If you need a Polish IP address, you have a couple of options.
The easiest is to use a reliable proxy service, like Oxylabs.
But the best way to get a Polish IP address is to use a VPN like NordVPN.
This is because, while proxies are great for low-stakes online activity, they don’t encrypt your connection.
VPNs, on the other hand, encrypt your data, giving your connection a huge cybersecurity boost.
Best of all, using a VPN to get a Polish IP address can be just as easy as using a proxy.
I’ve used both methods before, so I’ll show you how to get a Polish proxy or IP address using either of them.
Read on to find out how – plus the pros and cons of both, along with the proxy and VPN services I recommend!
Polish Proxy vs. VPN
As I mentioned in the introduction, there are two tools you can use to get a Polish IP address: proxies and VPNs.
Both will change the IP address websites see when you visit them.
But there are some significant differences you need to consider before choosing which tool to use.
Quick Definitions
Before we go any further, here are quick definitions that will help you understand those differences:
- IP Address – short for Internet Protocol, your IP is a unique numerical address used to identify a device online, including website servers. IP addresses can be divided into two parts, the network part (which includes geolocation information) and the host part (which identifies individual devices).
- Proxy – a proxy server acts as a relay between your device and the website server you’re visiting, giving you a different IP address.
- VPN – a Virtual Private Network includes at least one VPN server that also acts as a relay between your device and the website server you’re visiting, giving you a different IP address. But a VPN will also encrypt your data, and some VPNs include extra features to make your connection more secure and private.
Pros and Cons of Both
One of the best ways to understand the differences between a Polish proxy and a Polish VPN is to look at their pros and cons.
So let’s take a quick look!
Using a Polish Proxy
The pros of using a Polish proxy include:
- Hiding your real IP address by replacing it with the proxy server’s Polish IP while connected;
- Filtering internet access to block certain websites (for example, when connecting via a school or workplace’s internet) if properly configured to do so;
- Accessing geo-restricted content, such as Polish streaming services like ipla.tv from outside of the country;
- Bypassing any access filtering that your school or workplace put in place.
On the flip side, using a Polish proxy also has some downsides:
- Some proxies don’t hide your real IP address very well, and even non-transparent proxies can be tricked into revealing your real IP using proxy headers. This is dangerous, as it might allow the Polish government to see your online activities;
- Website administrators can use active proxy checking to send requested information through a common proxy port (like port 8080). If successful, the connection and proxy IP address is flagged as a proxy, and if the site has geo-restricted content, you’ll get a proxy error like the one Netflix uses;
- Proxy IP addresses are often added to databases that help other sites identify proxy use and even detect your real IP address. This is why sites like WhatIsMyIP often show your real IP when you check if your proxy is working;
- Proxies are vulnerable to WebRTC leaks, which can reveal your real IP address to the Polish government;
- Your proxy provider also knows your real IP address and might be keeping logs of which sites you’re visiting while connected. They might leak or sell that information to third parties (including the Polish government/authorities);
- Proxies don’t encrypt your connection with anything stronger than an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate, which most websites use by default anyway. The problem is that SSL encryption (which changes the connection from HTTP to HTTPS) can be easily broken with SSL Stripping, a type of MITM (Man-in-the-Middle) cyberattack;
- Many proxies require an initial setup/configuration process that can be difficult to get right if you’re not sure what you’re doing;
- Adding a proxy between your device and your destination site can slow your connection down.
