7 best VPNs for Europe in 2022 (stealthy privacy and online anonymity)

It’s no news that online fraud and security threats are on the rise in countries worldwide, and Europe is no exception to this. And although Europe isn’t overly restricting website contents, some countries block specific contents that are deemed unsuitable for public consumption.

For instance, Germany and France restrict hate speech. Sweden, on its part, requires ISPs to block contents containing racial agitation, rebellion, copyright infringement, underage victims, and illegal descriptions of violence.

Hence, to protect your online activities against the government and ISP tracking, you need a VPN. But that is not all a VPN does. It also unblocks restricted contents.

Just as long as your VPN provider boasts servers in European countries, you can watch your favorite shows ranging from the premier league and champion league to regular content on Netflix, Amazon, or Amazon Prime Video. Also, a VPN can hide your IP address, making it appear as though you are in another country.

This article provides a complete detailed analysis of the seven best Europe VPNs that offer maximum security and safety to users anywhere in the EU region.

The quick list of top VPNs for Europe

Short on time? No problem. Below we provide you with the quick overview of the best Europe VPNs out there.

1. NordVPN: Our number one recommendation here. The VPN boasts super-fast speed and has incredible geo-unblocking capacities, enabling users to access local and international content from within and outside Europe.
2. Surfshark: This VPN is ideal for online users looking to save some without compromising their privacy and security. It offers low-priced annual subscription fees along with an outstanding level of online protection and unlimited connection.
3. ExpressVPN: It has excellent and broad server coverage, fast connection speed, and a reliable unblocking ability, as well as quality app support.
4. Private VPN: Although we cannot compare Private VPN to other services on this list, it’s still a great choice to consider. It has several servers in Europe, offers speed connections, and can unblock geo-restricted contents without issues.
5. Private Internet Access: PIA has strong encryption. When combined with its automatic kill switch and several other features, your online safety and security are secured while surfing, streaming, or torrenting.
6. PureVPN: Like the others, Pure VPN is among the best European VPN featuring super-fast speed and high-level encryption while also offering top-notch privacy and security.
7. IPVanish: If you require a VPN that boasts a high connection limit, robust security features, and a lightweight app, then IPVanish is your best bet. This VPN has a strict no-log policy. It also allows you to select from its hundreds of servers available across Europe.

How to use a VPN in Europe

Criteria for ranking VPN providers

While ranking the VPN services on this list, we considered the following factors:

• Killswitch: A kill switch automatically disconnects you from the internet. This prevents data leaks in case your VPN connection goes down.
• Zero-logs policy: Service providers with log free VPN in Europe conceals your identity so efficiently, it will seem like you were never there. 
• Worldwide server network: The more servers there are across the world, the more access you will get to geo-restricted content. fortunately, all the VPNs reviewed in this article can bypass any geo-block.
• Privacy and security level of VPN: To achieve the best result, select a VPN that offers 256-bit encryption. All VPNs that made this list take privacy and security very seriously.
• Rate of connection speed: If you love online gaming, large torrenting, or streaming in HD, then a high-speed connection is a top priority. A VPN with a highspeed connection means less lagging, buffering, and better image and video quality.
• Level of customer support: An ideal VPN service provider should have robust customer support. This enables users’ reach out when they encounter any problem. Fortunately, all VPNs listed in this article all have an excellent customer support system.

Comparison of the 7 best VPNs for Europe

The best VPNs For Europe: Full analysis

Although Europe isn’t in the same category as China and Australia regarding internet restrictions, it’s still important to protect yourself online when using a public hotspot or WiFi network, even when you are browsing within the safety of your home.

There are always cyber hackers and attackers lurking around, waiting to take advantage of any vulnerability. And when they detect a loophole in your security, they can track your online activities and access your information.

This is why we cannot overemphasize the importance of a VPN. It is the best way to ensure your online privacy and safety. After much search and testing, we have come up with the seven best VPNs for Europe. Here is a detailed analysis of each VPN service provider:

1. NordVPN

The number 1 VPN recommended for Europe. With its 2500+ servers, NordVPN never fails to provide you with a working and fast-speed European IP address – be it from any country.

Visit NordVPN

5,000+ across 60 countries

Supports P2P optimized servers

Zero-logs policy

24/7 customer live chat support

AES-256-bit encryption

Allows 6 simultaneous logins

DNS leak protection

Double VPN

30 days money-back guarantee

Pros

• Super-fast download speed
• Offers app support for major devices
• It offers a pocket-friendly yearly subscription plan
• Offers strong security and privacy protection

Cons

• It’s not a user-friendly VPN

NordVPN is everything you wish for in a VPN and more. Its lightning speed, wide server coverage, along with its comprehensive app support, makes it an ideal choice for security-conscious users. The VPN provider offers well over 5,000 servers across 60 countries, with 2700 servers located in 35+ countries across Europe.

