The 10 best VPNs for travel, ranked
VPN Runner holds subscriptions to the VPNs listed here and verifies prices, plan terms, server lists, refund terms and app availability on the providers' sites. We have not measured speeds.
Proton VPN is run by Proton AG in Geneva and is owned mainly by the nonprofit Proton Foundation. VPN Plus costs EUR 3.49 per month on a two year plan, and the free plan needs no credit card.
See how our #1 pick compares
We put our #1 pick head-to-head with the other top providers, on the things that actually matter.
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| Genuine free plan | |||||
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| Based in | — | Suiza | Panamá | Islas Vírgenes Británicas | Países Bajos |
| Owned by | — | Proton AG | Nord Security | Kape | Nord Security |
| Avg. download speed | — | — | — | — | — |
| Starting price | $2.15/mo | 3.49/mo | 3.49/mo | 4.99/mo | 2.49/mo |
| Coupon | — | — | — | — | Save 86% |
| Get PureVPN |
VPN Runner holds subscriptions to the VPNs listed here and verifies prices, plan terms, server lists, refund terms and app availability on the providers' sites. We have not measured speeds. Affiliate commissions never change a ranking.
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Choosing a VPN for travel
A travel VPN has to handle conditions you don’t face at home: unfamiliar networks, restrictive countries, and a constant need to reach services from back home. The right choice keeps you connected and secure whether you’re on hotel Wi-Fi, navigating censorship, or just trying to access your bank from abroad. Every VPN in the ranked list above is tested on the same travel rubric: global server coverage, censorship resistance, and protection on public networks.
Global server coverage
The more countries a provider covers, the more useful it is on the road. A wide network lets you connect to a nearby server for speed, reach home-country services for banking and streaming, and find a working route even from places with limited infrastructure. Before a trip, check that the provider has servers both in your destination region and in your home country.
- Confirm servers exist near where you’re traveling for better speeds.
- Make sure your home country is covered so you can access local services.
- A large network gives you fallback options if one server underperforms.
Beating censorship
Some countries actively block VPNs as part of broader internet restrictions. Getting through requires obfuscation, sometimes called stealth mode, which disguises VPN traffic as ordinary encrypted browsing so it slips past detection. If your destination is known for heavy filtering, this feature is essential, and you should install and test the VPN before you arrive, since the provider’s site may be blocked once you’re there.
- Look for obfuscation or stealth servers if you’re heading somewhere restrictive.
- Download and set everything up before departure.
- Note local laws, as a few countries restrict VPN use outright.
Public Wi-Fi security
Airport, hotel, and cafe networks are convenient and risky. On open Wi-Fi, others on the same network can potentially intercept unencrypted traffic, and rogue hotspots can impersonate legitimate ones. A VPN encrypts everything you send, neutralizing these threats, and an automatic kill switch ensures you’re never briefly exposed if the connection drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my VPN work in countries that restrict the internet?
It can, if it offers obfuscation or stealth servers that disguise VPN traffic as normal browsing. Standard VPN connections are often detected and blocked in heavily filtered countries, so choose a provider known for working there and set it up before you arrive, since download sites may be blocked locally.
Should I install my VPN before I leave?
Always. In some destinations the provider's website and app stores may be blocked, making it hard to download or activate the VPN once you're there. Install it, sign in, and test a few servers before departure so everything is ready to go.
Why do I need a VPN on hotel and airport Wi-Fi?
Public networks are shared and often poorly secured, so others nearby may intercept unencrypted traffic or set up fake hotspots. A VPN encrypts everything you send, protecting passwords and banking, and a kill switch prevents accidental exposure if the connection drops.
Can I use a VPN to access my home bank and services abroad?
Usually yes. Connecting to a server in your home country makes services behave as though you're local, which helps with banking sites that flag or block foreign logins and with home streaming libraries. Confirm your provider has servers in your home country before traveling.
Is it legal to use a VPN while traveling?
In most countries yes, but a handful restrict or ban VPN use, and rules can change. Check the local laws of your destination before you go, and remember that local regulations apply while you're there regardless of where the provider is based.