Choosing the right VPN server location is crucial for optimizing your online experience. Your server location affects various aspects such as download and upload speeds, latency, access to content libraries, and data protection, especially in regions where VPN usage is restricted. By selecting the appropriate server, you can unlock the full potential of your VPN service.
To assist you in selecting the optimal server locations, we conducted thorough analysis of countries’ data privacy laws, content restrictions, and privacy indicators. Additionally, we rigorously tested these server locations with multiple VPN providers featured in our VPN list.
Keep reading to discover the best server locations tailored to different VPN usage scenarios. Whether you’re torrenting, streaming, gaming, or have other specific requirements, we’ve got you covered.
Which country is the best for a VPN connection?
- Switzerland – best country for privacy to connect VPN through
- Spain – best VPN country for torrenting
- The UK – the fastest VPN location
- Panama – best country for anonymous VPN connection
- The United States – the best VPN country for streaming
While many top-rated VPNs boast extensive lists of servers in diverse geographical locations, we’ve curated a selection of only the best options offering the widest variety of servers for an optimal VPN experience.
Top 5 VPNs with the best server locations
NordVPN – the overall best VPN with 6300+ servers in 111 countries
Surfshark – the most affordable VPN with 3200+ servers in 100 locations
PureVPN – feature-rich VPN with 6500+ servers in 65 countries
ExpressVPN – excellent security and thousands of servers in 105 countries
CyberGhost – highly customizable VPN with 11500+ servers in 100 locations
Best Countries to Connect to VPN Through – Detailed Insights
Selecting the optimal VPN location involves careful consideration of various factors, including local privacy laws, membership in international surveillance alliances, regulations concerning torrenting, availability of streaming services, and internet infrastructure. Here’s an in-depth overview of each country, assessing its suitability as a VPN location and its compatibility with specific purposes:
Switzerland – the best privacy-focused VPN country
| Best VPNs for this country: | NordVPN, Surfshark, PureVPN |
| Member of surveillance groups: | No |
| Torrenting is legal: | For personal use |
| Avg. broadband internet speed: | 229.96 Mbps |
NordVPN and Surfshark stand out as the top VPN choices with servers located in Switzerland. Switzerland is widely regarded as one of the best VPN countries to connect to, offering a combination of privacy, relaxed laws around torrenting, and excellent internet speed. Here’s why Switzerland is an ideal VPN location:
Privacy:
Switzerland is not a member of the 14-Eyes alliance, making it an attractive choice for privacy-conscious VPN users. Moreover, the country places a strong emphasis on personal privacy protection. While Switzerland isn’t bound by the EU’s GDPR regulations, it has its own robust Act on Data Protection (DPA). This legislation governs the collection, processing, and access to personal data by companies operating within its jurisdiction. With the recent revision of the law and the upcoming implementation of the new Federal Act on Data Protection (nFADP) in September 2023, Switzerland continues to prioritize data privacy.
Torrenting:
In Switzerland, downloading copyrighted material for personal use is legal, providing a favorable environment for torrenting enthusiasts. However, it’s essential to note that while downloading copyrighted content is permissible, sharing it (seeding) remains illegal. Users should exercise caution and adhere to legal guidelines when engaging in torrenting activities.
Streaming:
While Switzerland offers access to platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Youtube, it may not be the ideal VPN location for streaming enthusiasts seeking a wide range of content. The availability of streaming services in Switzerland is relatively limited compared to other regions, primarily comprising local news broadcasters. Therefore, if streaming content is your primary VPN use case, other locations may be more suitable.
Internet Infrastructure:
Switzerland boasts a robust internet infrastructure, primarily consisting of fiber optics networks, with few exceptions in rural areas. Both broadband and mobile internet speeds are exceptionally high, ensuring minimal impact on baseline speed when connecting to VPN servers in locations such as Zurich. Unless Switzerland is significantly distant from your actual location, you can expect a seamless VPN connection experience with minimal speed degradation.
In summary, Switzerland offers a compelling blend of privacy, torrenting-friendly laws, and superior internet infrastructure, making it an excellent choice for VPN users seeking enhanced online security and performance. Whether you prioritize privacy, torrenting, or internet speed, Switzerland emerges as a top VPN destination for users worldwide.
