If you’re halfway across the world and can’t bear the thought of missing the latest episode of ‘Love Island’, or are worried you’ll miss the live finals of Wimbledon, a VPN is likely the magic you’re looking for!
A VPN – Virtual Private Network, as well as being the key to streaming shows from your home country is also an essential tool for safeguarding online activities and ensuring privacy.
It works by routing your internet connection through a secure server in a location of your choice, allowing you to browse the web as if you were in that country while encrypting your data to protect against unauthorized access.
In this article, I’ll explore the best VPN for digital nomads (and travellers), ensuring you stay connected, entertained, and safe on your global adventures.
Understanding VPNs and Why Digital Nomads (and Travellers) Need Them
Understanding VPNs: A Non-Techy Guide
If you’re a total non tech, like a lot of us are, think of a VPN as a private tunnel for your internet activity. This tunnel keeps everything you do online hidden and safe from prying eyes. When you use a VPN, it’s like sending your internet traffic through a secret passage that only you know about.
This means whether you’re checking your bank account at a coffee shop or sending an important work email from an airport, your information is secure and private.
A VPN also lets you change your virtual location, which can be handy for more than just watching shows from back home, it can also give you better online deals, from flight tickets to software subscriptions.
The Importance of Online Privacy and Security for Remote Workers
As a digital nomad or frequent traveller, maintaining your online privacy is critical. The sensitive nature of your work-related data and personal information necessitates a high level of online security.
VPNs help protect against data breaches and cyber threats, a common concern when accessing the internet from various locations around the world. Not only do they keep your activities private, but they also offer security features, like kill switches, which disconnect you from the internet if the VPN drops, to safeguard your data.
The Crossover of Travel, Work, and Internet Access
Travel and work are intrinsically linked in the life of a digital nomad. The need for uninterrupted internet access to meet work deadlines or communicate with clients must be balanced with the risks public networks pose.
VPNs serve as a solution by allowing you to change your server location, avoid geo-restrictions, and ensure consistent access to necessary online resources, regardless of your physical location. This is invaluable when your lifestyle demands both global mobility and a dependable online presence.
Unleashing Entertainment and Streaming Freedom
A VPN is also your passport to unrestricted global content. It breaks down the barriers to entertainment, allowing you to access a world of movies, TV shows, live sports events, and music from anywhere.
Whether it’s keeping up with your favorite series, exploring international Netflix libraries, or ensuring you don’t miss live broadcasts of major sporting events, a VPN ensures you’re always just a click away from your desired content.
Best VPN for Digital Nomads – Top 5 Recommendations
Selecting the right VPN service is critical for ensuring your internet security and accessibility while travelling. These top five VPNs offer a combination of security, extensive server networks, and user-friendly features ideal for digital nomads and frequent travellers.
1. ExpressVPN
Technical Breakdown
ExpressVPN sets the bar high with its unmatched speeds and top-tier security features, making it a standout choice for digital nomads in need of a fast, reliable, and secure online experience.
One of its crown jewels is the Lightway protocol, an innovative technology developed by ExpressVPN to offer users faster connection times and improved reliability. This proprietary protocol underscores the company’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for today’s complex digital landscape.
The premium nature of ExpressVPN is reflected in its pricing, but the value it offers justifies the investment. Users enjoy effortless access to geo-restricted content, ensuring that favourite websites and services are always within reach, regardless of global location. The platform’s forward-thinking features, such as selective routing, allow for tailored internet usage that aligns with individual security and speed requirements.
ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology revolutionises data security by employing servers that run entirely on RAM, ensuring that no data is written to hard drives and that all information is wiped clean with each server restart. This approach, combined with the Network Lock safeguard—ExpressVPN’s version of a kill switch—ensures that user data remains secure, even if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops.
For those who prioritise privacy, ExpressVPN offers the option to pay with Bitcoin, adding an extra layer of anonymity to subscriptions. The service also supports Tor browsing, enabling access to .onion websites for users who venture into the deeper parts of the internet.
