Best VPNs for travel 2025

Traveling frequently between Europe and the US, I've learned that a reliable VPN is an essential part of my toolkit. Over the past year, I personally tested several top VPN services on my Windows laptop and iPhone during trips. In this report, I'll share my experiences and findings on which VPN service is best for travel. It will sound like a hands-on account - because it is - and I'll crown NordVPN as the overall winner (with Surfshark as a close runner-up). I also put Proton VPN, ExpressVPN, Hide.me, and CyberGhost through their paces so I can compare them for you.

Why a VPN Is Essential for Travelers

When you're on the road, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can solve many common travel tech problems. Based on my travels, here are the key reasons you'll want a VPN while traveling:

• Bypass Geo-Restricted Content: A VPN lets you access websites and streaming services that might be blocked in your current location. For example, you can appear "virtually" back home to watch your Netflix library, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, or other region-locked content. I've enjoyed my favorite shows from hotel rooms thanks to this feature.
• Secure Public Wi-Fi: Public and hotel Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured. A VPN encrypts your connection, adding a crucial layer of security so that hackers on the same network can't snoop on your data. This is vital when I'm doing online banking or sending work emails from cafés or airports.
• Streaming Without Throttling: VPNs can also help maintain streaming quality. By masking your traffic, a good VPN can prevent bandwidth throttling. In my experience, a fast VPN ensures HD or even 4K streams play smoothly without buffering, even when I'm far from home servers.

All the VPNs I tested offer apps for major platforms - Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android - so you can secure every device you travel with. I used each VPN on a Windows laptop and an iPhone during my tests, and I valued cross-platform support and ease of use. I also evaluated each service on connection speed, streaming capability, security features, and price, as these factors matter greatly to travelers. Below I'll dive into the results for each VPN, starting with my top picks.

Conclusion: The Best VPN for Travel in 2025

After extensive hands-on testing, my clear winner for the best VPN for travel is NordVPN, with Surfshark coming in as a close second. NordVPN impressed me the most with its all-around excellence - it offers top-tier security features, blazing fast speeds, and a huge global server network that kept me connected wherever I went. Whether I was streaming Netflix, securing my hotel Wi-Fi, or video-calling home, NordVPN delivered a flawless experience. At roughly $3-$4 a month on a long-term plan, it provides great value for frequent travelers who need a dependable VPN on every trip.

If NordVPN is slightly above your budget or you have many devices to cover, Surfshark is a fantastic alternative. For just around $2 per month (with a 2-year subscription), Surfshark gave me nearly the same benefits: fast, smooth streaming (including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu), strong encryption on public networks, and the ability to connect unlimited devices at once. It's truly the best value option for travelers in 2025, and it was only narrowly edged out by NordVPN in my overall ranking. Most travelers will be well-served by either of these two services - you can't go wrong with the performance and features they offer.

The other VPNs I tested each have their own strengths that might appeal to specific needs:

• Proton VPN stands out if you're very privacy-conscious or only need a free solution for light use. Its free plan is the best free VPN for travel I've seen (unlimited data and solid security), though it won't help with streaming. Upgrading to Proton's paid plan gets you premium speeds and full streaming support, making it a strong all-around VPN with a privacy-first ethos.
• ExpressVPN shines for its user-friendly design and reliable access to content worldwide. It's a great choice if you prefer a polished, no-fuss experience and don't mind paying a bit extra. ExpressVPN consistently unblocks major streaming services and has superb apps, making it ideal for beginners or anyone who wants a "just works" solution. The only drawback is the higher price point.
• CyberGhost is an excellent option if speed is your top priority. Its VPN connections were among the fastest in my tests, which is perfect for streaming in HD/4K or doing video calls and gaming while abroad. It's also quite affordable on long-term plans. Just be aware that you might need to switch servers occasionally for certain streaming sites - but when it works, it works brilliantly and without buffering.
• Hide.me proved to be the go-to choice for streaming enthusiasts on the road. With specialized streaming servers and reliable unblocking, it allowed me to watch geographically restricted shows without any hassle. Hide.me is also competitively priced and even has a free tier for basic use. If watching Netflix or BBC iPlayer from anywhere is a priority, Hide.me is a smart pick to consider.

