5 Best VPNs for Europe in 2023 (Tested)

ByShagun Gupta Updated on
Best VPNs for Europe

Are you searching for the Best VPNs for Europe? While the EU Regulation doesn’t impose direct constraints on Internet access, it’s prudent to adopt precautions for safeguarding your online endeavors. Opting for a VPN service tailored to Europe can substantially enhance your digital security, and privacy, and even grant access to geo-restricted content.

Within the EU, individuals can connect to a secure VPN server, which not only encrypts sensitive information but also alters their virtual location. Consequently, your online activities remain shielded from prying eyes, including internet service providers (ISPs), enabling seamless access to global content, such as movies that might be restricted in your region.

Our assessments have encompassed a plethora of VPN providers, assessing factors like server availability, connection speeds, streaming capabilities, and overall performance. If you’re in pursuit of the most fitting VPN for European use, peruse further to discover a comprehensive guide equipping you with the necessary insights.

Quick Guide to set up VPN on your device

  1. Subscribe to a good VPN. To a list of many VPNs, we would advise you to go for ExpressVPN.
  2. Download and Install the ExpressVPN app that works with your device.
  3. Connect to the ExpressVPN to an American server.
  4. Open Netflix and enjoy US library content from Europe.

Top 5 best VPNs for Europe:

1. ExpressVPN

Whether you’re an advocate for a top-tier VPN known for its commitment to transparency and user privacy or simply a casual user in search of high-speed performance and exceptional streaming capabilities, ExpressVPN should unquestionably claim the top spot on your consideration list.

While the price point might be slightly higher compared to other virtual private network options, ExpressVPN consistently outperforms the competition, especially for users who demand the utmost from their VPN service.

ExpressVPN boasts numerous advantages that position it as a premier VPN service:

  1. Strong Security: ExpressVPN employs robust encryption standards, including AES-256 cipher, ensuring your data remains confidential and secure from potential cyber threats.
  2. Privacy-focused: With a strict no-logs policy, ExpressVPN doesn’t store your online activities, preserving your privacy and anonymity.
  3. Broad Server Network: The service offers a vast network of servers in numerous countries and cities around the world, enhancing access to global content and improving connection speeds.
  4. High-Speed Performance: ExpressVPN is known for its impressive connection speeds, ensuring smooth streaming, fast downloads, and lag-free browsing.
  5. Ease of Use: The user-friendly interface and intuitive apps make it easy for both beginners and experienced users to set up and navigate the VPN.
  6. Cross-Platform Compatibility: ExpressVPN offers dedicated apps for a wide range of devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, routers, and more.
  7. Secure and Private Browsing: ExpressVPN protects your online activities from hackers, ISPs, and other entities, allowing you to browse the internet securely, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
  8. Effective Bypassing of Geo-Restrictions: ExpressVPN reliably bypasses geo-restrictions, allowing you to access content and services that might be blocked or restricted in your region.

2. NordVPN

For a comprehensive VPN solution tailored to European needs, NordVPN stands out as the optimal choice, excelling in security, features, streaming capabilities, and speed. Boasting a network of over 5,700 servers across 60 locations, with a substantial 2,500 servers situated within the EU, NordVPN delivers an unparalleled experience.

Security and privacy remain paramount for NordVPN. Utilizing a robust combination of AES-256-CBC and ChaCha20 encryption, it ensures top-tier data protection. The provider strictly adheres to a no-logs policy, undergoing two independent audits to fortify its commitment to privacy.

In terms of performance, NordVPN adopts the NordLynx tunneling protocol, an optimized variant of WireGuard. This results in blazing-fast speeds and unwavering connectivity. In our testing, a server based in the Netherlands yielded impressive download and upload speeds of 276 Mbps and 286 Mbps, respectively.

NordVPN’s feature set goes beyond the basics. Alongside essentials like a kill switch and split tunneling, it offers an array of extras. Noteworthy features include obfuscated servers, P2P support, double VPN, and onion over VPN servers. The inclusion of CyberSec further enhances protection.

Addressing streaming needs, NordVPN effortlessly unblocks prominent platforms such as Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+. The SmartDNS technology extends its utility to devices lacking VPN support.

All these advantages come at an affordable cost, starting from $3.19 per month for six simultaneous connections, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Android users can also avail a free 7-day trial.

For a more in-depth exploration, refer to our comprehensive NordVPN review.

Advantages:

  • Extensive EU server network exceeding 2,500
  • Diverse specialty servers available
  • Rigorously verified no-logs policy
  • Effective unblocking of major streaming services
  • Consistently fast and reliable connection.