It is one fast VPN in Europe, the fastest you will be around. This makes it easy to stream HD videos, share files and engage in online gaming. Also, there is no data limit to spoil your fun.

 With NordVPN, you don’t have to worry about your privacy and security. This is because it has all the necessary features to guarantee your online safety and anonymity. This includes DNS and IPv6 leak protection and watertight 256-bit encryption. Also, it features a customizable kill switch, automatic malware blocking, and a port forward leak protection. Still, it provides obfuscated servers along with Tor over VPN and a dual VPN functionality.

Moreover, its strict no-log policy ensures your online activities can’t be traced back to you. And if ever you need help, there is 24/7 customer support available via chat. NordVPN app supports Android TV, Amazon Fire, Android, Linux, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices. It offers router protection and features chrome and Firefox browser. Also, users can connect up to six simultaneous devices with just one subscription.

2. Surfshark

This affordable VPN provider doesn’t fail to unblock European content anywhere. Thanks to its hundreds of servers in 30 countries, you can always get a viable IP address from your desired region when using Surfshark.

Visit Surfshark

3,200 servers in 65 countries

AES-256-bit encryption

Boasts zero-log policy

MultiHop mode

Camouflage Mode

Allows unlimited simultaneous devices

30-day money-back guarantee

Pros

• It is one of the best cheap VPNs for Europe
• Fast connection speed
• No connection limits
• Excellent customer support

Cons

• It does not have many advanced features

Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPN in Europe, with over 3200 servers across more than 60 countries globally, many of which are in Europe. It’s so fast that it ensures lag-free streaming and torrenting. It is also capable of bypassing even the strictest geo-restrictions. Hence there’s barely anything you can’t do. One unique feature of Surfshark is that it allows users to connect as many devices as possible. So, users can stream, browse and torrent safely, both at home and on the go.

It boasts robust security and privacy features. For starters, there’s IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection. It also features a kill switch and 256-bit AES encryption. It supports three cryptocurrency payment which includes Ripple, Ethereum, and Bitcoin.

Also, Surfshark has a strict no-log policy. Hence your data are always kept safe. It offers app support for Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, and Amazon Fire. Users will have to configure this manually, though. Besides, there are Firefox and Chrome browser extensions that offer router protection.

Furthermore, Surfshark offers around-the-clock customer support, including a 24/7 chat, a searchable knowledge base, and support contact form.

3. ExpressVPN

The most resilient VPN provider offering numerous European server locations, helping users to evade geo-restrictions, access desired content, and enjoy unlimited browsing.

Visit ExpressVPN

3,000+ servers across 94 countries

AES-256-bit encryption

IPv6 leak protection

Boasts P2P optimized servers

Up to 5 simultaneous devices

30-day money back guarantee

Pros

• Zero-log policy for complete privacy
• Top-notch privacy and security features
• Excellent speed for streaming and downloading
• Able to unblock geo-restricted contents

Cons

• A little more expensive than other options
• Enables only five simultaneous connections

ExpressVPN offers complete anonymity and privacy to its users. It camouflages all your online activities, ensuring there is no data leak whatsoever. It features over 3000 servers across 94 countries, with 40+ of these in Europe alone.

This VPN guarantees a super-fast connection. It is suitable for gaming, large torrenting files, and streaming in HDR and 4K. With ExpressVPN, there are no data caps whatsoever.

While it’s has a blazing speed, this does not limit privacy and security. ExpressVPN protects all your online activities from prying eyes, all thanks to its military-grade level encryption. There’s also an IPv6 leak and DNS protection. We are impressed by its automatic killswitch, which protects users’ sensitive information, including but not limited to your IP address so that even when you get disconnected, your information is safe and private.

The VPN adheres to a strict zero-log policy. This means that it stores no data or history-its like you were never there to start with! Still, it has excellent split tunneling features along with a TrustedServer technology that deletes all server data once you reboot since the servers run on the only RAM.

No matter the device you prefer, there’s a good chance ExpressVPN has an app for it. This VPN is compatible with Windows, Linux, iOS, macOS, and Android devices. It also allows you to up to five simultaneous connections with just one subscription.

Moreover, with Chrome and Firefox extensions, you can protect your browser sessions. ExpressVPN provider also offers router compatibility. This protects all your connected devices. Furthermore, it has robust customer support, including 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support database.

4. PrivateVPN

Although it has a small VPN network, still it doesn’t miss to include European locations. It’s a good choice for all those looking for an affordable but reputable VPN.

