It’s easy to forget, but many of your usual services aren’t available outside of your home country. Even if they are, some (like Netflix) will have completely different content in France than they do elsewhere. This can be frustrating, especially if you had hoped to wind down with a few episodes of your favorite show after a long day of sightseeing. Luckily, with a VPN for Paris, bypassing these restrictions is child’s play.
This is because most geo-restricted services use your IP address to find your location. A VPN hides your IP address, replacing it with the address of the server you’re using. In other words, by connecting to an American server, you can unblock US-only services from anywhere in the world. Alternatively, if you travel abroad and want to access your home services from France, you can do so with a French server and a French IP address. VPNs encrypt your traffic, shielding it and making it unreadable to anyone monitoring the network.
In this article, we’ll list the best VPNs for Paris and explain how to use them. We go into more detail about each of them later on, but in case you’re in a rush, here’s a summary.
Best VPNs for Paris:
- NordVPN: Our #1 choice for a Paris VPN. Leads the pack in terms of security. Over 200 high-speed French servers and a zero-logs policy. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: The best low-cost Paris VPN. Speedy provider that lets you protect all of your devices at once. Great for unblocking popular streaming services abroad.
- ExpressVPN: An exceptionally fast provider with plenty of security and privacy features. No issues accessing platforms like Netflix US or Hulu in France.
- CyberGhost: A simple yet versatile VPN with more than 800 high-speed French servers. Provides pre-configured security tools and impressive unblocking potential.
- IPVanish: This quick and reliable VPN has a lot to offer, including a no-logs policy and the ability to secure all of your devices simultaneously.
- PrivateVPN: A zero-logs provider boasting unlimited bandwidth, very high speeds, and fantastic unblocking ability. A great choice in France or anywhere else.
- Hotspot Shield: Adept at unblocking geo-restricted streaming platforms abroad. Offers steady speeds and takes your security seriously.
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The best Paris VPNs: 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 Paris.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | IPVanish | PrivateVPN |
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | IPVanish.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Paris: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Streaming Services | Netflix Amazon Prime Hulu BBC iPlayer Canal+ ZDF | Netflix Amazon Prime Hulu BBC iPlayer Canal+ ZDF | Netflix Amazon Prime Hulu BBC iPlayer Canal+ ZDF | Netflix Amazon Prime Hulu BBC iPlayer | Netflix Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix Amazon Prime Hulu | Avg Speed (Europe) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 20 Mbps | Popular Sites Unblocked | 95% | 88% | 86% | 85% | 85% | 85% | Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited | 8 | 7 | Unlimited | 10 |
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Best deal (per month) | $2.99 74% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months | $1.99 87% OFF + 4 months free | $6.67 SAVE: 49% + 3 months free | $2.03 SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan + 4 months free! | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
Best VPNs for Paris
You could spend hours comparing different VPNs and trying to decide which to use. However, there’s no such thing as the definitively “best” provider; some are more secure than others, some are faster, and so on. Instead, we recommend opting for a more balanced service. This ensures you’ll be able to handle most everyday tasks with ease. With this in mind, we used the following criteria to pare down the list of candidates and select only the best VPNs for Paris:
- Has high-speed servers in or around Paris
- Allows you to access a wide range of geo-restricted services while in France
- Uses powerful security tools to keep your activities private
- Doesn’t store any logs that could identify you
- Provides apps for all major operating systems
- Easy to use with good customer support on hand
This is just an overview, but if you want to know more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend, you can check out our VPN testing methodology article. For now, let’s take a look at the ones that made the cut.
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our top recommended VPN for Paris. It offers access to over 5,500 servers in around 60+ countries, roughly 230 of which are in France. Thanks to this service’s high speeds and unlimited bandwidth, it’s a great choice for torrenting or general browsing. That’s not all it can do, however: it’s also able to access platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video wherever you are in the world. You can install it on any number of devices, and six can be connected to the VPN at any one time.
This is one service you can count on for privacy. Its security features include 256-bit AES encryption, protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, and a kill switch, not to mention an automatic ad-blocker and malware scanner. Crucially, NordVPN stores no logs, which prevents your activities from being divulged under any circumstances. 24/7 support is on-hand over live chat and email, although this VPN is so easy to use, it’s unlikely you’ll need it.
NordVPN users can install apps for iOS, Android, MacOS, Linux, and Windows. You can follow manual setup instructions to get it working on supported routers, though.
Pros:
- Fast enough for almost any task
- Has over 230 French servers
- Won’t be beaten on security
- Doesn’t keep any logs
- Around-the-clock live chat available
-
30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Desktop apps sometimes take a little longer to connect
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR PARIS:NordVPN is our top pick. It’s a real workhorse, blending security, speed, and unblocking ability. What’s more, it has over 200 French servers to choose from, a true zero-logs policy, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our complete NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark has around 3,200 servers in 100 countries around the world. This includes France, where servers are located in Paris itself. Thanks to this service’s fast speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and impressive unblocking ability, you’re free to do whatever you like, as much as you like. Better still, there’s no connection limit, which means you’ll never have to leave one device unsecured to protect another.
