Best VPNs to Use in Canada in 2023
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous connections: 10 | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu, Peacock, Disney+ | Number of servers: 10,000+ | Server locations: 78
Best VPN For Canada [Reddit Question]
I live in Canada and it flat-out sucks that we can’t get U.S. Netflix here. However, I was recently told that I can use a VPN to get around this issue and watch American Netflix. After doing some Googling, it became apparent that this was true *heart eyes*
I am not the most experienced tech-person in the world, though, and would appreciate some recommendations for the best VPN for Canada from the Reddit community. From my research, I found that NordVPN seems to be one of the best but I want to hear what actual real legit people have to say on the matter.
If it helps, my budget isn’t huge (I’m a student) and I also wouldn’t mind using a VPN to watch German football (the Bundesliga). I also want to stay safe and secure as well, of course.
So, please, fire away with your suggestions and I will take a look at them 🙂
PS any free Canadian VPNs (or free trials) would be a hugeeee help too
Best VPNs to Use in Canada in 2023
Canada doesn’t have many internet restrictions. Even so, using a VPN in Canada can help you unblock streaming providers like Hulu which isn’t available in Canada or help you access your TD Canada Trust or Scotiabank accounts if you’re traveling abroad.
We thoroughly tested 20+ VPN providers, and here is our list of the best VPNs for Canada:
- NordVPN: Best VPN for Canada overall
- Surfshark: Most affordable Canada VPN
- CyberGhost: Best beginner-friendly VPN for Canada
- ExpresVPN: Reliable Canada VPN with robust security
- PIA: VPN for Canada with the largest VPN server network
The best VPN for Canada at the moment, is NordVPN. This VPN offers excellent speeds for streaming, the most secure encryption, and can unblock any international site from any location.
Right now, you can get up to 65% off your NordVPN subscription!
NordVPN
Want to compare more options? Below, we highlight the best VPNs for Canada and show you which one is best for you, based on your personal preferences.
Canada is not known for its oppressive censorship. However, not all online content is readily available to Canadians. Some popular streaming services, such as Hulu, for instance, aren’t available in Canada.
Moreover, with the introduction of the Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11), the content you’ll get recommended may soon be shaped by government institutions. Want to make sure you always have access to any streaming services and apps you want? A VPN can help you out!
We tested 20+ VPNs to find the best VPN for Canada. Our #1 Canada VPN is NordVPN. This provider is an unblocking powerhouse and offers enhanced security features to help you bypass online restricitons. At the moment, NordVPN also has an exclusive deal that gives new users up to 65% off!
The Top 5 Best VPNs for Canada
Based on our rigorous testing, NordVPN is the best VPN for Canada. It’s a fantastic VPN that doesn’t just encrypt your data but also offers servers around the globe, meaning you can stream any TV show or movie from anywhere in the world!
Luckily for Canadian users, there are plenty of excellent VPNs that work well in the Great White North. Which VPN is best for you depends on your personal preferences.
In the table below, you can see how each of the best Canada VPNs compares to the rest.
| Feature | #1 NordVPN | #2 Surfshark | #3 CyberGhost | #4 ExpressVPN | #5 PIA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of servers | 5,800+ | 3,200+ | 9,000+ | 3,000+ | 33,000 |
| Number of countries | 60 | 100 | 91 | 94 | 84 |
| Canadian server locations | Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver | Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver | Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver | Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver | Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, Lightway | OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP |
| Price (USD) | From $3.19/month | From $2.30/month | From $2.19/month | From $6.67/month | From $2.19/month |
| Price (CAN) | From $4.35/month | From $3.14/month | From $2.99/month | From $9.10/month | From $2.99/month |
| Purchase | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get CyberGhost | Get ExpressVPN | Get PIA |
Keep reading below to learn more about what we have discovered through our extensive tests of the best Canada VPNs.
1. NordVPN: Best VPN for Canada overall
NordVPN is the best VPN for Canada—and for good reason! Our own review of NordVPN shows that the VPN provider offers ultra-fast servers, can unblock any streaming service you want, including Max and Hulu, and keeps your data encrypted at all times.
Why you should get NordVPN for Canada:
- Streaming powerhouse. Whether you want to watch Schitt’s Creek while traveling abroad or unlock the best K-dramas and international movies from your couch at home, NordVPN can do it all. During our tests, we could easily unblock Netflix, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
- 5,800 servers in60 countries (incl. Canada!). NordVPN’s server network is large enough to give you access to any website or app. You can even request a dedicated IP address to optimize your VPN experience with a private server.
