Best VPNs for Digital Nomads to Stay Secure Anywhere

We know how amazing it is to travel the world while working remotely, but let's face it: staying connected and secure while on the go can be quite a challenge.

Public Wi-Fi networks can be a breeding ground for hackers, and accessing your favorite Netflix show from back home can be nearly impossible due to geo-restrictions.

But don't worry; we've got you covered! In this article, we'll introduce you to the beautiful world of VPNs, how they can make your digital nomad life much easier, and help you choose the best for your needs.

So, buckle up and get ready to discover the best VPNs for digital nomads tailored to your unique needs and preferences. We've carefully analyzed numerous VPNs and handpicked the best, considering factors like global server coverage, unblocking capabilities, privacy, speed, security, ease of use, and value for money.

So, let's explore our top choices and find the perfect VPN companion for your adventurous nomad travels!

1. NordVPN: Best Overall Digital Nomad VPN

When trying out NordVPN, we were wowed by their fantastic privacy options, blazing speeds, and handy add-ons.

Their Threat Protection tool is great for blocking ads and harmful websites, while their Double encryption and wide server network enhanced our security while browsing. Unblocking streaming services like US Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN was easy and helped us stay connected to our favorite shows while traveling.

NordVPN's ability to bypass government restrictions and work seamlessly in China is also a huge bonus. With features like double VPN, Tor over VPN, automatic kill switch, built-in ad blocker, and 256-bit encryption, NordVPN provides the ultimate peace of mind. Finally, extra goodies like Meshnet for private encrypted networks, Dark Web Monitor for account breach alerts, Dedicated IP, and SmartDNS for easy streaming setup made the slightly higher price totally worth it.

With NordVPN, we felt secure and connected wherever our digital nomad adventures took us. That's why we think it’s definitely one of the top VPNs for digital nomads you should seriously consider.

Features:

• Servers/countries: 5,700+ servers in 60 countries
• Streaming sites: Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Apple TV+, Hulu, Peacock
• Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
• Money Back Guarantee: 30 Days
• Support: Live chat, email, help center

NordVPN Pricing

• 1-month plan: $12.99 (Standard); $14.19 (Plus); $15.69 (Complete)
• 1-year plan: $124.35 (Standard); $158.70 (Plus); $248.55 (Complete)
• 2-year plan: $223.83 (Standard); $285.66 (Plus); $447.39 (Complete)

2. ExpressVPN: Most Premium VPN Option

ExpressVPN impressed us with its ultra-fast connections, superior security, and inventive features like its own groundbreaking Lightway protocol. As we all know, a fast, reliable, and secure internet connection is crucial for digital nomads, and ExpressVPN certainly delivered.

Although ExpressVPN comes with a higher price tag than some alternatives, the seamless unblocking of websites and services, along with cutting-edge features like selective routing, the innovative TrustedServer approach, the Network Lock safeguard, and private DNS functionality, make it a worthwhile choice.

The option to pay using Bitcoin for added anonymity and the ability to explore hidden .onion websites via Tor is also a nice addition. With a vast network of over 3,000 VPN servers in 94 countries, you can easily access content from around the globe, even in locations known for blocking VPNs, such as China, Indonesia, and Iran.

As digital nomads, we appreciated the handy built-in speed test tool that ensured we always found the quickest server for our work activities, whether in a bustling cafe or a coworking space in a jungle. Finally, the addition of the Threat Manager, which prevents communication between apps, sites, trackers, and malicious parties, along with the groundbreaking Lightway protocol for an optimized and more dependable VPN experience, distinguishes ExpressVPN as a top contender for digital nomads seeking a reliable and secure online experience.

Features

• Servers/countries: 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
• Streaming sites: Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Apple TV+, Hulu
• Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
• Money Back Guarantee: 30 Days
• Support: Live chat, email

ExpressVPN Pricing

• 1-month plan: $12.95/month
• 6-month plan: $9.99/month (billed as $59.95 every six months)
• 12-month plan: $8.32/month (billed as $99.84 annually)

3. CyberGhost: Best Nomad VPN for Beginners

CyberGhost's extremely user-friendly interface and exclusive NoSpy servers caught our attention.

As digital nomads always on the move, we appreciated how the streaming-optimized servers allowed us to binge-watch our favorite shows from anywhere. True, the connection speeds occasionally varied, but considering the price and ease of use, CyberGhost ranks high on our list.

The security aspect was impressive, too, and we enjoyed end-to-end protection across all our devices with robust encryption. Additionally, the automatic kill switch provided an extra layer of security, and their split-tunneling feature allowed us to choose which apps we wanted to protect, which was quite convenient.

But CyberGhost's commitment to maintaining our online privacy won us over. Being based in Romania (outside those pesky surveillance alliances) and adhering to a strict No-Logs policy meant we could relax, knowing our privacy was well protected. We loved that we could also use CyberGhost VPN on up to 7 devices simultaneously with just one subscription. And with more than 7,000 servers in 90 countries, we never had to worry about being unable to access our desired content.

CyberGhost checked all the right boxes for us, providing excellent digital protection, top-tier privacy, and an outstanding user experience, all at a reasonable price.

