5 Best VPNs for Italy in 2023 for Speed and Online Security

Because some internet content is based on your location, you won't have access to your home country's online services while in Italy — your utility apps and e-bank account might be blocked. Similarly, Italian citizens traveling overseas can't use certain local sites. Italy is also subject to the EU Data Retention Directive, wherein ISPs collect and store your data for a year.

My team and I tested over 60 VPNs to find the best ones for Italy. All the VPNs on my list have a global network of high-speed servers in Italy and abroad to easily browse the web no matter where you are. They also come with robust security measures like AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy to protect your privacy.

I recommend ExpressVPN for Italy. It has servers in 105 countries (including Italy), high-level encryption, and fast speeds for uninterrupted browsing. The best part is that it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN with confidence. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Italy in 2024

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.

Best VPNs for Italy— Full Analysis (Updated in 2024)

All the VPNs on my list offer high-end privacy features and fast connections. You can keep your online activity secure on multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing speed.

These VPNs are easy to install and use and come with live chat customer support. To top it off, each VPN comes with a money-back guarantee, so there’s no risk in trying them out.

1. ExpressVPN — Extensive Network for Uninterrupted Browsing in and Outside Italy

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Tested December 2024

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www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN has servers worldwide across 105 countries, including Italy. During my ExpressVPN tests, I watched Italian channels like Rai 1 and Rai News 24 online from Italy in HD without buffering. I didn’t have to worry about streaming platforms tracking my online activity or ISPs throttling my speeds.

It gives you super-fast speeds for smooth streaming and gaming. My speeds were consistently above 85 Mbps, which is more than double what you need for buffer-free Ultra HD streaming. Since the VPN offers extensive P2P support and doesn't restrict bandwidth, there’s also no limit to the amount of data you can use — making it an excellent choice for torrenting too.

Powerful security features keep your connection private in Italy. ExpressVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption and multiple protocols to hide your identity and online activity from hackers and snoops. It only takes a few clicks to switch protocols — I prefer Lightway for speed and OpenVPN for extra protection when banking online.

Additionally, ExpressVPN doesn’t collect or share your data with anyone. It follows a strict no-logs policy and is based in the British Virgin Islands (outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances — countries that share information on its citizens). It features a kill switch that cuts your internet connection if the VPN suddenly drops, but I never experienced this. Thanks to its TrustedServer technology (that uses RAM-only servers), your information is cleared after every session. I also tested it for DNS, IPV6, and WebRTC leaks and am happy to report I didn’t detect any. Your sensitive information is kept safe from prying eyes.

You can use ExpressVPN on all major operating systems. It’s super easy to install and set up — it took me less than 5 minutes. Its MediaStreamer feature even allows you to use ExpressVPN to avoid ISP throttling on devices not usually compatible with VPNs, like gaming consoles and Smart TVs.

The only downside is that it’s slightly more expensive than the other VPNs. However, ExpressVPN frequently offers generous discounts —I got 61% off and 3 months service free with its 12-month plan. All subscriptions provide the same features, so I recommend choosing the long-term option as it’s the most affordable at $4.99/month.

ExpressVPN also has a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, you can easily request a full refund if you’re not 100% happy with it. I contacted customer service using the 24/7 live chat to test this out and was immediately connected to a support executive. After answering some simple questions, my request was approved, and the money was back in my bank account in just 2 days.

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Buffer-Free Streaming in Italy

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www.cyberghostvpn.com

Streaming-optimized servers let you watch Italian content securely while in Italy. These servers are conveniently labeled according to the Italian platform they support, such as Amazon Prime, DAZN, Disney+, and Rai Play. I tested the CyberGhost optimized server for Netflix Italy while in Florence and watched my favorite shows in HD buffer-free.

It also offers blazing-fast connection speeds on most servers — it's not as quick as ExpressVPN over long distances. That said, servers are fast enough to reliably stream in Ultra HD without buffering and play online games without lag. Plus, CyberGhost has P2P-optimized servers allowing you to torrent at high speeds. My average download speeds never dropped below 70 Mbps.

