5 Best VPN for Germany in 2023 (Fast & Secure)

✔️ Supported Devices: Use ExpressVPN on Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, and Linux devices.

Best VPN In Germany [Ultimate 2023 Guide in English]

If you are here, you are looking for one of two things (or maybe both): to unlock restricted content in Germany or to protect your privacy while surfing the web. In this guide, I’ll share with you the best VPN in Germany and answer the questions of whether it is legal to use a VPN to access blocked content in Germany.

If you are short on time, here is an overview of the best VPNs in Germany:

1. NordVPN: Is the best VPN for the best value for the price. You can connect up to 6 devices, and it’s great to access geo-blocked content while maintaining fast speeds.
2. Surfshark: Their 2-year plan is the cheapest option on this list. You can connect an unlimited amount of devices and access great geo-blocked content.
3. ExpressVPN: The VPN that offers the fastest speeds. You can connect up to 5 devices and access the most geo-blocked content with high speeds.

NordVPN	Surfshark	ExpressVPN
Number of Servers	5.279	3.200	3.000+
Simultaneous Connections	6	unlimited	5
Jurisdiction	Panama	British Virgin Islands	British Virgin Islands
Monthly Price (2-year contract)	€3,29 (excl. VAT)	€2,04 (excl. VAT)	US$8.32 (1-year plan)
Monthly Price (1-month contract)	€10,59 (excl. VAT)	€11,49 (excl. VAT)	US$12.95

NordVPN, based in Panama, is considered the best VPN in the market. This VPN provides fast speeds, an accurate ad blocker, and can unblock almost any geo-blocked content.

You can choose between their three plans:

• 2-year plan: from 2,99 euros / month (excluding VAT)
• 1-year plan: from 4,69 euros / month (excluding VAT)
• 1-month plan: from 11,99 euros / month (excluding VAT)

With its SmartPlay feature, you can access content that would otherwise be unavailable in your country. For example, you can unblock Netflix content from 14 different countries. Some have reported being able to connect from Germany to server locations in the USA and Australia and still stream things in HD without any lag.

NordVPN can successfully bypass the geo-blocks from BBC iPlayer, Hulu, ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, HBO GO, Hotstar, and Netflix, amongst others.

If you are into gaming, you can rest assured that NordVPN offers steady and high speeds while you are bashing the bad guys. Gamers who have used NordVPN to play Fortnite, a quick battle game, have been impressed by the lack of buffer and lag during their gameplay.

NordVPN’s CyberSec feature will hide those unwanted pop-ups, autoplay video ads, and other ads on a website. This means that the sites will most likely load faster, and you won’t be distracted by those super annoying blinking ads as you are trying to surf the web peacefully.

If you would like to use the VPN all the time, you can configure NordVPN to automatically launch when you start up your device and to connect to a server of your choice automatically.

NordVPN benefits:

✅ 5.279 servers in 59 countries
✅ Connect 6 devices at the same time
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee
✅ You can pay with cryptocurrencies
✅ Watch Netflix from 14 different countries: US, India, Brazil, South Korea, Finland, UK, Germany, France, Canada, Australia, Spain, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands.

NordVPN drawbacks:

⛔️ The Linux application is not so easy to use

2. Surfshark

Surfshark, based in the British Virgin Islands, was founded in 2018, making it the new kid on the block. Their 2-year plan is the cheapest option in this article, by just costing 2,04 euros a month. You will be able to access 30 different Netflix libraries with Surfsharks’ VPN. Additionally, Surfshark offers a new antivirus protection and scanner.

You can choose between their three plans:

• 2-year plan: from 2,21 euros / month (excluding VAT)
• 6-months plan: from 3,99 euros / month (excluding VAT)
• 1-month plan: from 12,95 euros / month (excluding VAT)

The feature that makes Surfshark stand out is the ability to connect unlimited devices. VPN experts have tested connecting 3, 5, and 8 devices to their Surfshark VPN, and they have reported that they experience a 20% decrease in internet speed. 20% might sound like a lot, but it is not. You can stream HD video as long as your internet speed does not drop below 5 Mbps. To give you a baseline, the best internet providers in Germany provide a minimum download speed of 16Mbps.

With their CleanWeb feature, Surfshark can block ads and malware. This will make websites load faster and will protect you from phishing attempts.

Surfshark benefits:

✅ 3.200 servers in 65 countries
✅ Connect unlimited devices
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee
✅ You can pay with bitcoin
✅ You can watch Netflix libraries from 30 different countries: USA, UK, India, Italy, Norway, Germany, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Poland, France, Canada, Turkey, Sweden, Singapore, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Portugal, Spain, Russia, Thailand, Singapore and more.

Surfshark drawbacks:

⛔️ Fast but inconsistent streaming speeds

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN, based in the British Virgin Islands, is another favorite VPN service provider. This VPN offers very high speeds and unlocks the most geo-blocked content in this list.

You can choose between their three plans; unfortunately, all the prices are just available in USD:

• 1-year plan: US$8.32 / month
• 6-months plan: US$9.99 / month
• 1-month plan: US$12.95 / month

ExpressVPN shines at unlocking censored sites. Their VPN can unblock Netflix content from 18 different countries. VPN experts have extensively tested the speeds for streaming content from the various servers, and they have all reported that ExpressVPN has one of the highest speeds and stability in the market.

This VPN service provider can successfully bypass the geo-block restrictions from Netflix, ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO, Disney + , DAZN, and much more. They provide a detailed list of all the VPN services you will be able to access on their website.

ExpressVPN is also great for gamers, as its high speeds guarantee remarkable gameplay. Be assured that you will be able to play your games in HD and without any lag. Their website also has detailed instructions on how you can connect to the VPN through game consoles like Xbox, Playstation, and Nintendo.

