Best VPN for Costa Rica in 2024?

At a Glance

Although Freedom House doesn’t offer a Freedom on the Net score for Costa Rica, it has given the country a Freedom in the World 2023 rating of 91/100 (free). In the country, freedoms of expression and association are strong.

However, Costa Rican online users all face the same content restrictions and online dangers as users everywhere. Costa Ricans are limited in what type of streaming content they can access due to geo-blocking restrictions enforced by most streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu. They are also in danger of having their online travels tracked by hackers and other nosy parties.

Can I Use a VPN?

Users who want to both preserve their online privacy and expand their access to online content are strongly advised to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A VPN protects your internet connection from being monitored thanks to its use of encrypted connections and other protections, such as assigning a new IP address.

A VPN also enables access to geo-blocked content by temporarily assigning a new IP address from another country to your connected device, opening up access to whatever content is normally reserved for that country’s inhabitants.

In this article, I take a look at each of the six top VPN providers to use while in Costa Rica to access geo-blocked content and securely encrypt your online activities.

Best VPNs for Costa Rica

These six VPNs offer top VPN protection and enhancement for your internet connection.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of the best VPNs for Costa Rica:

1. NordVPN: Top VPN provider for users in Costa Rica. NordVPN offers fast, well-encrypted connections, a large global server network, excellent device compatibility, and so much more. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best bet for budget-minded internet users. Users in search of top-notch VPN protection at a rock-bottom price are advised to take a close look at Surfshark. The bargain-basement VPN provider boasts a fast-growing global server network that provides fast, well-protected connections for numerous device platforms.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN provider for Costa Rica. ExpressVPN is a reliable if expensive VPN that performs well overall, making it a great choice for multiple online uses. The provider offers the fastest connections of any provider on this list, which come from an impressive global server network.
4. CyberGhost: Great option for rookie VPN users. CyberGhost should prove to be an attractive choice for users with little to no experience with VPNs. The provider offers easy-to-use apps, access to a massive global server network, and fast and well-protected connections.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable Costa Rican VPN provider. PIA’s comprehensive online security and privacy protection keeps your online travels completely private. PIA also provides reliable access to geo-controlled content.
6. PrivateVPN: Small but mighty VPN. This provider’s global server network, while quite small when compared to the other VPNs on this list, provides well-protected connections to content in the countries that it serves.

When selecting a VPN for Costa Rica, consider several factors, including:

• Servers in Costa Rica
• Comprehensive security and privacy protections
• Fast connection speeds
• Apps for popular devices
• Customer support offerings

If you’re in San José or other parts of Costa Rica, users looking to protect and enhance their Costa Rica-based online activities are urged to consider one of the following six VPN providers.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is the best choice for protecting and enhancing your online activities, both inside and outside of Costa Rican borders.

With more than 5,600 servers covering the globe in 60+ countries, Costa Rica included, the provider offers reliable content unblocking for numerous international locations.

The provider protects its customers’ internet activities with a mix of banking-grade AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and malware, botnet, and ad blocking features.

Obfuscated servers help hide your VPN connection, while a Double VPN option routes your internet connection through a duo of VPN servers in two locations, doubling your anonymity.

A strict no-logs policy means no records of your online antics are ever recorded, while a Bitcoin payment option keeps your financial information safe.

The provider’s owned-and-operated server farms keep third-party contractors away from your personal information. Plus, all NordVPN servers are run solely from RAM, with no data whatsoever being written to a physical hard drive. This means all data is securely wiped when a server is shut down or restarted.

NordVPN’s connection speeds are quite impressive, making it an excellent choice for streaming HD or 4K content, gaming without lag, and sharing large files.

NordVPN’s app support includes native apps for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), Linux, Amazon Fire, and Android TV device platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is support for numerous router makes and models.

NordVPN’s SmartDNS service allows devices like game consoles, smart TVs, and other set-top boxes to access streaming content in multiple areas of the world. However, keep in mind that the service does not encrypt your internet connection like a VPN would.

Users can simultaneously connect up to six devices to the provider’s servers on a single account.

Customer support is available around the clock, as the provider offers 24/7 live chat, email support, and a searchable support library.

BEST VPN FOR COSTA RICA:Your best bet for protecting and enhancing your internet activities in Costa Rica is NordVPN. The provider offers fast connection speeds, apps for most popular devices, 24/7 customer support, a large global server network and comprehensive security and privacy protections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Online users on a tight budget will want to give careful consideration to the above-average services that Surfshark offers.

Surfshark’s global server locations continue to grow, currently standing at 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries, including Costa Rica.