Using a Polish VPN
The pros of using a Polish VPN include:
- Hiding your real IP address by replacing it with the VPN server’s Polish IP address while connected;
- Accessing geo-restricted content, like Netflix US from Poland or Polish streaming services like TVP VOD from abroad;
- Bypassing any access filtering that your school or workplace’s network administrators put in place to block certain websites while using their internet connection;
- Additional tools like IP Leak Protection and an Internet Kill Switch (which makes sure your real IP address isn’t leaked to the Polish authorities or government if your connection to the VPN server is interrupted);
- Some VPNs also offer an obfuscation feature or optimize their servers for obfuscation, which helps hide that you’re using a VPN at all – so the Polish government will be none the wiser;
- Military-grade encryption, typically 256-bit AES, which is stronger than SSL encryption;
- The best VPNs are almost plug-and-play, as the configuration settings are often enabled by default in the VPN app, meaning connecting is as easy as launching the app and choosing a Polish VPN server;
- Reliable VPN providers have a proven no-logs policy. As a bonus, they might also use RAM-only servers that don’t allow any data to be logged permanently (so even if the government requests logs, there’s none to give);
- Depending on the VPN tunneling protocol you use, speed loss can be kept to a barely noticeable minimum.
But using a Polish VPN also has its downsides:
- If your VPN doesn’t have an Internet Kill Switch, or it’s turned off, your real IP address can still be leaked to the Polish government and/or authorities;
- Stronger proxy detection methods, like those used by streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, can also detect VPN usage (though not always as reliable as detecting proxies). When this happens, the VPN server’s IP address is added to their database blacklist to block access;
- Similar to proxies, VPNs are vulnerable to WebRTC Leaks and some other tracking methods that can reveal your real IP address or location to third parties (like the Polish government and/or authorities);
- Unreliable VPN providers know your real IP address and might be keeping logs on which sites you’re visiting while connected. They might leak or sell that information;
- Some VPNs require a more involved setup/configuration or don’t have essential features (like the Kill Switch) enabled by default, which can leave you vulnerable if you don’t know how to check or enable the proper settings properly;
- Also, similar to proxies, adding a VPN server between yourself and the online content you’re accessing can slow your connection down.
How to Get a Polish IP Address With a VPN?
As you can see, based on the pros and cons in the previous sections, using a VPN is the best way to get a Polish IP address!
This section will show you how to choose a VPN and how to use my best-recommended VPN for Poland (plus some good alternatives).
How to Choose a Polish VPN?
Hopefully, the pros and cons of using a VPN also helped you understand that not all VPNs are equal.
So when choosing a Polish VPN, always look for the following:
- Polish Servers – obviously, your VPN needs to have servers in Poland! This is a must if you’re traveling or live abroad and want to unblock Polish content. But it’s also a must for keeping your internet connection secure when visiting Polish websites while in Poland too.
- Lots of Servers Worldwide – your VPN should have a large server network, with VPN servers in many different countries worldwide. This helps you connect to different locations for accessing geo-restricted content when traveling abroad from Poland. And if you don’t need to unblock anything in particular, connecting to a VPN server nearby helps give you the best speeds.
- 256-bit AES Encryption – some VPN providers are still using less secure encryption like 128-bit AES. Even though that’s still better than the SSL encryption proxies offer, you’ll want to stick to 256-bit AES instead, as it will keep you safe from the prying eyes of the Polish government.
- Kill Switch and IP Leak Protection – your VPN should always include IP and DNS leak protection and an Internet Kill Switch. Ideally, the Kill Switch should be enabled by default, but it should be easy to turn on if not. This stops your IP from being leaked if you lose connection to the internet – and considering the recent laws in Poland that allow the government to closely monitor its citizens’ online activities, a Kill Switch is essential.
- Strict No-Logs Policy – using a VPN that keeps logs (like your real IP address, connection timestamps, and what sites you’re visiting) defeats the purpose of using a VPN in the first place. Always use a VPN with a strict no-logs policy. Even better if it’s proven through independent audits! Using RAM-only servers is also a huge plus.
- Streaming and Obfuscation – at the very least, your VPN must reliably unblock streaming sites like Netflix US and Polish TV networks like ipla.tv and TVP VOD. A huge server network helps a lot, as the VPN can easily replace IP addresses that may have been blocked. Obfuscation features (or obfuscated servers) also help prevent VPN detection and blocking.
