Albania generally has open internet access and doesn’t have extreme surveillance laws, so a VPN is no more necessary there than many other countries. Yet whether you’re living in Albania or just visiting, you’ll still have some of the same problems that internet users commonly face. These include unsecure public wifi networks, ISP logging and data retention, and geographic blocks on content. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, can help with all of this and more.
When you connect to a VPN server, the data traveling between your device and the internet is routed through an encrypted tunnel. Your real IP address is hidden and replaced by a temporary one matching your desired location. You’ll be able to browse more privately because your ISP and snoopers won’t be able to see what you’re doing online. You’ll also have the flexibility to bypass geo-blocking on everything from banking accounts to streaming services.
Before we go into the best VPNs for Albania in more detail, here’s a brief overview of each. Our in-depth reviews further below are available if you need more information before making a decision.
Best VPNs for Albania:
- NordVPN: The best VPN for Albania
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Albania. - Surfshark: Best for users on a budget
- Total VPN: Best value for Albania
- Proton VPN: Excellent choice for privacy-focused users
- ExpressVPN: Best for users who want a premium VPN
- IPVanish: Best for security and privacy
- CyberGhost: Great choice for ease of use
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Criteria for finding the best VPNs for Albania
When ranking the best VPNs for Albania, it’s important to first define the criteria used to identify them. Our recommendations focus on real-world needs including consistent speeds, reliable unblocking, and strong encryption standards. As such, our recommendations are tailored to how you’re likely to use a VPN in Albania.
Here’s what we looked for in the best VPNs for Albania:
- Fast server speeds: A VPN’s encryption and re-routing of internet traffic can slow down your connection. We sought VPNs that minimize any speed loss, prioritizing those that offer fast VPN protocols like WireGuard. All of the best VPNs for Albania also offer unlimited bandwidth and have servers in or near Albania for the fastest possible speeds.
- Global server network: A VPN lets you bypass content restrictions, internet censorship included. You can switch countries to hide your real IP address and location and you’ll be able to connect to servers nearby for faster speeds. The more locations a VPN offers, the more flexibility you’ll have for all of this.
- Unblocking ability: VPNs vary in their ability to bypass content-blocking. If you travel to Albania but want to access your favorite streaming service from home such as BBC iPlayer, Hulu, or your local Netflix library, you should be able to connect to a VPN server to do so. We chose VPNs which were most consistent in this respect.
- Security and privacy: In order to ensure your data’s security, we only considered VPNs that offer robust encryption protocols, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch feature. Most of the best Albania VPNs offer extras, such as Double VPN or antivirus protection. Another must is that the VPN doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified.
- Ease of use: Chances are that you just want to connect to a VPN so you can browse privately or unblock a certain website or service. You likely don’t want to have to spend significant time working out how to install the VPN or connect to a server. The VPNs listed here provide straightforward apps as well as live chat and email support.
- Value for money: A lot of VPNs don’t meet the above requirements yet cost more than the best VPNs for Albania. You’ll find that those covered here offer generous discounts, particularly for long-term subscriptions. You’ll also have a chance to try each VPN risk-free as they all come with generous money-back guarantees.
If you’d like to find out exactly how we went about testing each VPN for the above, take a look at our testing methodology for the best Albania VPNs below the reviews.
Best VPNs for Albania
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Albania:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our top pick for Albania. Not only does it have servers in Tirana, Albania, it hosts servers in Greece, North Macedonia, and Montenegro, allowing you to change your country but still connect to a nearby server for fast speeds. Speaking of speed, NordVPN ranks among the fastest VPNs available. Its custom NordLynx protocol was built on WireGuard, and this, plus an unlimited bandwidth allowance, helps make NordVPN an excellent streaming VPN.
This VPN worked with international streaming platforms in testing, Netflix included but can also be used with local TV channels including Top Channel and Klan TV. You can choose from various specialty servers including Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and P2P and 24/7 support is included with your subscription. NordVPN operates a no-logs policy that’s been independently audited and security includes 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.