- Highly advanced security features. NordVPN is one of the most secure VPN services. It offers AES-256 encryption, an automatic kill switch we found to work like a charm, dedicated P2P servers for torrenting, and even a Threat Protection feature that kept malware and annoying ads at bay when we were testing the VPN.
- Affordable subscription plans. With NordVPN, your quality-to-cost ratio is unmatched! This VPN offers excellent deals throughout the year and won’t ever cost you more than a few bucks a month. You can also use NordVPN on six devices at the same time.
If you’re you looking for a fantastic Canada VPN with an extensive server network (480 Canadian servers!) and incredible security features, this should be your choice. We can offer you 65% off your NordVPN subscription if you make use of our exclusive offer today.
Want to test the VPN service first? Since NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try the VPN risk-free for a whole month and see how it compares to other Canada VPNs.
2. Surfshark: Most affordable Canada VPN
If you’re looking for the best Canada VPN that offers affordable plans, we highly recommend Surfshark based on our tests. For next to no money, you get unlimited simultaneous connections, a CleanWeb feature to eliminate ads and malware, and a VPN that can unblock all major streaming services.
Why you should get Surfshark for Canada:
- 3,200 servers in 100 countries. With Surfshark, you can connect to Canadian servers in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal, as well as 99 other countries worldwide! Whether we were unblocking live sports streams or international Netflix libraries, Surfshark made streaming easy.
- AES 256-encryption and great security. This zero-log VPN won’t leak any of your data. Since Canada is known to exchange your private data with other governments, Surfshark’s DNS leak protection, RAM-only servers, and CleanWeb tool will keep your sensitive information protected.
- Premium budget VPN. Despite its low subscription costs, Surfshark is easily one of the fastest VPNs right now. You’re sure to get bang for your buck! What’s more, we could use Surfshark on unlimited devices and share our account with friends and family.
- Optimized servers for P2P. Surfshark has optimized servers for torrenting. You won’t have to sacrifice downloading speeds either, as Surfshark supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard (some of the fastest VPN protocols).
Surfshark makes it easy to bypass geographical restrictions of any kind. On top of that, they offer an impressive discount of 82% off at the moment! You can also use the 30-day money-back guarantee as a free trial.
3. CyberGhost: Best beginner-friendly VPN for Canada
This VPN for Canada is great for people new to using VPN services and don’t want to break the bank. Every time we test and review CyberGhost, we are impressed by its features, speed, and performance. It certainly deserves a top spot in our list of the best Canada VPNs.
Why you should get CyberGhost for Canada:
- Beginner-friendly VPN. This VPN is great for users who have never used a VPN before. We found the interface very easy to navigate, and we didn’t have to toggle much with any settings. There’s also a 24/7 customer support team to help you out with any questions or issues.
- Optimized servers for streaming and gaming. If you’re looking for a great gaming VPN, CyberGhost has special VPN servers that are optimized for gaming. The same goes for streaming. CyberGhost can unblock any major streaming service, including non-Canadian streaming sites like Hulu or BBC iPlayer.
- Advanced security features. You won’t have to worry about your security when using CyberGhost. The VPN has partnered with Intego to offer you a malware, spyware, and ransomware blocker. It also has an automatic kill switch that prevented our IP from leaking online and AES 256-bit encryption to let you safely access your Canadian bank accounts.
- Value-for-money VPN. CyberGhost is an affordable VPN. They offer great VPN deals throughout the year. You can have up to seven simultaneous connections for less than the price of a cup of coffee!
With thousands of server locations and counting, CyberGhost can unblock a world of entertainment for you. Want to see for yourself? Unlike other VPNs, CyberGhost has a 45-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to try out the VPN.
4. ExpressVPN: Reliable Canada VPN with robust security
ExpressVPN has been a top-performing VPN for many years. With AES 256-bit encryption and an array of VPN protocols — including the super-fast Lightway protocol — this is a great VPN to use in Canada.
Why you should get ExpressVPN for Canada:
- Leak-proof and secure VPN. If you opt for ExpressVPN, you can be assured you’ll get a high-quality VPN! With Express’s TrustedServer technology, no data ever gets written on any servers. On top of that, you get a built-in password manager with your plan.
