At a Glance
Although Freedom House doesn’t offer a Freedom on the Net score for Belgium, Belgium’s Freedom in the World score for 2023 is 96/100, which makes it almost totally free. Unfortunately, the Belgian government does monitor some internet activities.
Belgium is part of the Fourteen Eyes Alliance, meaning that it has agreed to share the sensitive internet information of its citizens with other members of the alliance for national and international security purposes.
And as is true for all countries, Belgian citizens are unable to access the internet content in other countries because of geographical restrictions. Likewise, when outside of Belgium, no one can access Belgian-specific internet content.
Can a VPN Protect Me Online From Belgium?
In order to protect their online activities from surveillance and gain access to content housed in other countries, Belgian residents need to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
A VPN covers your internet connection in a blanket of encryption and opens access to online content all around the world.
The encryption that a VPN offers hides your internet activities from prying eyes, so that not even the Belgian government can figure out what you’re up to.
In addition, a VPN gives you a new (temporary) IP address in whatever country you connect to, be it Belgium or elsewhere. This gives you access to regional content that may normally be blocked from where you are.
In this article, I review the best six VPN service providers for encrypting your connection and granting you access to a world of content.
Best VPNs for Belgium
After rounds of rigorous testing, I discovered that the following six VPN service providers offer the best service when in Belgium.
The best VPNs for Belgium:
- NordVPN: Best VPN option for Belgium. You can’t find a better VPN for Belgium than NordVPN. The provider’s speeds are the fastest on this list, and its security and privacy protections are top-notch. This provider offers above-average service at an inexpensive price. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best budget bet for Belgium. Those on a tight budget should take a look at Surfshark. The provider offers unlimited simultaneous connections, fast speeds, great multi-platform support, and more, all for a low multi-year price.
- ExpressVPN: Premium Belgian VPN protection. This highly versatile VPN offers fast, well-protected connections on a myriad of device platforms. It’s a well-rounded VPN that performs highly in multiple areas.
- CyberGhost: Great VPN option for rookies. If you’re a VPN newbie, CyberGhost’s simple-to-use service may be right for you. The provider’s apps offer one-click protection and easy access to content all over the world from where you are in Belgium.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN protection for Belgium. PIA’s reliable online protection keeps its customers’ online activities safely incognito, while also providing access to geo-fenced content around a good portion of the globe.
- PrivateVPN: A David among Goliath VPNs. While PrivateVPN admittedly has a thinly spread global server network, it provides comprehensive protection for its customers’ connections while also providing reliable access to content in the countries it serves.
When considering which VPN service to suggest for Belgium, I took a close look at the following features of each provider.
- Bonus for Belgium server location
- High-end security
- Industry-standard privacy protections
- Good speeds
- Apps for all kinds of devices
- Responsive customer support
TRY A TOP VPN RISK-FREE
If you’d like to try comprehensive VPN protection for Belgium with no risk at all to your bank balance, pay attention. The VPNs in this article (including NordVPN) all offer a no-risk free trial period of 30 to 45 days.
Once you try a VPN, if you determine that it isn’t a good fit for your needs, you can simply contact the provider’s customer support folks and quickly cancel your subscription and receive a full refund.
Best VPNs for Belgium – Summary table
We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Belgium.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | ExpressVPN.com | CyberGhost.com | Private Internet Access.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Belgium | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Total number of servers | 5,595 | 3,200 | 3,000 | 9,073 | 146 | 200+ | Avg Speed (Europe) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 25 Mbps | 41 Mbps | Popular Sites Unblocked | 95% | 88% | 86% | 85% | 70% | 85% | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, Android, Smart TVs Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TV's, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Routers |
Best deal (per month) | $3.39 Up to 72% off | $1.99 87% off a 2yr Starter plan + 3 FREE mo | $4.99 61% off plus 4 months Free! | $2.19 SAVE up to 83% off 2 year plan + 2 months free | $2.19 Save 82% on a 2 year plan + Get 2 months free | $2.00 Save 85% on a 12 month plan + 24-mo/free |
To enhance and protect your internet connections in Belgium, choose one of the six VPNs below, which are the best providers for the job.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is the best overall VPN for Belgium.
The provider has 5,600+ servers located in 60+ countries (including Belgium), and it’s able to access all kinds of international content.
NordVPN’s security protections include government-grade 256-bit encryption, an internet kill switch, DNS leak protection, and malware, botnet, and ad blocking features.
There are also obfuscated servers and a Double VPN feature, which routes your connection through two different VPN servers, giving you added anonymity and security.
