Best Canada VPNs for Streaming, Speed, Privacy (2023)

Whether you want a VPN for torrenting, accessing streaming content such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu, or protecting your privacy from snooping Canadian internet providers, we’ve rounded up 5 of the best Canada VPNs.

We’ll also cover some Virtual Private Networks to avoid and explain why.

See also: How to get a Canadian IP address

We’ll tell you how and why we chose the best Canada VPNs below, but if you don’t want to read on, here are our top picks:

These are the 5 best VPN service providers for Canada:

1. NordVPN Our top recommendation for Canada. Offers top-notch security, exceptionally high speeds, and fantastic unblocking ability, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark This highly affordable provider works great in Canada, allows any number of connections, and unblocks a ton of popular services. Keeps no logs.
3. ExpressVPN  Robust security, works with most major streaming sites like Netflix, and provides consistently fast speeds.
4. CyberGhost Unblocks major streaming services while offering great security and fast servers.
5. PrivateVPN Fast speeds and can access pretty much anything, including US Netflix and Canadian Netflix from abroad.
6. Atlas VPN: Provides servers in dozens of countries such as the US and Canada. Consistent unblocker with fast speeds and MultiHop servers.

There are hundreds of VPNs, however not all are trustworthy and dependable. In this article, we’ll review the best VPNs for Canada based on the following criteria:

• The VPN provider is not incorporated in any Five Eyes country
• The VPN must not log any identifying information about how you use the service, including online activity and your real IP address
• Strong, up-to-date encryption standards
• Fast, reliable connection speeds
• DNS leak protection
• Allows P2P filesharing
• Great for streaming (Netflix, Amazon Video, BBC, Hulu etc)

See also: How to watch Canadian TV abroad

Best VPNs for Canada – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Canada.

Best VPNs Canada

Here’s a list of the best VPNs for Canada:

1. NordVPN

Mar 2023

NordVPN boasts a true zero-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t even record metadata about how you use the VPN service. It also features military-grade encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch that halts all internet traffic in the event of a dropped connection. The company is incorporated in Panama, which has no mandatory data retention laws. Law enforcement has even confiscated NordVPN servers in the past to no avail–there was nothing there to find.

NordVPN sports a large VPN network of over 5,000 servers around the world. Further, it’s the fastest service we’ve tested, making it perfect for streaming video and downloading large files. You can also choose from servers specialized for certain scenarios, including double VPN, Tor over VPN, and ultra-fast streaming. NordVPN allows you to stream US Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, among others.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR CANADA:NordVPN is our #1 pick.. This no-logs service boasts rock-solid security and blazing fast connection speeds, plus it works reliably in Canada. Still not sure? Try it risk-free thanks to NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a newer provider with a smaller server network, but it’s a great option for those in Canada who want to access region-locked content from abroad. That includes US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, among others. Best of all, Surfshark stands out by letting you connect as many devices as you want—no limits on simultaneous connections.

Surfshark uses strong encryption and keeps no connection logs. A kill switch in the app prevents unencrypted traffic from leaking onto your network if the VPN connection falters. 24/7 live chat support is available.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET VPN:Access Netflix and other region-locked sites on all the desktop and mobile devices in your household for a very low price. Surfshark even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands which, in case you were wondering, is an independent country not within the UK’s jurisdiction. It boasts best-in-class data security standards including 256-bit AES encryption, 4,096-bit RSA keys, SHA256 authentication, and perfect forward secrecy. It logs some non-identifying metadata like what date (not time) you used the VPN service and how long you used it for, but does not record what you do online or your IP address.

ExpressVPN servers are all optimized for maximum speed, and there are a lot of them–over 3,000 in 94 countries. It also comes packed with a kill switch–dubbed “network lock” in ExpressVPN parlance–and DNS leak protection. The provider can access streaming sites that most other VPNs in Canada can’t get at, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and certain wifi routers.

ExpressVPN speed test data

FAST AND VERSATILE:ExpressVPN is great for Canada. It has vast server network coverage that is optimized for high-speed secure connections, plus it’s hard to beat on privacy and online security. Also offers a 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost was originally developed in Germany and later relocated to Romania. Recently, however, CyberGhost was acquired by an Israeli firm registered in the UK, a member of the five eyes. This might be cause for concern for some users, but the company says it plans to remain a standalone company in Romania. On top of that, it maintains a strict no-logs policy. Even registration details aren’t registered, and new subscribers are instead given an anonymous user ID.

