{"id":58597,"date":"2025-05-02T00:54:16","date_gmt":"2025-05-02T00:54:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/f2f0b4fb-d737-442e-abda-de0dbf378824"},"modified":"2025-05-02T00:54:16","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T00:54:16","slug":"best-travel-vpns-2025-the-top-travel-vpns-for-avoiding-geo-blocks-and-censorship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.threatshub.org\/blog\/best-travel-vpns-2025-the-top-travel-vpns-for-avoiding-geo-blocks-and-censorship\/","title":{"rendered":"Best travel VPNs 2025: The top travel VPNs for avoiding geo-blocks and censorship"},"content":{"rendered":"

You don’t need to leave your privacy<\/a> at home when you travel. A virtual private network (VPN)<\/a> can keep your data safe<\/a> and mask your online activities, providing you with protection while you’re away from home. Trusted VPNs<\/a> encrypt and route your traffic through VPN networks, reducing the risk of internet protocol (IP) address monitoring, tracking, and data theft.<\/p>\n

You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when relying on unknown, untrustworthy Wi-Fi connections, as it’s impossible to know what cyber threats could be lurking in public hotspots. VPNs can also circumvent censorship blocks in the country you visit and may help you access streaming services<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What is the best travel VPN right now?<\/h2>\n

My pick for the best travel VPN overall is NordVPN<\/span><\/a><\/span> due to its robust security, together with its fast and reliable connections<\/a>. This VPN is also a great performer in my tests when it comes to unblocking streaming services and provides a vast server network, giving you plenty of choice as to where you want to be “located” while you are online. Two-year plans begin at $3.09 per month.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, if you’re willing to spend a little more at $5 per month, opt for ExpressVPN<\/span><\/a><\/span>, one of the top performers regarding speed in my experience. If you don’t mind trading some speed for affordability, Surfshark<\/span><\/a><\/span> is your best bet at $2 per month.<\/p>\n

Also: <\/strong>The best VPNs for streaming: Expert tested<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

At ZDNET, we have extensively tested the best travel VPNs<\/a> to help you find the best option for keeping your connections safe and secure. Our team has years of experience in the VPN market, and we understand the most important features today’s VPN users want — stability, speed, access to services, and user-friendly apps.  <\/p>\n

Below, you will find my top picks for travel VPNs in 2025.<\/p>\n

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All <\/span> Countries and servers <\/span> Usability <\/span> Speed and performance <\/span> Security <\/span> Price <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Best travel VPNs of 2025<\/h2>\n
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My testing consistently found that NordVPN provides a fast and reliable connection and service across a wide range of situations. You can likely depend on NordVPN no matter where you’re connecting from, making it my top pick as a travel VPN. <\/p>\n

Why we like it<\/strong>: After years of use, I’ve found it to be user-friendly and quick to connect. Most of the time, it can access Netflix and other popular streaming services without a problem, which is undoubtedly a benefit when traveling. <\/p>\n

NordVPN<\/a> is also one of my favorite VPNs for streaming, and it has high success rates in accessing geo-blocked content<\/a>.  The service also supports peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing.<\/p>\n

It offers a second layer of encryption through its Double VPN feature and a dedicated IP bolt-on service. The company also developed NordWhisper<\/a>, a new protocol designed for users facing VPN server connection issues due to restrictive network policies.<\/p>\n

Review:<\/strong> NordVPN<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

NordVPN supports all major platforms and has Firefox, Edge, and Chrome browser plugins<\/a>. The company offers 10 simultaneous device connections under one account, although I would prefer no limit.<\/p>\n

Overall, NordVPN is one of the best VPNs. The server network includes 111 countries, giving you plenty of location options to choose from. Regarding user data, the firm’s fifth independent assurance assessment<\/a> has backed its no-logs claims. <\/p>\n

Who it’s for<\/strong>: NordVPN will suit most users, considering its reasonable price point, excellent speeds, user-friendly and interactive user interface, and strong server network. I’ve found it performs well while abroad, including when connected to rather unstable Wi-Fi points.<\/p>\n

