The Best VPNs for Travellers in 2026

Updated Feb 4, 2026
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Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève Leclerc Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève, Web Director at Milesopedia, is an expert in budget travel and a slow travel enthusiast. Specializing in Aeroplan, Scene+, and Marriott Bonvoy programs, she spends nearly six months a year abroad, making travel her way of life. Constantly seeking the best waves to surf, excellent coffee, and strategies to extend her travels, she is often found in coworking spaces with fellow digital nomads or by the sea, watching the sunset.
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To the point A VPN is essential for securing your data while travelling. Discover in this guide how to choose an affordable and reliable solution among the three most popular options: NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost.

Today, travelling with a digital device has become unavoidable, whether it’s a laptop, a phone, or a tablet. We are constantly connected to the web, and the amount of personal information we store on these devices is immense, often without even realizing it. Think of all the passwords, bank accounts, and credit cards stored on your phone!

For these reasons, a VPN (virtual private network) is strongly recommended for travellers. It allows you to connect securely to Wi-Fi anywhere in the world, while protecting your personal data from prying eyes.

Travellers VPN

How Do VPNs Work?

A VPN secures your online data by encrypting it using specialized protocols. These ensure fast, secure transmission of information.

The encrypted data is then routed through a secure server, protecting it against any interception. A VPN also masks your location and allows you to connect to servers in other countries.

Why Are VPNs Useful for Travellers?

While travelling, you often connect to public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in hotels, airports, or cafés. However, these networks are extremely vulnerable, as they are far less secure than private networks.

Avoid accessing your bank account on a public network, as your login credentials and passwords could be easily intercepted. Fortunately, a VPN allows you to encrypt your data and browse securely on these public networks.

A VPN also allows you to bypass geographic restrictions. For example, if you are working remotely from abroad, you may need to connect to servers as if you were in Canada.

In addition, streaming services such as Netflix or Prime Video offer different content depending on the country. With a VPN, you can make these sites think you are in Canada and enjoy your favourite series just like at home.

What Makes a Good VPN?

To choose a good VPN, here are the elements to consider:

  • Security and encryption: The VPN should use recognized encryption protocols (such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2) to protect your online data.
  • Device compatibility: Make sure the VPN is compatible with all your devices (computers, phones, tablets, etc.) and can be used on multiple devices at the same time, depending on your needs.
  • Servers and geolocation: A good VPN should offer a wide range of servers in different countries to bypass geographic restrictions.
  • Speed and performance: The VPN should not significantly slow down your internet connection.
  • Privacy policy: Check that the provider has a clear and transparent privacy policy. Choose a VPN that follows a no-logs policy.
  • Price: Free VPNs can pose risks in terms of security and privacy. A paid VPN is often more reliable and provides better data protection.
  • Trial period or money-back guarantee: A provider that offers a free trial or a money-back guarantee allows you to test its services before committing long term.

In the highly competitive VPN market, three providers stand out for their popularity:

Let’s analyze each of them and compare their features.

NordVPN Surfshark CyberGhost
Features NordVPN Surfshark CyberGhost
Number of servers +7,100 servers in 111 countries +3,200 servers in 100 countries +9,400 servers in 100 countries
Simultaneous connections 10 Unlimited 7
Speed Very fast Fast Fast
Protocol NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2 WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Security AES-256 encryption, double VPN AES-256 encryption, double VPN AES-256 encryption
Compatibility Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers
Regular annual price (basic plan) $176 + taxes $322.35 + taxes $56.94 + taxes
Promotional annual price $77 + taxes $66 + taxes (for the first 15 months) $56.94 + taxes (for 2 years)
Free trial 30 days 7 days 24 hours
Money-back guarantee 30 days 30 days 45 days

VPN service subscriptions are often billed in US dollars: to save 2.5% on your purchase, use a no foreign transaction fee card!

NordVPN

NordVPN is the most popular VPN provider on the market. It uses its own encryption protocol, NordLynx, a faster and more efficient version of WireGuard.

With more than 7,100 servers across 111 countries, NordVPN offers maximum security, bypasses geographic restrictions, and delivers high speeds for streaming.

NordVPN offers monthly, annual, and two-year subscriptions, along with four subscription tiers: Basic, Plus, Premium, and Ultra.

Prices start at $6.39 CAD + taxes per month. Annual and two-year subscriptions offer better value. To read our review of the product and current promotions, see this link.

Surfshark

Surfshark, a popular VPN, offers enhanced security with military-grade encryption and advanced features for added protection. It also uses the WireGuard protocol to ensure a fast and secure connection.

With more than 3,200 servers across 100 countries, Surfshark allows you to bypass geographic restrictions. Unlike many competitors, Surfshark offers unlimited connections for all your devices.

Its subscriptions are available for one month, one year, or two years, with three plans to choose from: Starter, One, and One+. The basic plan costs CAD 4.39 + taxes per month, with discounts available for longer-term plans.

To discover current prices and offers, click on the following link.

CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a VPN known for its ease of use and its extensive network of more than 9,400 servers across 100 countries, which is significantly more than other providers. It allows simultaneous connections on up to seven devices and offers 500 GB of free cloud storage.

Subscriptions are available in three options: monthly (USD 12.99 per month + taxes), six months, or two years. The pricing is attractive for long-term commitments. There is no plan available for a one-year term only.

For current rates and ongoing promotions, follow this link.

What Is the Best VPN for Travellers?

The Milesopedia team has personally tested NordVPN and Surfshark. Marie-Ève uses Surfshark during her long stays abroad, while Jean-Maximilien works with NordVPN from Canada and France.

Ultimately, the main VPN providers offer similar products. If you want to connect more than 10 devices at once, Surfshark is your best option, as it allows unlimited connections. Additionally, it is the cheapest provider during promotional periods.

If you perform speed-intensive tasks such as video calls or downloading photos and videos, NordVPN is the provider that slows down your connection the least. It is also the most comprehensive in terms of features and customer support.

For streaming enthusiasts, CyberGhost stands out with its dedicated (streaming) options. In addition, it uses military-grade encryption for enhanced protection. Finally, access to 500 GB of cloud storage is included with the subscription, which is convenient for backing up large numbers of travel photos.

Frequently Asked Questions About VPNs

Which VPN Is the Most Reliable?

The most reliable VPNs include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost, all of which offer strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy. ExpressVPN and NordVPN are known for their speed, while Surfshark is affordable and CyberGhost is ideal for streaming.

What is the most powerful VPN?

ExpressVPN and NordVPN are often considered the most powerful VPNs thanks to their AES-256-bit encryption, enhanced security, and strict no-logs policy.

What is the best VPN for Canada?

The best VPNs for Canada are NordVPN, CyberGhost, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. All of them offer a money-back guarantee.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine is the President and Founder of Milesopedia and a leading expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel across Canada, France, and the U.S.A. Now 40 years old and a father of two, he has explored more than 100 countries—many of them alongside his wife Audrey and their children. Specializing in loyalty programs such as Aeroplan, Flying Blue, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, Jean-Maximilien helps travellers unlock the full potential of their points and benefits. His mission: empower others to travel better and smarter across North America and Europe.
All posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine
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