Best VPNs for the Netherlands (Holland) in 2023

Whether you’re visiting the Netherlands on vacation or live in the country permanently, it’s a good idea to use a VPN while connected to the internet. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) will let you securely access sites that are otherwise unavailable in the Netherlands. For example, if you want to enjoy shows from your US Netflix library while vacationing in Holland, a VPN will give you access.

Plus, our recommended VPNs have servers in Holland. That means that can give you a Dutch IP address allowing you to watch Dutch content while abroad – such as shows on NPO, Ziggo Go, or KIJK. As an added bonus, VPNs also give you increased security and improved privacy. It encrypts your website traffic so ISPs and third parties are unable to track your online activities.

We go into lots of detail on each of the providers we have chosen further down. But in case you’re short on time, here’s a summary of our list.

Best VPNs for the Netherlands:

1. NordVPN: Our top choice VPN for the Netherlands. Excellent value for money. Over 200 servers in the Netherlands. A strict no-logs policy with outstanding privacy and security features. Plus a 30-day money-back policy.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Holland. Easy to use. Superb apps for all platforms. Robust security features. Allows unlimited connections. Works with Netflix.
3. ExpressVPN: Multiple servers in the Netherlands. Unblocks most geo-restricted sites and services. Solid privacy and security features.
4. CyberGhost: Servers are great for streaming and downloading at good speeds. Great value and easy to use. Over 300 servers in the Netherlands.
5. IPVanish: Great for Kodi users and folks who need the highest standard of privacy. Apps for all platforms. Unblocks most streamings sites.
6. PrivateVPN: Newer service with an expanding network. Gaining popularity for its excellent unblocking capabilities and fantastic speeds.
7. AtlasVPN: Reasonably priced. Fast speeds and capable of protecting multiple devices. Strong choice for Holland.

The best VPNs for Holland: 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 the Netherlands.

Best VPNs for the Netherlands

Not all VPN providers are created equal, and some services are simply a waste of money. To help you get a reliable service, we put together this list of quality VPNs for the Netherlands based on the following criteria:

• Operates servers in the Netherlands – the more, the better, plus a wide global network
• Provides fast and reliable connections
• Can securely access streaming services inside and outside of the Netherlands
• Provides strong encryption and other security features
• Knowledgeable customer support

Of course, this is just an overview, but you can find our full VPN testing methodology later in the article. For now, let’s take a look at the ones that made the list.

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

1. NordVPN

Sep 2023

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for the Netherlands. With a network of over 5,500 servers in more than 60 countries, the Panama-based company has over 200 servers in the Netherlands, so you’ll have no shortage of options both inside and outside of the country. NordVPN is ideal for streaming and is known for its speed and ability to provide secure access to geo-blocked content and sites like US Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer. This allows you to stream shows from your home library while traveling.

This provider has a large focus on privacy, including having a strict zero-logs policy. It keeps absolutely no logs, not even bandwidth data. This is backed by strong security, including 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.

A selling feature of NordVPN is that some servers are optimized for specific purposes, such as video streaming and anti-DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service). With a basic package, you can connect up to six devices simultaneously, which is a notch better than the industry standard.

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

BEST VPN FOR NETHERLANDS:NordVPN is the top choice. With a large range of servers in the Netherlands, this is a good all-rounder option that unblocks most geo-restricted streaming sites. Great privacy and security credentials. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

---

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is our favorite budget VPN. This provider is based in the British Virgin Islands, a location that is strong in terms of privacy. It has only been around since 2018 but has quickly risen to be a consumer favorite.

It has apps for all platforms that are packed with advanced security features. This includes a kill switch, obfuscation, DNS leak protection, AES encryption (OpenVPN protocol), and built-in adblocking and malware protection. Plus, this VPN includes a SOCKS5 proxy and a free Smart DNS service with every subscription.

The service provides WireGuard connection in all of its apps, which makes this VPN extremely fast. This makes it ideal for HD streaming, torrenting, gaming, and other data-intensive tasks. Servers are located in 100+ countries, and this includes fast servers in Holland, which make accessing a Dutch IP address simple from abroad.

GREAT VALUE VPN FOR HOLLAND:Surfshark is an incredible all-rounder. Perfect for families thanks to its unlimited connection allowance. Ideal for streaming Dutch TV platforms abroad. Works with Netflix, iPlayer, Hulu, and more. Robust encryption. Wireguard protocol. Built-in malware protection. 30-day money-back policy.

