5 Best VPNs for Europe in 2025 — Private and Fast

Only a few VPNs for Europe can safeguard your online privacy and work with popular streaming platforms. Money-motivated cybercrime is on the rise, and many European countries are part of the intelligence-sharing 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. So, you need a VPN with robust security features.

Most VPNs also lack servers in all the European countries you might want to get an IP from. Out of the 300 we selected, we tested 45 VPNs that provide the most extensive European server networks, including the UK, France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Austria, and more. We also focused on VPNs that can protect your data in Europe, especially on public WiFi networks.

The best VPNs for Europe I recommend provide fast speeds and keep you anonymous online with military-grade encryption and verified no-logs policies. They can also safely access popular streaming platforms, including ITVX, Hulu, ORF, Paramount+, Netflix, and more, from anywhere. Read ahead to see which one fits your specific needs.

Best VPNs for Europe — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Impressive Speeds to Stream European and Worldwide Content in HD

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested June 2025

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN stands out for having the fastest speeds among all the VPNs we tested for Europe. These impressive speeds are primarily due to its proprietary Lightway protocol, which is optimized to move data faster while consuming minimal battery. From a base connection of 237Mbps, we recorded average download speeds exceeding 190Mbps, testing European servers, including those in the UK and France. We watched Out There on ITVX without buffering.

It's Smart Location feature automatically connects you to the fastest server

Its entire server network supports automatic obfuscation to prevent detection and blocking. This feature enables you to securely access content on restricted networks (like those at school and work) by making your VPN traffic appear as regular internet traffic. We were able to stream Hulu, HBO Max, and Paramount+ using our office WiFi without any issues.

Your data is kept secure with military-grade encryption (AES 256-bit), IP/DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch (Network Lock). The latter disconnects you from the internet should the VPN unexpectedly drop, although this has never happened to us. ExpressVPN also adheres to a strict no-logs policy and is located outside the 5/9/14 Eyes, meaning that it does not record or share any of your data, even if requested by the government.

The only disadvantage I found is that it's a bit expensive compared to other VPNs on this list. However, ExpressVPN offers discounts regularly throughout the year, making it more affordable. Plus, it provides a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee* so you can test it completely risk-free.

Useful Features

• Advanced Protection. ExpressVPN offers an ad-blocker and Threat Manager to block malware and other tracking technologies. It also provides parental controls to block adult content on your devices.
• User-friendly apps. It's compatible with all major devices and even offers a native app for compatible routers. Installing it on your router allows you to use it on game consoles, Roku devices, older smart TVs, and other devices that are not compatible with VPNs.
• Lightway Turbo. The latest version of Lightway creates and utilizes multiple VPN tunnels to move already fast data even faster. However, it is currently only available for Windows.
• Perfect forward secrecy. This feature replaces your encryption keys for increased online security if any of your past keys are compromised.

2. CyberGhost — Automatic WiFi Protection Keeps Your Data Safe From Cyber Threats in Europe

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

You can enable CyberGhost to automatically connect to a server whenever you use public WiFi. This is a very convenient and crucial feature, especially in Europe, where public hotspots often have poor security, making them a target for hackers who aim to compromise your data. This feature also kicks in on unknown networks, even if you forget to connect the VPN.

You can configure connection options for both secured and unsecured networks

I also really like CyberGhost's optimized servers for European and global streaming platforms. Simply expand the app and click for Streaming to find a list of dedicated servers. Its servers for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Canal all worked reliably during our tests. This makes it possible to safely access popular streaming services from anywhere in just a few clicks. There are even specialty servers for gaming and torrenting. Gaming servers display their ping next to them, allowing you to select one with the least lag.

CyberGhost operates under Romanian jurisdiction, safely outside the 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance alliance. Additionally, it adheres to a verified no-logs policy, so that no one can track your online activity. Like ExpressVPN, it has security features that include an automatic kill switch and leak protection. It also offers a Block content feature to prevent malware, ads, and trackers.

One minor con is that its monthly option is expensive and offers a shorter money-back guarantee. However, long-term purchases come with an extended 45-day refund period. This gives you plenty of time to test all its features for free.

