The Best VPN Countries To Connect to and Keep Your Browsing Safe

Choosing the right country to connect your VPN to depends on what your goal is. For example, the U.S. has the best range of streaming services. But if you're big on privacy, Switzerland is popularly recommended thanks to their robust privacy laws.

But overall, if you have a good VPN, the country you're connected to shouldn't make much of a difference in terms of privacy. Your IP address should be encrypted in a way that wouldn't allow your history to be traced back to you, especially if the VPN has a strict no logs policy.

But if you want to make doubly sure you're covered, here's the best countries to connect to with your VPN, why you should change your VPN server location, and how data protection laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) can affect your VPN usage.

The best VPN countries to connect to

Not all countries are equal when it comes to providing the best server locations. That is why we took the time to research and find out what companies have server locations best suited for your needs.

Purpose	Best countries
Privacy	Switzerland
Torrenting	Switzerland, Romania, Iceland, and Panama
Streaming	U.S.
Speed	Closest to your location

Best server location for privacy

Switzerland is widely regarded as the best VPN country for those prioritizing privacy, thanks to its robust privacy laws and its location outside the Five, Nine, and Fourteen Eyes Alliances. 

These alliances are groups of countries that have mutual agreements to exchange intelligence data, which privacy-conscious VPN users may want to avoid. That means if your home country flags something about your browsing, Switzerland is under no obligation to share any logs it may have.

On top of that, Switzerland as a whole prioritizes personal privacy protection. It has its own data privacy act, called the new Act on Federal Data Protection (nFADP), which was implemented in 2023 as a complete overhaul to its existing coverage that existed before the massive digitization of our world. This covers how personal data is collected and used.

Two privacy-focused VPNs headquartered in Switzerland include Proton VPN and PrivadoVPN.

Best server location for torrenting

The best VPN locations for torrenting include:

• Switzerland
• Romania
• Iceland
• Panama

This list is chosen because of their strong data privacy laws. These countries also abstain from participating in intelligence-sharing agreements, such as the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes alliances.

The best VPNs for torrenting have iron-clad security, can protect your files from malware, offer P2P optimized specialty servers, and feature torrenting support.

Best server location for streaming

The best VPN server country for streaming is the U.S., thanks to the sheer amount of streaming services the country offers, like HBO Max, Hulu, and more.

That said, the best country depends on what kind of content you're looking for. Some shows are only available on platforms in certain countries, so you may have to try a few countries to figure out where to watch your favorite show.

Many popular streaming platforms are exclusive to the U.S., so American sports fans may want to use a VPN to access the NFL, NBA, NHL, and other games.

Streaming services with exclusive U.S. content

• Hulu: Includes on-demand content and sports exclusives
• Peacock: Includes live and on-demand content, sports exclusives, and NBCUniversal content
• ESPN+: Offers live games, exclusive events, and on-demand replays
• Sling TV: Live TV streaming with tiered packages (including 24-hour day passes)
• YouTube TV: Live TV streaming with tiered packages and add-ons like the NFL Sunday Ticket
• DirecTV Stream: Live TV streaming and on-demand content with tiered packages (including genre packages)
• Philo: Live TV streaming and on-demand content with integrated AMC+ content
• Fubo: Live TV streaming and on-demand content with tiered packages (including an exclusive Spanish-language package)

The best VPNs for streaming offer fast, reliable speeds, can bypass content restrictions, and boast large server networks, among other features.

Best server location for speed

The best server locations for fast connections are usually those closest to your location. For example, if you are located in the U.S., it's ideal to choose an available server location in your state, in a city nearer to you. This is because VPN providers route your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel, which typically results in a decrease in your internet speed. If you're connected to the closest server, you'll likely have a stronger connection. 

Similarly, if you're based in a European country, choosing a server location in Germany or the U.K. may be ideal. Both of these locations are optimized depending on whether you are physically located in Eastern or Western Europe.

Most premium VPNs offer a "quick connect" or "nearest location" feature that will automatically connect you to the optimal server based on your location. However, some VPN services also display the latency (or ping) of each server location or other indications of server congestion, allowing you to decide based on your preferred location. For example, a VPN server list for the U.K. may include servers for London, Manchester, and Glasgow, and you can select the best location based on your needs.

Best VPNs with high country counts

These VPNs unlock a huge amount of server locations for you, giving you the ultimate flexibility over where your information is channeled.

