If you’re living, visiting, or running a business in Cyprus, you want the best VPN for Cyprus that ensures your online activities remain private and secure.
I tested several VPN providers with Cypriot servers and concluded that the best VPN for Cyprus overall is Surfshark.
It’s a winner in terms of privacy, security, speed, streaming, and P2P sharing.
In addition to Surfshark, I also recommend NordVPN for its security and CyberGhost for its speed and streaming options.
Top 3 VPNs for Cyprus (November, 2024)
This Panama provider’s commitment to the privacy and security of your data means you can safely browse the Internet in Cyprus, including the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus – they don’t have any logs to share with any authorities! Plus, P2P-optimized servers that safely conceal your IP mean that you can employ BitTorrent technology in Cyprus whenever you need it!
When it comes to the best VPN for Cyprus, Surfshark ticks all the boxes because of its strong security and privacy features and great speed. These allow Cyprus residents to keep their personal and business online activities protected and enjoy different Netflix libraries and their favorite Alpha TV programs – even when they’re traveling abroad. And they can do it on an unlimited number of devices!
Thanks to its 14 servers in Cyprus, CyberGhost is a winning VPN when it comes to speed! With their P2P-optimized servers in almost every location, including Cyprus, you can ensure excellent speed when using BitTorrent in the country! And if you want to enjoy American Netflix or British iPlayer in Cyprus, CyberGhost has servers optimized for that too!
By testing the VPN providers on Desktop and mobile (iOS), I compared their security and privacy features to check whether they’d protect the Cyprus users properly.
I also tested their speed and ability to unblock content so that Cyprus TV fans can enjoy their favorite content abroad or access foreign Netflix libraries.
Finally, I tested the providers’ allowance of torrenting to make sure users from Cyprus could protect their IP when using BitTorrent technology and compared the prices to see whether what the providers are offering is worth paying for Cyprus users.
Read this overview to find out how I achieved these conclusions!
How Do These VPN Providers Stand Out?
I reviewed these 5 VPN providers, all of which have servers in Cyprus.
Here’s a brief look at why I think they’re excellent options for Cypriot users:
- Surfshark (5 servers) – Top Choice for Cyprus
- NordVPN (8 servers) – Strong privacy features
- CyberGhost (14 servers) – Best for speed and streaming
- ProtonVPN (4 servers) – Very good value for money
- ExpressVPN (1 server) – Excellent security features
Want to learn more to make an informed decision?
Read the breakdown of the features below!
VPN Speed Test Results and Cyprus Servers
Below you can see an overview of the results of my speed tests of the VPNs I reviewed.
As you can see, Surfshark’s download speed is the highest, despite not having as many servers as some other providers.
| Provider | Ping, ms | Download speed, Mbps | Upload speed, Mbps | Servers in Cyprus | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | 128 ms | 23.0 Mbps | 1.58 Mbps | 5 | Surfshark price |
| NordVPN | 135 ms | 10.5 Mbps | 1.18 Mbps | 8 | NordVPN price |
| CyberGhost | 158 ms | 19.0 Mbps | 5.16 Mbps | 14 | CyberGhost price |
| ProtonVPN | 165 ms | 14.0 Mbps | 2.11 Mbps | 4 | ProtonVPN price |
| ExpressVPN | 135 ms | 10.89 Mbps | 1.06 Mbps | 1 | ExpressVPN price |
Detailed List of the 5 Best VPNs for Cyprus
1. Surfshark - Best Overall
I vote Surfshark as the best on this list.
Keep reading to find out why!
Is Surfshark Secure?
As of 2020, all of Surfshark’s servers are RAM-only.
This means, every time the server is rebooted, your data is erased – as though it was never there at all.
So, if you want to keep your browsing activities private from Cyprus ISP or authorities, you’re in luck, as your data is in no danger of being stolen and misused.
To assure you further, Surfshark ordered an independent audit in early 2021 by Cure53.
It confirmed that “Surfshark maintainers have a clear understanding of security and privacy challenges associated with being a VPN provider.”
So, you also have confirmation from a respected cybersecurity company that Surfshark is a secure provider for Cyprus.
When it comes to encryption and protocols, Surfshark uses technology compliant with the latest industry standards.
A kill switch, which breaks your connection if something goes wrong with the VPN, is also available.
