Protect Your Privacy and Data with These Best European VPNs

Whether you stay in Europe or travel to this beautiful continent, you must brace yourself for the impact of online censorship and planned cyberattacks. Yes, some parts of Europe are ruthless regarding online freedom and censorship. Nations like Russia and many more don’t like when people use the internet without any bans or restrictions.

Multiple websites, games, social media platforms, streaming sites, and torrenting websites are banned or under surveillance. For someone who is used to internet freedom, this could be very suffocating. That is why experts recommend using the best European VPN to help you eliminate censorship without being caught red-handed.

If this is what you were looking for, this post is here to help, as it features a detailed comparison of the top 5 European VPNs and multiple exciting facts about them.

You will find more helpful information in the following articles:

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Why Do You Need a VPN for Europe?

Besides a rich culture, scrumptious food, and grand architecture, one more thing keeps Europe in the limelight: its online privacy and data safety.

Though Europe claims to be an internet-friendly continent, few nations have imposed strict restrictions on certain online activities.

For instance:

• Russia strictly monitors its citizens; internet freedom hardly exists (VPN for Russia).
• Belarus has been declared an Internet enemy.
• Moldova doesn’t like people expressing their political views in public spaces.
• Nearly 18 European countries have banned torrenting sites.
• Political media is banned in 12 European countries.

To make things worse, there are planned and money-motivated cyberattacks on organizations and ordinary people. ENISA confirmed that there were nearly 304 critical attacks in Europe in 2020.

Basically, the internet is very much restricted and monitored here.

All these hassles will be handled with one tool: European VPN.

A VPN or Virtual Private Network is an advanced technology that hides the actual IP address of an internet user and provides a dummy IP address. While it does so, it adds encryption and improves your online security.

But that is not the only thing that a VPN does. It has a lot more potential.

Here is why you need a European VPN:

• To keep away from surveillance

European countries like Russia and Belarus severely monitor and record online activities. Every click you make, every message you drop, and every website you access will be traced and tracked because many European countries are part of 5-Eyes, 9- Eyes, and 14- Eyes Alliances that allow online tracking.

Members of these alliances can legally log the citizens’ online activities and even ban internet accessibility.

A European VPN can help you deal with this. With a VPN at work, traffic becomes highly encrypted. It comes with premium features like ExpressVPN and Privado VPN, military-grade encryption, IP leak, and obfuscated servers. Hence, no government agency can find out what you’re up to.

• To bypass geo-restrictions

As mentioned above, around 12 European countries have banned torrenting sites. Even though restrictions on the major streaming platforms are not so stringent, it’s still there. If you’re a torrenting and streaming lover (streaming VPN, torrenting VPN), Europe is not the right place to be.

However, a reliable European VPN service provider will help you bypass restrictions as you can connect to a VPN where torrenting and streaming are allowed.

• To reduce the cyberattack risks

When your online data is logged and tracked in daylight, hackers can easily plan an attack and harm your device and data. With a secured VPN, it’s easy to reduce the attack risks as it comes with a strict no-logs policy, encryption for internet traffic, an automated kill switch to prevent IP leaks, and an in-build adware/malware blocker.

How to Choose the Best VPN For Europe?

No random VPN will provide the help you’re seeking while in Europe. You need the best European VPN. And these qualities make a VPN worthy of your trust and time:

• Wide range of global and EU server networks

An ideal European VPN has servers placed worldwide and in key parts of Europe. With global servers, it’s easy to access blocked content, while local Europe servers will help you have secure local internet accessibility.

• VPN servers with powerful security features

As you aim to bypass geo-restrictions and surveillance, your internet traffic must be secured and hidden. This is possible with security features like military-grade encryption for internet traffic, kill switch, IP and DNS leak protection, and strict no-log policies.

In addition, you need to ensure that the European VPN service provider you picked offers specialty servers like obfuscated servers, streaming servers, and P2P-optimized servers. Obfuscated servers are essential as they can help you hide VPN usage, as some European countries don’t even allow VPNs.

Streaming and P2P optimized servers help you quickly unblock streaming and torrenting websites.

• Multi-device support

People use different data-driven devices to access the internet, and an ideal European VPN is one that offers a dedicated app or software support for leading devices like mobile phones, laptops, PCs, tablets, routers, gaming consoles (gaming VPN), SmartTV (Roku TV, Hotstar, Firestick), and so on.

• Unlimited bandwidth and data

VPNs with limited bandwidth and data usage, your experience is very restricted. You need a VPN that provides unlimited bandwidth, and data assistance is here to provide uninterrupted internet accessibility.

• Transparent policies and best ethics

It’s essential that the VPN you’re using adheres to the claims and promises it’s making. You need to check whether or not it follows the strict no-logs policy. VPNs that are using 3rdy party audits are worth trying. The money-back guarantee should work.

Lastly, 24*7 customer support should be available in reality.

Pay attention to these points, and you’ll undoubtedly have your hands on a quality European VPN.