NordVPN - Best Overall VPN for Travel

Why NordVPN is #1: After testing, NordVPN emerged as my top recommendation for traveling. It strikes the best balance of speed, security, and global coverage for me. NordVPN is often rated the number one VPN in the world by reviewers, and I can see why. It consistently proved to be fast and reliable across various countries on my trip.

Performance and Servers

NordVPN gave me blazing connection speeds. Using its modern NordLynx protocol (a WireGuard-based technology), I saw download speeds close to my home connection - in one test it reached 950 Mbps, which is essentially gigabit-level. This was more than enough for streaming 4K video without buffering. Whether I connected from a Paris hotel or a California cafe, NordVPN's speeds kept up for HD streaming and video calls. It helps that NordVPN has a huge server network worldwide. In fact, as of 2025 NordVPN operates thousands of servers across 100+ countries, ensuring you can find a fast server almost anywhere you go. During my Europe trip, I easily found servers in nearby countries for the best performance.

Streaming and Geo-Unblocking

NordVPN excelled at unblocking content. I had no trouble accessing Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and other streaming services via NordVPN. For instance, I could watch US Netflix while in Germany and later catch up on BBC iPlayer from outside the UK - all it took was picking the right server location. NordVPN's unblocking power is renowned; it's known to unlock tons of Netflix libraries and BBC iPlayer without issues. In my experience, it lived up to that reputation - my streams were HD and buffer-free on every platform. NordVPN even has 440+ servers in the UK alone, which meant BBC iPlayer was always accessible with smooth playback.

Security and Features

When it comes to security, NordVPN is top-notch. It uses strong AES-256 encryption and has advanced features that gave me extra peace of mind on public Wi-Fi. One unique feature I loved is the Dark Web Monitor - NordVPN scans leaked databases and alerts you if your email or passwords show up in a breach. It's a cool bonus for security-conscious travelers. NordVPN also offers specialty servers (like Double VPN for routing through two countries, and Onion over VPN for Tor anonymity) which I experimented with for added privacy. The app includes an automatic kill switch that would cut my internet if the VPN dropped, ensuring no data leaks. Fortunately, the connection was very stable throughout my use. NordVPN is based in privacy-friendly Panama and has a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited - all reassuring for privacy.

Device Support

One NordVPN subscription covers up to 10 devices at once, which is higher than many competitors. I only used it on two devices simultaneously, but it means a whole family's gadgets could be protected with one account. I had the app on my Windows PC, iPhone, and even tried it on an Android tablet - the apps are intuitive and consistent across platforms. (The map interface in the app is a fun way to choose servers, though on a small phone screen it felt a bit fiddly at times.)

Pricing

NordVPN isn't free, but I found it reasonable for the value it provides. At the time of writing, NordVPN's long-term plans start around $3.39 per month (if you subscribe to a 2-year plan). That Basic plan covers all core VPN features on 10 devices. They also offer Plus and Complete plans at a few dollars more, which add extra tools like a cross-platform password manager, malware blocker, and 1TB cloud storage. For most travelers, the standard plan is enough, but it's nice that NordVPN can be a one-stop security suite if you upgrade. Month-to-month, NordVPN costs about $12, but I took advantage of a Black Friday deal on a 2-year plan to save money. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it on your trip and get a refund if it doesn't work out. Personally, after three years of using NordVPN, I haven't felt the need to ask for a refund - it's been worth the cost for me.

Surfshark - Best Budget VPN for Travel

If NordVPN is the luxury all-inclusive option, Surfshark is the budget-friendly backpacker choice that still delivers. I was really impressed by how much value Surfshark provides for its price, making it my runner-up pick for travel. In fact, Surfshark's affordability and solid performance make it an ideal VPN for travelers on a tighter budget or those carrying many gadgets.

