The best VPN for Poland is the one that can keep your activities private and secure and allow you to access Polish content and banking services, both at home and abroad.
To establish which VPN that is, I tested several providers with Polish servers and concluded that the best VPN for Poland is NordVPN.
It offers a winning combination of speed, security, privacy, and access to Polish resources, as well as 56 Polish servers.
I also recommend CyberGhost for its streaming capabilities and user experience and Surfshark for affordable, solid security.
Top 3 VPNs for Poland
CyberGhost is a VPN that offers dedicated servers for TV streaming – including American, British, and Polish Netflix and BBC iPlayer! And thanks to its user-friendly interface, it’s very simple to use.
With NordVPN, you’ll get top-level security, best speed, streaming, and P2P servers, and huge server coverage! Plus, you can connect to six devices simultaneously for a great price!
Thanks to excellent security and privacy, which users can get on as many devices as they want, Surfshark is a winner for security-conscious Polish readers!
I tested the VPN providers on Windows, iOS, and Android devices, as all these systems are popular in Poland.
I connected to each provider’s Polish servers and tested their speed and data consumption.
To make sure the VPNs are secure and protect the data of Polish users, I compared their security features and privacy policies and ran some DNS leak tests.
I also checked their ability to unblock Netflix, iPlayer, and Polish TV channels, so that Polish users can enjoy their favorite shows even when they’re abroad.
And finally, I assessed the providers’ value for money and the number of devices they can protect with a single subscription.
Keen to find out my conclusions?
Keep reading!
Why Are These Providers the Best?
All five VPN services I tested have servers in Poland.
Here’s a summary of why I think they’re the best VPNs for Poland:
- NordVPN (56 servers) – Best Choice for Poland
- CyberGhost (72 servers) – Top-level user experience and streaming options
- Surfshark (2 servers) – Best for security at a low-cost
- ExpressVPN (1 server) – High-level security features
- Private Internet Access (undisclosed number of servers) – Best value for money
Read my insights below, and make an informed decision!
VPN Speed Test Results and Servers in Poland
I’ve prepared overviews of the speed and data consumption of the VPN providers.
As you can see, NordVPN’s reduction in download speed and increase in Ping was the lowest, and the data consumption didn’t increase by much either.
Provider Name | Baseline Speed | Ping, ms | Download Speed, Mbps | Upload Speed, Mbps | Servers in Poland | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN | Ping 37 ms, Download 28.6 Mbps, Upload 11.5 Mbps | 81 | 18.4 | 1.35 | 1 | ExpressVPN Price |
Surfshark | Ping 26 ms, Download 31.5 Mbps, Upload 5.78 Mbps | 82 | 22.5 | 11.0 | 2 | Surfshark Price |
NordVPN | Ping 26 ms, Download 33 Mbps, Upload 16.1 Mbps | 38 | 25.4 | 13.6 | 56 | NordVPN Price |
CyberGhost | Ping 23 ms, Download 3.06 Mbps, Upload 0.96 Mbps | 75 | 4.40 | 1.89 | 72 | CyberGhost Price |
PIA | Ping 23 ms, Download 29.8 Mbps, Upload 10.2 Mbps | 93 | 20.5 | 13.5 | Undisclosed | PIA Price |
VPN Data Consumption Test Results
Provider Name | Baseline Data Usage | Protocol | Data Usage When Connected to VPN |
---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN | Total - 947.4 KB Incoming - 423.9 KB Outgoing - 523.5 KB | Lightway UDP | Total -893.6 KB Incoming - 352.9 KB Outgoing - 540.7 KB |
Surfshark | Total - 36.3 MB | OpenVPN | Total - 30.7 MB |
NordVPN | Total - 947.4 KB Incoming - 423.9 KB Outgoing - 523.5 KB | OpenVPN | Total - 959 KB Incoming - 364.4 KB Outgoing - 594.6 KB |
CyberGhost | Total - 947.4 KB Incoming - 423.9 KB Outgoing - 523.5 KB | WireGuard | Total - 9.2 MB Incoming - 7.6 MB Outgoing - 1.6 MB |
PIA | Total - 5.65 MB | OpenVPN | Total - 2.59 MB |
Details of 5 Best VPNs for Poland
Here’s why these providers are the best VPNs for Poland.
