6 Best VPNs for Spain for Privacy and Streaming in 2023

If you’re a resident of Spain traveling abroad and need access to websites, apps, or services only available back home, you can access them with a VPN. A VPN encrypts and your internet connection and routes it through a VPN server in another location, giving you access to content not available in your current location.

A VPN can give you access to sites that are region-locked and not typically available in Spain, such as Hulu and other foreign streaming services.

These services also help to protect your privacy. All traffic is automatically encrypted, so it prevents your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or anyone else from snooping on your online activities. This is ideal in countries like Spain which are affected by the European Union’s mass surveillance of the internet. It is also important if you’re traveling and using public wifi hotspots because unsecured wifi networks are an ideal place for hackers to lie in wait. A VPN’s encryption can give you that extra layer of security and ensure criminals don’t get their hands on your information.

If you’re trying to access Spanish content while abroad check out our dedicated article on how to get a Spanish IP address from abroad.

We get into plenty of detail on the best VPNs for Spain, but if you don’t have time to read through the entire post here is a summary of our top picks:

1. NordVPN Our #1 choice for a Spain VPN. Exceptional speeds and tight security. Able to unblock the most popular streaming sites from Spain. 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark Best budget pick. Doesn’t limit your connections and bypasses most blocks. No-logs provider.
3. ExpressVPN Large array of fast servers dotted around the globe that easily unblock geo-restricted streaming sites and content. Solid privacy and security and easy to use apps.
4. CyberGhost affordable choice that is ideal for beginners. Easy to set up and works well in Spain.
5. IPVanish Popular with Kodi users, apps designed with remote control use in mind. Fast and secure but no the cheapest here.
6. PrivateVPN Newest provider on this list with an ever-expanding network of servers. Good privacy and security.

Considering all the benefits they offer, VPNs are relatively inexpensive and are typically very easy to set up. Although, not all providers offer comparable services and many are simply not worth the investment. Some of the major things to look out for when choosing the right VPN are speed, security, and choice of server locations.

To help you decide, we’ve put together a list of the best VPNs for Spain based on the following criteria (more on these later):

• Operates servers in Spain
• Can unblock geo-locked content outside of Spain
• Offers fast and reliable connections
• Provides strong security
• Keeps no logs

Note that we have a separate post for Netflix Spain specifically, but this article will look at the best VPNs overall for Spain.

The best VPNs for Spain – 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 Spain.

The best VPNs for Spain

Let’s take a closer look at the best VPNs for Spain:

1. NordVPN

Jun 2023

NordVPN is our top choice for a Spain VPN. It pegs some of the fastest speeds of any VPNs during our testing and is a great unblocker. This Panama-based provider has a strong focus on privacy. Its VPN server network comprises more than 5,000 servers in 60 countries, including more than 60 in Spain. For those looking to stream, you’re in luck, as NordVPN works with US Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and more.

Security measures include military-grade 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. To ensure your privacy, NordVPN keeps no identifying usage logs.. You can connect up to six devices at a time with a basic package and can opt to connect to specialized servers for specific use cases, such as super-fast streaming.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. NordVPN can also be configured with select routers.

BEST VPN FOR SPAIN:NordVPN is our top pick. With a large range of superfast servers including lots in Spain, this is a great all-rounder option that works with Netflix and most other streaming services. Exceptional privacy and security credentials. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes this a risk-free deal.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is an excellent budget alternative. It has recently almost doubled its server network and now has more than 3,200 in over 65 countries. Speeds are decent and Surfshark has amazing unblocking potential. You’ll be able to access all your usual content from Spain as it can even unblock notoriously tough sites like BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video.

Security is top-notch and you can expect 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and protection against leaks. In addition, you’ll find apps equipped with split tunneling, automatic wifi protection, and double VPN options. No logs are maintained.

Apps are available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Surfshark doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect at a given time.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a stellar budget-friendly VPN that doesn’t compromise on security. Decent speeds, super at unblocking, and no connection limit. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN, based in the British Virgin Islands, provides users with access to a network of more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries. In Spain specifically, it has two server locations, Barcelona and Madrid. ExpressVPN provides secure access to a huge range of content, including that provided by Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO, and Amazon Prime.

Of course, there’s privacy and security to consider as well, and ExpressVPN scores highly here too. It uses 256-bit AES encryption (considered military grade) and provides perfect forward secrecy. Additionally, DNS leak protection and a kill switch both serve to add additional layers of security. ExpressVPN maintains a no-logs policy and does not track any user activity. It keeps minimal connection logs but no IP addresses, so session data cannot be traced to an individual user.

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

SOLID, RELIABLE VPN:ExpressVPN is another dependable choice. Optimized for high-speed connections. Scores well for streaming. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a Romania-based provider, which means it’s outside of the reach of the mass government surveillance of the 14 Eyes countries. It provides access to a growing network of servers, currently almost 7,000 in 90+ countries. More than 160 of these are located in Barcelona and Madrid.

Recently, there has been a large focus on improving the service’s streaming capabilities. CyberGhost can securely access US Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime, among many other services. The VPN client enables you to select the streaming service you want and will automatically connect you to the right server, saving time and (potentially) frustration.

