5 Best VPNs for Europe in 2023

Whether you live or plan on traveling to Europe, or live on a different continent and want to access European sites and services, a VPN for Europe is the best way to do so. A quality VPN for Europe can help you access different European countries, all while securing your data and protecting you from nosy snoopers.

After testing many VPNs, NordVPN was the best overall VPN for Europe.

That said, when choosing a VPN for Europe, you have to be mindful of many different aspects. From data retention policies and online privacy and security features to various performance characteristics. Having said that, we’ve researched all of this to bring you the best VPNs with European servers in 2023.

Best Europe VPNs in 2023 

1. NordVPN –  Best VPN for Europe.
2. Surfshark – Lightweight service with many European servers.
3. AtlasVPN – Well-rounded VPN with unlimited connections.
4. PrivateVPN – Simple service ideal for beginners.
5. ExpressVPN – Uncompromising security and strong unblocking power.

Why You Should Use a VPN for Europe?

Most European countries are very libertarian and promote free speech and freedom for every person. Having that in mind, why would you need to use a VPN for Europe? In short, there are several motives for using a VPN in a European country, regardless of whether you live in a more liberal or authoritarian country. Here are the biggest reasons why you should use a Europe VPN:

• Stronger Online Privacy and Security – While most European countries don’t censor free speech or have authoritarian governments, it doesn’t mean that they don’t implement online surveillance measures. In fact, even in many EU countries, governments monitor their citizen’s online activities. If you live in Europe and want to avoid this, a VPN is a simple but effective solution. By using a VPN, you can secure your device and protect your online data from any snoopers.
• Content Unblocking – Some of the world’s biggest streaming services are based in European countries, but are often confined to their origin country. For example, big streaming platforms like ITV and the BBC iPlayer are only available to UK residents. To gain access, you need a UK IP address, which you can easily obtain by signing up with a dependable VPN. 
• Anonymous Torrenting – Torrenting activities are heavily restricted in many European countries, especially in the EU. Moreover, penalties for such activities are often very rigorous, as those caught torrenting may even face jail time. A VPN with European servers will ensure all of your torrenting activities are anonymous and completely private.
• Better Performance – Lastly, a VPN with European servers might even help some users get better online speeds and more stable Internet connections. This can be true for you if your ISP is throttling your bandwidth without you knowing about it.

Best VPNs for Europe – detailed list:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is the best overall VPN for Europe. It has strong security, privacy, and the ability to unblock content within and outside of Europe.

Security: NordVPN provides top-tier security with AES-256 encryption and a kill switch. Threat Protection for malware protection and CyberSec ad blocker also is a nice addition. It has a double VPN that routes traffic through two servers, for extra protection. NordVPN’s RAM servers also ensure data isn’t stored post-session. The dedicated IP servers option is for those who want even more privacy within Europe.

Privacy: NordVPN is based in Panama, outside 14-eyes jurisdiction, and enhancing user privacy. It has a strict no-logging policy and has undergone 3 independent audits to verify its claims. NordVPN ensures that user data is never stored or misused.

Performance: In terms of performance, NordVPN has 248.7 Mbps download and 126.7 Mbp upload speeds. It supports protocols such as NordLynx, based on WireGuard, along with OpenVPN and IKEv2.

Other features: NordVPN unblocks streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. The SmartPlay technology and specialized P2Pservers enhance user experience. It also offers compatibility across major platforms and router support.

Pricing: NordVPN’s plans range from $4.99/month to $14.99/month depending on the subscription length. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee and payment options include Cryptocurrencies for privacy.

Plan	1-year plan	1-month plan	2-year plan
Standard Plan	$4.99/month	$12.99/month	–
Plus Plan	$5.99/month	$13.99/month	–
Complete Plan	$6.99/month	$14.99/month	$5.49/month

2. Surfshark

Surfshark VPN makes the cut as one of the best VPNs for Europe. It is a great choice due to its dedicated European servers, robust security, and flexible pricing.

