Best VPN for Travel

ExpressVPN is currently CNET’s pick for the best VPN overall, scoring an 8.8/10 on our VPN rating scale. It’s a veteran VPN provider that consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to privacy and transparency. It’s also excellent for streaming and the easiest VPN app to use on any platform. For the best, you’ll need to pay a premium -- ExpressVPN is one of the most expensive VPN providers currently on the market. The service costs $13 a month, $60 every six months or $100 a year, which is considerably more expensive than the $60 a year that Surfshark normally charges after its initial one- and two-year promotional pricing. NordVPN is more in line with ExpressVPN's price at $13 a month or $90 annually (after a promotional $69 price for the first year).

ExpressVPN delivers the most consistent and streamlined VPN app experiences across platforms. Its minimalist interface is simple to use for advanced VPN users and beginners alike. The app settings are easy to navigate and finding a server location is straightforward. We like how the app always connects in a snap, which isn’t always the case with other VPNs -- like Surfshark -- which often struggle to connect immediately on the first attempt. If you want the best for streaming, ExpressVPN is a good bet because it effortlessly unblocks all sorts of streaming content, including Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. The provider also recently bumped its simultaneous connection allowance up to eight, which is slightly more generous than NordVPN’s six simultaneous connections, but considerably less than the unlimited simultaneous connections allowed by others like Surfshark, PIA and IPVanish.

Although fast enough for almost any online activity, ExpressVPN’s speeds are not quite as fast as some of its competitors, based on our latest speed tests. In 2024, we measured a 24.8% average speed loss with ExpressVPN. This is still fast, considering that many VPNs can slash your internet speeds by 50% or more. We saw substantially better speeds from NordVPN (11% speed loss) and Surfshark (17% speed loss). Still, ExpressVPN’s speeds were largely consistent and aligned with our expectations across protocols and server locations. Overall, we registered the fastest speeds through ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol on MacOS (7% speed loss). On the other end of the spectrum, the slowest speeds we measured were through OpenVPN on Windows, at a 48% speed loss. Overall, speeds were generally faster to relatively closer server locations like New York City and the UK, and slower to distant locations like Australia and Singapore. Either way, ExpressVPN’s speeds were still fast enough for general browsing as well as for more data-intensive activities like streaming, gaming and videoconferencing -- especially if you use Lightway. 

NordVPN is one of the most well-known VPNs on the market, partly thanks to its widespread marketing campaigns. Nord remains a popular virtual private network option because of its exceptionally fast connections, privacy-focused features and excellent geo-unblocking for streaming services. Its user-friendly design that doesn't compromise on settings makes it an outstanding choice for casual VPN newcomers and seasoned power users alike. NordVPN’s global server network comprises more than 6,400 servers spanning 111 countries (that's the most individual countries of any VPN we tested), making it a good option for a VPN when traveling domestically or internationally. With that many servers, you’re likely to find something nearby, even while abroad. The country count is right on par with the international reach of competitors like Surfshark and ExpressVPN, both of which also boast a global server count of at least 100 countries.

In our 2024 speed tests, NordVPN solidified itself as hands-down the fastest VPN. Using its NordLynx VPN protocol, we measured an average internet speed loss of just 3.2% with Windows and 12.6% on MacOS. On OpenVPN, we recorded an average internet download speed loss of 10.1% on MacOS and 18.8% on Windows. Whether you choose an OpenVPN connection or the NordLynx protocol, you’ll enjoy the smallest possible internet speed degradation. With apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android/Android TV, iOS/iPadOS, browsers and even Apple TV, Nord runs on almost any platform you can think of.

We appreciate NordVPN's commitment to privacy and security. In addition to features like Onion over VPN (Tor) and a Double VPN, which deliver additional encryption, a 2023 audit by Deloitte backed up its no-log claims for improved transparency. Folks with serious privacy needs can even buy a Nord subscription with cryptocurrencies for pseudo-anonymity. While zero-logging policies are challenging to verify with absolute certainty, third-party audits provide peace of mind. On the entertainment side, we had no issues streaming US and UK Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus libraries on most devices -- another perk when traveling abroad. 

