I’ve been using VPNs for 8+ years – but when I moved from the US to Europe 3 years ago, the vitality increased tenfold.
Now, I use a VPN to watch US streaming platforms, play games on US servers and keep my data secure on public WiFi outings.
Specifically, NordVPN is the best VPN for Europe.
NordVPN was an easy choice.
It unblocks any content imaginable, has blazing-fast speeds, premium security features, and is P2P-friendly with dedicated P2P servers.
But NordVPN isn’t the only VPN I use.
ExpressVPN and Surfshark are also my favorites.
Keep reading to find out why, plus other reliable alternatives and tips on using a VPN in Europe!
Top 3 VPNs for Europe (November, 2024)
ExpressVPN is your solution to streaming anything from anywhere in Europe. This includes Netflix US, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and many other streaming platforms! Plus, you’ll get the fastest VPN speeds for Europe and automatic obfuscation.
NordVPN is the best VPN for Europe, thanks to its premium security features, dedicated P2P servers, streaming capabilities, and 38+ European server locations. So, if you want to enjoy anonymous torrenting or access local European content from abroad, NordVPN has you covered!
Surfshark is the only VPN on my list with two obfuscation features – and one is so lightweight that it doesn’t negatively impact your speed. This means you can enjoy online activities without worrying that your ISP can see your every move. You’ll also get super-affordable prices.
My virtual backpacking trip through the VPN industry was as challenging as any backpacking trip through Europe – and just as rewarding.
In the end, I had six VPNs for Europe that soared beyond my expectations.
They boast super-fast speeds, P2P support, essential security features, and big server networks to unblock all your favorite content.
And that’s just the beginning.
Read to the end of my guide to get the full experience!
Want to Unblock Hulu ASAP to Watch the Latest Law & Order Episode? Grab One of My Top VPNs!
The latest episode was meh, by the way…go for Organized Crime instead!
But before you can tune in, you’ll need one of my top VPNs for Europe:
- NordVPN – Best VPN for Europe + Premium Security & P2P Servers
- ExpressVPN – Stream Anything From Anywhere With Fast Speeds
- Surfshark – Affordable VPN for Europe + Two Obfuscation Features
- Private Internet Access – Massive European Server Park & P2P Support
- PrivateVPN – Beginner-Friendly Europe VPN for Novice VPN Users
- CyberGhost – VPN for Europe With Dedicated Streaming & Gaming Servers
After you catch up on L&O: SVU and L&O: CO, come back for my full guide – you might find info that makes you value another VPN over your first choice!
Detailed Reviews of the Best VPNs for Europe
Ready to start your own virtual backpacking trip through my guide?
You might not “find yourself,” but you WILL find the most reliable VPN for Europe that suits your needs!
Let’s get backpacking.
1. NordVPN – Best VPN for Europe + Premium Security & P2P Servers
I’m not one for “saving the best for last.”
Instead, NordVPN is front and center – exactly where it should be.
Let’s discuss why.
First, it’s been a saving grace for unblocking content.
Specifically, I use NordVPN to stream Hulu, Netflix US, HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime from the comfort of my Slovakian home.
I also use it to watch Inside No. 9 on BBC iPlayer.
Though, sometimes (albeit rarely), a streaming service won’t work.
I use one of my other VPNs for streaming or message support for a recommended server when this happens.
But every so often, support says the service is down and to try again in a few hours.
This is NordVPN’s first strike, as ExpressVPN and Surfshark (my other top VPNs for streaming) almost never give issues.
On the bright side, NordVPN unblocks more than just streaming services.
For example, if you’re in Poland and you want to play GTA 5’s casino games, NordVPN can help you do so.
Or, if you need to access a website that your network admin blocks (at school, work, etc.), NordVPN will unblock it.
And thanks to the VPN provider’s massive server network (5,100+ servers in 60 countries), you’re sure to find a nearby server for the best speeds.
In fact, NordVPN has servers in 35+ European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Norway.
That’s not as much coverage as CyberGhost (44+), PIA (42+), and ExpressVPN (40+) offer, but you’re at least on par with Surfshark (38+) and ahead of PrivateVPN (16+).
And it’s still plenty to give you nearby options or, hopefully, connect to a local IP if you’re traveling abroad (so you can watch French TV shows from anywhere).
NordVPN is also extremely fast.
While ExpressVPN took first in my speed tests, NordVPN just barely fell behind Surfshark with an 8.78 Mbps speed drop, taking third.