Surfshark provides additional privacy safeguards in the form of “NoBorders” mode that could be useful if you travel from Cyprus to countries with Internet restrictions, as it detects that, and the mode is turned on automatically to ensure you can use Surfshark in these regions and browse safely.
The strong security protocols and encryption, combined with the high levels of privacy protection and the RAM-only servers, tells me that Surfshark is a provider that will keep your online activities in Cyprus private.
Is Surfshark Fast and Convenient?
I tested my Internet speed before and after connecting to Surfshark’s Cyprus server.
These are the results:
My normal Internet speed (baseline):
My speed when connected to Surfshark:
As you can see, there is some reduction in speed, but its levels aren’t as high as when I’m connected to NordVPN or ExpressVPN, even though Surfshark has 5 Cypriot servers and NordVPN has 8.
If you don’t like buffering while watching Alpha TV online, for instance, Surfshark’s excellent speed will make it redundant.
Can Surfshark Unblock Content From Cyprus?
If you want to access Cyprus’ content from abroad, you can choose “Cyprus” from the “Locations” menu on the Surfshark app.
For example, I could access Netflix Cyprus with Surfshark.
I could also watch Cyprus TV channel ANT1.
Therefore, Surfshark can unblock content from Cyprus.
Does Surfshark Offer Dedicated IP?
Surfshark doesn’t offer a Dedicated IP option at the moment.
However, if you need a static IP to access a specific network of a Cypriot company while keeping your activities protected at the same time, you can use the Static Servers option.
These will provide you with the same IP every time you connect.
However, there is a possibility that other Surfshark customers will be using the same Static Server at the same time.
Can You Torrent With Surfshark?
Unlike NordVPN, Surfshark doesn’t have servers optimized for torrenting.
However, it has an automatic kill switch that disconnects you if something goes wrong with the VPN protection, which will protect your IP from being exposed to your Cypriot ISP and other users during the P2P process.
It also has many servers, which make for good downloading speeds.
Therefore, Surfshark can be used for P2P file sharing (torrenting) in Cyprus, and since it has 5 Cypriot servers, your speed would be very good.
Good Value for Money?
You can get Surfshark for $12.95 per month, or you can purchase a 6-month plan for $6.49 per month or a 2-year plan for $2.49 per month.
For those prices, you can connect to an unlimited number of devices with Surfshark.
That’s the only provider on this list who can offer that!
Pros
- RAM-only servers
- 3200 servers in 65+ countries, 5 in Cyprus
- Low speed reduction
- Secure protocols like Wireguard and OpenVPN, AES-256 encryption
- NoBorders Mode
- Surfshark Alert - notifies users of any attempts to hack their emails or passwords
- Supports unlimited number of devices
- Private searching
Cons
- Pricier than other providers - but good savings on long-term plans
- No dedicated P2P servers, but compatible with BitTorrent software
2. NordVPN - Best for Privacy
NordVPN’s visible commitment to privacy of its users leads me to conclude it’s the best VPN for Cyprus users in terms of privacy.
Privacy and Security Features
NordVPN’s no-logging privacy policy that’s been independently audited by PwC in 2020, plus the fact that Panama’s laws don’t require providers to retain any logs, means that you can be sure that whatever you’re browsing in Cyprus will remain concealed from your ISP and will never be stored anywhere.
In addition to the no-logs policy, a NordVPN representative confirmed that their servers are diskless (RAM-only), like Surfshark and ExpressVPN.
The DoubleVPN feature referred to in the screenshot above involves rerouting your traffic through an extra server.
If you’re in Cyprus, you might find this feature useful if you’re working online with confidential materials, as the second server won’t have any information about your IP that’s been changed by the first server or your activities that have been encrypted.
Like Surfshark and ExpressVPN, the encryption and protocols used by NordVPN are the latest, which means NordVPN will keep your information secure while you’re using the Internet in Cyprus from the moment you’re connected.
Speed and Convenience
I tested the speed of my Internet before and after connecting to NordVPN in Cyprus.
This is what I got:
My normal Internet speed (baseline):
My speed when connected to NordVPN:
As you can see, my speed has been reduced by half, which is a lot.
That could be because I’m quite far away from Cyprus, even though Surfshark and CyberGhost’s reduction was lower.