NordVPN offers user-friendly apps for all of the following: Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. You’ll also find Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions but manual setup is needed if you want to use NordVPN with a compatible router.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want servers in Albania and nearby countries
- You’re looking for a fast VPN for streaming in 4K
- You plan to unblock local TV channels like Klan TV
- You’d like access to specialty servers like P2P
- You want a VPN that provides 24-hour support
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want a VPN with streaming-labeled servers
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR ALBANIA:NordVPN is our top choice. Not only does it have servers in Albania and nearby countries, you’ll find them in 181 locations worldwide. It’s fast, secure, and operates a strict no-logs policy. 24/7 support included. You can try NordVPN risk-free because its plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is the best budget VPN for Albania and offers significant discounts on its one- and two-year subscription plans. You’ll have access to more than 4,500 servers across 100 countries including Albania and Surfshark’s unblocking is such that you’ll rarely have trouble bypassing blocks. In fact, this is a VPN that works with more Netflix libraries than most VPNs. Average download speeds of 184 Mbps in our latest tests put it among the fastest VPNs for streaming.
Another reason to choose Surfshark is its unlimited simultaneous connection allowance. It’s a great way to help others at home secure their devices at no extra cost. ChaCha20 or 256-bit AES encryption secures your traffic although MultiHop servers are available for an extra layer of protection. Aside from a kill switch and DNS and IPv6 leak protection, Surfshark operates a no-logs policy. Surfshark One plans even include Surfshark Antivirus.
To use Surfshark, download its app for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV. You can also install it on your browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge) or manually configure a connection with a VPN-compatible router.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want an affordable long-term subscription
- You’re in need of a particularly fast VPN service
- You’d like to connect a lot of devices at once
- You’ll benefit from antivirus protection
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re looking for a cheap one month plan
Our score:
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark has some of the most affordable two year plans and is packed with extras including MultiHop servers. It’s one of the fastest VPNs, works extremely well with Netflix, and there’s no limit to the number of devices you can secure at a time. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review.
3. Total VPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: TotalVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Total VPN is more than a VPN for Albania – it’s a full security suite for safe browsing. With it, you get Total Antivirus, which is the best antivirus we’ve tested. Also included is Total Adblock – one of the best ad blockers available. Total VPN gives you access to servers in approximately 90 countries. Thanks to WireGuard support and an unlimited bandwidth allowance, you can expect fast speeds for streaming everything from Netflix to TVALB.
This VPN includes split tunneling, letting you choose which apps to exclude from the VPN tunnel – useful if you want to browse privately but stream with the fastest possible speeds. Total VPN’s apps are highly secure thanks to a combination of robust encryption (256-bit AES or ChaCha20), DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Yet they’re also beginner-friendly with a simple UI. If you do encounter any issues, 24/7 live chat support is available to help.
Want to use Total VPN? You’ll find easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or tvOS. Just keep in mind that Total VPN doesn’t offer an app for Linux, nor does it provide browser extensions or router support.
Buy this VPN if:
- You’re looking for comprehensive protection
- You want access to geo-blocked streaming services
- You’re looking for a VPN with split tunneling
- You need a VPN with easy-to-use apps
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want a VPN that supports Linux or routers
- You’re trying to avoid VPNs in Five Eyes jurisdictions
Our score:
COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY SUITE:Total VPN protects you from a wide range of threats with its VPN, antivirus, and ad blocking bundle. This user-friendly service comes with 24/7 support. Servers in 90 countries and an ability to securely access Netflix. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Total VPN review.
4. Proton VPN
Apps Available:
Proton VPN stands out for its vast network of more than 18,000 servers in 129 countries including Albania. With so many servers to choose from, there’s always one close by for when you need a high-speed, stable connection. Likewise, it’s a powerful unblocker of geo-restricted content, seamlessly accessing Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Netflix, and NimiTV. It averaged 157 Mbps in our speed tests, which is plenty fast enough for streaming in 4K lag-free.
Not only does Proton VPN impress in terms of performance, it’s one of the most private VPNs. This is evidenced by its very strict no-logs policy as well as the fact that you have the option to pay anonymously in cash. You’re not short of security features to keep you safe when browsing online in Albania or when traveling abroad. 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch secure your data, and you have the option of Secure Core servers.
Connect to Proton VPN servers via apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. If you only need to secure your browser traffic, you might want to make use of Proton VPN’s Chrome and Firefox extensions. Use with routers requires manual setup.
