” VPNs can also cost you dearly when it comes to your online privacy.
Many free VPNs pay their bills by logging their users’ online travels. They then sell that information to advertisers and anyone else that is willing to pay for it.
Some free VPNs will even insert ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browser sessions. (And those cookies keep right on tracking you, even when you’ve disconnected from the free VPN’s network.)
Does “free” still sound like a good deal? Remember, always be on the lookout for hidden costs.
Conclusion
Ecuadorians who are looking to restore their access to their favorite online content from back home can do so by taking advantage of a Virtual Private Network. My #1 VPN for grabbing an Ecuadorian IP address is ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN delivers blazingly-fast, well-protected connections from a large global server network that has a good reputation when it comes to unlocking regionally-blocked content. The provider also offers top-notch app support, comprehensive online security and privacy, and excellent customer support.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the ExpressVPN website.
Contents [hide]
- How to Get an IP Address in Ecuador
- Best VPNs for Getting an IP Address in Ecuador
- How to Choose the Best VPN for an IP Address in Ecuador
- 1. ExpressVPN
- 2. Hotspot Shield
- Methodology for Assessing VPNs to Obtain an Ecuadorian IP Address
- Why Are Websites and Services Geo-Blocked?
- How Is Content Geographically Blocked?
- How Can I Access Blocked Ecuadorian Content From Overseas?
- What Else Can a VPN Do For Me?
- Can I Use a Free VPN Provider to Grab an IP Address in Ecuador?
- Conclusion