Security and data protection is on the top list of all the VPNs we mention in this article; however, I would like to point out that ExpressVPN goes the extra mile on this one. They have what they call TrustedServer security, which means that all the data is wiped out when you disconnect from their servers.

So if I connected to a server in Mexico, I would only be able to access the content from Netflix US.

Remember that the main purpose of VPN services is to protect your privacy online and not to access geo-blocked content, so you might experience some hiccups while trying to access restricted content in your region.

For example, the international Netflix libraries you would be able to access might require you to try different servers out to before you are able to access the content.

Important Vocabulary You Should Know For VPNs

VPN split tunneling

A feature that allows simultaneous connections, for which the user can specify which software needs to go through the VPN connection and which one can bypass it. Think of it as the ability to add apps to a whitelist. For example, you can set Netflix to use your VPN connection to access the US shows while still accessing Spotify through your German IP address.

VPN kill switch

A smart feature that turns off your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This feature allows you to protect your data and location at all times.

Eyes Alliance

The Eyes Alliance is an international intelligence-sharing agreement. There is a Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes Alliance. In your search for the best VPN in Germany, you might have seen the VPN providers advertise that they are outside of the Fourteen Eyes Alliance. This means that their company is in a country that is not regulated by this agreement and that governments from these alliances cannot demand the VPN companies to share, collect, or analyze the information of their users. In other words, your information is super protected and will not be accessed by any government agency.

AES-256 bit encryption

All of the VPN service providers in this list use AES-256 bit encryption. This type of encryption is very popular. It is even used by some governmental agencies to protect their top secrets. Cybersecurity experts claim that this kind of encryption would require supercomputers (which don’t exist yet) to decrypt the algorithm for billions of years. In a nutshell, there is not enough time in this universe to crack the AES 256-bit encryption.

Is Using A VPN Legal In Germany?

Yes, using a VPN in Germany is legal. The primary use of a VPN is to protect your data while you surf the internet. This also means, not allowing your internet provider to accumulate your data to later sell it to advertisers or to share it with governmental institutions.

Just because you can hide who you are online, does not give you the right to do illegal things. Downloading or sharing copyrighted material is still considered illegal, even if you are using a VPN.

The big question is: is it illegal to use a VPN in Germany to stream geo-blocked content? The answer depends on the streaming provider, as their terms and conditions will indicate whether they permit this or not.

For example, Netflix has no explicit ban on using a VPN service. However, if they are aware that you are using one, they will block the content if it is not allowed in your region.

So be sure to check the terms and conditions of the streaming service you want to access so you won’t get into trouble while trying to access geo-blocked content with a VPN.

Will A VPN Slow Down My Device?

Yes, using a VPN will slow down your device slightly. The reason why this happens is that your connection is rerouted and encrypted through a VPN server. In other words, it takes a little bit longer for the data to reach its destination.

If you choose a good VPN provider, like the three outlined in this article, your speeds should not be affected dramatically. In the best-case scenario, you won’t even notice that your connection has slowed down.

Final Thoughts

Just like anything in life, choosing a VPN depends highly on what use you will have for it.

• NordVPN: If you are looking for the best value for the monthly price.
• Surfshark: If you would like a budget-friendly plan to be able to connect an unlimited number of devices.
• ExpressVPN: If you would like the fastest speeds and don’t mind paying a premium price.

You can always test a VPN for a month and evaluate if it meets your expectations. If it does not work out for you, you can request a refund through their 30-day money-back guarantee policy.

Happy surfing ����‍♂️!

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About the Author

Jen is originally from Guatemala and moved to Germany in 2012 to start a new job without any knowledge of German or life in Germany. Jen’s mission is to help fellow expats beat bureaucracy and to have a smooth time while they settle into their new life in Germany.

5 Best VPN for Germany in 2023 (Fast & Secure)

Using a VPN in Germany is crucial because the country is in the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance. The alliance agreed that some countries would track and share users’ internet usage. The purpose is for national security, but understandably, you don’t want your internet data shared between countries. The countries that could access your data include are Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Japan, South Korea.

Every VPN service provides you with dynamic IP addresses that allow you to alter how your location appears. Many of these services offer additional features like double VPN, which sends your data through two VPNs to better obfuscate your location. You might also get antivirus software and ad blockers with your plan.

Read on to learn about the best VPN for Germany and what alternatives you can access. Read more…

Our Best VPN Germany Recommendation

✔️ Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands

✔️ Supported Apps: iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, and Microsoft Windows.

✔️ Works with: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Sky, HBO, Torrenting, Kodi

✔️ Money-back guarantee: 30 Days

9.8

With 3 Months free

Best VPN in Germany

#1 Best Overall
Excellent – 9.8
Excellent – 9.7
Good – 9.6
Good – 9.5

1) ExpressVPN – Best German VPN

ExpressVPN is the best option in VPN services because of its security and special features. Since it’s headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN remains exempt from mass surveillance and avoids anti-piracy legal issues.

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, and Linux	No of Servers: 3000+	Server Countries: 94	Split Tunneling: Yes
	Data Allowance: Unlimited	Torrenting: Yes	Kill Switch: Yes
Able to unblock: YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu	No-logging policy: Yes	Ip addresses: Dynamic	Simultaneous Connection: 5
Free Trial: Yes – 30 days	Today Best Deal’s: Check Now!

Features:

✔️ Servers: ExpressVPN has 3,000 servers in 94 countries worldwide. There are even two in Germany to keep your browsing private while still accessing local content. However, German residents can also connect with international servers to access additional content. For example, from Germany, you could connect to a server in New York or Dallas to access Netflix US libraries.

✔️ Security and Logs: ExpressVPN uses TrustedServer technology and military-grade encryption to keep your data safe. It doesn’t log your internet traffic and uses OpenVPN and WireGuard for additional layers of security.