Between the two of them, Surfshark was only 0.06 Mbps faster.
So, if you want to participate in bandwidth-intensive activities – like torrenting – NordVPN won’t slow you down.
And speaking of torrenting, NordVPN and CyberGhost are the only VPNs on my list with dedicated P2P servers.
This means you can enjoy torrenting without 1&1, BT Broadband, EE, or any other European ISP spying on you.
And considering my ISP (Orange) recently started taking copyright violations more seriously, this was huge news for my friends who torrent pirated content.
(Not me, though. I’d never break the law by torrenting anime off ThePirateBay!)
Moving on, NordVPN also has a premium suite of security features.
So, if you want an extra layer of security while torrenting Sword Art Online or browsing public WiFi at Tesco, you can use obfuscation or a double VPN, though the former is only available with OpenVPN TCP and the latter with OpenVPN UDP and TCP.
Still, if you’re in a country with harsh data privacy laws, like Russia, I recommend the obfuscation feature.
It hides that you’re even using a VPN from your ISP and government.
Just keep in mind that both features slow your speeds more – which is disappointing, considering ExpressVPN and Surfshark have lightweight obfuscation that doesn’t impact speed.
Still, NordVPN and Surfshark are the only VPNs with standalone double VPN features (PIA combines its double VPN with obfuscation), giving them a competitive edge.
And aside from PrivateVPN, NordVPN is the only VPN on my list with two kill switches.
So, you can protect your data and IP by killing your internet and any apps you’re using if your VPN connection drops.
This is an absolute necessity if you spend a lot of time on public WiFi at Aupark, Harrods, Las Arenas, or any other European shopping center.
NordVPN’s last saving grace is that it’s very affordable.
The monthly price falls somewhere in the middle, and the long-term plans offer major savings.
But for the BEST price, use my exclusive discount link!
Pros
- Unblocks content in any European country, including websites and games
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer
- 35+ European server locations (5,100+ servers in total)
- Blazing-fast server speeds
- P2P-friendly with dedicated servers
- Premium security features, including two kill switches
Cons
- Infrequently, streaming services aren’t accessible
- Slower than ExpressVPN and (just barely) Surfshark
- Double VPN and obfuscation slow speeds more and are only available with OpenVPN
2. ExpressVPN – Stream Anything From Anywhere With Fast Speeds
Next up is ExpressVPN – my top choice for streaming in Europe.
Don’t get me wrong, NordVPN is great.
But ExpressVPN really takes the cake.
I’ve been using it for 5+ years before moving to Europe.
It helped me watch BBC iPlayer back then.
Now, it helps me watch iPlayer (from Slovakia) and literally any other streaming service you can think of, including Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Showtime, DAZN, Channel 4, and more.
This is huge if you’re in Europe, as it means “region-restricted” is just a phrase (and not the bane of your existence).
Struggling to unblock Netflix?
Message ExpressVPN support for a recommended server!
Servers frequently change to prevent the streaming giant from blacklisting them.
And it’s not just streaming services you can unblock.
ExpressVPN also unblocks games, websites, apps, and more.
So, if you’re in Belgium or the Netherlands and you want to access CS:GO loot boxes, ExpressVPN can help!
The best part?
While you’re unblocking content, you can enjoy lightning-fast speeds (especially if you use ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol, Lightway – I recommend UDP).
ExpressVPN actually took first place in my speed tests, with a speed drop of just 7.46 Mbps.
And with 40+ server locations in Europe (third-biggest coverage on my list), you’ll have plenty of options for a nearby server.
This also means if you travel abroad, you can connect to a local IP to access your Lloyds Banking Group (etc.) account.
Though, overall, ExpressVPN only has 3,000+ servers – the second-smallest server network on my list.
It also doesn’t offer a double VPN feature or second skill switch.
But!
It makes up for this by having automatic obfuscation on all servers.
This means your European ISP and government won’t have any idea you’re using a VPN – which is incredibly useful if you’re in a country that’s part of the 5/9/14 Eyes.
Even better, obfuscation supports any protocol, including Lightway UDP, so your speeds aren’t affected.
ExpressVPN is also the ONLY VPN on my list with automatic obfuscation on every server with any protocol.
Not even Surfshark with its lightweight Camouflage Mode compares.
On the other hand, ExpressVPN doesn’t have dedicated P2P servers like NordVPN and CyberGhost.
