Are you searching for the best VPN for Italy? When you find yourself in Italy, the limitations of your online experience can become quite apparent. Internet content often depends on your physical location, leading to restrictions on accessing your home country’s online services. For instance, your Netflix library and e-bank account may be off-limits. Similarly, Italian citizens traveling abroad may find themselves unable to enjoy channels like Canale 5 and Rai2. Additionally, Italy is bound by the EU Data Retention Directive, which mandates that ISPs collect and retain your data for up to a year.
In such scenarios, a VPN proves to be an invaluable tool, not only for locals seeking online anonymity but also for those who wish to modify their virtual location. It lets you access exclusive content otherwise locked to specific regions. Moreover, by connecting to a VPN server based in Italy, you can obtain an Italian IP address, granting you access to Italian-based channels such as Rai TV and Rai Play, even abroad.
Whether you’re a resident of Italy or just visiting, VPNs designed for Italy offer a wide array of advantages. A Virtual Private Network (or VPN for short) secures your online activities by encrypting all your device’s internet traffic and routing it through a server located in your chosen region. Even when using public WiFi at a café or hotel, a VPN can safeguard your connection, protecting it from potential hackers attempting to eavesdrop on the network.
How to Use a VPN for Italy
- Begin by choosing a VPN service that suits your needs.
- Subscribe to the chosen VPN service and proceed to download the VPN application. Install the VPN app and log in using the credentials you provided.
- Opt for a VPN server in Italy to acquire an Italian IP address, or select a server in another region to unlock content specific to that area.
- Once you’ve made your server choice, initiate the VPN connection. Your data will be encrypted, shielding it from local network administrators, ISPs, government agencies, and cybercriminals who might be monitoring your online activities. Additionally, with your VPN active, you’ll effortlessly bypass geo-restrictions and gain access to services from across the globe.
This article will enumerate and discuss the five best VPNs for Italy. But if you’re in a hurry, here’s a summary of our top picks:
The Best VPNs for Italy
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Italy. Its vast server network has over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including two locations within Italy (Milan and Cosenza). These servers unblock popular Italian streaming services like RaiPlay. ExpressVPN also works seamlessly with Netflix in the US, Canada, UK, and more on mobile devices (iOS and Android apps) and web browsers. It doesn’t stop at Netflix, as ExpressVPN reliably grants access to other streaming giants like Hulu, HBO, Prime Video, and Disney Plus. If you are hooked on the last one, check out some of the best VPNs for Disney Plus.
All servers of ExpressVPN are optimized to ensure you can download large files and stream videos without interruptions. ExpressVPN employs top-of-the-line security standards, including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, and a reliable kill switch. Furthermore, ExpressVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, ensuring no sensitive user data is collected or shared. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands, out of reach from the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances.
ExpressVPN incorporates TrustedServer technology for added security, protecting sensitive information from prying eyes. You can enjoy ExpressVPN across all major operating systems; the setup is a breeze. The Media Streamer feature extends its capabilities to devices that aren’t typically VPN-compatible, such as gaming consoles and Smart TVs.
While ExpressVPN is a bit more expensive than the other VPNs, it offers generous discounts, such as a 49% discount and three months of free service with its 12-month plan. All subscription tiers come with the same feature set. ExpressVPN also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
PROS
- Excellent VPN for streaming.
- Works well with streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney +, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Rai Play, and more.
- Has servers in Italy (Milan and Cosenza).
- Outstanding 24/7 live customer support.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
CONS
- Above average prices
Pricing: 6.67$/Month/Annually.
Free Trial: No. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. CyberGhost
CyberGhost excels in streaming US Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer content. The user-friendly app allows you to select a server optimized for your desired streaming service. CyberGhost has 10,200+ servers in over 100 countries.
Tailored for streaming, CyberGhost’s servers are labeled based on the countries and platforms they are most effective at unblocking. With 170+ servers in Italy, you can access Italian channels like Rai2, Rai3, and TV8 from anywhere in the world.
CyberGhost stands out with its blazing-fast connection speeds on most servers. However, it is not as fast as ExpressVPN over long distances, ensuring reliable Ultra HD streaming without buffering and lag-free online gaming. Also, it offers P2P-optimized servers, ideal for high-speed torrenting.
Your online activities remain private due to robust security measures, including AES 256-bit encryption and multiple security protocols. A kill switch and DNS/IPv6 protection prevent accidental data leaks. Operating from Romania, outside the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance, CyberGhost follows a strict no-logs policy, assuring the security of your data. Furthermore, it includes automatic WiFi protection to secure your devices when using public wireless networks.
CyberGhost’s apps are compatible with Windows, Linux, IOS, MacOS, and Android.
PROS
- Fast speeds during streaming.
- Budget-friendly VPN.
- It has 170+ servers in Italy.
- It doesn’t keep activity logs and employs strong encryption to evade activity detection.
- 45-day money-back guarantee.
CONS
- There are a few customizable settings.
Pricing: $2/Month/Annually.
