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| Best VPNs for Travelers in 2025 |
Whether you're working remotely from a café in Bali, streaming your favorite show in a Tokyo hotel, or checking your bank account at a Paris airport lounge, one tool every traveler needs is a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN). In 2025, with digital surveillance, geo-restrictions, and public Wi-Fi threats still prevalent, a VPN is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for every traveler.
We've researched and tested the top contenders to help you choose the best VPNs for traveling in 2025, based on speed, security, accessibility, and ease of use.
🌍 Why Travelers Need a VPN in 2025
Before diving into our list, here’s why using a VPN while traveling is more important than ever:
- Public Wi-Fi Risks: While airports, hotels, and cafés provide convenience, they also provide opportunities for hackers.
- Geo-Restrictions: Access services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or bank accounts from home, regardless of where you are.
- Government Censorship: Bypass firewalls in countries with heavy internet censorship like China or the UAE.
- Privacy Protection: VPNs hide your IP address and encrypt your data, keeping your digital identity safe on the go.
🏆 Top 5 VPNs for Travelers in 2025
1. NordVPN—Best Overall VPN for Travel
Why it’s great:
- Over 5,000 servers in 60 countries
- Fast and stable connections ideal for streaming
- Double VPN & Threat Protection features
- Works in restrictive countries like China
Bonus Features:
- Meshnet for device linking
- Dedicated IP options
Pricing: Starts at $3.49/month Rating: ★★★★★
“NordVPN combines security with speed, making it ideal for travelers who need reliable, global access.” (ZDNet, Comparitech)
2. ExpressVPN—Best for Speed and Global Coverage
Why it’s great:
- Servers in 105 countries
- Lightway protocol = blazing-fast speeds
- Excellent at bypassing geo-blocks and censorship
- Great mobile app for Android & iOS
Bonus Features:
- Split tunneling
- Works flawlessly in China and UAE
Pricing: Starts at $6.67/month Rating: ★★★★★
“ExpressVPN’s combination of global reach and superior speed makes it a top pick for jet-setters.” (PCMag, CNET)
3. Surfshark—Best Budget VPN for Travelers
Why it’s great:
- Unlimited device connections
- Affordable yet feature-rich
- Fast enough for streaming and video calls
- Great for families or digital nomads with multiple devices
Bonus Features:
- CleanWeb ad blocker
- NoBorders Mode for restrictive countries
Pricing: Starts at $2.29/month Rating: ★★★★☆
“Surfshark is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who don’t want to compromise on features.” (CyberNews, SafetyDetectives)
4. Proton VPN—Best Free VPN for Occasional Use
Why it’s great:
- One of the few trustworthy free VPNs
- No data limits on free plan
- Built by CERN scientists for security-first travelers
- Paid plan offers Secure Core and Tor over VPN
Bonus Features:
- Open-source apps
- No-logs policy
Pricing: Free (paid plans start at $4.99/month) Rating: ★★★★☆
“Ideal for those who only need a VPN occasionally or want a privacy-first approach.” (CyberNews)
5. Private Internet Access (PIA) – Best for Advanced Users
Why it’s great:
- Extremely customizable
- 35,000+ servers in 91 countries
- Open-source apps for transparency
- Great for torrenting and streaming
Bonus Features:
- MACE ad/malware blocker
- WireGuard protocol
Pricing: Starts at $2.03/month Rating: ★★★★☆
“For travelers who love to tweak their settings and prioritize transparency.” (CNET, MasterBlogging)
✈️ VPN Buying Guide for Travelers
Here’s what to look for in a travel-friendly VPN:
Feature Why It Matters Speed Needed for streaming and video calls Server Locations More locations = better access and speeds No-logs Policy Keeps your browsing truly private Mobile App Essential for protection on phones/tablets Works in China Indicates strong obfuscation tech Kill Switch Prevents data leaks if the VPN drops
🧳 Final Thoughts: Which VPN Should You Choose?
- For everyday travelers: Go with NordVPN for its all-around performance.
- If speed matters most, ExpressVPN wins for global reach and performance.
- Are you traveling with your family or multiple devices? Choose Surfshark.
- If you're working within a tight budget or simply exploring VPN options, consider starting with Proton VPN. Start with Proton VPN.
Staying safe online while abroad doesn’t have to be complicated. With any of these VPNs, you can roam the world knowing your digital life is protected.
✅ Bonus Tips for Using VPNs While Traveling
- Download and set up your VPN before you leave your home country.
- Use the kill switch feature when on public Wi-Fi.
- Test a few servers to find the fastest for your location.
- Use VPNs to book cheaper flights or hotels from different regions.
🛡️ Stay Protected, Wherever You Are
Whether you’re working remotely or just scrolling social media from a beach in Thailand, a reliable VPN will help you browse safely and access content freely in 2025.
Check this out: How to Score Cheap Flights in 2025! You won't want to miss these tools, hacks, and insider tips!