✔️ Streaming: You can access streaming services from global content libraries, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, ESPN+, and others. While ExpressVPN doesn’t allow unlimited simultaneous connections, you can have up to five devices connected simultaneously. It is one of the best German VPNs that easily meets the 25 Mbps streaming requirement so that you can binge-watch your favorite shows without buffering. You can watch movies in 4K and not experience lag, making ExpressVPN ideal for movie night.

✔️ Privacy: No one can access your private information due to ExpressVPN’s extensive security measures. They block your password and don’t track your browsing to ensure you’re anonymous while online.

✔️ Split Tunneling: Split tunneling allows you to make some traffic private but not others. This approach also helps you to access government websites showing your location while keeping the connection private on other sites.

✔️ Supported Devices: Use ExpressVPN on Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, and Linux devices.

✔️ Dedicated Router App: The dedicated router app from ExpressVPN lets you connect all devices on one network through your chosen VPN. It simplifies the process of protecting your data.

✔️ Lightway Protocol: Lightway increases speed and connection through ExpressVPN. The standard security options of the VPN still protect you.

✔️ Availability of Dynamic IP Address: Each time you use ExpressVPN, you get a new IP address. This method guarantees privacy by eliminating tracking ability while still letting you stream specific content.

✔️ Pricing: ExpressVPN offers multiple plan tiers that all include 30-day money-back guarantees. If you sign up for monthly service, you pay $12.95. Subscribing for six months saves money because you only pay $9.99 a month. However, the annual plan saves even more, with a monthly fee of $6.67.

Pros

Surpasses the necessary streaming speeds.
Runs on RAM to provide additional security.
Offers servers worldwide to customize content library access.
Works on various devices.

Cons

Most expensive option on the list.
Only allows five connected devices.
Crashes if the load is too high.

30-Day Free Trial

2) NordVPN – Best VPN for speed

NordVPN offers many interesting features at an affordable price. With headquarters in Panama City, NordVPN doesn’t fall under international surveillance alliances giving the service plenty of space to protect users.

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms: Mac, Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, Smart TVs(Android TV)	No of Servers: 5000+	Server Countries: 59	Split Tunneling: Yes
	Data Allowance: Unlimited	Torrenting: Yes	Kill Switch: Yes
Able to unblock: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Youtube	No-logging policy: Yes	Ip addresses: Static	Simultaneous Connection: 6
	Best for: Connecting double VPN, onion over VPN servers, P2P.
Free Trial: Yes – 30 days	Today Best Deal’s: Check Now!

Features:

✔️ Servers: NordVPN has 5,000 servers in 59 countries worldwide. It might be the best VPN provider in Germany, with more than 240 servers, including some in Berlin and Frankfurt. You’ll have access to a secure connection without needing to use another country’s server.

✔️ Security and Logs: Your VPN connection through NordVPN stays secure thanks to OpenVPN, NordLynx, and 256-bit encryption. They also offer specialty servers with P2P, double VPN, and Onion over VPN. If you want to ensure your internet activity isn’t tracked, the double VPN uses two servers to route your traffic securely.

✔️ Streaming: You can access any streaming service through NordVPN, getting access to each country’s library based on your server selection. The servers closest to your physical location will give you the best speeds. But you won’t experience buffering with any server.

✔️ Privacy: NordVPN offers DNS leak protection and a kill switch, which cuts your internet connection if you lose VPN access. The service has headquarters in Panama, a country without data retention laws. They don’t save your personal information or track your internet activity.

✔️ Split Tunneling: You can use split-tunneling with your NordVPN account. Choose which apps need VPN encryption and hide your internet data with that approach while other apps still access the internet normally.

✔️ Supported Devices: Any device with internet connectivity is compatible with NordVPN. You can use Windows, Mac, or Linux computers, Android or iOS devices, and Amazon technology.

✔️ Dedicated Router App: You can install NordVPN or buy a router with VPN software installed. However, there’s no dedicated router app for the subscription.

✔️ Availability of Dynamic IP Address: Your NordVPN account gives you a shared dynamic IP address, meaning you get a new address every time you sign in. Even if you choose the same server, you’ll access it through a unique IP address.

✔️ Pricing: NordVPN costs $14.49 per month, but you can save by paying annually. If you pay for a year at a time, it costs $7.49 per month. Paying for two years simultaneously drops the price to $5.99 per month.

Pros

Offers affordable pricing.
Fast speeds for streaming.
Doesn’t keep logs of activity to protect your data.
Allows six devices simultaneously.

Cons

Torrenting is only allowed on specific servers.
Offers slow speeds in some locations.
Manual OpenVPN configuration is difficult.

30-Day Free Trial

3) Surfshark – Best for the number of connected devices

Surfshark is the VPN to choose if you want unlimited connections at an affordable price. This Netherlands-based service plays by the generous user privacy rules. Surfshark is under no obligation to retain data logs, adding a layer of protection for its users.

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TV, Firestick	No of Servers: 3200+	Server Countries: 65	Split Tunneling: Yes
	Data Allowance: Unlimited	Torrenting: Yes	Kill Switch: Yes
Able to unblock: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Youtube	No-logging policy: Yes	Ip addresses: Static	Simultaneous Connection: Unlimited
	Best for: Gaming, Browsing, and Streaming.
Free Trial: Yes – 30-day money-back guarantee	Today Best Deal’s: Check Now!

Features:

✔️ Servers: Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 65 different countries. You can access a German server in Frankfurt or Berlin if you want a secure local connection. Additionally, you can choose a server in the United States or Canada to access those Netflix libraries.

✔️ Security and Logs: If you want a double VPN, Surfshark offers that as a multi-hop. Notably, you can’t request this option at any time because pre-made servers are providing multi-hop connections.

