The Best VPNs for Travel 2024

We recommend NordVPN as the best virtual private network (VPN) for travel based on our testing, experience, and research. Nord provides high reliability and protection, making it easy to work abroad or keep you safe on public Wi-Fi (such as in airports, cafes, or train stations).

You can also use Nord to access your favorite streaming content while you’re away from home — all at a low starting price of $2.99/mo (billed every two years).

Our runners-up are Surfshark, starting at $1.99/mo (billed every two years) and ExpressVPN, starting at $6.67/mo (billed annually). Surfshark is a more affordable option packed with features. ExpressVPN is a reliable VPN that’s compatible with loads of devices, including Fire TV Sticks, which make excellent travel companions.

Let’s dig into why these are the best VPNs for travel.

The best VPNs for travel 2024

• NordVPN: Best overall
• Surfshark: Best for value and unlimited devices
• ExpressVPN: Best for device compatibility

Top 3 VPN services for travel compared

VPN	NordVPN Best Overall	Surfshark	ExpressVPN
Starting price	Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years)	Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years)	Starts at $6.67/mo (billed annually)
Free version
Streaming support	Yes — Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more	Yes — Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more	Yes — Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review

NordVPN: Best overall

Who it’s best for

NordVPN is best for travelers who want a VPN server they can rely on. In our experience, Nord just works. It unblocks popular streaming services and provides high protection and privacy without compromising connection speeds. And the starting price of $2.99/mo (billed every two years) is more than affordable.

What we liked

From our experience, NordVPN is a clever travel hack that allows you to watch Netflix and many other streaming services. This is handy if you frequently travel to different countries but still want to access streaming content from home or other regions.

There’s also a little-to-no learning gap when using the NordVPN app on different devices, including phones or laptops. It’s user-friendly, not often requiring you to do more than install the app, log in to your account, and connect to a VPN server.

Uncomplicated VPNs can be helpful no matter the situation, but especially if you don’t want to introduce any additional stress into your travels. After all, you’re likely on vacation, need to focus on work, or maybe a mixture of the two. If you need any help with your VPN, Nord has 24/7 customer support.

What we didn’t like

NordVPN is affordable, but there are still cheaper alternatives out there. Specifically, Surfshark, starting at $1.99/mo (billed every two years), and Private Internet Access, starting at $2.19/mo (billed every two years). If the price tag is one of your main concerns, a more affordable VPN could be right.

We also find the Nord subscription plans a bit confusing. Rather than three options, as with many other VPN providers, you have nine plan options. 

Each option varies in price and online security features, and you can choose month-to-month plans or one- to two-year plans. It seems like too many options, which can be overwhelming for VPN beginners.

NordVPN specs

Price range	$2.99–$17.99/mo
Free version	No, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers	6,800+ servers in 111 countries
Number of connected devices	10
VPN protocol	NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review

Surfshark: Best for value and unlimited devices

Who it’s best for

Surfshark is best for travelers who want a super affordable VPN, starting at $1.99/mo (billed every two years), which they can use on as many devices as they wish. This could be useful if you’re traveling with family or friends and all have devices that could benefit from a VPN.

What we liked

Most popular VPNs have a limit on how many simultaneous connections you can have. But with how many devices people use these days, it’s nice not to worry about being able to use your VPN only on 10 devices (NordVPN) or 8 devices (ExpressVPN).

We also like how the Surfshark VPN encrypts your internet connection, unblocks different streaming services, and provides fast download speeds. A big highlight of Surfshark is that it has servers in 100 countries. Having VPN servers in more countries could be helpful if you want to access specific regional streaming services.

What we didn’t like

We generally didn’t have issues while testing Surfshark, but it must be mentioned that its headquarters are in the Netherlands. This country is associated with the Five Eyes Alliance, a global surveillance alliance known for its anti-privacy actions.  

This doesn’t necessarily mean any privacy issues with Surfshark, but it’s something to consider.

Surfshark specs

Price range	$1.99/mo (billed every two years)
Free version	No, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers	3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Number of connected devices	Unlimited
VPN protocol	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review

ExpressVPN: Best for device compatibility

Who it’s best for

ExpressVPN is best for travelers who want a reliable VPN that works with many devices. It isn’t the cheapest VPN, starting at $6.67/mo (billed annually), but it could be helpful if it works on your devices. Below are the types of devices you can use with ExpressVPN.

Operating systems and browsers:

• Windows
• macOS
• Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch, Raspberry Pi, and Linux Mint
• iOS (iPhone, iPad)
• Android
• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox

Devices:

• Chromebook
• Fire TV
• Amazon Fire
• Apple TV
• Android TV
• Xbox
• PlayStation
• Home or office router
• Other smart home devices

What we liked

Most VPNs work with popular devices and operating systems like iOS, macOS, Windows, and Android. But ExpressVPN takes it a step further by providing functionality with most internet-capable devices, including smart home electronics.

We also had no issues using ExpressVPN to unblock different streaming services. Although it wasn’t the fastest VPN we tested, ExpressVPN certainly provided excellent speeds during our speed tests.

What we didn’t like

The price is a bit high to be considered affordable compared to what’s available from other VPNs, with subscriptions starting at $6.67/mo (billed annually). It’s still not out of the realm of what many people would be willing to pay, but the price is well above most VPN services.

We also don’t like ExpressVPN not publishing its total server network count. Knowing the number of servers gives some idea of whether a provider has enough to meet demand, but we have to assume a VPN as big as ExpressVPN does have sufficient servers for its customers.

ExpressVPN specs

Price range	$4.99–$12.95/mo
Free version	No, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers	Unlisted in 105 countries
Number of connected devices	8
VPN protocol	Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review

Honorable mentions

We tested many VPNs and compared them based on various factors and features. Here are some alternative VPNs if you aren't sold on our top three:

• CyberGhost: CyberGhost is an affordable, user-friendly VPN starting at $2.03/mo (billed every two years). Our experience with this VPN has generally been good, and we like that it has servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. 

  Get CyberGhost | Read Our CyberGhost Review

• Private Internet Access: Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of our more highly rated VPNs for its affordability (starting at $2.03/mo (billed every two years)), fast speeds, and streaming support. Similar to Surfshark, it also has unlimited simultaneous connections. 

  Get Private Internet Access | Read Our Private Internet Access Review

Best VPNs for travel FAQs

Bottom line: The best VPNs for travel

Based on our testing, research, and personal experience, NordVPN is the best VPN for travel. It's a speedy VPN that unblocks popular streaming services while providing high levels of privacy and protection at an affordable price.

Surfshark and ExpressVPN are our runners-up. Surfshark is a good choice for budget travelers who want VPN access on multiple devices, and ExpressVPN is a good choice if you want one VPN with apps for many types of devices.