NordVPN takes care of your privacy well by never saving any logs of your online activities and offering Bitcoin as a private payment option.
Additional privacy is provided by NordVPN’s owned-and-operated servers, which keeps outside contractors away from customers’ info. Plus, all of the provider’s servers are run 100% from RAM, writing no data of any kind to a physical SSD or mechanical hard drive. This means all data is securely wiped whenever a NordVPN server is rebooted or shut down.
NordVPN’s connection speeds are the fastest on the market, giving you plenty of bandwidth for streaming in HD or 4K, gaming without lag, and sharing large files.
Native apps are available for the most popular device platforms, including Linux, iOS, macOS (including M1 and M2 Macs), Android, Windows, Amazon Fire, and Android TV. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is support for plenty of router makes and models.
The provider also offers a SmartDNS service that lets gaming consoles, smart TVs, and other set-top boxes access international streaming content. However, it doesn’t encrypt your connection like the VPN service does.
Up to six devices can connect simultaneously to the service on one account.
Customer support-wise, there will never be a time when you can’t access NordVPN’s 24/7 live chat agents. Email support and a searchable support library are also available.
Pros:
- Network of servers in Belgium
- Above-average security and privacy protections
- Lightning-fast connection speeds
- Low-priced
- Excellent multi-platform app support
Cons:
- No streaming-optimized servers
BEST VPN FOR BELGIUM:NordVPN doesn’t play games, instead offering the best VPN service for Belgium. Your security and privacy are thoroughly protected, you’ll experience fast speeds, and you’ll be able to connect on many different devices. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Budget-conscious users counting their euros will appreciate the high quality of Surfshark’s service, which they can grab for a bargain price.
The provider offers 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries, Belgium being one of them. This is double what the provider offered last year, so it’s possible even more servers will be added soon.
Military-grade 256-bit encryption protects your connection, as does a kill switch, DNS leak protection, malware and phishing protections, and ad and tracker blocking. The provider’s “MultiHop” feature routes your connection through two VPN servers instead of just one, increasing your security. Meanwhile, its Camouflage mode hides your VPN usage by making it appear to be normal browser traffic.
Surfshark’s solid privacy protections include a strict no-logs policy and a privacy-friendly Bitcoin payment option. The provider has also joined the growing ranks of VPN providers running their servers solely from RAM, meaning all data is totally and securely wiped when a server is shut down or rebooted.
Surfshark doesn’t slow your connection speeds by much, allowing you to enjoy gaming, streaming, and file sharing without a problem.
Platforms supported with apps include macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, Amazon Fire, and Android TV device platforms. There are browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, and support is available for multiple makes and models of routers.
Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance means that users with a lot of devices can connect all of them at once on one account.
You’ll always receive a quick reply from Surfshark’s 24/7 live chat agents, and you can also contact support through email or a “Contact Us” form. A searchable knowledge base is also available.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable pricing
- Extensive security protections
- Unlimited concurrent connections
- Fast-growing server network
Cons:
- Not many advanced options in apps
BEST FOR BUDGET-MINDED BELGIANS:You can save plenty of euros by choosing Surfshark, which offers an excellent service for a low multi-year price. The provider’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy is great for people with numerous devices (or friends). A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a high-quality service that’s great for many different purposes because of its high level of performance in multiple categories.
Over 3,000 ExpressVPN servers cover the globe in 94+ countries, which is some extensive global server coverage. Belgian servers are available.
ExpressVPN offers plenty of security protections, including high-end strong encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak protections. Alongside the OpenVPN protocol, ExpressVPN is beta-testing a proprietary “Lightway” protocol that is optimized for speed and security.
In regards to online privacy, ExpressVPN doesn’t save any logs of your online activities and lets you pay with Bitcoin, if that’s how you roll.
The provider’s custom TrustedServer technology runs all server operations from RAM, never writing any info to the hard drive. This means all information is completely wiped every time the server is restarted.
ExpressVPN’s connection speeds are significantly fast, so streaming, gaming, and file sharing will be a breeze.
Multi-platform support includes apps for Android, Linux, iOS, Windows, macOS (with Apple silicon support), Android TV, Amazon Fire, and Chrome OS device platforms. Browser extensions are available for Brave, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Vivaldi, and the provider’s service is compatible with many different makes and models of routers.
The provider also offers a MediaStreamer DNS service, which allows devices incompatible with VPN apps (such as game consoles, smart TVs, and other set-top boxes) to access streaming content in other countries. Be warned, though, that the service does not encrypt your connection like the VPN service does.