✔️ Streaming: You can easily stream shows and movies with Surfshark, but there’s some variety in connection. Though Surfshark has servers in countries other VPNs don’t, like Africa and South America, the connection can get spotty. So, it is better to pick a server as close to your actual location as possible to ensure decent streaming speeds with no buffering.

✔️ Privacy: Surfshark uses both OpenVPN and WireGuard to keep your data private. You can include additional privacy features after choosing your plan.

✔️ Split Tunneling: Surfshark offers Bypasser as its signature split tunneling option. You can check what sites accept the VPN and which block it and adjust your settings accordingly. Bypasser saves settings, so you don’t have to change access each time you use Surfshark.

✔️ Supported Devices: Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous devices to access the secure servers, so it gives you the best value for your subscription. You can use it on anything with an internet connection, like a PC, Mac, iPhone, Android phone, or Amazon fire stick device.

✔️ Dedicated Router App: Surfshark doesn’t have a dedicated router app. You can check if your current router supports VPNs and follow the instructions to set it up. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy a compliant router.

✔️ Availability of Dynamic IP Address: You get a dynamic IP address when you log onto Surfshark, but it’s not your own, as with certain premium plans from other providers. You’ll share the IP address with everyone who chose that particular server.

✔️ Pricing: Use a Surfshark free trial or subscribe to a paid plan without risk since they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. A monthly plan is $12.95, so committing to a year is a better option. You’ll only pay $3.99 a month on that plan. If you know you’ll use Surfshark for a long time, the two-year plan is even cheaper, at only $2.49 a month.

Pros

Fast WireGuard protocols.
Access GPS-spoofing to mask your location.
Some plans include an ad blocker and antivirus protection.

Cons

Fairly expensive subscription.
Extra features increase the monthly cost.
Difficulty with P2P torrenting speeds

30-Day Free Trial

4) IPVanish – Best for Privacy Policy

IPVanish is a provider that unblocks websites in other countries while protecting your personal information. You can use it as a Germany VPN, but the headquarters are in the United States. The US does retain data, but they don’t send it to third-party entities. Your information will stay secure within the IPVanish servers.

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android and FireOS, Linux	No of Servers: 2000+	Server Countries: 50	Split Tunneling: Yes, in Android and FireOS apps
	Data Allowance: Unlimited	Torrenting: Yes	Kill Switch: Yes
Able to unblock: BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, HBO GO	No-logging policy: Yes	Ip addresses: Dynamic	Simultaneous Connection: Unlimited
	Best for: Streaming high-quality video content
Free Trial: 30-Days	Today Best Deal’s: Check Now!

Features:

✔️ Servers:

IPVanish has 2,000 servers across 50 countries. You can access one of the 50 servers in Frankfurt or connect to physical servers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or Hong Kong.

✔️ Security and Logs: IPVanish encryption uses the advanced encryption standard, like the CIA and the military. They also use the Transport Layers Security Protocol (TLS) that protects web pages.

✔️ Streaming: It is one of the best VPN for windows unlocks sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. If you have accounts with other streaming sites, you can pick the right server location and log into your account to see the home country’s library.

✔️ Privacy: IPVanish has DNS leak protection to guarantee a quality connection between your computer and the internet. The service detects a leak and cuts off your internet access to protect your data. You then reconnect to the VPN to establish a secure connection without a leak.

✔️ Split Tunneling: You can use split tunneling for any device compatible with IPVanish. You’ll also open the settings, find split tunneling, and select each app that you want to use. The dashboard even shows you the recommended apps based on previous experience with other users. This process simplifies your streaming situation.

✔️ Supported Devices: IPVanish has no limit to how many devices you can connect simultaneously. This approach ensures all your data stays private without needing to pick and choose which devices you use.

✔️ Dedicated Router App: IPVanish doesn’t offer a dedicated router app, but you can allow it to connect devices if your router can support VPNs. Follow their instructions on setting up your VPN subscription on your router.

✔️ Availability of Dynamic IP Address: When you sign into IPVanish, you’ll get a dynamic IP address. Many other people use the same IP address, so there’s nothing to link it to you alone. Every time you initiate a new online session, you’ll get a unique IP address to protect your privacy.

✔️ Pricing: IPVanish is $11.99 per month. You can get a discount by paying quarterly or yearly. You also get 30 days to try IPVanish and get your money back if necessary.

Pros

Allows unlimited devices.
Offers many layers of privacy protection.
Can torrent and file share on the servers.
Permits several simultaneous connections to accommodate several users under one roof.

Cons

Gave the government data logs in 2016.
Doesn’t offer additional privacy.
User interface seems dated and clumsy.

30-Day Free Trial

5) Atlas VPN – Best for offering free service

Atlas VPN is a free VPN in Germany that gives you a chance to see how to protect your internet security without spending money. The New York City-based service offers a no-log policy and a reliable kill switch. It even pulled servers from India when the country cracked down on no-log servers.

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms: PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, Chromebook, and Amazon tech	No of Servers: 750+	Server Countries: 37	Split Tunneling: Yes
	Data Allowance: Unlimited	Torrenting: Yes	Kill Switch: Yes
Able to unblock: BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime	No-logging policy: Yes	Ip addresses: Dynamic	Simultaneous Connection: Unlimited
Free Trial: Yes – 30 days	Today Best Deal’s: Check Now!

Features:

✔️ Servers: Atlas VPN has just over 750 servers around the world. This is a low number compared to the other VPN services on this list. The servers are in 36 locations, including Frankfurt, Germany. You have a limited selection compared to other providers.

✔️ Security and Logs: Atlas VPN doesn’t retain data from users. Since you don’t have to pay for the service, they won’t even have your credit card or Paypal information like other providers. They use WireGuard to provide security across their servers.

✔️ Streaming: You can stream anything through Atlas VPN, like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. You won’t experience the same quick speeds as with a paid plan, but the buffering is minimal.

