14 Best VPN Countries in 2023 — Which Server to Connect to?
Choosing the right VPN server location to connect to affects your browsing experience significantly. The country a server is hosted in affects speeds and access to region-specific content. It can also offer varying levels of protection based on different countries’ data laws.
The jurisdiction of a VPN provider plays an important role too. A provider’s base country affects the legal landscape it operates under, influencing how your data might be handled or shared. It’s best to use VPNs based in privacy-friendly countries.
In my research, I tested over 50 VPNs across various countries and found that ExpressVPN is the best VPN. It offers unparalleled speed, robust security, and a vast array of server options. Its 30-day money-back guarantee also makes using ExpressVPN risk-free, ensuring optimal online freedom and safety.
Quick Guide: Best VPN Countries in 2023
- Switzerland — Strong privacy laws. However, its streaming libraries are less extensive than in other countries.
- Spain — Excellent for torrenting, but it’s part of the 14 Eyes Alliance.
- Panama — Fantastic for privacy, but file-sharing laws are unclear.
- Iceland — Great for speeds, but has weaker privacy regulations.
- Romania — A pretty good choice for torrenting, but streaming libraries are limited.
Why Does Server Location Matter?
The distance between your device and a server directly affects speeds and latency (time taken for data packets to travel between your device and the VPN server). Longer distances mean data has to traverse more networks and routers, introducing more delays and slower speeds. Shorter routes result in quicker response times and faster data transmission.
Another relevant factor is the online content that different servers can access. Geoblocks restrict content access based on a user’s IP address, which indicates their geographical location. They enforce regional content licensing agreements by blocking IP addresses from prohibited areas. For example, you need a US IP address to watch American Netflix.
Different countries also have different data retention laws. These laws dictate how long VPN servers must store user data. Connecting to servers in privacy-centric locations minimizes potential exposure and enhances online anonymity.
The Best Countries to Connect to Through VPN
1. Switzerland
Switzerland is often considered the best country to connect through using a VPN. It’s outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance or any other international surveillance agreements, and its Federal Act on Data Protection (nFADP) act restricts the extent of personal data a company can retain.
While Switzerland is lenient on torrenting (only criminalizing the sharing of copyrighted material with others, including “seeding torrents”), I always encourage respecting copyright laws. One potential downside of Switzerland might be its streaming libraries, which can be less extensive than other regions.
Verdict: The best overall country to connect to
2. Spain
Like Switzerland, Spain is a good country for torrenting, and only restricts the sharing of copyrighted content. If you’re into streaming TV and movies, Spain offers diverse libraries to explore. The nation boasts a strong internet infrastructure, so when you connect through a VPN server in Spain you can expect quick and steady speeds.
However, Spain is part of the 14 Eyes Alliance, so it’s not quite as privacy-friendly as some other countries. But, it does follow the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules, which limit how long your data can be stored for and for what reasons.
Verdict: Good for P2P
3. Panama
Panama has strong data protection laws, keeping you anonymous and ensuring your online activities remain private and secure. It also isn’t in the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, which is a big plus for privacy.
While not much is clear about Panama’s views on P2P file-sharing, it’s always best to be cautious when torrenting. It does have fast speeds due to the country’s high-quality internet infrastructure.
Verdict: Good for privacy
4. Iceland
Often seen as a sanctuary for free speech and journalists, Iceland stands apart from the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. Although Iceland isn’t part of the EU, its Equal Access Act promotes users’ privacy and anonymity and also stops ISPs from throttling internet speeds. While telecom companies legally have to keep user data for up to six months, this data is typically accessed only in situations concerning public safety or criminal investigations.
Verdict: Good for fast speeds
5. Romania
Romania places a strong emphasis on privacy, with its National Supervisory Authority for Personal Data Processing protecting individual rights. While it’s part of the EU, Romanian courts found the 2006 Data Retention Directive unconstitutional and doesn’t uphold it.
Additionally, while torrenting laws exist, they’re less stringent than in other EU countries. Unfortunately, Romania’s selection of streaming content isn’t that extensive.
Verdict: Good for P2P
6. Malaysia
Malaysia boasts surprisingly strong privacy laws. The Personal Data Protection Act is one of the most robust in the world. The PDPA ensures that your data remains shielded from third-party interference. However, the country has slower speeds than most others on the Asian continent.
Verdict: Good for privacy
7. British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands operates autonomously and isn’t in any data-sharing alliances. There are also no laws requiring data retention, so VPN providers based there (like ExpressVPN) aren’t obligated to store any of your data. However, natural disasters like hurricanes and storms have been known to damage physical server locations and slow speeds.
Verdict: Good for privacy
8. United Kingdom
The UK’s Digital Economy Act 2017 ensures ISPs can’t throttle speeds, and fiber-optic infrastructure guarantees high-speed connectivity. You can also access globally popular streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer via UK servers. While GDPR legislation safeguards your data, some exceptions exist for illegal material and copyright violations.
Verdict: Good for streaming
9. Sweden
Sweden upholds GDPR and has its own Personal Data Act (PUL) ensuring data protection. Internet users have the right to get their data deleted from sites on request. However, it’s worth noting that authorities are aiming to intensify actions against copyright violations, as described in a 2018 report.