- Unblock region-locked content. During our ExpressVPN tests, we discovered that this is an easy VPN to stream with. We found that it can unblock any streaming site or live sports channel we were interested in. With their obfuscated servers, you can even hide that you’re using a VPN.
- Online banking made easy. Access TD Bank, Scotiabank, or your BMO accounts from anywhere. The Threat Manager tool ensured that no malware could infect our device and that all trackers and ads were blocked when we were browsing the internet.
- Expert customer support. The team at ExpressVPN has been in the business for a long time and can help you out with any issues you might run into. There’s a 24/7 live chat available for immediate support.
You can use ExpressVPN on five devices at the same time. With 3,000+ servers in 94 countries (including Canada!), the server network is smaller when compared to other VPN services. But with ExpressVPN, you’re primarily paying for security and reliability.
At the moment, you can get 49% off a one-year plan! Since ExpressVPN is on the pricier side, you don’t want to miss out on this deal. Use the 30-day money-back guarantee to try this Canada VPN for a month.
5. Private Internet Access: VPN for Canada with the largest VPN server network
If you’re looking for a secure VPN service that’s reasonably priced and offers an expansive server network and unlimited simultaneous connections, Private Internet Access (also known as PIA) is the best Canada VPN for you. We know from testing Private Internet Access that it’s a VPN worth checking out if you’re on the hunt for the best VPN for Canada!
Why you should get PIA for Canada:
- Local Canadian servers and a huge VPN server network. PIA has the biggest server network in the VPN world right now, with 33,000+ VPN servers across 84 server locations. Get a Canadian IP address in Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver to browse Kijiji or Canadian news sites when you’re abroad.
- Unlimited connections. Following in Surfshark’s footsteps, you can now get PIA on unlimited devices, meaning you can share your account with friends and family and enjoy PIA’s security and unblocking powers together. It helps that PIA is also one of the cheapest VPNs.
- PIA MACE(built-in ad blocker). Whether we were streaming Netflix, Disney+, or just browsing the web, PIA would block annoying ads and detect malware before it could infect our device.
- Verified no-log VPN. While PIA is located in the US (part of the 5 Eyes alliance together with Canada), it has proven in court not to hold onto any private user data and adheres to the highest VPN security standards.
Like many of the best VPNs for Canada, PIA comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, you can use any of its 33,000 servers for free for 30 days and unblock your favorite sites without committing.
How We Picked the Best VPN for Canada
In order to score highly, a virtual private network has to give excellent results on multiple fronts, from online security to ease of use. There are several things we keep in mind when selecting the best Canada VPNs.
When selecting the best Canada VPN, we looked at the following factors:
- Security features. A VPN has to give you peace of mind. Each VPN in this list has been tested in Canada for DNS and WebRTC leaks. We also assess security features, including a kill switch, ad blocker, encryption, VPN protocols, and additional features such as split tunneling.
- Zero-logs VPN. Since Canada is part of the 5, 9, 14 Eyes Alliance, you want to ensure your VPN doesn’t store your data anywhere it can be retrieved. You want to pick a privacy-conscious VPN that’s ideally been independently audited.
- VPN speeds and daily use. Of course, if you’re going to purchase a VPN, you want to be able to use it with ease. You don’t want a significant drop in browsing or streaming speeds. All of the best VPNs for Canada performed exceptionally well while we were streaming content and when casually browsing.
- Server network. The larger your VPN’s server network, the better your chances of unblocking content you’re interested in. The best Canada VPNs have a diverse server network, with servers in different parts of the globe.
Why Do I Need a VPN in Canada?
Compared to places like Iran or Russia, censorship in Canada is limited. In fact, Canada has a very open media landscape; you don’t need a virtual private network to watch independent news or access your social media accounts.
However, a VPN has many benefits for users in Canada:
- If you’re looking to stream region-restricted content (content unavailable in Canada), a VPN can help you do that. With Bill C-11 on the table, it might become more difficult to stream American Netflix, for example. A VPN gives you access to a wider range of content.
- A VPN encrypts your internet connection. This means you are less likely to be identified and tracked online. Your internet traffic will be hidden from Canadian internet providers, and you’ll be able to safely partake in online banking, working remotely, and browsing securely.
- Most VPN providers offer additional features such as a password manager or secure cloud storage. That way, your overall cybersecurity is easily improved with a VPN.
Bill C-11: Is Canada censoring the internet?
The Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11) is in its final stages of adoption. This is because the bill grants the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) a lot more regulatory power.
Why does this matter? With Bill C-11, you’ll find that the content you get recommended on audio-visual platforms like Netflix and YouTube might change. This is because the bill aims to promote Canadian content (“CanCon”) as much as possible.
While the intent might be good, Bill C-11 has been criticized as a censorship bill for various reasons:
- It’s nearly impossible to create good guidelines for what “Canadian content” really means.
- Giving the CRTC such regulatory power sets a bad precedent for future censorship.
- Though the bill claims to regulate large companies and not individual users, user-generated content will be affected either way.
The best VPNs for Canada will let you bypass restrictions on global streaming services without issue.
Can I Use a Free VPN in Canada?
Generally, we’re careful to recommend using a free VPN service. Though there are some great free VPNs out there, they often come with limitations. The main risks include:
- Poor privacy policy: A free VPN might store your data and sell it to third parties.
- Data caps or bandwidth throttling: Most free VPNs usually offer a limited data volume or throttle the bandwidth.
- Small VPN server network: Free VPNs often have limited server networks.
Having said this, there are some great free VPNs you might explore if you are looking for the best VPN for Canada.
One we’d like to highlight specifically as one of the best free Canada VPNs is Atlas VPN because of the security and unblocking features it offers.
Atlas VPN: Best Canada VPN (free plan)
The best free VPN for Canada is AtlasVPN. This freemium VPN has been steadily climbing up the ranks!
With a local Canada server in Montréal, you can get a Canadian IP address no matter where you are. On top of that, the incredibly fast WireGuard protocol and the double VPN feature called MultiHop+ make Atlas VPN worthy of your consideration.
With 1,000+ VPN servers in 42 countries, this relatively new VPN has been quickly expanding. When testing Atlas, we were impressed by how easily Atlas VPN unblocked Netflix and other streaming services. The premium plan even supports P2P file-sharing!
You can get unlimited simultaneous connections—always a plus! Moreover, Atlas doesn’t keep any personally identifiable information anywhere. While the free plan works well, it has a 5GB data cap. Luckily, you can now get an 85% discount on the premium plan!
Are VPNs legal in Canada?
Yes, VPNs and other tools to bypass online censorship, such as a proxy server, are still legal in Canada. At some point down the line, the Canadian government might start targeting VPN service providers, especially in light of Bill C-11.
At the moment, however, using a virtual private network is perfectly legal. Unfortunately, not every single VPN is safe. There are certainly some to avoid.
VPNs to Avoid in Canada
Some VPN services do more harm than good, either because they have faulty software or are not as careful with your private data as they should be.
Here are some VPN providers to avoid in Canada:
| VPN Provider | Why You Should Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Beet VPN | Keeps extensive user data logs |
| Tuxler VPN | Lacks even the most basic online security features |
| Hola VPN | Logs all your data, and is a proxy server rather than a real VPN |
| X-VPN | Keeps logs and has some features that don’t work properly (kill switch) |
You won’t run into these issues with the best Canada VPNs recommended in this article.
Unblock the Internet From Anywhere With A Canada VPN
Using a virtual private network in Canada opens up a world of possibilities. With a Canadian VPN, you’ll be able to access streaming services from all around the world and bypass any regional internet restrictions.
On top of that, the best VPNs for Canada ensure that you’re much better protected against cyber threats, as well as surveillance tech. The #1 VPN we recommend for Canada right now is NordVPN.
With an extensive global server network, as well as 480 Canadian servers, NordVPN opens up the internet for you and encrypts your data while at it, and you can now make use of one of the best deals NordVPN has ever offered!
Check out some of our other articles if you want to find out how to use a VPN in different countries:
- Best VPN for India: Our Top Picks
- Best VPN for Iran: Safely Bypass Internet Censorship
- Best VPN for Pakistan: Top VPNs to Bypass Censorship
Best VPN for Canada: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have any questions about VPNs in Canada and why you might need one? Check out our FAQ section below.
What is the best VPN to use in Canada?
The best VPN for Canada is NordVPN. This affordable VPN service offers lightning-fast speeds, excellent security, and tons of additional security features that will keep you safe online.
It also deserves the #1 spot in the list because it can unblock any streaming service you want access to.
What is the best free VPN in Canada?
One of our favorite free VPNs of the moment is Atlas VPN. This VPN has a great free plan available but also offers premium features! It’s a fast and easy to use VPN with a local server in Montréal.