Visit PrivateVPN

200+ server locations across 63 countries

AES-256-bit encryption

Unrestricted P2P sharing

Zero-logs policy

10 simultaneous devices

30 days money-back guarantee

Pros

• Allows up to six simultaneous connections
• It’s Stealth VPN keeps your online usage incognito
• It has a speedy connection
• Offer watertight privacy and security

Cons

• It has a thin app support
• It has a small number of servers

Although PrivateVPN has fewer servers than its counterparts (only 200 servers spread thinly across 63 countries, including Europe), it’s still a great option to consider as it offers higher speed. Its fast pace makes it the ideal Europe VPN for streaming, online gaming, and file sharing easy and seamless. You don’t have to worry about data caps too.

Also, this VPN does a great job of unblocking geo-restricted contents and sites, thereby allowing you to access platforms such as TF1, ORF, Telecinco, including more than 10 European Netflix libraries.

Private VPN has a high score in the online protection category. This is because it offers bank-level encryption and a kill switch to prevent data leaks and DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection. Still, there’s a stealth VPN option to consider. This cloaks your online activities, giving it an appearance of regular browser traffic.

Furthermore, it is one of the best Europe VPN for android. It also has iOS, windows, android, and macOS apps. However, if you wish to use it with Linux systems, you will need to install it manually. Also, PrivateVPN supports internet routers. If you want, there is live chat customer support available 24/7/ there’s also email support and FAQ section for added support.

5. Private Internet Access

PIA VPN’s large server network offers many EU locations for the pro users. From streaming EU media to browsing trending EU news, this VPN makes you feel at home for any activities anywhere.

Visit PIA

Thousands of servers across 84 countries

AES-128/256-bit encryption

Up to 10 simultaneous connections

DNS leak protection

30-days of money-back guarantee

Pros

• Features military-grade encryption
• Ensures online privacy and protection
• Presence of firewall
• The app is compatible with major platforms

Cons

• Not a popular product

PIA offers an excellent VPN service with a decent speed, robust security features, and many servers. There are more than 3000 servers in Europe alone, with lots of others spread across 84 countries of the world. Also, this VPN service can unblock almost any restricted content and enables safe torrenting too.

Its security is not in doubt. It has several features that ensure the strong security and safety of its online users. This includes a kill switch, industry-certified encryption, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, port forwarding, split tunneling, ad blocker, malware protection, and secure VPN protocols.

Besides, it features several applications suitable for many operating systems and platforms, including Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, and Linux. Also, it offers browser extensions on Firefox, Opera, and Chrome that are all usable. However, depending on the platform in use, some features may not work.

With just one subscription, users can connect up to ten devices at once. Also, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. And although it doesn’t offer free trials, its subscription plans are one of the cheapest on the market.

6. PureVPN

From robust security to thorough privacy, this VPN providers doesn’t violate EU GDPR laws. Thus, it’s ideal to use this VPN in and outside Europe without worries.

Visit PureVPN

6,500+ servers across 78+ countries

AES-256-bit encryption

Allows P2P sharing

DNS leak protection

Allows 10 devices simultaneously

31-day money-back guarantee

Pros

• Allows five simultaneous connection
• Has a zero-log policy
• It has a fantastic speed
• Features a one-click kill switch for emergencies

Cons

• The trial period is not free
• Its customer support could be more robust

For ten years, PureVPN has been protecting the privacy of online users across the world. The VPN provider has its base in Hong Kong, China, with several servers located worldwide.

One of the best features of this VPN is its fantastic speed; this enables users to surf the net while still being connected to the service. It doesn’t slow down your internet connection so much; this feature makes it an ideal choice for students in hostels, those on the go, or for those with a slow internet connection.

Although its seven-day trial isn’t entirely free, it comes at a price so low that you would love to try it out. And if you are not satisfied with the services, there is a 31-day money-back guarantee to fall back on.

7. IPVanish

It literally vanishes your IP and assigns you with a EU IP address, changing your online location. It’s advanced privacy and security features also make this VPN suitable for users within EU.

Visit IPVanish

2,000+ servers in 75 countries

Allows P2P connections

Strict zero-logs policy

AES-256-bit encryption

Unlimited simultaneous devices

30-day money-back guarantee

Pros

• Excellent security and privacy features
• Fast and lightweight
• Great multi-platform support

Cons

• Cannot efficiently unblock well-known streaming platforms

Another VPN service provider that has made it to our list is IPVanish, a product with 32 servers in Europe alone. We love everything about this VPN, from its lightweight, user-friendly apps, its breakneck speed that makes HD live streaming a breeze to its excellent unblocking abilities, and its robust customer support.

Besides, it allows up to ten simultaneous connections, unlike its rivals which only provide between three to six. It scores very high in the privacy and security department, featuring 256-bit encryption, OpenVPN obfuscation, a kill switch, and IPv6 and DNS leak protection. Still, this VPN keeps no log, and if you ever encounter any problem, there is customer support available to attend to your needs via live chat.

Also, the VPN service offers apps for macOS, iOS, Amazon Fire, and Android devices. Moreover, IPVanish works well on Linux-based platforms and has a select home router that requires manual configuration before it can work.