Features:

• Servers/countries: 7,300+ servers in 91 countries
• Streaming sites: Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer
• Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
• Money Back Guarantee: 45 Days
• Support: Live chat, email, help center

CyberGhost Pricing

• 1-month plan: $12.99/month
• 6-month plan: $6.99/month (billed as $41.94 every 6 months)
• 2-year plan: $2.11/month (billed $56.97 first 2 years and yearly thereafter)

4. IPVanish: Best for Device Compatibility

We were genuinely impressed with IPVanish's robust privacy features and device compatibility when putting it to the test.

The Scramble function effectively concealed VPN usage and contributed to our sense of security while online. The vast server network and high-speed connections were commendable, although we encountered some limitations with streaming compatibility.

However, one of IPVanish's most significant advantages for digital nomads is, without any doubt, the VPN's compatibility with multiple devices. With dedicated apps for all major platforms and operating systems, we were able to secure every device we owned, making it convenient and reassuring as we moved between locations. Additionally, the unmetered unlimited simultaneous connections feature allowed us to connect multiple devices to IPVanish's VPN network simultaneously without any restrictions. This flexibility proved invaluable when managing our numerous devices and maintaining privacy at all times while working remotely and traveling.

Beyond device compatibility and unmetered connections, IPVanish offers top-notch browsing experiences, customizable VPN filtering for specific apps, a VPN kill switch, and a versatile SOCKS5 proxy.

Features:

• Servers/countries: 1,900+ servers in 75+ locations
• Streaming sites: Only few streaming platforms
• Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
• Money Back Guarantee: 30 Days
• Support: Live chat, email, phone

IPVanish Pricing

• 1-month plan: $11.99/month
• 1-year plan: $4.50/month (billed as $53.99 first year)
• 2-year plan: $3.33/month (billed $79.99 first 2 years)

5. Surfshark: Best Value-for-Money

Surfshark won us over with its perfect balance between cost and quality. It has everything we need as digital nomads: top-notch security, privacy, and performance - all without breaking the bank.

It's not just about the price, though. It's also packed with neat features like their ad-blocking CleanWeb 2.0 and their VPN split tunneling Bypasser. But what set it apart was the unlimited device connections, a fantastic feature for digital nomads on the go. We also found Surfshark's speeds pretty consistent during testing, and we loved knowing they don't keep logs of our online activities.

Surfshark believes the internet should be open for everyone, so their NoBorders mode lets you use the VPN no matter where you are. Plus, we could change our IP address and encrypt our internet activity with top-notch encryption, which was also helpful for websites that limit usage using your IP address (image compression websites, for instance).

The icing on the cake? We could choose from different secure protocols, with WireGuard® set as the default and other options like OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPsec available too.

Features:

• Servers/countries: 3,200+ RAM-only servers in 100+ countries
• Streaming sites: Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Apple TV+, Hulu, Peacock
• Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
• Money Back Guarantee: 30 Days
• Support: Live chat, email, help center

Surfshark Pricing

• 1-month plan: $12.95/month
• 12-month plan: $3.99/month (billed as $59.76 every 12 months)
• 2-year plan: $2.39/month (billed as $59.76 every 2 years)

Why Do You Need a VPN as a Digital Nomad?

Using a VPN is a must for digital nomads who want to stay safe and enjoy their online experience while traveling and working remotely.

Imagine being able to watch your favorite shows or keep up with your sports team from anywhere in the world. Wouldn’t it be nice? Well, a VPN can do just that.

A good VPN helps you stay anonymous, making it harder for anyone to snoop on your online activities. And you might even find better deals on flights when using a VPN to search for tickets or keeping your login details and online banking activities hidden from prying eyes. Having a VPN by your side makes life on the road much easier and worry-free.

So, What's the Best VPN For Digital Nomads?

Alright, here's the thing: choosing the perfect VPN for digital nomads really depends on your personal needs.

Overall, we believe that NordVPN is the best choice because of its excellent privacy, ultra-fast speeds, and nifty features perfectly suited to digital nomads. If budget is a concern, Surfshark offers a great balance between cost and quality without sacrificing the essentials. For those looking for top-of-the-line, instead, ExpressVPN delivers blazing-fast connections and creative features while CyberGhost is ideal for newcomers, thanks to its user-friendly setup and awesome streaming perks.

Other options in the market have their own strengths: IPVanish is perfect for syncing various devices and PrivateVPN for a blend of functionality and value.

At the end of the day, it's all about what works best for you – whether it's price, server locations, streaming, or security features that make the difference.

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How To Set Up a VPN for Digital Nomads

Setting up a VPN for digital nomads is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in just a few easy steps. By following these instructions, you'll be ready to enjoy a secure and private internet connection, no matter where your travels take you.

1. Research and choose a reputable VPN provider that suits your needs and budget
2. Sign up for a subscription plan with your chosen VPN service
3. Download and install the VPN app or software for your specific operating system (e.g., Windows, Mac, Android, iOS)
4. Launch the VPN application and sign in with your account credentials.
5. Select a VPN server location based on your desired virtual location or the fastest available connection.
6. Activate the VPN connection by clicking the "connect" button or a similar option in the app.
7. Verify your VPN is connected and working properly by checking your IP address or using a VPN leak test tool online.

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