Buy this VPN if:
- You’re looking for a VPN with a big server network
- You want to access Albanian TV from abroad
- You’d like to pay anonymously in cash
- You prefer a VPN with a strict no-logs policy
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re seeking a budget-friendly VPN
- You need access to 24/7 live chat support
Our score:
PERFORMANCE AND PRIVACY:Proton VPN provides more flexibility than most VPNs with its huge server network. High-speed connections and reliable unblocking make this a good option for streaming. Privacy-first service with anonymous payment option. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Proton VPN review.
5. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is popular with streamers and privacy enthusiasts alike, such is its ability to perform well in all areas. It’s long proven to be highly consistent with the most popular streaming services, in part thanks to an impressive server network spread across 105 countries. Whether you’re visiting Albania or traveling abroad, you’ll likely be able to access your preferred online content as normal. ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol provides very fast speeds too.
Very few VPNs offer customer support on the level of ExpressVPN. Available 24 hours a day via live chat as well as email, you’ll receive fast, high-quality replies to your queries. Yet ExpressVPN is very simple to use, providing a quick connect button and easily-locatable settings within its apps. Security includes 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. This no-logs VPN even offers a password manager.
ExpressVPN provides desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS) apps as well as apps for Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV. You’ll also have the option of Chrome, Edge, and Firefox extensions, and custom firmware for routers.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a reliable VPN for streaming and torrenting
- You value the ability to unblock popular streaming sites
- You’re looking for high quality customer support
- You’d also like access to a password manager
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want extra features like Double VPN servers
- You’d like a VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections
Our score:
BEGINNER-FRIENDLY:ExpressVPN is suitable for first-time users with its user-friendly apps and excellent live chat support. Choose from servers in 105 countries. High level of transparency having been independently audited on many occasions. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
6. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is a versatile VPN with servers in Albania, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. You’ll have no trouble finding a fast nearby server for when you want to stream, play online games, or download large files. IPVanish has over 3,200 servers and you’ll have access to them on as many devices as you want thanks to an unlimited connection allowance. WireGuard is the default protocol so you can expect fast speeds.
You don’t need to worry about your data being compromised when using public wifi in Albania because IPVanish uses ChaCha20 or 256-bit AES encryption which is effectively uncrackable. DNS leak protection and a kill switch ensure no identifying data escapes. IPVanish has recently introduced a number of value-adding extras including a secure browser, double hop servers, and cloud storage. This no-logs VPN includes live chat support around the clock.
You can install apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Unlike most of the other best VPNs for Albania, it doesn’t offer any browser extensions. As for routers, IPVanish provides manual setup guides to make things easier.
Buy this VPN if:
- You’re looking for a VPN with servers worldwide
- You need fast speeds for streaming or gaming
- You plan to share your VPN with family at home
- You’d like extras such as cloud storage
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want to avoid a US-headquartered provider
- You need a VPN that offers browser extensions
Our score:
GENEROUS EXTRAS:IPVanish is fast for streaming and online gaming, lets you secure as many devices as you like, and offers plenty of features including Double Hop servers and a secure browser. Its no-logs policy has been independently verified. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full IPVanish review.
7. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost has long had one of the largest server networks and this provides you with plenty of flexibility for finding fast local servers and accessing region-locked content. Servers are located across 100 countries including Albania. This VPN has a particularly strong server presence in Europe, particularly in France, Germany, and the UK. Notably, CyberGhost is also the fastest VPN we’ve tested, averaging 210 Mbps and easily managing 4K resolution streams, lag-free.
Another reason why CyberGhost is ideal for streaming are its specialty servers, which are optimized for specific streaming platforms including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video. The highly secure service employs 256-bit AES protection, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and ad blocking. Browse with peace of mind thanks to CyberGhost’s no-logs policy, which has been independently verified by Deloitte. Live chat support is offered 24/7.
Once signed up with CyberGhost you’ll have access to its apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. If you prefer, Chrome and Firefox extensions are available. Setting up CyberGhost with a router lets you exceed its 7-device connection allowance.