NordVPN - Best Overall
Panama-based NordVPN, with its 56 Polish servers, is the best VPN provider overall for Poland, in my opinion.
Keep reading to find out why!
NordVPN No-logs Policy & Security
Privacy-conscious Polish users would appreciate NordVPN’s independently verified no-logging policy and security features.
As NordVPN doesn’t store logs, it has no information to give to the Polish authorities even if compelled to by local authorities.
All providers on the list have such a policy (but not all had it verified), top-level encryption, and a kill switch.
What makes NordVPN stand out in terms of security is the extra features.
These features are:
- RAM-only servers. They ensure that Polish users’ data is wiped each time a server is rebooted. If the country’s authorities try to get a record of that data under the country’s laws, there’s nothing to present to them. Surfshark and ExpressVPN also have such servers.
- DoubleVPN encrypts a user’s traffic twice. Given Poland’s increased pressure on independent press and media, this feature is particularly beneficial to Polish journalists who don’t want their ISP to see their traffic or that they’re using a VPN in the first place.
- Obfuscated servers allow Polish users to conceal that they’re using a VPN from their ISP. They ensure that the Polish internet service providers like JMDI don’t block your VPN-encrypted traffic, as some ISPs do. Travelers from Poland to more restrictive countries like Russia or Turkey can also benefit from this feature.
NordVPN Speed & Data Usage Test
To check NordVPN’s performance, I compared the baseline speed on my computer with the speed when connected to a Polish server.
Baseline:
When connected to a NordVPN server in Poland on Windows:
I also tested data consumption when connected to NordVPN’s Polish server using GlassWire for five minutes at a time.
The results are below:
The speed reduction was less than 25%, and the ping wasn’t much higher.
The data consumption wasn’t much higher with NordVPN, either.
These results are excellent news for Polish users who play the country’s most popular mobile game Brawl Stars or other games, as low ping reduces the latency and lags in the game.
Streaming in Poland With NordVPN
NordVPN works with Netflix, so Polish users who want to enjoy shows like “Evil,” available in the US only, can use NordVPN to connect to an American server and access US Netflix.
Similarly, travelers who want to watch Polish Netflix shows like “Sexify” outside the country can simply connect to a NordVPN server in Poland.
NordVPN also unblocks BBC iPlayer, allowing the Polish fans of Doctor Who and Line of Duty to enjoy the shows from their home country.
You can do that by connecting to its UK servers, but you need a free BBC iPlayer account.
I was also pleased to see that NordVPN allowed me to watch Polish TV abroad.
Keep reading to find out how to access TVP1 with NordVPN.
Is NordVPN Expensive?
NordVPN isn’t the cheapest provider on the list.
However, the user gets all the features on up to 6 devices for that price.
So, if you’re in Poland and want speedy, secure connections and streaming on your laptop, cellphone, tablet, and other devices for a reasonable price, NordVPN is a great choice.
Don’t hesitate to grab this awesome NordVPN deal to save money!
Pros
- 56 servers in Poland
- DoubleVPN, Obfuscated servers, RAM-only servers for extra security
- Verified no-logging policy
- Works with Netflix, iPlayer, Polish TV channels
- Small speed reduction and little extra data consumption
- Connections on six devices
Cons
- Not the cheapest on the list
- Some providers offer more connections
CyberGhost - Best for UX & Streaming
For Polish users who want a VPN that’s super easy to use on any device and allows access to streaming services like Netflix and iPlayer in and outside of Poland, I recommend Romania-based CyberGhost, with its 72 Polish servers.
Security and Privacy
Like NordVPN, CyberGhost claims not to log users’ traffic.
However, unlike NordVPN, that hasn’t been independently verified.
CyberGhost’s servers are also RAM-only.
That means that Polish users have the guarantee that their traffic isn’t logged and won’t be handed over to the authorities.
