Best VPN Switzerland

Quick Summary
In Short

  • Switzerland is known for its pro-privacy laws but that doesn’t stop your internet service provider from keeping tabs on your online activities.
  • You can prevent ISP snooping and throttling by connecting to a VPN, plus you’ll be able to access Swiss content while traveling abroad.
  • We’ve tested dozens of leading VPNs to see which are best for users in Switzerland.
  • NordVPN is our top Swiss VPN. Delivering high speeds, exceptional streaming ability, and powerful security tools, it can handle anything you throw at it.

Did you know that your internet service provider can see exactly what you get up to online? Unfortunately, so can the owner of any public hotspot, so it pays to take security into your own hands. This is despite the fact that an individual’s right to privacy is enshrined in Switzerland’s constitution! The good news is that there’s an easy way to stop this kind of snooping; just use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

So what are VPNs? In simple terms, they’re services that encrypt your internet traffic, rendering your activities unreadable. There are other benefits too; VPNs let you spoof your location so that you can regain access to geo-blocked services like SRF and ARD while traveling outside of Switzerland. Now, not every VPN is secure or fast enough for daily use but don’t worry: we’ve done the research for you.

We’ll explore our top recommendations in more detail shortly but if you only have time for a summary, here’s our list of the best VPNs for Switzerland:

We found these to be the best VPNs for Switzerland:

  1. NordVPN: Our #1 Switzerland VPN. More than 100 Swiss servers to choose from and exceptional streaming ability. Puts your security first and offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Switzerland.
  2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for users in Switzerland. Works with a wide range of streaming services and refuses to keep logs of your activities. Large network and no connection limit.
  3. IPVanish: A speedy, privacy-conscious service that can protect every device you own. Boasts a strong security toolkit and the ability to unblock most Swiss streaming platforms.
  4. ExpressVPN: This zero-logs provider boasts first-class obfuscation and speedy servers in 105 countries including Switzerland. Great for beginners.
  5. CyberGhost: Novice-friendly VPN with servers designed for watching Swiss TV abroad. Good set of privacy features and 24/7 customer support.
  6. ProtonVPN: A security-first VPN with more than 200 Swiss servers to choose from. Suitable for streaming and capable of providing extremely high speeds.
  7. PrivateVPN: Reliable service with speedy Swiss servers, a generous connection limit, and a strong focus on privacy. Suitable for any day to day task.
  8. PureVPN: Quick, capable, and ready for anything. Makes it as easy as possible to protect yourself online in Switzerland.

Get NordVPN - the #1 VPN for Switzerland
Warning

Many VPNs claim to work with Switzerland but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.

We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock Switzerland and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.

The VPN providers we recommend offer a wide range of server locations. This means it’s possible to get an IP address emanating from Switzerland even if you’re currently living in the US, the UK, Australia, Germany, Canada, India, China, Hong Kong, France, Sweden, Norway, Japan, or anywhere else in the world.

The best Swiss VPNs compared

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 VPN for Switzerland.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkIPVanishExpressVPNCyberGhostProton VPNPrivateVPNPureVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comIPVanish.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comProtonVPN.comPrivateVPN.comPureVPN.com
Ranking for Switzerland12345678
Servers in Switzerland 100+Servers in ZurichServers in ZurichServers in 2 cities 180+200+Servers in ZurichServers in Zurich
Avg Speed (Europe)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps20 Mbps100+ Mbps
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Chromebook, Routers
Simultaneous Connections10UnlimitedUnlimited87Free: 1, VPN Plus: 101010
Popular Sites Unblocked95%88%85%86%85%87%85%80%
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Our criteria for Swiss VPNs

VPN services are a dime a dozen but don’t put them all in one category. We’ll explain our testing process at the bottom of this post but here’s a quick overview of some of the non-negotiable features we require before recommending a service:

  • Servers in Switzerland and at least 60 other countries
  • Support for multiple simultaneous connections
  • Reliable speeds for streaming and downloading
  • High levels of security, including a no-logs policy
  • Apps for all devices, including mobile (iOS and Android)
  • Fair pricing and a money-back guarantee
  • Live chat-based customer support

The best VPNs for Switzerland

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

1. NordVPN

NordVPN May 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.5 / 10
Streaming: 9.2 / 10
Switzerland speed testing: 10.0 / 10
Value for money: 9.5 / 10
Versatility: 6.8 / 10

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top provider for Swiss users. There are more than 200 servers in Switzerland (and 6,000+ in another 100 countries), plus this VPN can reliably access all manner of stubborn streaming platforms, from Netflix to SRF. With up to 10 simultaneous connections permitted, it’s a great choice for families. Customer support is available around the clock too, which is always a plus.