Free Trial: No. It comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee
3. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a good VPN choice, offering 35,000 servers in 91 countries (including Italy). It’s more than capable of handling bandwidth-intensive activities such as streaming, torrenting, and online gaming, thanks to unlimited bandwidth that ensures consistent performance. What sets PIA apart is its compatibility with the US and UK versions of Netflix and Italian TV channels like RAI 1 and Canale.
Regarding security, PIA boasts extensive features designed for robust online protection. These include a kill switch and the MACE feature, which effectively blocks ads and prevents malicious websites from loading. PIA places you in control by allowing you to choose your desired level of encryption, whether the faster AES 128-bit for speed or the rock-solid AES 256-bit for enhanced security. Also, you can select the tunneling protocol that suits your specific needs, be it OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, or WireGuard.
Your connection is protected against hackers and cyber threats. Despite being headquartered in the US and a member of the 5 Eyes Alliance, PIA follows a strict no-logs policy, which has been legally proven. This means none of your data is stored, and consequently, it cannot be shared.
Private Internet Access lets you connect all your devices simultaneously with a single account. It provides applications for various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. This VPN also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
Also, since you can use it on unlimited devices simultaneously, a single subscription can safeguard all your devices.
PROS
- 35,000 servers in 91 countries (including Italy)
- Affordable subscription plans
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Strict no-logs policy
CONS
- Based in the USA
Pricing: $2.19/Month/Annually.
Free Trial: No. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
→ Get Private Internet Access now!
4. NordVPN
NordVPN, a Panama-based provider, has a network of 5,500+ servers in over 60 countries, with more than 60 servers in Milan. With NordVPN, you can securely access a wide range of content, spanning both the US and Italian versions of Netflix within the application and web browser. You won’t encounter any issues when trying to access RaiPlay from abroad. NordVPN is also compatible with the popular streaming services of Hulu, Prime Video, HBO, and BBC iPlayer.
This VPN offers 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. It also follows a strict no-logs policy. NordVPN offers specialized servers tailored for specific purposes, such as double VPN dedicated IP and Tor over VPN. One subscription allows users to connect up to 6 devices simultaneously.
NordVPN provides user-friendly apps for various platforms, including Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android, ensuring a secure and versatile online experience. If you want a fast and secure VPN, NordVPN is a good choice.
PROS
- Excellent security features
- Fast speeds
- Operates 60+ servers in Italy
- Unblocks RaiPlay and Netflix Italy from abroad
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Android kill switch not automatically turned on
Pricing: $5.99/Month/Annually.
Free Trial: No.
5. Surfshark
Surfshark has over 3,200 servers across 100+ countries, including some in Rome and Italy. Despite being a low-cost VPN, Surfshark delivers impressive speeds and securely accesses even the most resilient streaming platforms like Netflix and DAZN, ensuring you can watch Rai TV from abroad. Also, Surfshark allows you to protect all your devices with just one account.
The servers of Surfshark utilize 256-bit encryption, IPv6 leak protection, DNS, and a reliable kill switch. Also, Surfshark offers a “NoBorders” mode designed to bypass tough network restrictions. Surfshark firmly upholds a strict no-logs policy, guaranteeing it will not disclose any details about your online activities. If you need assistance, there is a 24/7 live chat.
Surfshark offers user-friendly applications for various platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and MacOS.
PROS
- Good streaming capability
- Affordable price
- Great range of security features
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 30-day moneyback guarantee
CONS
- Not much customization
Pricing: 4$/Month/Annually.
Free Trial: No. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Italian VPN to the Rescue
When you’re in Italy, a VPN allows you to access your international subscriptions, such as Netflix US and Hulu. Additionally, certain local content, including e-banking services, might be blocked if you’re an Italian traveler abroad. However, a high-quality VPN equipped with AES-bit encryption and a global network of servers can effectively bypass these geo-blocks while protecting against cyber threats and data leaks. You can also check your internet speed before and after using a VPN to understand if the ISP is throttling your data.
FAQs=
Are VPNs legal in Italy?
Yes, Italy generally maintains lenient internet regulations, which extend to the use of VPNs. Most individuals use VPNs to protect their online privacy. However, it’s important to note that using a VPN for illegal activities like downloading copyrighted content is against the law.
Is torrenting legal in Italy?
Yes, file sharing is legal in Italy. However, torrenting can make you vulnerable to hacking. To download torrents safely, it’s crucial to use a P2P-friendly VPN with solid security measures.
Torrenting is not inherently illegal, but torrenting copyrighted material without permission is illegal in Italy, aligning with regulations in the rest of the European Union. While fines can be imposed per-item-downloaded basis, enforcement of these laws is relatively rare.
Does using a VPN in Italy affect my internet speed?
Using a VPN may have an impact on your internet speed. This is because encrypting, routing data through a VPN server, and then decrypting it adds to the time it takes to transmit data through the VPN. As a result, you can anticipate a reduction in your maximum internet speed of approximately 10 percent. It’s worth noting that the extent of speed reduction can vary from one VPN to another, depending on factors like optimization and server congestion.
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