I performed a DNS leak test with CyberGhost when connected to a Polish server, and it didn’t show my actual IP, which means that the VPN does protect the users’ traffic.
However, Polish users would likely want more reassurance than that due to the country’s restrictive privacy laws.
Moreover, CyberGhost doesn’t offer an extensive suite of extra privacy tools like NordVPN.
Speed Test and Data Use
Like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, I tested CyberGhost’s speed and data consumption when connected to a Polish server on Windows.
Baseline:
When I connected to a CyberGhost server in Poland:
Data consumption:
It does consume more data than NordVPN and other providers, so it’s better to use it with Wi-Fi on mobile devices to reduce data charges from Lycamobile or other Polish providers.
There was no speed reduction.
In fact, there was an increase in download speed, which means Polish CyberGhost users would be blessed with little buffering when streaming.
UX and Streaming
CyberGhost works with Netflix and many other providers thanks to its optimized streaming servers.
So, you can connect to Polish servers from outside the country to watch Polish shows like “1983.”
The VPN’s easy interface allows you to choose the server optimized for streaming your content of choice.
If, for instance, you want to watch shows on US Netflix like “Stargate SG-1” in Poland, choose “United States – Optimized for Netflix.”
If you’re visiting Poland from the UK, CyberGhost can also help you connect to BBC iPlayer, so that you can enjoy your favorite shows like Line of Duty.
Keep reading to find out how to watch BBC iPlayer in Poland with CyberGhost.
Value for Money
CyberGhost is the second cheapest provider on this list, after PIA.
All the plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee, except for the 1-month one, which has a two-week guarantee.
Given the streaming options, high number of servers, and the option to add up to 7 devices to your subscription, CyberGhost is a very good value service for Polish users who want to access many kinds of content, both at home and abroad.
So, hurry up and grab our great CyberGhost deal today!
Pros
- 72 servers in Poland to ensure good speed
- Servers optimized for streaming Netflix, BBC iPlayer and other services
- Attractive UX and ease of use on all devices
- Cheaper than most other providers and good value
- Automatic kill-switch
- 7 simultaneous connections
Cons
- Privacy and security features not verified independently
- Uses up a lot of data with WireGuard
Surfshark - Best for Security and Price
Netherlands-based Surfshark has two Polish servers and provides excellent security features at a great price.
Surfshark Security Features
Like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, Surfshark’s privacy and security features, such as a no-logging policy and RAM-only servers, have been independently verified, giving Polish users additional assurance.
This means that despite it being located in a 9-eyes country, the government can’t compel the provider to hand over the data of Polish users – simply because there’s no data to hand over.
Surfshark is also a standout in terms of security features, such as:
- Camouflage mode is an obfuscation of servers that ensures your ISP doesn’t see that you’re using a VPN. If Polish ISPs like INEA start blocking VPN traffic, Polish users concerned about access to their favorite websites will find this feature helpful.
- NoBorders Mode. It can activate if someone in Poland or elsewhere tries to restrict your network. So, if you’re traveling to a country with more severe restrictions than Poland and want to access certain content, consider enabling this mode.
- Multihop is a feature similar to NordVPN’s DoubleVPN and allows users to send their traffic through different servers. This feature could be helpful for you if you’re a journalist in Poland and want to protect your sources from the government or malicious actors.
The European “Multihops” on offer include France, Germany, Netherlands, and the UK as first “hops.”
Unfortunately, Poland doesn’t feature, so Multihop isn’t the best option when accessing Polish resources.
I performed a DNS Leak Test with the Multihop with France -> Sweden hops, and the resulting IP address was Swedish.
The speed reduction was very insignificant.
Surfshark Speed and Data Usage Test
I tested the speed of Surfshark on my Android device using the Speedtest app.
Here’s what I found.
My internet speed (baseline):
Speed when connected to a Surfshark server in Poland:
I also measured Surfshark’s data usage when connected to a server in Warsaw using the My Data Manager Android app.
Here are the results.