Security: Surfshark safeguards data against hackers or surveillance with the AES-256-GCM encryption standard. The MultiHop feature allows data to hop across multiple servers, enhancing security. The WireGuard protocol is available, leading to fast and secure connections. Features like the kill switch protect data in case of sudden connection drops.

Privacy: The strong privacy ensured by its no logs policy. It does not store or track user activity. The Private DNS on each server along with IP Masking features keep your browsing anonymous. Importantly, Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode masks VPN usage even from your ISP.

Performance: Surfshark offers high-speed servers. Reliable performance with average download and upload speeds of 235 Mbps and 219 Mbps in the US. Its server network spans 65 countries worldwide, ensuring swift connections.

Other features: Surfshark unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. It is P2P friendly and has optimized servers for torrenting. The GPS Spoofing and NoBorders mode make it operable even in restricted regions even outside Europe.

Pricing: Surfshark is exceptional for budget-conscious users. Its starter package start at $2.30/month for a 2-year term with a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. It also offers a 7-day free trial for mobile devices without needing a credit card.

Surfshark Plans	2-year price	1-year price	1-month price
Starter	$2.30/month	$3.99/month	$12.95/month
Surfshark One	$3.22/month	$4.49/month	$17.95/month
Surfshark One+	$5.99/month	$8.29/month	$22.95/month

3. Atlas VPN

AtlasVPN is one of the best Europe VPNs because it offers a free version along with strong security, privacy, and performance.

Security: AtlasVPN has security features like a system-wide kill switch, AES-256 encryption, and built-in 2FA for Windows. Additionally, it provides WireGuard protocol for secure, fast connectivity. Moreover, it can block ads, trackers, and access to malicious websites.

Privacy: On the privacy front, AtlasVPN offers a robust no-logs policy. Other privacy features include IP Rotator (SafeSwap), MultiHop+, and data breach monitoring.

Performance: Rivaling competitors, AtlasVPN ensures lightning-fast connectivity. It tested for a download speed of 183 Mbps and an upload speed of 309 Mbps. It supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 protocols for the best performance.

Other features: Remarkably, AtlasVPN specializes in unblocking multiple streaming platforms. It works with Netflix (11 Different Libraries), YouTube, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Max. Moreover, it efficiently unblocks geo-restricted content, further enriching the user experience.

Pricing: Offering high value-for-money, AtlasVPN’s plans start from as low as $1.82/month for a 2-year plan. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free version.

For more details about the service, you can dive into our AtlasVPN Review.

AtlasVPN Plans	Pricing	Additional Benefits
Free Version	0.00$/month	5 GB data limit Access to 3 locations
1-Month Plan	11.99$/month	30-day money-back guarantee
1-Year Plan	3.29$/month Billed $39.48 annually	30-day money-back guarantee
2-Year Plan	1.82$/month Billed $43.68 biennially	30-day money-back guarantee

4. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has 200 servers across 63 countries, including 30 in Europe. It’s a choice for both beginners and advanced users due to configurable options. It is also one of the few VPNs that support port-forwarding.

Security: This VPN has AES encryption with a 256-bit key – the top choice in web security. Protection against IP and IPv6 leaks keeps your identity and location concealed. Extra features include a kill switch, HTTP and SOCKS5 proxies for enhanced safety.

Privacy: Despite being in Sweden, a Fourteen Eyes alliance member, PrivateVPN has a strict no-logs policy. Your data stays private with the help of DNS and IP leak protection. The Stealth VPN mode enhances privacy by modifying VPN traffic to resemble regular web browsing.

Performance: PrivateVPN speed reaches 148 Mbps download and 190 Mbps upload in the US. It supports OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, and WireGuard (in beta). However, its server speeds and latency may vary in certain locations.