All Surfshark-provided connections are protected 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 routes your connection through two VPN server locations instead of one, doubling up on your anonymity.

Privacy-conscious users will appreciate Surfshark’s strict no-logs policy and Bitcoin payment option. The provider has also joined the growing ranks of VPN providers that run their servers solely from RAM, ensuring that no data is ever written to a physical hard drive and that all data is securely wiped when a server is rebooted or shut down.

The provider’s connection speeds are capable of handling all of your favorite online activities, including fast-moving gaming, HD streaming services, and file sharing.

Native app support includes offerings for Windows, Linux, macOS (m1/M2 Mac support), iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, and Android TV device platforms. Firefox, Edge, and Chrome browser extensions are available, and router support is also there if you need it.

Surfshark has an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance, meaning users can simultaneously connect any number of devices to the provider’s servers at the same time.

Surfshark offers always-available live chat, email support, a “Contact Us” form, and a searchable support database.

BEST VPN FOR BUDGET-MINDED USERS:Surfshark provides top-notch VPN protection at a rock-bottom price. The provider offers unlimited simultaneous and fast and well-protected connections for most popular device platforms. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN delivers premium VPN service, albeit at a premium price.

The provider has an impressive global server network, including 3,000+ servers in 94+ countries (including Costa Rica).

ExpressVPN provides top-notch online security protection, offering government-grade AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS and IP leak prevention. The provider’s “Lightway” protocol is designed to increase your speed while providing improved security.

In addition to a no-server-logs policy and a Bitcoin payment option, your privacy is protected by the provider’s custom TrustedServer technology, which runs all server operations from RAM, never writing any info to the hard drive. This ensures that all information is completely wiped from the server whenever it is restarted.

ExpressVPN never slows down your connection by an embarrassing amount, offering more than enough speed for buffer-free streaming in high definition, gaming, and torrenting.

The provider offers apps for numerous device platforms, including Android, Linux, iOS, Windows, macOS (with Apple Silicon support), Android TV, Amazon Fire, and ChromeOS. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, and Vivaldi. Extensive router support is also available.

ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer DNS service enables access to geo-blocked content for game consoles, smart TVs, and other set-top streaming boxes. Keep in mind that the DNS service does not encrypt your connection as the provider’s VPN service does.

A somewhat limiting five devices can connect to the provider’s servers at once on a single set of login credentials.

Live chat support is always available, as is email support, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library.

FLEXIBLE VPN:ExpressVPN offers flexible and reliable VPN service, performing well in all categories, including the connection speed, app support, customer support, and global server coverage columns. While the provider is a bit expensive, it’s a great choice for protecting and enhancing all of your online activities. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

If you’re a novice VPN user or are simply looking for an uncomplicated way to protect your online activities, I recommend CyberGhost.

CyberGhost boasts a huge server network, with 9,000+ servers in more than 90 countries. This is the largest server network of any VPN provider on my list. Costa Rican servers are available.

CyberGhost’s security protections include bank-grade AES 256-bit encryption, automatic kill switch protection, DNS/IP leak prevention, and malicious website and ad blocking. CyberGhost can also optionally force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their web pages.

You can pay for your subscription using Bitcoin if that’s how you roll, and the provider never saves any logs of your online activities.

Speedy connections are the rule with CyberGhost. The provider can easily handle streaming, gaming, and file sharing. It even offers access to streaming- and downloading-optimized servers.

CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps offer one-click online protection, and they’re available for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, and Amazon Fire device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions make the scene, as does support for multiple makes and models of routers.

Seven devices can be simultaneously connected to CyberGhost servers on a single account.

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

BEST FOR BEGINNER VPN USERS:Those online travelers not used to using a VPN are advised to consider CyberGhost. The provider’s easy-to-use apps connect to high-speed servers around the world, providing well-protected access to geo-blocked content around the globe. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) has a good-sized global server network that provides access to geo-fenced content around most of the globe.

The PIA global server network is made up of 3,300+ servers located in nearly 85 countries.

PIA uses banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and kill switch protection. PIA users can also benefit from the provider’s ad, tracker, malware, and dangerous website blocking.

There are no records saved of your online antics while using PIA’s servers, meaning all of your online travels are kept completely incognito. The provider accepts Bitcoin as payment, which protects your payment privacy. (Use a disposable email address to score additional payment privacy points.)

PIA native app support includes options for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux devices. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser protection are also available. The provider is compatible with several router makes and models allowing you to protect all of your connected devices through a single access point, while counting as just one of your 10 concurrent device connection limit.