✔️ Privacy: Atlas VPN claims to protect your internet access, but they have headquarters in the United States. That means they might have to legally comply with the government to release data. However, unlike IPVanish, there’s no record of Atlas VPN ever sharing information.

✔️ Split Tunneling: Atlas VPN supports split tunneling, so you can set specific sites or apps to go through the encrypted VPN access while allowing outside access to other content.

✔️ Supported Devices: You can use Atlas VPN for secure connections on almost any device, like a PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, Chromebook, and Amazon tech. The downside is Atlas VPN won’t work on a computer using Linux because the operating system is incompatible.

✔️ Availability of Dynamic IP Address: When you access an Atlas VPN server, you get a new IP address that masks your true location.

✔️ Pricing: Atlas VPN is a free VPN in Germany that you can use without restriction. If you like the service and want a paid plan, you’re going to have several affordable options. Monthly access is $10.99, but since you can try Atlas VPN for free, you already know how it works. It’s better to jump in and get a year for $3.29 a month or two years for $1.83 a month.

Pros

Optimized servers allow for seamless streaming and torrenting.
Newbie-friendly setup with limited protocols to set.
Exceptional customer support.
Works with any type of Windows, Android, or Apple device.

Cons

Won’t work with a router.
Doesn’t connect to Linux devices.
Based in the US so is subject to data retention laws.

30-Day Free Trial

6) Private Internet Access – Best for server availability

Private Internet Access is one of the largest VPN networks in the world. The Denver-based firm has over 29,000 servers in 83 locations around the world, including Berlin, to act as a Germany VPN.

Private Internet Access is in the United States, which has a data retention law. They only use the information for national security, but they can still request your internet information.

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, and Microsoft Windows.	Total number of servers: 10,000+	Countries: 84+ countries
	Data Allowance: Unlimited Bandwidth	No-logging policy: Yes
Free Trial: No- 30 days money-back guarantee	Simultaneous connections: 10+	Maximum supported devices: Unlimited
Split Tunneling: Yes	Kill Switch: Yes	Today Best Deal’s: Check Now!

Features:

✔️ Servers: Since Private Internet Access has so many servers, you’re going to get impressive speeds from any location. You can choose a server in almost any country to access unique local content.

✔️ Security and Logs: When you connect to a server through Private Internet Access, you can choose AES-128 or 256-bit encryption. Both are secure, but AES-128 is faster. It also provides DNS leak protection.

✔️ Streaming: Private Internet Access has impressive connection speeds that make streaming a breeze. You won’t experience buffering whether you’re using Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, ESPN+, or other services. You can access different libraries depending on the server you choose.

✔️ Privacy: A private Internet access subscription includes some bonus features, including an ad blocker and software blocking tracking bots. You don’t have to worry about cookies and targeted advertising with use.

✔️ Split Tunneling: Private Internet Access gives users the ability to set custom guidelines for apps and websites. You can configure which sites use the VPN and which don’t need it to give yourself the utmost privacy and protection.

✔️ Supported Devices: You can use Private Internet Access with any type of internet device, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Chrome. You can connect ten devices simultaneously, providing data protection for multiple users at once.

✔️ Dedicated Router App: Private Internet Access has a dedicated router app. If your router can handle VPN connections, you can link your subscription and protect all devices that use your internet.

✔️ Availability of Dynamic IP Address: With Private Internet Access, you get a dedicated IP address every time you log in. No other users have access to your address, so you can browse the internet confidently, knowing that you’re anonymous and fully encrypted.

✔️ Pricing: The monthly Private Internet Access plan is $11.95, which is affordable considering what they offer. You can commit to a year subscription and pay $3.33 monthly. If you want to use the service for three years, you’ll pay $2.03 a month and get three absolutely free.

Pros

Dedicated IP address to ensure complete privacy.
More servers than any other provider
Ability to connect ten devices per plan.
Affordable payment options

Cons

Random buffering when streaming shows.
Speed can slow down randomly.
Difficult to establish a secure connection with Netflix.

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The Best VPNs for Germany

Whether you live in Germany year-round or simply are traveling through, you can protect your web activity easily with these top VPNs.

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By Aliza Vigderman , Senior Editor, Industry Analyst & Gabe Turner , Chief Editor Last Updated on Jul 10, 2023

2,500+ research hours
50+ VPNs reviewed
300 speed tests
6 experts consulted
6 VPNs recommended
Best VPN for Germany Overall

Editors Rating:
9.7 /10

• 240 servers in Germany means there’s always one nearby
• With a headquarters in Panama, NordVPN can never be forced to turn over customer data to the German government
• Lets you easily access German Netflix content

Best VPN for Families in Germany

Editors Rating:
9.5 /10

• Fast speeds no matter where you might be in the country
• With unlimited devices, family members can be in different countries and still all be protected online
• Protects you on public Wi-Fi in Germany

Best VPN for Germany with Dynamic IP Addresses

Editors Rating:
9.4 /10

• Access your U.S. Netflix account even when you’re vacationing in Germany
• Dynamic IP addresses ensure no sites can blacklist you
• Strict privacy policy keeps your browsing history out of the hands of the German authorities

Best VPN for Germany for Customer Service

Editors Rating:
9.3 /10
Best VPN for Germany for Torrenting

Editors Rating:
8.9 /10
Best VPN for Germany with Weekly Contracts

Editors Rating:
8.9 /10

We need a good VPN, wherever in the world we might happen to be. Sometimes where we happen to be is Germany. We still want our data encrypted, our IP address hidden, our browsing history kept private. Which VPN works best in Germany? We’ve taken the time to put together a little list. We don’t know which one is exactly right for you, but we know you’ll find it here.

