Want to stream your favorite US movies on Netflix, Max, or Hulu from Germany? The best VPNs let you access international streaming libraries, so you can watch US movies, UK TV shows, and more. A VPN also encrypts your IP address, so no one can see your streaming activities.
Here are our top five for the best VPNs for Germany:
- NordVPN: The overall best VPN for Germany
- Surfshark: The best German VPN for users with lots of devices
- CyberGhost: The best German VPN for gaming
- ExpressVPN: The best German VPN for streaming
- Proton VPN: The best free Germany VPN
NordVPN takes the number 1 spot as the best German VPN, thanks to its outstanding privacy and security and its ability to unblock a host of non-German streaming platforms, like Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, and others.
Do you want to know more about the best VPNs for Germany? Read the complete article below.
Germany is one of the freest countries when it comes to internet access. Still, you might face geo-restrictions when trying to watch foreign content. To make the most of your internet connection, you need a VPN.
A VPN not only lets you unblock Netflix US and other streaming services, but it also allows you to get a German IP address, plus watch German TV when you’re traveling abroad. It even encrypts your IP address and streaming activities, so you can maintain your online privacy.
Ready to unlock your internet’s potential? Get the best of the best with NordVPN, our best VPN for Germany. We tested 80+ VPNs, and NordVPN leads the pack with its lightning-fast speeds, advanced security features, and 6000+ servers to choose from.
Which VPN is Best for Germany?
Below, we’ll tell you all about our five contestants for the best VPN to use in Germany. First, we’ll briefly discuss their main features using the handy table below.
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | CyberGhost | ExpressVPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of servers | 6000+ | 3200+ | 11500+ | Offers thousands of servers | 3000+ |
| Number of countries or server locations | 61 | 100 | 100 | 105 | 70+ |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, NordLynx (WireGuard-based) | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, Lightway, L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2 | OpenVPN, IKEv2, Wireguard |
| Price | $ 2.99 | $ 1.99 | $ 2.03 | $ 6.67 | $ 3.99 |
| Purchase | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get CyberGhost | Get ExpressVPN | Get ProtonVPN |
Below, we’ll discuss all of these VPNs in more detail.
1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Germany
NordVPN is the best all-around VPN for Germany. NordVPN has a flawless track record in unblocking international streaming sites, so you can watch Netflix US, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more while in Germany. What’s more, NordVPN has advanced security features to keep your internet traffic encrypted.
- NordVPN 24 months $2.99mth Deal View offer
- NordVPN 12 months $4.49mth View offer
- NordVPN Monthly $12.99mth View offer
Why we picked NordVPN:
- 240+ German servers, all with good streaming speeds and tight 256-bit encryption
- Fastest speed of any VPN according to our speed tests, which means you can watch Netflix US, Netflix UK, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more with very little buffering
- Kill switch and obfuscation (double VPN) features that ensure your IP address never gets leaked to any prying eyes
- Strict no-logs policy ensures that not even NordVPN has any revealing user data on you
If your concern is speed and security, you’ll enjoy NordVPN’s very own VPN protocol, NordLynx. Based on WireGuard, NordLynx is faster than even OpenVPN and other protocols. Both the protocol and the NordVPN app are available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Another thing we love about NordVPN is the many ways you can give it a try. You can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee to test the VPN’s features extensively. NordVPN also has an Android-exclusive seven-day free trial, which doesn’t require you to pay upfront.
Do you want to learn more about the best VPN for Germany? Check out our in-depth NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark: The best German VPN for users with lots of devices
Surfshark is a great VPN for users in Germany who have lots of devices, as this provider offers unlimited simultaneous connections. Moreover, Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs and allows for seamless unblocking and streaming.
Surfshark is also superb at keeping your data safe from German government agencies, your internet service provider, and other parties, thanks to outstanding encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
- Surfshark 24 months $1.99mth Deal View offer
- Surfshark 12 months $3.99mth View offer
- Surfshark 1 month $10.99mth View offer
Why we picked Surfshark:
- Servers in Berlin and Frankfurt that grant you German IP addresses for when you’re traveling overseas
- No-logs policy protects your data from falling into the wrong hands, as there’s no data at all for other parties to find
- Unlimited simultaneous connections make Surfshark perfect for sharing with family and friends
Surfshark is one of those rare providers that combines excellent security and ultra-fast streaming speeds with a low price tag. While it doesn’t quite beat NordVPN, it’s a fantastic alternative.
Based on our extensive testing, Surfshark has proven to be a great choice for use on streaming platforms, such as Netflix US, Netflix UK, HBO Max, and Hulu, without issues or needlessly long buffering.