CyberGhost VPN offers a large and fast selection of servers, which you can select from based not only on location, but on how you plan to use it. Those uses include watching Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. The VPN utilizes 256-bit AES encryption and SHA256 authentication. DNS and IPv6 leak protection ensure that web requests are not sent outside the VPN tunnel. A kill switch can be enabled to halt all traffic in case the connection unexpectedly drops. Users can enable a selection of other useful features as well, including HTTPS redirect, tracker blocking, and app binding.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux and Android. Subscribers can connect up to seven devices at the same time.

CyberGhost speed test data

Beginner Friendly Apps:CyberGhost is fast and affordable and easy to use. Great privacy policy with zero logs and DNS leak protection. Unblocks popular video streaming platforms. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost VPN review.

5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a newcomer to the VPN scene, but it can square off with the big boys regarding both speed and security. The company is based in Sweden, which does have some mandatory data retention laws, but is not a part of the Five Eyes. In any case, the company adheres to a no-logs policy to ensure that it has nothing to hand over in the event of a court order to do so. The level of encryption depends on whether you use the TAP or TUN interface with OpenVPN. TAP uses 128-bit AES and TUN uses 256-bit encryption; both are effectively uncrackable but the latter is technically more secure. You’ll also get perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and IPv6 and DNS leak protection baked right in.

The number of countries is a bit limited right now but growing rapidly. Download and upload VPN speeds were excellent in our tests. PrivateVPN has worked with everything we’ve thrown at it so far, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

PrivateVPN speed test data

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice Allows up to 6 devices. Easy to use with excellent privacy and high download speeds. It also unblocks most streaming sites and is suitable for torrenting. Lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

6. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is an increasingly popular provide that, having launched in 2020, has quickly grown its server network. You’ll find servers worldwide in countries including the US and Canada. The fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth make for seamless streaming and you can connect all of your devices simultaneously. Atlas VPN works well with many geo-restricted streaming services, Netflix and Prime Video included.

It’s worth knowing that Atlas VPN offers many extra security features such as MultiHop servers which provide two layers of encryption. There’s even a malware and tracker blocker. Of course, you can expect essentials including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Concerned about your online privacy? Atlas VPN doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified.

Atlas VPN offers apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. No support is provided for routers at present however.

AtlasVPN speed test data

STRONG UNBLOCKER:AtlasVPN is a great choice if you regularly travel abroad thanks to its strong unblocking. Stream Netflix from anywhere lag-free with Atlas VPN’s fast servers. Unlimited devices and MultiHop. 30-day money-back guarantee

Read our full Atlas VPN review.

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Canada VPN Methodology

Finding a VPN with Canadian servers, apps for mobile devices and desktop computers, and strong privacy and security features is not easy. There are hundreds of VPNs on the market and they all claim to be the best, fastest, or most secure. The reality is that most VPNs offer an inferior service that is lacking and does not provide value for money.

At Comparitech, we test dozens of reputable VPNs to check how they compare. We use a carefully produced VPN testing methodology to review and compare each service. This allows us to find the best Canada VPNs, and many other distinct use cases. Below, we have included some of the most important features we looked for when curating a list of the best Canada VPNs.

• Servers worldwide: For a VPN to provide exceptional useability, it must provide a wide selection of servers. We have recommended VPNs with fast global server networks that stretch right across the globe, including plenty of Canadian server cities. This allows users to access content and services from around the world while abroad.
• Fast connections: We tested VPNs to find the fastest services available. This allows us to recommend secure VPNs with strong privacy features that are also fast enough to play games, torrent, and stream in HD. We also check for advanced modern VPN protocols like WireGuard, which are built to provide better speeds.
• Apps for all devices: We searched for providers that have apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Some even have apps for Firestick devices, routers, and browser extensions.This allows you to use the VPN on all your devices, whether at home or on public wifi in Canada.
• Ease of use: Some VPNs are designed badly, have complicated User Interfaces, and confusing menus. We search for services that are designed optimally to ensure all the features are easy to navigate and the VPNs are suitable for beginners and tech-heads alike.
• Strong security: We test VPNs for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks to ensure they are working as advertised to conceal your internet history from your ISP. We also check the VPN protocols and encryption implementation to ensure that your date is truly secure inside the VPN tunnel. Finally, we look for a kill-switch that cuts your internet should the VPN connection drop out.
• Superb accessibility: We test the VPN’s Canadian servers to see whether they can access popular Canadian streaming services and other local services. We also check the VPN works with Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, iPlayer, and other popular international services.
• Outstanding customer support: We only recommend VPNs that take customer service seriously. The best VPNs for Canada have live chat and email support that is available around the clock. They also have online setup guides, FAQs, and other useful resources on their website.

Why use a VPN in Canada?