Statistics of the Best VPNs for Germany

Number of servers	60-1,065
Contract lengths	1-36 months
Monthly costs	$2.25-$12.99
Netflix access	Some, not all

Comparison of the Best VPNs for Germany

Private Internet Access VPN

CyberGhost

Summary of the Best VPNs for Germany

1. NordVPN – Best VPN for Germany Overall
2. Surfshark – Best VPN for Families in Germany
3. Private Internet Access VPN – Best VPN for Germany with Dynamic IP Addresses
4. IPVanish – Best VPN for Germany for Customer Service
5. CyberGhost – Best VPN for Germany for Torrenting
6. PureVPN – Best VPN for Germany with Weekly Contracts

Detailed List of the Best VPNs for Germany

1. NordVPN – Best VPN for Germany Overall

Editors Rating:
9.7 /10

NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, outside cyber-surveillance organizations’ prying eyes. But just because corporate is in Panama, though, doesn’t mean they don’t have Germany covered. With more than 240 servers to choose from, we could access a secure server no matter where we were in the country. The VPN kept our data incredibly safe through a combination of military-grade encryption and multi-hop VPN technology. Beyond protecting us, though, the software allowed us to enjoy Netflix, to download torrents at lightning-fast speeds, and to do it all with complete anonymity.

What We Like

• Strict logging policy
• Multi-hop technology
• Fast download speeds
• Dedicated IP Address option

What We Don’t Like

• Static IP addresses
• No split-tunneling
• Only three simultaneous connections
• Hard-to-reach customer service

Unmatched Security

The two best friends who founded NordVPN say they want to create an internet free of censorship and surveillance, and we believe them. We loved the fact that they’re headquartered in Panama, a country that has refused to join Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or 14 Eyes, the three surveillance alliances that have developed between some countries. 1 That means that NordVPN can never be forced to turn over our data to the government. We were even more impressed by the fact that in eight years, NordVPN’s privacy infrastructure has never once been compromised, they’ve never had a single data breach, and they’ve never disclosed any information about any of their eight million users.

Lots of Servers

NordVPN maintains over 5200 servers worldwide, and, as we mentioned, 240 of those servers are located in Frankfurt and Berlin. Obviously, that’s a lot of servers, but in practical terms what does that really mean? It meant wherever we roamed, Hamburg to Kiel, Munich to Erlangen, we could count on our ability to get a safe, secure, and totally private connection.

Double VPN Encryption

What’s safer than a VPN that connects to one server? A VPN that connects to two, of course. NordVPN uses something called multi-hop technology, which basically creates a chain between two or more of its servers. That means that anyone who had wanted to trace our IP address wouldn’t just have had to decrypt one server; they would have had to decrypt at least two. Internet security just doesn’t get much stronger than that. We could be sure that whatever we were doing, whether it was streaming a Netflix series or downloading torrent files, we were doing it in absolute anonymity.

2. Surfshark – Best VPN for Families in Germany

Editors Rating:
9.5 /10

Surfshark may be a newcomer in the VPN space, having been established only in 2018, but it’s already making waves. It’s a reliable VPN service with fast speeds, an expansive network of servers, useful security features, and competitive pricing. It’s particularly well-suited for families, as it allows an unlimited number of devices to connect to its servers simultaneously. Plus, it works great in Germany.

What We Like

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Low monthly rate for long-term plans
• Over 3,200 servers in 65 countries
• Offers OpenVPN, Wireguard, and IKEv2 as VPN protocols

What We Don’t Like

• On the pricier side if you go with monthly plans
• Prices increase after your initial subscription expires
• Only two server locations in Germany
• Limited P2P servers

VPN for the Whole Family

Surfshark is one of the few VPNs that allow unlimited simultaneous connections, which is why it’s a great fit for families. For reference, a lot of other VPNs we tested only allowed less than 10 connections at a time. So Surfshark has the clear advantage here. With unlimited simultaneous connections, you can encrypt not just your phone or computer, but even smart TVs and gaming consoles. Plus, you can share your VPN with other members of your household so they, too, can enjoy safer browsing.

Choose Your Connection

Surfshark is one of the more customizable VPNs we’ve tested. Here’s an example: When you connect to a server location, you can choose between servers with shared dynamic IP addresses, static IP addresses, or multi-hop. That way, you can tailor your connection to what you’re doing. If you want a more secure connection, go with multi-hop. If you need a VPN just for browsing, use a regular server with dynamic IP addresses. And if you need a VPN for online gaming, a static IP address might work best for you.

A VPN That Doesn’t Break The Bank

Surfshark is already a good value VPN, considering that a single subscription supports an unlimited number of devices. But factor in its pricing for long-term subscriptions, and Surfshark becomes an incredibly affordable VPN. A two-year subscription costs just above $2 a month, less than what most spend on a cup of Joe. Of course, if you don’t want a long-term commitment, there’s a monthly plan and a six-month plan, but know that Surfshark’s best-value plan is the two-year plan. For these reasons and more, Surfshark has earned a spot on our Best VPNs for Germany list.

3. Private Internet Access VPN – Best VPN for Germany with Dynamic IP Addresses

Editors Rating:
9.4 /10

Private Internet Access, as their name implies, takes privacy seriously. They issued us a dynamic IP address, and we had access to the VPN on an unlimited number of devices, so we didn’t have to choose between them when we wanted safety and security. Yes, they are headquartered in the U.S., which means that technically they are subject to Five Eyes surveillance. However, the company deals with that by maintaining a strict no traffic logging policy. That means even if the government should suddenly come knocking on their door, they have no useful data to turn over.