3. IP Vanish

IPVanish firmly establishes itself as one of the standout contenders among the finest VPNs catering to European users. Boasting a server network exceeding 2,200, of which over 530 are strategically positioned within the EU, IPVanish emerges as a noteworthy option.

With the added benefit of accommodating unlimited simultaneous connections, it’s an ideal choice for safeguarding all your devices during holidays or business trips.

Security and privacy are paramount for IPVanish. Employing AES-256-GCM encryption coupled with ChaCha20, it aligns with the encryption standards upheld by other premier VPNs in Europe. IPVanish’s commitment to user privacy is underscored by its non-collection and non-storage of potentially identifying data. An independent audit by Leviathan bolsters this privacy pledge.

Performance is a forte of IPVanish, leveraging the speed-centric WireGuard tunneling protocol. Our assessments revealed impressive speeds from a German server, with download and upload rates clocking in at 260 Mbps and 274 Mbps, respectively.

The feature set includes essentials such as a kill switch, split tunneling, and obfuscation. These features enhance security and enable uninterrupted VPN use even in nations with stringent internet censorship.

IPVanish effectively handles streaming demands, successfully unblocking key platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube. Notably, dedicated apps for Fire TV devices further broaden its compatibility.

However, it’s worth noting that IPVanish’s pricing leans toward the higher end, commencing from $2.99 per month. A safeguard is offered in the form of a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring a risk-free experience.

For a more comprehensive understanding, delve into our detailed IPVanish review.

Advantages:

  • Extensive European server count exceeding 500
  • Accommodates unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Audited commitment to a no-logs policy
  • Effective access to various streaming platforms
  • Comprehensive device compatibility.

4. PureVPN

Performance: PureVPN adopts the widely recognized WireGuard tunneling protocol, which we’ve rigorously tested to yield commendable speed results. Additionally, for those placing a premium on security, an OpenVPN (TCP) option is also available.

Features: Comprehensive features constitute PureVPN’s offerings, encompassing a kill switch, leak protection, and split-tunneling. However, it’s important to note that split-tunneling is incompatible when used concurrently with the WireGuard tunneling protocol.

Streaming: PureVPN emerges as a proficient streaming VPN, effortlessly unblocking platforms such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu during our evaluations. This capacity positions it as an excellent tool for accessing global content from Europe and beyond.

Pricing for a PureVPN subscription commences at an enticing $2.08 per month, allowing for a generous allocation of 10 simultaneous connections. Remarkably, the provider offers an extended 31-day money-back guarantee, surpassing the standard offering from other providers.

For a more comprehensive grasp, explore further insights in our comprehensive PureVPN review.

Advantages:

  • Expansive European server array
  • Robust security measures
  • Ongoing security audit commitment
  • Effective unblocking of numerous major streaming platforms
  • Extended money-back guarantee period.

5. Surfshark VPN

Streaming: Our testing affirms Surfshark’s prowess in unlocking Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and various sought-after platforms, all accomplished with remarkable ease. The convenience extends to dedicated apps tailored for streaming devices, such as Fire TV.

Significantly, Surfshark’s price point sets it apart, commencing from an economical $2.30 per month, a rate that grants unlimited simultaneous connections. The package also incorporates a 30-day money-back guarantee, solidifying its affordability. Notably, free trial options are available for Mac, iOS, and Android devices.

Uncertainty looms? Delve into our comprehensive Surfshark VPN review or engage in a head-to-head comparison with NordVPN.

Advantages:

  • Servers spanning 31 EU countries
  • Unrestricted simultaneous connections
  • Strict no-logs policy upheld
  • Seamlessly compatible with major streaming platforms
  • Highly competitive pricing structure.

Do VPNs work in Europe?

Certainly, the VPNs highlighted on our list exhibit flawless performance within Europe.

Which VPN is best for Europe?

Based on our research findings, ExpressVPN emerges as the optimal VPN choice for Europe.

Are VPNs legal in Europe?

Absolutely, the utilization of VPNs within Europe is permissible and lawful, primarily for reasons associated with enhancing security and safeguarding privacy.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that extensive Internet user surveillance is not prevalent across most EU countries, it remains prudent to contemplate the adoption of a VPN to heighten both your privacy and security measures.

Upon establishing a connection to ExpressVPN, your confidential data undergoes encryption, rendering it indecipherable to external entities. Consequently, this shields you from potential ISP tracking, fostering a state of anonymity.