So, keep in mind if you want to access Cyprus content from abroad, the NordVPN speed can drop, depending on how far you are to Cyprus.
The NordVPN app is fairly simple to install on Desktop and mobile devices.
To get the best speed, you can use the “Quick Connect tool,” as it’s optimized to select the best server for you in terms of speed and load!
Access to Geo-Blocked Content and Streaming
NordVPN works with Netflix in Cyprus.
But the drop in speed can affect your experience with accessing services like Netflix.
To mitigate that, I recommend using the “Best Server” tool.
It’ll connect you to the best and least loaded server.
If you’re outside Cyprus but want to watch Alpha TV from abroad, NordVPN also unblocks the channel when connected to a Cypriot server.
But I had to deal with a lot of buffering before I could watch it.
That wasn’t the case with Surfshark and CyberGhost, as the speed was better.
Dedicated IP
If you need to access an internal Cypriot corporate resource available to specific IP addresses only, NordVPN offers an option for purchasing a Dedicated IP.
It’s a static IP address that’s always the same and is yours and yours alone.
Your company can set up their network so that specific IPs only, like the dedicated one, can access it, thus ensuring no unauthorized access.
Torrenting
NordVPN has P2P-optimized servers (torrenting).
They are located in several countries, including Cyprus.
So, if you want to torrent from Cyprus, chances are that the “Best Server” will be nearby, which will make the download fast.
Price
NordVPN’s prices are average but slightly higher than those of some other providers on this list, especially considering Surfshark’s offering of unlimited connections for lower prices.
However, I do view them as good value due to NordVPN’s excellent security features and extras.
You can connect up to six devices to a single NordVPN subscription.
You can also take advantage of discounts and promotions NordVPN runs several times a year.
Pros
- Located in Panama - no data retention laws
- RAM-only servers and audited no-logs policy
- 5239 servers in 60 countries, 8 Cyprus servers
- AES-256 encryption and modern protocols (Wireguard)
- Quick Connect and Best Server tools
- Works with Netflix and unblocks Cyprus content
- Dedicated P2P servers
- 24/7 Live Chat Support
- Six simultaneous connections
Cons
- More expensive than other providers
- Significant reduction in speed
3. CyberGhost – Best for Speed and Streaming
If a Cyprus user wants to enjoy their favorite shows without speed lags, they need a VPN that can offer that.
I concluded that CyberGhost is the best VPN for speed and streaming – and here’s why:
Privacy and Security
CyberGhost, like others on this list, uses top-level encryption and the latest protocols.
Unlike NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN, however, CyberGhost doesn’t have RAM-only servers.
If you’re concerned about someone getting their hands on your Cyprus browsing data, this lack of RAM-only servers makes it vulnerable to security breaches in a data center.
CyberGhost’s privacy policy claims that they don’t keep any logs, but that hasn’t been audited to date.
The provider is, however, located in Romania, the laws of which don’t require data retention.
Additionally, CyberGhost releases occasional transparency reports.
In their report for Q4 of 2020, they confirm they haven’t given any logs to the police.
But they’ve admitted in the report that the police have been able to trace an IP address to their data center.
Taking that into account, I recommend Cypriot users who want extra security to stick with a VPN like Surfshark or NordVPN that has RAM-only servers.
Speed and UX
As with other providers, I tested the speed of my Internet before and after connecting to a CyberGhost server in Cyprus.
My normal Internet speed (baseline):
My speed when connected to CyberGhost:
So, there’s a tiny reduction in the speed that I can easily cope with.
The ping is quite high, which might cause some lagging for gamers in Cyprus.
But if you’re looking for decent speed when connecting to a Cypriot server for streaming Cyprus TV or another reason, CyberGhost does deliver.
CyberGhost has 14 Cyprus servers – more than any other provider on the list.
Therefore, you can count on really good speed in Cyprus when connected to them!
Unblocking Content
CyberGhost has servers optimized for streaming, and it works with Netflix.
The app’s interface makes it easy to see which server is best for specific streaming services:
Unfortunately, the list of streaming-optimized servers doesn’t include Cyprus.
However, I tried using CyberGhost’s Cyprus server to connect to Alpha Cyprus TV, and I was pleased to see that it worked.
Similarly, CyberGhost works with Netflix when connected to a Cypriot server.
