Best VPN Services for Travel (2026 Guide)

When traveling, public Wi-Fi networks at airports, hotels and cafés are often unsecured. A reliable VPN helps you protect your data, access geo-restricted content and browse safely from anywhere in the world. A virtual private network (VPN) establishes a secure, encrypted connection for your internet traffic, concealing your IP address and safeguarding your sensitive data from hackers and surveillance attempts. By connecting to a vpn server in another country, you can also bypass geo-blocks and access content as if you were a local user. Among the many vpn services available, choosing a vpn provider that balances security, speed, and ease of use is key to a worry-free travel experience.

After extensive research, here are the best VPN services for travelers in 2026, ranked by privacy, reliability, performance and overall value. We evaluated different vpn companies based on their features, trustworthiness, and the quality of their global server networks. Private Internet Access is also a solid choice for travelers who want a reliable VPN client that works seamlessly across many devices. When looking for the best vpns, it’s important to consider how well they perform in real-world travel scenarios, ensuring you stay protected and connected no matter where your adventures take you.

⭐ Quick Recommendations (Best for…)

• Best VPN for privacy & security: → Proton VPN
• Best all-round VPN for most travelers: → NordVPN
• Best VPN for speed & simplicity: → ExpressVPN
  ExpressVPN is widely recognized as one of the fastest VPN options available, delivering top-tier speeds for streaming, browsing, and secure connections.
• Best VPN for price-performance: → Surfshark
  Surfshark stands out as an affordable VPN, offering excellent value, especially when you choose a year plan for significant cost savings. It also provides unlimited connections, making it ideal for users with multiple devices.
• Best VPN for beginners & streaming: → CyberGhost

And if you're looking for a reliable VPN client that works seamlessly across many devices, Private Internet Access is a solid choice that travelers often recommend for its balance of security and usability.

These picks represent some of the best VPNs available today, carefully selected to suit a variety of needs and preferences. Whether you're seeking top-notch privacy, blazing speeds, or budget-friendly options, these best vpns have got you covered on your travels.

🥇 Proton VPN – Best VPN for Privacy-Focused Travelers

top recommendation for travelers who value privacy above everything else. As a leading private VPN service, Proton VPN is designed to maximize user confidentiality and data protection.

Based in Switzerland, Proton VPN benefits from some of the strongest privacy laws in the world and operates completely outside international surveillance alliances.

It offers a strict no-logs policy, open-source apps, and advanced security features such as Secure Core routing, RAM-only servers, and post-quantum encryption, which protect your traffic even on compromised networks and ensure your data is never stored on physical drives.

Among the many vpn providers, Proton VPN stands out for its commitment to privacy and transparency, making it one of the best vpns available for those who truly care about online privacy.

Proton VPN supports multiple VPN protocols, including secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, for enhanced protection, speed, and reliability.

Proton VPN is particularly popular among:

• digital nomads
• journalists
• remote workers
• travelers using public Wi-Fi frequently

A major advantage is its free version with unlimited data, making it one of the few VPNs you can test long-term before upgrading.

If you’re also exploring options, Private Internet Access is another solid choice known for its reliable VPN client and strong security features.

Best choice if privacy, transparency and trust matter most to you, and a top contender among the best vpns suited for travel.

🥈 NordVPN – Best All-Round VPN for Travel

NordVPN is one of the most widely used VPNs in the world and an excellent all-purpose solution for travelers.

With thousands of servers worldwide, NordVPN delivers consistently high VPN speeds and strong download speeds, making it reliable for streaming platforms, secure browsing, and remote work. Its additional features such as Threat Protection and Double VPN provide encrypted VPN connections and can obfuscate VPN traffic, enhancing privacy and bypassing network restrictions. NordVPN also supports the WireGuard VPN protocol, offering improved speed and security compared to traditional protocols.

Among the many vpn providers, NordVPN is ideal for:

• frequent travelers
• streaming while abroad
• everyday VPN use
• users who want one solution for everything

If you want a powerful, balanced VPN that “just works” anywhere, NordVPN is a safe choice. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money back guarantee for a risk-free trial.