Unfortunately, the app doesn’t allow tracking by the minute, so you need to subtract the figure in the left screenshot from the one in the right screenshot.
As you can see, the data usage is approximately the same, with and without Surfshark on.
For download speed, the reduction was about 30%.
The ping was relatively high, leading to lags in popular Polish games like “Witcher 3.”
To avoid that, we recommend connecting to a server closest to you.
However, since Surfshark only has two Polish servers, we recommend NordVPN for gaming in Poland, as it has more servers, and the ping isn’t as high.
Streaming and Unblocking Content With Surfshark
Unlike CyberGhost, Surfshark doesn’t have servers optimized for streaming but works with Netflix and iPlayer.
You can also use it outside Poland to secure access to your bank accounts and watch TVP Sport.
Surfshark Price
Surfshark is one of the more affordable providers on the list.
For a reasonable price, you get an unlimited number of connections.
All packages have a 30-day money-back guarantee and include all the security features listed.
If you want an even better price for Surfshark, check out this great deal today!
Pros
- Verified security features - no-logging policy and RAM-only server structure
- Automatic kill-switch
- Great value for money
- Unlimited connections
- Unlocks Netflix and Polish TV
Cons
- Only 2 Polish servers
- No dedicated streaming servers - but unblocks Polish content
PIA - Best Value for Money
PIA, or Private Internet Access, is a good VPN service in terms of value for money, and here’s why.
Is PIA Secure?
PIA claims to offer the same level of encryption and no logging as other providers.
However, it’s based in the USA, which is a bad jurisdiction in terms of privacy.
The US government can compel businesses, including VPNs, to log data.
That’s why Polish users want extra assurance that no data’s logged and can’t be transmitted to the US government or other 5/9/14 countries.
PIA’s no-logging claim was verified by a court case in 2018 – but that was before the change in ownership.
To date, there hasn’t been any other verification.
The provider has never been officially audited by a third party either, unlike NordVPN and Surfshark.
However, its open-source code means that every user can “audit” it for themselves.
That would require the necessary technical knowledge, which is why PIA might be more suitable for “techie” Polish users.
I performed a DNS leak test with PIA while connected to its Polish server.
It showed a Polish IP, which means that PIA concealed my real IP.
Speed and Data Usage Tests for PIA
A PIA representative confirmed that they couldn’t disclose a number of their Polish servers for security reasons.
Bearing that in mind, I performed the same speed and data consumption tests on PIA as on other providers, using my Android device.
Here’s what I saw.
Baseline:
Speed when connected to PIA’s Polish server:
So, the speed reduction is around 30%, like with Surfshark, but the ping is much higher with PIA on.
That could lead to latency issues for Polish fans of Cyberpunk 2077 and other games, so Polish gamers might want to consider other providers.
Like with Surfshark, I used the My Data Manager Android App to test how much data is consumed within 5 minutes when connected to a PIA server in Poland.
Here’s what I found.
The app doesn’t allow tracking by the minute, so you need to subtract the figure in the left screenshot from the one in the right screenshot.
So, there isn’t much data increase with PIA.
Streaming With PIA
PIA works with Polsat.
I could watch the Polish program “Osaczony” with no problems via Polsat when connected to PIA’s Polish server.
PIA also works with Netflix, as I was able to watch the shows when connected to the Polish server.
It also has servers optimized for streaming for the UK, USA, Japan, and some European countries.
Value for Money
PIA offers the best value for money out of all providers on the list.
It’s cheaper than other providers on this list – only CyberGhost comes close.
And every package allows up to 10 connections, allowing Polish users to save money on cybersecurity across all platforms.
PIA also offers many payment options, including cryptocurrency and third-party gift cards.
All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Want to try PIA risk-free?
Check out this awesome PIA deal!
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Open-source VPN apps
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections
- Many different payment options
- Servers optimized for streaming
Cons
- Based in USA - a 5-eyes country
- Undisclosed number of Polish servers
- Privacy features haven’t been verified since 2018
ExpressVPN - Best for High-Level Security
BVI-based ExpressVPN only has one server in Poland, as confirmed to me by its representative.