Screenshot showing NordVPN's Swiss servers
This provider has both general-purpose and specialty servers in Zurich, so a fast connection is only ever a couple of clicks away

NordVPN has long been known as one of the fastest providers around. We wanted to see if that reputation was still justified, so we tested its Swiss servers at multiple times across a typical day. The table below shows how quick it was and gives you an idea as to how much fluctuation in speed you can expect:

With an average speed of 200.63 Mbps and less than 2 Mbps of difference between its best and worst results, NordVPN was both the fastest and most consistent provider we tested. This makes it ideal for data-intensive tasks like torrenting, broadcasting live gameplay, or watching 4K video (and to be honest, you could probably do all three at once without too much trouble).

This provider is headquartered in Panama and does not have to comply with any mandatory data retention laws. In any case, it records no logs of any user activity or session data. All traffic is secured with 256-bit encryption, and additional security features include an internet kill switch and DNS leak protection. It also offers Tor over VPN servers, a custom protocol designed to sidestep country-wide censorship, and the ability to block trackers and ads automatically.

NordVPN apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux (both GUI and command line). It can also be manually installed on most routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want the fastest and most consistent speeds for browsing, streaming Swiss TV, or torrenting from Switzerland
  • You need access to over 100 servers in Switzerland for reliable local IP addresses
  • You’re looking to unblock not just SRF and RSI, but also tougher services like Netflix
  • You value strong security features like Tor over VPN, threat blocker, and a strict no-logs policy
  • You plan to use your VPN across multiple platforms, including Linux and routers

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want the ability to select individual servers manually rather than just locations

BEST VPN FOR SWITZERLAND:NordVPN is our top pick. Delivers top-tier performance and doesn’t compromise on security. Capable of accessing just about any region-locked site. All plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.9 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.5 / 10
Streaming: 9.2 / 10
Switzerland speed testing: 9.2 / 10
Value for money: 9.7 / 10
Versatility: 7.1 / 10

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark is the best budget VPN for Switzerland. Despite its low price point, it offers access to 3,200 servers in 100+ countries including Switzerland and is one of the only major services with no connection limit. Watching your favorite shows abroad won’t be a problem as this VPN works flawlessly with platforms like Netflix and SRF. Of course, if you have any issues, live chat is available 24 hours per day.

Screenshot showing Surfshark's swiss servers
Surfshark lets you customize your multi-hop connection for an added layer of encryption. Of course, its standard Swiss servers are highly secure as is.

It might surprise you to learn that this low-cost provider has previously ranked very highly in our industry-wide speed tests. Still, Surfshark is constantly optimizing and tweaking its network so we wanted to test it again and see just how quick it is. Here’s how its servers in Switzerland performed throughout the day:

Extremely well, it turns out. Surfshark’s average speed was 192.96 Mbps, just 10 Mbps lower than NordVPN’s. In other words, this service is well-suited to tasks like video calling, torrenting, and streaming. Across three tests, its speeds varied by around 7 Mbps, which shouldn’t even be noticeable; you’re effectively guaranteed a stable connection, even during peak times — just make sure your base connection is fast enough since every VPN will slow you down somewhat.

This provider is especially strong on privacy, with a strict no-logging policy, an anti-censorship NoBorders feature, and support for the Wireguard protocol. Of course, it also boasts 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks. We’re big fans of its ability to rotate your IP address periodically too — this makes you even harder to track while keeping your location the same.