Do VPNs work in Canada?
VPNs are completely legal in Canada and work well! Ideally, we recommend that you avoid using free VPNs since they aren’t as reliable.
Do I really need a VPN in Canada?
Canada isn’t known for internet censorship, but some of the issues Canadians may be facing is that they can’t access all streaming services or international sites in Canada. Here, a VPN can really help you out!
More importantly, a VPN encrypts your data so you can browse the web and partake in online banking without worrying about online threats.
Lauren Mak Author
International Censorship & Security Journalist
Lauren is an internal censorship and security-focused journalist with an eye for how technology affects society. With a background in International Relations and North American Studies, Lauren has a passion for helping understand the importance of privacy, freedom, and internet safety.
The best Canada VPN in 2023
A Canada VPN is an indispensable bit of kit for anyone living in or traveling to the Great White North. The best VPN services are available on just about any device, so now matter what you’re using, it’s super simple to get protected.
Canada is part of the Five Eyes Alliance, meaning that it allows other member states to spy on its citizens and share that information. The government is also known to carry out its own invasive surveillance – not to mention most of Canada’s internet traffic is routed through servers in the US. By hiding your location and encrypting your traffic, a quality VPN for Canada can help you avoid these dangers, and even access overseas streaming content too.
Drawing from my dozens of hands-on review of VPN providers, here I’ve pulled together tons of info on the five best Canada VPNs available. However, if you just want to pick from the very best, my top three are as follows:
1. ExpressVPN – The best Canada VPN today
Whether you want to access overseas Netflix libraries, avoid intrusive governmental legislation, or simply the peace of mind online anonymity can bring, ExpressVPN is the best service for the job. With a 30-day money-back guarantee and three months free, it’s also not bad value.
2. Surfshark – Cheap and effective Canada VPN
If Express is a little too pricey, Surfshark may offer a better deal. It’s powerful and very secure, and currently, Tom’s Guide readers can claim both 2 months free, as well as a free subscription to Surfshark One – the VPN provider’s antivirus and security suite. Not bad for less than $2.50 a month.
3. NordVPN – Powerful, secure, and great in Canada
NordVPN is a hugely popular VPN for Canada, and it’s both great for staying secure online and accessing streaming content worldwide. It’s super fast, has over 5,000 servers worldwide, and also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try before you commit.
My expert list of the best Canada VPNs of 2023
1. ExpressVPN
The best Canada VPN on the market
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous connections: 5 | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu, Peacock, Disney+ | Number of servers: 3,000+ | Server locations: 160
+3 MONTHS FREE
ExpressVPN 12 month
ExpressVPN 6 month
ExpressVPN 1 month
Excellent connection speeds
Great streaming power
Polished apps for all devices
Stellar support
Max five connections
It’s easy to see why ExpressVPN is quite simply the best Canada VPN of 2023. Not only does it offer excellent connection speeds all over the world, but it can unblock just about every streaming service around, is perfect for torrenting, and is incredibly private and secure to boot – as our only 5-star rated VPN, our ExpressVPN review is testament to its quality.
First things first, ExpressVPN boasts industry-standard AES-256 encryption combined with a selection of protocols, Perfect Forward Secrecy and an audited no-logging policy. It also has a kill switch to protect you if your connection drops, plus split tunnelling, which can route some of your traffic through the VPN while keeping some untouched.
As well as that, Express has a stellar history of reliably unblocking Netflix libraries around the world (including Canada), as well as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and more. That’s quite a cinematic roster, and much of it will be unlocked as part of your subscription if you virtually relocate yourself to a certain country.
Don’t be intimidated by Express’s comprehensive list of features – if all you want to do is press a button and get connected, you can do that too. While fine-tuning a VPN is fun for some, we really appreciate how ExpressVPN works perfectly out the box, and is perfectly suited for those that just want to plug and play – especially on mobile devices.
Overall, there’s not a VPN service out there that can match ExpressVPN. Simply put, it can basically do everything. But, if you’re not sure, it also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test the service. If you change your mind, you’ll get a full refund, no questions asked.
Get 3 months FREE of the best Canada VPN
Tom’s Guide readers can claim three months FREE of ExpressVPN – that’s 15 months for the price of 12. However, if you discover it’s not for you, you’ve got 30 days to request a no-hassle refund.