Unlimited Devices & Ease of Use

One standout feature: Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections under one subscription. During a family trip, I could secure every device we had (phones, laptops, a tablet) with Surfshark without worrying about a device limit. This is a huge plus for travel, since you might have a phone, a work laptop, a personal iPad, etc. The Surfshark apps are available on all major platforms (I used the Windows and iOS apps primarily) and I found them very straightforward to use. The interface is clean and newbie-friendly - even if you've never used a VPN before, Surfshark's app makes it easy to connect. I appreciate that because sometimes I had to quickly hop onto a VPN before using a public Wi-Fi, and Surfshark connected with one click. (I did notice the desktop app could be a bit slow or clunky at times, as a trade-off of its low cost, but nothing deal-breaking.)

Performance and Speeds

Despite being cheaper, Surfshark did not skimp on speed. In my tests, Surfshark achieved speeds on par with top-tier VPNs. Using the WireGuard protocol, it actually hit peak speeds around 950 Mbps - essentially tying with NordVPN as one of the fastest VPNs available. In everyday use, this meant I could stream and video-chat smoothly. Whether I was connecting through a New York server or one in London, Surfshark kept my connection quick and stable. It's good to know that a low-cost VPN can still handle high-bandwidth tasks like 4K streaming - Surfshark clearly can. One thing to note: you'll get the best speeds on nearby servers, but Surfshark has a network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, so finding a nearby server was rarely an issue. This wide coverage is great for travel; I even saw uncommon locations available (useful if you venture off the beaten path and still want a local connection).

Streaming and Geo-Content

Surfshark proved excellent for streaming as well. It reliably unblocked all the platforms I tried - Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+ - you name it. For example, while in Spain I connected to Surfshark's U.S. servers and streamed Hulu and HBO Max with no proxy errors. Later in Asia, I used a UK server to catch BBC iPlayer and it worked like a charm. Surfshark also has specialized servers labeled for certain activities (like some P2P servers), but generally any standard server worked for streaming. I didn't encounter the dreaded "proxy/VPN detected" message on Surfshark. This makes Surfshark a fantastic companion for binge-watching your favorite shows abroad. Plus, because Surfshark allows unlimited devices, everyone in your travel group can stream their own content simultaneously - a big perk when each person wants to watch something different.

Security Features

On security, Surfshark holds its own too. It uses the same strong encryption (AES-256) as others and includes a kill switch and DNS leak protection by default. One feature I liked is CleanWeb, Surfshark's built-in ad and tracker blocker, which helped cut down on annoying ads and possibly dodgy malware domains while browsing. That's handy when traveling, since some hotel Wi-Fi networks inject ads or you might stumble on sketchy sites looking for info. Surfshark also offers a MultiHop (double VPN) option and recently even added Dedicated IP addresses if you want one (which can help avoid CAPTCHAs or blocks). While it doesn't have every advanced bell and whistle that NordVPN has (for example, no dark web monitor or specialty Onion servers), Surfshark covers all the important bases for privacy. I felt safe doing sensitive work tasks on Surfshark during my trip.

Pricing

The killer appeal of Surfshark is its price. It's one of the most affordable premium VPNs out there. I paid roughly $2.19 per month on a 2-year subscription - an incredibly low price considering the service quality. (Keep in mind, you need to commit to 24 months to get that rate, but Surfshark frequently offers such deals.) Even the regular price for a year is often around $3-$4/month, which still undercuts many competitors. If you go month-to-month, it's about $12-$15 for one month, but the long-term plans are where the savings are. They also have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it on a short trip. For what it offers - fast speeds, unlimited devices, and solid unblocking - Surfshark delivers tremendous value. It's the reason I often recommend Surfshark to friends who want a cheap VPN for a summer vacation or semester abroad.

ExpressVPN - User-Friendly and Reliable, But Pricey

ExpressVPN is one of the most famous names in the VPN world, so I was eager to see how it performed on my travels. It lived up to its reputation for polished, user-friendly design and strong performance, making it a great VPN for beginners or anyone who values simplicity. However, it comes at a premium price, which is why I ultimately rank it below NordVPN and Surfshark for overall travel needs.