Buy this VPN if:
- You’re looking for the fastest possible speeds
- You’d like access to specialty streaming servers
- You need a VPN that doesn’t keep identifying logs
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN with an Apple TV app
- You have more than seven devices you want to secure
Our score:
FASTEST SPEEDS:CyberGhost is the fastest VPN you can use for Albania. As such, it’s an excellent choice for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. Servers are offered in 100 countries and your traffic is protected with a high level of encryption. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
VPN testing methodology: how we found the best VPNs for Albania
One VPN may claim to be fast but just how fast does it compare with another popular service? Likewise, a VPN may say it takes your privacy seriously but does it operate a no-logs policy and has that no-logs policy been independently audited? These were the type of questions we asked ourselves when we looked for the VPNs for Albania, running each through a series of tests.
Server network
As a starting point, we sought VPNs with servers in Albania, as well as in nearby countries such as Greece, Italy, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. You’ll have plenty of options when you need to connect to a local server for the fastest possible speeds. Likewise, we looked for VPNs with servers further afield in popular locations including the US, UK, Australia, and Japan. This gives you the flexibility to bypass online content restrictions.
Some VPNs have specialty servers such as those optimized for streaming or P2P. Obfuscated servers disguise VPN traffic as regular web traffic for bypassing VPN blocks. Double VPN (MultiHop) routes traffic via two locations for an extra layer of encryption. We assessed which types of server each VPN had and whether they worked well. We also wanted to see whether a VPN offered virtual server locations and how upfront it was about this fact.
Speed
In order to find the fastest VPNs, we connect to three different server locations for each VPN. This is done over a 1 Gbps connection using the fastest available protocol – typically WireGuard. Tests are run at three different times of day to account for varying network conditions. Before each round of speed tests, we measure our base connection speed. We can then see how much of a dropoff there’s been – if any – and how consistent speeds are.
We also browse and stream using each VPN, making sure they perform as they should. Though browsing doesn’t require much bandwidth, streaming is more resource-heavy, particularly in 4K resolution. By streaming content in the highest quality while connected to a VPN’s servers, we can see just how reliable it is. Provided the base connection is strong and the VPN server isn’t far, excessive lag or buffering is often a sign that a VPN’s server network isn’t well optimized.
Unblocking
One of the most common reasons people use VPNs nowadays is to sidestep geo-blocking on content. If you’re traveling to Albania, you’ll no longer be able to access US streaming services like Hulu or Peacock. Likewise, international versions of Netflix or Disney+ will be region-locked. Traveling outside Albania means Albanian TV channels and streaming services including Klan TV, Top Channel, TVALB, and NimiTV all become inaccessible.
A VPN should help you bypass these blocks but not all VPNs are equally capable. It’s for this reason that we check each VPN for Albania against everything from ITVX to HBO Max. We’ll pay attention to VPNs that consistently work at the first time of asking. Likewise, we’ll take note of those that often require connecting to multiple servers before one of them works.
Security and privacy
We won’t recommend a VPN unless it offers strong encryption (typically 256-bit AES or ChaCha20). Most VPNs also offer DNS and IPv6 leak protection but to check that this works as it should, we run online leak tests to make sure our original IP address and ISP’s DNS servers aren’t shown. Likewise, we force-closed our VPN connection to check our internet traffic was immediately stopped by the VPN’s kill switch. Our original IP address should never be visible.
Beyond this, we look to see if a VPN offers any extra security features that add to the protection it provides. Many of the best VPNs for Albania offer Double VPN servers as well as ad and tracker blocking. Some even boast antivirus protection, cloud storage, or a password manager. A VPN’s privacy policy gives us a good idea of whether it’s truly a no-logs service and we’ll also look closely at any independent audits of the VPN that have been carried out.
Ease of use
When we tested the best Albania VPNs, we had plenty of hands-on time with their apps. This allowed us to determine whether the apps are accessible for a variety of people, first-time VPN users included. By downloading and installing the VPN, connecting to servers, and changing out our settings, we identified the VPNs that make browsing securely and privately straightforward.
As part of this we look at app appearance and design while keeping in mind that this aspect is often subjective. An easy-to-use VPN provides plenty of help resources including setup guides and troubleshooting articles. Most of the best VPNs for Albania even offer 24/7 live chat and email support. We prioritized those VPNs which offered quick, high-quality responses.
Value for money
Last but not least, it’s important to take into account a VPN’s pricing. The majority of VPNs offer one month, one year, and two year plans with the latter offering the biggest savings. An increasing number of VPN providers are introducing multiple subscription tiers, each with varying levels of features.