Your internet activity and online data remain private thanks to the AES 256-bit encryption and multiple security protocols. DNS/IPv6 protection and a kill switch ensure no accidental data leaks. On top of that, CyberGhost is based in Romania (outside 5/9/14 Eyes jurisdiction) and follows a strict no-logs policy. So, your data won't fall into the wrong hands. Automatic WiFi protection also comes included, securing your devices when using public wireless internet.

Enabling all of these features is straightforward, with CyberGhost's extremely user-friendly apps. If you do have any trouble, customer support is available 24/7.

Keep in mind that monthly subscription are expensive, so rather go for a long-term option. I got CyberGhost's 2-year plan for only $2.19/month. Since all options offer the same features, I recommend choosing the 2-year one as it's the cheapest and comes with an extended money-back guarantee.

This way, you can use CyberGhost free for 45 days and get your money back if you’re not happy with it. I found it really easy to get a refund by canceling my subscription via email. I received confirmation within a couple of hours, and my money was back in my PayPal account 4 days later.

3. Private Internet Access — Multiple Security Measures to Stay Safe in Italy and Worldwide

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www.privateinternetaccess.com

Private Internet Access (PIA) has an extensive list of security features for online protection, including a kill switch and MACE feature (blocking ads and stopping malicious websites from loading). You can even choose the level of encryption you want — AES 128-bit for faster speeds or AES 256-bit for rock-solid security. Plus, you can select which tunneling protocol suits your needs best (OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/IPsec, or IKEv2).

I tested PIA for DNS/IP leaks and found none. Your connection is secure from hackers and cyber threats. While the VPN is based in the US (the heart of the 5 Eyes Alliance), PIA follows a strict no-logs policy that's been proven in court. So, since it doesn't store any of your data, it can't be shared.

Thanks to many reliable servers worldwide, PIA let me safely manage my US Citibank account from Italy. Since there are many Italian servers as well, you can also easily access local news sites and e-commerce platforms while abroad.

The connection speeds are good, too — I averaged around 65 Mbps, perfect for high-quality streaming. Plus, I downloaded as many games as I wanted, thanks to unlimited bandwidth. Buffering and laggy gaming won’t be an issue for you.

The VPN offers 3 subscription options (1-month, 1-year, and 3 years). I recommend the long-term plan as it provides the best value for money. You can get PIA for as little as $2.19/month. Plus, since you can use it on Unlimited devices simultaneously, you only need one subscription to cover all your devices.

Additionally, PIA comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested its refund policy and found the process trustworthy and straightforward. I canceled directly on the VPN's websites, so I didn't even have to talk to anyone. Although, you need to request a refund via email or its 24/7 live chat. My bank account was reimbursed within 5 days.

4. IPVanish — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Cover All Your Devices in Italy

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www.ipvanish.com

With IPVanish, you can conveniently cover all your devices in Italy as it offers Unlimited connections. I successfully tested IPVanish on all the tech my family and I own (multiple smartphones, tablets, and computers) and got good performance throughout. Plus, it is easy to install and compatible with most operating systems.

IPVanish provides quick connections with no restrictions on bandwidth for seamless browsing. I conducted speed tests on all the servers located in Italy, and the results consistently surpassed 45 Mbps. Even servers that were further away did not result in a noticeable reduction in speed. This speed is sufficient for uninterrupted streaming and sharing of files.

All your devices are protected with robust security features. It uses AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protocols (like Wireguard and OpenVPN) to secure your information. OpenVPN is the best for safeguarding your data, while WireGuard enables a faster connection — you can switch between protocols depending on your VPN needs. It also won't collect or share your data as it adheres to a strict no-logs policy. I didn't find any DNS or IP leaks in my tests, so I'm confident that my identity and browsing habits are safe in Italy.

Servers are spread across 135 countries, including Italy. Although I encountered challenges with using the VPN on some sites like Rai2 (while in Italy), I had no issues accessing my banking accounts.

You can get an IPVanish subscription for as low as $2.19/month. Its short-term plans offer the same features as the annual and 2-year options but cost significantly more. That's why it's worth considering the long-term subscription.