Useful Features

• NoSpy servers. You can upgrade to these servers that operate from a private data center in Romania, providing an additional layer of privacy protection.
• MTU size selection. CyberGhost allows you to lower the MTU size to improve connection stability. It also offers an MTU size optimized for better gaming performance, in case you are facing any issues on your network.
• Split tunneling. You can select specific apps, such as for torrenting, to use the VPN connection without interfering with cab-hailing or food-delivery apps that may require your actual IP address to work correctly.
• Favorites. This function enables you to select and add servers to a dedicated list by clicking the star icon next to them. This allows you to find and connect to your preferred servers quickly.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Adjustable Settings To Boost Your Speed or Security in Europe and Abroad

Works With:

ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix Disney+

APV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

Private Internet Access (PIA) allows you to customize settings to strike a balance between speed and security when traveling in Europe. For example, when choosing the OpenVPN protocol, you can adjust your encryption level — more secure 256-bit or faster 128-bit. However, the WireGuard protocol consistently gave us the best speeds at 132Mbps testing servers in France. We watched the Premier League live on Eurosport without any disconnects.

You can also choose transport type, port & configuration method

As a frequent traveler myself, I appreciate PIA's MACE ad blocker feature that effectively stops trackers, malware, and annoying ads. This not only protected my privacy but also significantly improved page load times on ad-heavy European news sites, such as euronews.com. It also offers a Multi-Hop feature to obfuscate your online data using Shadowsocks or SOCKS5 proxies. This provides better speeds compared to traditional double VPN options.

Although I love its customization options, they may seem complex for beginners to VPNs. However, it's not a significant issue, as apps come pre-configured with optimal settings for secure streaming, browsing, and other online activities, so you don't need to make any adjustments to get started.

PIA is a very affordable VPN and has a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to test all its features without risk. I found it easy to request a refund using 24/7 live chat.

Useful Features

• Port forwarding support. This feature can help achieve faster P2P speeds, which are beneficial for quickly downloading large torrent files.
• DNS customization. You can set your preferred DNS servers in different European countries to optimize your connection speed. You also get multiple preset DNS options, including PIA’s private DNS for improved security.
• Connection automation. PIA allows you to set rules for different wireless and wired Internet networks, enabling automatic connection for potentially unsafe WiFi networks.

4. NordVPN — Advanced Security Features to Maximize Your Protection in Europe

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN offers features like Threat Protection Pro to block ads, malware, and trackers. This feature can also scan all downloaded files for malware and works even if the VPN is not connected. It also offers a Double VPN feature to encrypt your connection twice by sending your data through 2 VPN servers. Additionally, it provides obfuscated servers in Spain and other European countries, allowing you to access content without being blocked.

It also has an app kill switch to block selective apps if the VPN is disconnected

Similar to ExpressVPN, it also offers a proprietary protocol called NordLynx. This protocol is based on WireGuard and gives us the best speeds among all available protocols provided by NordVPN. Our speeds averaged above 177Mbps against a base connection of 220Mbps, testing various European servers.

Although Threat Protection Pro is a great feature, it's only available on Windows and Mac, unlike ExpressVPN's Threat Protection, which is available on all devices. However, Threat Protection (standard) is effective against ads and malware, and available on most devices. You must just ensure that you're connected to a NordVPN server.

NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all purchase options. It's straightforward to claim a full refund if it's not for you.

Useful Features

• Meshnet. This feature allows you to create a private network, similar to a LAN, for fast file sharing or gaming with other connected devices.
• Onion Over VPN. These servers can access .onion websites directly in regular browsers, without needing the Tor browser.
• Dark Web Monitor. NordVPN can detect and flag if the email address associated with your account appears in a leaked database on the dark web.

5. Surfshark — Protect All Your Devices in Europe With Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections make it an excellent choice for users in Europe who want to protect multiple devices at once. Whether you're streaming on your smart TV, working on your laptop, or browsing on your phone, you can secure all your devices without worrying about hitting a device limit. During our tests, we connected 12 devices at once and did not experience any performance drops while watching Alles was zählt on RTL.

The Auto-connect feature gave me peace of mind, as it automatically connects to a specific server on untrusted networks. You can also add a Wi-Fi connection as trusted, and Surfshark will automatically disconnect on that network. Plus, its kill switch protects your data from accidental exposure.