Read our full Surfshark review.

---

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands and operates a large network of 3,000+ servers in over 94 countries. This includes several Netherlands locations in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague.

ExpressVPN provides an extremely fast service, with all servers being optimized for speed. As such, you can typically stream HD content with no issues and should have no problem downloading large files. It works well with popular streaming sites such as Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix, allowing you to watch content from your home libraries while traveling abroad

When it comes to security and privacy, ExpressVPN has your back. Its zero-logs policy means that it will not track any of your browsing activity. While some VPNs store connection logs that can be traced to individual users, this is not a concern with ExpressVPN as it doesn’t log any IP addresses.

This provider uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is considered as good as it gets, along with perfect forward secrecy. It also provides a kill switch in case the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, as well as DNS leak protection.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and some Wi-Fi routers.

RELIABLE VPN FOR THE NETHERLANDS:ExpressVPN is a great choice. Secure access to most streaming services like Netflix and iPlayer. Great speeds for buffer-free HD viewing. Total security and privacy. Includes a no-quibbles 30-day money-back guarantee, so you’ll receive a full refund if unsatisfied.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

---

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a Romania-based provider that gives users access to a growing network of servers. You can choose from more than 9,000 in 90+ countries, including over 300 in the Netherlands. More than enough to ensure you can always find one suited to your needs.

CyberGhost is another provider that’s great for those looking to stream. Whether you want to securely access your home Netflix library, Amazon Prime, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer, you can select your option within CyberGhost’s intuitive app. Based on your selection, you’ll be connected to the appropriate server to suit your needs.

As with the other VPNs on this list, CyberGhost doesn’t disappoint on the security front. It provides 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Privacy-conscious users will be pleased, too, as there are no user activity logs maintained and no connection logs that can be tied to an individual. A CyberGhost plan enables you to connect up to five simultaneous devices.

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

275+ SERVERS IN HOLLAND:CyberGhost is great for beginners. Easy to use. Good on privacy. Streams HD video reliably. Has a vast global server network as well as plenty to choose from in the Netherlands. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

---

5. IPVanish

IPVanish is based in the US and is another large provider with more than 2,000 servers in over 50+ countries and 75+ locations, including more than 65 servers in Amsterdam. This VPN works really well with Kodi and is very popular among users, as well as torrenters. However, if you’re looking to stream Prime or Hulu, you might have to look elsewhere. Although IPVanish might offer access to other geo-blocked content outside of those sites.

IPVanish certainly measures up when it comes to privacy and security. This provider has a strict no-logs policy and keeps no online traffic or connection logs. It uses 256-bit AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy. And for extra protection, you have DNS leak protection and a kill switch. A basic IPVanish plan will enable you to connect every device you own simultaneously.

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

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish has a large network of servers. Great for families and multiple connections. Works well with Kodi and is popular with torrenters. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

---

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is based in Sweden and is the newest provider on our list. While it does operate a smaller network of servers than the others, it still has plenty to offer. One of the biggest selling features of PrivateVPN is its fast speed. This makes it ideal for streaming, and it works with Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. What’s more, it works with Netflix Netherlands, so you can access your home library while abroad.

PrivateVPN holds true to its name by maintaining a strict no-logging policy. And even though it’s new, this provider has entered the market with a strong security suite to back its service. Encryption is 128-bit or 256-bit, depending on which protocol you’re using. You also have perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Plans allow for up to 10 devices to be connected simultaneously.

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

GREAT SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is a solid all-rounder. Works to access major streaming sites. Good for browsing and torrenting. Could do with having more servers and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money-back policy.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

---

7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is a newer VPN provider that has quickly established a global server network. Its servers cover dozens of locations, including the Netherlands. It also happens to be one of the fastest VPNs on the market. Our tests revealed an average speed of 247 Mbps, making it ideal for streaming and online gaming. Speaking of streaming, Atlas VPN works with Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and more, allowing you to stream your home libraries while traveling.

Whether you’ve got lots of devices to secure or you’re planning on sharing with family, you’ll appreciate Atlas VPN’s unlimited simultaneous connection allowance. You’ll benefit from security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. What’s more, MultiHop servers are available, as is an ad and malware blocker. Atlas VPN also doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users.