🥉 ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Speed & Ease of Use

ExpressVPN is known for its exceptional speed and stability, especially on long-distance connections. It consistently ranks highly in independent speed tests, demonstrating reliable performance across various network conditions.

It is one of the easiest VPNs to use, making it perfect for travelers who don’t want to adjust settings or troubleshoot connections. ExpressVPN offers a user-friendly VPN app for a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Fire TV, and smart TVs, ensuring seamless compatibility and ease of use.

ExpressVPN also performs very well in countries with stricter internet restrictions. Technically, it supports multiple VPN protocols, including secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN and Lightway, providing strong encryption and fast connections. Additionally, ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers for enhanced privacy and security, ensuring that no data is ever stored on hard drives.

Among the many vpn providers, this VPN is especially suitable for:

• travelers who value simplicity
• users who want maximum speed
• people visiting countries with restricted internet access

A premium option for travelers who want reliability and zero hassle.

Surfshark – Best VPN for Price-Performance

Surfshark stands out for offering excellent value for money. One subscription allows unlimited simultaneous device connections, making it ideal for travelers with multiple phones, laptops and tablets. Surfshark also provides many VPN apps for different platforms, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.

Despite its lower price, Surfshark delivers strong performance, modern security features—including the ability to block ads and provide antivirus protection—and good streaming support.

For comprehensive protection, it's important to use antivirus software alongside your VPN, as VPNs alone do not detect or remove malware.

Among the many vpn providers, Surfshark is a great fit for:

• budget-conscious travelers
• families or couples
• users with many devices

One of the best choices if you want strong performance at a low price.

CyberGhost – Best VPN for Beginners & Streaming

CyberGhost is designed with simplicity in mind and offers a very user-friendly interface.

It provides dedicated servers optimized for streaming and general browsing, making it appealing for travelers who mainly want to watch content abroad and stay safe on public Wi-Fi. CyberGhost supports a wide range of streaming devices, including Android TV, Apple TV, and smart TVs, ensuring seamless access to geo-restricted content across your home entertainment setup.

CyberGhost also protects your privacy by encrypting DNS queries and guarding against IP address leaks, helping to keep your online activities secure and anonymous.

Among the many vpn providers, CyberGhost works best for:

• VPN beginners
• casual travelers
• users focused on streaming

An easy entry-level VPN with solid performance.

Device Compatibility and Browser Extensions: What Travelers Need to Know

When you’re on the move, flexibility is key—especially when it comes to staying secure online. The best vpn services for travel are those that offer broad device compatibility and easy-to-use browser extensions, so you can protect your internet traffic no matter where you are or what device you’re using.

Leading vpn services providers like Proton VPN, NordVPN, and Private Internet Access make it simple to secure your connection across multiple devices. Whether you’re working from a laptop in a hotel, streaming on a smart TV in your Airbnb, or checking emails on your phone at the airport, these best vpn services support unlimited simultaneous connections or generous device limits. For example, Surfshark stands out with unlimited device connections, while NordVPN allows up to six devices at once—perfect for travelers juggling phones, tablets, and laptops.

If you’re looking for a cheap VPN that doesn’t compromise on quality, Surfshark is a great option to consider. It offers excellent value with unlimited device connections and robust security features, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers who still want reliable protection on the go.

Proton VPN, in particular, shines for travelers who prioritize privacy and seamless device compatibility. Its user-friendly VPN app works beautifully across many platforms, ensuring your data stays protected no matter which device you use. Private Internet Access is also especially popular among travelers who appreciate a reliable VPN client that works seamlessly across many devices. Its user-friendly VPN app and strong security features make it easy to maintain private internet access wherever you go.