Here’s why I consider it the best VPN for Poland in terms of security.
ExpressVPN Security Features on Offer
ExpressVPN’s server structure was independently verified, like Surfshark and NordVPN.
It has a proven no-logging policy, giving its Polish users extra assurance that their activities are kept private from their ISPs and the government.
ExpressVPN also offers some extra security features:
- The Network Lock kill switch feature ensures that the traffic never leaves the VPN tunnel, even if the connection breaks. So, if you’re using ExpressVPN with the Wi-Fi on Polish intercity trains, you can be sure that your information is safe, even if you go through a tunnel and the connection stops.
- TrustedServer technology, which makes all ExpressVPN servers RAM-only, ensures that any recorded data is wiped after each reboot. Polish users who want extra assurances of their privacy would find this feature very useful.
- Custom-made Lightway protocol ensures the “always-on” protection and uses up less data and battery than other protocols. Even if your signal drops, your traffic is protected. So, if you forgot your charger and want to safely browse on your laptop while on a train to Warsaw, consider ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN, unlike NordVPN and Surfshark, doesn’t offer Multihop connections.
Therefore, consider other providers if you’re a journalist in Poland with concerns about your sources.
Speed Test and Data Usage of ExpressVPN
I tested the speed when connected to the ExpressVPN Polish server on Windows.
My baseline internet speed:
Speed when connected to a Surfshark server in Poland:
Thanks to ExpressVPN’s superfast custom-made Lightway protocol, the speed reduction was only around 35%.
I used the same Lightway protocol to measure data consumption when connected to ExpressVPN’s server in Poland:
As you can see, Lightway doesn’t use much data.
That’s good news for Polish users who use ExpressVPN over a mobile data connection, as their charges probably won’t increase.
Streaming and Unblocking Content With ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN works with Polish Netflix.
All you have to do is choose the Polish server in the app, and it’ll allow you to enjoy the local content like “The Mire.”
ExpressVPN also allows you to watch Polish TV anywhere.
Watching your favorite shows on TVN from abroad only requires you to connect to ExpressVPN’s Polish server, and you’re all set!
ExpressVPN Value for Money
ExpressVPN is the most expensive provider on this list.
It offers five simultaneous connections for its price, which is less than other providers here – but its security features are on par with NordVPN’s.
So, if you’re an average Polish user who does not need Multihops, and your priority is the best security features you’re willing to pay more for, consider ExpressVPN.
Pros
- Independently verified security features - no-logging policy, RAM-only servers
- Superfast Lightway protocol
- Unblocks Netflix and Polish TV
- Network Lock kill switch
Cons
- Only 1 server in Poland
- More expensive than other providers
- No Multi-hop
What Should You Look For in a VPN in Poland?
Polish restrictive privacy laws allow the police to access browsing records and block certain websites.
That’s why you should look for a VPN that allows private and secure browsing and won’t retain logs of your activities.
Ideally, it’ll also conceal from Polish ISPs that you’re using a VPN in the first place and have a built-in kill switch.
And, to make sure you can access Polish TV content and not raise suspicions of Getin Bank or other financial services providers, your VPN will have at least 1 Polish server to give you a local IP address.
Additionally, to ensure you’re not let down by the conversion rates of zloty to dollar or euro, look for a VPN with good value that offers many connections and streaming options with deals for at least one year for a reasonable price.
Given the beautiful tourist destinations in Warsaw and Krakow, Poland gets many visitors who’ll want to enjoy content from their home countries, such as Netflix and iPlayer.
Such users in Poland will want a VPN that can unblock those services.
At the same time, Polish nationals work in many Western European countries like the UK.
To access their homeland’s content, they’ll want a VPN that can unblock Polish TV channels like TVP1, as well as access websites of Polish banks like Getin.
How to Get a Polish IP Address?
If you need a Polish IP address to access your account at Getit bank, for instance, or to watch TVP1, here’s how you can get it:
- Get a subscription of a VPN with Polish servers.