Apps are available for iOS, MacOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. Select routers are also supported, but they must be manually configured.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You need a high-performing yet affordable VPN for streaming Swiss platforms like SRF
  • You want unlimited device connections for a whole household
  • You value privacy-enhancing tools like rotating IPs and customizable multi-hop encryption
  • You need a VPN with a verified no-logs policy and a strong security score (9.5/10)

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You are especially privacy-sensitive and prefer VPNs outside the 9 Eyes alliance

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is an affordable option that can protect all of your devices and gives you the ability to browse safely, stream, and torrent from anywhere in the world. It boasts high speeds, and even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.5 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.9 / 10
Streaming: 8.8 / 10
Switzerland speed testing: 8.6 / 10
Value for money: 9.6 / 10
Versatility: 6.8 / 10

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish is one of the few VPN companies that owns and operates all of its servers across the globe. This gives it absolute control over all user traffic flowing through its servers. Better yet, it recently expanded its network and now covers over 100 countries, with over a dozen servers in Switzerland. Unlike most other VPNs, IPVanish lets you connect all of your devices at the same time.

Screenshot showing IPVanish 's Switzerland server
This provider has a split interface, showing your chosen server on the right and various metrics about your connection on the left

IPVanish uses 10 Gbps servers which theoretically means that you’re less likely to be assigned a server that’s operating at or near capacity. To get an accurate view of its overall performance, we ran three tests on its Swiss servers using a 250 Mbps connection (roughly the household average speed in Switzerland). Let’s see how IPVanish did:

This service achieved an average speed of 170.16 Mbps, making it one of the top three-fastest VPNs we tested. There was around 9 Mbps of variance over the span of a day, which is fairly normal, and with results this high, you’re unlikely to even notice it. IPVanish is a great choice for anyone interested in activities that use a lot of data like torrenting or streaming.

IPVanish works with a range of geo-restricted streaming sites, including BBC iPlayer and Netflix. Security features include 256-bit AES encryption with perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, and an internet kill switch. There’s also a proven no-logs policy, the option to scramble your OpenVPN traffic, and newly-added support for multi-hop connections.

Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS. To use this VPN on Linux systems or routers, you’ll have to set it up manually.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a VPN that owns its whole server infrastructure, offering better performance control and privacy
  • You need unlimited simultaneous connections across all devices
  • You want fast and reliable Swiss servers (average of 181.45 Mbps)
  • You appreciate OpenVPN obfuscation and multi-hop support

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re concerned about jurisdiction (Based in the US)
  • You want a provider that offers split tunneling on all platforms

FAST AND RELIABLE:IPVanish has a large network of servers Uncongested network achieves good speeds. Strong security and privacy features make IPVanish a favorite for Kodi and Amazon Fire Stick. 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.8 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.2 / 10
Streaming: 9.2 / 10
Switzerland speed testing: 6.1 / 10
Value for money: 8.4 / 10
Versatility: 6.2 / 10

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN has been on the scene for over a decade and it’s easy to see why it’s made it this far. Its network covers 105 countries including Switzerland, it can reliably unblock even the most stubborn streaming platforms, and it even works in high-censorship countries. Users can protect up to eight devices simultaneously and chat directly with support staff, day or night.

Screenshot showing ExpressVPN's Switzerland servers
ExpressVPN has a sleek, intuitive design making it a solid choice for novice users. You can favorite specific locations to pin them to the top of the list.

This provider claims its custom protocol (Lightway) is faster than OpenVPN and most other protocols thanks to its streamlined codebase. To put this to the test, we measured ExpressVPN’s performance multiple times. These tests were run using the Swiss servers and a 250 Mbps connection. Let’s take a look at the results:

ExpressVPN delivered an average speed of 129.24 Mbps, which is significantly higher than most other VPNs can hope to achieve. If you’re the type of person who likes to multi-task, you’re in luck: this VPN can handle simultaneous streaming, video calling, and torrenting without any issues. With a variance of around 8 Mbps, it’s also extremely reliable, even during busier times of day.