Verdict: Good for privacy
10. Gibraltar
Gibraltar’s Data Protection Act ensures your data can only be processed with your consent. You also have the right to request deletion of your data. However, the island’s dense population concentration can cause network congestion and slow speeds.
Verdict: Good for privacy
11. United States
The US is perhaps the best place in the world for streaming, with the largest Netflix library, many US-only platforms, and countless shows and movies available. Sadly, it’s a 5 Eyes member, has had high-profile surveillance scandals, and it’s also known for enforcing torrenting laws.
Verdict: Good for streaming
12. Canada
Canada prioritizes high-speed infrastructure, and its PIPEDA Act protects data similarly to GDPR. It’s also close to the US, so it’s a good choice for fast connections from there. However, it does have some bills that have restricted access to content, like the Online News Act.
Verdict: Good all-rounder
13. Estonia
Estonia follows GDPR and also has an additional law (PDPA) that enforces even greater data privacy. Estonia also boasts one of the fastest internet infrastructures worldwide. Unfortunately, the amount of streaming content available in Estonia is limited.
Verdict: Good for speeds
14. Seychelles
Seychelles’ constitution guarantees your right to privacy, strengthened by the Data Protection Act that safeguards personal data.
However, anybody can register a business in Seychelles, so a VPN provider may falsely claim to be headquartered there.
Verdict: Good for privacy
5 Best VPNs With Global Servers in 2023
1. ExpressVPN — The Best Overall VPN For Any Country
Key Features:
- Choose from 3,000+ servers in different 94 countries around the world
- Military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, RAM-based servers, split tunneling, and more
- Get customer support via email, 24/7 live chat, and online guides/tutorials
- Lets you connect up to 8 devices at the same time
- 30-day money-back guarantee available
ExpressVPN is the fastest, most secure global VPN overall. Its proprietary Lightway protocol enables super-fast, lag-free streaming while encrypting your data with 256-bit ciphers — a level of protection trusted by the US military.
In tests, ExpressVPN was faster than any other premium VPN I tried. Nearby servers in the Midlands only slowed my connection by 3-4% — an amount small enough not to notice at all. Even servers in Adelaide and Perth (the other side of the world to me) were fast enough for me to watch UHD YouTube videos while video calling on Zoom — both with no lag.
With servers in different countries, accessing global content is easy with ExpressVPN. Countless streaming libraries are available via ExpressVPN, including libraries on these platforms and more:
| Netflix | Amazon Prime Video | Disney+ | Hulu | Peacock TV | Paramount+ | BT Sport |
| BBC iPlayer | MUBI | Max | Vudu | ESPN | Fubo TV | Showtime |
You’ll stay anonymous and safe online on any ExpressVPN server because they’re RAM-based. Unlike physical hardware-based servers, they can’t store any data at the end of a browsing session. There’s also a no-logs policy that’s been verified by PwC, Cure53, and KPMG. Other security and privacy features include:
- Automatic kill switch — instantly terminates your browsing session if your device goes to sleep and loses a VPN connection, so none of your information is exposed.
- Data leak protection — ensures that no DNS or IP information ‘leaks’ through encryption and reveals your identity or real location.
- Split tunneling — lets you choose which sites are accessed via a VPN connection, so you can route your traffic through another country’s server to visit some sites while visiting others with your own IP address.
- Privacy-friendly jurisdiction — ExpressVPN is headquartered in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, where authorities never request your data.
When it comes to pricing, ExpressVPN costs more than most other premium VPNs — $6.67 a month for the 1-year + 3 months plan. However, I think it’s worth it because of how fast, secure, and feature-heavy it is. The 30-day money-back guarantee also means you can buy it in complete confidence.
ExpressVPN is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Kindle, Amazon Fire, Android TV, gaming consoles, select routers, and more.
2023 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan (you can save up to 49%) + 3 months free! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Romanian NoSpy Servers Give You Total Privacy
Key Features:
- 9,600+ servers in 91 countries globally
- NoSpy servers, military-grade encryption, and DNS/IP leak protection
- 24/7 live chat, online tutorials, and email support available
- Connect 7 devices at the same time
- Claim a refund within 45 days
CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers are based in privacy-respecting Romania, so your data is safe when you connect to them. They’re also RAM-based, backed by a verified no-logs policy, and maintained only by CyberGhost staff. This means there’s no chance of your data being accessed by unauthorized third parties.
Your data is encrypted with 256-bit ciphers in whichever country you connect to, and data leak protection stops any DNS/IP information from getting through. An automatic kill switch terminates your session if your device loses a VPN connection
The full server network totals 91 countries, so accessing content from your home country is easy wherever you travel. There are even servers optimized for certain countries and streaming platforms. During tests, CyberGhost’s servers unblocked many streaming services including:
| Netflix | Amazon Prime Video | Disney+ | Hulu | Peacock TV | Paramount+ |
| BBC iPlayer | MUBI | Max | Vudu | ESPN | Fubo TV |
One limitation of CyberGhost is the inconsistent speeds across its servers, although nearby servers are only slightly slower than ExpressVPN’s. The speed gap between nearby and distant servers is more pronounced than with other premium VPNs. However, you can easily change to a server with less traffic (displayed on the interface) if yours is slow.