You can test IPVanish risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee and request a refund if it's not the right option for you. I found the refund process hassle-free by canceling via the dashboard on its website. I got my money returned to my credit card that same week.

5. PrivateVPN — A User-Friendly VPN That’s Ideal for Beginners

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Try PrivateVPN >

www.privatevpn.com

PrivateVPN is one of the easiest VPNs to download and set up — it only takes a few minutes. You can even request free remote installation, and developers are available via live chat support. The app's interface is clean and easy to follow, too. During my PrivateVPN tests, changing servers and security settings was uncomplicated.

It has fast Italian servers to stream your favorite shows without buffering. While in Italy, I watched Canale 5, Rai2, and Rai3 in UHD without delays.

Your online privacy is protected thanks to strong security measures, like military-grade AES-256 encryption and DNS/IPv6 leak protection. There's also a kill switch and strict no-logs policy in place. PrivateVPN keeps your data secured no matter where you are.

Even though PrivateVPN has a relatively small network of 200 servers, I had no trouble browsing local websites. Accessing my favorite shopping sites and news platforms was very straightforward.

Overall, the VPN offers many features — you can get PrivateVPN’s 36-month plan for as little as $2/month. Shorter subscriptions (1-month and 3 months) cost considerably more.

It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can request a refund if it doesn't work out for any reason. I tested the refund policy by canceling using live chat — it was simple. After sharing some details about my experience, my request was approved. I got my money back after 6 days.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Italy

From the 67 services I examined, I meticulously chose the VPNs that fulfilled every aspect of my standards. These encompass providing exceptional speeds and incorporating strong security measures for online safety. However, if you'd like to carry out your own evaluations, I recommend using the checklist below as a useful guide.

• Global server network — A global server network will help you securely access your foreign bank accounts from Italy.
• Reliable local servers — A VPN with servers in Italy grants you access to local online services and apps, such as e-commerce platforms.
• Fast speeds — Find a VPN that has super-fast servers so that you can stream, download, or torrent without any slowdowns.
• Strong security — To protect your privacy and stay safe from cyber threats, pick a VPN with robust security features like AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, a no-logs policy.
• Ease of Use — A VPN should be easy to set up and use, regardless of your experience level. Plus, be compatible with all major operating systems.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee — Choose a VPN that offers a money-back guarantee so you can claim a refund if you’re not satisfied.

FAQs on Using a VPN for Italy

Why do I need a VPN for Italy?

A VPN offers you IP addresses in and outside of Italy, which allows you to browse local and international content interruption-free.

On top of that, a VPN with powerful encryption and privacy features keeps your browsing habits and identity safe from hackers and snoops.

Are VPNs legal in Italy?

Yes, VPNs are legal in Italy. Italy generally has fairly relaxed laws around the internet, which extends to VPN usage. Most people use VPNs to protect their privacy online. Obviously, using a VPN to engage in illegal activities like downloading copyrighted content is against the law. vpnMentor does not condone using a VPN for anything that goes against the rules and regulations of the country you’re in.

Can I use a free VPN for Italy?

Yes, but I don’t recommend doing so — they can end up costing you a lot more in the long run. Instead, you can choose a premium VPN with a money-back guarantee to try out the service risk-free and determine which one suits you best.

Free VPNs often force you to upgrade by limiting essential security features, speed, and server locations. What's worse is that they're often loaded with malware that can result in your private information getting leaked online. Some "free" VPNs have been caught selling users' data.

Is torrenting legal in Italy?

Yes, file sharing itself is legal. However, you're vulnerable to hacking when torrenting, so using a P2P-friendly VPN with robust security to download torrents safely is important. With that said, downloading copyrighted material or making a financial gain from file sharing is illegal. Make sure you’re up to date on the latest rule, so you don’t accidentally break the law.

The Bottom Line

Each VPN on my list safeguards your online activity with robust security features without hindering your speed. They all have vast server networks to securely access your local and international bank accounts from abroad.

My top choice for Italy is ExpressVPN. It has a global network of fast servers in and outside Italy for uninterrupted browsing. Plus, impressive security features keep you safe online. Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN’s features for Italy with confidence since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, here are the best VPNs for Italy

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.

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