What is the best VPN for Germany? Germany is a member of the 14-Eyes Alliance, so if you’re in Germany right now, your online activities can be subject to intelligence monitoring. Thankfully, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can protect you from that kind of surveillance.
A VPN is a service that safeguards your internet connection and privacy online. It also allows you to access geo-restricted content. For example, if you are in Germany, you can connect to a server in the United States to watch American streaming services such as Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu.
In a world where cyber security is becoming a real concern, using a VPN can ensure your privacy and protect you from such threats. A VPN alters your virtual location by providing you with a new IP address, ensuring that your traffic is secure, anonymous, and encrypted.
Furthermore, a Germany VPN can assist you in circumventing P2P sharing restrictions and geo-blocks in order to stream local or international content.
At A Glance – Best VPNs for Germany
This article will list the five best VPNs for Germany. But if you are short on time, you can take note of our top choices listed below.
Best VPN for Germany: Top 5
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Germany. It has fast global servers, allowing you to watch both local and worldwide content buffer-free. ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers in 105 countries (including servers in Nuremberg and Frankfurt), with unmatched unblocking capabilities, data protection, security, and privacy.
ExpressVPN allows you to access various Netflix catalogs from several countries, including US, Canada, UK, France, Italy, Australia, Japan, and Germany. It can also be used for other streaming services like Disney+. Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, and Showtime.
This VPN offers fast connection speeds, fast enough for 4K video. Five devices can be connected simultaneously with a single ExpressVPN account. Subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
You’ll also be glad to know that this VPN supports P2P file sharing. You can download a 5 GB file in less than eight minutes using German servers, which is quite fast. You can also torrent as much as you want with unlimited bandwidth.
When it comes to security, ExpressVPN offers military-grade encryption which prevents snoops from intercepting private information. Perfect Forward Secrecy often changes your encryption keys, making it difficult for hackers to decrypt data. There is also a secure authentication which protects your password during the sign-in procedure giving an extra layer of safety.
ExpressVPN offers multiple security protocols. These include WireGuard, which is very fast and secure; OpenVPN, the industry’s standard for security; and Lightway, designed for fast speeds without compromising your online safety. There’s also a kill switch (a.k.a. Network Lock) that shuts down the internet connection whenever the VPN suddenly disconnects.
With a strict no-logs policy, identifiable data is not stored nor shared with any third party. Additionally, the RAM-based servers will delete all browsing data with every reboot. And thanks to the IP/DNS leak protection, your actual location won’t be exposed.
This VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances (an international agreement that shares intelligence information about their citizens).
The apps of ExpressVPN are very user-friendly. If you download and install ExpressVPN on your Windows laptop, it will take you only a few seconds. Its user interface is pretty straightforward, and you can even switch the language to German. There is also 24/7 live chat support, which provides assistance almost immediately.
Top-notch platform support includes apps for Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux. Plus, there are also detailed manual setup guides for Fire TV, Apple TV, PlayStation, Kindle Fire, Chromebooks, and custom firmware for many routers.
PROS
- Can unblock most geo-restricted content
- Fast and reliable VPN
- Keeps no traffic logs
- Great 24/7 live chat support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Above average prices
2. CyberGhost
Another strong contender for the best VPN for Germany is CyberGhost. It has 10,400+ servers in 100+ countries (907 of these servers are in Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, and Berlin). The servers are sorted and then optimized via apps to cater to varied purposes like streaming, downloading torrents, and gaming. Add the fact that it offers great speeds and you have a very good VPN.
With CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers, you can watch German content buffer-free. Many are optimized for German services, like ARD, Zattoo DE, and ZDF. They are incredibly fast and do not have any bandwidth limits.
The speeds are excellent for torrenting also. Torrenting is great for tracking down obscure and hard-to-find movies and TV series. Luckily, CyberGhost has an easy-to-use “Torrent Now” button, enabling users to find exactly what they need without worrying if there is someone looking over their shoulder.
CyberGhost’s strict no-logs policy and IP/DNS leak protection protect your private web activity. Additionally, it is based in privacy-friendly Romania which is outside the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances, thus, maximizing your privacy.
Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost protects your VPN connection with AES 256-bit encryption. It comes with an automatic kill switch and a built-in ad and malware blocker that helps you fend off malicious sites.
There are additional security features, such as multiple tunneling protocols which include OpenVPN and WireGuard. There is also split tunneling which lets you know which apps use the VPN connection and which are regular traffic. CyberGhost’s split-tunneling comes with “Smart Rules.” This additional handy feature provides greater control as to what and how you connect to the VPN servers.
CyberGhost VPN plans are very budget-friendly. To get the best value, we suggest availing of the 2-year plan. It only costs $2.11/month, plus you’ll get 3 months free! There is also a 45-day money-back guarantee (the longest in the VPN industry).
PROS
- Streaming-optimized servers
- Up to 7 simultaneous connections
- Has a malware blocker
- Affordable subscription plans
- 45-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- No option to allow local networking
3. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) has one of the biggest server networks in the world having 30,000+ servers in 91 countries, which will help you access geo-restricted services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.
This VPN will allow you to unblock popular German channels such as NDR, Das Erste, ZDF, and others from abroad. PIA also offers P2P-friendly features like SOCKS5, Kill switch, and Port-Forwarding.