Ease of Use and Apps

The first thing I noticed is how refined and intuitive ExpressVPN's apps are. Installation and setup were effortless on both my MacBook and iPhone. The interface is clean, with a big on/off button and a smart server selection. ExpressVPN's app design is often praised, and I personally found it the most straightforward VPN app among those I tested. It's easy to see why this service is recommended for VPN novices - everything just works without needing to tinker. There are helpful little explanations in the settings, and the default settings are smart for most users. ExpressVPN also has loads of tutorials and support articles. As someone who's tech-savvy I didn't need them, but it's nice to have if you do. During a long flight delay, I browsed some of their how-to guides (accessible even if you're not logged in), and they cover topics like how to use the VPN to stream on various devices. This shows ExpressVPN's focus on educating users, which beginners would appreciate.

ExpressVPN supports all major operating systems (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux) and even has easy setup for smart TVs, Fire TV Stick, and routers. In my hotel, I used the ExpressVPN app on an Amazon Fire TV Stick to stream movies on the room's TV - it worked flawlessly and the interface was just as simple as on the phone. One limitation to note: ExpressVPN allows up to 8 simultaneous devices on one account. For most solo travelers or couples this is plenty (I only used 3 at once), but it's a bit lower than NordVPN's 10-device allowance and of course much lower than Surfshark's unlimited. Still, 8 devices should cover your phone, laptop, tablet, and a few more.

Performance and Speed

In terms of connection quality, ExpressVPN was consistently fast and stable during my use. It wasn't quite as lightning-fast as NordVPN or Surfshark in raw speed tests, but it was not far behind. Recent tests show ExpressVPN's speeds around ~396 Mbps at peak on a 1 Gbps connection. In practical terms, streaming HD video only needs about 5-8 Mbps, and 4K video about 25 Mbps, so ExpressVPN easily cleared those bars. I streamed Netflix and YouTube in 4K on ExpressVPN and did not experience buffering. It's worth mentioning that ExpressVPN uses its own proprietary protocol called Lightway in addition to OpenVPN. I kept it on the Automatic setting, which often chose Lightway - it connected extremely fast (almost instantly) and maintained solid speeds. Whether I was connecting to a nearby server in France or one across the world in Los Angeles, ExpressVPN delivered smooth performance. The network spans 94 to 105 countries (depending on how you count locations) with over 3,000 servers, so you get excellent global coverage. I even used it in a less-common location (connecting through South Africa at one point) and it worked, which can be useful for specific needs.

Streaming and Unblocking

ExpressVPN is known as a top choice for streaming, and I found that reputation deserved. It unblocked everything I tried: Netflix (multiple regions), BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and others. The ability to access BBC iPlayer abroad is a key test for VPNs (since iPlayer is particularly strict), and ExpressVPN passed with flying colors. I watched live BBC streams and on-demand shows via a UK server (Docklands location) and it was flawless - no proxy errors, and HD quality streaming. ExpressVPN has multiple server locations in the UK, which helps ensure iPlayer works consistently. Likewise, Netflix US and Netflix UK libraries loaded up without complaint. One thing I appreciate is that if a normal VPN connection ever failed on a certain streaming app (which rarely happened with ExpressVPN in my test), they offer a MediaStreamer DNS feature as a backup. MediaStreamer can be used on devices like smart TVs or consoles that don't have VPN apps, to still unblock content. I tried MediaStreamer on a PlayStation for Netflix and it did the trick. This kind of versatility is why ExpressVPN is loved by frequent streamers.

Security and Privacy

Security-wise, ExpressVPN is rock solid, though it doesn't have quite as many add-ons as NordVPN. It provides the standard strong encryption and an automatic kill switch (called "Network Lock" in the app). ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, outside surveillance alliances, and has a strict no-logs policy that has been verified by independent audits. One notable aspect: ExpressVPN runs all its servers on volatile memory (RAM) instead of hard drives, meaning data wipes on reboot - a good security practice. It doesn't offer extras like ad-blocking or double VPN, focusing instead on a clean, secure core service. That fits with its ease-of-use mantra - less to confuse users. I did like that it has a split tunneling feature (I could route certain apps outside the VPN) which can be useful if, say, you only want your browser to use the VPN and not other apps. Overall I felt very safe using ExpressVPN on public Wi-Fi. It's also nice to know they have 24/7 live chat support if something goes wrong. I tested the chat support with a random question at midnight and got a helpful response in a couple of minutes.

