The best travel VPNs of 2023: Expert tested and reviewed

The best VPN for travel is NordVPN, providing fast speeds, top-notch security features, and quick connections. 

I've tested many VPN services, and had been using ExpressVPN exclusively on my travel laptop. Recently, I began using NordVPN as well, and found that it's provided more rapid connections and slightly better speeds. I've also found it to be reliable for streaming services, no matter where I am in the world.

Even when not traveling, NordVPN can secure your internet connection from just about any device.

The best travel VPN for you will strike a balance between security and speed. Some VPNs prioritize encryption and other security measures over performance, and while this won't affect your web browsing or streaming speeds too much, it's still a factor to consider. 

However, our top VPN, NordVPN, isn't the cheapest, and there may be other functionalities like unlimited device connections that influence your decision.

Many providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by members of our ZDNET team. We've been talking about other VPNs for years, spoken with their management and their users, and developed a generally favorable impression.

ZDNET does test VPN services from multiple locations, but we can't test from all locations. Every home, every community, every local ISP, and every nation has a different infrastructure. It's essential that once you choose, you test for all your likely usage profiles and only then make the decision to keep the service or request a money-back guaranteed refund.

These VPNs also have solid money-back guarantees, and we would not have recommended them otherwise. 

If you experience traffic slowdowns, check not only your VPN but also your Wi-Fi connection between your device and your router or access point. Sometimes connectivity issues begin at the source, and in other cases, switching your selected VPN server may be enough to resolve speed problems or connectivity drops.

We analyzed the best VPNs for travel in 2023 below using the following criteria that were most important in helping you make an informed decision:

A VPN is a virtual private network, which allows users to browse the internet privately and to securely connect to public Wi-Fi networks with a layer of protection that masks data. VPNs give users the ability to change their virtual location by redirecting the connection through servers located worldwide. A VPN will also encrypt your traffic, so your online activities are kept hidden from prying eyes.

However, if your online activities are being monitored at the ISP level -- say, by a government -- they may recognize a VPN's "signature." While they can't see the details of what you're doing, they will know that a VPN is in use. 

VPNs are useful in unblocking geo-restricted content and can be a vital tool for accessing information in countries with repressive governments. They are important services for anyone that wants to maintain a high level of safety and privacy online. 

A travel VPN is a virtual private network that provides a secure internet connection while you travel. It encrypts your online traffic and hides your IP address, protecting your sensitive data from cybercriminals and government surveillance. It also allows you to bypass internet censorship and geo-restrictions.

A VPN is useful when you have to rely on public internet hotspots, such as those made available at hotels. While you should avoid using them as much as possible for security reasons, if you have no other option, a VPN will help protect your privacy.

You may also want a travel-suitable VPN for accessing content geo-linked to your home, rather than your new location.

There are several sources. First, it's always a good idea to reach out to your VPN vendor. They often have a good feel for the countries their services operate in and will often post guidance on their websites. If you're a US citizen, you may wish to consider contacting the US State Department. 

It lists travel advisories for US citizens, and they have foreign service officials who can provide general guidance. Check the travel advisories web page. Your nation's foreign ministry may have a similar service if you're outside the United States.

If you're looking to understand which countries either ban or discourage VPN usage, NordVPN has a legal guide that lists countries with severe restrictions, bans, and possible penalties for breaking VPN laws. 

No, no way. VPNs can generally protect your data while it's in motion. But if your computer or phone is seized (whether or not it's encrypted), it's possible law enforcement can access your data. Some governments might simply hold your devices for whatever reason they deem useful. 

Online services you access in-country might have less protection than the very same services in your host country. Of course, there are also normal travel security issues, like being careful what you spend, how you handle cash, who you trust, and so on that could carry risks during travel.

A DNS leak is the exposure of your information when you are using a VPN, with data -- such as DNS queries -- leaking outside of secure, encrypted tunnels. If your activity is exposed, this compromises the whole point of using a virtual private network in the first place. 

The majority of reputable VPNs will ensure that DNS leaks don't happen, but if you can use online services, such as DNS leak test, to check your connection.

Many VPN services claim you can save hundreds of dollars on flights by using a VPN to change your location. And there are plenty of blog posts with anecdotal evidence supporting the theory that a VPN can help cut the price of your plane ticket. But the reality is less clear, and the most likely scenario is that no one knows for sure how much (if at all) a VPN can help you score cheap flights.  

Airfare prices are set by algorithms based on complicated factors, such as demand. You could notice a price difference using a VPN to spoof your location, but the change in cost may or may not be related to your location. From a practical standpoint, it's difficult to account for every possible variable. Also, given the amount of data available on consumers, maybe the real advantage of using a VPN is remaining anonymous.

Another way to look at it is if a VPN actually reduces the cost of airfare, it's most likely not going to have as big of an impact as other factors. There are other tactics for booking cheap flights that should be higher on your priority list. Booking early and keeping an eye out for price drops (check if there are change fees before booking), or traveling during days or times of day when there is less demand are great ways to secure the best possible prices on flights.

To set up a travel VPN, subscribe to a VPN service and download the VPN software for your device. Then, open the software and sign in using your credentials. Choose a server location and connect to the VPN. Once connected, your internet traffic will be encrypted, and your IP address will be hidden.

Keep in mind, you can use a VPN on a variety of devices, including your laptop and smartphone.

If the services we've highlighted in our best travel VPNs list aren't a good fit for you, there are other reputable options worth trying out. Proton VPN, VyprVPN, and Atlas VPN are all secure and reputable providers that could better suit your needs. 

You can also check out ZDNET's guide on the top VPNs for more options.