ExpressVPN does not log any records of user activity or source IP addresses. It’s been thoroughly audited and includes every feature you’ll need to browse the web safely. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a brand-new Threat Protection tool that blocks ads and trackers automatically. This VPN even obfuscates your connection as needed without asking you to do anything different.

The company offers intuitive, easy-to-use apps for Android and iOS, as well as clean desktop versions for Windows, MacOS, and Linux. There’s even custom router firmware which makes securing your home network as simple as possible.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a VPN that offers polished, beginner-friendly apps for all devices
  • You need top-tier obfuscation features that work automatically in restrictive countries
  • You want to use a VPN on Smart TVs, routers, and gaming consoles with ease
  • You value independent audit history and threat-blocking tools

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want more than eight device connections
  • You’re seeking maximum speeds (it trails leaders like NordVPN)

HIGHLY VERSATILE:ExpressVPN is a blazing fast and reliable choice which works with all major streaming services. Great security and privacy features and keeps no logs. Includes a 30-day money back guarantee.

Read our review of ExpressVPN.

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5. CyberGhost

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.6 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.9 / 10
Streaming: 7.8 / 10
Switzerland speed testing: 5.8 / 10
Value for money: 9.5 / 10
Versatility: 6.0 / 10

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is one of the most beginner-friendly VPNs around. It has servers in 100 countries and groups these based upon your intended activity. As such, you can tell at a glance which are best for torrenting, watching RSI outside of Switzerland, or playing online games. There’s a seven-device limit which should be enough for most people, as well as 24/7 customer support over live chat.

Screenshot showing CyberGhost's Swiss streaming servers
It really couldn’t be easier to stream geo-blocked content with CyberGhost — just select your preferred service from the list

Let’s talk about performance. CyberGhost has historically done very well in our testing, but even minor changes to the network can have a large impact on your speeds. Our experts tested CyberGhost’s Swiss servers in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon to see how reliable it was at various times of day:

This service provided an average speed of 131.22 Mbps placing it firmly amongst the quickest VPNs we’ve seen. It was slightly more consistent too, speeds varying by roughly 6 Mbps over the course of a day. Needless to say, you should be able to live stream Swiss TV without any noticeable performance issues.

CyberGhost secures all web traffic with 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, an internet kill switch, and DNS leak protection. It does not store user data or logs, including IP addresses. Additional security features include an ad blocker, anti-malware defense, and anti-tracking functionality.

You can access the service on Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, or MacOS. Routers are supported too but you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’re a beginner who wants to stream Swiss TV abroad
  • You want Swiss servers clearly labeled for platforms like RSI and SRF
  • You appreciate an extended money-back guarantee (45 days vs. the standard 30)

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You need support for more than seven simultaneous connections
  • You’re a power user wanting advanced options like multi-hop

BEGINNER'S CHOICE:CyberGhost is great for novice users. Great privacy, zero logs and DNS leak protection. Can struggle with some popular streaming sites. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full user review of CyberGhost.

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6. ProtonVPN

Proton VPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.6 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.3 / 10
Streaming: 6.7 / 10
Switzerland speed testing: 5.5 / 10
Value for money: 7.4 / 10
Versatility: 9.1 / 10

Website:  www.ProtonVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ProtonVPN operates roughly 12,600 servers in 115+ countries and there are more than 700 in Switzerland alone. It’s a great choice whether you’re looking to stream RSI abroad, torrent anonymously, or just stay safe while on public networks. With multi-platform support and a generous 10-connection limit, it represents great value for families. If you need any help, customer support is available 24 hours per day over live chat.

Screenshot showing ProtonVPN's Swiss servers
ProtonVPN has more servers in Switzerland than any other provider in this list. Plus, it tells you which are best for streaming, P2P activity, or accessing the dark web

Every VPN will reduce your speeds, but there’s a world of difference between a well-optimized service and one that isn’t. Our team tested ProtonVPN’s Swiss servers throughout the day on a connection designed to mimic what you’d get in a typical Swiss household. Here’s how they performed:

ProtonVPN delivered an average speed of 133.45 Mbps. For context, that’s enough to download 1 GB file in under a minute, and significantly higher than what’s needed for 4K streaming. It was very reliable too, speeds varying by just 5 Mbps. If you’re looking for a service that offers impressive performance and real versatility, this would be an excellent choice.