If you’re in Cyprus and want to access specific streaming services, like BBC iPlayer or Netflix UK, this CyberGhost server optimization is very good for recommending the right servers.
Dedicated IP Address
Similar to NordVPN, CyberGhost offers the Dedicated IP option if you need to access restricted Cypriot networks, like a corporate one.
Torrenting Servers
CyberGhost, like NordVPN, has servers specifically optimized for torrenting, including their Cyprus servers.
It provides a list of such servers when you click on “Optimized for torrenting” and sorts them by distance.
If you’re in Cyprus and need to use Bittorrent, you can connect to a Cyprus server by clicking on “Cyprus,” which will optimize the speed while concealing your IP.
Value for Money
When it comes to prices, CyberGhost’s one-month package costs $12.99 per month, the 6-month one is $6.39 per month, and the 26-month one is $2.25 per month.
The prices are very similar to Surfshark’s and cheaper than ExpressVPN’s.
For those prices, you can use a CyberGhost subscription on up to 7 devices.
Pros
- 14 servers in Cyprus, ensuring decent speed
- 7461 servers in 91 countries and 114 locations
- Servers optimized for torrenting (including Cyprus servers)
- Servers optimized for streaming
- Good UX, easy to use and install
- Modern protocols like OpenVPN and Wireguard, and AES-256 encryption
- Unblocks content from Cyprus
- Seven simultaneous connections
Cons
- No RAM-only servers
- Servers or privacy policy haven’t been audited
- Use of virtual servers in Cyprus
4. ProtonVPN - Best Value for Money
ProtonVPN’s free option is one of the reason why I ranked it high in terms of value for money for Cyprus users.
Read this section to find out more!
How Secure Is ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland – a country with privacy-friendly laws that don’t require data retention.
The privacy policy makes it clear that they don’t keep any logs unless they have to involve third-party networks for routing traffic in countries with Internet censorship mechanisms in place.
Although Cyprus doesn’t really have those, if you’re traveling outside Cyprus to such a country, ProtonVPN makes it possible to disable third-party routing, thus keeping your logs safe, wherever you are.
The provider also offers an automatic Kill switch, which blocks the traffic if you lose the VPN connection, and the Always-on switch, which will reconnect to the VPN server.
For example, if you’re in an elevator in one of the Cypriot resorts and your connection breaks, you can get back online safely with the Always-on feature.
The only provider on this list with a similar feature is ExpressVPN.
ProtonVPN’s servers aren’t RAM-only like those offered by NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN, but the infrastructure is underground in former military facilities.
The code has been independently audited by third-party provider SEC Consult, which confirmed that “No issues were identified, which would provide an attacker unauthorized access to other customers’ data without having physical access to the victim’s desktop.”
The same audit was done for ProtonVPN mobile apps.
That means whatever device you’re using ProtonVPN on in Cyprus, your data is safe from unauthorized access.
The audit, coupled with ProtonVPN’s no-logs privacy policy, confirms that ProtonVPN does keep your data safe, as far as its secure data centers allow.
Is ProtonVPN Fast and Easy to Use?
ProtonVPN has several types of servers:
- Secure Core, which is owned by the provider and routes traffic through privacy-friendly locations like Switzerland (1 in Cyprus).
- Plus Servers, available to Plus plan subscribers only (3 in Cyprus).
- Basic servers, available to Basic plan subscribers (1 in Cyprus).
- Free servers, available to Free plan users – not present in Cyprus.
To test ProtonVPN’s Cyprus servers’ speed, I compared the Internet speed before and after connecting to a Cyprus server in the Basic plan.
My normal Internet speed (baseline):
My speed when connected to ProtonVPN:
The reduction in the speed is about 30%, which is similar to NordVPN’s results.
I liked the feature of ProtonVPN, which shows how loaded the server is.
If you’re on a Plus plan and see one of the Cypriot servers is too loaded, you can switch to the other three.
ProtonVPN performs better than some providers on this list in terms of speed, but it’s behind CyberGhost and Surfshark.
Can ProtonVPN Unlock Geo-Blocked Content?
The ability to access blocked content is available on all ProtonVPN plans, including the free one.
However, only the Plus plan is optimized for streaming.
This means if you want to stream in Cyprus, you need to get the Plus plan.
Can You Torrent With ProtonVPN?
Yes, P2P support is available on all paid ProtonVPN plans.