But at least you can torrent on any server and still enjoy anonymity and super-fast speeds while doing so.
Plus, while the VPN provider doesn’t have a second, app-based kill switch, it does have a much-needed system kill switch (Network Lock).
So, when you use public WiFi at your favorite cafe, hostel, or hotel, your IP and data are safe, even if you accidentally lose connection to your VPN.
One last downside.
ExpressVPN is really expensive, and there aren’t many savings on long-term plans.
Luckily, you can get a HUGE discount when using my sign-up link!
Pros
- Unblocks content in any European country, including websites and games
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Showtime, DAZN, Channel 4, and more
- 40+ European server locations (3,000+ servers in total)
- Fastest VPN for Europe
- P2P-friendly
- Premium security features, including automatic obfuscation
Cons
- More expensive than most providers
- No double VPN feature or second kill switch
- No dedicated P2P servers
- Smaller server network than other VPNs on my list
3. Surfshark – Affordable VPN for Europe + Two Obfuscation Features
In third place is Surfshark – a VPN provider with the best long-term savings on my list for Europeans and expats on a budget.
But first, let’s discuss Surfshark’s unique asset(s) that no other VPN on my list can boast: two obfuscation features.
Why is obfuscation so important?
You might know that the 14 Eyes comprises 9 European countries (10 if you count the UK).
So, if you live in Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Sweden, or Spain, obfuscation is essential.
Why?
Because your data is likely being shared with every country that makes up the 14 Eyes!
Luckily, Surfshark comes to the rescue with two options: Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode.
Camouflage Mode is my first recommendation, as it’ll hide your VPN use from any government or ISP spying on you.
It’s also lightweight, so you can enjoy it without sacrificing speed.
And like ExpressVPN, it’s automatically enabled on every server.
However, unlike ExpressVPN, you need to use the OpenVPN protocol (UDP or TCP) for it to work.
This is a little disappointing, as I get the best speeds with WireGuard.
But that’s not to say OpenVPN (UDP) isn’t fast.
In fact, when I tested its speeds, the drop was just 9.17 Mbps.
That placed it behind NordVPN (8.78 Mbps drop), but with WireGuard, the drop was only 8.72 Mbps, earning it second.
Meanwhile, Surfshark’s second obfuscation feature, NoBorders Mode, is heavier.
But it’s a great option if you’re in a country like Russia, as it enhances your security tenfold.
NoBorders Mode is also automatically enabled “whenever needed.”
Just keep in mind that it slows your speeds and gives you a limited server park to choose from.
Speaking of server park, Surfshark has 3,200+ servers in total.
That’s a decent number (fourth-biggest on my list).
But its European coverage is limited to 38+ countries – more than NordVPN and PrivateVPN but less than CyberGhost, PIA, and ExpressVPN.
Still, it should be easy enough to find a nearby or local European server to connect to.
Moving on, Surfshark is the only VPN on my list besides NordVPN to offer a standalone double VPN (MultiHop).
This is a great alternative to either obfuscation feature, though I still recommend Camouflage Mode, as it has better speeds.
Next, while it doesn’t have dedicated P2P options, Surfshark allows torrenting on all of its servers, meaning you’ll get super-fast speeds while you torrent totally-legal content without your nosy ISP seeing.
One downside, though.
Surfshark doesn’t support uploading (seeding), so if you care about your reputation as a torrenter, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Finally, thanks to the VPN provider’s unblocking capabilities and unlimited simultaneous connections, your entire family can watch different geo-locked platforms at the same time.
This includes Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, and more.
In fact, Surfshark is close to ExpressVPN when unblocking content, whether streaming platforms, games, or websites.
It’s also the only VPN on my list with unlimited simultaneous connections, giving it another unique edge, especially if you want to watch US Netflix on your tablet while unblocking games on your gaming PC.
And, as promised, Surfshark has some of the best long-term savings (though its monthly plan is pretty expensive).
Don’t forget to take advantage of THIS HUGE DISCOUNT when signing up!
Pros
- Unblocks content in any European country, including websites and games
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and more
- 38+ European server locations (3,200+ servers in total)
- Super-fast speeds
- P2P-friendly
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Premium security features, including two obfuscation features
Cons
- Slower than ExpressVPN
- Expensive monthly plan
- Double VPN and NoBorders Mode slow speeds
- Camouflage Mode only works with OpenVPN
- No dedicated P2P servers or seeding
4. Private Internet Access – Massive European Server Park & P2P Support
Sitting in fourth place on my list of the most reliable VPNs for Europe is Private Internet Access (PIA).