Up to five devices can connect to the service at the same time on one set of login credentials.
Customer support is always there thanks to 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system, and an easy-to-search knowledge base.
Pros:
- Belgium-based servers
- Thorough security and privacy protections
- Great content-unblocking ability
- Numerous customer support options
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other providers
- Doesn’t label its streaming servers
ALL-AROUND TOP-NOTCH PROVIDER:ExpressVPN’s service is well-rounded as the provider offers excellent performance in many areas. Fast streaming speeds, apps for many devices, great customer support, and a wide server network are all available. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a great choice for newbies to the VPN world because of its easy-to-use apps, which offer one-click protection.
CyberGhost boasts the highest number of servers on this list, 9,500+, which are located in 90+ countries around the world, including Belgium.
You’ll never have problems with online security thanks to CyberGhost’s bank-grade encryption, kill switch protection, DNS leak protection, and malicious website and ad blocking. CyberGhost can also optionally force websites to pull up secure versions of their web pages.
The provider protects your privacy by following a no-server-logs policy and welcoming Bitcoin as a secure payment option.
CyberGhost offers speedy connections that are optimal for any online activity, including streaming, gaming, and file sharing.
Easy-to-use apps are available for macOS, Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire device platforms. The usual Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, and you can protect all of your devices through one point of access by setting up your router with the service.
You can connect up to seven devices to the provider’s servers at once on one account.
When it comes to customer support, you’ll be happy to know that CyberGhost’s live chat agents are always available, and there’s a trouble ticket submission system and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Thousands of servers, including some in Belgium
- Easy-to-use apps
- Optimal privacy and security protections
Cons:
- Doesn’t access all streaming services
- No native router apps
BEST FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps make it simple to connect to its servers, making it the obvious choice for those who aren’t yet adept at using VPN apps. Its wide server network allows you to connect to almost any country, including Belgium. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) boasts an impressive global server network, with 3,300+ servers stationed in 84+ countries (including Belgium). The server network delivers reliable access to geo-controlled content around most of the globe.
PIA protects its customers’ connections with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. The provider can also block ads, trackers, and malware, along with dangerous websites.
All PIA servers are run 100% free of user tracking logs, so evidence of your online travels is nowhere to be found. Bitcoin is available as a private subscription payment option. PIA runs all of its servers 100% from RAM.
The provider’s native app offerings include support for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux devices. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider also works well with select router makes and models.
PIA now allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices to its servers, meaning you can protect all of your connected devices at once.
PIA’s connection speeds are admittedly some of the slowest on this list. However, the provider’s connections are more than up to handling your favorite online pastimes. PIA never ruins a good time by imposing daily or monthly data caps or by bandwidth throttling.
Live chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library are all available when you need it.
Pros:
- Fast-growing server network
- Protects against ads and online dangers
- Good native app support
Cons:
- Some info in support library needs an update
- Lacks labeled streaming-optimized servers
RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION FOR BELGIUM:Private Internet Access puts no limits on its comprehensive online security and privacy offerings, allowing customers to simultaneously connect all of their devices. PIA’s large global server network provides access to geo-controlled content in many regions of the globe. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Private Internet Access.
6. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN’s global server network is spread rather slim, with just 200+ servers located in 63+ countries (not including Belgium), making it the smallest global server count on this list. That said, the network provides reliable access to content in the countries where it does have servers.
The provider also takes the “Hasty Pudding” award for the slowest download speeds on this VPN list. That said, PrivateVPN’s connections can still handle your favorite online pastimes.
PrivateVPN performs well when it comes to connection protection, thanks to the provider’s use of government-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and more. The provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature hides your VPN traffic by disguising it as normal browser activity.
The provider follows a strict no-server logs policy, which means there is no evidence to be had of your previous online activities cannot be tracked. A cryptocurrency subscription payment option keeps your payment info undercover.
PrivateVPN is also somewhat limited in the app support department, as it offers apps for only Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows platforms. Linux devices and select routers can be manually set up to use the provider. Browser extensions are not available.
Users can simultaneously connect up to 10 devices to PrivateVPN’s servers.
PrivateVPN support includes live chat, a support request form, and an FAQ support section.
Pros:
- “Stealth VPN” disguises VPN usage
- Reliable access to content around the globe
- Top-notch online protection
Cons:
- The occasional slow server connection
- Low app count
SMALL BUT MIGHTY VPN:PrivateVPN’s global server count may be low, but it spreads them around the globe rather well, providing reliable access to geo-controlled content in more than 63 countries. A “Stealth VPN” protection option hides your VPN usage and a 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of PrivateVPN.
Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Belgium
There are several factors that you should research when considering VPN protection for use while visiting or living in Belgium.
The list below includes just some of the features that I research when deciding which VPNs to recommend in this article:
- Connection speeds: A fast connection makes your online activities more enjoyable. The VPNs on my lists performed well in recent connection speed testing.
- Global server network: The larger a VPN’s global server network, the wider access you’ll have to geo-blocked content. Also, look for multiple servers in each country, as that helps prevent any single server from being hit with too many users at once.
- Value: To determine a VPN provider’s true value, its asking price should be compared to the features and performance it provides. Every VPN on my list offers excellent value.
- Ease of use: Most of us have multiple devices, and any VPN worth consideration should offer apps for popular device platforms. Apps should also be intuitive. Each VPN I included on my list offers easy-to-use apps.
- Security and privacy: VPNs should use banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak prevention to protect your internet connection. A strict no-logs policy is also a must.
- Streaming: Streaming is a popular online activity. VPNs included on my list offer reliable access to numerous streaming sites, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and numerous other popular services.
My research doesn’t end here. The features above make up just a bit of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. My data-driven approach allows me to have a better understanding of the VPNs and their services, meaning I can recommend only those VPNs that are a good fit for your needs.
How to Use a VPN to Connect to Belgium
Follow the steps below in order to gain protected access to the internet in Belgium:
- Subscribe to a VPN provider (I suggest NordVPN).
- Download and install the VPN provider’s app(s) on your device(s).
- Log into the VPN app.
- Select and connect to a server in Belgium.
- Enjoy the internet!
If you find that you have a desire to connect to another country, simply connect to a server in your desired country instead of one in Belgium.
Can I Use a Free VPN to Access Belgian Content?
It’s simple: don’t use a free VPN. They’re inconvenient, throttle your speeds, and violate your privacy.
First of all, before you can even connect to a server, you’re often made to wait in line behind other free users. Once you get the green light, you may find yourself with a limited choice of servers, if you’re given a choice at all. And if you need a server in Belgium, you may not be able to find one.
Your free VPN may also throttle your connection speeds in order to save bandwidth for its free customers. In addition, it’s common for freebie VPNs to impose daily or monthly data caps on your connection.
The most critical thing, though, is the fact that free VPNs have been known to spy on your internet activities in order to sell your personal information to the highest bidder, such as advertisers.
You may also find unwanted ads and tracking cookies inserted into your browsing sessions.
You can only truly expect convenience, unlimited bandwidth, and actual no-logs policies from paid providers.
Conclusion
If you want the best of the best VPNs for protecting and enhancing your internet connection while in Belgium, you have to opt for NordVPN.
With NordVPN, you can connect to Belgium and many other countries around the world. The provider offers the fastest connection speeds you can find, apps for all of your devices, reliable customer support, and above-average security and privacy protections.
For more information or to subscribe, visit the NordVPN website.
VPN for Belgium FAQs
Is It Legal to Use a VPN Service in Belgium?
Yes, it’s completely legal to use a VPN inside Belgium. There’s also no law against using a VPN from outside of Belgium to connect to the country’s internet from abroad.
Can I Watch Belgian TV Abroad with a VPN?
Yes, it’s possible to watch Belgian TV abroad by using a VPN.
Simply connect to a VPN server in Belgium, making sure to clear your browser cache and cookies in order to erase any old location identifiers. Then, you can watch Belgian TV (so long as you have a subscription to the chosen service).
Does NordVPN Have Servers in Brussels?
Yes, NordVPN has 50+ servers located in Brussels. You can use those servers to connect to all of your favorite Belgium-based services, including streaming services.
Contents [hide]
- At a Glance
- Can a VPN Protect Me Online From Belgium?
- Best VPNs for Belgium
- Best VPNs for Belgium – Summary table
- 1. NordVPN
- 2. Surfshark
- 3. ExpressVPN
- 4. CyberGhost
- 5. Private Internet Access
- 6. PrivateVPN
- Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Belgium
- How to Use a VPN to Connect to Belgium
- Can I Use a Free VPN to Access Belgian Content?
- Conclusion
- VPN for Belgium FAQs
- Is It Legal to Use a VPN Service in Belgium?
- Can I Watch Belgian TV Abroad with a VPN?
- Does NordVPN Have Servers in Brussels?