Best VPNs for Nicaragua

Do you want to protect your internet connection while in Nicaragua? Or perhaps you’re eager to access Central American online content from the comfort of your own home? In either case, a VPN can help. In this article we find out which VPNs are best for Nicaragua and what you should look for when choosing one.

A virtual private network (VPN) allows users to connect to any server in the VPN provider’s network and to assume the IP address of that server. This is a simple way to bypass geo-restrictions encountered online. In addition, the VPN software encrypts all internet traffic flowing between the user’s device and the VPN server. This ensures connections are protected while using airport or hotel wi-fi, for example.

If you’re short on time, we’ve summarized the best VPNs for Nicaragua below. You can read more about individual providers, and why we’ve recommended them, later in the article.

Best VPNs for Nicaragua:

1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for Nicaragua. Provides a high level of privacy and security across its network. Fast servers available in both of Nicaragua’s neighboring countries. Enables anonymous sign-up and its plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Nicaragua. Allows unlimited device connections and easy access to streaming services. Has extremely fast servers in 100+ countries including Nicaragua’s southern neighbor, Costa Rica. Can provide both static and rotating IP addresses.
3. NordVPN: Provides one-click access to the Tor network and above-average connection speeds. RAM-only servers available in Nicaragua’s neighbor, Costa Rica. A solid option for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
4. CyberGhost: Has more than 11,600 servers in its network, with connections available in Nicaragua’s southern neighbor, Costa Rica. Provides labeled streaming servers and an audited no-logs policy.
5. PrivateVPN: Allows port forwarding and provides customizable apps with variable encryption. Excellent for streaming and has servers in 63+ countries – including one bordering Nicaragua. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
6. Hotspot Shield: Has servers in one of Nicaragua’s neighboring countries and speeds in excess of 300 Mbps. Works with popular streaming platforms and its proprietary connection protocol enables it to bypass online restrictions. Plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
7. Private Internet Access: Unlimited device connections and RAM-only servers available in Nicaragua’s neighboring country, Costa Rica, and 90+ other countries. Has open-source software and allows port forwarding.

Criteria for choosing the best VPN for Nicaragua

It’s not easy choosing between VPN providers – particularly when their marketing material is filled with unsubstantiated claims. To make our own objective selection, we compared providers against a specific list of criteria. These are listed below, though you can read more on our testing methodology later in the article.

• Large server network
• Fast connection speeds
• Robust security & privacy
• Intuitive apps
• Value for money

Best VPNs for Nicaragua

These are the best VPN service providers for Nicaragua:

1. ExpressVPN

Apr 2024 Works in NicaraguaTested Apr 2024

ExpressVPN excels in several important areas, making it a solid all-round VPN. It has servers in an impressive 105+ countries, including those directly north and south of Nicaragua.

Connections are fast and stable, and ExpressVPN is more than able to cope with international VoIP calls and other bandwidth-heavy tasks. It achieves this through the use of its own connection protocol, which is designed to be lightweight and fast.

The provider is excellent for streaming and can access all major platforms across multiple countries. Subscriptions include access to a Smart DNS service that allows users to stream from VPN-incompatible devices.

ExpressVPN makes its own router firmware, a simple way to extend the VPN service across a whole network. Other features include split tunneling and automatic obfuscation, which enable it to work in countries like China, where VPN services typically fail.

ExpressVPN is well-regarded for its commitment to security. In just one year (2023) it underwent 12 third-party audits of both its software and hardware. All of its servers are RAM-only and have their operating systems reinstalled on a weekly basis.

BEST VPN FOR NICARAGUA:ExpressVPN has fast, RAM-only servers in 105+ countries. It’s excellent for streaming and has its own connection protocol. It allows for anonymous sign-up and its obfuscation is enabled by default. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our detailed ExpressVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Works in NicaraguaTested Apr 2024

Surfshark has keenly priced long-term subscriptions that come with unlimited device connections. It’s fast enough for streaming 4K video and gaming. In fact, it was the fastest of all VPNs in our most recent speed tests.