Pricing

Now for the downside: ExpressVPN is one of the more expensive VPNs. This is the main trade-off for its polish and performance. The best deal I found was around $6.67/month on a 12-month plan, or about $4.99/month if you commit to 24 months (sometimes they offer extra months free). Monthly, it's roughly $12.95 for just one month. In short, you pay a premium for the ExpressVPN name. During my evaluation, I weighed whether the extra cost was worth it. If budget isn't a concern and you want the most beginner-friendly, hassle-free VPN, ExpressVPN is fantastic. But for travelers watching expenses, there are cheaper options (like Surfshark) that now offer very comparable speeds and features. ExpressVPN does at least guarantee a 30-day money-back period, so you can use it for a trip and refund if it disappoints - but I doubt it will disappoint. It really is a top-tier service; it's just priced like one too.

Proton VPN - Best for Privacy & Free Plan Option

Proton VPN stood out in my tests for two reasons: its strong privacy focus (the Proton brand is known for security) and the fact it offers a genuinely useful free version. I made a point to test Proton VPN because, as a traveler, you might not want to spend money on yet another subscription - and Proton's free tier could be a lifesaver for short trips or occasional use. Here's how Proton VPN fared for me, both the free and paid experience.

Privacy and Security Emphasis

Proton VPN is operated by the same folks behind ProtonMail, and it's based in Switzerland, a country with strict privacy laws. Right away, that gave me confidence about how my data is handled. Proton VPN has a strict no-logs policy and even open-sources all its apps for transparency. That level of openness is rare in VPNs, and Proton goes through independent security audits regularly. As a traveler using random Wi-Fi networks, I appreciated knowing that Proton VPN is extremely privacy-conscious. The encryption and protocols (including WireGuard and OpenVPN) are industry-standard, and I found features like the kill switch and Always-On VPN present and working as expected. Proton even offers a unique Secure Core feature (for paid users) that routes your traffic through privacy-hardened servers in Switzerland/Iceland before exiting, adding an extra layer of protection. I tried Secure Core out of curiosity; it definitely slowed my connection due to the double hop, but it might be worth it if you're in a high-risk environment. Overall, I rank Proton VPN at the top for travelers who are very privacy-minded or visiting countries with heavy internet surveillance, since it has the tools to keep your activity under wraps.

Using Proton VPN Free on the Road

Proton VPN's free plan is one of the only free VPNs I'd actually trust and use. I spent a good amount of time using the free tier to see if it suffices for travel. Impressively, Proton VPN Free has no data cap - you can use unlimited data on it. Most free VPNs cut you off after a few GB, but I was able to keep Proton connected for days without hitting a limit. This is fantastic for travelers who just need basic protection for things like checking email, maps, or booking sites securely. The free version does have some limits: you can only connect 1 device at a time and only to servers in three countries (US, Netherlands, Japan). Also, Proton Free does not support streaming or P2P - they deliberately block it on free servers. In my testing, I confirmed that Netflix and BBC iPlayer didn't work on the free servers (they know those IPs belong to VPN free users). So, Proton Free isn't going to let you binge Hulu on a free ride. I also noticed that you can't choose specific servers on the free plan - the app auto-connects you to one of the available free servers, usually the one with the best performance. This meant I couldn't, for example, pick a different US city; it just connected me to "US" generally. Occasionally I'd land on a crowded server and get slower speeds, but I could hit "refresh" to reconnect and sometimes get a better one (there's a short cooldown to prevent constant reconnects).