Surfshark is currently offering a large discount, making it a great steal, especially with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Learn more about this great provider by checking out our Surfshark review.
3. CyberGhost: The best German VPN for gaming
If you’re an avid gamer, CyberGhost is the best VPN for you. This provider’s gaming-optimized servers in Frankfurt, London, New York, and Paris will ensure that you’ll have a lag-free experience. CyberGhost’s advanced encryption also helps you avoid getting doxxed and will maintain your online privacy when playing with other gamers across the world.
- CyberGhost 2 Years $2.03mth Deal View offer
- CyberGhost 6 Months $6.99mth View offer
- CyberGhost 1 Month $12.99mth View offer
Why we picked CyberGhost:
- 1,500+ German servers provide countless German IP address choices and ensure that you don’t suffer from server crowding
- Dedicated gaming servers in Europe and the US to minimize speed reductions while you’re playing
- No-logs policy means not even CyberGhost collects your data
- Available on seven simultaneous devices, so you can protect your gaming PC, your phone, and more
CyberGhost’s numerous German servers ensure you’ll always have hassle-free access to your favorite non-German streams. It also greatly helps that CyberGhost offers dedicated IPs. These are outstanding at circumventing the VPN blocks that many websites and apps employ.
CyberGhost offers a very generous 45-day money-back guarantee — the longest we’ve come across! Plus, CyberGhost is the cheapest VPN on this list.
If you want to learn more about CyberGhost, feel free to check out our extensive CyberGhost review.
4. ExpressVPN: The best German VPN for streaming
ExpressVPN is among the best VPN services for users in Germany, especially for those looking to unblock both German streaming services and international ones like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. After all, ExpressVPN offers servers in a whopping 94 countries. Moreover, ExpressVPN’s RAM-based servers and strict no-logs policy will keep your streaming activities private in Germany and beyond.
- ExpressVPN 12 Months $6.67mth Deal View offer
- ExpressVPN 6 Months $9.99mth View offer
- ExpressVPN Monthly $12.95mth View offer
Why we picked ExpressVPN:
- Servers in Frankfurt and Nuremberg offer German users fast servers close to home
- Servers in 94 countries mean you can unblock streaming services and German TV channels from almost anywhere in the world
- Strict no-logs policy, so ExpressVPN doesn’t have any data to surrender if they get subpoenaed
- Available on up to eight devices simultaneously on a single subscription
Apart from its top-notch security and privacy, ExpressVPN also has plenty to offer to movie and TV junkies. For instance, its MediaStreamer feature helps unblock non-German streams on devices that don’t support VPN use.
Lastly, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This will cover you in the unlikely event you’re not satisfied with this provider.
Do you want to read about all the ins and outs of this provider? Check out our ExpressVPN review.
5. Proton VPN: The best free Germany VPN
Proton VPN is another outstanding VPN for Germany. It’s based in Switzerland, meaning this provider operates under some of the most consumer-friendly privacy laws worldwide. It also offers a free option that has unlimited bandwidth, which is a rarity in free VPNs.
- Proton VPN 30 months $3.99mth Deal View offer
- Proton VPN 15 months $4.79mth View offer
- Proton VPN 1 month $8.99mth View offer
Why we picked Proton VPN:
- Free Germany VPN, although server choices are limited to the US, Japan, and the Netherlands
- 60+ German servers on the premium subscription, ensuring VPN connections remain fast
- No-logs policy means Proton VPN doesn’t record any of your data
- Available on up to 10 devices on the premium plan
Another great advantage of Proton is that the company offers a secure productivity suite. Proton VPN pairs perfectly with Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive (a secure cloud storage service), and Proton Pass (a password manager).
Best of all, both the free and premium VPN offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide to upgrade from the free version (which we strongly recommend), you still have some time to make up your mind.
Read our full Proton VPN review for more information.
How We Chose the Best VPNs for Germany
We chose our list of the best VPNs for Germany based on meticulous research and experience with 80+ VPNs. We paid special attention to the following criteria:
- German VPN servers: We made sure to only include VPNs that have servers in Germany for people who want to use fast local servers.
- VPN connection speeds: Germany generally offers great connection speeds. Even so, you need to choose your VPN wisely to maintain your speed. That’s why we only included high-speed VPNs with maximums of up to 10 Gbps.
- Highest encryption standards: We only included VPNs on our list that work with the recommended modern encryption standard: AES 256-bit encryption.
- No logs: To keep your data safe from other parties, strong encryption is not enough. It’s also important that your VPN won’t hand over your data when pressured to do so by government entities. As such, we only included VPNs that don’t keep logs of what you do online.