It displays a list of the best-performing servers for networks with VPN restrictions

One issue I faced with Surfshark is that some of its servers took more than 15 seconds to establish a connection. However, you can easily resolve this issue by switching servers. Once connected, Surfshark's speeds were great for streaming RTÉ Player, Sling TV, and Amazon Prime Video without interruption.

Like PIA, it's also one of the most affordable VPNs, and you can try it without financial risk, thanks to 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Dynamic MultiHop servers. This feature routes your traffic through two VPN servers of your choice for extra privacy. I recommend selecting servers located near your physical location for the best speeds.
• IP rotator. Regularly changing IP addresses makes it harder for advertisers, trackers, and malicious actors to profile or track your online activity.
• CleanWeb. Similar to NordVPN’s Threat Protection, CleanWeb can block ads, trackers, and malware while browsing European sites, improving both security and page load times.

Quick Comparison Table: European VPN Features

To help you choose the best VPN for Europe, I've created this comparison table highlighting the most essential features. The table covers European server coverage and streaming capabilities. These VPNs also adhere to strict no-logs policies, so you don't have to worry about some European countries complying with intelligence-sharing alliances (5/9/14 Eyes).

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Europe

We tested VPNs specifically for Europe by focusing on real-world scenarios relevant to users both in and outside the country. Our team connected to public and private WiFi networks in various European countries to evaluate how well each VPN protected user data from potential snooping or interception. We also assessed each provider’s commitment to privacy by examining their no-logs policies, looking for third-party audits, and verifying that no identifiable data was stored during use.

To confirm a seamless online experience, we tested the VPNs’ ability to work with popular European and international streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, Paramount+, and DAZN. We checked connection speeds across multiple European IP addresses, including those in Germany, France, the UK, and the Netherlands, to evaluate performance consistency and latency. This helped us determine which VPNs could maintain fast, stable connections for HD streaming, browsing, and secure communication throughout Europe.

FAQs on Using a VPN for Europe

How can I watch Netflix while visiting Europe?

Almost all European countries have regional libraries of Netflix. However, a VPN with a reliable global server network can access HD content on Netflix from anywhere. Please note that the content library varies by region, and Netflix determines the titles you see based on your IP address. This means that if you have a UK IP address, you’ll see the Netflix content that’s available for that region.

How does GDPR compliance affect VPN services in Europe?

GDPR requires VPNs to handle data of European individuals with strict privacy controls. This has pushed many services to improve their privacy practices. VPNs must now be transparent about data collection and get explicit consent before processing personal information. Top VPNs, such as ExpressVPN, demonstrate GDPR compliance by maintaining strict no-logs policies and undergoing regular security audits.

Is it legal to use a VPN in European countries?

Yes, using a VPN is legal in most European countries. Many people rely on VPNs with high-grade encryption and no-logs policies to protect their data from hackers and snoops. Plus, VPNs with global networks can access European and worldwide content safely from anywhere.

However, some countries (like China, Russia, and Belarus) ban or restrict VPN use. So, you should check your local laws before using a VPN.

Can I use a VPN to watch European sports on my TV?

Yes, VPNs compatible with smart TVs can help you safely stream European sports channels on your TV. If you have a smart TV that doesn’t natively support VPN apps, you can set up the VPN via your router. However, ensure that your VPN works with your favorite sports streaming platforms to avoid any detection issues.

Can I use a free VPN in Europe?

Yes, you can, but it's not recommended. It's much better to use premium VPNs with money-back guarantees instead. This is because most free services lack robust encryption and no-logs policies, leaving you vulnerable to hackers. They also tend to have small networks and subpar speeds, meaning you can’t torrent, stream, and game without interruptions.

Get the Best VPN for Europe

Using public WiFi while traveling through Europe can expose your personal data to cybercriminals. Additionally, the content on popular platforms varies across European regions. A reliable VPN offers both security and secure access to content from anywhere.

All the VPNs on this list are great for use in Europe, but ExpressVPN is the best option for both security and streaming. Its global servers can access HD content from Europe and other international platforms, such as Paramount+ and Hulu, without compromising security. It ranked as the best in all our tests in terms of speed, security, and ease of use.