This service certainly isn’t short on advanced features. It uses multiple industry-approved protocols, blocks ads and trackers automatically, and can even stop you from browsing unprotected after a connection outage. What’s more, users can set up port forwarding or split tunneling, and connect to Secure Core servers that were specifically designed with privacy in mind. ProtonVPN follows a no-logging policy, has been professionally-audited, and gives you the option to pay in Bitcoin or cash for greater anonymity.

ProtonVPN has apps for Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux devices. Need to secure an entire network? Check the website for detailed guides to installing this VPN on your router.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want the largest number of Swiss servers (700+) for securing a Swiss IP from anywhere
  • You want to pay anonymously using Bitcoin or cash
  • You prioritize advanced privacy tools like port forwarding and split tunneling

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re a VPN novice (the advanced features may be confusing)
  • You’re looking for the simplest setup for routers

TOP-TIER SECURITY:ProtonVPN offers plenty of flexibility when it comes to your connection. It doesn’t keep logs and works with some of the most stubborn streaming platforms we’ve come across. Best of all, paid subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more with our comprehensive ProtonVPN review.

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7. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 6.9 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.6 / 10
Streaming: 7.8 / 10
Switzerland speed testing: 1.11 / 10
Value for money: 8.2 / 10
Versatility: 8.8 / 10

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN differentiates itself from other services by focusing on quality over quantity. It currently offers around 200 servers in 60+ countries, all of which are owned outright and managed in-house for maximum privacy. Users can torrent, play games, or unblock platforms like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and SRF from anywhere in the world. It’s possible to secure up to 10 devices simultaneously, too.

Screenshot showing PrivateVPN's swiss server and view toggle
This VPN has two interfaces: one for beginners and one for experienced users. Note that some features are only available in Advanced view.

PrivateVPN has generally provided stable, competitive speeds in our previous tests, though it does sometimes struggle to reach the same heights as its rivals. We decided to check the performance of its Swiss servers periodically to find out just how much impact it is. You’ll find the results in the chart below:

PrivateVPN’s average speed was 52.89 Mbps, which is about in-line with what we expected. This is still fast enough for anything you throw at it (we were able to watch Swiss TV, torrent, and video call flawlessly) but if your connection is significantly slower than ours (250 Mbps), you might want to consider a different provider.

Security features include adjustable encryption (128-bit or 256-bit AES), an app-specific kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. PrivateVPN offers a toggleable stealth mode that allows you to browse securely in high-censorship countries like China too. It follows a no-logs policy but unfortunately, hasn’t been audited at the time of writing.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Manual configuration is required to get PrivateVPN running on your router.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a small but focused VPN that owns its own servers for maximum control
  • You need reliable access to Swiss platforms like SRF and RSI from abroad
  • You value a user-friendly interface with an optional “advanced mode”

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You prefer around-the-clock support
  • You want lots of Swiss server options (it only offers servers in Zurich)

GREAT SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is fast and secure, plus it works with a huge range of streaming platforms. Reliable Swiss server and a generous 10-connection limit. Includes a 30-day money back guarantee.

Read our review of PrivateVPN.

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8. PureVPN

PureVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 6.8 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.7 / 10
Streaming: 7.3 / 10
Switzerland speed testing: 1.0 / 10
Value for money: 8.1 / 10
Versatility: 8.7 / 10

Website:  www.PureVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS

PureVPN is a beginner-friendly, low-cost service with a network of over 6,000 servers in 65 countries including Switzerland. It’s capable of unblocking all manner of stubborn streaming platforms so whether you’re hoping to watch SRF or Amazon Prime Video, PureVPN can handle it. Each subscription lets you connect 10 devices at the same time and provides access to 24/7 support over live chat.