2. Surfshark
The best value Canada VPN
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu, Peacock, Disney+ | Number of servers: 3,200+ | Server locations: 100+
+3 months free
Surfshark 24 Months
Surfshark 12 Months
Surfshark 1 Month
Excellent value
Simple, usable apps
Excellent for streaming
OpenVPN speeds are lackluster
If you’re on a budget, Surfshark is our top-rated cheap VPN – and it just so happens to be an excellent VPN for Canada, too. With all the features you need and none you don’t, our Surfshark review found that it’s faster than any other (when using WireGuard) at a fraction of the price.
With AES-256 encryption and several protocols including WireGuard, plus an ad blocker, kill switch and more, its desktop clients are powerful and reliable. It’s easy to install and provides quick access to Surfshark’s 3,200+ servers worldwide – with around 90 of them in Canada itself.
the mobile apps are polished a professional, offering a very simple way to get connected anywhere in the world. What’s more, they also solve one of ExpressVPN’s only downfalls – with unlimited simultaneous connections you can cover as many devices as you like, whether that’s 5 or 105. If you need whole-family cover, Surfshark is an excellent choice.
Some users may find Surfshark’s apps too simple, and beyond protocols and the kill switch there’s not a lot to change – but that really won’t matter to many, and the provider’s charm is in its simplicity. It’s cheap, easy, and reliable. What more could you want?
3. NordVPN
Security giant is a reliable Canada VPN
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous connections: 6 | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu, Peacock, Disney+ | Number of servers: 5,500+ | Server locations: 80+
NordVPN 2 Year
NordVPN 1 Year
NordVPN 1 Month
Top streaming power
Excellent speeds
Great for privacy nuts
Apps can be awkward
NordVPN is arguably the biggest name in the VPN world, so it’s no surprise it works great as a Canada VPN. With class-leading privacy features and streaming power to match, our NordVPN review found it to be one of the best services around today, and it’s also really easy to use.
The provider has over 400 servers located in Canada, and that all but guarantees you’ll be able to get great speeds for streaming and regular browsing no matter where you’re located. Plus, with over 5,500 servers worldwide, if you’re on holiday or a business trip you should be able to get connected with ease – and it’s one of our top-rated Netflix VPN services.
For those looking for ultimate privacy, Nord has a lot to offer. You’ll get AES-256 encryption as standard, a good kill switch, and a range of protocols including the speedy in-house NordLynx. NordVPN has also recently been independently audited, which should allay any fears about the company’s 2018 data breach.
NordVPN offers a great range of apps for tons of devices, but do be aware that the interface can be a little awkward on smaller screens – we’d much rather see a list of servers than a map. However, if you’re looking for a trusted name in cybersecurity, you could do a lot worse than NordVPN.
4. Private Internet Access
More Canadian servers than any other provider
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous connections: 10 | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu, Peacock, Disney+ | Number of servers: 10,000+ | Server locations: 78
+2 MONTHS FREE
Private Internet Access 24 Month
Private Internet Access 1 Month
Loads of servers
Good for P2P
Excellent privacy features
Speeds aren’t class-leading
In our most recent Private Internet Access review we found that the provider has recently upped its game, both in terms of its network and its general usability.
Boasting more individual servers than all of its competitors, PIA has thousands of servers in Canada alone, meaning it’s super simple to find a speedy connection wherever you are in the country.
If you’re looking to unblock Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video, you’re in luck, as in our testing PIA got us access without a hitch. However, BBC iPlayer caused some issues, so it’s not an absolutely perfect VPN for streaming.
Privacy-wise, PIA is seriously impressive. With a comprehensive zero-logging policy alongside interesting advanced features like port forwarding and a command line tool which allows you to write your own scripts that automate the program, it’ll definitely appeal to the techier user.
One of the few negatives is that PIA’s connection speeds are fairly slow compared to the competition, but with WireGuard connections reaching more than 510Mbps, these speeds should be satisfactory for just about any user – and for the price, it’s a great value Canada VPN.
5. Proton VPN
Seriously secure VPN for Canada
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous connections: 10 | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Peacock, Disney+ | Number of servers: 1,800+ | Server locations: 63 countries
Proton VPN 24 months
Proton VPN 12 months
Proton VPN 1 Month
Excellent privacy and security features
Can access US, Canada, UK Netflix
Great speeds
Powerful, privacy-focused apps
More complex than some rivals
Proton VPN has really been on the up in the last year or so, and has addressed the very few issues we had that were stopping it from cracking the top five. And now, on the back of an incredibly impressive Proton VPN review, here it is.
