What Is the Best VPN Service for Europe in 2024?

While Europe as a whole isn’t overly restrictive when it comes to censoring websites, certain countries restrict specific subjects.

France and Germany both block hate speech. Sweden explicitly requires Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block content that contains instigation of rebellion, racial agitation, underage victims, illegal descriptions of violence, and obvious copyright infringement. Other European countries block content on similar grounds.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the best way to protect your online activities from monitoring by a government or an ISP.

At the same time, a VPN can open up blocked content from streaming providers. With a VPN with server locations in European countries, you can watch your favorite shows, The Champions League, Premier League, or just stream from popular services such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, or Amazon Prime Video.

A VPN also can “spoof” your IP address, making it appear as if you’re in another country.

In this article, I’ll be providing information about the seven best VPN service providers that offer the best way to protect and enhance your online activities from anywhere inside of the European region.

How to Use a VPN in Europe

Using a VPN inside Europe is a simple matter. Just do the following:

1. Subscribe to a VPN provider. (I strongly recommend NordVPN.)
2. Install the provider’s app(s) on your connected device(s).
3. Sign in to the VPN service.
4. Select a VPN server outside of Europe to access geo-blocked content located outside of the region, or select a server inside the region if you’re looking to protect your European online activities. If you’re located outside of Europe and wish to access geo-blocked content from a European country, select a VPN server inside of Europe.
5. Enjoy your new internet freedom!

Best VPN Service for Use in Europe

The seven VPN providers listed below offer the best protection for your online activities while residing in or visiting Europe. The short version of things are as follows:

1. NordVPN: Top VPN pick for Europe. NordVPN offers fast connection speeds, excellent worldwide server coverage, reliable geo-unblocking ability, and top-notch app support.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN option. Online users looking to save some euros without sacrificing online protection will want to consider this VPN offering. The provider’s low-priced annual subscription fees belie its excellent level of online protection.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN for Europe. This provider delivers excellent protection for your online activities thanks to its well-encrypted connections, as well as its comprehensive global server coverage and app support.
4. CyberGhost: Good VPN option for rookie VPN users. Users who are new to the world of VPNs or who are looking for reliable yet easy-to-use VPN protection will appreciate this provider’s simple yet powerful app selection. Offers streaming- and downloading-optimized servers.
5. Private Internet Access: Reliable VPN for European protection. Reliable, well-protected connections provide access to geo-controlled content from around most of the globe.
6. PrivateVPN: Small but mighty VPN. This provider’s global server network is much smaller than the other VPNs on this list. That said, the provider offers reliable, speedy connections to geo-blocked content.
7. Atlas VPN: Comprehensive European VPN Protection. This provider’s global server network could be more impressive. That said, the VPN provides reliable access to geo-controlled content housed in numerous countries.

When ranking the providers on this list, I considered the following factors:

• Global server network with European coverage
• Level of security and privacy
• Connection speeds
• Native app support
• Level of customer support

Here is my list of the seven best VPN services for European residents and visitors.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is the #1 best provider for Europe because of its extensive European server coverage, lightning-fast speeds, comprehensive app support, and more.

The provider has over 5,500 servers in 60 countries, including thousands of server locations in 35+ countries in the European region.

Your online security is well served by NordVPN’s protections, thanks to its military-grade encryption, a kill switch feature, and DNS and IPv6 leak prevention. Ad and malware blocking is also part of the deal. The provider’s NordLynx protocol is based on WireGuard.

A no-server-logs policy and a cryptocurrency payment option protect your online privacy.

The provider runs all server operations completely in RAM. No data of any kind is ever written to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data is completely wiped when the server is rebooted. Plus, NordVPN’s owned-and-operated servers keep third-party contractors at bay.

NordVPN’s connection speeds are blazingly fast, easily delivering HD streaming video, while also providing optimal speeds for online gaming and file sharing. No data caps to spoil your fun.

NordVPN app support includes options for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS (with native M1 Mac support), and Windows devices. Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions are also on the menu, and router protection is also an option. Up to 6 devices can connect to the service at once on the same login.