This provider follows suit on the security front with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. It keeps no logs of user activity and no connection logs that can be tied to an individual user. With a CyberGhost plan, you can connect to up to seven devices simultaneously.

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

BEGINNERS' CHOICE:CyberGhost has a simple set up. Works well in Spain. Good option if you are looking for a fast, reliable connection and an easy-to-use interface. Good privacy and security. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish, a US-based provider, operates a network of over 1,900 servers in more than 60 countries, including about three dozen in Madrid and Valencia. Unlike some providers, IPVanish owns its servers (as opposed to renting them), so it has maximum control of the traffic running through them. This service works especially well with Kodi and as such is popular among users.

Like ExpressVPN, IPVanish fairs well on the security front, too. It uses the same 256-bit AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy and provides DNS leak protection and an optional kill switch. IPVanish has a true zero-logs policy with no traffic or connection logs. A single subscription allows for unlimited connections across all your devices.

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

NO CONNECITON LIMIT:IPVanish is a great family choice as it allows any number of connections. A favourite for Kodi users but look elsewhere if you want to unblock large streaming services. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN, based in Sweden, is a relatively new addition to the VPN market, but this isn’t holding it back. It does operate a smaller network of servers than others on the list but still covers more than 60 countries. Plus, PrivateVPN boasts some excellent speeds which definitely makes it worth more than a second look. Add to its speed the ability to stream Spanish content plus sites like US Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and BBC iPlayer, and you’ve got yourself a great option for streaming.

This provider can compete on the security side of things, too. It provides strong encryption (126- or 256-bit depending on the chosen protocol) and perfect forward secrecy. Plus, you have a kill switch and DNS leak protection for additional backup. It maintains a strict no-logging policy to ensure the privacy of users. A PrivateVPN plan will let you connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

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

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is consistently reliable. Good for general purpose use and HD Streaming. Could do with having more servers and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

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Can I use a free VPN for Spain?

While you’re browsing VPN providers, you’ll no doubt come across a ton of free offers. These can certainly be tempting, but they typically don’t provide the level of service you’d expect and need from a VPN. What’s more, many providers are untrustworthy and have ulterior motives behind their services.

One of the major issues with free providers or free versions of paid services is that they offer a diluted version of the ‘real deal.’ Long wait times to access servers and slow speeds once you’re connected can make for a frustrating browsing experience.

If you’re looking to stream content, you may run into issues. Free VPNs typically have a small number of servers available so finding one in the country of your choice might be difficult, and again, you might have to wait in line behind other users.

There are also concerns with free providers from the standpoint of security and privacy. They’re usually looking to make money somehow, so if they’re not charging you for their service, it’s likely they’re profiting off you in some other way. This may include logging your activity, presenting ads while you browse, or enabling tracking cookies on your browser. Worst of all, some free VPN apps have been found to carry malware.

How to set-up a VPN in Spain

If you’ve never used a VPN getting started might seem like a difficult task. You’ll be surprised to find out it couldn’t be simpler, just follow the simple steps below.

Here’s how to set up a VPN in Spain:

1. Settle on a VPN provider that’s best suited for you (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Once your payment has been successfully processed, download the VPN software for your device.
3. Connect to a server outside Spain (to stream US Netflix, for example, you’d connect to an American server).
4. Navigate to the site you want to access and you should have no issues. If it doesn’t work, try clearing your browser cache and cookies and reloading the page.

Spain privacy laws

Countries in Europe are subject to the Data Retention Directive. This requires ISPs to collect certain data about users, such as source and destination IP addresses, timestamps, and location information. In Spain, this is implemented via the Spanish Law 25/2007. Data is stored for 12 months as standard, but could be stored for up to two years in some cases.

Spain is one of the 14 Eyes countries, and is subject to government surveillance collaboration between 14 countries, including the US, Australia, and the UK. These factors could offer reason for visitors or residents to employ the use of VPN, which is perfectly legal in the country.

Disclaimer: We are not legal experts and nothing above should be considered legal advice. We remind readers that they remain liable for any crimes they commit while connected to a VPN and encourage them to seek professional advice if they’re unsure about the legality of VPNs where they are. 

Spanish VPN testing methodology

Comparitech strives to give our readers the most comprehensive and accurate VPN reviews and recommendations on the internet. We routinely evaluate dozens of VPNs using real-world experience, expert analysis, and a number of tests. When it comes to Spain VPNs, we focus on:

• Security: VPNs we recommend must meet our standards of quality, such as up-to-date encryption and protection from data leaks. We test each VPN for IP, WebRTC, and DNS leaks on both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.
• Speed: We test and record connection speeds to VPN servers around the world.
• Streaming: We’ve conducted thousands of real-world tests to find out which VPNs can unblock popular streaming services internationally.
• Support: We measure response times and gauge the quality of responses from each VPN’s customer support.
• Logging: We comb through each VPN’s privacy policy for language or lack thereof that might indicate the collection of personal data or online activity while using the VPN.

You can read more about how we test VPNs on our methodology page.

VPN for Spain FAQs