- Connect to its server in Poland.
VPN Provider | Servers in Poland |
---|---|
ExpressVPN | 1 |
Surfshark | 2 |
NordVPN | 56 |
CyberGhost | 72 |
PIA | Undisclosed |
Below is a recording of my iPhone screen, showing how to get a Polish IP address by connecting to a NordVPN Polish server.
Perform a DNS Leak Test here.
It must show that your IP is a Polish one rather than your original one.
I performed the “Standard” test with CyberGhost.
How to Watch TVP1 Outside of Poland?
How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Poland?
To watch BBC iPlayer in Poland, you need an existing account with the service and a VPN with UK servers that can unblock iPlayer from outside the UK.
This is what you should do:
- Get a subscription to a VPN with UK servers, like NordVPN or CyberGhost.
- Connect to a UK-based server. CyberGhost, for example, has servers optimized for BBC iPlayer.
- Go to BBC iPlayer and sign in to your account or create a new one.
- Find your favorite show and enjoy!
FAQ
Is a Free VPN a Good Idea for Poland?
Using a free VPN in Poland isn’t a good idea.
That’s because any service that’s “free” needs to have some income to function.
And web services usually make money from selling the data of their users to advertisers.
And if a free VPN collects data of Polish users, the country’s authorities can compel it to hand that data over.
That defeats the point of a VPN, which is privacy.
So, I don’t recommend using a free VPN in Poland.
Is VPN Legal in Poland?
Yes, using a VPN is legal in Poland.
However, copyright infringement, hacking, selling drugs, and other illegal activities are not something you should use a VPN for.
Those activities are illegal in Poland, and using a VPN to commit them doesn’t absolve you of criminal liability.
Is Torrenting Legal in Poland?
Poland doesn’t regulate BitTorrent protocol.
There’s, therefore, nothing in the Polish laws that prohibits the act of torrenting.
However, it is illegal in Poland, as it is in most countries, to transmit copyrighted information via any means, including P2P file sharing.
So, you should only use a VPN to torrent files that you have the legal right to transmit.
Is ExpressVPN Available in Poland?
Yes, ExpressVPN is available and works very well in Poland.
It has only one Polish server, but my tests showed very good speed nonetheless.
Can You Watch Netflix in Poland?
Yes, Netflix works just fine in Poland.
However, like with other countries, users from Poland can only access content that is part of that country’s library.
To unlock Netflix content from other countries, Polish users should use a VPN.
I recommend using the US Netflix library as it has the biggest range of titles on offer.
What’s the Best Poland VPN for Chrome?
All providers on the list have extensions for the Chrome browser that you can use in Poland.
The best one is NordVPN.
It offers IP protection, blocks malware, and allows you to mask your IP – all you need is a NordVPN subscription.
CyberGhost is the second-best Chrome extension for Poland, as it’s free, easily installed, and you don’t need to have an account.
However, it doesn’t protect from WebRTC leaks, unlike NordVPN.
What’s the Best Poland VPN for iOS?
The best VPN for Poland for iOS is NordVPN.
It’s easy to use, can work on both iPhone and iPad simultaneously, and uses IKEv2/IPSec on iOS – a faster and more stable combination than OpenVPN.
NordVPN’s verified security features also mean that 10% of Polish smartphone users who use iPhones in their day-to-day lives don’t have to worry about their data ending up in the wrong hands.
It also consumes little more data than when you’re not connected to a VPN, and the ping isn’t much higher, either.
That’s good news for Polish mobile gamers, as they don’t have to deal with lags in Brawl Stars.
Conclusion
My tests of the performance of five VPN providers in terms of speed, data consumption, security, and streaming have revealed that the best VPN for Poland is NordVPN.
CyberGhost and Surfshark come second and third, respectively.
All three providers allow for the streaming of Netflix, iPlayer, and Polish TV.
They also have robust security features.
However, NordVPN’s security has been independently verified.
It offers many extra privacy features, is located in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, has a diskless server structure, and offers excellent speed and streaming options.
That’s why I recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for Poland.