All the servers included in those plans are optimized for torrenting.
Therefore, even a Cypriot user of the free plan can use BitTorrent securely.
Does ProtonVPN Offer Dedicated IP?
ProtonVPN doesn’t currently offer Dedicated IPs or Static Servers, like Surfshark.
That makes it less attractive for Cypriots who need to restrict specific networks to certain IPs.
Is ProtonVPN Good Value for Money?
ProtonVPN is the only provider on the list that offers a free option with the same protection as the paid plans.
However, that option is very limited as it offers connection on one device only, and the range of servers is limited to 23 in three countries, not including Cyprus.
The paid Basic plan is $4 per month, the Plus plan is $8 per month, and the Visionary plan is $24 per month.
Pros
- 4 servers in Cyprus and 1,315 servers in 55 countries
- Free option available
- 30-day money-back guarantee on paid options
- Independently audited infrastructure and open-source code
- Located in Switzerland - privacy-friendly jurisdiction
- Transparent privacy policy
- P2P-optimized servers
- One plan offers up to 10 simultaneous connections
- Access blocked content even on a free option
Cons
- No RAM-only servers
- Best option pricier than that of other providers’
- Streaming supported on Plus option only
5. ExpressVPN – Best for Security
I concluded that this BVI-based provider is the winner for Cyprus users when it comes to security.
Keep reading to learn more!
ExpressVPN Security and Privacy Features
Like Surfshark and NordVPN, ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers, utilizing its proprietary technology, TrustedServer.
These servers are wiped after every reboot, ensuring that all your activities in Cyprus’ Internet space are erased, and there’s nothing that can be handed over to the authorities.
This security of your data is further guaranteed by a no-logging policy that’s been independently audited by PwC.
That tells me ExpressVPN keeps my data private and secure.
Additionally, ExpressVPN uses the latest protocols, including their custom-made one called Lightway.
Similar to ProtonVPN’s Always-on feature, Lightway ensures that if your Internet connection breaks, you’re connected to VPN the second that you’re back online.
For instance, if you’re going to your office in Nicosia and doing some work on the way, Lightway will bring you back online the second after your connection breaks when you go through a tunnel, saving you time and keeping you safe.
Take a look at the video below to learn more about Lightway from its creators:
Speed and UX of ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN’s website doesn’t indicate how many servers it has in each country.
So, I used their 24/7 Live chat to ask them how many servers in Cyprus they had.
Here’s the response I received.
Since ExpressVPN only has one server in Cyprus, there’s a higher risk of increased traffic and, thus, a reduction in speed for its users.
To check this, I tested my Internet speed before and after connecting to the Cypriot server of ExpressVPN.
My normal Internet speed (baseline):
My speed when connected to ExpressVPN:
The download speed is 50% lower when I’m connected to ExpressVPN.
The ping, in the meantime, is much higher.
That means if you’re playing Call of Duty in Cyprus, for example, you might experience lags with ExpressVPN.
It’s the same with streaming.
Can ExpressVPN Unblock Content in Cyprus?
I was able to access Netflix when connected to ExpressVPN’s Cyprus server.
The VPN also allowed me to watch Alpha Cyprus TV’s live reports – content that wasn’t available to me until I switched on ExpressVPN.
Therefore, ExpressVPN is recommended for unblocking Cyprus content.
You can also use it to watch your favorite TV programs – but the further away you are from Cyprus, the more likely it is that the speed will drop when connected to ExpressVPN.
If you’re in Cyprus and want to watch content from abroad, chances are that ExpressVPN has a server in the country of the Netflix library you want to view.
ExpressVPN also works with Netflix.
For instance, if you want to access British Netflix from Cyprus, you can connect to one of the four UK locations of ExpressVPN.
Does ExpressVPN Offer Dedicated IP?
ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a Dedicated IP option, like NordVPN or CyberGhost, as their IPs rotate all the time.
So, if you’re looking for a provider to ensure restricted access to a specific corporate network in Cyprus, consider other providers that do offer Dedicated IPs.
Torrenting With ExpressVPN
As a result of the DNS Leak test, I saw that ExpressVPN protected my IP address from any leaks, which means it obscures it very well.
That makes ExpressVPN safe for torrenting.
Its feature called Network Lock that you can activate when sharing P2P files acts as a kill switch and stops traffic from leaving your device in case the connection breaks.