Internet Restrictions in Europe

We have already given you a glimpse of internet restrictions in the European continent. Let’s learn about it in detail.

Europe is an internet-friendly continent – well, almost.

Certain countries have imposed internet censorship. The imposed restrictions are divided into four categories.

• Persuasive censorship means blocking certain political, social, and other content. It’s imposed at a mass level.
• Substantial censorship involves performing a medium level of filtration.
• Selective censorship is when only a handful of websites are blocked.
• No surveillance means total internet freedom.

Based on this, Belarus and Russia are the two nations with the highest possible internet censorship. Belarus imposed persuasive censorship, which means the government here has 3rd generation control over the internet. People are not allowed to post political opinions, internet regulations are heavy, and surveillance is there.

This Tweeter explains the Belarus internet censorship in a crisp and precise manner.

Russia falls under the second category, i.e., substantial censorship. However, many claim that the real censorship is far more strict and ruthless. Fines are imposed on those not adhering to internet censorship.

Informative and globally acknowledged pages like Wikipedia are blocked in Russia if they feature anything against it.

Russian people might soon forget what freedom of speech is, or press freedom, as its internet censorship is becoming tight with each passing day.

Nations like Moldova and Ukraine also have minor internet censorship imposed on their citizens. As far as streaming and torrenting are concerned, many countries have imposed severe copyrights and geo-restrictions.

Overall, certain parts of Europe will not let you experience internet freedom and even make you fear accessing the internet by constantly monitoring you, logging your data, sending a warning, and blocking access randomly.

Pro tip

Those traveling to Europe and spending a few days must use a Europe VPN to access local cyberspace. It’s been observed several times that Russia remains behind multiple planned cyber-attacks. Russian hackers will have eyes on every move and find tourists an easy target.

The Best VPN for Europe in 2024

• ExpressVPN: Unblocks popular streaming services across the EU, servers in over 40 European countries, no-log policy, and dedicated app support for leading platforms.
• PrivadoVPN: Unblocks Amazon Prime Video (Amazon Prime Video VPN), a secure VPN connection, multiple security protocols, robust encryption, and dedicated app support.
• CyberGhost: Wide range of servers in EU countries, compatibility with popular operating systems, multiple security protocols, and responsive customer support.
• NordVPN: A highly budget-friendly VPN with dedicated app support, European servers, public WiFi security, and an audited no-log policy.
• VeePN: Impressive security features, AES- 256 Bit encryption, 30-day money-back guarantee, and multi-platform support.

Detailed Overview of Best VPN Services for Europe

After a quick introduction, it’s time to learn more about these best VPNs for Europe.

#1 – ExpressVPN: Best In Every Sense

ExpressVPN doesn’t need any introduction, as this leading VPN offers all the assistance you need. Starting from a wide server network to user-friendly VPN apps, it excels at every front. This comes from an internet-friendly jurisdiction and doesn’t keep the user logs.

ExpressVPN boasts an extensive and reliable server network, with a significant number strategically located in Europe. This robust network is not to be underestimated, offering specialty servers for streaming and P2P, the power of a Double VPN, and even RAM-based servers for enhanced security.

While ExpressVPN may be considered a premium service, it’s worth every penny. It stands out from other VPNs for Europe with its unique and exceptional features. From protection against DDoS attacks to a diverse range of security protocols, Tor over VPN, Double VPN, and more, it’s a VPN that piques curiosity.

Pros

• Automated kill switch on almost every app
• Great obfuscation feature to hide VPN usage
• Dedicated app support
• Wireguard tunneling protocol

Cons

• Lack of an in-build ad blocker

Get the Best Deal on ExpressVPN

#2 – PrivadoVPN: User-friendly VPN for Europe

PrivadoVPN is not a very old VPN provider. Still, it managed to get counted in the list of best VPNs for Europe because of its unmatched performance. As we tested this VPN, we came to know that this VPN comes with multi-language support, has two working modes, and lets you stream content in 4K quality, which is great.

While all this seems very impressive, it has to come a long way to meet the server coverage of leading VPNs for Europe. Its competitors, like ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, and NordVPN, have far better and optimized server networks.

Pros

• Uncapped bandwidth
• Network-wide P2P traffic support
• IP leak protection

Cons

• Limited server support

Get the Best Deal on PrivadoVPN

#3 – CyberGhost: Europe VPN offering the best value for your money

If this discussion is all about pocket-friendly VPNs offering the best value for investing money, it’s hard to beat CyberGhost. It has an extensive server network with a widespread Europe VPN server location.

Nearly 6,000 servers are there in EU countries. Hence, connectivity won’t be an issue with this VPN, and you can easily eliminate geo-restrictions. It supports leading streaming platforms and lets you enjoy local and international content and websites.

It does offer specialty servers with unlimited bandwidth. As far as simultaneous connections are concerned, you can use this VPN on 7 devices simultaneously.