Other features: The VPN is perfectly geared towards streaming and P2P. It effortlessly bypasses geo-restrictions on YouTube, BCC iPlayer, Netflix and other platforms. Torrenting is supported along with port forwarding. Unfortunately, there’s no browser extension available and Linux users need manual OpenVPN setup.

Pricing: Pricing tiers include a 1-month plan of $9.90/month, a 3-month plan at $6.00/month, and a 36-month plan for $2.00/month. Each plan allows 10 simultaneous connections and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

PrivateVPN Plans	Price per Month
1-Month Plan	$9.90
3-Month Plan	$6.00
36-Month Plan	$2.00

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN for Europe. It has servers in over 50 European countries and the efficient Lightway protocol. However, the price might be too steep for some.

Security: ExpressVPN has remarkable security. It employs AES 256-GCM encryption and a SHA-512 hash function. The Network Lock or kill switch protects against unexpected drops. Servers run with TrustedServer Technology. It ensures that no data is written to hard drives as servers run entirely on RAM.

Privacy: The company abides by a no-logs policy. Beyond this, they engage PwC and Cure53 for independent audits of their systems. They ensure private DNS on every server for an additional layer of privacy. However, it’s worth noting they do not offer split tunneling on iOS.

Performance: Speeds are impressive, averaging 137 Mbps for download, and 162 Mbps for uploads in the US. The Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols balance for speed and security.

Other features: ExpressVPN can unblock major platforms like Netflix and HBO Max. It supports P2P and torrenting on all servers. If you need it, it also supports port-forwarding on routers.

Pricing: There are reasonable options for different budgets:. $12.95/month for a 1-month plan, $9.99/month for 6 months, or a more cheap $6.67/month for a 1-year plan. A 30-day money-back guarantee adds a safety net.

ExpressVPN Plans	Price per Month	Simultaneous Connections
1-Month Plan	$12.95	5
6-Month Plan	$9.99	Up to 8
1-Year Plan	$6.67	Up to 8

How to Choose a VPN for Europe?

All of the VPNs that we recommend in our guides and articles must meet stringent criteria before being included, and this page is no different in this sense. We evaluate each service through a lengthy list of parameters to ensure it’s worth your time and money. 

With that in mind, if you want to do your own Euro VPN research or have trouble deciding between our top VPN picks, we want to share a handful of traits that could help you decide. Here’s how to choose the right VPN for Europe:

• Server Network – When focusing on the best VPNs for Europe, one of the most apparent aspects is the service’s server network. Of course, this includes the quality and quantity of its European servers, but also the service’s global server network.
• Connection Speeds – In addition to sheer server numbers, a top-quality VPN for Europe should also provide above-average connection speeds. Don’t settle for any VPN that can’t support 4K streaming or super-fast torrenting. In line with that, the speeds should also be consistent and without frequent connection drops.
• Security – As security is the number-one reason many people use VPN services, it’s always a big factor to look for. By this, we primarily consider aspects like strong encryption, a kill switch, VPN protocols, and protection features like DNS and IP leak protection.
• Privacy – This aspect goes hand-in-hand with the previous one. As you’ll be connecting to servers based in various European countries, you want to know that the VPN doesn’t collect any of your online activity data. Ideally, the VPN should also not be a part of any major surveillance organization and have a very transparent privacy policy.
• Apps and User Experience – Robust performance and huge server numbers don’t mean much if the VPN’s apps are broken or too complex to use. So, depending on what devices you primarily plan on using the European VPN service, make sure that the VPN of your choice delivers stable clients and a quality user experience.
• Customer Support – Often overlooked by many users, a VPNs customer support service is undoubtedly a crucial aspect to pay attention to. Preferably, you want a VPN with around-the-clock live chat support, or at least phone support, so that you can always count on help if you need it.

How to Setup a VPN With Europe Server Options?