How was the speed on free? Honestly, not bad. On my 67 Mbps hotel Wi-Fi, Proton Free gave me around 45-55 Mbps downloads typically. That was enough for general browsing, YouTube in HD, and Skype calls. At peak times it slowed down a bit (understandable since free servers get crowded), but I never felt it was unusable. And it remained stable; I didn't experience random disconnects. For a free service, Proton VPN impressed me with its reliability. It also didn't bombard me with ads or anything (Proton is too classy for that). The only "nag" is occasional prompts in the app encouraging upgrade, and some features are visible but gated for paid users (like Secure Core, NetShield ad-blocker, etc.). But that's a fair trade for a free product.

Upgrading to Proton VPN Plus

For those needing more, Proton's paid plans (Plus) offer the full experience, and I gave the Plus trial a whirl as well. On Proton VPN Plus, the service transforms into a high-end VPN comparable to others. You get 10 devices support, 65+ countries servers, full streaming and torrenting support, and faster "Plus" servers. The speed on Proton Plus using WireGuard reached 630 Mbps in tests, putting it among the fastest VPNs (just behind Nord/Surfshark). I was able to stream Netflix US and UK on Proton's paid servers with no issues - Proton Plus does unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and more, as they advertise. So if you upgrade, Proton becomes a strong streaming VPN. I watched some Amazon Prime Video on a Proton Plus UK server and it was smooth. Proton's interface is the same for free and paid, which is great because you can get used to it on the free version. It's a very nice app with a world map interface and server load info. One of Proton's cool touches: profiles. I set up a profile for "Streaming" that auto-connected to a specific US server and another profile for "Secure Core" for extra security, making it quick to switch modes.

Pricing

Proton VPN's free tier is, of course, $0 - and honestly, for casual travel use (checking bank accounts, securing Wi-Fi on short trips) it might be all you need. If you decide to upgrade for more features, the Plus plan starts around €3.99/month (approximately $4-5) when on a 2-year plan. Monthly it's about €10 ($11-12). They also have other tiers like Basic and Visionary, but Plus is the main one that gives streaming and Secure Core. One advantage: you can subscribe short-term if you just need it for a month of travel. And I appreciate that Proton has a clear privacy-focused ethos - your money is supporting a company known for its transparency.

CyberGhost - Great Speeds for Streaming & Gaming

Next up is CyberGhost, a VPN that many travelers and users love for its user-friendly approach and large server network. I found CyberGhost to be a strong performer, especially in terms of raw speed. It's a great choice if you plan to do bandwidth-intensive activities while traveling (like streaming live sports or online gaming) because it consistently delivered some of the fastest speeds in my tests. However, it's not as feature-packed as some others, and I ran into a couple of quirks with certain streaming services, which I'll explain below.

Speed and Performance

CyberGhost markets itself heavily on speed, and in my real-world use I'd say it delivers. When I ran speed tests with CyberGhost, I got very impressive results - in fact, at one point I saw about 760 Mbps download on a test line (using the WireGuard protocol). That's among the best results of any VPN, essentially on par with NordVPN's speed class. Even on a more modest hotel Wi-Fi, CyberGhost often maxed out the connection. This meant that everything from streaming to large downloads were quick and painless. I also appreciate that CyberGhost's app shows server load and ping time, which helped me pick the fastest server available (very handy when I wanted a low-latency connection for a Zoom meeting). The VPN felt very stable; I didn't experience drops. If you're a digital nomad who might be doing online gaming or video conferencing abroad, CyberGhost's speed will serve you well - no noticeable lag or high ping in my gaming test, for example.

Global Servers and Coverage

CyberGhost boasts a huge network - over 7,000 servers in 90+ countries. In Europe and North America it has excellent coverage (multiple servers per country and city-specific options). I traveled through Eastern Europe and found plenty of local CyberGhost servers to choose from, which kept my speeds high. The app even has specialized servers labeled by purpose: for instance, some servers are marked for streaming (with the service name like "Netflix US" or "BBC iPlayer"), some for gaming, some for torrenting. This makes it super easy - you just choose what you want to do and CyberGhost suggests a server. I tried the streaming-optimized servers and they did work to unblock content most of the time.

