Need the best VPN for Germany? There are still ample reasons for every local or foreigner traveling there, to need one. Keep reading!
It’s one of the most highly visited places in the world by tourists from all across the globe. And how can you blame them? Have you seen Germany? The picturesque landscapes of far-fetched green, the most thrilling festivities like the Oktoberfest, drinking home-brewed beer, or even just traveling to Germany for the food!
However, amidst all the fun and games, Germany is still a part of the 14-eyes alliance.
TLDR;
There are many VPNs that claim to be the best for Germany, but only a handful that passed the tests for successful performance. Before moving on to why you may need a VPN for Germany, here’s a glance at my top 5 providers:
- Surfshark – Top pick for best VPN Germany, offers unlimited device connections, best security, and speeds.
- NordVPN – Strongest VPN for Germany, strict no-logs policy and good speeds.
- ExpressVPN – Best VPN for accessing YouTube in Germany and produces some of the highest speeds.
- CyberGhost – Top VPN for privacy in Germany, safe jurisdictions, P2P compatible.
- FastestVPN – Best budgeted VPN for Germany; robust security features, and provides German IPs.
The best VPN for Germany in 2020
Now to make it to the list of best VPNs for Germany, each provider was selected based on all the boxes it ticked according to the criteria mentioned above. In no particular order, we begin with:
1. Surfshark – Best all-rounder VPN for Germany
| Price | $2.49/mo. |
| Refund | 30-days |
| Website | Surfshark.com |
Surfshark for me, is the best VPN for Germany and here’s why:
- It has around 1700+ servers in 64 countries, with the inclusion of German servers for accessing local content.
- Hailing from a privacy-friendly jurisdiction called the British Virgin Islands, you don’t have to worry about anyone stealing your data or online privacy.
- Coming to security, it runs on military-grade 256-bit AES encryption using multiple protocols like OpenVPN. It also has a Kill Switch by default and other features like GPS Spoofing, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, AdBlocker, a Whitelister, and much more.
- Accessing YouTube and the US Netflix library will never be a problem with Surfshark’s ability to bypass geo-blocks and restricted services worldwide.
- Has P2P optimized servers, making torrenting safe again.
- It also supports a number of devices and apps for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, Nvidia Shield TV, FireStick, and a lot more.
- Along with its device support, it also allows you unlimited device connections per subscription.
To put the VPN to the test, Surfshark also has a 7-day free trial along with a reliable 30-day refund policy.
For more information on its performance, take a look at my Surfshark review.
2. NordVPN – Best for security and speeds in Germany
| Price | $3.71/mo. |
| Refund | 30-days |
| Website | NordVPN.com |
There’s a lot for NordVPN to offer, making it one of my top picks for a German VPN with the strongest security feature backing. A few of the NordVPN attributes include:
- It has around 5000+ servers in 59 countries. Included in its list it covers around 259 German servers.
- Since privacy and anonymous surfing is what’s needed in Germany, NordVPN originates in one of the most secured jurisdictions called Panama.
- NordVPN follows a strict no-logging policy keeping its user’s data and online activities private.
- When in Germany, you’re probably going to need double the security, not only for all your devices but to secure your data as well. NordVPN runs on 256-bit encryption using the OpenVPN protocol. It also carried a functional Kill Switch, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, a CyberSec feature, and a lot more.
- It’s quite the task to access YouTube in Germany. With NordVPN, you’ll be able to safely unblock it and access other restricted services like Netflix, Hotstar, Hulu, and more.
- Its servers are also optimized for P2P file sharing.
- You can use your Android or your Windows because NordVPN supports multiple devices. It also covers other apps for iOS, macOS, Linux, Android TV, Firestick, and much more.
- As mentioned in the previous like, it doesn’t matter what device needs protection. NordVPN supports up-to 6 multi-device connections.
To check its overall performance or maybe look into other supported devices, you should check out my NordVPN review.
In the meantime, if you’d like to test the VPN out, Nord provides a 7-day free trial for Android and iOS. Besides that, it also offers a 30-day refund. This provider allows you to cancel your account and avail of a refund period for anyone who’d like to test the VPN a little longer.
3. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for accessing restricted streaming or entertainment platforms in Germany
| Price | $6.67/mo. |
| Refund | 30-days |
| Website | ExpressVPN.com |
ExpressVPN always amazes to work profoundly. Below you’ll see why ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for Germany:
- It has around 3000+ servers covering a huge platform of 94 countries. Among these, it includes German servers, which you can use to access local German content worldwide.
- Coming to terms with observing privacy, ExpressVPN hails from one of the safest regions called the British Virgin Islands. No more data leakage or monitored internet experiences.