Who should look elsewhere<\/strong>: ExpressVPN might be the right alternative if you want speed first. Want a cheaper monthly price? Check out Surfshark.<\/p>\n

Customers like that the VPN app is easy to use and offers good speeds, but some have flagged inconsistent pricing.<\/p>\n

Prices start at $3.09 per month on a standard two-year plan, and one-year plans start at $5 per month. If you also want cybersecurity protections and coverage for identity theft, consider the Prime subscription, which begins at $7 per month. <\/p>\n

Two-year plans include three months of free access for new subscribers.<\/p>\n

You could also try out NordVPN by taking advantage of the organization’s 30-day money-back guarantee. <\/p>\n

NordVPN f<\/strong>eatures: <\/strong><\/strong>Simultaneous connections: <\/strong>10 | Platforms<\/strong>: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries:<\/strong> 111 | Kill switch:<\/strong> Yes | Logging:<\/strong> Email address and billing information only | Money-back guarantee<\/strong>: 30 days | Trial<\/strong>: Seven days on Android | Trustpilot rating<\/strong>: 4.1 | Google Play rating<\/strong>: 4.6 | App Store rating<\/strong>: 4.7<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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ExpressVPN is a widely used VPN provider that supports many platforms and devices, making it one of my favorite services.<\/p>\n

Why we like it<\/strong>: It’s not only one of the quickest VPNs on the market with the least speed loss, but it’s also one of the best VPNs for iPhones<\/a> and a top VPN for Android<\/a>, making it useful for traveling, especially when using multiple devices with different operating systems. <\/p>\n

The VPN’s mobile app<\/a> is easy to use, and we like this VPN for its set-and-forget secure connectivity for your smartphone<\/a> or tablet<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Review: <\/strong>ExpressVPN<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

ExpressVPN has a sizable server network across 105 countries, so no matter where you are, you’ll likely be able to connect to a local server. Its apps are compatible with operating systems including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, and its Linux option has been updated recently to include a Graphical User Interface (GUI)<\/a>, long requested by users. <\/p>\n

A downside is that the number of simultaneous devices you’re permitted depends on your plan. The maximum is eight. Given the price point, this should be unlimited.<\/p>\n

ExpressVPN’s privacy policy<\/a> clearly outlines what information it collects. It doesn’t log data that could be used to identify you, such as your IP address, browsing history, or domain name system (DNS) queries. In ExpressVPN’s latest transparency report<\/a>, the firm disclosed 163 government, law enforcement, and civil requests for user data, one warrant, and over 800,000 Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) requests. The company said no user information was handed over.<\/p>\n

Who it’s for<\/strong>: Individuals who want the least speed loss while using a travel VPN. Over the past few years, my tests have consistently found that ExpressVPN, together with NordVPN, performs the best in terms of speed loss. <\/p>\n

During long-term usage, I found that ExpressVPN offers some of the best overall speeds and stable connectivity. On rare occasions, you may need to switch servers as speeds suddenly drop, or you may encounter a website blocking your borrowed IP address, but this is a rare occurrence and one that I have also encountered with other VPNs. <\/p>\n

Customers said this VPN is pricey, but it provides bang for your buck, as well as solid customer support.<\/p>\n

Who should look elsewhere<\/strong>: Anyone who considers $5 per month for a VPN as too much, as there are many other more affordable VPNs in the market today. <\/p>\n

Two-year contracts are priced at $5 per month, with four months of free access added to the subscription term. One-year plans cost $6.67 per month with three months free. <\/p>\n

ExpressVPN now accepts Google Pay and Apple Pay and provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.<\/p>\n

ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections: <\/strong>8 | Kill switch:<\/strong> Yes | Platforms<\/strong>: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries:<\/strong> 105 | Logging<\/strong>: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Money-back guarantee: <\/strong>30 days | Trial<\/strong>: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating<\/strong>: 4.2 | Google Play rating<\/strong>: 4.4 | App Store rating<\/strong>: 4.7<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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