We compare what each VPN’s plans have to offer for the price and whether the VPN offers any free trials. Free trials are often possible on Android and iOS when purchasing via the Google Play and Apple App stores. One thing all of the best VPNs for Albania do have in common is their money-back guarantees. We’ve verified these ourselves so you can be sure you’ll be able to try each service risk-free.
We explain more about our process in our VPN testing methodology.
How to use a VPN in Albania
Using a VPN in Albania is much the same as using a VPN in almost any other country. Still, you might be a little lost if this is your first time using this useful privacy tool. Simply follow the step-by-step instructions below and you’ll be browsing securely and privately in Albania.
Here’s how to use VPN in Albania:
- Start by selecting one of the best VPNs for Albania. We particularly recommend NordVPN for its fast speeds, global server network, and vast selection of features.
- Choose your preferred subscription plan and sign up. You’ll pay a lot less on average each month if you opt for a long-term (one or two year) subscription.
- Download and install the VPN software on your devices. All of the best Albania VPNs allow at least seven simultaneous connections – some even offer unlimited devices.
- Sign in to the VPN app and connect to a server, be it Albania, a nearby country, or further afield. This sees you receive a new, temporary IP address matching that location.
- Your connection is now secured! Note that if you’re using your new Albania VPN to unblock geo-restricted content, you may need to clear your cookies for the change in your IP address to take effect.
Why do I need a VPN for Albania?
Using a VPN in Albania can provide you with several practical advantages, even though the country’s internet is relatively open. First, a VPN encrypts the traffic between your device and the VPN server, which means that anyone intercepting the connection – such as a malicious actor on a public wifi hotspot or your ISP – can’t easily read the data. The added layer of privacy helps protect everything from passwords and banking details to sensitive communications.
A VPN also lets you appear as if you’re browsing from another location. That can be useful if you encounter geo-restricted websites or services that limit access based on your IP address. Indeed, this is particularly common with streaming platforms like Netflix. A VPN also lets you bypass throttling that might be imposed by your ISP. In short, a VPN adds to your security and privacy and gives you greater online freedom in Albania and abroad.
Can I use a free VPN in Albania?
You can use a free VPN in Albania but there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. Free VPN services typically have limited bandwidth, slower speeds, and fewer server locations. This can negatively impact streaming quality, introducing excessive lag and buffering. Likewise, large downloads also become particularly challenging. Due to the free VPN provider’s servers being shared among many users, you might experience connection issues.
Not all free VPNs provide a sufficient level of encryption to keep your data safe from hackers and snoopers. Furthermore, if a free VPN fails to protect your data from leaks, your identity can end up compromised regardless. A free VPN may fund its service by displaying ads or even by logging your data, your browsing history included. This reduces privacy which makes little sense when you’re trying to browse and stream more privately.
VPN for Albania: FAQs
Is using a VPN legal in Albania?
Using a VPN in Albania is legal. There are no laws that prohibit you from installing and using a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic or change the apparent location of your IP address. Having said that, you’re still subject to the same laws. Activities that remain illegal – such as distributing copyrighted material without permission – are still punishable even if carried out using a VPN. Most people use VPNs for legitimate reasons such as protecting data on public wifi or accessing geo-restricted services, so do so without the risk of legal repercussions.
Note: We are not lawyers and nothing in this article should be taken as legal advice.
Will a VPN slow down my internet in Albania?
A VPN adds an extra step to your connection, encrypting your data and routing it through a remote server. As such, it typically introduces some latency and can reduce throughput, especially if the server is far away or the service is congested. The best VPNs for Albania provide nearby servers and strong infrastructure, so they only cause a modest slowdown. This makes them perfectly suitable for everyday browsing as well as streaming and torrenting.
Can I watch Albanian TV abroad with a VPN?
Yes, a VPN can make it appear as if you’re accessing the internet from within Albania, allowing you to stream Albanian TV channels such as Top Channel and Clan TV, which block foreign IP addresses. By connecting to a VPN server in Albania, you’re assigned a local IP address. This grants you access to live channels as well as on-demand content. Choosing a reliable VPN such as those listed in this post improves the likelihood of consistent unblocking.