The VPN provider also offers NordPass password management, NordLocker encrypted cloud storage, and NordVPN Teams VPN protection for businesses.

Customer support is a 24/7 proposition, with always-available live support chat, email support, and a support knowledgebase.

BEST VPN FOR EUROPE:NordVPN offers lightning-fast speeds, excellent app support and thousands of servers in more than 35 European countries. The provider charges a surprisingly low price for its high-quality service. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark‘s budget-priced yet comprehensive VPN protection will make it an attractive option for users looking to save a few euros. Despite its “youth,” the provider is quickly gaining a reputation as a reliable and popular VPN provider.

Surfshark has 3,200+ servers stationed in 95 countries, and over half of those countries are in Europe. The provider says it can provide access to more than 30 Netflix libraries around the globe.

Those servers deliver fast connections (the fastest in recent testing) that are protected with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak prevention. Tracking cookies and ad blocking are also available. A “Multi-Hop” option routes your connection through two servers, providing extra encryption and anonymity.

A Bitcoin subscription payment option and a no-server-logs policy mean your complete privacy is well covered.

App support is a high point of Surfshark’s services, with apps for the Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS (with native M1 support), Windows, and Amazon Fire device platforms. Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is router protection. The provider also offers a somewhat unusual unlimited simultaneous connections policy.

Around-the-clock customer support is available, with 24/7 agent chat, a support contact form, and a searchable knowledge base.

The provider was recently named the #1 cybersecurity company in South America.

BEST FOR BUDGET:Surfshark’s low-priced multi-year subscription options provide an excellent option for budget-minded users. The provider’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy will likely be the biggest draw for many users. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN earned the 3rd spot on this list thanks to its extensive server network and fast connections, which provide reliable access to content around the globe.

The provider’s global server network has the globe covered with over 3,000 servers stationed in 94 countries, including 45+ countries in Europe. They will assign your device a European-based IP address.

All of your online activities are protected from prying eyes thanks to banking-level encryption, kill switch protection, and DNS and IPv6 leak prevention. You can make use of the provider’s split-tunneling feature to select which of your device’s apps will use the VPN’s encrypted tunnel.

A no-logs-on-the-servers privacy policy, as well as a Bitcoin payment option, keep your online privacy well-protected. Plus, ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology ensures that all server data is wiped with every reboot, as the provider’s VPN servers directly from RAM only. No data is ever written to a physical hard drive.

Fast connections are almost guaranteed with this provider. Depending on your usual connection speeds, 4K and HDR streams are no problem, and online gaming and sharing of large files are also easily handled. The provider has no data caps whatsoever.

No matter your favorite connected device, there’s a good chance that ExpressVPN has an app for it. Apps are available for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, Chromebook, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows devices.

Protect your browser sessions with Chrome, Edge and Firefox extensions. The provider also offers router compatibility to protect all of your connected devices. The provider recently updated its router firmware, improving performance and the user interface.

Up to five devices can connect at once on a single set of login credentials.

Always-available customer support includes 24/7 live chat, a trouble ticket system, email support and a searchable support database.

GREAT FOR UNBLOCKING CONTENT:ExpressVPN offers an impressive server count in an impressive number of countries, making it a great choice if you’re into streaming or accessing other content in other countries. Its fast speeds will come in handy. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Newbie computer or VPN users will do well to consider making CyberGhost their VPN provider of choice carefully.

The provider’s global network is second to none, with over 7,900 servers in 90+ countries. Plenty of those servers are well-scattered among European countries. The provider also offers both streaming-optimized and downloading-optimized servers around the globe.

Government-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IPv6 and DNS leak prevention all add up to industry-standard connection protection. Plus, ad and tracker blocking and the ability to force websites to deliver secure versions of their web pages offer increased online security.

Privacy is also nothing to worry about when using CyberGhost thanks to the provider’s no-server-logs privacy policy and its Bitcoin payment option for subscriptions.

CyberGhost-provided connections can easily handle 4K and HD video, fast-moving online gaming action, and sharing of large files. No data caps will ever impose upon your online fun.

