### Best Travel VPNs of 2025: Expert Tested and Reviewed In an era where digital security and privacy are paramount, especially when traveling, a virtual private network (VPN) is an essential tool. A reliable travel VPN encrypts your internet traffic, masks your IP address, and helps you bypass geo-restrictions, ensuring your data remains safe and your online activities are protected. Here are the top picks for the best travel VPNs in 2025, as tested and reviewed by experts at ZDNET. #### 1. **NordVPN: Best Overall Travel VPN** NordVPN stands out as the best travel VPN overall, offering fast and reliable connections across various devices and platforms. With a vast server network spanning 111 countries, users can easily connect to local servers, ensuring a smooth and secure browsing experience. NordVPN excels in unblocking streaming services and supports peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing. Its Double VPN feature and dedicated IP service add an extra layer of security, and the company is committed to a no-logs policy, maintaining user privacy. NordVPN also developed NordWhisper, a new protocol designed to circumvent restrictive network policies. Pricing starts at $3.39 per month for a two-year plan, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. NordVPN supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, making it ideal for families or individuals with multiple devices. #### 2. **ExpressVPN: Best Travel VPN for Mobile** ExpressVPN is a top choice for mobile users, supporting a wide range of platforms and devices, including iPhones and Android devices. It offers excellent speed and performance, with a large server network in 105 countries. ExpressVPN’s mobile apps are user-friendly and provide secure connectivity, making it a set-and-forget solution for travel. The service is known for its reliability and success in accessing geo-blocked content, particularly streaming services. However, it limits simultaneous connections to eight, which can be a drawback for users with more devices. Pricing starts at $5 per month for a two-year plan, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN’s privacy policy ensures no logging of browsing data, and it has a strong track record of security and customer support. #### 3. **Surfshark: Best Budget-Friendly Travel VPN** Surfshark is an excellent budget-friendly option, offering reasonable speeds and an attractive user interface. It stands out for its unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing users to secure multiple devices with a single subscription. Surfshark supports servers in 100 countries and includes features like split tunneling, a kill switch, and an ad blocker. The company’s no-logs policy and private DNS capabilities enhance user privacy. Surfshark is also independently audited, adding to its credibility. Pricing starts at $2.19 per month for a two-year plan, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Despite its affordability, Surfshark provides solid customer service and a user-friendly app experience. #### 4. **Proton VPN: Best Open-Source Travel VPN** Proton VPN, a Swiss company focused on privacy, is a strong contender for travelers seeking an open-source solution. It offers up to 10 simultaneous connections and a server network in 117 countries. Proton’s apps are open to external audits, ensuring transparency and security. The service supports P2P sharing, streaming, and includes a new protocol called Stealth, designed to bypass censorship and firewall restrictions. Pricing starts at $4.49 per month for a two-year plan, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Proton also offers a free plan with limited features, which is supported by paying users. #### 5. **IPVanish: Best Travel VPN for Unlimited Connections** IPVanish is a highly customizable VPN with a user-friendly interface and robust app configuration options. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for users with multiple devices. The service includes a server network in 108 countries, providing a wide range of location choices. IPVanish is known for its reliability and ability to access streaming services. Pricing starts at $2.19 per month for a two-year plan, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The company’s strong security features, including a kill switch and no activity logs, ensure a secure browsing experience. ### Key Considerations for Choosing a Travel VPN When selecting a travel VPN, consider the following factors: - **Price**: While some premium services offer advanced features, budget-friendly options like Surfshark provide solid performance. - **Trial Length and Price**: Most recommended VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service risk-free. - **Server Countries**: Ensure the VPN has servers in the countries you plan to visit, especially those with strict internet censorship. - **Security**: Look for a no-logs policy, strong encryption, and regular security audits. - **Kill Switch**: This feature prevents your device from connecting to the internet if the VPN drops, maintaining your privacy. - **Geo-Blocks and Streaming**: Choose a VPN that can bypass geo-restrictions and access streaming services. - **Legality**: Research local laws regarding VPN usage, especially in countries like China, Russia, and Iran. - **Support**: Opt for a service with a responsive support team to help with any issues. ### How to Use a Travel VPN 1. **Subscribe to a Service**: Choose a travel-friendly VPN and sign up for a plan. 2. **Download the Software**: Install the VPN on your devices, including laptops and smartphones. 3. **Connect to a Server**: Select a server location and connect to the VPN. 4. **Enable the VPN**: Use the VPN for all online activities, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. 5. **Monitor Speeds**: Be aware that public Wi-Fi and cellular connections may be slower than your home network, and a good travel VPN should minimize speed loss. ### Additional Tips - **Check for DNS Leaks**: Use online tools to ensure your DNS queries are not exposed, compromising your privacy. - **Change Your IP Address**: You can choose your home country or a different location as your IP address. - **Avoid Roaming Charges**: A VPN does not affect cellular roaming charges, so use it primarily for security and privacy. - **Legal Considerations**: Some countries restrict or ban VPN usage. Research local laws to avoid legal issues. - **Streaming Services**: While most travel VPNs can access streaming services, using them to access other libraries may violate terms of service. ### Conclusion A travel VPN is a crucial tool for maintaining online security and privacy while on the road. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, and IPVanish are all excellent choices, each with unique features and benefits. Whether you prioritize speed, budget, unlimited connections, or open-source security, these top travel VPNs will help you stay safe and connected no matter where your travels take you.