Screenshot of PureVPN's Swiss servers
PureVPN has a clean, intuitive interface that lets you easily search for P2P-optimized or quantum-resistant servers

Just like before, we ran three speed tests on PureVPN’s servers in Switzerland. These were performed at different times of day on a 250 Mbps connection, meaning the results we get should be fairly typical for the average Swiss users. The following table shows how well this provider did:

PureVPN managed to achieve an average speed of 138.91 Mbps, which is competitive despite not being the quickest. Activities like streaming, gaming, torrenting, or video calling shouldn’t pose any problems. We would like to see it improve its consistency, though, as there was around 16 Mbps of difference between its highest and lowest speeds.

One of PureVPN’s biggest strengths is how easy it is to use. Its kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and powerful encryption are all enabled by default, plus the service doesn’t keep any logs that could identify you or expose your browsing habits. There’s also a tracker-blocking feature which was recently rolled out to all users instead of just Pro or Max subscribers. Unlike most of its competitors, PureVPN has been audited not once but four times; as such, you don’t have to take its privacy claims at face value.

PureVPN apps are available for Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. It also supports most routers though you’ll have to configure it manually.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’re looking for a long-term budget option – plans start at just $1.99/month for five years
  • You want features like tracker-blocking and optional quantum-resistant servers

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want detailed control over advanced privacy features (customization is limited)
  • You need the most consistent performance

SPEEDY SWISS SERVERS:PureVPN boasts extremely high speeds and plenty of Swiss servers. Not only that, but it has everything you’ll need to browse the web safely. This affordable VPN even comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Why not check out our full PureVPN review?

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Finding the best VPNs for Switzerland: our methodology

Because every VPN is slightly different, it pays to do your research before signing up. Some might not have servers anywhere near Switzerland, for instance, while others might not be fast enough to perform the tasks you have in mind. To ensure we recommend the best possible services for travelers in Switzerland, we created a thorough testing process that focuses on the following five areas:

Speed

The first thing to consider (after making sure each provider had servers in Switzerland) is how quick each of our candidates are. We regularly speed test major VPNs but these tests tend to use American servers. To see what kind of speeds users in Switzerland could reasonably expect, we had to change a few things.

For starters, we ran tests on each VPN’s Swiss servers. These are the closest to Swiss users and will likely provide the best performance. Then, we set up a connection limited to 250 Mbps since that’s roughly the average household broadband speed in Switzerland. We then averaged all three test results and normalized them to get a final score out of 10, as shown below:

NordVPN took the top spot here, averaging nearly 200 Mbps. Surfshark was a close second, with IPVanish earning third place. Note that providers are scored relative to each other, so even VPNs with a low score in this category could potentially outperform most of their unmentioned rivals.

Versatility

We then considered four metrics to get an idea of how versatile our top picks were. To begin with, our team looked into how many countries each supported and how many devices users were allowed to connect simultaneously. Next, we checked whether they allowed port forwarding and how reliably they could access several different Netflix libraries. Let’s see how the best VPNs for Switzerland compared:

ProtonVPN had the highest score, largely due to it covering more countries than any other provider and the fact that it offers port forwarding as standard. PrivateVPN wasn’t far behind but ultimately, its smaller network saw it lose points.

Security and privacy

VPNs are designed to help keep your online activities private and if they can’t do that, they’re just not worth using. At a bare minimum, providers must offer a no-logs policy (ideally one verified by external audit), 256-bit AES encryption or better, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. In total, we consider 16 relevant criteria when assigning scores in this category; you’ll find them below:

FeatureNordVPNSurfsharkIPVanishExpressVPNCyberGhostProton VPNPrivateVPNPureVPN
Activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logs
IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logs
EncryptionAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higher
AuthenticationSHA-384SHA-512SHA-256SHA-512SHA-256SHA-512SHA-256SHA-256
Keys4096-bit4096-bit4096-bit4096-bit4096-bit2048-bit2048-bit4096-bit
Perfect Forward SecrecyYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
DNS leak protectionYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
IPv6 leak protectionYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Private DNSYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Torrenting allowedYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Kill switchAll platformsMobile app-levelAll platformsMobile app-levelAll platformsAll platformsSome platformsSome platforms
HQ outside 9 eyesYesNoYesYesYesYesYesYes
ObfuscationStealthStealthStealthAutomaticStealthStealthStealthAutomatic
Supported protocolsOwn protocolSecure protocols onlySecure protocols onlyOwn protocolSecure protocols onlySecure protocols onlySecure protocols onlySecure protocols only
Anonymous payment optionsMultipleMultipleNoneMultipleMultipleOneOneOne
Additional security featuresYesYesNoNoNoYesNoNo

There’s a fair bit of jargon in the above table but don’t worry if some of it went over your head. Below, you’ll find a comparison of our top VPNs’ overall security scores. The higher the score, the more robust the provider’s security offering.