Apps for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows device platforms have all of those devices protected, while the company’s router support can protect all of your other devices. Chrome and Firefox browsers are also covered. Up to 7 devices can connect concurrently on a single set of login credentials.

CyberGhost also offers a password manager and a security suite for Windows that provides antivirus protection, the ability to control what information that Microsoft has access to, and a security updater feature that scans for outdated, vulnerable versions of software. The provider’s ID Guard feature alerts users if their email address has been exposed in a data breach.

24/7 support is made up of around-the-clock live support chat, email support, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

BEST VPN FOR NEWBIE USERS:If you don’t have much experience with using a VPN, I strongly recommend considering CyberGhost. The provider’s mobile VPN apps provide one-click access to servers that are designed to offer optimal streaming and file sharing. A 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides reliable, well-protected access to geo-fenced content.

PIA’s global server network currently includes more than 3,300 servers located in over 80 countries, including 42 countries in Europe. This allows European users to access geo-controlled content from most of the world.

The provider keeps your online activities incognito, thanks to its government-grade encrypted connections, IP/DNS leak prevention and a kill switch. Users can also turn on ad, tracker, malware and malicious website blocking.

PIA’s no-server-logs policy means that the provider never keeps any records of your online travels. Also, the provider’s cryptocurrency payment option protects your payment information, especially when you sign up using a throwaway email address.

While it’s true that this provider’s download speeds lag well-behind the others on this list, its connections should be able to easily handle your favorite online activities. No data caps or bandwidth limitations to worry about with this VPN.

Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux app options are available. Chrome, Opera and Firefox extensions protect your browsing sessions, as is compatibility with multiple router makes and models.

Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected on a single account.

Live support chat, a trouble ticket form, and a searchable support library are available 24/7.

RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION FOR EUROPE:Private Internet Access offers fast access to geo-controlled content in most countries around the globe. Comprehensive security and privacy protections keep your online activities undercover. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read our full review of Private Internet Access.

5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN performs well in most service areas but has a way to go in a few of them.

The provider’s global server coverage falls in the lacking column, with only 200+ servers spread thinly among 60 countries, including numerous European countries. The servers do provide excellent access to the content in those countries.

PrivateVPN scores high in the online protection category, protecting your connections with military-level encryption, a kill switch, and IPv6 and DNS leak prevention. In addition, a “Stealth VPN” option keeps your VPN activity disguised as regular browser traffic.

A lack of server logs and a Bitcoin subscription payment option have you covered on the privacy end of things.

HD streaming, file sharing, and online gaming are all easily handled by this provider’s fast connections. No data caps to worry about here.

App coverage is a lacking component, with apps only for the Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows device platforms. However, that will likely prove sufficient for most users. Linux setup is available, as is router compatibility. Up to 6 devices can connect at once while using a set of login credentials.

24/7 support chat is supposed to be available, but I have visited the site plenty of times when it was unavailable (if the chat balloon is green, someone is on the line). An FAQ section and email support are also options.

“STEALTHY” VPN PROTECTION:PrivateVPN may be a bit limited in some service categories, but it makes up for it in others. The provider delivers reliable content access where available, and it delivers fast, well-protected connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN’s well-protected connections hide all of your online activities from prying eyes.

The provider’s global server network is admittedly a bit lacking, as it has just slightly more than 750 servers spread around in nearly 35 countries (25 of those countries are located in Europe). It should be noted that the network delivers reliable and fast connections to online content wherever it has access.

Government-grade encryption, a kill switch and other protective measures protect your online security and privacy. The provider’s Safebrowse and Safebrowse Plus options provide protection from various online dangers, as well as those pesky ads.

Atlas VPN servers never save usage logs, leaving no evidence of your online activities. Unfortunately, the provider does not accept cryptocurrency as payment.

Atlas VPN’s fast connections can handle any of your favorite online activities. Never a data cap or bandwidth limitation to worry about here.

Atlas VPN’s native app support includes offerings for the Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android TV and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. Linux support, browser extensions and support for routers are not currently available. However, I am assured that all three features are under development.

