Best VPNs for Italy in 2024 (and some to avoid)

Whether you’re an Italian resident or you’re just visiting the country, VPNs for Italy offer a wide range of benefits. They keep you protected while using public Wi-Fi at a cafe or hotel and enable you to watch videos and access content that’s only available in other countries. If you’re traveling outside of Italy but still want to keep up with Italian shows on RaiTV, a VPN can give you an Italian IP address and unblock the Italy-only RaiPlay. Plus, if you’re concerned about the European Union’s mass surveillance of the internet, VPNs protect you from that, too.

Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts all of a device’s internet traffic and routes it through an intermediary server in a location of your choosing. This gives you access to geographically restricted content – such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix US, Or Netflix Italia while traveling. In addition, VPNs keep your online activities safe from any possible snoopers or hackers, protecting your data and identity.

Sound good? We’ve trawled through the many VPNs available and tested each one to put together this list of the best VPNs for Italy. We review each one in more detail later, explain how to use them, and answer some common VPN questions. But in case you’re short on time, we’ll start with a quick summary.

Best VPNs for Italy:

1. NordVPN The best VPN for Italy. Large network of fast servers, including 60+ servers in Italy. Keep no logs whatsoever. Offers a reliable, private, and secure service. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Basic) works perfectly for Italy.
2. Surfshark The best budget VPN option for Italy. High speeds, a major focus on privacy, and the ability to protect every device you own simultaneously.
3. IPVanish Incredibly fast and secure. Favored by Kodi users for their simple-to-use apps and torrenters for their reliably fast and secure service.
4. ExpressVPN Great for unblocking streaming sites from abroad. A huge network of servers around the globe tuned for high-speed performance. Hard to beat on security and privacy.
5. CyberGhost Strong choice, preferred by beginners for its user-friendly apps that are easy to set up. Fast and secure. Vast global server network with nearly 200 in Italy.
6. PrivateVPN Newest provider here with proven unblocking ability and servers in Italy, great for accessing Italian content from abroad.
7. Private Internet Access Unlimited bandwidth and simultaneous connection allowance. Servers in 80 countries. 24/7 support and a no-logs policy.

How to use a VPN for Italy

Using a VPN to gain online privacy and unblock censored or regionally restricted content is easier than you might think. Simply follow the steps below, and you’ll be set up in no time.

Here’s how to use a VPN for Italy:

1. Choose a VPN from this guide. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Subscribe to the VPN and download the app making sure to get the correct version for your device(s).
3. Install the VPN and log in using your credentials.
4. Choose a VPN server in the location of your choice. For example, choose a server in Italy to access Italian content from abroad, a server in the US to access Netflix US, or the UK to access BBC iPlayer
5. That’s it! As soon as the VPN connects, your data will be encrypted, which will prevent local network administrators, ISPs, government agencies, and cyber criminals from monitoring your traffic.

How we chose the top Italy VPNs

• Operates Italian server locations – the more, the better
• Can consistently unblock geo-locked Italian and international content
• Fast and reliable connections
• Strong security and a no-logs policy
• Bonus: an Italian-language website

Note: This article looks at the best VPNs for Italy overall, but we also have articles that specifically look at the best VPNs for Netflix Italy and Rai TV (RaiPlay).

The best VPNs for Italy: at a glance

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

The best VPNs for Italy

The following reviews are based on our first-hand experiences using and testing each provider in the real world.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Italy:

1. NordVPN

Oct 2024

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for Italy. It’s a Panama-based provider with more than 6,000 servers in 100+ countries, including more than 60 servers in Milan. NordVPN can securely access pretty much anything you can throw at it, including both the US and Italian versions of Netflix in the app and in a browser. You’ll have no problem accessing RaiPlay from abroad. NordVPN also works with Hulu, HBO, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, among others.

Your online activity is guarded by AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. NordVPN also has specialized servers set up for specific use cases. These include dedicated IP, double VPN, and Tor over VPN. A single subscription allows you to connect up to 10 devices at the same time. NordVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy.

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

BEST VPN FOR ITALY:NordVPN is our first choice. With a large range of servers, including plenty in Italy, this is a good all-rounder option that works with Italian Netflix, RaiTV, and most other streaming services. Great privacy and security credentials. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included, so you can try it risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review here or watch our video review below.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is our top budget VPN for Italy. It has a network of around 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, including some in Italy and Rome. This low-cost VPN is generally very fast and excels at securely accessing stubborn streaming platforms like Netflix and DAZN, so you shouldn’t have any issues watching Rai TV abroad. Best of all, it allows you to protect every device you own with a single account.