With a sprawling network of over 3,000 servers across 94 countries, ExpressVPN ensures that digital nomads can maintain high-speed internet connections from virtually any corner of the globe. This extensive coverage is particularly beneficial in regions known for internet censorship and VPN restrictions, such as China, Indonesia, and Iran, providing an essential tool for unrestricted internet access in challenging environments.
- Servers/Countries: Boasts over 3000 servers in 94 countries, providing a wide range of connection options.
- Compatible with: Supports a variety of devices including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and routers, along with browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
- Security: Employs AES 256-bit encryption and offers TrustedServer technology, ensuring that your data is secure and that servers run on RAM, which means all information is wiped upon reboot.
- Features: Comes with split tunnelling, kill switch, and Private DNS on every server for an added layer of privacy.
- Speed: Known for its consistently fast connection speeds, making it ideal for streaming, downloading, and browsing without interruptions.
- Pricing: Monthly subscription starts at $12.95, with reduced rates for 6-month and 12-month plans.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Extensive server network with high-speed connections.
- Strong privacy and security protocols protect user data.
- User-friendly interface across all devices and platforms.
Cons:
- Slightly higher cost compared to some other VPN options.
- Limited advanced configuration for power users.
The Non Tech Summary of ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is my VPN of choice and I have been using it for years. It’s is a high-speed and secure way to use the internet, especially useful for nomads and frequent travellers.
It protects your online activities from being seen by others, making it safer to use public Wi-Fi or access personal accounts. Also with ExpressVPN, you can get around blocks that stop you from using certain websites or services, no matter where you are in the world, for example my daughter uses it to access our UK based Disney+ account.
It’s designed to be easy to use, so even if you’re not familiar with tech, you can still make the most of its features. Plus, it works on all your devices, keeping you safe and connected everywhere you go. In essence, ExpressVPN offers a reliable and secure internet experience for anyone on the move.
2. NordVPN
Technical Breakdown
NordVPN impresses with its robust privacy features and consistently high-speed connections. Its standout feature, Threat Protection, is particularly effective for blocking intrusive ads and safeguarding against malicious websites.
The service elevates online security with options like double encryption, ensuring that users’ data remains private and secure across its extensive server network.
For those keen on uninterrupted streaming, NordVPN effortlessly unlocks major platforms such as US Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN, making it a go-to for digital nomads looking to keep up with their favorite content from anywhere in the world.
NordVPN’s capabilities extend to overcoming stringent government censorship, proving to be reliable even in restrictive regions like China. It offers advanced features like double VPN, Tor over VPN for an added layer of anonymity, an automatic kill switch to prevent data leaks, a built-in ad blocker to enhance the browsing experience, and top-tier 256-bit encryption for ultimate data protection.
Additional features such as Meshnet, for creating private encrypted connections, Dark Web Monitor for alerting users to potential account breaches, Dedicated IP for those needing a constant IP address, and SmartDNS for simplified streaming device setup, justify NordVPN’s pricing, delivering considerable value for its service.
- Servers/Countries: Over 5500 servers in 59 countries.
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, and Firefox extensions.
- Security: Offers AES 256-bit encryption, Double VPN, and a no-logs policy.
- Features: Includes kill switch, dedicated IP options, and CyberSec feature to block ads and malicious websites.
- Speed: Known for high-speed connections suitable for streaming and downloading.
- Pricing: Monthly plans start from $12.99. Discounts are available for longer commitments.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Wide server coverage, ensuring good connectivity worldwide.
- Strong security measures protect your data.
- Fast speeds ideal for streaming and large downloads.
Cons:
- Monthly subscription can be pricier than some competitors.
- Some servers might be overcrowded at peak times.