Atlas VPN provides apps for Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. However, it doesn’t provide support for wireless routers as yet.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:Atlas VPN offers excellent speed for streaming without lag or buffering. Lets you connect as many devices as you like under a single account. MultiHop servers for extra security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Atlas VPN review.

---

Finding the best VPNs for the Netherlands: Methodology

There are hundreds of VPNs on the market, and they are not all suitable for gaining robust online privacy and security. To ensure we only recommend the very best VPNs for the Netherlands, our reviewers personally test each VPN we recommend. Below we have included a list of the important features we checked for when testing the VPNs for this list.

1. A trustworthy no-logs policy. A reliable VPN will never track or log what you do online while connected to its servers. This guarantees that the VPN does not have data laying around that could later be harvested by government snoops with a warrant.
2. Robust encryption. A VPN is only ever as secure as the encryption that powers its tunneling protocol. We check under the hood to see how the VPN implements the encryption in their chosen VPN protocol and only recommend VPNs that can completely prevent your data from being intercepted.
3. Advanced VPN features. For a VPN to offer value for money, it should have plenty of reliable privacy and security features that make it both useful and versatile. We check for DNS leak protection, a kill switch, obfuscation, and other features such as split tunneling, port forwarding, and a SOCKS5 proxy.
4. A fast global server network. Having plenty of servers to choose from ensures that you can always access services and content from around the world. Our recommendations not only have plenty of servers worldwide but also many servers in each location to prevent congestion.
5. A money-back guarantee. Market-leading VPNs are confident about the service they provide, and they want you to be able to try their service. That is why they have a money-back guarantee to let you test the service and get a refund if you aren’t satisfied.

Want to know more? check out our detailed VPN testing methodology.

Using a free VPN in the Netherlands

Although there are plenty of free VPN services available, they typically just don’t measure up. This can be down to a host of reasons depending on the provider.

A limited network of servers and long wait times are common occurrences with free services and will likely be off-putting for many users. You may also find issues with speed and reliability, and small data caps can hamper attempts to download large files.

Although, the practical downsides certainly don’t represent the worst of things. Other problems arise because companies adopt an unethical business model that jeopardizes the privacy and security of users. Notable issues include some providers enabling tracking cookies, logging user activity, and even carrying malware.

Our recommendation is to avoid the risks and the hassle by paying for a reputable VPN service.

How to use a VPN for the Netherlands

Using a VPN to gain online privacy, security, and added accessibility is easy. Simply follow the steps below to set up your VPN and you’ll be browsing and streaming securely in no time.

Here’s how to set up a VPN for the Netherlands:

1. Pick a VPN for the Netherlands. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Click the link to the VPN’s website and subscribe.
3. Download the VPN software, taking care to choose the correct version for your devices.
4. Install the VPN and log in using your credentials.
5. Choose a server from the list – taking care to pick one for the country you require. For example, choose a server from the US to watch US Netflix from abroad. Or, if you are outside Holland, choose a Dutch server to gain a Dutch IP address and access your home services from abroad.
6. Connect to your chosen site, you should now be able to access restricted content!
7. If you’re struggling to access the sites, try clearing your cookies and your browser cache, as these can store location information from previous sessions. if this doesn’t work, contact your VPN’c customer support team for more help.

Privacy laws in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is generally known for its internet freedom and strong privacy laws. The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) took Microsoft to court over data processing that breached the Dutch data protection law. The use of a VPN is completely legal in the country, and, in fact, several VPNs are actually based in the Netherlands, including GOOSE VPN, proXPN, and Shade You.

On the other hand, this is a 14 Eyes country, which means it is part of an international surveillance alliance, including some European countries as well as the US, Canada, and Australia.

Plus, recently, the Dutch Senate approved a controversial new data mining law. This gives governments a much wider reach when accessing information, reportedly enabling intelligence services to tap into Wi-Fi hotspots and chat apps and hack into your device if someone you know is a suspect in a crime.

The EU Data Retention Directive was implemented in the Netherlands through the Telecommunications Data Retention Act until it was invalidated in 2014. This law required ISPs to collect user traffic and location data and store it for 12 months. Revision of the data retention laws in the country are ongoing and will likely change again thanks to the implementation of the GDPR.

The resulting potential lack of privacy in the Netherlands, from these factors, could be a good reason to use a VPN while visiting or living in the country.

Best VPNs for the Netherlands (Holland): FAQs