That protects your IP from leaking, thus making it invisible to your Cyprus ISP and other peers.
ExpressVPN’s Value for Money
ExpressVPN’s one-month package costs $12.95.
Its 6-month package is $9.99 per month, and its 12-month package costs $8.32 per month.
These prices are some of the highest on this list, and you’d get ExpressVPN on up to 4 devices.
Pros
- 3,000 servers in 94 countries and 160 locations
- Located in BVI - a privacy-friendly jurisdiction
- RAM-only servers (TrustedServer) and proven no-logs policy
- Strong security protocols and AES-256 encryption
- Always-on Lightway protocol
- Works with Netflix and unblocks Cyprus content
- Easy to use
- 24/7 Live Chat support
Cons
- More expensive than other providers
- Only 4 simultaneous connections
- Significant speed reduction
- Only one Cyprus server
What to Look For in a VPN for Cyprus?
You may have several reasons for buying a VPN for Cyprus – privacy and unblocking streaming services, for instance.
Whatever they might be, I recommend considering the following things when choosing a VPN provider:
Safety, Security, and Privacy - for Everyone, Including Businessmen
Many businessmen register their companies in Cyprus, as it offers a number of tax benefits.
Therefore, it’s expected that they and their partners would handle a lot of proprietary and confidential information on the Cypriot territory that they’d want to protect.
A VPN that can protect your business data will offer the highest standards of encryption and protocols, an automatic kill switch, and a strong no-logging policy, ideally verified by third-party auditors.
However, even if you’re a private citizen not involved in any business activities in Cyprus, you want to make sure that your online data is secure from hackers and other malicious parties.
That’s why you should also ensure your VPN’s no-logging policy is genuine and the VPN’s encryption and protocols are modern and secure.
Even though Cyprus is not part of the 5/9/14 eyes alliance, if you choose a VPN located in one of those countries, you put your data at risk of exposure.
So, choosing a VPN operating from a country that’s not part of that alliance is preferable.
Online Banking
Cyprus is heavily populated with expats that are likely to have accounts in banks outside the country.
If you’re one of them, you want to make sure your financial information is secure while you’re in Cyprus and while you’re traveling.
For that reason, you need a VPN that can mask your IP address, encrypt your data, and disconnect you with an automatic kill switch – whether you’re accessing your bank from a Cypriot office or using public Wi-Fi, like in an airport.
If you do have a Cypriot bank account, you probably need a VPN that does the same thing as above but also has servers in Cyprus for easy connection to online banking.
Speed - For Those Who Value Fast Internet
A VPN’s speed depends on the proximity of your chosen server to your location and the number of servers in that area – the closer you are and the more servers there are, the better the speed.
Therefore, if you want a secure connection with a decent speed, choose a VPN with many servers close to you.
Streaming and Access to Geo-Blocked Content - For Travelers and Fans
TV Channels
If you’re traveling outside of Cyprus but want to watch the country’s TV channels like ANT1 Cyprus or Kibris Genc TV, you need a VPN that can unblock them.
If you’re visiting Cyprus and want to watch Netflix, it’s available in Cyprus.
However, due to regional restrictions, it might not have all your favorite shows.
That’s why you need a VPN that can unblock Netflix and let you access it as though you’re back home.
Similarly, if you’re from the UK and want to watch BBC iPlayer, you need a VPN that can unblock that as well.
P2P File Sharing - For Users of BitTorrent Technology
Users of BitTorrent technology expose their IP to everyone who downloads the same files as them, thus making it visible to all kinds of Internet users.
If you live in Cyprus and you, or someone else in your household, uses BitTorrent, you need a VPN that can obscure your IP and allow for P2P file-sharing.
Some VPN providers have servers designed for torrenting specifically.
Why Do You Need a VPN in Cyprus?
If you live in or are visiting Cyprus, you would need a VPN for the following reasons:
- To stream your favorite shows on Netflix and iPlayer.
- To access websites that might be blocked in Cyprus.
- To protect your IP address while using BitTorrent.
- To keep your data secure from hackers.
- To maintain your privacy online, e.g., if you’re a journalist.
How to Get a Cyprus IP Address?
If you need a Cyprus IP address to access Cypriot content or for other reasons, here’s how to get it:
- Get a VPN service that has servers in Cyprus.