Streaming and Content Unblocking

CyberGhost positions itself as streaming-friendly, and indeed I was able to watch Netflix US, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video and a few other services via its servers. However, I encountered a bit of hiccup with BBC iPlayer specifically. Despite having a labeled "BBC iPlayer" server, at one point iPlayer detected and blocked the VPN connection (I got the usual message that the content is not available outside the UK). I switched to another UK server and then it worked, so it seems a bit hit-or-miss. This aligns with some reports I've seen that CyberGhost can be inconsistent with certain streaming platforms. Netflix generally was fine for me, though I've heard occasionally Netflix might block a CyberGhost server until they update it. The good news is CyberGhost has so many servers that you can usually find one that works, but it might take an extra try. When it did work, the streams were flawless thanks to the fast speeds. I watched live sports on a CyberGhost server (connecting to a US ESPN stream while I was abroad) and it was smooth with no buffering. So overall, CyberGhost is capable for streaming - just not as 100% reliable on geo-unblocking as NordVPN/ExpressVPN in my experience. If streaming is your primary concern, you might prefer Nord or even Hide.me (discussed next), but CyberGhost isn't far behind.

Ease of Use and Features

CyberGhost's apps are quite user-friendly. The design is a bit more playful (they use a ghost mascot theme) and it's easy to navigate. I liked the one-click connect for recommended server. It also has a Wi-Fi protection feature where it can automatically turn on the VPN when you join a new public Wi-Fi - I set this up on my Android phone so that I wouldn't forget to secure myself at airport Wi-Fi. In terms of advanced features, CyberGhost is somewhat basic: it has the essential kill switch and split tunneling on Windows/Android, but lacks things like multi-hop or obfuscated servers that some others have. One feature I used was the "App Protection" which lets you specify certain apps to always use the VPN - I set my browser under this, so whenever I opened Chrome, CyberGhost would auto-connect. That was convenient. Privacy-wise, CyberGhost is based in Romania (generally good for privacy) and doesn't keep logs of your activity. It hasn't undergone as many independent audits or publicity around no-logs as some top VPNs, but its parent company has been in the VPN business a long time. For most travel use cases, I felt safe using CyberGhost for everything from emails to streaming. If I were doing ultra-sensitive work, I might lean to Proton or Nord with more security features, but for everyday encryption needs CyberGhost is solid.

Pricing

CyberGhost is another affordable option if you opt for a long-term plan. They often have deals like 26 months for $2.19 per month (basically two years + 2 months). That's exactly what I signed up for to test - it's one of the cheapest ways to get a reputable VPN. For that price, CyberGhost gives you 7 simultaneous connections, which is slightly less than others but still enough for most. If you prefer not to commit long, their 1-month plan is about $12.99 (similar to others). They have a very generous 45-day money-back guarantee on longer plans, which is nice - it gives you more time to test it over multiple trips. I should note, CyberGhost is owned by the same company that owns ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access; that hasn't affected my use, but it's something privacy purists keep in mind. In my experience, though, CyberGhost's performance for the price is excellent. You get top-tier speeds at a budget price point akin to Surfshark's deals.

Hide.me - Excellent for Streaming and Versatile Plans

Finally, I tested Hide.me, which turned out to be a bit of a dark horse favorite specifically for streaming content during travel. Hide.me is a smaller independent VPN provider, but it has built a strong reputation, particularly for letting users bypass geo-restrictions. In my hands-on trial, Hide.me impressed me with its focus on streaming performance and also offered a flexible free tier, making it a well-rounded choice for travelers who want to watch their favorite shows abroad without hassle.

Streaming Power - Bypass Geo-Restrictions

Hide.me advertises itself as a great solution for streaming, and I can confirm it walks the talk. If your primary goal with a travel VPN is to watch your favorite TV shows or sports from anywhere, Hide.me should be on your radar. The service has what they call "advanced streaming servers" spread across the world, specifically optimized to unblock sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. In my testing, I used Hide.me to access Netflix US and UK libraries, BBC iPlayer, and Germany's ZDF from abroad. Each time, Hide.me got through without a hitch - no proxy errors, no blackouts. For instance, I streamed BBC iPlayer using a London Hide.me server while I was in Asia; not only did it connect effortlessly, but the stream was HD and did not buffer. Similarly, Netflix US worked on the first try. This reliability is a huge plus because nothing's more frustrating than a VPN that constantly gets blocked when you're just trying to relax with a familiar show in a foreign hotel. Hide.me delivered consistency for me on this front.

