5 Best Portugal VPN in 2023

Portugal is generally a free country that doesn't suffer from censorship issues. However, like everywhere else, the country still has to deal with pesky licensing issues. That means you'll need a reliable Portugal VPN to change your IP and unblock international Netflix libraries.

You can also access geo-blocked content and streaming sites that aren't available locally. Not to mention you can watch exclusive Portugal content while traveling. The same applies if you're an expat living abroad and want a taste of TV from back home (SIC, TVI, RTP, and more).

Moreover, a VPN will encrypt your traffic, keeping it safe from ISP logging and cyber attackers. VPNs are also a must on public Wi-Fi, especially since many hotspots aren't secured even with a basic password. On top of that, most current Wi-Fi encryption standards (WPA2, WPA3) suffer from security exploits that hackers can use to harvest your data.

Since your ISP won't be able to see what you do online, VPNs are also an effective way to avoid bandwidth throttling. Plus, you can avoid firewalls at school, work, and other public places that block the fun parts of the Internet.

Read on to see how you can get all these benefits, and check out our top Portugal VPN picks.

How to Use a VPN in Portugal

To use a VPN in Portugal, you need to connect to a server in the country or elsewhere. Here are the steps you need to take:

1. Sign up with a capable VPN that works in Portugal (we recommend ExpressVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN client on all your compatible devices.
3. Launch the VPN and log in with your account info.
4. Connect to a VPN server of your choice (more details below).
5. Surf the web securely with your Portugal VPN. That's it!

For the most part, we recommend using a Portuguese VPN server to get the best possible speeds. That's because your data will travel a shorter distance to reach its destination. However, if you want to unblock content from abroad, you'll need to connect to a server outside Portugal. Say, one in the United States to gain access to US Netflix shows.

Best VPN for Portugal

The best Portugal VPN needs to have a wide server network (including Portuguese servers), with fast speeds, great unblocking capabilities, and top-notch security. That means maintaining a no-logs policy (preferably verified in some way), strong encryption, and other features that will keep you safe online.

Based on these criteria, we believe these are the 5 best Portugal VPN services available today:

1. ExpressVPN - Our #1 Rated Portugal VPN
2. NordVPN - Portugal VPN with the Best Security
3. CyberGhost VPN - Best VPN for Streaming in Portugal
4. Private Internet Access (PIA) - Huge Server Network
5. IPVanish - Affordable Provider for Portugal Users

1. ExpressVPN - Our #1 Rated Portugal VPN

ExpressVPN deserves its spot as the best Portugal VPN for several good reasons. Its broad, high-speed network spans 3,000+ servers across 94 countries (including a cluster in Portugal). Moreover, their Lightway protocol provides fast speeds overall, while still maintaining military-grade levels of security.

The provider's no logs policy has undergone an independent audit. To ensure no private info is ever stored on their network, their TrustedServer technology periodically wipes any data passing through. Furthermore, the provider's Threat Manager feature blocks intrusive online trackers. Otherwise, various ad companies would create detailed profiles about your activity.

ExpressVPN has easy-to-use apps for all major platforms. Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, and even routers if you want the benefits of a VPN on consoles or smart TVs. In that sense, we highly recommend it as ExpressVPN can unblock the most popular streaming sites out there. That includes SIC, TVI, RTP (and more) when you're traveling outside Portugal.

Installing ExpressVPN's router app would also let you bypass the meager 5-device limit. Feel free to contact their 24/7 live chat for any issues you may have, and remember you get a 30-day money-back guarantee with your subscription.

2. NordVPN - Portugal VPN with the Best Security

NordVPN offers 5,400+ ultra-fast servers in 59 countries, including 30+ VPN servers in Portugal alone. It works wonderfully on all popular platforms (from Windows to Linux and mobile). Moreover, it can easily unblock all manner of streaming sites, Portuguese Netflix, and local Portugal content.

Thanks to its powerful NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard), you can expect lag-free streaming and excellent speeds no matter what you do online. If you couple its strong encryption with its advanced Threat Protection feature, your data will be fully secure against cyber attacks. It scans for malware on Windows and Mac, while also blocking ads, intrusive trackers, and phishing/scam sites on all platforms.

You get various specialized servers for different purposes. First, double VPN if you need an extra layer of encryption and anonymity. Then, there's onion-over-VPN if you'd like to experience TOR without using the actual browser. You also get P2P-optimized servers and obfuscated (stealth) ones if you want to bypass VPN blocks when traveling through restrictive countries.

Naturally, NordVPN keeps zero user logs (with an audit to prove it). Each subscription lets you use 6 devices and comes with the usual 30-day money-back guarantee. Finally, you get to enjoy helpful 24/7 live chat support whether you're subscribed or not.