The Non Tech Summary of NordVPN
NordVPN is a favourite amongst Nomads. Like ExpressVPN it helps protect your internet connection and privacy, making it safer and more secure when you’re online. It’s particularly good for anyone who travels a lot or uses public Wi-Fi, as it encrypts your data, keeping it safe from hackers or anyone else who might want to spy on your online activities.
With NordVPN, you can also access websites and streaming services from back home that might be blocked or restricted in certain countries. It’s easy to use, even if you’re not very tech-savvy, and it helps block annoying ads and potential online threats.
In short, NordVPN offers peace of mind by making your internet use private, secure, and more flexible, no matter where you are in the world.
3. Surfshark
Technical Breakdown
Surfshark is a rising star in the VPN world, offering a compelling balance of security, speed, and affordability. This VPN service has quickly gained popularity among digital nomads for its unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing users to protect all their devices with a single account.
Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature is a standout, effectively blocking ads, trackers, and malware, ensuring a safer and more streamlined browsing experience.
One of Surfshark’s most appealing aspects is its budget-friendly pricing, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious travellers. Despite its affordable plans, Surfshark doesn’t compromise on features or performance. It offers a robust set of security tools, including AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and an automatic kill switch to prevent data leaks.
Surfshark’s NoBorders mode is particularly useful for digital nomads, as it allows users to bypass internet restrictions and access content in regions with heavy censorship. The Camouflage Mode adds an extra layer of privacy by masking VPN traffic, making it appear as regular internet traffic to avoid detection by ISPs or network administrators.
The service’s MultiHop feature routes traffic through multiple servers for enhanced privacy, while the Whitelister split-tunnelling tool allows users to select which apps or websites bypass the VPN connection. Surfshark also offers a unique GPS spoofing feature for Android users, enabling them to match their device’s GPS location to the VPN server location for added privacy.
With a network of over 3,200 servers spanning 65 countries, Surfshark ensures that users can access fast and reliable connections worldwide. The service consistently unblocks popular streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, making it an excellent choice for entertainment on the go.
- Servers/Countries: Over 3200 servers in 65 countries.
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Fire TV, with browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
- Security: Uses AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy.
- Features: Offers unlimited simultaneous connections, CleanWeb ad-blocking, MultiHop, and GPS spoofing for Android.
- Speed: Provides fast speeds suitable for streaming, browsing, and downloading.
- Pricing: 12 month plans start at $2.99, with 2 free months.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections for multiple devices.
- Affordable long-term plans offer great value.
- Strong focus on privacy and security features.
Cons:
- Smaller server network compared to some competitors.
- Some advanced features may be confusing for novice users.
The Non Tech Summary of Surfshark
Surfshark is a budget-friendly tool that keeps your online activities private and secure, especially useful when you’re travelling or using public Wi-Fi. It works on all your devices at the same time, so you can stay protected no matter which one you’re using.
Surfshark also blocks annoying ads and potential online threats, making your internet experience safer and smoother. It can help you access websites and content that might be restricted in certain countries, giving you more freedom to browse the web as you please. Even though it’s easy on the wallet, Surfshark still offers powerful features to keep your data safe and private.
Overall, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable, affordable way to protect their online life while travelling or working remotely.
4. IPVanish
Technical Breakdown
IPVanish is a solid choice for digital nomads seeking a balance between privacy and performance. With a network of over 1,600 servers in 75+ locations, IPVanish ensures a reliable connection wherever your travels take you. The service offers unlimited bandwidth and no data caps, making it an excellent option for users who frequently stream or download large files.
One of IPVanish’s standout features is its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for even novice users to navigate and customize their VPN experience. The service employs AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy to protect user privacy, while the automatic kill switch prevents data leaks if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections, enabling users to secure all their devices with a single account. The service supports various connection protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec, giving users the flexibility to choose the best option for their needs.
While IPVanish can unblock some streaming services, its success rate may not be as consistent as other VPNs. However, it excels in providing fast and stable connections for general browsing, making it a reliable choice for digital nomads who prioritize online security and privacy.
