5 Best VPNs for Digital Nomads in 2024 

Digital nomads can now travel the world more freely than ever, but Internet accessibility is not the same everywhere. They need reliable and fast access to geo-restricted content and websites from different countries. In addition, using unsecured or shared networks like public Wi-Fi can expose your data to online threats like hacking, malware attacks, or spyware.

Most of all, digital nomads require a stable and consistent Internet connection for work and communication. You can solve all these issues by using the best VPN for digital nomads. It can encrypt your data to protect you from online threats and bypass local censorship and geo-restrictions, giving you access to unfiltered Internet from anywhere.

This article lists the 5 best digital nomad VPN options our team has shortlisted. It also explains why you need a VPN and the criteria for choosing the best one for your needs. Plus, we include answers to some FAQs.

Best VPNs for Digital Nomads - Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Digital Nomads
2. Surfshark – VPN for Digital Nomads with Robust Security Features
3. ExpressVPN – User-Friendly VPN with Very Fast Speeds
4. CyberGhost VPN – Specialty Servers for Streaming and Security
5. Private Internet Access – Customization to Balance Speed and Security

How to Set Up a VPN for Digital Nomads

To set up a VPN for digital nomads, you must first find a secure and fast VPN that can reliably bypass geo-restrictions. After that, install the VPN on your device and connect to any of its servers to encrypt your data. You can follow these easy steps:

1. Sign up for a fast VPN with a large server network (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN on your device to protect your data.
3. Launch the VPN app and log in using your credentials.
4. Connect to a server in the country where you want to access online content.
5. That’s it! Now, you can enjoy the Internet without any restrictions. 

The Best VPNs for Digital Nomads

You can consult our detailed top VPN services guide for help deciding on the best VPN for digital nomads. The first thing you need to look for in a VPN is an extensive global server network that can reliably bypass geo-restrictions and local censorship from anywhere so that your activities are not interrupted in any way.

The VPN must have robust security features like military-grade encryption, multiple VPN protocols, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. Look for advanced features like obfuscation (to hide your VPN usage) and split tunneling (to enable selective VPN protection). Most of all, it should deliver fast speeds and dependable overall performance.

Choose a VPN that can support multiple devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets, as well as protect multiple devices simultaneously. Lastly, make sure that the VPN provides 24/7 customer support to help solve any issues you might encounter and offers a reliable money-back guarantee.

Based on the above criteria, here are the 5 best digital nomad VPNs:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Digital Nomads

NordVPN is the best VPN for digital nomads because of its global network of 5,800+ reliable servers in 60 countries. These servers have fast speeds and stable performance overall. In addition, it protects your online data with robust security and privacy features like military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. 

You can choose between 3 VPN protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordLynx, which is its WireGuard alternative. This proprietary protocol is designed for stable and secure connections to bypass geo-restrictions and local censorship reliably from anywhere. 

It has obfuscated servers that allow you to use the Internet freely on restrictive networks. Plus, its anti-malware tool called Threat Protection is effective in blocking harmful trackers or intrusive ads. It also uses split tunneling to protect particular apps while allowing you to use your regular Internet connection for other activities.

Additionally, NordVPN can protect any devices like computers, mobile phones, and tablets. It allows you to connect up to 6 devices simultaneously on a single subscription. 

NordVPN offers 24/7 customer support if you need assistance in real time. In case you are not able to talk to an agent, its bot feature can share support articles to help solve your issue. Lastly, it has a solid 30-day money-back guarantee to test it without any financial risk.

2. Surfshark – VPN for Digital Nomads with Robust Security Features

Surfshark is another great VPN for digital nomads. It can deliver fast speeds and safeguard your data at the same time. It has military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and a solid no-logs policy. Plus, its global server network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries allows it to deliver consistent performance.

Surfshark has OpenVPN, Wireguard, and IKEv2 VPN protocols to choose from and a Dynamic Multi-Hop feature to pass your data through 2 VPN servers. Its Camouflage Mode can automatically obfuscate your Internet traffic on firewalled networks to access geo-restricted or censored content from anywhere.