Browser extensions are another essential tool for travelers, especially when using public computers or shared devices. Top vpn services, including Proton VPN, offer lightweight browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and other popular browsers, letting you quickly encrypt your web traffic and mask your IP address with just a click. These extensions often include essential security features like DNS leak protection, split tunneling, and a kill switch, ensuring your online privacy is never compromised—even on unfamiliar networks.

For those who want extra layers of protection, advanced features like port forwarding, double VPN, and secure core servers are available with many of the best vpn services. NordVPN’s double VPN routes your internet traffic through two separate VPN servers for added encryption, while Proton VPN’s secure core servers provide robust defense against network-based attacks—ideal for travelers in high-risk locations.

If you’re hunting for a cheap VPN that still offers advanced features and a wide server network, Private Internet Access is worth a look. It balances affordability with strong security and a reliable VPN client, making it a favorite among travelers who want value without sacrificing performance.

Streaming your favorite shows abroad? The vpn services offer thousands of server locations worldwide, unlimited bandwidth, and fast speeds, so you can access streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video without buffering or geo-restrictions. Some VPNs, like ExpressVPN, even include a VPN accelerator to boost internet speed and reduce lag, making it easy to enjoy content on the go.

Reliable customer support is also crucial when you’re traveling. Look for vpn services that provide 24/7 live chat support and a comprehensive knowledge base, so you can get help whenever you need it. Proton VPN, for instance, offers responsive support and a wealth of resources to assist users, ensuring peace of mind on the road. Private Internet Access, for example, offers round-the-clock live chat, ensuring you’re never left stranded if you run into issues.

In short, when searching for the best vpn services to accompany you on your travels, choosing one with wide device compatibility, robust browser extensions, and advanced security features means you can travel with confidence. You’ll enjoy private internet access, fast speeds, and the freedom to connect on unlimited devices—no matter where your journey takes you. Proton VPN’s combination of privacy, performance, and ease of use makes it a top contender for anyone looking to stay secure and connected while exploring the world. And if budget is a concern, don’t overlook the value and strong offerings of a cheap VPN like Surfshark or Private Internet Access, which prove you don’t have to spend a fortune to stay safe online.

How We Chose the Best VPN Services

Our recommendations are based on:

• privacy & jurisdiction, including how well the VPN protects your data from your internet service provider and secures your internet connection
• security standards
• global server availability
• speed and reliability, with a strong emphasis on download speeds and VPN speeds to ensure minimal speed loss and optimal performance for streaming, downloading, and other bandwidth-intensive activities
• ease of use while traveling

We also considered user favorites like Private Internet Access, which is known for its reliable VPN client and strong security features, making it a popular choice among travelers who want hassle-free private internet access.

Among these top picks, Proton VPN deserves a special mention for its strong privacy focus and user-friendly experience, making it a go-to option for those who prioritize security without sacrificing ease of use. Proton VPN’s free version is also a great way to test the waters before committing, providing unlimited data that travelers can rely on during their journeys.

When looking for the best vpns, we focused on real-world travel use cases and the needs of VPN users, rather than purely technical benchmarks. This approach allowed us to bring you the best VPN services that truly make a difference on the road. If privacy is your top concern, Proton VPN stands out as a trusted provider that consistently delivers on its promises, ensuring your online activities stay private no matter where you are.

Choosing from the best vpns means finding one that balances security, speed, and ease of use, so you can enjoy seamless private internet access while traveling. Our list includes providers who excel in these areas, offering robust features and reliable performance.

So, whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, these best vpns are designed to keep your data safe and your connection fast, making your journeys worry-free and more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right private VPN depends on how you travel and what you value most:

• Maximum privacy: Proton VPN, known for its strong privacy focus and reliable protection
• Best overall experience: NordVPN
• Fast & simple: ExpressVPN
• Best value: Surfshark
• Beginner-friendly: CyberGhost
• Reliable multi-device support: Private Internet Access

If you're leaning towards a VPN that offers a great free plan alongside premium features, Proton VPN is definitely worth considering. All these trusted and well-established providers rank among the best VPNs services, making them excellent choices for international travel.