- Servers/Countries: Over 1600 servers in 75+ locations.
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV, with manual setup available for routers and Linux.
- Security: Uses AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.
- Features: Offers unlimited simultaneous connections, multiple connection protocols, and SOCKS5 proxy.
- Speed: Provides fast speeds for general browsing and downloading, but may have inconsistent streaming performance.
- Pricing: 12 month plans start at $3.33, with discounts for longer commitments.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface suitable for beginners.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections for multiple devices.
- Reliable speeds for general browsing and downloading.
Cons:
- Inconsistent performance for unblocking streaming services.
- Smaller server network compared to some competitors.
The Non Tech Summary of IPVanish
IPVanish is a tool that helps keep your online activities private and secure, which is especially important when you’re using public Wi-Fi or travelling. It’s designed to be easy to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy, and it works on all your devices at the same time.
IPVanish protects your data with strong encryption and ensures that your internet provider can’t see what you’re doing online. It offers fast speeds for regular browsing and downloading, although it might not always work perfectly for accessing streaming services like Netflix.
Overall, IPVanish is a reliable choice for anyone who wants to safeguard their online privacy while on the go.
5. CyberGhost
Technical Breakdown
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN service that caters to the needs of digital nomads with its extensive server network and robust security features. With over 7,100 servers in 91 countries, CyberGhost ensures that users can access a fast and reliable connection from virtually anywhere in the world.
One of CyberGhost’s most appealing features is its dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting, which are optimized for speed and performance. The service consistently unblocks popular streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu, making it an excellent choice for users who want to keep up with their favorite content while traveling.
CyberGhost’s commitment to privacy is evident in its use of AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and an automatic kill switch. The service also offers an ad-blocking feature called “Block Content,” which helps protect users from malicious websites and online trackers.
With support for up to seven simultaneous connections, CyberGhost allows digital nomads to secure multiple devices with a single account. The service’s user-friendly apps are available for a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, making it easy for users to stay protected no matter which device they’re using.
CyberGhost’s pricing is competitive, with long-term plans offering significant discounts. The service also offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, giving users ample time to test the VPN and ensure it meets their needs.
- Servers/Countries: Over 7100 servers in 91 countries.
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Android TV, with browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
- Security: Uses AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.
- Features: Offers up to seven simultaneous connections, dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting, and an ad-blocking feature.
- Speed: Provides fast speeds optimized for streaming and torrenting.
- Pricing: Monthly plans start at $12.99, with discounts for longer commitments.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Extensive server network with optimized servers for streaming and torrenting.
- User-friendly apps for a wide range of platforms.
- Competitive pricing and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Cons:
- Some advanced features may be lacking compared to other VPNs.
- Slower speeds on some distant servers.
The Non Tech Summary of CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly tool that protects your online privacy and security, especially useful when you’re travelling or using public Wi-Fi. It has special features that make it easy to access streaming services like Netflix and Hulu from anywhere in the world, so you can keep up with your favourite shows while on the go.
CyberGhost also blocks ads and protects you from websites that might try to track your online activities. You can use it on up to seven devices at the same time, and it works on all the popular platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The pricing is reasonable, especially if you sign up for a longer plan, and there’s a long money-back guarantee period, so you can try it out risk-free.
In short, CyberGhost is a great choice for anyone who wants an easy-to-use VPN that’s good for streaming and keeps their online life private and secure.
Overall Best VPN for Digital Nomads
A reliable VPN service is essential for digital nomads and frequent travellers who value online privacy, security, and access to content from around the world. The VPNs discussed in this post all offer strong encryption, no-logs policies, and user-friendly apps for various platforms. However, each service has its unique strengths and weaknesses, making it important to consider factors such as server network size, connection speeds, streaming capabilities, and pricing when choosing the best VPN for your needs.