In addition, Surfshark’s built-in ad-blocker called CleanWeb can prevent annoying pop-ups and video ads. It can also block malware domains and third-party trackers. Its split tunneling feature will secure selective traffic while allowing you to use unencrypted Internet for the remaining traffic. 

Surfshark supports all popular devices like computers, tablets, and mobile phones. Moreover, its unlimited simultaneous connections policy means protection for all your devices at the same time. It also offers 24/7 customer support and a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee to test all its features risk-free.

3. ExpressVPN – User-Friendly VPN with Very Fast Speeds

ExpressVPN is the fastest digital nomad VPN on our list. Its self-developed Lightway protocol delivers unmatched speeds and greater connection stability. Plus, its entire network of 3,000 servers in 105 countries is being upgraded to 10 Gbps machines as opposed to the previous 1 Gbps ones. This allows ExpressVPN to deliver a reliable overall performance.

In addition to Lightway, it offers OpenVPN, IKEv2, and LT2P/IPsec protocols. It can also keep you safe with robust security features like AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. Plus, its automatic obfuscation can bypass geo-restrictions and strict Internet censorship, even in countries like China. 

You can use its advanced features like split tunneling if you only want to encrypt some of your data instead of all. It even upgraded its anti-malware tool called Threat Manager to block ads and trackers that can compromise your online security. However, it is more efficient in blocking malware, and you might still see harmless ads during your VPN session.

ExpressVPN’s apps are very user-friendly and can be used on all your devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets. It allows up to 8 simultaneous device connections. Lastly, its 24/7 customer support is very responsive and knowledgeable, and you can test it risk free with its solid 30-day money-back policy. 

4. CyberGhost VPN – Specialty Servers for Streaming and Security

CyberGhost offers optimized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. Its server network of 10,000+ servers in 100+ countries also includes NoSpy servers (located inside CyberGhost headquarters) for increased online privacy. Other than this, it protects your online data with military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.

It has 3 VPN protocols (Wireguard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec) and can deliver medium-fast speeds with dependable performance. Its automatic Wi-Fi protection feature can keep you safe on unsecured or shared networks like those in hostels or cafes. Although it does not offer obfuscation, it can still access censored or geo-restricted content easily.

CyberGhost has split tunneling plus a Content Block feature to prevent issues with malware, trackers, and adware. It offers 7 simultaneous device connections, so you can use it on all your daily devices like computers, mobiles, tablets, and more. 

It has an extensive database of support articles to self-diagnose any issue. Other than this, it provides 24/7 customer support. CyberGhost even gets ahead of its competitors by offering an extended 45-day money-back guarantee instead of the standard 30-day policies. 

5. Private Internet Access – Customization to Balance Speed and Security

Private Internet Access (PIA) has thousands of reliable servers in 91 countries. It has average speeds, but you can choose AES 128-bit encryption to increase your speed for streaming or browsing. Otherwise, you can use 256-bit encryption for sensitive tasks like accessing bank accounts. It follows a strict no-logs policy to protect your online privacy. 

In addition, PIA has a kill switch plus OpenVPN, Wireguard, and IKEv2/IPsec protocols to keep you safe online. It demonstrated satisfactory performance in our tests, but its customization options for port and transport type settings enable advanced users to further balance their speeds and security. It can also reliably unblock geo-restricted and censored content.

PIA uses a Multi-Hop feature to obfuscate your online traffic using a Shadowsocks proxy. You won’t see any ads with its built-in ad-blocker called MACE. It can even block malware and dangerous trackers. Moreover, its split tunneling feature allows you to encrypt selective online traffic only.

You can connect all your devices like computers, mobiles, and tablets with PIA as it offers unlimited simultaneous connections. It also has 24/7 customer support if you need any help and provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why Do Digital Nomads Need a VPN?