- Easy-to-Use Apps for All Devices – the easier it is to install and use your VPN, the better! You should also be able to use it on all your devices, from computers to smartphones. And, of course, the more simultaneous device connections allowed, the better.
- Customer Support – if you’re having any difficulties getting a Polish IP address with your VPN, you want to be able to quickly contact the provider for customer support. Ideally, they should offer 24/7 live chat support that’s friendly and helpful.
3 Best VPNs for Poland
I’ve used and tested hundreds of VPNs over the past several years.
And based on my experience, these are the three best VPNs for securing a Polish IP address!
1. NordVPN – Best Polish VPN
NordVPN consistently proves itself as one of the best VPNs in general.
So I’m not surprised it’s also the best VPN for getting a Polish IP address!
Here are a few of the reasons:
- 5,300+ RAM-only VPN servers in 60 countries worldwide, including 70+ servers in Poland
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Strict no-logs policy with independent audits (so even if Polish authorities demand logs, there’s nothing to give)
- Automatic Kill Switch and IP and DNS leak protection
- Unblocks Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services from anywhere in the world (including Poland)
- Unblocks Polish TV networks like TVP VOD and ipla.tv
- VPN obfuscation with the OpenVPN protocol to hide your VPN use from the Polish government
- NordLynx protocol offers excellent security and VPN speeds
- Onion Over VPN and Double VPN features provide extra security against the Polish government
- 24/7 live chat support
- Up to 6 simultaneous connections
NordVPN is also one of the most affordable premium VPN providers – plus, all of its subscription plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
But you can also get massive savings when you sign-up using this link!
2. Surfshark – Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
Surfshark is a much newer VPN provider than NordVPN, but don’t let that fool you.
Surfshark is a close runner-up that you can’t go wrong with when it comes to getting a Polish IP address.
Here’s why:
- 3,200+ RAM-only VPN servers worldwide, including in Poland
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Strict no-logs policy with independent audits (so even if Polish authorities demand logs, there’s nothing to give)
- Automatic IP and DNS leak protection
- Internet Kill Switch
- Unblocks Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services from anywhere in the world (including Poland)
- Unblocks Polish TV networks like TVP VOD and ipla.tv
- Automatic Camouflage Mode (lightweight obfuscation with the OpenVPN protocol) to hide your VPN use from the Polish government
- Optional NoBorders Mode obfuscation as a more robust option, also with the OpenVPN protocol
- MultiHop double VPN feature offers extra security against the Polish government
- 24/7 live chat support
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Surfshark is also a very affordable premium VPN provider, and its longer subscription plans are a little cheaper than NordVPN while still offering a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Best of all, you’ll get a monumental discount if you sign-up with this link today!
3. ExpressVPN – Premium Security
ExpressVPN is another industry leader that was neck-to-neck with NordVPN for a long time.
Here are some of the reasons I consider ExpressVPN to be one of the best and most secure premium VPNs for Poland:
- 3,000+ TrustedServer (RAM-only) VPN servers in 94 countries worldwide, including at least one server in Poland
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Strict no-logs policy with independent audits (so even if Polish authorities demand logs, there’s nothing to give)
- Automatic Kill Switch and IP and DNS leak protection
- Unblocks Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services from anywhere in the world (including Poland)
- Unblocks Polish TV networks like TVP VOD and ipla.tv
- TrustedServer Technology (obfuscated servers) to hide your VPN use from the Polish government
- Lightway protocol offers excellent security and VPN speeds
- 24/7 live chat support
- Up to 5 simultaneous connections
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN provider with a premium price tag, which might put it out of budget for some Polish users.
But all of its subscription plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
And you can save big by signing up with this exclusive discount voucher!
How to Use a VPN to Get a Polish IP Address?
Ready to get started with one of our recommended VPNs?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a Polish IP address with any of my recommended VPNs:
- After choosing your VPN for Poland, sign up for an account and pay the subscription fee.