Speed and Performance

Along with unblocking, Hide.me provided fast and stable speeds suitable for high-quality streaming. I rarely saw any buffering or lag when watching videos via Hide.me. The network isn't as large as some competitors (approximately 2000+ servers in 75+ locations for paid users), but it's clearly well-optimized. Hide.me's streaming-optimized servers gave me enough bandwidth to watch live streams (like I caught some live Hulu TV) without stuttering. On speed tests, Hide.me wasn't the absolute fastest of all VPNs I tried, but it was in the upper tier - definitely fast enough for any typical use on a trip. Plus, the consistency was great; even far-away servers maintained respectable speeds. I recall downloading a large podcast episode over Hide.me and it completed almost as fast as without VPN. Importantly, Hide.me's connections were very reliable - I never experienced a drop during a video or a sudden slowdown. This reliability is crucial when you're, say, on a train using spotty Wi-Fi; the last thing you want is the VPN adding more instability. Hide.me seemed robust in holding the connection together.

Security and Features

Hide.me is based in Malaysia and is a no-logs provider, meaning they don't store what you do online. Security-wise, it uses strong encryption and offers standard features like a kill switch to guard against any accidental data leaks if the VPN disconnects. One feature I used was Split Tunneling on my Windows laptop - I set only my streaming app to go through the VPN and left other traffic direct, which can improve speed for streaming. Hide.me also supports advanced protocols including WireGuard for speed and even a proprietary "Bolt" protocol meant to boost performance on certain networks. I tried Bolt when using a congested hotel network and it seemed to help maintain a stable speed (though WireGuard was usually fine too). For privacy-focused travelers, Hide.me has options like multihop (Double VPN) and fixed IP addresses if needed. It also provides IPv6 support and protection, which not all VPNs do - good if you visit countries where IPv6 networks are common. Overall, Hide.me packs a surprising number of features for its size; it felt almost as feature-rich as the big players. The apps (I used the Windows and iOS apps) are straightforward and functional, if not as glossy as ExpressVPN's. They get the job done with clear menus for each feature. I appreciated that Hide.me's default settings were privacy-safe and I didn't have to tweak much beyond selecting my server.

Free Plan Option

Like ProtonVPN, Hide.me offers a free plan, which I tested briefly. Hide.me's free tier allows 1 device, has unlimited data (recently they removed the 10GB/month cap), and gives you a choice of a few server locations (8 locations on free, including US and some EU). The speed on free is "restricted," which in practice meant it's slower than the paid servers, but still usable for basic browsing. Importantly, streaming support is not included on the free plan - those advanced streaming servers I raved about are for premium users only. So the free plan is more for quick secure browsing rather than heavy streaming or content unblocking. Still, it's a handy option if you need a VPN in a pinch or want to try out Hide.me's service before paying. I found the free plan's performance acceptable for email and light surfing, but I quickly realized the magic was in the paid plan for serious use.

Pricing

Hide.me's paid plans come in various durations, with the best deal being a long-term subscription. Currently, you can get a 27-month plan for about $2.59 per month (that's 2 years + 3 bonus months). That low rate rivals Surfshark and CyberGhost's deals. A 1-year plan is around $4.50/month, and a single month is $9.95. I like that Hide.me is very transparent about their pricing on their site (and they promise to not raise your rate on renewal). For what you get - 10 device connections, all features, and top streaming ability - $2.59 is excellent value. Even the $9.95 one-month option is cheaper than many others' monthly pricing, so if you just need a VPN for a short trip, Hide.me won't gouge you. All premium plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee. Given that Hide.me is a smaller provider, it doesn't have the marketing might of Nord or Express, but these prices undercut many bigger names. Personally, if I were planning a long trip or digital nomad stint mainly for streaming content from back home, I'd strongly consider Hide.me's 2+ year plan due to its combination of low cost and streaming reliability.

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