While this provider’s connection speeds are the second-slowest on this list, they are still up to handling your favorite online activities. No daily or monthly data caps or throttling of your bandwidth to spoil the fun here.

The provider’s customer support options include a live chat offering, a trouble ticket system, and a support library.

EXCELLENT ONLINE PROTECTION:Private Internet Access offers fast, well-protected connections that provide reliable access to geo-controlled content. PIA’s online protection keeps your online travels unmonitored and unrecorded. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has 200+ servers spread among 60+ countries. While that is the smallest global server network on this list, the provider still offers reliable access to geo-fenced content in the areas that it serves.

It is true that this provider’s connection speeds are the slowest on this list. However, the PrivateVPN connections should be able to handle streaming, gaming, and other popular online pastimes.

All PrivateVPN-provided connections are protected using banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and more. A “Stealth VPN” feature keeps your VPN use undercover by making it appear to be normal browser activity.

The provider’s strict no-server logs policy makes sure that no records of your online travels are ever saved while you’re connected to PrivateVPN servers. A Bitcoin payment option keeps your subscription information private.

PrivateVPN app support is underwhelming, as it is limited to Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices, and no browser extensions are available. Linux devices and some routers can be manually set up to work with the VPN.

The provider allows up to 10 simultaneous connections to PrivateVPN servers.

PrivateVPN’s customer support offers a live chat option, a support request form, and an FAQ support section.

MIGHTY-MITE VPN PROVIDER:PrivateVPN’s global server network is tiny but powerful. While this provider’s network is small, it delivers reliable access to content in the areas where it serves. The provider’s “Stealth VPN” protective feature hides your VPN usage. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Costa Rica

While Costa Rican internet users don’t need to worry about heavy filtering or blocking of online content, a VPN is still needed. There are several factors that need to be carefully considered before opting for any VPN service provider.

Below, I’ve listed the factors that I considered when compiling this list of VPNs for use while visiting or living in Costa Rica:

• Connection speed: The faster your internet connection, the more enjoyable your online activities will be. The VPNs I included on this list scored highly in my connection speed tests.
• Server network: The larger a VPN’s global server network, the better access it will likely provide to geo-blocked content around the globe. Plus, I look for providers with multiple servers in each country it serves, as this helps prevent any single server from being overloaded with users.
• Value: A VPN’s value can be best calculated by comparing its asking price to the features it offers. The VPNs that I included on this list all offer an excellent return on investment.
• Ease of use: A VPN’s apps should be easy-to-use, and be available for popular device platforms. The VPNs that I included on this list offer intuitive apps for popular device platforms.
• Security and privacy: Any VPN worth considering should (at a minimum) offer banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. A strict no-logs policy is also a must, as it ensures that there are no logs kept of your online activities.
• Streaming: Streaming video is an extremely popular online pastime. Most of these VPNs offer reliable access to streaming sites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and others.

Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.

How to Use a VPN to Connect to Costa Rica

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. Select and connect to a server in Costa Rica.
5. Enjoy your favorite Costa Rican content!

If you want to connect to another country, in step four, choose a server in another country besides Costa Rica.

Can I Use a Free VPN in Costa Rica?

I am simply not a fan of free VPNs for multiple reasons.

First off, free VPNs are less than convenient to use.

Some freebie providers will require you to wait in a queue until you’re allowed to connect to their servers. Once you’re given the okay to connect, you’ll either find that you have a severely limited selection of servers to choose from, or that the VPN will simply automatically connect you to a server of its choosing.

Either way, you may not wind up in the country you were looking for.

Once you’ve connected, you’ll likely find that your connection speeds have been greatly slowed. Plus, you’ll likely be forced to deal with a daily or monthly data cap. This is because VPNs preserve their bandwidth and data usage for paying customers.

The “private” part of a Virtual Private Network is missing when you opt for a free VPN experience.

First, many free VPNs pay the bills by tracking their free users’ online travels, and then selling that valuable information to advertisers and other parties that are willing to pay for it.

Then, there are the unwanted ads and tracking cookies that some free providers have been caught inserting into their users’ browsing sessions.

It’s your online life, so you do you. But don’t take a chance on a free VPN provider. It’s just not the bargain it seems to be.

Conclusion

NordVPN is the best VPN option to protect your Costa Rican internet connection from monitoring, while opening access to online content around the world.

NordVPN has an above-average global server network that provides fast speeds and optimal online security and privacy, as well as access to geo-blocked content in numerous countries. The provider also boasts excellent app support, as well as customer support.

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

Costa Rica VPNs