An unlimited number of devices can be simultaneously connected to Atlas VPN servers.

While live support chat is limited to paying customers; email, a contact form, and a support library are available to all.

UNLIMITED VPN PROTECTION FOR POLAND:Atlas VPN protects an unlimited number of your favorite devices from inside of Poland or from anywhere else. The provider’s admittedly small server network provides reliable access to geo-controlled content in countries where it has servers. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Methodology for assessing VPNs for Europe

You must carefully consider multiple factors when looking for a VPN to protect and enhance your European online activities. Not just any VPN will protect your online safety.

These are the most important factors to consider when choosing a VPN for use in Europe:

• Connection Speed: A fast connection makes nearly any online activity more enjoyable. Each VPN included on this list delivers fast connections.
• Server Network: A large global server network offers an excellent way to unblock content located in other regions of the world. Also, look for providers that have multiple servers located in a single country, as it helps prevent any single server from being overloaded by too many users.
• Value: Make sure that a VPN offers a good balance of features and functionality. Each VPN that I include on my lists provide an excellent value for the money.
• Ease of Use: Look for a VPN provider that offers apps for popular platforms. Those apps should also be easy to use. All of the VPNs I recommend offer easy-to-use apps for popular connected devices.
• Security and Privacy: Banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection should be the minimum protection you should accept. Also, a provider should never save logs recording your online travels.
• Streaming: VPN’s should offer reliable access to streaming services. The VPNs on this list provide access to various streaming services, including Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and more.

While the list above is fairly long, my research does not end here. This is just a small part of my overall VPN testing methodology. This data-driven approach provides a better understanding of the VPNs and the services they offer. This allows me to recommend only VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.

Why Can’t I Use a Free VPN in Europe?

While a free VPN service will most likely work in Europe, you’ll likely not be happy with the level of privacy, performance, or convenience that free VPNs deliver.

When it comes to privacy, that is severely lacking with a freebie VPN.

“Free” VPNs are still for-profit organizations, meaning they need to make money in some way. Many of them do so by tracking their users’ online travels, wrapping all of that information into a big file, and selling it to advertisers and other nosy parties. Other “free” providers will insert tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browser sessions.

As for performance, many VPNs will throttle their free users’ connections to reserve bandwidth for their paying customers. Plus, most freebie providers will put daily or monthly data caps on your data usage.

Convenience is a no-go, too. When you connect to a no-pay VPN, you may find yourself cooling your heels in a virtual waiting room until you’re allowed to connect to a server. Then, once you’re given the green light to connect, you’ll find your server selection is severely limited or that you’re connected to a server of the provider’s choice.

Does any of this sound good to you?

What Advantages Does a VPN Provide?

By using a Virtual Private Network, you are both protecting and enhancing all of your online activities.

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, encasing your connection in an encrypted tunnel of sorts. This prevents nosy nellies like your Internet Service Provider (ISP), the government, and the guy at the next table over down at the coffee shop from monitoring your online activities.

That encryption comes in handy when you’re using an unprotected public Wi-Fi hotspot, such as are found in hotels, restaurants, airports, and the aforementioned coffee shops. Unprotected hotspots are a favorite target of black-hat hackers who love to monitor other hotspot users’ online activities, including online shopping, bill paying, and banking.

Encryption also prevents your ISP from throttling your internet connection simply because you’re engaging in “unapproved” activities like sharing files via BitTorrent or streaming video from certain streaming services.

A VPN also opens a whole world of streaming, gaming, and other types of content to you, as it can “spoof” your geographical location. It does this by temporarily assigning your connected device a new IP address, making it appear as if you’re in another region of the world, opening up access to the geographically controlled content available in that region.

Conclusion

Whether you reside in Europe or you’re just visiting, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can protect and enhance all of your internet-based activities while you’re inside of the region. My top choice for European VPN protection is NordVPN.

NordVPN offers admirable service in every VPN category. A comprehensive global server network provides well-protected, high-speed speedy connections while opening access to content around the globe. Reliable protection for all popular device platforms and 24/7 customer support add up to the best protection for your online life.

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

European VPN Q&A