You can subscribe to CyberGhost for 2-year + 3 months for only $2.11 monthly. A money-back guarantee means you can use it for up to 45 days and get a refund. I messaged the 24/7 live chat to request this and had my money back the same week.
CyberGhost is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, Amazon Kindle, gaming consoles, select routers, and more.
2023 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.11 per month + get extra 3 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access — The Biggest Server Range to Connect to Any Country
Key Features:
- More than 35,000 servers in 84 countries
- Military-grade encryption, DNS/IP leak protection, and an automatic kill switch
- Customer support available via email, Twitter, 24/7 live chat, and online knowledge base
- Use unlimited devices at the same time
- 30-day refund policy
PIA has the most individual servers of any premium VPN, and they’re in 84 different countries. This means that you’re extremely unlikely to come across an overcrowded server, even in more obscure countries, so your speeds are sure to stay high. This is great for accessing overseas content, too — PIA’s global servers unblocked these platforms and more in tests:
| Netflix | Amazon Prime Video | Disney+ | Hulu | MUBI |
| Peacock TV | Max | Vudu | ESPN | Paramount+ |
Unfortunately, PIA is based in the US — not a privacy-friendly country. However, you can still browse securely and privately because there’s a no-logs policy verified by Deloitte. PIA also uses 256-bit encryption, RAM-based servers, and a kill switch. There’s even a built-in tool called MACE that blocked all ads, trackers, and malware when I tested it.
The 2-year + 3 months subscription costs just $2.11 a month — one of the best-value premium VPN plans out there. All of PIA’s plans have a 30-day refund policy, which I received in 5 days after submitting an online support ticket.
PIA is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, gaming consoles, select routers, and more.
2023 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as $2.11 per month + get extra 3 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 82%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here!
Comparison Table: Best VPNs for With Global Servers in 2023
| Global servers and countries | Price | Jurisdiction | Security and Privacy Features | Money-back guarantee | |
| ExpressVPN | 3,000 servers in 94 countries | $6.67 a month for 1-year + 3 months plan | British Virgin Islands | AES 246-bit encryption TrustedServer technology Audited no-log policy |
30 days |
| CyberGhost | 9,600 servers in 91 countries | $2.11 a month for 2-year + 3 months plan | Romania | NoSpy servers WiFi protection Kill switch |
45 days |
| PIA | 35,000 servers in 84 countries | $2.11 a month for 2-year + 3 months plan | US | MACE ad, tracker, and malware blocker Verified no-logs policy |
30 days |
3 Easy Steps to Get a VPN and Connect to Another Country Server
- Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN for its speeds, security features, and 30 money-back guarantee.
- Connect to a server. Choose a server based in the best country for you.
- That’s it! Now you can use the internet safely and anonymously.
FAQs on VPN Countries
What’s the best VPN country for privacy?
What’s the best VPN server location for streaming?
What’s the best VPN country for gaming?
What’s the fastest VPN server location?
What’s the slowest VPN server location?
What’s the best VPN country for torrenting?
Switzerland is popular for torrenting due to its balanced copyright laws and privacy-friendly regulations. Romania is torrenting-friendly, and so are Poland, Spain, and the Netherlands.
Wherever you connect to, ensure you’re using a VPN with a no-logs policy when torrenting to protect your privacy. You should also avoid breaking copyright laws, regardless of whether you use a VPN or not. Downloading copyrighted content is illegal almost everywhere in the world.
Which VPN has the most servers?
Which countries is it important to use a VPN from?
Is it best to use a server in my own country?
Which VPN locations should I avoid?
Should I use a free VPN to connect to overseas servers?
I don’t recommend using a free VPN to connect to servers in any country. Although there are some decent free VPNs, many have extremely limited server selections, so you can’t connect to many different countries. Many free VPNs also don’t encrypt your traffic, and some even sell your data to advertisers.
Many premium VPNs offer money-back guarantees. For example, I recommend using CyberGhost and then claiming a refund within 45 days if you want to try a VPN without losing money.
Are VPNs legal in all countries?
VPN usage is illegal in North Korea, Belarus, Oman, Iraq, and Turkmenistan. The best VPNs are based in VPN-friendly jurisdictions and won’t even have servers in these countries.
Countries like China, Russia, Türkiye, the UAE, India, Iran, Egypt, and Uganda only permit government-approved VPNs. Some countries block VPN websites but don’t criminalize VPN use itself. Always research local laws before using a VPN in a foreign country.
Get a VPN For Any Country Today
Many countries are great options for connecting to VPN servers. The best choice of country depends on your priority. For example, you might want speed, privacy, or unblocking specific content.
For any country, I’d recommend using ExpressVPN. It’s the fastest VPN I tested, and its advanced security features keep your data encrypted and private. Its expansive server choice also gives you plenty of options of locations to connect to. With the 30-day money-back guarantee, trying out ExpressVPN is entirely risk-free.
