Given the nature of online life, digital nomads are able to hand in work from anywhere. A VPN will allow you to spoof your location, so you can appear to be back at home, or in another country entirely. Not only that, but a VPN can keep digital nomads safe from the threats of public wifi.

Anyone who spends a lot of time abroad will benefit from the use of a quality VPN. It’s ideal if you need to access region-locked financial services like online banking or credit cards. It will also unblock banned communication apps and streaming platforms. This includes the likes of Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, along with any sites subject to blocks by the local government. For example, China has banned Google, YouTube, Facebook, Wikipedia, and many other sites and services.

We’ll look at each of the providers in-depth, but we’ve also included a roundup of the best VPNs for digital nomads below.

Here’s a quick summary with some of the best VPNs for digital nomads: 

  • NordVPN: Our top pick for digital nomads. Capable provider with superb streaming functionality, strong security, and numerous high-speed servers. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for digital nomads. Unlimited simultaneous devices, great for streaming, numerous deals at any given time.
  • ExpressVPN: Vast network of fast servers in 90+ countries, great for unblocking services consistently.
  • CyberGhost: Great for beginners, speedy servers, user-friendly apps. Ideal for busy digital nomads.
  • IPVanish: Popular Kodi solution, IPVanish owns and operates its network of servers.
  • PrivateVPN: Servers in 60+ countries, great for streaming, offers Stealth Mode for regions like China for nomads in Asia.
  • Atlas VPN: Reliable VPN with apps for all platforms. Will access multiple streaming platforms and online services worldwide.

The best VPNs for digital nomads

We’ve picked out the best VPNs for digital nomads according to the following criteria:

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • Has a global server network
  • Can access region-locked content, or may offer ways to evade government restrictions
  • Offers high speeds and reliable connections
  • Has apps for all major platforms including Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
  • Secures your web traffic, and keeps no logs of user data

Here’s a list of the best VPNs for digital nomads:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top recommendation for digital nomads. One of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, it offers consistently stable connections in a range of different locations worldwide. (It’s dependable, even if local internet speeds aren’t the greatest.) NordVPN is also able to evade government restrictions, and it’s our top pick for accessing websites that are blocked in China.

You’ll be able to use one account with up to six devices simultaneously. With 5,500+ high-speed servers in 59 countries, it’s ideal for anyone traveling the world. It also comes with dedicated IP addresses in the US (four cities), the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

BEST VPN SERVICE FOR DIGITAL NOMADS:NordVPN is a superior service in many respects, with strong security and privacy features coupled with thousands of high-speed servers to choose from across the globe. It comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Easy to use apps for all devices
  • Multiple high-speed servers worldwide
  • Unblocks numerous streaming platforms
  • Strict no-logs policy
  • Works in China
  • Has 24/7 live chat support

Cons:

  • Can take a bit of time to switch servers

Our score:

Read our review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a budget-friendly provider with a collection of 3200+ servers in 65 countries. It keeps no logs and benefits from security features such as an automatic kill switch, AES-256 encryption, ad-blocking, malware scanning, and protection against leaks. It’s another great choice for accessing regions like China, which can often be difficult to connect to with a VPN.

Especially performant given the price tag, it averaged over 320 Mbps during speed tests, and it allows for unlimited simultaneous connections. This means that you’ll be able to use Surfshark with all of your device without lag or buffering. You’ll find apps for Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and MacOS, along with browser support for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

It can even be used to access platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+, so you’ll never have to worry about region-locked apps. Surfshark also allows you to get a static IP address from five countries (Germany, the US, the UK, Japan, and Singapore) at no added cost.

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR DIGITAL NOMADS:Surfshark is affordable, offers strong security, and accesses lots of blocked sites and services. Protects unlimited devices, and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Unlimited device connections, so you can share a single account

  • Superb connection speeds

  • Works in China

  • Strong security and privacy features

  • Unblocks various streaming platforms

  • Occasional slow server

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a little pricier than the others to make this list, but it’s unrivaled by most of the competition if you need to unblock sites and services consistently. It benefits from a vast selection of servers to choose from (3,000 VPN servers across 94 different countries), as well as ultra-fast connection speeds. It can also access countries where VPNs are typically blocked, such as China, Indonesia, and Iran.

The provider uses industry-standard 256-bit AES encryption, and has apps available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV, and compatible routers. There’s an in-built kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling, so you can choose which apps are connected with the VPN.

It has 24/7 chat support, and it allows for five devices to be connected simultaneously. It doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, and you’ll be able to pay anonymously via Bitcoin.

SUPERB STREAMING PROVIDER:ExpressVPN can do almost anything, with impressive speeds, solid security, and lots of additional features. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • A bit more expensive than other VPNs

Read our review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has a massive network of high-speed servers that can be used to connect to local services from anywhere in the world. A total of 8800+ servers in over 90 countries is going to be tough to beat. (However, that doesn’t include China or the UAE.) Another great pick for digital nomads, the service is registered in Romania, benefiting from strict local data laws.

Security features include 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, an internet kill switch, and leak protection. It doesn’t store any identifying logs about its users. CyberGhost’s average download speed was 548 Mbps across all locations and times, so there’s little chance of lag or slowdown.