Digital nomads need a VPN for numerous reasons, including bypassing geo-restrictions and censorship, protecting their data, and accessing unfiltered Internet so their work isn't disturbed. Below are all the reasons to use a digital nomad VPN:

• Privacy and Security – VPNs protect your online traffic from threats like hacking or tracking with security and privacy features like encryption, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and leak protection. 
• Connect Safely on Public Wi-Fi – Hackers use specialized tools to trace your passwords or other sensitive information on public Wi-Fi or shared networks at hostels or coworking spaces. Using a VPN helps prevent such dangers.
• Safely Access Online Banking – With encryption and other security features, a VPN will protect your online banking sessions from harmful third parties like trackers or hackers.
• Get Cheaper Flights and Accommodations – Hotel and flight-booking websites track user search history and browsing patterns to show dynamic prices based on these activities. A VPN hides all this to get fair prices for flights or hotel accommodations. 
• Access Geo-Blocked Services – Almost all digital services, ranging from streaming platforms to banking, news, or other general websites, restrict their services based on user location. However, VPNs can access such geo-restricted content from anywhere.
• Bypass Censorship – Some countries or regions censor the Internet heavily. So, if you plan to travel to such a location, use a VPN to bypass censorship and access the Web freely.
• Browse Home Sites While Traveling – Your favorite websites from back home might not be available in regions where you are traveling. Using a VPN allows you to bypass such restrictions and access home content from anywhere.
• Save Money Shopping Online – Some online discounts might not be available in your region, while prices of some products or digital services might be lower in others. A VPN allows you to take advantage of any offers and enjoy the lowest prices.

How to Choose the Best VPN for Digital Nomads?

To choose the best VPN for digital nomads, the first thing you need to look at is a VPN’s ability to bypass censorship and geo-restrictions. In addition, it should provide fast speeds and safeguard your online security and privacy. Below are all the important points you need to consider when choosing your VPN:

• Server Network Size – An extensive global server network spread across multiple countries allows you more connection freedom. It also prevents performance issues like overcrowding. 
• Ability to Unblock Censored/Geo-Restricted Content – A VPN can access geo-blocked content while traveling anywhere. It can also bypass any government censorship you might face.
• No-Logs Policy – A strict no-logs policy ensures that none of your online activities are recorded by the VPN and is a reflection of how seriously the service is committed to safeguarding your privacy.
• VPN Protocols and Encryption – Security features like AES 256-bit encryption and multiple VPN protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard will make sure that your data is transmitted securely.
• Obfuscated Servers – Obfuscation makes your VPN traffic look like normal HTTPS Internet traffic, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions and censorship on restrictive networks more easily.
• Kill Switch and Split Tunneling – A kill switch prevents your data from leaking outside the VPN tunnel in case of accidental server disconnections. Split tunneling, on the other hand, allows you to encrypt selective traffic.
• Performance and Speed – A good digital nomad VPN should be able to deliver fast speeds and consistent performance overall so that your online work is not disturbed.
• Simultaneous Connections and Supported Devices – Only opt for VPNs that can support all popular devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets. Make sure they provide multiple simultaneous connections, too.
• Money-Back Guarantees – Always choose a VPN that offers a trustworthy money-back guarantee. This way, you can test all the features without any financial risk.
• Customer Support – Every premium VPN offers 24/7 customer support and an extensive database of support articles you can consult if you encounter any problems.

Final Thoughts

Although the digital nomad lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular, you might still face multiple issues throughout this experience. For starters, Internet accessibility varies due to censorship and geo-restrictions. In addition, using shared networks can expose your data to threats like hacking. However, a VPN can solve all these hurdles.

We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for digital nomads because of its ability to bypass geo-restrictions and any other type of Internet censorship. In addition, it has fast speeds and protects your data with robust security and privacy features. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee to test it risk-free.

That concludes our guide on selecting the best VPN for digital nomads. If you have any inquiries or comments, feel free to share them in the comment section below. Thank you for reading!