2. Spain – the best VPN country for torrenting
| Best VPNs for this country: | NordVPN, Surfshark |
| Member of surveillance groups: | 14-eyes alliance |
| Torrenting is legal: | For personal use |
| Avg. broadband internet speed: | 201.47 Mbps |
All VPNs on our list offer servers in Spain, with NordVPN and Surfshark emerging as the top contenders. Spain serves as an excellent VPN location, particularly for torrenting and streaming purposes. When it comes to internet speed, users can expect minimal slowdowns. However, privacy considerations present a mixed bag.
Privacy: Spain’s inclusion in the 14-eyes alliance raises some privacy concerns. However, being part of the EU means that GDPR regulations apply, affording users certain rights regarding personal data handling. While users retain control over their data consent, there’s a possibility of data sharing with other countries under specific circumstances. Consequently, Spain falls in the middle ground as a VPN location for privacy.
Torrenting: Much like Switzerland, Spain boasts legal torrenting practices. Users can download copyrighted materials for personal use without infringing on laws, making connecting to a Spanish server for torrenting a viable option.
Streaming: With over 7,000 titles in the Spanish Netflix library and access to popular streaming services like Disney+, HBO, and Rakuten TV, Spain proves to be an ideal VPN location for streaming enthusiasts. The availability of exclusive content further enhances its appeal for users with a preference for Spanish media.
Internet Infrastructure: Spain’s ambitious plans for ultra-fast broadband by 2025 align with EU directives, showcasing its commitment to internet infrastructure development. With well-developed infrastructure and one of the world’s fastest average broadband speeds, users across Spain enjoy extensive internet coverage. Whether in urban centers or remote areas, reliable internet access is virtually guaranteed.
3. The United Kingdom – good VPN location for fast connection speeds
| Best VPNs for this country: | NordVPN, Surfshark, PureVPN |
| Member of surveillance groups: | 5-eyes alliance |
| Torrenting is legal: | No |
| Avg. broadband internet speed: | 102.24 Mbps |
Most reputable VPN services offer servers in the UK, including NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. The UK is an ideal country to connect to for both privacy and streaming purposes, offering fast speeds, especially for users located in Europe. Despite being part of the 5-Eyes alliance, which involves intelligence sharing with other member countries, the UK maintains strong data protection laws under its Data Protection Act. This legislation regulates the collection, use, and retention of personal data, with provisions for individuals to request the erasure of their data from databases.
When it comes to torrenting in the UK, the legality is nuanced. While it’s not entirely illegal, engaging in peer-to-peer sharing involving copyrighted materials can lead to fines or even legal repercussions. Therefore, torrenting in the UK without the protection of a VPN is not advisable. Additionally, using a VPN server located in the UK for torrenting in other countries is also not recommended. It’s best to select a different VPN location for torrenting activities.
For streaming enthusiasts, the United Kingdom is a prime location. It hosts a plethora of streaming services, including BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and others. The UK’s Netflix library boasts over 7,200 titles, including exclusive content. Moreover, the UK is one of the easiest European countries to unblock streaming services in, with most reputable VPNs offering servers that can bypass geo-restrictions effortlessly. Whether you’re looking to stream your favorite shows or maintain your privacy online, connecting to a VPN server in the UK offers a reliable and versatile solution.
4. Panama – the best VPN location for anonymity
| Best VPNs for this country: | Surfshark, PureVPN |
| Member of surveillance groups: | No |
| Torrenting is legal: | No data |
| Avg. broadband internet speed: | 137.38 Mbps |
Out of all the VPNs on our list, Surfshark, PureVPN, and PrivateVPN have servers in Panama. While this country may not stand out dramatically as a VPN location, its laws surrounding personal data protection make it a popular choice for VPNs to be based in and for users seeking anonymity.