- Download and install the app.
- Launch the VPN app and sign in to your account.
- Regardless of which best VPN for Poland you choose, it’s always best to make sure the Internet Kill Switch is enabled before connecting for the first time:
- NordVPN – open the app Settings and click on Kill Switch, then make sure the toggle next to Internet Kill Switch is set to On (you can also do the same for the App Kill Switch in Windows);
- Surfshark – open the app Settings and click on Connectivity, then slide the Kill Switch toggle to the right, so it turns green;
- ExpressVPN – open the app menu in the top-left corner, click on Options (Windows) or Preferences (Mac), and open the General in the Network Lock section, click the checkbox next to “Stop all internet traffic if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly” so it shows a checkmark.
- From the Locations Menu, choose a VPN server in Poland to connect.
Congratulations – you just used a VPN to get a Polish IP address!
However, I recommend being on the safe side by checking for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.
How to Get a Polish IP Address With a Proxy?
Prefer using a proxy?
Although it’s not as safe as a VPN, using a proxy to get a Polish IP address is still possible… though, interestingly, a lot more expensive.
3 Best Proxies for Poland
I managed to find three reliable proxies for Poland: two fully premium options and one partially free proxy.
1. Oxylabs – Best Premium Proxy for Poland
As a proxy, Oxylabs has tons of features.
With its Residential Proxies, you get:
- More than 100 million proxy IP addresses worldwide
- Nearly 1.3 million Polish IP addresses
- Country, state, and even city-level targeting so you can choose where you want your Polish IP address to come from
- Continuous proxy rotation, so you can choose to set a timer for your current proxy IP address or have it change every time you visit a new website
- A free Proxy Manager browser extension for Chrome that lets you add or switch between different proxy IP addresses
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 24/7 live chat support
There’s a catch, though…
The cheapest Oxylabs Residential Proxy package costs $300 a month for 20GB of traffic.
They also reserve the right to cancel your subscription for any illegal activities, including using their proxy to bypass streaming services’ geo-blocks.
This is why Oxylabs markets itself as a data-gathering tool for businesses rather than a premium proxy for individual users.
Nevertheless, if you want the best Polish proxy, Oxylabs is it!
2. Smartproxy – Beginner-Friendly Proxy for Small Businesses
Smartproxy deserves to be recognized as a major Oxylabs competitor but is more targeted toward small businesses.
It’s also a very beginner-friendly proxy service with plenty of features:
- More than 40 million proxy IP addresses worldwide
- More than 50 Polish IP addresses
- Unlimited proxy address rotation
- Free X Browser app that lets you run multiple browsers at once, each with a different proxy IP
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 24/7 live chat support
However, as a proxy for small businesses, Smartproxy has the same hefty price tag as Oxylabs.
The cheapest Residential Proxy subscription costs $75 plus VAT per month, with a 5GB monthly limit.
For 20GB of monthly traffic, you’ll need to upgrade to the $200 plus VAT per month option instead.
You’ll also be charged for any extra bandwidth used.
And, similar to Oxylabs, Smartproxy is not a good option for streaming your favorite Polish shows.
They reserve the right to terminate your account if you use their proxies to get past geo-blocks on copyright content.
Nevertheless, Smartproxy makes a great beginner-friendly proxy, especially for small businesses!
3. Hidester – Best Freemium Proxy
Hidester offers a free web proxy that’s extremely easy to use.
All you need to do is visit its Proxy page, choose between a US or Europe server, and enter the website URL you want to visit.
Click the “Surf Anonymously” button, and off you go!
The catch is that you aren’t guaranteed a Polish IP address.
To make sure you get a Polish proxy IP, you’ll need to use the Hidester Premium Proxy List option instead.
The Premium Proxy List gives you access to:
- 1,600+ proxy IP addresses worldwide
- Your choice of HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS4, and SOCKS5 proxies
Keep in mind, you’ll only get an updated list of available proxies.