- Discussing its security, ExpressVPN among a tiny portion of VPNs covers up some pretty impressive speeds and security features. It works on 256-bit encryption using the OpenVPN protocol. It also has a functional Kill Switch to preserve your identity and location. Other features include DNS/IPv6 leak protection and more.
- ExpressVPN also has an additional SmartDNS feature called MediaStreamer. This aids in accessing unlimited restricted streaming services like Disney Plus, YouTube, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and a lot more with great ease.
- ExpressVPN delivers some of the best speeds in the industry.
- Supports torrenting with great security and anonymity.
- ExpressVPN helps protect all your devices since it supports multiple devices and client apps. Some of these supported platforms include Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Firestick, Smart TVs, and a lot more.
- You never have to think twice about protecting all your devices since it supports up-to 5 multi-device connections per subscription.
Just in case you’d like to give the VPNs premium features a test drive, ExpressVPN has a limited free trial for mobile devices and a strict 30-day refund. Ask for a refund and account cancelation if you’re not happy with the service.
If you’d still like a little more insight into the VPNs performance and additional features, here’s an ExpressVPN review you can look at.
4. CyberGhost – User-friendly VPN for Germany with great privacy policies
| Price | $2.25/mo. |
| Refund | 45-days |
| Website | CyberGhost.com |
Rumor has it that CyberGhost is one of the best providers for privacy and streaming. It comes with ample reviews to support that. This is why CyberGhost, according to me, is the best VPN for online privacy in Germany. Other features include:
- Huge coverage of 6000+ servers in 90 countries. Among this it also covers around 791 German servers, to access local content from abroad.
- Coming to the reason why we trust CyberGhost as one of the best privacy-friendly VPNs, is the fact that it originates from Romania, known for observing strict no-logging policies.
- In its security platform, it encompasses bank-grade 256-bit AES encryption using the OpenVPN protocol. To add to its greatness it also covers a Kill Switch by default. Other added features include a split-tunneling feature called Exceptions, an AdBlocker, Automated HTTPS Redirect, and a lot more.
- During testing, CyberGhost had managed to unblocked multiple services. Some of these include Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, DAZN, and more.
- Supports P2P file sharing.
- In terms of compatibility, CyberGhost supports a number of devices and apps for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, Android TV, Fire TV, and a lot more.
- To top it off, it offers 7 simultaneous device connections.
I understand that almost everyone is a little unsure when it comes to investing in a VPN they don’t know about.
So, here’s a CyberGhost review for you to see the provider’s complete performance and advanced features.
However, CyberGhost offers a 24-hr free trial for Windows and a 7-day free trial for iOS and Android devices. Along with that it also offers a 45-day refund period in case you need to test the VPN out extensively.
5. FastestVPN – Best budgeted VPN for security in Germany
| Price | $1.11/mo. |
| Refund | 15-days |
| Website | FastestVPN.com |
Security and a budgeted price are what FastestVPN is known for. Taking a wider look into things, here’s what makes FastestVPN the best choice for a German VPN:
- When talking about servers, FastestVPN covers a simple list of 350+ servers in 39+ locations with the inclusion of German IP addresses. That may be deemed as a little few to some, but FastestVPN covers almost all the major parts of the world, which is the best thing for streaming.
- You don’t need to worry about your data leaking or about someone stealing your information. FastestVPN hails from a privacy-friendly region call the Cayman Islands.
- It’s known for having some of the strongest security features like 256-bit encryption, using the OpenVPN protocol. It even has a functional Kill Switch, Smart Connect, Split-Tunneling, and a lot more.
- If ever you’re in a mood for the latest movie or watching a popular music video, FastestVPN allows you access to bypass all geo-blocks to access some of the toughest restrictions. Some of the services it managed to unblock were like Popcorn Time, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, DAZN, and Amazon Prime.
- Supports torrenting.
- It supports a large platform of devices and apps for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, Roku, browser extensions, and a lot more.
- Protect all your supported devices in one go with the best VPN for Germany. It allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously per subscription.
For more into the list of devices it supports along with its overall performance, why don’t you give my FastestVPN review a look into. And just in case you’d like to put the VPN to the test, FastestVPN offers a 15-day refund period.
How to choose the best VPN for Germany
If you read further on, you’ll find out exactly why you need not just any VPN but the best VPN for Germany. This is regardless of the fact whether you’re a local or a foreigner traveling to German soil.
But, first, since we’re on the topic of needing a VPN for Germany with the best performance, I wouldn’t ever expect you to pick just any VPN for a quick fix.
Not all VPNs work the same and some even lack specific functionality or steal your data. So what’s the point of that?
Choosing a VPN for Germany requires quite a bit of work and testing, and the ability to be compatible with a number of commonly used devices like iOS or Firestick.
However, I managed to shortlist the 5 VPNs mentioned above based on the following requirements and great testing results:
Server Coverage
These providers were chosen on the basis of offering a wide platform of servers from around the world. They even offer German IP addresses to access local content from anywhere in the world.