Why shouldn’t I use a free VPN to access content in Europe?

Although a free VPN is likely to work in Europe, you wouldn’t be impressed with the level of security, privacy, convenience, efficiency, and performance it will deliver.

To begin with, these service providers have fewer servers than their paid counterparts, despite having more subscribers. What this means is that you are likely to experience slow speed. This can then lead to long buffering time and choppy playback when streaming.

Also, most streaming services are quick to block free VPNs, so in the end, you may end up not being able to watch anything at all. Still, lots of free VPN depend on ad-supported business models to make money, while others resort to even shadier means.

These shady VPNs store tracking cookies on your device and collect your online information (for example, which site you are most active on and the time you visit these sites). After collecting such data, advertising companies then buy them without your knowledge.

Furthermore, with free VPNs, you can’t tell if it’s safe or not. A recent study shows that 18% of free VPN apps used by clients have no encryption at all, 40% of these free VPNs contain malware, and over 80% leaked clients’ information over IPv6. Unfortunately, these risks aren’t just limited to unknown companies. Even popular VPN providers such as Hola sell off their users’ bandwidth.

In general, the best way to protect yourself online is by using subscribing to an authentic and paid VPN service.

Advantages of a VPN in Europe

There are many advantages to using a VPN. To begin with, it offers online protection and also enhances your online activities. Also, it encrypts your internet connection, encasing it in an encrypted tunnel of some kind. With this, your mischievous neighbor down the coffee shop or your nosy nelly ISP provider will not be able to monitor your online activities.

The encryption becomes more valuable when using an unprotected public WiFi hotspot such as those found in airports, coffee shops, hotels, and so on. Unprotected hotspots are the main targets of hackers. They are always lurking around, monitoring users’ online activities such as banking, shopping, and bill payment.

Most often, ISPs throttle their users’ internet connection accusing them of inappropriate and unapproved activities. Such activities could include streaming videos from unapproved sites or sharing files using BitTorrent. But with VPN encryption, your ISP is blocked from doing this.

Additionally, a VPN opens tons of gaming, streaming, and other types of content to you since it can spoof your location. This is a temporal condition whereby users are given a new IP address, making it seem like they are in another geographical region when in the real essence, you are somewhere else. This allows you to access geo-restricted contents that are available in the new address.

Internet restrictions and legislation in European regions

While the European Union gets to vote on a new legislation, each country has the final say in enforcing these laws. Hence, the rules in one country within the European Union may differ from the rule in another country.

Here are the things to know when using the internet in Europe:

Ensure you do proper research on the laws of the country you are visiting, as this can have a significant impact on your cybersecurity. There has been a spike in online surveillance within some European countries, which has raised some concerns. For instance, the UK employs a broad web filter to block access to specific content. However, these restrictions are not inefficient as users can easily bypass them with a VPN. Also, the UK is pushing for a law requiring internet users to provide an ID before accessing x-rated contents.

Moreover, in recent times, Russia requested that VPN providers enable the government to access their servers. This is in a likely bid to prevent users from accessing banned content. However, given Russia’s record of silencing its journalists and activists, many people are apprehensive about the impact of this rule on the nation. As a result, many VPNs, including NordVPN, have shut down their Russian servers rather than comply with the law.

There’s also the European Union Council’s Copyright Directive, which is popularly called Article 13. The directive mandates online platforms to automatically filter out copyright contents uploaded by users within the European Union.

What are the 14 eyes, and what do they have to do with me?

The 14 Eyes refer to a group of countries (10 of which are in Europe) that share surveillance information with each other. With this, governments can claim they don’t monitor their citizens’ online activities.

However, in reality, they know all about it. For example, if the USA requires information about a particular user, it could ask any of the 13 countries to provide them with the needed information.

So, how does this affect you? Well, if you are connected to a VPN server in any of these countries, you could be asked to provide details of your online activities. However, if you are using a VPN with a strict no-log policy, then you are safe. But note that tiny information such as your online connection time can be cross-checked with other traffic logs from various sites you visited. This can then be used to get a picture of your online activities.

The bottom line

Regardless of whether you are a visitor on a short stay or a permanent resident, all European residents need a VPN today. This will enable you to use public WiFi safely, torrent, and unblock geo-restricted contents without facing any problem or having fear. Also, a VPN reduces the risk of cyber-attack and online fraud while also securing your online connection.

With a good VPN, you can hide your identity and location. Hence you will be able to surf the internet anonymously. You can also stream local, national and international events without worrying your head about malware, adware, hackers, fraudsters, and viruses.

We hope having reviewed seven of the top European VPNs on the market, making a choice shouldn’t be so difficult anymore. Still, if you have any questions or encounter any problems, do let us know via the comment box below. We’re here to help in the best of our capacities, any time.

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