This VPN clearly places real value on your privacy. It hides your traffic using effectively uncrackable 256-bit encryption, protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, a kill switch, and a strict zero-logs policy. There’s also a NoBorders mode that helps you bypass online censorship in places like China or the UAE. If you’re having any issues, you can get in touch with support staff at any time over live chat.
Surfshark offers apps for Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS devices. Select routers are supported via manual installation.
Pros:
- Offers consistently high speeds
- Great at accessing region-locked streaming services
- One of the best for security
- No logging policy
- Secure all of your devices at once
Cons:
- Customer support could be improved
Our score:
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a fantastic low-cost VPN that boasts strong security and privacy features, plus high-speed servers and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Best of all, with no connection limit, it allows you to stay safe wherever you go.
Still have questions? Find answers in our complete Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN offers access to around 3,000 servers in 94 countries, including two clusters in Paris and one in Strasbourg. This is the fastest service around, making it a fantastic choice for torrenting and streaming. On that note, ExpressVPN works with platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max with ease. Up to five simultaneous connections are permitted per account.
Thanks to this VPN’s 256-bit encryption, kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, there’s no need to worry about snoopers seeing what you get up to online. It also allows you to block connections from other devices on the network or to pay in Bitcoin, both of which improve your privacy. Most importantly, ExpressVPN doesn’t log any data that could identify you. Users can contact customer support, day or night, over email and live chat.
ExpressVPN comes with apps for MacOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. Additionally, it has its own custom firmware that simplifies the process of installing this VPN on your router.
Pros:
- Faster speeds than any other VPN we’ve tested
- Has no issues unblocking popular geo-blocked services abroad
- Great set of security features
- Lets users sign up anonymously by paying in Bitcoin
- Has knowledgable 24/7 live chat support
Cons:
- Costs slightly more than others on this list
- Lack of advanced configuration options
Our score:
EXTREMELY FAST:ExpressVPN has speeds most of its rivals can only dream of. It also has a very strong security offering, which is perfect for anyone looking to browse privately as they travel. Still unsure? No problem: This VPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Read the full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost has a much larger network than most of its rivals (9,000+ servers in over 90 countries) and offers access to over 800 servers in France. Speeds are consistent, and you won’t have any problems accessing services like Netflix, ITV Hub, or Hulu since all of the streaming-optimized servers are clearly labeled. This VPN allows you to protect up to seven of your devices at once.
This provider knows that most people don’t want to spend time poking about in the security settings, which is why its 256-bit encryption, kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and malware scanner all come enabled by default. Further, CyberGhost follows a no-logging policy, meaning it can’t reveal details of your activities to anyone. Although this VPN’s apps are very easy to use, support staff are on-hand 24/7 via email and live chat just in case you run into any problems.
CyberGhost has iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and MacOS apps. Further, it can be manually installed on a wide range of home routers.
Pros:
- Has over 800 speedy French servers
- Unblocks tricky services with ease
- No setup needed as all security features come pre-configured
- User-friendly apps with 24/7 support
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Could offer more control over advanced functionality
- Doesn’t work in China
Our score:
GREAT ALL ROUNDER:CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly service that doesn’t compromise on security, speed, or unblocking ability. As such, it’s a solid choice for just about any task in any country. Has the largest network of any major provider, plus a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Interested? Why not check out our complete review of CyberGhost?
5. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish has around 2,000 servers in 60+ countries, including 25 servers in Paris and a little over 40 in France overall. These provide fast enough speeds for HD live streaming, and you should be able to use services like Netflix US without any issues. This VPN stands out from its rivals by allowing users to connect any number of devices simultaneously. Naturally, this means it’s a great option for anyone hoping to secure a whole household without breaking the bank.
There are a surprising number of security features included, too. For instance, there’s IPv6 and DNS leak protection, a kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and a local traffic blocker, plus a scrambling feature that might help you avoid VPN-detection systems. IPVanish is a zero-logs VPN and, as such, can’t reveal what you do online even if asked to. Customer support is available around the clock over email and live chat.
IPVanish provides apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. This service also works on Linux systems and select wireless routers through manual configuration.
Pros:
- Quick and reliable connections
- Connect every device you own
- Punches above its weight on security
- Strict zero-logs policy
Cons:
- Has difficulty unblocking larger streaming services
- Based in the US – a 5 Eyes member
Our score:
TOP-NOTCH SECURITY:IPVanish makes it easy to browse anonymously in France. It keeps no logs, includes all manner of security features, and is fast enough for whatever you throw at it. There’s no connection limit whatsoever, and all plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For more details, read our full review of IPVanish.
6. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN only has one server in Paris (and around 200 in total across 60 countries). That said, it provides above-average speeds and exceptional unblocking ability, which makes it perfect for travelers hoping to stream their favorite shows while abroad. It even works with platforms that cause problems for other VPNs, like Amazon Prime Video. Users can connect up to ten devices at any one time.
This VPN has a particularly strong security offering. To begin with, it offers a customizable kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. Additionally, it offers a stealth mode that bypasses even the strictest online blocking with ease. PrivateVPN doesn’t keep any logs, so there’s no need to worry about your activities being traced back to you. Live chat-based support is available roughly 22 hours per day.
PrivateVPN apps are available for MacOS, Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android. Users can manually install this service on a variety of wireless routers, too.
Pros:
- More than fast enough to live stream content
- Works with a wide range of streaming services
- Impressive range of security and privacy features
Cons:
- Fairly small network
- Live chat goes offline for two hours per day
Our score:
VERSATILE NO-LOGS VPN:PrivateVPN is flexible enough to handle just about anything, so it’s a good choice whether you want to torrent anonymously or just stream shows from back home while in France. Better still, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Take a look at our in-depth PrivateVPN review.
7. Hotspot Shield
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Hotspotshield.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.
Hotspot Shield has roughly 1,800 servers in 80+ countries around the world, France included. This service is known for its high speeds and actually has a few servers specifically designed for accessing geo-restricted streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video abroad. With a five-connection limit, you’re free to watch on any device you like.
Your security is in good hands with Hotspot Shield. It offers 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch, plus an automatic Wi-Fi protection option designed to keep you safe while on public wireless hotspots. This service doesn’t keep any identifiable data after you’ve disconnected. Customer support can be reached, day or night, via live chat and email.
Hotspot Shield offers apps for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. It’s also possible to manually install this service on supported network routers.
Pros:
- Steady speeds and unlimited bandwidth
- Excellent unblocking potential
- Puts user security first
Cons:
- Has had privacy issues in the past
- Doesn’t accept cryptocurrency payments
Our score:
PERFECT FOR STREAMING:Hotspot Shield has everything you need to stream your favorite shows while in Paris. It’s speedy, secure, and able to unblock a huge range of platforms, including Netflix and Disney+. What’s more, it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read the complete Hotspot Shield review.
How to use the internet safely in Paris with a VPN
There’s nothing to worry about: VPNs are actually much simpler than they first appear. For instance, the steps below will get you connected and browsing safely with a French IP address in minutes.
Here’s how to set up a Paris VPN:
- Begin by signing up for one of the VPNs above (we recommend NordVPN).
- Next, download the VPN app and install it on any device you use regularly. Note that most providers allow six or so simultaneous connections.
- Log into your VPN and connect to a nearby server. If you’re trying to access geo-blocked content, you’ll have to use a server in the relevant country instead. This means you’d use a US server to unblock Hulu, for example, or an Australian server to use Stan abroad.
- That’s all there is to it. Your traffic should now be encrypted, giving you the freedom to browse safely anywhere.
- If you run into any issues, we recommend clearing your browser’s cookies before reloading the page or trying a different server. Or contact your provider’s customer support team for more assistance.
Paris VPN: FAQs
Are free VPNs any good?
Free VPNs can be tempting, but they’re a poor alternative to paid services. For a start, they usually offer a far more limited selection of servers. To make matters worse, these are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of users, which leads to extremely slow speeds and makes free VPNs impractical for all but the most basic browsing. Even if you do manage to find a fairly fast provider, it’ll almost certainly have been blacklisted by most major streaming platforms.
Free VPNs also come with security concerns to think about. For instance, there’s no easy way to tell if you’ve chosen a safe service or one of the almost 40 percent that contains malware. Even if you get lucky, there’s no guarantee that your chosen VPN uses any kind of encryption (almost 18 percent of surveyed free apps didn’t). This means that there’s a good chance you’re not browsing securely when you assume you are, which is especially risky. Instead of choosing a provider based on price alone, we advise taking a service’s reputation and logging policy into account as well.
Are VPNs legal in France?
It might surprise you to learn that VPNs are legal almost everywhere. This includes France, which places no restrictions on VPN usage (provided you aren’t doing anything illegal) or the providers you can choose from. As such, you won’t get into any trouble simply for using a VPN while in France.
How can a VPN help me abroad?
VPNs have all sorts of uses, but they’re primarily intended to improve your online privacy. As such, they’re especially helpful on occasions where you find yourself using a network with sub-optimal security, such as a public Wi-Fi hotspot at an airport, train station, or coffee shop. Once connected, your VPN’s encryption will prevent your activities from being read, even if a hacker is monitoring the network.
The other big draw of a VPN is the ability to spoof your location. However, this can be used for more than just unblocking streaming services while on vacation. For instance, if you connect to a server in your home country, you’ll be less likely to inadvertently trip automated fraud prevention systems. This means you should be able to use your online banking service from another country without worrying about having your account access temporarily restricted.