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Choosing the right country to connect your VPN to depends on what your goal is. For example, the U.S. has the best range of streaming services. But if you're big on privacy, Switzerland is popularly recommended thanks to their robust privacy laws.
But overall, if you have a good VPN, the country you're connected to shouldn't make much of a difference in terms of privacy. Your IP address should be encrypted in a way that wouldn't allow your history to be traced back to you, especially if the VPN has a strict no logs policy.
But if you want to make doubly sure you're covered, here's the best countries to connect to with your VPN, why you should change your VPN server location, and how data protection laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) can affect your VPN usage.
Not all countries are equal when it comes to providing the best server locations. That is why we took the time to research and find out what companies have server locations best suited for your needs.
| Purpose | Best countries |
| Privacy | Switzerland |
| Torrenting | Switzerland, Romania, Iceland, and Panama |
| Streaming | U.S. |
| Speed | Closest to your location |
Switzerland is popularly known as the best VPN country if you prioritize privacy, due to its robust privacy laws and for being outside of the Five, Nine, and Fourteen Eyes Alliances.
These alliances are groups of countries that have mutual agreements to exchange intelligence data, which privacy-conscious VPN users may want to avoid. That means if something about your browsing is flagged by your home country, Switzerland is under no obligation to share any logs it may have.
On top of that, Switzerland as a whole prioritizes personal privacy protection. It has its own data privacy act, called the new Act on Federal Data Protection (nFADP) which was implemented in 2023 as a complete overhaul to its existing coverage that existed prior to the massive digitization of our world. This covers how personal data is collected and used.
The best VPN locations for torrenting include:
This list is chosen because of their strong data privacy laws. These countries also abstain from participating in intelligence-sharing agreements, such as the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes alliances.
The best VPN server country for streaming is the U.S., thanks to the sheer amount of streaming services the country offers, like HBO Max, Hulu, and more.
That said, the best country depends on what kind of content you're looking for. Some shows are only available on platforms in certain countries, so you may have to try a few countries in order to figure out where to watch your favorite show.
The best server locations for fast connections are usually those closest to your location. For example, if you are located in the U.S., it is ideal to choose an available server location in your state in a city nearer to you.
On the other hand, if you're based in a European country, choosing a server location in Germany or the U.K. may be ideal.
These VPNs unlock a huge amount of server locations for you, giving you the ultimate flexibility over where your information is channeled.
| Server count | Learn more | |
|
6,200+ servers in 111 countries | Get NordVPN |
|
3,200+ servers in 100 countries | Get Surfshark |
|
8,500+ servers in 112 countries | Get Proton VPN |
|
Unlisted in 100 countries | Get CyberGhost |
Overall, changing your VPN location helps to conceal your local IP address, provided by your internet service provider (ISP), when surfing the internet to protect your privacy and gain anonymity. But there are several more reasons you may want to consider it.
You may want to hide your true location to protect your privacy while playing online games, browsing the web, working remotely, or for other reasons.
Doing so also encrypts your data, providing an added layer of security. A win-win for privacy lovers!
Selecting a VPN server location that is closer to you in range increases the likelihood of better speeds and optimal performance.
That is because when your server location is far away, it normally takes time for the data to travel from the server to your device. This is called ping or latency.
Some regions around the world may be blocked from accessing certain websites, streaming services, and online games. By changing your VPN server location, you can bypass these network blocks by appearing as though you are in another region or country that isn’t restricted or banned from the sites you wish to access.
In some countries, the government imposes strict internet censorship and surveillance measures. Changing your VPN location to a country with less stringent regulations can help you bypass these restrictions and access uncensored information and resources.
Each nation has its own laws and regulations regarding data protection and privacy. For instance, the European Union follows strict rules like the GDPR, which is a comprehensive set of data privacy laws that protect user data.
Conversely, countries that are part of the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) are renowned for their intrusive surveillance methods and data retention laws. By changing your VPN location to a country with stringent privacy laws, you can safeguard your data from third-party spies and snoopers.
On top of what country you choose, make sure you're also choosing the right VPN. Ensure it has a good reputation, offers strong encryption and robust privacy and security features, and adheres to a strict no-logs policy that has been audited.
Follow these instructions to change your VPN location:
Yes, it can be beneficial to set your VPN to a different country, especially if you want to access geo-restricted content or streaming libraries on Netflix available in certain regions, optimize connection speeds, take advantage of torrent-friendly regions, and use servers that have more comprehensive privacy laws.
The ideal VPN location for Warzone would be one that is in closer proximity to the game server to reduce latency. By reducing latency, you will reduce lag or buffering time, preventing delays in your connection. We recommend checking out our guide on the best VPNs for Warzone to help you make an informed decision.
Renowned VPN providers like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark are recognized for their extensive server networks spanning across the globe.
Take a look at the number of servers or server locations these VPN providers offer globally:
VPNs are most beneficial in countries like China, who have strict internet censorship or limited access to specific online services and are known for their stringent internet regulations. Furthermore, VPNs can be a valuable service for users in regions with less internet freedom.
Choosing the right VPN server location is helpful for optimizing your online experience. Whether you’re working remotely, living in a country with less internet freedom, want to access geo-restricted content, or simply wish to hide your location, changing your VPN location can be convenient and advantageous. However, it’s important to choose a reputable VPN service that offers a wide server network with locations worldwide and is headquartered in a country with favorable data protection and privacy laws.
Travelers will find it especially essential to have a reputable VPN service that caters to their needs so that they can engage in their normal online activities abroad while enhancing their privacy and security. A well-researched VPN with server locations in the best countries can significantly enhance your online experience, no matter where your journey takes you.
To make an informed decision, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on the best VPNs for travel, which will help you stay connected and secure while exploring the world.
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
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