Privacy: VPNs like NordVPN choose Panama as their base for good reason. The country is not part of the 5, 9, or 14-eye alliance, and its laws regarding personal data and privacy protection are particularly favorable to individuals. Personal data collection is not mandated by law, and individuals must give informed consent for the collection or use of their data at all times. The law governing the protection of private and sensitive personal information is relatively new, having entered into force in March 2021, and was drafted in part to comply with the GDPR, which also applies outside of the EU in certain cases. Overall, Panama proves to be a strong VPN location for privacy-conscious users.
Torrenting: The legal landscape surrounding downloading copyrighted material for personal use in Panama is not well-documented. While one might assume all is well, there is also a risk of potential legal consequences if caught. Therefore, we neither recommend nor discourage the use of VPN servers in Panama for torrenting. Should you decide to proceed, it’s crucial to understand and accept the associated risks.
Streaming: Panama hosts several popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Paramount, Amazon Prime Video, and others. While the Netflix library in Panama consists of just over 2200 titles, there may still be some exclusive content available.
Internet Infrastructure: Panama boasts a well-developed internet infrastructure overall, although the quality of service and availability may vary depending on location. In densely populated areas, internet speeds tend to be fast, while more remote regions may experience higher prices for wireless internet and a decrease in service quality. Nonetheless, Panama generally offers a fast and reliable VPN location.
5. The United States (USA) – the best country for streaming with a VPN
| Best VPNs for this country: | NordVPN, IPVanish |
| Member of surveillance groups: | 5-eyes alliance |
| Torrenting is legal: | No |
| Avg. broadband internet speed: | 203.81 Mbps |
The US’s membership in the 14-eyes alliance raises concerns about citizen privacy, with numerous surveillance scandals highlighting government surveillance practices. While some states like California have enacted robust privacy laws such as the Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the federal, state, and local legal landscape remains fragmented, making it challenging to assess privacy protections nationwide.
Torrenting
While torrenting itself isn’t illegal, sharing copyrighted content via P2P connections can lead to severe consequences, including warnings from Internet Service Providers, fines, or even legal action. The US actively targets P2P sharing websites, posing risks even for innocuous online searches. Therefore, torrenting without a quality VPN is strongly discouraged.
Streaming
The US reigns supreme as a streaming paradise, offering access to a vast array of TV series, sports events, news broadcasts, and entertainment content. Leading streaming platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, and ESPN+ originate from the US, with the largest Netflix library available in the country. Additionally, many popular movies and shows debut in the US, providing early access for viewers.
Internet Infrastructure
Despite its streaming prowess, the US faces challenges in internet infrastructure. Dominated by four major ISPs operating in distinct territories, the lack of competition hampers service improvement based on consumer demand. Moreover, a significant number of areas fail to meet minimum broadband speeds, particularly in rural areas. The ongoing issue of Net Neutrality further complicates matters, suggesting that connecting to a US VPN location for speed may not always yield optimal results. Consider exploring alternative server locations for better performance.
How to Choose the Best VPN Server Location
Connecting to a VPN server in any location will effectively conceal your IP address and provide a level of online privacy and anonymity. However, for those seeking optimal performance and specific functionality, selecting the right VPN country or city can significantly enhance the browsing experience. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the best VPN server location:
- Evaluate Server Availability: Check how many servers a VPN provider offers in each location. Opt for a country or city with a high number of servers to avoid overcrowding and potential connection speed slowdowns.
- Consider Streaming Content: Research which streaming services offer the content you want to watch and in which countries it’s available. Choose a VPN server location that grants access to the desired streaming platforms and their libraries.
- Legal Considerations for Torrenting: If you engage in personal torrenting activities, ensure that the selected country has laws permitting such activities to avoid any legal repercussions.
- Assess Internet Infrastructure: Select a country with robust internet infrastructure and high broadband speeds. Connecting to a location with poor internet quality can lead to significant drops in connection speed and performance.
- Prioritize Proximity for Speed: For optimal speed, choose a VPN server location closest to your physical location. This minimizes latency and ensures that the VPN connection speed remains comparable to your original baseline speed.