- Streaming capabilities: We only included VPNs with large server networks and compatibility with the streaming service of your choice.
- Price: Most people don’t want to spend a fortune on a VPN. That’s why we included options for different budgets, including two super-low-cost options: Surfshark and CyberGhost.
Why Do I Need a VPN in Germany?
You might wonder why you need to use a Germany VPN in the first place when the country offers the most online freedom and privacy. Below, we share some reasons why you’d need a VPN service in Germany:
- Data privacy: Germany offers great online privacy thanks to the GDPR. However, it’s also part of the 14 Eyes Alliance, which facilitates data sharing between 14 countries, including the US, the UK, the Netherlands, and more. To avoid having your data fall into the hands of the German government (or of foreign governments), we strongly recommend using a VPN.
- Unblocking streaming sites: Have you ever received a “This video isn’t available in your country” notice on YouTube? If so, then all you need is a VPN. By changing your German IP address to a US IP address, you can easily unblock restricted content on YouTube, as well as the movie and TV libraries of Netflix US and other major streaming services.
- Safe torrenting: Not all streaming content is available in Germany. Maybe you decide to turn to torrent sites to fill the gap. A VPN will make torrenting much more secure and anonymous. Since torrenting platforms are peer-to-peer and public, it’s easy for other users and parties to get a hold of your IP. A VPN will hide this to protect your privacy.
VPNs to Avoid in Germany
Although there are several great VPNs to choose from, there are also dangerous VPNs you need to avoid at all costs. We’ll discuss three of these so you know what to steer clear of when looking for the best VPN for Germany.
| VPN | Reason to avoid |
|---|---|
| Hola VPN | This well-known but notorious VPN doesn’t actually encrypt your data. Moreover, it logs all of your user data. This is obviously not the way to go to protect your privacy from the 14-eyes Alliance or other entities. |
| VPN Master | This VPN is unclear on how your data is encrypted. This leads us to the question of whether it’s encrypted and protected at all. It also logs your real IP address. Both practices are dangerous, especially in a 14-eyes country like Germany. |
| Tuxler VPN | Although this VPN can unblock some non-German streaming platforms, its speeds are way too low to actually enjoy your video. |
Conclusion: The Best VPN for Germany
We’ve seen that it’s absolutely vital to use a VPN in Germany, both for privacy as well as online freedom. With the best VPNs for Germany, you can do more with your internet connection than ever before. A VPN will let you encrypt your IP address, unblock geo-restricted content (like Netflix US), and more.
All in all, the best VPN for Germany is NordVPN. This provider gives you access to virtually any streaming platform you can think of, plus keeps your data safe from the 14 Eyes Alliance and other prying eyes.
NordVPN offers plenty of German servers, solid speeds, excellent encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and the ability to unblock non-German streaming platforms. In the unlikely event you’re not satisfied, you can even make use of a 30-day money-back guarantee!
Are you planning on traveling or moving anytime soon? Check the articles below to see if we’ve already rounded up the best VPNs for your next destination!
- The Best VPN for China
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- The Best VPN for Kenya: Unblock Netflix and Anonymize Your Traffic
- Top VPNs to Use in Canada
- The Best VPN for India: Our Top Picks
- The Best VPNs for France
Do you have a specific question about the best VPNs for Germany or VPN use in Germany? Check out our FAQ below. In case we haven’t answered your question yet, feel to leave us a comment below.
The best VPN for Germany is NordVPN. This provider offers the best across all fields: excellent encryption and privacy measures for maximum protection, excellent streaming capabilities to access non-German content, and great usability, all for a reasonable price. In our NordVPN review, we discuss all these aspects in more depth.
We recommend refraining from using free VPNs. However, Proton VPN is one of the best VPNs for Germany that offers a free version. We suggest using this more limited version of Proton VPN to see if you’d like to get Proton VPN Premium. Reading our in-depth Proton VPN review can also help you decide if this is the VPN for you.
Getting a German VPN is easy. The first step is to choose a VPN that suits your needs. Our article about the best VPNs can help you with this step. When you’ve chosen your preferred VPN, you can click on one of the orange buttons in our article to sign up. The provider will take you through all the necessary steps.
It is absolutely legal to use a VPN in Germany. Exceptions only include illegal activities performed while using a VPN. In this case, however, the illegal activity (and not the VPN use) is the main problem. If you’d like some more information, feel free to check out our article on whether it’s legal to use a VPN.
Hulu is not available in Germany at the moment. However, there is an easy workaround. You can simply use a VPN to get a US IP address. This way, you can watch Hulu from anywhere in the world, including Germany.