- Connect to a server in Cyprus.
Here’s a recording of my iPhone screen, showing how to access a Cyprus server on NordVPN:
- Do a DNS leak test. If the IP showing is not your original IP address but a Cypriot one, your IP is protected. I did a DNS leak test with Surfshark by going to DNSLeakTest.com and performing the “Standard test”:
- If the VPN offers dedicated servers, like NordVPN or CyberGhost, you can purchase an IP address for an extra fee and redeem the token in the app. It’ll allow you exclusive usage of a single IP address and access to networks that require a specific IP. If you’re remotely running a company registered in Cyprus, for instance, this option could help you and your employees access its network.
Should I Use a Free VPN in Cyprus?
DewVPN - a Free BVI Service for Windows
DewVPN is a BVI-based service with servers in 50 countries, including Cyprus, that offers free VPN for private use and paid packages for commercial use.
On their website, they make it clear that the only way they make money is from businesses’ premium subscriptions.
Since they’re in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction where Surfshark and ExpressVPN are also based, they claim they don’t store any logs either.
However, this hasn’t been independently audited.
Unlike UrbanVPN, DewVPN is transparent about its AES-256 encryption.
However, there’s no information about the protocols they use and no Live Chat function to ask.
In addition, DewVPN currently offers Windows products only.
Since I and many others today often use our mobile phones to browse and even work, I would prefer a VPN that works on iOS and Android and wouldn’t recommend DewVPN to Cyprus mobile users.
However, it could work well for Cypriot Windows users.
Is Free VPN in Cyprus Worth It?
If a company is offering something for free, it means it’s making money another way, and VPN providers are no exception.
It’s indicated in many privacy policies of such free VPNs that they collect your IP address and other data, and you have no guarantees that this data isn’t sold to advertisers – Hotspot Shield being one example.
That not only defeats the point of VPN, which is privacy and anonymity but even increases the risk of your exposure.
Therefore, I don’t recommend that you get a free VPN for Cyprus.
FAQ
Are VPNs Legal in Cyprus?
Yes, it’s perfectly legal to use a VPN in Cyprus.
Should I Use a VPN in Northern Cyprus?
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has the same Internet laws as the rest of Cyprus, so Internet access isn’t restricted.
However, there have been attempts to restrict people’s access to certain media in the past, and since this land is under Turkish control in some ways, there’s a risk of the Republic of Turkey imposing stricter rules on the citizens in the future like the ones in Turkey.
Also, Northern Cyprus is, like any other location, not a hacker-free zone, and you should be using a VPN to protect your data there, just like in the rest of the country.
How Do I Access Cyprus Content Abroad With a VPN?
If you want to access Cyprus TV channels like Alpha TV or your Cypriot bank account when outside the country, you should:
- Get a VPN subscription for a service with Cypriot servers.
- Connect to one of the Cyprus servers.
- Check that your IP isn’t leaking via the DNS leak test.
- Go to the website or portal that you need and browse safely.
- If you’re setting up a company’s internal portal, consider purchasing a static IP from one of the providers. NordVPN and CyberGhost offer such options
- Enter the Dedicated IP token to your application and browse your resources.
Is Streaming Legal in Cyprus?
Yes, streaming services like Netflix are legal and available in Cyprus.
However, the government had shut down several streaming websites that shared copyrighted work without the authors’ consent.
Since Cyprus is part of the EU, its intellectual property laws prohibiting streaming pirated content apply.
The fines can be up to 1k EUR.
Is Torrenting Legal in Cyprus?
The use of torrenting technology (BitTorrent) is legal in Cyprus, as long as it’s not used to exchange and share copyrighted materials.
Doing so is illegal, whether you’re using BitTorrent or other technology, like email.
Conclusion
After I tested five VPN providers with Cypriot servers for speed, security, privacy, streaming, and torrenting, my choice for the best VPN for Cyprus is Surfshark.
NordVPN and CyberGhost are in second and third place, respectively.
The three providers are located in privacy-friendly jurisdictions and allow for streaming and torrenting.
Surfshark’s infrastructure, however, has been independently audited, offers additional security features such as NoBorders, has RAM-only servers, and offers excellent speed.
I also found it quite simple to navigate.
For that reason, I recommend Surfshark as the best VPN for Cyprus.