GREAT BEGINNER VPN:CyberGhost is great for new users, with thousands of servers to choose from in over 90 countries. Great for streaming, superb connections speeds, generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Ideal for beginners

  • Large server network located worldwide

  • Various security features

  • Great for streaming

  • Struggles in China and UAE

Read our full user review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

IPVanish is also a great choice if you need a VPN for your travels as a digital nomad. You’ll find 2,000 servers to choose from across 75 locations. As the service owns and operates these servers, it’s consistently one of the faster providers, and it boasts high security. (Other VPNs may rent their servers from third parties.)

IPVanish comes with apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS, and allows for 10 simultaneous device connections.

QUICK, SECURE VPN:IPVanish is a secure option with thousands of servers to connect you on your travels. 10 simultaneous connections, and will unblock various services. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • 2,000+ speedy self-owned servers

  • Works with Netflix

  • 10 simultaneous connections

  • No logs privacy policy

  • Doesn’t work in China

  • Struggles with some popular streaming services

Read our full review of IPVanish.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN works in numerous authoritarian countries, including China. This is thanks to a special feature called “Stealth mode” which can be enabled in the settings. It consistently unblocks streaming platforms, and can be used to access various versions of Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. In fact, it’s one of our top recommendations for streaming overall.

It uses 256-bit encryption and stores no logs about a users’ online activity. Additional security and privacy features include IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection, as well as a strict no-logs policy and a kill switch.

You’ll find PrivateVPN apps for iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows, and it can be used with six simultaneous devices.

PERFECT STREAMING VPN:PrivateVPN will easily handle your entertainment needs and gives access to over 60 countries. Secure connections, six simultaneous devices, and it offers a simple 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works in countries like China due to Stealth Mode

  • Works with Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer

  • Speedy servers

  • Strong streaming capabilities

  • Smaller network of 200+ servers

Read our review of PrivateVPN.

7. Atlas VPN

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

Atlas VPN has grown rapidly since being launched in 2019. A great pick for streaming, it works with multiple services including Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and more. One downside is that it has a smaller network compared to others on this list with 750+ servers in 30+ locations.

As well as the basics like DNS leak protection, a kill-switch, and AES-256 encryption, it comes with malware filtering and adblocking. Connection speeds are great thanks to the WireGuard protocol, and it offers a selection of low-cost deals. You’ll find apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Firestick. A single account can also be used with unlimited simultaneous devices, which is always a good bonus.

Live chat is available 24/7 for subscribers, and it even offers a limited free tier with data caps.

GREAT LOW-COST OPTION:AtlasVPN offers improved privacy and strong streaming capabilities for digital nomads. It does have fewer locations, but you’ll be able to connect an unlimited number of devices with a single account. Simple 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Great for streaming

  • Unlimited simultaneous devices

  • Allows for torrenting, and offers speeds quick enough to do so

  • Struggles in China

  • Smaller network with roughly 750 servers

Find out more in our AtlasVPN review.

How to set-up a VPN for digital nomads

It’s not especially difficult to get started with a VPN service, despite the numerous convoluted technical terms. We’ve put together a quick step-by-step guide to take you through the process.

Here’s how to set up a VPN for digital nomads:

  • Select a VPN service if you haven’t done so already. (We’d recommend NordVPN for digital nomads.)
  • Sign up with the VPN, and download the relevant app for your device. (NordVPN has apps for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows.)
  • Install the app, and login when prompted to do so.
  • Select a server to connect to. You can choose a physical location which is nearer for faster speeds, or you can connect to a location like the US or the UK.)
  • Turn the kill switch on in case the connection cuts out unexpectedly.
  • You should now be assigned with a new IP address that matches the location you’ve selected. It can be used to access blocked sites and services from anywhere.

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for digital nomads

A VPN for digital nomads needs lots of high-speed servers located in numerous countries, along with the ability to access region-locked services consistently. Strong security is a must, and it has to be easy to use.

Here is the criteria we used for when creating our list of the best VPNs for digital nomads:

Free VPNs are also dangerous in terms of privacy. Some will sell your data to third-parties, while others can’t be trusted to provide a basic level of encryption. Such was the case with UFO VPN in 2020, as it left user logs on the web without a password or any other authentication required to access the data.

In some countries, sites like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Google are blocked entirely. A VPN is a safe and easy method to bypass any online restrictions. 

A VPN can secure an otherwise insecure network. For example, using a VPN while connected to a public wi-fi hotspot will protect you from hackers and snoopers on the local network.

Hackers can set up their own wi-fi hotspots, which is an obvious privacy risk. A VPN will encrypt all traffic sent between your device and the VPN server. This means that nobody else will be able to decipher any data in the first place. 

You could try a satellite network, or even a portable router to access the internet. Be wary of fake hotspots, and make sure to avoid auto-joining Wi-Fi networks until they have been vetted.

The premium VPNs listed above offer quick connection speeds that ensure the impact of lag is going to be lessened, even if you don’t have the fastest internet plan to begin with.

Enable two-factor authentication, as well as your firewall. Make sure all of your devices are updated to the latest firmware, and set strong passwords for all accounts. We’d also advise to back up your data to the cloud regularly, just in case you run into issues, or happen to lose your device while abroad. (That way, your work will always be safe.) 

When your VPN is active, make sure that the kill switch is on at all times. You could also look at additional software such as an antivirus, and a password manager.