Besides knowing how to pick the most suitable VPN service for yourself, you should also know how to set it up on the device you want to use it on. To help you out, we’ve created an easy-to-follow guide that will enable you to have your VPN up and running within a couple of minutes. So, here’s how to set up a Euro VPN service:

1. Pick a VPN and download the app for your device (We recommend NordVPN)
2. Install the app and log in
3. Choose a server located in the European country of your choice
4. Connect and wait for a few seconds
5. Access the Internet through the VPN server and enjoy!

This simple step-by-step guide is all that you need to follow to connect to the European VPN server of your choice. What’s more, these steps are identical across all regions, no matter where you want to use the VPN. For example, if you live in Europe and want to access US-based servers, you would set up a VPN for the USA following the same setup steps.

The Best Free Europe VPNs

Generally speaking, we advise our readers to avoid using free VPN services. This is because free VPNs are often not worth the hassle and risk they come with. Most free VPNs have data bandwidth caps and offer sub-par services. Moreover, they typically lack any reliable security and privacy features. 

That said, if you want to try out a free VPN Europe service, we recommend Atlas VPN. In our opinion, Atlas VPN is the best free VPN for Europe you can get. It’s safe and offers a very reliable free service, albeit a bit limited. In that sense, with the Atlas VPN free subscription plan, you can choose from only three servers. Moreover, only one of them is in Europe, more precisely in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 

Additionally, there are a few more reasons why Atlas VPN is our top Euro VPN free pick. This includes unlimited simultaneous connections and no monthly bandwidth limitations. However, as you can only pick from one European server, it can get crowded at times. So, while signing up for free is a great way to test a VPN, we suggest upgrading to a premium plan to unlock more servers and additional features.

Europe VPN FAQs

Is a VPN legal in European countries?

Yes, using a VPN is perfectly legal in the vast majority of European countries. Of course, there are a few exceptions like Belarus and Russia, which don’t have a very favorable stance towards VPN use. Keep in mind, in European countries where VPN use is allowed. You shouldn’t use VPNs to mask any illegal activities.

How can I watch Netflix US while in Europe?

Here’s a quick and simple way how you can watch Netflix US while being in Europe:

1. Download a VPN with US servers
2. Open the app and log in
3. Connect to a server with a US IP address
4. Log in to your Netflix and enjoy the US library!

How do I get a European VPN?

Getting a European VPN service is as simple as picking one of our recommendations. You just need to pick a VPN service and download the appropriate app for your device. Once you install it following the installation steps, you’ll have a European VPN at your disposal and ready to use.

Which VPNs have European servers?

Each of the five VPN services we’ve shared with you in this VPN Europe guide offers a good selection of servers based in European countries. So, depending on your specific needs and preferences, you can pick any of our top recommendations and be sure you won’t go wrong with your choice.

What is the 14 Eyes Alliance and why does it matter to European VPN users?

The term 14 Eyes Alliance refers to the international surveillance organization. It is made up of 14 countries. This alliance matters to VPNs users because ten of these fourteen countries are European countries. These include the UK, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.

The 14 Eyes Alliance matters for European VPN users because any of these countries can request online information from any other country from this list. So, if a VPN is based in any of the above countries, it can be asked to provide data details on you. But, as long as you sign up with a zero-logs VPN, there’s no risk.

Can I watch European sports competitions with a VPN for Europe?

Yes, one of the great strengths of a quality VPN for Europe is the ability to provide access to any sports event without any restriction. While otherwise some of these events would be only accessible within the game’s home country, with a VPN, you can avoid streaming blackouts and enjoy any sporting event you want.

Conclusion

If you want unrestricted access to any site or streaming service in Europe, you need a stable and powerful VPN you can rely on. In other words, the VPN you pick should offer fast speeds, solid unblocking power, and great security levels. That way, you can be certain you have maximum online freedom to stream, torrent, game, or simply explore different platforms across European countries.

Each of the five VPNs we’ve discussed in-depth above is capable of providing you with all of these things. Of course, if you want to find out more about any of the VPNs from this guide, we recommend reading our separate detailed reviews on the brands that interest you. Ultimately, we recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for Europe in 2023.