My favorite feature of this VPN is its massive European server network.
It’s not as big as CyberGhost, but you’ll still get 42+ European countries to choose from, including Poland, Slovakia, France, Germany, and Belgium.
In other words, you can find local and nearby servers, whether for the best speeds or to watch Euro sports from abroad with a European IP.
Plus, PIA’s overall server network boasts 31,000+ options (the last known number), pulling it ahead of every other VPN on my list, including CyberGhost.
This and its one-click solution for port forwarding make it an excellent choice for safe, fast, and anonymous torrenting (despite no dedicated P2P servers).
PIA is actually one of two VPNs on my list with easy port forwarding (PrivateVPN is the other one).
ExpressVPN offers it too, but only for its router setup.
To enable port forwarding with PIA, simply check a box in the app.
This means if you want to torrent with fast speeds and without Fastweb, KCOM, or any other European ISP knowing, PIA is the best choice.
The VPN’s massive server network is also handy for unblocking websites, though PIA isn’t as thorough as other VPNs on my list.
You’ll have no trouble accessing restricted websites and games, but streaming services vary.
Specifically, I could only unblock BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime at the time of writing.
I struggled to unblock Netflix, so I contacted PIA support for a recommended server.
They just linked me to this help article.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t get Netflix US to work (I just kept seeing Netflix originals and no US-only content).
I also couldn’t get Disney+ to work.
So, if your main use for a VPN in Europe is to watch geo-locked content, I recommend ExpressVPN or Surfshark instead.
On the bright side, PIA has all the necessary security features to keep you safe from the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes (or from your ISP, government, etc.).
This includes a kill switch and combined obfuscation and double VPN.
The obfuscation and double VPN feature is unique, to say the least.
It sends your VPN traffic through the SOCKS5 or Shadowsocks proxy, preventing a major speed loss.
And if you couldn’t guess, PIA is the only VPN on my list to offer this.
Anyway, saving on speed is huge here, as PIA scored second-to-last in my speed tests with a speed loss of 11.56 Mbps (my base speed was 97.12 Mbps).
This was surprising as, usually, PIA is a little faster.
In any case, that’s still fast enough to enjoy bandwidth-intensive activities like playing at the Diamond Casino in GTA 5 and streaming BBC iPlayer in 4K.
Finally, PIA has very affordable prices (especially its monthly plan)!
Plus, if you use my exclusive sign-up link, you’ll get EVEN MORE savings!
Pros
- Unblocks content in any European country, including websites and games
- Unblocks Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and (unreliably) other streaming services
- 42+ European server locations (31,000+ servers in total)
- Fast speeds
- P2P-friendly with port forwarding
- Premium security features, including combined double VPN and obfuscation
Cons
- Slower than other VPNs on my list
- Unreliable at unblocking streaming services
- No dedicated P2P servers
5. PrivateVPN – Beginner-Friendly Europe VPN for Novice VPN Users
PrivateVPN slides into fifth place on my list of the top VPNs for Europe, thanks to its user-friendly apps and streaming capabilities.
First, if you’re new to VPNs, you’ll appreciate the easy-to-use apps that make securing your connection from your nosy government and ISP effortless.
But if you’re a VPN expert, you’ll still appreciate PrivateVPN, as it also has an “Advanced View.”
This gives you more customization options and features, including the VPN’s premium security features.
For example, if you live in a 14 Eyes country and want an extra layer of security to hide your VPN use and protect your data, PrivateVPN’s Stealth VPN (obfuscation) is the solution (though it slows your speeds).
PrivateVPN is also the only VPN on my list aside from NordVPN to offer two kill switches.
The first is for your system – so if your VPN disconnects, so will your internet.
But the second is for apps, allowing you to add programs to disconnect at the same time automatically.
This is especially useful if you frequent public WiFi hotspots, like that cute café in London or one of the hundreds of busy shopping centers in Germany.
And considering PrivateVPN doesn’t have a double VPN feature, its other security features are extra essential.
However, PrivateVPN does have port forwarding, meaning you can torrent the latest episodes of Family Guy without copyright trolls hounding you.
The only other VPN on my list with similar port forwarding capabilities is PIA.
Perhaps this is why PrivateVPN gave me amazing speeds – my speed drop was just 10.81 Mbps, putting it ahead of PIA and CyberGhost!