This VPN’s servers secure your traffic using 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. What’s more, they offer a NoBorders mode capable of bypassing even the strictest network restrictions. Surfshark is a zero-logs provider and can’t reveal details of your activities under any circumstances. If you need any help, you can reach support staff 24/7 via live chat.

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

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is our favorite low-cost option. It’s very fast, with powerful security and privacy features, and no connection limits. Also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish operates more than 2,000 servers in some 60+ countries. It owns, rather than rents, its servers, meaning it has maximum control over the traffic that flows through its network and who can access it. IPVanish has stepped up its game internationally, and unlike a few years ago, it now works with an extremely varied catalog of streaming services, including RaiPlay, the UK’s BBC iPlayer, Germany’s ARD Mediathek, and HBO Max in the US. IPVanish is also a favorite among Kodi users and works with all Kodi add-ons we’ve tested thus far.

IPVanish uses future-proof security standards, including 256-bit AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy. It keeps no logs of usage, activity or identifying metadata. The average speed is fast enough to stream in HD without interruption on most servers. A normal plan allows you unlimited simultaneous connections across all your devices.

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

NO DEVICE LIMITS:IPVanish has a large network of servers. Generally solid for RaiPlay streaming and folks who need the highest standard of privacy, but look elsewhere if you want to stream Netflix Italy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN operates a huge network of more than 3,000 servers in over 100 countries. That includes two locations in Italy: Milan and Cosenza. Both work to unblock Italian streaming services such as Raiplay. ExpressVPN works with Netflix in the US, UK, and Canada, among others. That includes both the Netflix app for iOS and Android and in a web browser. ExpressVPN can also reliably access Hulu, HBO, Prime Video, and Disney Plus.

All servers are optimized for maximum speed so you can stream video and download large files without interruption. ExpressVPN uses the best security standards in the business, including 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. ExpressVPN only logs metadata that can’t identify the user; no real IP addresses or traffic contents are recorded.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV, and certain wifi routers. Eight simultaneous connections are allowed so you can protect all your devices.

FAST AND VERSATILE:ExpressVPN is a reputable provider optimized for high-speed connections. Excels at unblocking Italian streaming sites. Hard to beat on privacy and security. There is a 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee with every plan.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is an excellent choice for beginners thanks to its easy-to-use design and servers for specific uses. The app lets you select a server based on the popular streaming service you wish to access, so there’s no need to guess which server to use or contact customer support. RaiPlay viewers should have no problem unblocking the stream when connected to a CyberGhost server in Italy, of which there are nearly 200 in Milan and Rome and over 10,000 globally. It’s also great for streaming content from US Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

CyberGhost Pro uses AES-256 bit encryption and keeps no logs of users’ activity nor IP address. It scored very well in our speed tests; streaming in HD should pose no issues. The app also has some extra features like ad and malware blocking and anti-fingerprinting to help keep your browsing private.

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

BEGINNERS' CHOICE:CyberGhost has a simple set up. Works well with RaiPlay. Good option if you are looking for a fast, reliable connection and an easy-to-use interface. Can struggle with unblocking some popular streaming sites. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is the youngest VPN on this list, but it isn’t making any rookie mistakes. While its server network is much smaller than its rivals, it offers extremely fast speeds and extensive streaming capabilities. Both the Italian and American Netflix catalogs are accessible to PrivateVPN users, whether you prefer to watch in an app or web browser. RaiPlay, Hulu, HBO, Prime TV, and BBC iPlayer are also at your fingertips.

PrivateVPN doesn’t fall short when it comes to privacy or security, either. The company boasts a no-logs policy, military-grade encryption, and perfect forward secrecy. Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected on a single account. DNS leak protection and a kill switch come baked in.

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

GREAT SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Speeds were surprisingly good at this end of the market. Could do with having more servers and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access stands out for offering servers in 80 countries, including Italy. It’s more than fast enough for bandwidth-intensive activities, such as streaming, torrenting, or playing games online. You’ll benefit from unlimited bandwidth for consistent performance. Furthermore, PIA works well with the US and UK versions of Netflix as well as Italian TV channels such as RAI 1 and Canale 5.