	Server count	Learn more
	8,100+ servers in 120+ countries	Get NordVPN
	3,200+ servers in 100 countries	Get Surfshark
	15,000+ servers in 120+ countries	Get Proton VPN

Why change your VPN location?

Overall, changing your VPN location helps to conceal your local IP address, provided by your internet service provider (ISP), when surfing the internet to protect your privacy and gain anonymity. But there are several more reasons you may want to consider it.

1. Hide your true location for privacy

You may want to hide your true location to protect your privacy while playing online games, browsing the web, working remotely, or for other reasons.

Doing so also encrypts your data, providing an added layer of security. A win-win for privacy lovers!

2. Faster speeds and better performance

Selecting a VPN server location that is closer to your physical location increases the likelihood of better speeds and optimal performance.

That is because when your server location is far away, it usually takes time for the data to travel from the server to your device. This is called ping or latency.

3. Access geo-restricted content

Some regions around the world may be blocked from accessing certain websites, streaming services, and online games. By changing your VPN server location, you can bypass these network blocks by appearing as though you are in another region or country that isn’t restricted or banned from the sites you wish to access.

4. Bypass internet censorship and avoid surveillance

In some countries, the government imposes strict internet censorship and surveillance measures. Changing your VPN location to a country with less stringent regulations can help you bypass these restrictions and access uncensored information and resources.

5. Take advantage of favorable data protection and privacy laws

Each nation has its own laws and regulations regarding data protection and privacy. For instance, the European Union follows strict rules like the GDPR, which is a comprehensive set of data privacy laws that protect user data.

Conversely, countries that are part of the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) are renowned for their intrusive surveillance methods and data retention laws. By changing your VPN location to a country with stringent privacy laws, you can safeguard your data from third-party spies and snoopers.

How to choose the best VPN server location for you

• Proximity to your location: Connecting to a nearby server usually provides faster and more reliable connections, as it reduces latency (data travel time).
• Number of servers in that location: A higher number of servers in a location can enhance the performance of your connection by helping to distribute user load, thus reducing the chances of server overload.
• Streaming service availability: If you want to access geo-restricted content, choose a VPN server location in the region where the content you want to watch is available.
• Data protection laws: For privacy and security, opt for a server located in a country with strong data protection laws, such as Iceland or Switzerland, and avoid countries that are part of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or Fourteen Eyes alliances.
• Country's digital infrastructure: A country with a well-developed digital infrastructure can provide better connection speeds and overall performance.
• Internet censorship: If you live in a country with numerous restrictions and high levels of internet censorship, such as China, consider choosing a server address or location in a country with more internet freedom.

In addition to the country you choose, ensure you select the right VPN. Ensure it has a good reputation, offers strong encryption and robust privacy and security features, and adheres to a strict no-logs policy that has been audited.

How to change your VPN location

Follow these instructions to change your VPN location:

1. Open the server location menu: In the VPN app, locate and open the list of available server locations from the country of your choice.
2. Choose a server location: Select a server location based on your needs and preferences, considering factors like proximity, streaming service availability, and data protection laws.
3. Connect to the chosen server: Click or tap on the selected server location to establish a connection.
4. Verify your new IP address: Visit a website like WhatIsMyIPAddress to confirm that your IP address and location have changed.
5. Clear browsing data: To prevent websites from detecting your VPN usage, clear your cookies, cache, and browsing history.
6. Enjoy your new online location: With your VPN location changed, you can now access geo-restricted content, enhance your privacy, and enjoy a more secure browsing experience.

Server location FAQs

Bottom line

Choosing the right VPN server location is helpful for optimizing your online experience. Whether you’re working remotely, living in a country with less internet freedom, want to access geo-restricted content, or simply wish to hide your location, changing your VPN location can be convenient and advantageous. However, it’s important to choose a reputable VPN service that offers a wide server network with locations worldwide and is headquartered in a country with favorable data protection and privacy laws.

Travelers will find it especially essential to have a reputable VPN service that caters to their needs so that they can engage in their normal online activities abroad while enhancing their privacy and security. A well-researched VPN with server locations in the best countries can significantly enhance your online experience, no matter where your journey takes you.

To make an informed decision, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on the best VPNs for travel, which will help you stay connected and secure while exploring the world.