Surfshark is a wallet-friendly VPN that doesn’t skimp on features, speed or servers. At $15 per month and normally priced at $60 annually (the one- and two-year plans are usually going for $42 for the first year or $60 for the first two years before a price hike to a still cost-effective $60 annual price), Surfshark is one of the cheapest VPNs available. Despite its modest price, you’ll enjoy a generous network with over 3,200 servers in 100 countries for finding a reliable connection across the globe. Moreover, Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous connections (ExpressVPN only gives you eight while NordVPN offers 10) making it a great multidevice VPN.

Our lab tests found an impressive 17% average speed loss, which matches some of the fastest VPNs on the market, like ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Thanks to its blisteringly fast connectivity, you can easily perform internet-demanding tasks like 4K streaming and competitive gaming. I could stream geo-protected content from Netflix, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video. Watching Star Trek: The Next Generation on Netflix -- usually a Paramount Plus exclusive -- was a real treat (although I’ve got a Paramount Plus subscription and the complete series on DVD). Aside from its Windows, MacOS, Android and iPhone apps, Surfshark has a GUI Linux app, which means you can pack your Steam Deck or Linux laptop.

Surfshark’s robust privacy features make it a solid choice for working with sensitive data -- like circumventing geo-specific censorship while traveling. You’ll find a stringent no-logging policy, AES-256-bit encryption and a kill switch. Aside from these basics, Surfshark features amenities including Dynamic Multihop and IP Rotator, making it even harder to uncover your IP address and further strengthening privacy. Its RAM-only servers and obfuscation further bolster Surfshark’s already strong data protection. Unfortunately, Surfshark’s jurisdiction falls under the 14 Eyes, so folks with tight security needs -- like journalists working with sensitive data -- might be disappointed. I’d also like to see more regular and comprehensive audits to match the transparency of competitors like Nord and Express. Surfshark punches well above its weight class, delivering outstanding value without sacrificing privacy and performance. 

Private Internet Access brings a lot to the table, particularly for regular travelers. Its large server network blankets the globe with 35,000 servers in 91 countries. While ExpressVPN and Surfshark deliver more individual country choices, PIA’s sheer number of servers lets you easily find an optimal connection. It’s an especially great VPN for folks traveling domestically or to one of the worldwide locales where Private Internet Access maintains a decent presence. In our experience, we found PIA unblocked Disney Plus, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video on both US and UK servers, making it a good VPN for streaming. 

Its wallet-friendly pricing sets you back just $12 monthly, $40 annually or $79 total for three years. By comparison, most VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN typically charge $90-100 a year. While the value-packed Surfshark charges around $52 for your first year, its price jumps to $60 after its initial sweet introductory pricing, whereas PIA foregoes price hikes for attractively transparent pricing. 

Despite its relatively low cost, PIA doesn’t cut corners. Although it’s not the most feature-rich VPN, you’ll get a solid privacy suite, including a kill switch that stops your internet if your VPN gets disconnected, split tunneling for using a VPN for some apps but not others and 256-bit encryption. There’s multihop, which routes your connection through another server for additional privacy, and obfuscated servers, making it tougher for apps or ISPs to identify when you’re using a VPN. PIA also boasts unlimited simultaneous connections -- the pricier NordVPN and ExpressVPN limit you to six and eight, respectively. 

Proton VPN is an outstanding option for privacy-minded folks, with its open-source apps, Secure Core servers, Tor over VPN and full-disk encryption, which enhances security. The Swiss-based VPN company is an excellent option for use while traveling since its VPN adds best-in-class privacy, a benefit for situations like preventing your internet service provider from tracking your browsing history. Pricing is simply average at $10 monthly, $60 annually or $108 for two years (both the one- and two-year plans renew at $80 per year), but Proton’s unmatched privacy and transparency justify the cost. Note that we don’t recommend a two-year subscription despite attractively low prices because of the way VPNs change so quickly: Your initially fast, secure VPN provider might suffer slow servers or a data breach over a year.

You’ll benefit from a modest 4,800-plus servers in more than 91 countries with its paid plans, and Proton includes the only free tier we recommend, which lets you connect to servers in five countries (the US, Japan, Poland, Romania and the Netherlands). Its average 21% internet download speed loss is more than capable of handling 4K video streaming, Zoom calls, online gaming and other bandwidth-intensive tasks. Proton VPN is a solid pick for privacy-conscious travelers and features a terrific free VPN plan.