When we think of online surveillance, the first image that comes to mind is probably an American one. The US is prominent in this debate because it got caught and because it’s a big country with a lot of economic and military power. But it’s far from the only country to employ the sorts of surveillance that toe–and sometimes cross–the line between national security and overreach into the lives of ordinary citizens a la 1984‘s Big Brother. One of those countries is Canada, thanks in large part to the 2015 Anti-Terrorism Act that allowed intelligence agencies to gather and share information in much the same way as the NSA.

The underlying problem with these laws and surveillance programs is that they gather information on people regardless of whether that person is a criminal or not, and they disproportionately affect certain groups of people such as reporters, activists, and immigrants.

All of the options in our list of the best VPNs for Canada will also protect your data when connected to public wi-fi. Unsecured wifi hotspots can allow hackers to intercept your internet traffic and carry out attacks. A VPN’s encryption will prevent this from happening.

Read more: Canada’s data retention, mass surveillance, and net neutrality laws explained

Can I watch Netflix, Hulu, and HBO with a VPN?

Besides online privacy and security, VPN service providers offer another useful benefit: unblocking geo-locked sites and services. Whenever you connect to a VPN, your real IP address is masked by that of the VPN server. An IP address is a unique string of numbers and decimals that can be used to identify specific devices and their approximate location. So by changing your IP address to the US, for example, you can access content that’s normally restricted to US residents.

That includes the US catalog of shows on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go, HBO Now, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Unfortunately, many of these providers have caught onto this tactic and now block VPN connections. Only a handful of VPN providers are still able to access Netflix and Hulu in particular. From the list above, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, PrivateVPN, and CyberGhost will works with US Netflix and Hulu as of time of writing. You may need to contact the VPN provider’s customer support to ask which specific servers to use, as not all of them will circumvent the VPN ban.

Are Canada VPNs legal?

Yes, VPNs are 100 percent legal in Canada. There are no laws barring VPN use in any Canadian province.

It should go without saying that what you do while connected to the VPN is still your responsibility. We do not encourage or condone illegal or harmful behavior.

What VPN has Canada for free?

We generally advise readers to avoid free VPN services. If security and online privacy are a concern to you, consider that free VPNs still need to make money somehow. To do this, they often record usage activity, insert advertisements into web pages, and inject tracking cookies into web browsers. This defeats the purpose of a VPN when it comes to privacy.

Free VPNs also tend to have a much more limited selection of server locations, waiting queues, user data caps, and bandwidth limits.

In some cases, shady free VPN apps have been known to spread malware. Some are expected of being honeypots for intelligence agencies and law enforcement.

VPNs that Canadians should avoid

There are many Canadian VPNs out there and we can’t cover all of them, but you may have come across a few in your search that should definitely be avoided.

PureVPN

PureVPN recently came under heavy scrutiny after the Hong Kong-based VPN handed over logs to American authorities that led to the arrest of one of its users. While we don’t condone the man’s behavior–he was charged with stalking–we also don’t condone logging from a supposedly log-less VPN. PureVPN says it only handed over IP addresses and timestamps to authorities, not actual records of online activity, but it was enough to land a user in jail. None of the Canada VPNs we recommend above log users’ real IP addresses.

Hola

Hola VPN isn’t a normal VPN. Instead, it uses a peer-to-peer browser extension with few centralized servers. That means your internet passes through other people’s households. A few years ago, Hola hijacked its users computers without their consent to create a massive botnet army. It went on to use that army to carry out distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and distribute pirated media.

TunnelBear

When it comes to free VPN service providers, TunnelBear is among the best. But because it’s incorporated in Canada, Canadians ought to avoid it. While the law is unclear as to whether Canadian VPN providers qualify as internet service providers, it’s best not to take a chance. The company could be forced to hand over customer data by law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Torrenting is also prohibited on TunnelBear servers.

SurfEasy and Opera VPN

For the same reason we can’t recommend TunnelBear, we also suggest Canadians avoid SurfEasy and Opera VPN. SurfEasy is based in Canada and thus possibly subject to government demands for user information. The Opera browser now comes with a built-in VPN that was created by SurfEasy. Furthermore, SurfEasy has not been entirely transparent with us about its encryption standards.

Torrenting in Canada

Torrenting copyrighted material is illegal in Canada.

Under the Copyright Modernization Act, Canada utilizes a notice-and-notice system that primarily targets people who torrent copyrighted movies, TV shows, books, and music. The law requires Canadian ISPs send notices to copyright violators on their networks. The recipients’ identities are stored on ISP servers for six months.

Damages are capped at $5,000, however the policy is generally regarded as more educational than punitive.

Comparitech does not encourage or endorse copyright violation, but using a VPN for torrenting will prevent ISPs and copyright trolls from monitoring P2P filesharing activity and tracing it back to you.

Canada VPN FAQ