Combine its speeds with its ability to unblock any type of content, and you’ve got a fantastic VPN for streaming Netflix US, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and many other streaming services.
Of course, you can also use PrivateVPN to unblock games and websites.
Now for the VPN service’s biggest flaw.
It only has 16+ server locations in Europe.
It also has the smallest server network on my list at 200+ servers.
This makes it an iffy choice for accessing local European content while traveling abroad.
It also decreases your chances of finding a nearby server for the best connection (though you’ll still get fast speeds).
But, on the bright side, the prices are super affordable!
You can also use my link for EXTRA savings!
Pros
- Unblocks content in any European country, including websites and games
- Unblocks Netflix US, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and more
- 16+ European server locations (200+ servers in total)
- Fast speeds
- P2P-friendly with port forwarding
- Premium security features, including obfuscation
- Beginner-friendly apps
Cons
- Smallest European (and overall) server network on my list
- No double VPN
- Speeds slower than my top three VPNs
- Obfuscation slows speeds more
6. CyberGhost – VPN for Europe With Dedicated Streaming & Gaming Servers
Finally, the last VPN on my list of the best VPNs for Europe is CyberGhost.
It’s quite surprising that it’s last, as it has the most European server locations (44+)!
But I have my reasons.
First, though, let’s discuss why it made my list at all.
CyberGhost is the only VPN here with multiple dedicated server categories for torrenting, gaming, and streaming.
These categories offer a variety of options, including European countries.
For example, CyberGhost’s gaming servers are available in Germany and France (and the UK).
And its streaming category is filled with options for country-specific platforms, like ORF (Austria), RTL Play (Belgium), Zattoo DE (Germany), and Rai Play Diretta (Italy).
Now for the caveat – sometimes, these dedicated servers don’t work.
In CyberGhost’s defense, I’ve had better luck lately than in the past.
But I’m also no stranger to giving up on a dedicated server and switching to a normal one.
On the bright side, I have little trouble eventually partaking in my intended activity, like streaming.
Specifically, CyberGhost unblocked Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and many European platforms specific to their countries of origin (like the ones above).
And considering how many European servers CyberGhost has, you’re sure to find nearby servers and local IP addresses for any activity, whether accessing your bank account or streaming your favorite European shows from abroad.
But there’s another reason CyberGhost’s wishy-washy dedicated servers are so frustrating.
CyberGhost placed last in my speed tests, with an 11.92 Mbps drop.
This is a (positive) jump from past tests, where the provider had a drop between 15-20 Mbps.
But it’s still not comparable to the others here (except maybe PIA).
At the very least, CyberGhost is fast enough to enjoy streaming in 4K and anonymous torrenting.
However, I recommend testing the dedicated P2P servers and the normal ones to see which are faster.
Moving on, CyberGhost is also great for unblocking websites and games (if you can deal with the lackluster speeds).
So, if you need to access ProtonMail in Russia, you can hop on a CyberGhost server and unblock it.
Now for another downside.
You’ll get must-have security features like a kill switch and obfuscation – which are enough to keep you safe from snooping European governments.
But CyberGhost is missing other useful security features (a double VPN and app kill switch), and its NoSpy (obfuscation) servers cost extra.
This is disappointing, considering the other VPNs on my list with obfuscation include it for free with any subscription.
But at least CyberGhost’s prices are reasonable.
If you want MORE SAVINGS, you can use this sign-up link.
Pros
- Unblocks content in any European country, including websites and games
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and more
- Dedicated servers for P2P, streaming, and gaming
- 44+ European server locations (7,600+ servers in total)
- Decent speeds
- Premium security features, including obfuscation
Cons
- Speeds slower than other VPNs on this list
- Dedicated servers aren’t reliable
- Missing double VPN and second kill switch
- Obfuscated servers cost extra
How to Choose the Best VPN for Europe?
Finding the best VPN for Europe takes a lot of work.
Namely, there are things you need to keep in mind before committing to a VPN.
So, to make it easier on you, I put together this section.
Check it out before you tour other VPNs!
Use This Checklist to Find a VPN Before Logging on Public WiFi at Your Local Tesco Café!
This checklist should help you narrow down your selection of VPNs, so you can find the best VPN for Europe for your specific needs.
Take a look:
Unblocks Content
What does content mean, exactly?
Well, your VPN for Europe should unblock your favorite geo-locked streaming services, websites, apps, games, and whatever else you want to access.