What We Like

• No traffic logging
• Dynamic IP Addresses
• Unlimited number of devices
• 556 servers in Germany

What We Don’t Like

• U.S-based
• No split-tunneling
• Limited customer support
• Slow on Macs

Dynamic IP Addresses

Private Internet Access used dynamic IP addresses to keep our location hidden. Many companies offer “shared” addresses which means multiple users share a single address. A dynamic address, in contrast, constantly changes each time you connect to the VPN. Both methods can be effective at ensuring privacy, but dynamic addresses are slightly safer when it comes to protection from hackers, since they make it harder for a third-party to lock in on any one address.

No Traffic Logging

Private Internet Access is located in the U.S., but unlike some other American VPN companies, it maintains no traffic logging. So even though it’s technically headquartered in a Five Eyes country, it couldn’t be forced to turn over any of our traffic data, since it doesn’t have any data to turn over. Better yet, its record is spotless on that score. In fact, the company published a very clear statement of its principles when it comes to privacy and surveillance:

“We can unequivocally state that our company has not and still does not maintain metadata logs regarding when a subscriber accesses the VPN service, how long a subscriber’s use was, and what IP address a subscriber originated from. Moreover, the encryption system does not allow us to view and thus log what IP addresses a subscriber is visiting or has visited.”

Seems pretty straightforward to us!

Pro Tip: All VPNs log some information, usually for billing purposes or to help upgrade the software. A so-called “No Log” VPN, however, typically means that the VPN doesn’t log any of a user’s traffic on the web.

Unlimited Devices

We can’t keep up anymore with exactly how many devices we have. There’s our work laptop, our personal laptop, our phone, our tablet, our Kindle…it’s a good thing we don’t have kids since there’s no way we could keep up with their electronics too. With all those platforms, we tend to prefer a company like Private Internet Access which allows us to use their VPN service on any of our ever-expanding number of devices. We will admit we would have liked more than five simultaneous connections. Still, whether we were working with Windows or Ubuntu, using a Mac or an iPad, surfing on an Android phone or or an iPhone, we were covered. Read more about Private Internet Access’ subscription options.

4. IPVanish – Best VPN for Germany for Customer Service

Editors Rating:
9.3 /10

We got fast downloading speeds and up to 10 simultaneous connections on an unlimited number of devices with IPVanish. That came with access to some of the best customer service in the industry. As it happens, the company has 62 servers in Germany, so you can expect to get connected, and quickly.

What We Like

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections
• Dynamic IP addresses
• Great customer service
• Fast downloading speeds

What We Don’t Like

• Subject to Five Eyes Surveillance
• History of sharing customer logs
• No Netflix connections on some servers
• No browser support

Split Tunneling

Split tunneling is an incredibly useful component for a VPN. We spent time in several cafes in Hamburg, one of the kaffee centers in Germany: caffeine fuels our best ideas. Split tunneling allowed us to toggle easily back and forth between our two “tunnels”: our VPN and our local connection. All those files from our office stayed encrypted while our Spotify playlist was just fine—and eating up less bandwidth—running through the cafe’s Wi-Fi.

Streaming Options

Did we mention we’re a little eclectic? With some of our favorite shows on one server and other favorites on others, sometimes it seems like we’ve never met a streaming service we didn’t absolutely need. So we were psyched to learn that IPVanish works directly with a whole plethora of different streamers, from ESPN+ to HBO Max, CBS All Access to the WWE Network. That being said, we were a bit disappointed to find that not all IPVanish servers connect to Netflix. But who needs Netflix when you can get your smackdown on? To view other options, read about the best VPNs for Netflix.

Customer Service

We aren’t native Deustchlanders, so trying to decide which of IPVanish’s local German servers was right for us got a little complicated. Luckily, we had access to one of the most responsive support services in the business. We could have used a call helpline 24/7, but we’re a little shy and opted instead for the website’s live chat. While we waited our turn, it actually kept us updated on exactly where we were in the queue. In no time, we found out exactly what we needed. We could even have submitted an email support request and received a response—again—24/7.

5. CyberGhost – Best VPN for Germany for Torrenting

Editors Rating:
8.9 /10

The most affordable VPN on this list, CyberGhost doesn’t sacrifice security for value. They’re headquarters in Romania meant our data wouldn’t be subject to Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or 14 Eyes surveillance. We still had access to seven connections on an incredible 690 servers located in Frankfurt and Nuremberg. And with CyberGhost’s Smart Rules, we could make sure that our VPN sprang into action every time we decided to stream or torrent. All this cost us as little as $2.25 a month when we signed up for a three-year contract.

What We Like

• Low price with one or two-year subscriptions
• Based in Romania, outside surveillance alliances
• Seven devices per subscription
• Support for Chrome and Firefox

What We Don’t Like

• Static, shared IP addresses
• Logs of IP addresses, timestamps, and locations
• Netflix prerequisites in some countries
• Slow performance on Windows

Affordability

Of all the VPNs we’ve surveyed, CyberGhost is one of the most affordable. While a one-month subscription would have cost us $12.99, signing up for a full year dropped that price to $3.99, two years dropped it to $3.49, and signing up for three years dropped it to just $2.25. The company also offered a number of additional cost-saving features including student discounts and a referral program. To learn more, read our page on CyberGhost’s pricing.

Torrenting

Our tastes can be eclectic, and we find torrenting great for tracking down obscure, hard-to-find TV series. Luckily, CyberGhost had us covered with an easy-to-use “Torrent Now” button. We were able to find exactly what we needed and to do it without worrying about who might be looking over our shoulder.

Smart Rules

CyberGhost’s split-tunneling comes with an additional handy feature called “Smart Rules.” This allowed us much greater control over what and how we connect to their servers. We could create a rule, for example, that every time we ran our torrent software it would run through the CyberGhost VPN. We could even specify which particular server we’d connect to. This is ideal for ensuring that those of us who might be a little forgetful never forget to run a VPN when we need it.