You’ll still need to manually configure your browser to connect to any of the free-to-use proxy IP addresses in the list.
If you’re up for the challenge, this does make Hidester’s Premium Proxy List a great way to get a Polish IP address!
How to Connect to a Proxy Through Your Browser?
Interested in giving Hidester’s Premium Proxy List a go, but don’t know how to configure your browser once you find a Polish proxy IP?
Don’t worry – just follow these easy steps for Chrome or Firefox!
Connect to a Proxy in Chrome (Windows 10)
- Launch your Google Chrome browser and click “Settings” in the menu (on the top-right corner).
- Scroll down to the Advanced section and click the arrow.
- Scroll down to the System section and click on “Open your computer’s proxy settings.”
- In the Network & Internet pop-up window, scroll to “Manual proxy setup” (under the Proxy tab if it didn’t open there automatically).
- Switch the “Use a proxy server” toggle bar to the right, so it says “On.”
- Enter the IP address and port number for your Polish proxy in the boxes below.
- Click “Save” and run an IP leaks test to make sure the connection works.
Connect to a Proxy in Firefox (Windows 10)
- Launch your Firefox browser and click “Settings” in the menu (on the top-right corner).
- In the General tab, scroll down to “Network Settings” and click on “Settings…”
- Click “Manual Proxy Configuration.”
- Enter the IP address and port number for your Polish proxy in the boxes below. Make sure to enter them in the correct pair (HTTP, HTTPS, or SOCKS Host for SOCKS4 or SOCKS5).
- Click “OK” and run an IP leaks test to make sure the connection works.
How to Watch Polish TV Abroad With a Polish IP Address?
Want to watch Polish TV – like TVP VOD and ipla.tv – from abroad?
It’s as easy as following these six steps!
- Sign-up for one of the best VPNs for Poland and purchase a subscription.
- Download and install the app onto the device you want to use for watching Polish TV.
- Open the app and sign in to your VPN account.
- From the Locations Menu, choose a VPN server in Poland to connect to.
- Some VPN providers offer specialized Streaming servers. If yours does, make sure to choose a Polish server from that list instead.
- Run a quick IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks test.
- Visit your favorite Polish streaming site or launch their app.
Enjoy watching your favorite Polish TV shows and movies from abroad!
FAQ
Is It Illegal to Use a VPN for a Polish IP address?
No, it is not illegal to use a VPN for a Polish IP address.
Using a VPN is 100% legal in almost every country, including Poland.
And as recent laws now allow the Polish government to closely monitor its citizens’ online activities, using a VPN in Poland is more important than ever.
Is a VPN Better Than a Proxy for a Polish IP address?
Yes, a VPN is better than a proxy for a Polish IP address.
VPNs properly encrypt your traffic and offer better privacy, including extra features.
Proxies only offer SSL encryption at best and have many limits, including weak privacy and security.
Proxies are also more expensive.
Can I Use a Free VPN for a Polish IP address?
It’s not recommended to use a free VPN for a Polish IP address.
Free VPNs are limited and often sell your private information to third parties.
Two of the only exceptions are ProtonVPN and AtlasVPN, but their free versions don’t offer Polish IP addresses, so you should stick to a premium VPN.
Final Thoughts
If you need to get a Polish IP address for work, banking safely while traveling abroad, or even just keeping up with your favorite Polish shows, then a VPN for Poland is the best way!
While proxies can also help, they come with many limits – and the safer, premium options are a lot more expensive than a good VPN.
I highly recommend using NordVPN.
The privacy-first Panama-based provider offers an excellent value for money and packs many extra privacy and security features into its VPN app.
Plus, you’ll get access to over 70 RAM-only servers in Poland!
Better yet, if you sign up using this link, you’ll get a MASSIVE discount on your first NordVPN subscription!