For example, if you can’t live without Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Netflix US, the GTA 5 casino, CS:GO loot boxes, and political websites your government doesn’t like, find a VPN that can unblock all of those things – and don’t settle for less.
The best way to verify your VPN meets your expectations is to use its money-back guarantee.
Don’t just take its word!
Instead, buy a subscription, try unblocking all your platforms, and if you don’t succeed, ask for a refund (within the money-back guarantee period).
P2P Support
If you’re an avid torrenter, you need a VPN with P2P support so your ISP doesn’t see your P2P activities.
Even better if it has dedicated P2P servers!
Considering some European ISPs (*cough* Orange *cough*) are cracking down on copyright violations, finding a VPN with P2P support is even more necessary now.
Just ensure there are no caveats – for example, Surfshark allows torrenting but doesn’t allow seeding, so it’s not a great option for torrenters who care about their reputation.
Fast Speeds & Big Server Network
If you want to enjoy 4K streaming, easy torrenting, and fast browsing in Europe, you need a VPN with fast speeds.
You can use the same money-back guarantee method above to test your VPN’s speed.
Or, if you want to skip the stress, you can grab one of my top VPNs for Europe.
Here’s a look at their speed test results (my base speed was 97.12 Mbps):
VPN Provider: | Speed Loss Difference: |
NordVPN | 8.78 Mbps |
ExpressVPN | 7.46 Mbps |
Surfshark | 8.72 Mbps |
PIA | 11.56 Mbps |
PrivateVPN | 10.81 Mbps |
CyberGhost | 11.92 Mbps |
Speed aside, a VPN with a big server network is also preferable.
Not only will this decrease your chances of network overload (too many users on one server), but it will give you plenty of options for unblocking content.
Likewise, ensure your VPN has servers in the country whose content you want to unblock!
A good rule of thumb is to look for a VPN with 3,000+ servers, so you can switch to another server in the same country when necessary.
Servers in Your Country of Residence
If you’re traveling abroad, ensure your VPN has servers in your country of residence, so you can access your local accounts, favorite content, etc., during your travels!
Security Features
Some European countries are home to invasive online privacy laws.
Some even belong to the 14 Eyes alliance (more on that later)!
Throw in untrustworthy governments, ISPs, and cybercriminals, and it’s so important to find a VPN with must-have security features.
At the bare minimum, your VPN should have a kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and some extra feature like obfuscation, a double VPN, or a second kill switch.
Bonus if it has all of the above!
Bonus Features
There are bonus features to consider depending on your specific needs.
For example, you might be interested in port forwarding for faster speeds (especially with torrenting) or unlimited simultaneous connections for sharing your VPN with your friends and family.
So, keep your specific use case in mind when shopping!
Subscription Fees
Last but not least, don’t buy the first VPN you see!
Instead, compare several VPNs, including their features, subscription plans, fees, and even the money-back guarantees!
Can You Use a Free VPN for Europe?
I only recommend using a free VPN for Europe if you’re seriously strapped for cash and have no other choice.
And even then, you need to be careful.
The two reliable free VPNs I can comfortably recommend are ProtonVPN and AtlasVPN.
Each VPN offers a handful of servers, 256-bit AES encryption, and unlimited bandwidth.
I do NOT recommend using other free VPNs.
You’re more likely to lose your privacy with a free VPN than protect it.
Worse, you might end up downloading malware.
Even my trustworthy recommendations aren’t long-term solutions, as they have limited security features and slow speeds.
So, upgrade to a premium VPN ASAP.
Remember, if you need a good deal with LOTS of SAVINGS, you can use my exclusive NordVPN sign-up link!
How to Use a VPN in Europe? Step-By-Step Instructions!
Using a VPN in Europe is easy!
Just follow these instructions:
- Choose one of my recommended VPNs (or a VPN you found after thorough research) and purchase a subscription.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device(s).
- Open the VPN app and sign in to your account.
- Ensure any features you need are enabled, like the kill switch, obfuscation, a double VPN, etc.
- Click the Connect button for the fastest server near you. Or, if you need a server from a specific country, select your preferred location from the server list.
- Open your browser and check for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.
- Enjoy your VPN-protected connection from anywhere in Europe!
How to Watch US Netflix in Europe With a VPN?
Using a VPN to watch US Netflix in Europe is similar to using a VPN in general!
Follow these instructions:
- Choose one of my recommended VPNs (or a VPN you found after thorough research) with servers in the US and purchase a subscription.
