What is the best VPN for travel?
NordVPN is our first pick for travelers: servers in a large number of countries, dependable apps on every device, and good performance on slow hotel Wi-Fi. Surfshark is the budget-friendly alternative, and Proton VPN's free plan makes a handy backup.
Travel asks different things of a VPN than home use. You hop between changing, often slow and untrustworthy networks, you want a server near your destination for speed, and one back home for banking and your usual services. A large server network and rock-solid apps weigh heavier than the last few percent of top speed.
NordVPN combines one of the largest server networks with apps that behave identically on every platform and pick the best connection automatically. The kill switch and automatic protection on unknown Wi-Fi take a minute to set up. Surfshark delivers nearly the same travel comfort for less money, with unlimited devices so your travel companions ride along.
Heading to a country that restricts VPN use? Prepare before departure: install the apps, log in, and read your provider's guidance for that country, because provider websites are often blocked there. And pack a backup: Proton VPN's free plan costs nothing and can make the difference if your main service struggles somewhere.