As the name implies, Private Internet Access takes privacy seriously. PIA is headquartered in the USA, which may cause one to fear that technically PIA will be subject to Five Eyes surveillance. However, the company handles this issue by adopting a strict no-logs policy. This means that even if the government will suddenly come asking for information, PIA has no data to turn over.
Private Internet Access allows you to customize your security settings in order to optimize your connection in Germany or abroad. Choose a security setting that will give you the right combination of speed and security.
Like CyberGhost, PIA also has a built-in ad and tracker blocker (MACE). It blocks annoying ads and also prevents your online activities from being tracked by advertisers.
Less-experienced VPN users may find PIA’s apps not user-friendly. However, PIA comes pre-configured, so that you can use it even without changing the settings yourself. Besides, the VPN provides 24/7 live chat support, and it is even available in German.
PIA uses dynamic IP addresses to keep users’ location hidden. Some companies offer “shared” addresses, meaning multiple users share a single address. In contrast, a dynamic address constantly changes every time you connect to the VPN. The 2 methods can be effective in ensuring privacy, but using dynamic addresses are slightly safer as far as protection from hackers is concerned, since they make it harder for them to lock in on anyone’s address.
Private Internet Access allows users to use their VPN on a wide variety of devices – laptops, tablets, smartphones, and kids’ electronics, too. Users are allowed to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously with just one subscription.
For deal hunters out there, you’ll be glad to know that Private Internet Access currently offers its 2-year plan with 3 months free for only $2.11 per month. That’s great value!
PROS
- Vast server network
- Unlimited device connections
- Military-grade encryption
- Affordable VPN
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Based in the USA (5 Eyes country)
Get Private Internet Access now!
4. NordVPN
NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, which is outside the prying eyes of the three cyber-surveillance alliances (5 Eyes, 9 Eyes and 14 Eyes). With 5,000+ servers in 59 countries and 200+ servers located in Frankfurt and Berlin to choose from, you can access a secure server wherever you are in the country.
This VPN keeps your data safe through combined military-grade encryption and multi-hop VPN technology. What’s safer than a VPN that connects to one server? A VPN that connects to two, of course. NordVPN uses multi-hop technology, which creates a chain between 2 or more of its servers, meaning if anyone wants to trace your IP address, he has to decrypt at least two servers.
NordVPN also features split tunneling, obfuscated servers, and DNS leak tests to keep your sensitive information safe. This VPN is known for its speed. NordVPN allows you to enjoy Netflix and download torrents at fast speeds, doing these with complete anonymity.
PROS
- Fast download speeds
- Strict no-logs policy
- Military-grade encryption
- Multi-hop technology
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- No split-tunneling
5. IPVanish
IPVanish has more than 2,000 servers in 75 locations around the world. While IPVanish’s network of servers isn’t as large as some of its rivals, it’s still good news for German residents. This VPN service, which has 56 Frankfurt-based servers, also now provides a German customer service number, making it simpler for you to call and get assistance.
One of the most notable things about IPVanish is its speed. It is one of the fastest VPNs as of the moment.
There is a choice of WireGuard, OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2 protocols, with the former favoring those astounding speeds. The clients are generally well-polished and host a number of useful features. Additionally, you can take advantage of other features like its kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and auto connect, which is available on its iPhone VPN app.
However, IPVanish doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to unblocking, which is why it is number 5 in our best VPN for Germany rankings. It might not be your first pick if you’re searching for a Germany VPN with streaming as the top priority. While it can access BBC iPlayer and Netflix in the US and UK, it might not be able to access Amazon Prime Video or Disney Plus.
PROS
- Fast VPN
- No-logs policy
- Unlimited devices
- Great support for German users
- 30-day money-back guarantee for the annual plan
CONS
- Not the best VPN for unblocking
Frequently Asked Questions on Using a VPN for Germany
Is VPN use legal in Germany?
Yes, using a VPN is completely legal in Germany. There is currently no law in Germany that forbids the usage of VPNs.
How do you access your home Netflix in Germany?
Although Netflix is accessible in Germany, it might not offer the same titles or shows that you would find in your home country. By using a VPN, you can access the Netflix catalog of your country.
Why do you need a VPN in Germany?
Your online activities may be monitored and shared with other nations since Germany is a member of the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing network. By using a VPN, you will be shielded from that kind of monitoring. By using a VPN, you can also access geographically restricted content and increase your online privacy. A VPN also hides your downloads, torrents, and IP address.
Can you watch German TV from abroad by using a VPN?
Streaming services typically only operate in specific countries, and they frequently check your IP address to determine whether you’re in one of those countries or not. Germans who leave the country may not be able to enjoy their favorite shows until they come back home.
Thankfully, there’s a workaround. Services that are restricted by region can only see the IP address of the server you are currently using when you are connected to a VPN. Therefore, if you use a German VPN server, you should have no trouble accessing German streaming services like ProSieben, ARD, and ZDF.
Is it advisable to use a free VPN for Germany?
No, because doing so would jeopardize your privacy. Free VPNs frequently have poor security and privacy, making it easy for hackers to intercept your traffic and access your data. Free VPNs also have a lot of restrictions, such as on speed, server access, and bandwidth. It has even been discovered that many free services sell user information to marketers and other third parties. You’re better off using a paid VPN. There’s a money-back guarantee anyway. So, you can ask for a refund if you’re not satisfied with the service.
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