NordVPN and ExpressVPN stand out for their extensive server networks, consistently fast speeds, and ability to unblock major streaming platforms. Surfshark offers an attractive combination of strong privacy features and affordable pricing, while CyberGhost provides a user-friendly experience with optimised servers for streaming and torrenting. IPVanish is known for its unlimited simultaneous connections and reliable speeds for general browsing.
Based on the factors most important to digital nomads – security, speed, compatibility, and the ability to access content from various regions – in my opinion, ExpressVPN emerges as the best overall choice. Its extensive server network, consistently fast speeds, and robust security features make it an excellent option for users who need a reliable and secure connection while travelling or working remotely.
ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol ensures fast connection times and improved reliability, while its TrustedServer technology and Network Lock feature provide an extra layer of security. The service’s user-friendly apps are available for a wide range of platforms, and its split tunnelling feature allows for flexibility in managing online traffic.
Although ExpressVPN may be slightly more expensive than some of its competitors, its premium features and consistent performance justify the cost for digital nomads who prioritise a seamless and secure online experience. With its strong track record and commitment to privacy, ExpressVPN offers peace of mind and reliable access to content from around the world, making it the top choice for digital nomads.
Optimising VPN Usage for Different Locations and Needs
As a digital nomad, it’s important you select a VPN that not only allows you to overcome geo-restrictions but also ensures your data protection across various public Wi-Fi networks while adhering to regional internet censorship laws.
Navigating Geo-restrictions and Streaming Services
When you’re travelling, you may encounter geo-blocks that prevent you from accessing content from streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Using a VPN with servers in multiple countries can help you bypass these restrictions.
It’s essential to choose a VPN that offers:
- A large number of servers across the globe, ensuring you can access geo-restricted content from any location.
- Dedicated streaming capabilities, like CyberGhost VPN, which specialises in unblocking various streaming platforms.
Handling Public Wi-Fi Challenges and Data Protection
Public Wi-Fi is a boon for you as a nomad, but such networks often lack strong security, making your sensitive information vulnerable.
To safeguard your data, ensure that your VPN:
- Provides robust encryption protocols to protect your data on any Wi-Fi network.
- Offers features like an automatic kill switch, which immediately cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops, to prevent data exposure.
VPN Strategies for High-Censorship Regions
In countries with stringent internet censorship like China, a regular VPN might not be enough.
You’ll need a VPN with advanced obfuscation technology to:
- Hide your VPN traffic, making it appear as regular internet traffic to bypass firewalls.
- Offer reliable servers located outside high-censorship regions to provide unrestricted internet access.
Advanced VPN Features for Enhanced Digital Security
When considering VPNs for digital security, key features such as encryption strength, secure protocols, no-logs policies, and reliable server performance stand out as essentials for protecting your data.
Understanding Encryption and Tunneling Protocols
Encryption is your data’s first line of defence on the internet. A robust VPN utilises AES-256 encryption, the standard used by governments and cybersecurity experts for top-level security. This encryption scrambles your data, rendering it unreadable without the correct decryption key.
Supporting this encryption, various tunnelling protocols—like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and the innovative Lightway—offer different balances between speed and security. Split tunnelling is another advanced feature, allowing you to choose which data is sent through the VPN and which can pass through your regular connection, particularly useful on public Wi-Fi networks where security concerns are paramount.
The Role of Kill Switches and DNS Protection
A kill switch is crucial for maintaining your privacy. If your VPN connection drops, the kill switch automatically cuts your internet connection, preventing data leaks.
Alongside this, DNS leak protection ensures that your online requests are routed through the VPN’s encrypted tunnel via a private DNS server. This shields your browsing habits from potential eavesdroppers and prevents your internet service provider or any other third parties from seeing your online activity.
Evaluating No-Logs Policies and Server Security
Your privacy also hinges on a VPN’s no-logs policy, which means the service does not record any information about your internet activity.