Connect all of your devices at the same time with a single PIA account. Devices will be secured with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. This VPN even offers a Windows antivirus as an optional extra. Notably, PIA doesn’t keep logs (not even the connection logs kept by many other VPNs). If you need any help, 24-hour support is available via live chat as well as email.

You can find PIA apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV Furthermore, browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.

NO CONNECTION LIMIT:Private Internet Access provides good speeds and servers in 80 countries. Fast enough for streaming Italian TV and even works with Netflix US. Unlimited simultaneous connections and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

Finding the best VPNs for Italy: our methodology

Comparing VPNs can quickly become overwhelming, and to make matters worse, not every service is suitable for everyday use. To find the best VPNs for Italy, we personally evaluated dozens of VPNs based on real-world experience, expert analysis, and a battery of tests. For instance, only services with all of the following features were eligible for a spot in our list:

• Multiple locations: We looked for VPNs with servers in Italy, but also other countries. That’s because the more locations on offer, the more content you can access. Large networks also reduce the distance to your closest server, keeping latency to a minimum. 
• High performance: Slow speeds cause all kinds of problems, from stuttering video to random disconnections. Our team of experts regularly runs hundreds of speed tests to make sure that only the most reliable, fastest VPNs make the cut. 
• Strong security features: A VPN without adequate security is effectively useless. That’s why we require uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy (ideally, one that’s been independently verified). Naturally, we prefer services that offer an even wider range of security and privacy tools. 
• Exceptional versatility: Your VPN has to be able to handle whatever you throw at it, whether it’s streaming Italian TV abroad, gaming, or torrenting. We simulate day-to-day usage by trying to use popular streaming services, video-conferencing apps, and more.
• Novice-friendly apps: We believe that everyone is entitled to online privacy. We prioritize VPNs with easy-to-use apps for all major platforms, 24/7 support, and a lack of connection limits, but anything that makes the service more newcomer-friendly is a huge advantage. 
• Fair pricing: Our team has years of experience testing VPNs, so it’s immediately obvious when a service is overcharging. We only recommend reasonably priced VPNs and will always provide details of discounts, money-back guarantees, and trials so that you pay as little as possible. 

Want to learn more? We have a whole post breaking down how we test VPNs at Comparitech.

Using a free VPN instead

Free VPNs are a dime a dozen these days, but the vast majority of them aren’t worth your time. They either won’t offer the functionality you need or simply can’t be trusted.

Supposedly “free” VPN services are still, by and large for-profit ventures. In order to generate income, many of them mine your browsing traffic and inject tracking cookies into your browser in order to collect information that can be sold to advertisers. That defeats the privacy purpose of a VPN and should be avoided. Some VPNs even insert additional advertisements right into web pages.

Free VPN services also tend to be far more limited than their premium counterparts. Bandwidth limits and data caps are commonplace, as are waiting queues. Servers tend to be congested and restricted to a small handful of locations.

VPNs to avoid in Italy

It would be impossible to vet all of the hundreds of VPN providers out there, but here are a couple that should definitely be avoided in Italy.

AirVPN

AirVPN has earned a stellar reputation in the VPN community thanks to its strict zero-logs policy and superb security standards. Unfortunately, the company is incorporated in Italy, firmly within the jurisdiction of Italian authorities. In any other country, AirVPN would be a solid recommendation, but for people in Italy, it’s just a bit too close to home.

HolaVPN

Israel-based Hola once had a user base of almost 50 million. Unfortunately, it deployed the machines it was installed on as pawns in a massive botnet army.

A part of Hola users’ individual bandwidth was used to engage in things like Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, promoting pirated content, and distributing pornography. All without any consent.

Italy’s data retention and mass surveillance laws

In 2006, the European Union adopted the Data Retention Directive, which requires internet service providers to collect certain information about subscribers. That information includes metadata such as source IP address, destination IP address, time, duration, device, and user location.

In Italy, ISPs retain all data for at least 12 months. While the law does not require storing the contents of internet communications, neither does it specify what traffic must be retained.

The Italian government is now considering increasing that time period from 12 months to six years. It could also allow for web monitoring without judicial review, meaning authorities or your ISP can see the actual contents of your browsing data and not just metadata.

The Senate voted on a new bill in March 2017 that regulates hacking for criminal investigations, but privacy groups raised concerns about the lack of adequate safeguards.

These are just some of the reasons why it’s a good idea to use a VPN in Italy.

Using a VPN for Italy: FAQs