VPN for travel
On a trip, a VPN handles two different jobs: security on public Wi-Fi at hotels and airports, and access to services you use at home (banking, streaming, email) that may be unavailable or behave differently abroad.
For travel, connection stability across different network types and broad platform support matter most — you'll likely switch between phone, laptop, and tablet.
How we choose: This shortlist includes highly rated providers with multi-platform support and the "Netflix/streaming" tag (access to familiar services abroad).
ExpressVPN
⭐ 4.8
$6.7/mo
Windows · macOS · iOS · Android · Linux · Router
$3.5/mo
Windows · macOS · iOS · Android · Linux
$2.19/mo
Windows · macOS · iOS · Android · Linux · TV
CyberGhost VPN
⭐ 4.3
$2.03/mo
Windows · macOS · iOS · Android · Linux · Router
PrivateVPN
⭐ 4.1
$2/mo
Windows · macOS · iOS · Android · Linux · Router
$5/mo
Windows · macOS · iOS · Android · Router · TV
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to turn on a VPN on hotel Wi-Fi?
Not strictly required, but recommended — public networks are harder to secure, and a VPN encrypts your traffic from other users on the same network.
Will a VPN work in a country with internet censorship?
Not always — some countries block VPN traffic at the ISP level. Check with the specific service whether it supports traffic obfuscation or circumvention protocols before you travel.
Should I set up the VPN before the trip?
Yes, install and test the app at home while you still have normal internet access and can reach the provider's site — in some countries, VPN provider websites themselves may be blocked.