This becomes especially important if you’re connecting to servers in different locations to manage geo-restrictions. Ensure the provider has a wide range of server locations and that these servers are secured against both physical and digital intrusions.
Moreover, for those interested in advanced anonymity, VPN services might offer features like Tor compatibility, providing extra layers of privacy by rerouting your traffic through multiple servers around the world.
Practical Considerations and Future Trends for VPN Use
When selecting a Virtual Private Network (VPN) as a digital nomad, it’s essential to consider not only the immediate benefits but also the future of online security and how VPN trends can impact your remote work lifestyle.
Balancing Cost and Quality for Long-Term Use
When exploring VPN options, split your focus between affordability and performance. The best VPN for your needs should offer a competitive pricing structure. Look for services that include a money-back guarantee, ensuring that you can test their service risk-free. Your long-term use hinges on reliability, so pay close attention to user reviews that discuss uptime and stability.
The Evolving Digital Threat Landscape for Remote Workers
As a remote worker, you’re subject to an ever-changing array of online threats. This could translate into heightened vulnerability to hackers and data breaches. Make sure to choose a VPN that offers HTTPS and Chrome extensions to secure your browsing.
With the rise of blended threats, obfuscation technologies that disguise your VPN traffic as regular traffic are becoming crucial. Cybersecurity should keep pace with the evolving danger, so choose providers known for their cutting-edge cybersecurity strategies.
Staying Informed on VPN Innovations and Laws
Awareness of the latest innovations in VPN technology is key to maintaining your digital edge. Future-proof your remote work by choosing providers who regularly update their features. Also, keep an eye on legislative changes that may affect VPN use.
Some regions are tightening their laws around VPNs, which could impact your ability to access content freely. Select VPNs committed to user privacy with robust no-log policies to better safeguard your digital footprint against potential legal challenges.
Best VPN for Digital Nomads (and Frequent Travellers) – Summary
In wrapping up, while my personal go-to has been ExpressVPN for its reliability and speed over the years, NordVPN also comes with high recommendations due to its robust security features and extensive server network.
Each VPN service we’ve discussed will provide the essential encryption and privacy protection you need as a digital nomad or traveller. However, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, from server locations to speed, and even price.
I encourage you to do your due diligence, weigh the pros and cons, and select a VPN that aligns perfectly with your digital lifestyle. Safe travels and happy streaming!
Best VPN for Digital Nomads – FAQ’s
Choosing the right VPN can make a significant difference in your digital nomad lifestyle. Here are answers to common questions to help you stay secure and connected.
What VPN do Digital Nomads Commonly Recommend for Security and Privacy?
NordVPN is frequently recommended by digital nomads for its strong security posture. This includes a strict no-logs policy and strong encryption protocols. Its robust security features give you peace of mind when working on public Wi-Fi networks.
Are there VPN Services that Offer Good Speed and Stability for Remote Work?
Yes, ExpressVPN is known for its ultra-fast connections and stability. These features make it a solid choice for remote work where a reliable internet connection is non-negotiable.
Can you Suggest a VPN that is Reliable for Streaming Services while Abroad?
CyberGhost VPN is often highlighted for its dedicated streaming servers. These provide a reliable service that helps bypass geographical blocks from services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer while you’re abroad.
What are the Top VPN Choices for International Travel with High Encryption Standards?
For international travel, digital nomads lean towards NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Both offer high-level encryption, ensuring your data remains private and secure across various international networks.
How do I Select a VPN that Works Well on both IOS and Android Devices for Nomadic Lifestyles?
Look for a VPN provider like Surfshark or ExpressVPN that offers easy-to-use apps compatible with iOS and Android devices. These services support multiple device connections, ensuring seamless protection across all your mobile devices.
What Considerations Should Digital Nomads make when Choosing a Free VPN Option?
Be cautious with free VPN services. They may not offer the same level of security, speed, and global server access as their paid counterparts. Always read the privacy policy to understand the limitations and how the provider uses your data.
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