We had a tie for first place between NordVPN and Surfshark, each with 9.5 points. Surfshark is based in a Nine Eyes country, which isn’t ideal, whereas NordVPN’s authentication could do with being strengthened slightly. All the same, neither of these is a major issue given how they excel in every other area we considered.

Streaming

One of the most popular reasons people use VPNs is so that they can stream their usual content while traveling abroad. Unfortunately, streaming platforms know this and have gotten very good at identifying signs of VPN usage. To find which were the most reliable services for this task, we put each provider up against a gauntlet of the most stubborn streaming sites.

NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN all scored 9.2 points here, working flawlessly with every platform we tested. None of these offers specially-optimized streaming servers, which means you may have to try a couple before you find one that works, but in our experience, you’ll gain access on the first attempt most of the time.

Value for money

When it comes to value, we consider more than just a VPN’s monthly price. We also look into, for instance, whether it offers discounted rates for students or emergency workers, how frequently it goes on sale, and how deep its price cuts are if you sign up for multiple years at a time. The table below shows every factor that goes into our scoring decision:

FeatureNordVPNSurfsharkIPVanishExpressVPNCyberGhostProton VPNPrivateVPNPureVPN
Money-back guaranteeYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Connection limit6+UnlimitedUnlimited6+6+6+6+6+
Subscription terms3 terms+3 terms+3 terms+3 terms+3 terms+3 terms+3 terms+3 terms+
Sale frequencyFrequently running dealsFrequently running dealsFrequently running dealsFrequently running dealsFrequently running dealsFrequently running dealsFrequently running dealsFrequently running deals
Monthly pricing<$13<$10<$13$15+<$13<$10<$10<$13
Lowest price<$5<$5<$5$5+<$5$5+<$5<$5
Free trial availableYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Student discountYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNo

Surfshark and IPVanish had the highest scores in this category (9.7 and 9.6, respectively). These services are two of the quickest and most reliable on the market, plus they offer low-cost long-term subscriptions without limiting how many devices you can connect. In other words, they represent tremendous value, especially if you want to share with family or just have lots of internet-connected devices.

This might seem like a fairly extensive set of criteria but it’s actually only one small part of how we see if a provider is suitable. To find out more, check out our full VPN testing process.

How to browse safely in Switzerland using a VPN

We strongly recommend using a VPN in Switzerland to enhance your overall internet experience. This is easy to do and only takes a few minutes.

How to set up a VPN in Switzerland:

  1. Decide on a provider that meets your requirements (we recommend NordVPN).
  2. Download the VPN app for your device directly from the provider’s website. Don’t use third-party sites.
  3. Open the VPN app, log in, and connect to a server of your choice. If you need a US IP address, connect to a US VPN server. If you want a Swiss IP address, connect to a server in Switzerland.
  4. You will receive a notification indicating a successful connection. Your web activity is now encrypted and you will be browsing with a new IP address.
  5. If you face any issues once connected, the first step is to try clearing your cookies and cache. If problems persist, contact your VPN provider for further technical support.

Should I use a free VPN in Switzerland?

The major use cases of VPNs are to access geo-restricted or blocked sites, use public wifi safely and securely, access banking and financial services, and crack VoIP services where they’re blocked. This requires ironclad levels of security and blazing-fast speeds – something that free VPNs aren’t going to provide. Such services are notorious for their poor encryption standards, limited IP addresses, and shady practices of data theft and pilferage.

You might think that you’re getting a great deal because of the fact that you don’t need a credit card to sign up and you can use the service as and when you want. But as they say, when the product is free you end up being the product.