- Download and install the VPN app on the device(s) you use for Netflix.
- Open the VPN app and sign in to your account.
- Ensure you’re connected to the fastest protocol. I recommend in this order: WireGuard (or WireGuard forks) > IKEv2 > SOCKS5 Proxy > SoftEther > OpenVPN UDP. If your VPN also has a proprietary protocol, like ExpressVPN’s Lightway, try that, too.
- Select a US server from the server list and connect to it. Check for streaming-optimized servers as well.
- Open your browser and check for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.
- Open an incognito tab in your browser (to be safe) and log in to your Netflix account.
- Search for a US-only title (like Rain Man) to verify you’re in the right region library.
- Enjoy watching US-only Netflix content!
How to Get a European IP Address?
Whether you want a European IP to access European content or local accounts from abroad, getting one is easy.
Follow these steps:
- Choose one of my recommended VPNs (or a VPN you found after thorough research) with countries in Europe. Here’s a table showing how many European server locations the VPNs on my list have:
VPN Provider: | European Server Locations: |
NordVPN | 35+ |
ExpressVPN | 40+ |
Surfshark | 38+ |
PIA | 42+ |
PrivateVPN | 16+ |
CyberGhost | 44+ |
- Download and install the VPN app on your device(s).
- Open the VPN app and sign in to your account.
- Ensure any features you need are enabled, like the kill switch, obfuscation, a double VPN, etc.
- Find the European country you want and connect to it.
- Open your browser and check for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.
- Enjoy your European IP address from anywhere!
How to Use a VPN to Play PUBG on a European Server?
Playing PUBG on a European server is mostly as easy as purchasing a VPN with European servers, downloading the app on your device, connecting to a European server, and opening PUBG on the same device!
However, if you play PUBG on your game console, the setup is a little more complicated.
You’ll need to connect your VPN to your router or create a hotspot to connect your console to.
Is Europe Part of the 5 Eyes?
While Europe isn’t a part of the 5 Eyes, there are European countries that joined the expansions of the 5 Eyes.
First, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, and Norway are a part of the 9 Eyes.
Then, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Sweden, and Spain are a part of the 14 Eyes.
This makes using a VPN in those countries even more essential, as otherwise, your data is vulnerable to every country that makes up the 14 Eyes alliance.
FAQ
Are VPNs Legal in Europe?
VPNs are legal in all European countries, though some, like Russia, make it difficult to purchase VPN subscriptions by blocking access to their pages.
However, using a VPN to commit a crime is still illegal in any case, including downloading copyrighted content in most countries.
Can I Use a VPN to Watch European Sports While Abroad?
A VPN can give you access to European sports from anywhere in the world, though you need a VPN with European servers that reliably unblock content.
I recommend ExpressVPN, as it has 40+ European server locations and is the best VPN on my list for unblocking content, including European sports.
Plus, its lightning-fast speeds guarantee easy 4K streaming.
Can I Use a VPN for Chrome in Europe?
If your VPN has a Chrome extension, you can use it on the Chrome Browser in Europe.
The VPNs on my list with this feature are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, PIA, and CyberGhost.
However, it’s important to note that Chrome browser extensions do not encrypt your traffic.
Instead, they’re proxies that help unblock content, like streaming platforms.
What’s the Best iPhone VPN for Europe?
The best VPN for iPhone is Surfshark, thanks to all the features on its iOS app.
For example, you’ll still have access to both obfuscation features, the kill switch, the double VPN servers, CleanWeb (adblocker), and an incognito search feature.
On top of that, you’ll get blazing-fast speeds and the best protocols.
Is ExpressVPN Good in Europe?
ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN for Europe, thanks to its 40+ European server locations, lightning-fast speeds, automatic obfuscation, and streaming capabilities.
In fact, ExpressVPN can unblock almost any content you can think of, including US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, along with video games, websites, apps, and more.
Conclusion
You’ve reached the end of my guide!
By now, I hope you’re certain of what VPN for Europe is best for YOU!
My top recommendation remains NordVPN.
You’ll get everything you need, from 38+ European server locations to access local content from abroad to 5,100+ overall servers to unblock content worldwide – including streaming platforms like Netflix US and BBC iPlayer!
Plus, you’ll get dedicated P2P servers, blazing-fast speeds, and premium security features.
What more do you need?
Grab my NordVPN exclusive discount RIGHT NOW!
It won’t be here forever.