Pros

• Offers military-grade encryption
• Risk-free European servers

Cons

• No unlimited simultaneous connections

Get the Best Deal on CyberGhost

#4 – NordVPN: Quality features at an affordable price

NordVPN is here to please you with its fantastic performance, strict no-logy policy, dedicated app support, quick customer support, and broad European server network support. Its server network covers 35 EU countries and will help you get dedicated IP addresses backed by powerful security features.

Pros

• Double VPN specialty European servers
• Quick Connect
• P2P optimized servers

Cons

• The free trial doesn’t work on every app

Get the Best Deal on NordVPN

#5 – VeePN: Easy-to-use VPN for Europe

Don’t want to get into too much fuss? Try VeePN, which offers one-click installation for most of its apps and VPN software. With features like unlimited bandwidth, no-log European servers, local EU countries IP addresses, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, this VPN will certainly win your heart.

With one subscription, you can protect as many as 10 devices at a time. You get to enjoy DNS and IP leak protection on each VPN connection.

Pros

• Multiple VPN server switches
• Various VPN protocols
• Double VPN

Cons

• Lacks obfuscated servers

Get the Best Deal on VeePN

Need a crisp comparison? This table will work.

How to Set up a VPN for Europe?

Bringing a VPN for Europe into action is easy and doesn’t require detailed technical understanding. Here is a quick setup guide for VPN for Europe using VeePN.

 

• Get a reliable VPN for Europe

Go to the official VeePN website to get the ideal subscription. It is a secure VPN with impressive features. Pay for the subscription and activate it.

• Download the application

VeePN provides native app support for devices like mobile phones, laptops, PCs, routers, smart TVs, and many more. Once the subscription is activated, you need to download the respective. VeePN provides easy-to-install apps that demand significantly less configuration. If you face any hassles when installing the app, its customer care support and detailed tutorials will guide you perfectly.

• Connect to a suitable server

After the installation, you need to connect with the right server. As you’re using a VPN for Europe, we recommend connecting with local servers for better speed and distant servers to unblock the streaming platforms and access blocked websites.

• Enjoy secure and restriction-free internet access

Once a VPN connection is successfully deployed, you’re now allowed to browse the internet safely and securely.

Point to ponder: Even though it is a standard VPN setup process, steps can vary according to the kind of app you’re using. For instance, router app set-up will require certain manual configurations. Likewise, VPN apps from the Play Store or App Store will require more setup apps. So, we recommend referring to the respective app set-up guide from the official sources.

Free VPN Options for Europe

While searching for a VPN in Europe, you will undoubtedly have a query in mind: Can I use a free VPN for Europe? Well, you certainly can. But, experts don’t find it a smart move. It’s because –

• Free VPNs don’t have a wide server network, which means your reach will be limited
• Free VPNs are often filled with ads and might deliver malware to your device
• Free VPNs are well known for keeping your online activities log and selling them to 3rd parties
• There is no impressive device support
• Specialty servers like streaming servers and obfuscated servers are rarely present
• Security features are very basic

In a nutshell, using a free VPN is mainly inviting more hassles. The wise move is to use a paid VPN and avail of its free trial facility if you are short on cash. This way, you can enjoy the best VPN features without investing heavily. But, if you insist on knowing the best free VPNs for Europe, here are our top 3 recommendations.

Windscribe

It’s a freemium VPN offering you 10 GB of monthly data with its free version. It has servers in locations like Germany, France, Norway, and Romania. The internet traffic is protected with AES- 256 Bit encryption and a no-log policy.

TunnelBear

You can try TunnelBear, as this free European VPN is safe and easy to use. But you can’t stream much as it only allows 500MB of monthly data. As far as security is concerned, you have powerful encryption and GhostBear mode that ensures your VPN traffic is secured.

Hotspot Shield

Lastly, we recommend Hotspot Shield, which features 1,800+ servers with powerful encryption. It provides 5 simultaneous connections and helps you unblock streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and many more.

You can check out these free European VPNs, but we don’t take their guarantee. So, try them at your own risk.

You can learn more about free VPNs and their utility from the experience of this Twitter user.

Conclusion

When it comes to online security and internet freedom, Europe has multiple sides. While nations like Russia and Belarus have stringent internet censorship, there are also countries like Germany, Italy, and Greenland that grant full internet freedom.

However, regardless of internet censorship, online security remains a matter of concern everywhere. Hence, experts promote the use of the best European VPN. Along with bypassing censorship, this tool improves online security, helps access blocked websites, and keeps cyber threats at bay.

The post explained the top 5 VPN providers from Europe that you can use without any hesitations. Out of all these, ExpressVPN impressed us the most. Its qualities, like streaming-optimized servers, kill switches, obfuscated servers, and military-grade encryption, make it the best VPN. You can place your bet on it without fearing losing your money, as it comes with a free trial and a money-back guarantee. Try it today and experience unmatched internet freedom in Europe.

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