6. PureVPN – Best VPN for Germany with Weekly Contracts

Editors Rating:
8.9 /10

PureVPN had all the important features of a good VPN—military level encryption, split tunneling, a no-traffic logging policy—but they also offered us some features not available with every VPN. For one thing, PureVPN maintains a ton of servers, and there’s one in almost every country on the planet, including almost 200 in Germany. In addition, PureVPN offers dedicated IP addresses. We had the security of encryption, of course, but also the convenience that comes with an address that never changed that only we were on. All those features were available on up to ten of our devices.

What We Like

• Broad coverage in Germany
• Available dedicated IP addresses
• No traffic logging
• Fast speeds

What We Don’t Like

• Customer service
• Only five simultaneous connections
• Poor performing apps
• Limited torrenting in some countries

Tons of servers internationally

PureVPN has over 200 servers in Germany, which include 63 in Frankfurt, 54 in Munich, 12 in Nuremberg, 54 in Berlin, and 18 in Hessen. With so many connection options in so many places, we weren’t surprised to find that their speeds were super fast, whether we were uploading or downloading.

Available Dedicated IP Addresses

In addition to its static addresses, PureVPN also offers dedicated IP addresses. We’ve talked already about the relative values of shared and dynamic IP addresses. What we haven’t mentioned yet is the “dedicated” address. A dedicated address is one that only we own. That meant that, while we were still completely protected, we were the only ones using the address. This helped with speed times, since the machine didn’t have to process new addresses. It also meant that the bank didn’t have to constantly ask us to re-verify who we were, since our address never changed. Not all VPNs offer dedicated addresses; PureVPN offers one for the very reasonable price of $3.99 per month.

Netflix Access

Let’s share a little secret not everyone knows: Netflix offers different content depending on the country you’re in. That doesn’t just mean Canadian Netflix features Canadian shows. Many popular American shows are made available in other countries but not the U.S. Since we’re sharing secrets anyway, here’s another good one. A VPN with Netflix access, such as PureVPN, allowed us to access those other Netflixes in other countries. So, when we got bored with everything available here, we could always check out what was available in Canada, or Britain, or anywhere else Netflix operates.

FYI: Many governments purposely block certain websites for ideological reasons. A VPN allows a user to access such websites because it connects to the internet through a server located in another country. 2 Read more about VPNs in general in our VPN guide.

Methodology

So how exactly do we come up with a best list like this one? In fact, there’s always a careful, and lengthy, evaluation process. When it comes to VPNs, we’re interested in some very specific elements: speed, security, available features, privacy policies, and pricing. In this case, though, we were also interested in just how many servers each company maintains in Germany and where they’re located. In the end, we made our recommendations based on a holistic sense of who performs best across all these categories. No VPN is perfect, but we like to think our checklist helps us come up with the best offers in Germany specifically.

Speed

When it comes to speed we use a simple speed test developed by Ookla. This allows us to determine upload, download, and latency speeds. More importantly, we can compare speeds for a machine running both with and without a VPN, which allows us to say with certainty just how much a particular VPN may affect your computer’s performance.

Security

Security is a complex category made up of a number of different features (see below). However, there are basic tests that can tell us whether or not a VPN has “leaks.” Leaks are just what they sound like: spots where a VPN may be vulnerable to leaking your DNS or WebRTC information. To check for DNS leaks, we run each VPN through a program at DNSLeakTest.com. To check WebRTC security, we use a tool from ExpressVPN.

Features

The most important features for any VPN are those that help to ensure security and privacy. Of course, different companies approach security and privacy using different tools. We like companies that offer kill switches, dynamic IP addresses, split tunneling, multi-hop, and AES-256 encryption.

However, other features are important as well, so we also look for VPNs that allow easy access to Netflix and other streaming services and that have tools for torrenting. Finally, we’re always fans of good customer service and companies with strong apps.

Privacy

Privacy isn’t just about a secure internet connection. It means more than just keeping our data safe from hackers. It means keeping our data safe from everyone, including the VPN company itself. Where we go and what we do on the internet isn’t anyone’s business but our own, and good privacy means even governments can’t access that information.

What are the components of good privacy? First, we make sure to read every VPN’s privacy with a fine-tooth comb. Every VPN keeps some information for billing purposes, for instance, but we prefer companies that maintain the bare minimum account information. The best companies don’t log any access information, including our web traffic, our IP addresses, or any sort of timestamps. We like it even better when a company is located in a country with strong privacy laws and one that isn’t a member of the international surveillance alliances Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes. A company located in a country like that can’t be forced to share any of our information with the federal government.

Pricing

Finally, we take a look at pricing and subscriptions, not just to see which companies offer the lowest price but to consider what kind of value we’re getting for our money. That means examining which companies offer monthly subscription rates vs. how much savings a company may offer for a long-term plan. It also means considering whether a VPN offers sufficient simultaneous connections and server switches and how many devices it allows us to use. In general, we look for plans that cost $10 a month or less, and that offer discounts for longer contracts.

Servers

All the VPNs on this list have servers located all over the world, which means it’s easy to get a secure connection pretty much wherever we might be. However, for this list, we were looking specifically at servers in Germany. All of our picks maintain multiple servers here, usually in multiple locations across the country.

FAQs

Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions asked about the best VPNs for Germany.

Yes, VPNs are completely legal in Germany. Currently no German legislation has ever been passed against the use of VPNs.

As long as what you’re streaming doesn’t violate copyright rules (essentially as long as you are using a commercial streaming service such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, or HBO Max), streaming is completely legal in Germany.

Getting a VPN in Germany involves choosing among the many VPN companies that operate in Germany and signing up for a subscription.

ExpressVPN does work in Germany. They maintain servers in both Frankfurt and Nuremberg.

The best VPN for Germany is NordVPN. It uses military-grade encryption, has a strict no access logging policy, and utilizes multi-hop technology. In addition, it maintains over 240 servers in Germany, ensuring fast speeds.