Best VPN Server Locations
While any VPN location can serve various purposes, some are better suited for specific needs. Here are the best VPN server locations based on different criteria:
- Privacy: For enhanced privacy protection, consider connecting to servers located in Panama or Switzerland. These countries have stringent privacy laws favoring individual rights and do not participate in intelligence-sharing alliances like the 14-Eyes.
- Streaming: Optimal VPN server locations for streaming include cities in the US or the UK, offering access to extensive Netflix libraries, Hulu, HBO Max, and other popular streaming services. Additionally, servers in European countries can unlock regional TV channels and streaming sites.
- Anime Content: Fans of anime series and movies may benefit from connecting to servers in Japan to access the extensive Japanese Netflix library, which offers a wide range of anime content.
By carefully selecting the best VPN server location based on your specific needs and priorities, you can enjoy enhanced privacy, unrestricted access to streaming content, and optimal browsing speeds.
What’s the Best VPN Server Location for Betting?
When it comes to selecting the ideal VPN server location for betting, certain countries stand out for their favorable gambling laws and abundant options for online betting sites. Here are two top choices:
- Canada: Known for its relatively lenient gambling regulations, Canada is a preferred location for betting enthusiasts. With a plethora of reputable betting sites available in the country, many VPN providers offer servers in Canada, often spanning multiple cities.
- United Kingdom (UK): The UK boasts a robust gambling market, offering a wide array of gambling websites catering to diverse preferences. Virtually any reputable VPN service worth considering will have servers located in various regions across the UK, ensuring users have ample options for accessing betting platforms securely.
What Are the Fastest VPN Locations?
The speed of your VPN connection is influenced by factors such as proximity to the server and the quality of internet infrastructure in the chosen location. For optimal speed, consider the following:
- Choose Nearby Servers: Opting for a VPN server close to your actual location typically results in faster connection speeds. This minimizes the distance data needs to travel, reducing latency and enhancing overall performance.
- Select Countries with Strong Internet Infrastructure: Countries renowned for their robust internet infrastructures, such as Switzerland, Singapore, and Romania, often offer faster VPN speeds due to advanced network capabilities and high-speed connectivity.
Which VPNs Offer the Most Server Locations?
When it comes to VPN providers, not all are created equal in terms of server coverage. Here are five VPN services renowned for their extensive server networks spanning numerous countries:
- Surfshark: Offers servers in 100 countries, providing users with diverse options for accessing content and ensuring global coverage.
- ExpressVPN: With servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN delivers reliable performance and widespread accessibility for users worldwide.
- CyberGhost: Boasting servers in 100 countries, CyberGhost offers a comprehensive VPN solution with extensive global reach and optimized performance.
- PureVPN: Provides servers in 65 countries, catering to users seeking secure and unrestricted access to online content from around the world.
- PrivateVPN: With servers in 63 countries, PrivateVPN offers a balance of performance and privacy features, ensuring seamless connectivity and reliable protection.
- NordVPN: Leads the pack with servers in 111 countries, offering unparalleled coverage and versatility for users seeking a robust VPN solution.
- IPVanish: With servers in 52 countries, IPVanish provides a diverse network infrastructure for users seeking enhanced online privacy and unrestricted access to content worldwide.
By selecting a VPN service with a broad range of server locations, users can enjoy enhanced flexibility, improved performance, and reliable access to geo-restricted content across the globe.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, selecting the right VPN location can significantly impact your online experience, whether you prioritize privacy, speed, or access to specific content. Understanding which countries are ideal for certain purposes can simplify your VPN usage and enhance your online security and accessibility.
For instance, Switzerland stands out as a top choice for privacy-conscious users, while Spain is often favored for torrenting activities. However, the optimal VPN location may vary depending on factors such as internet infrastructure, available streaming services, and legal considerations related to privacy and VPN usage.
Moreover, not all VPN providers offer servers in the best locations. Our top recommendation is NordVPN, boasting over 6300 servers across 111 locations worldwide. With NordVPN’s exceptional speeds, advanced security features, and extensive server network, users can enjoy a seamless and secure browsing experience.
We trust that this article has equipped you with valuable insights into the best VPN locations to connect through, empowering you to make informed decisions and safeguard your online privacy and freedom.