It’s a great fit for those looking to globetrot Netflix in privacy, as in our testing it was able to unblock UK, US, and Canadian libraries – much better than a lot of the competition. Plus, it can access BBC iPlayer, Prime video, YouTube, and more.
Privacy is also a high priority for Proton VPN, and as well as a full bare-metal DNS network and safe servers all over the world, you’ll also be able to use the Secure Core feature. Essentially, this routes your connection through an ultra-secure server (Iceland, Switzerland, or Sweden) before sending it on to your location of choice. This is great if you also need a UAE VPN, Turkey VPN, or any other similar risky location.
Overall, Proton VPN is a seriously potent, private VPN, and while it does lack 24/7 support (right now), it’s definitely worth considering if privacy is at the top of your list.
How to choose a Canada VPN
Most users will want a good all-rounder as their Canada VPN. Rock-solid privacy and a watertight zero-logging policy come first, and will ensure your data stays private from your ISP, the government, and any other dodgy snoopers on public Wi-Fi.
Then, excellent apps for a good range of devices will be important for most, as staying protected on the go is just as important as at home. Streaming support is also a big plus, and in my testing the most private services are also the best for this, so no sacrifices need to be made.
Overall, I rate ExpressVPN as the very best Canada VPN. With plenty of servers both in and outside Canada, top streaming support and excellent, audited privacy credentials, it’s the full package. However, there are also a few good alternatives, so here we’ll run down the top VPNs for Canada so you can pick your favorite from the bunch.
How we test the best Canada VPNs
Every six months my team of experts and I undertake a comprehensive review process of the best providers. Our expert team tests the reliability of apps on a range of devices, digs deep to find flaws, and sees if features like kill switches are truly up to task.
We also test them with streaming services – in this case, access to Canadian sites is prioritized – to see if they’re able to unblock everything a potential user might want it to.
Servers located in Canada are also a must here, and every provider on this page has a good range of Canadian IPs to choose from.
Finally, we judge how good a package the VPN provides as a whole. This includes comprehensive speed testing on our 1Gbps uncontested line, checking out the live chat support, seeing how intuitive the apps are, and any extra goodies like bundled antivirus or darkweb monitoring.
Best Canada VPN FAQ
What is the best Canada VPN?
In short, we consider ExpressVPN to be the #1 VPN for Canada available today. With unbeatable privacy, tons of servers, great speeds and excellent streaming potential, it’s the full package. However, if you’re looking for a slightly cheaper alternative, Surfshark will cover all your bases for less than $2.50 a month.
Why do I need a Canada VPN?
The two biggies are privacy and streaming.
If you follow the news you’ll know that online freedoms are gradually getting eroded in Canada and the US (well, the whole world, really), so having a VPN is the first and easiest step to take in making sure you’re looking after your data.
By anonymizing all your traffic, a good Canada VPN can help you avoid hackers and trackers, targeting advertising, ISP throttling and so much more – check out our mega page on VPN uses to learn about everything they can do.
Also, streaming is a huge part of our lives now, but if you head overseas it’s quite likely you won’t be able to access the content that you’re used to. By using a VPN you’ll be able to spoof your location back home, giving you access to everything you’re used to.
You’ll also be able to explore different regional streaming services from your own home in the same way – just pick a server and get going.
Can I get a Canada VPN free?
While free Canada VPNs do exist, you need to be careful. Also, you have to be aware that every free VPN has its drawbacks.
You’ll likely be subjected to daily or monthly data caps, ranging from the generous to the pathetic, and you also probably won’t get the same high speeds as you would if you paid for a service.
Some are also known to inject adverts into your browsing, which is one of the main things people use VPNs to avoid.
If you won’t be using you VPN much at all, a free service could work. However, if you want to stream, game, or even just have it on all day, you’ll need something fully fledged – and with Surfshark starting at around $2.50 a month, you won’t have to pay much either.
Is a VPN legal in Canada?
Using a VPN in Canada is entirely legal, and having one installed on your computer does not incriminate you in any way.
However, Just because VPNs can make it possible to ‘get away’ with illegal activities such as pirating content and software, using one does not suddenly make illegal acts legal.
We in no way condone using a VPN to perform illegal activities, but we can also reassure you that in Canada, having a VPN subscription alone is nothing to worry about.
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