Free VPN providers are in the business of making money. They’re not being subsidized by a government grant or another non-profit like the Mozilla Foundation. They earn profits by mining user data to sell to third-party advertisers or constantly inundating you with advertisements. Some egregious providers have also piggybacked on idle user bandwidth to create botnet armies. At the end of the day, one of the core reasons you’re signing up for a VPN is to ensure your privacy and confidentiality on the web. However, such providers will likely do just the opposite of that.

We believe that investing a few dollars each month in a paid VPN service will give you a trouble-free and superior experience.

Why should I use a VPN in the first place?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be deployed for several reasons. These include safely torrenting files, accessing your favorite movies and television shows abroad, evading government surveillance, and circumventing state restrictions on blocked sites. A VPN is necessary for accessing the unfiltered web amidst all the censorship these days.

A VPN encrypts all traffic flowing to and from your device and tunnels it via an intermediary server in a location of your choice. It works by obfuscating your actual IP address (the one assigned to you by your internet service provider), making it appear that you’re in a different location. By connecting to an appropriate server, you can securely access streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu. Furthermore, the encryption aspect means state-appointed hackers and sleuths cannot determine your digital footprint.

VPN for Switzerland FAQ

What else can I use a VPN for in Switzerland?

Swiss citizens who live abroad or travel frequently will discover that using a VPN can help them keep in touch with local television from back home, as well as to log in to their bank accounts without the fear of being hacked or flagged for fraud.

Swiss television offers a wide range of content, including news, entertainment, and sports. Some of the popular channels are SRF1, 3+, 4+, and 5+. Many channels geo-restrict their live streams to users who log in with a Swiss IP address. So if you’re outside the country you will need to use a VPN and connect to a Swiss server.

Accessing banking services from abroad can increase the risk of attacks by hackers, especially those who tend to target public wifi networks. Examples of said networks are those found in coffee shops, malls, hotels, and other areas of interest. Using a VPN to encrypt your traffic will render it unreadable to anyone who intercepts it.

At the same time, while banks don’t always geo-restrict services, their fraud detection and compliance departments will monitor incoming traffic with a keen eye. IP addresses from obscure parts of the world might be flagged, even if you provide the correct username and password. In some cases, you might have to answer additional security questions or speak with a customer support representative before being allowed full access to your account. As such, it’s a good idea to use a VPN first.

Is torrenting legal in Switzerland?

While using peer-to-peer sites such as BitTorrent is illegal in Switzerland, local courts grant high degrees of protection to individual consumers, so it’s almost impossible to be prosecuted for downloading and sharing torrent files. However, this might be about to change because Switzerland was recently placed on a blacklist of countries where copyright laws are deemed to be insufficient. This will attract punitive measures from the US, so the country is scrambling to get its act together. At the moment, it’s unclear what specific measures the government will take for heavy users of torrents, but it’s still a prudent decision to act wisely.

The use of a VPN is popular with torrenters to protect their identity on the web and keep their online activity private.

Are VPNs legal in Switzerland?

At the time of writing, there are no laws against using a VPN in Switzerland. However, if you’re using one to faciliate a crime, this may well be an aggravating factor. Simply put, as long as you’re not doing anything illegal online, there’s no reason you’d get into any trouble.

Note: Comparitech does not provide legal advice and nothing in this article should be considered as legal advice. 

How do I unblock YouTube TV from Switzerland?

YouTube TV is geo-restricted and normally only available in the US. However, this platform relies on your IP address to determine your location, which means that Americans traveling in other countries can unblock it by connecting to an American VPN server. If you’re having difficulty doing this, we’d recommend contacting your VPN’s customer support team; staff may be able to direct you to a specific server that still works. 

What cities in Switzerland does NordVPN have servers in?

While many other providers have servers in Switzerland, most don’t disclose their actual location. NordVPN is one of the few that does, though; at the time of writing, it has more than 100 Swiss servers, all of which are located in Zurich

To the best of our knowledge, CyberGhost is the only major provider that has servers in multiple Swiss cities. Users can connect to clusters in either Zurich or Huenenberg.