Best VPN for Travel (2026)

Top 5 VPN providers tested for speed, reliability, and ability to bypass censorship in the world's most restricted countries. If you're new to VPNs, start with what a VPN is before picking a provider.

We evaluate VPNs based on speed, servers, ease of use, China/UAE bypass ability, and value. Some links may be affiliate links — this never affects our recommendations.
🥇
ExpressVPN
3,000+ servers · 105 countries · Works in China
$8.32/mo
billed annually
Best overall for travellers
Pros
Consistently works in China & UAE
Fastest speeds of any VPN tested
One-tap connect — no configuration needed
Works on iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows
30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Premium price
Only 8 simultaneous devices
🥈
NordVPN
6,000+ servers · 111 countries · Works in China
$3.99/mo
billed annually
Best value for features
Pros
Largest server network
Double VPN for extra security
Threat protection (blocks ads + malware)
Up to 10 devices simultaneously
30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Occasional connection issues in China
Desktop app can feel complex
🥉
Surfshark
3,200+ servers · 100 countries · Works in China
$2.49/mo
billed annually
Best budget option
Pros
Cheapest premium VPN
Unlimited simultaneous devices
Clean, beginner-friendly app
Camouflage mode hides VPN usage
30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Slightly slower than ExpressVPN/NordVPN
Occasional hiccups during heavy crackdowns
4️⃣
ProtonVPN
6,000+ servers · 112 countries
$4.99/mo
billed annually
Best for privacy-conscious travellers
Pros
Swiss-based, strict no-logs policy
Open-source and audited
Free plan available (limited)
Supports Tor over VPN
30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Free plan is limited
Pricier mid-tier than competitors
5️⃣
Mullvad
750+ servers · 40+ countries
$5.00/mo flat
billed annually
Best for anonymity
Pros
Flat $5/month — no commitment
Accepts cash and crypto
No account needed (random account number)
Strong privacy reputation
Cons
Smaller server network
No streaming optimisation
Not ideal for China

Install before you travel

In China, Iran, and Russia, the websites to sign up for and download a VPN are often blocked. Download, install, pay for, and test your VPN at home before your flight. Follow our step-by-step guides for iPhone or Android.

← How VPNs work VPN setup guide →
Best VPN providers for travel
Quick comparison
🥇 ExpressVPN $8.32/mo ✅ Works
🥈 NordVPN $3.99/mo ✅ Works
🥉 Surfshark $2.49/mo ⚡ Usually
4️⃣ ProtonVPN $4.99/mo ⚠️ Limited
5️⃣ Mullvad $5.00/mo ❌ Not ideal
China support = works during normal travel periods