Privacy and no-logging policy
Since Germany is part of the 14-eyes and does the occasional online sweeping through your activities, it is necessary you choose a German VPN that has the best privacy and no-data retention policies. It should be able to secure and preserve your anonymity.
Ability to bypass geo-blocked platforms
Another thing, Germany may not restrict the amount of time you spend on the internet, but it does, however, block certain platforms like YouTube. And by that, I mean completely filtering almost 61% out of the most viewed video categories. The VPN you choose for Germany should be strong enough to bypass heavy Geo-blocks from anywhere in the world.
Best security backing
It doesn’t matter what device you use, the German VPN you choose should have the best security measures like 256-bit encryption and an active Kill Switch. Secondly, since the German government is pretty much tapping into your devices and activities, all the more reason for you to need a VPN that doesn’t leak your data. I tested each provider on this list for IP leaks using several of its servers including the German ones.
Fast streaming speeds
Gaining access to streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime by either locals or foreigners from Germany can be a big bust. Not every platform you try to access is going able to function smoothly with slow speeds. It could be because of your ISP throttling your connection speeds. For that, you’re going to need a German VPN that stabilizes or heightens your download speeds.
P2P optimized servers
Torrenting is considered a criminal offense in many countries including Germany. Scoring a VPN that has P2P optimized servers will make torrenting more accessible and safer to operate with. Not failing to mention the best download speeds; dodging terrible buffering escapades.
User-friendliness
All the VPNs chosen for Germany have user-friendly apps for multiple devices. This is important as not all users are professionals. A simple and clean client app is the best thing VPN users look for.
Compatibility and multi-device connections
The VPNs selected all support multiple devices and also allows you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously per VPN subscription. You’ll never know which device you’ll need protecting when on holiday.
A competent support chat
In most cases, I’d say it’s better to have a 24/7 support chat, but in actuality what’s the point if the guidance they’re providing isn’t helpful? A competent and reliable support chat is what you need for assistance in Germany.
Best German VPN according to Reddit
I like listing and taking note of what the Reddit family has to say regarding the VPNs they’ve tried and tested in the past or present. Besides my own views on things, it’s always good to take note of other reviews.
By the looks of it, NordVPN seems to trump the rest.
Also See: Best VPNs for Reddit.
FAQs
Why do you need a VPN in Germany?
There are many reasons why you should use a VPN in Germany, and honestly, there are equally similar reasons why one should use a VPN in general.
However, in terms of Germany, here’s exactly why you need the best VPN service:
Online surveillance
Germany’s government seems to have given its intelligence agency (BND), the upper-hand in making sure they tab into their citizen’s devices. They’ll be able to monitor every text, every call, and every digital footprint you leave behind. Secondly, Germany is indeed a part of the 14-eyes alliance, and can in any given time sell its citizens data to other members of the alliance.
Cyberattacks
There can be as much internet freedom in Germany as you dream of, but it’s always wise to be on the safe side. Just because data-protection is practiced, it doesn’t mean hackers are off duty. Someone somewhere is waiting to hack into your device, steal, manipulate, delete, or even sell your data. It’s always wise to take an extra leap towards cybersecurity measures.
Torrenting
Downloading or even uploading torrents is considered a big no-no in many countries including Germany. The downloading of copyrighted content should never be practiced. If however, you still feel like going ahead with it, it should always be done safely with maximum security.
Accessing content worldwide
The German government has held strict rules and has managed to censor multiple content and websites. This includes YouTube in particular. Accessing it along with other majorly restricted websites like the US Netflix, HBO GO, or even Disney Plus, you’re going to need a German VPN for that. It also applies to gain access to local German content when abroad.
Can a free VPN be used in Germany?
No.
Since torrenting and so many other modes of entertainment have been blocked off, it’s always wise to go with those providers which offers the best security features. Using a free VPN in Germany will only weigh in on your burdens.
Are VPNs illegal to use in Germany?
Yes, they’re completely legal.
It’s not mentioned anywhere that VPNs aren’t allowed. In fact, the usage of VPNs in Germany is quite popular. Accessing restricted services like Netflix is what most people in Germany are trying to achieve. For that, only the best VPN for Germany will be able to cater to those requirements. And since there exist no specific laws on the illegality of VPNs, you’re free to use it as you please.
To conclude
It wouldn’t hurt anyone to take precautions are getting themselves the double protection that only the best VPN can provide. However, before picking any, it always wise to go through authentic VPN reviews for double-checking.
All the German VPNs mentioned on my list (Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and FastestVPN), have all ticked the right boxes, showing you exactly what you’re looking for in the best VPN for Germany.
If you check out our deals and discount page, you’ll even find these VPN providers offering affordable prices!
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