3. CyberGhost VPN - Best VPN for Streaming in Portugal

CyberGhost has a whopping 50 VPN servers in Portugal, as well as 9,000+ servers in 90+ countries. Much of its network is geared towards streaming content, with the provider being able to unblock 40 different streaming services worldwide. Speeds are pretty decent (they also support the fast WireGuard protocol), and you won't have trouble finding a fast server nearby.

The apps work on all platforms, are easy to use, and come with an always-on kill switch. That way, there's zero risk of leaking data during random disconnects. CyberGhost VPN features a strict no-logs policy, as well as an ad-blocker that also deals with intrusive online tracking.

For a small fee, you get access to top-of-the-line NoSpy servers in Romania. These are much faster than their usual fleet and are self-operated by the provider themselves. No dealing with third-party data centers, thus resulting in more privacy.

You can use up to seven different devices per subscription, and everyone can use their 24/7 live chat. CyberGhost VPN also has the most generous money-back plan out of our choices: 45 days for longer subscriptions.

4. Private Internet Access (PIA) - Huge Server Network

Private Internet Access offers tens of thousands of servers in 84 countries, including some in Portugal. Their network covers all 50 US states, offers decent speeds (albeit slower than our top 3 Portugal VPN options), and comes with a strict no-logs policy that's been proven in court.

PIA servers are RAM-based, meaning all data is wiped upon reset. They also offer the fast and secure WireGuard protocol, although it's not our top choice for streaming. If all you need is access to a few more Netflix libraries, though - PIA comes in handy.

Their apps work on all major platforms (as expected from a top-notch VPN), and all subscriptions come with a hefty device limit (ten max). PIA also has their own built-in ad-blocker called PIA MACE that deals with other online threats as well.

Live chat is quick to respond and available 24/7. And, as always, your subscription is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind later on.

5. IPVanish - Affordable Provider for Portugal Users

IPVanish is the best VPN for Portugal users on a budget, thanks to their affordable plans and the fact that you can link unlimited devices to your account. That makes it a great choice for account-sharing, especially if you want to stream content unavailable in Portugal.

And yes, IPVanish works pretty well with most popular streaming services. Their speeds are fairly decent too, although they offer much fewer servers than other alternatives. Only 2,000+ servers, albeit spread across 75+ locations. At least they offer servers in Portugal (Lisbon), and their network is self-owned which is always a plus.

As always, the VPN comes with a robust no-logs policy, and offers support for WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Their apps work on all popular platforms, although the user interface can be a little rough around the edges.

Thankfully the problems stop there, and if you do encounter any issues - IPVanish has 24/7 live chat available to help. Plus you get a 30-day money-back plan if you want to explore other providers.

Why Do I Need a VPN for Portugal?

You need a VPN in Portugal to secure your payment data against hackers, prevent bandwidth throttling, as well as unblock content that's unavailable in the country. Here's more info.

• Security against hackers - public Wi-Fi hotspots are hotbeds for hacking activity. Encrypt your traffic with a VPN to block out any unauthorized third parties.
• Prevent data throttling - VPN encryption also prevents your ISP from seeing what you do online. That way they won't be able to throttle your streaming or other activities.
• Unblock streaming content - see TV shows and movies that aren't available in Portugal. Or, get a Portugal IP address and watch Portuguese content while travelling abroad.

Can I Use a Free VPN for Portugal?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for Portugal - but we only recommend them for light browsing. Most free providers have monthly data caps (5-10 GB per month), slow down your speeds, and have few servers worldwide. We also haven't seen any free VPNs with Portugal servers.

What's worse is that free VPNs tend to log user browsing and location data. They then sell it to ad companies and similar third parties to cover the costs of operating their business. In some extreme cases, free VPNs have leaked personal user data (including payment info) online.

If you still plan on using a free VPN, follow the link for several options we consider safe. Keep in mind that they still come with the limitations described above.

Final Thoughts

Using a Portugal VPN is a must if you want to get around limitations on streaming platforms like Netflix, as well as secure your data against hackers on public Wi-Fi. You'll also need a VPN to access content exclusive to Portugal while travelling abroad, or as an expat.

ExpressVPN works best for users in Portugal. This is all thanks to their 3,000+ lightning fast servers in 94 countries (including a cluster in Portugal), its ability to unblock most streaming platforms out there, as well as top-class security.

Feel free to check out our dedicated best VPN guide as well. It contains ten more amazing providers you can try out, each with their own unique features.

What's your reason for using a VPN in Portugal - security, streaming, both? Which provider are you going with? Let us know in the comments!