The provider has servers in 100+ countries but none in Nicaragua. However, there is one approximately 100 KM away from the country’s southern border in San Jose, Costa Rica.

The provider works with all popular streaming platforms, including a range of Netflix libraries in the Americas. A Smart DNS service is available for those with devices that won’t support VPN software, such as smart TVs or game consoles.

Surfshark provides access to static IP addresses in six countries. Users can also choose to rotate their IP addresses in-session for additional security. Other features include a full GUI for all platforms (including Linux), split tunneling, auto-connect, and a No Borders mode for bypassing online censorship.

Surfshark’s CleanWeb tool blocks ads, trackers and malware, and its MultiHop feature allows users to choose which servers to use for the entry and exit location. If users need help with any of these features, customer support is available 24/7 to explain how they work.

The company’s no-logs policy has been independently audited and it only uses RAM-only servers in its network – both of which are big pluses for privacy.

GREAT VALUE:Surfshark provides RAM-only servers in 100+ countries, together with options for static IP addresses, MultiHop connections and obfuscation. Subscriptions allow unlimited device connections and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our detailed Surfshark review.

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3. NordVPN

Works in NicaraguaTested Apr 2024

NordVPN has thousands of RAM-only servers available in 83+ countries – including Nicaragua’s southern neighbor, Costa Rica.

It provides obfuscated servers that can bypass internet restrictions, and it allows access to the Tor network in a single click. NordVPN has dedicated servers for torrenting, and MultiHop servers that pass traffic through two VPN servers. Static IP addresses are available for those who want a single virtual location.

Apps are easy to use and available for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. These come with a kill switch, split tunneling, and a Dark Web Monitoring service that scans the dark web for any signs of information associated with users’ registered email addresses.

NordVPN is an excellent option for streaming and works with multiple Netflix libraries as well as services such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and CBS. Speeds are fast enough for watching video in 4K, as well as playing games and placing VoIP calls.

The company has had its no-logs policy verified multiple times via independent audit. Privacy is further bolstered by NordVPN choosing to base its operations in Panama, which has no data retention laws and no ties to international spying alliances.

EASY TOR ACCESS:NordVPN has lots of security and privacy features, together with an impressive server network. It works in China and other restrictive countries and it’s great for streaming, gaming and torrenting. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our detailed NordVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

Works in NicaraguaTested Apr 2024

CyberGhost has 11,600+ servers in its network, which is the largest of any VPN provider. It has a presence in 100+ countries, with users in Nicaragua able to connect to a server in Costa Rica for the best speeds.

The company is based in Romania, which has strong privacy laws and no known ties to intelligence-sharing alliances. CyberGhost’s no-logs policy has been independently audited and it lists any third-party requests for information in a quarterly transparency report.

CyberGhost is tailored toward streaming, with servers labeled according to the platforms they work best with. This makes it simple to find a working server when changing Netflix regions, for example.

Apps are straightforward to use and available for Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. They come with a kill switch that stops the flow of internet traffic if the VPN connection drops out, and split tunneling that enables users to choose which websites are excluded from the VPN tunnel.

Other features include DNS leak protection, and automatic wi-fi protection that ensures your connection is protected when using potentially unsecured public wi-fi. CyberGhost uses the WireGuard connection protocol by default, which is both lightweight and secure.

GREAT FOR STREAMING:CyberGhost has a vast server network, user-friendly apps, and competitively priced long-term subscriptions. It’s great for streaming and for protecting user-privacy. Plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our detailed CyberGhost review.

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5. PrivateVPN

Works in NicaraguaTested Apr 2024

PrivateVPN has great value subscriptions starting at just $2 a month. Users get access to highly customizable apps that allow them to change the level of encryption used on their data. They can choose from one of three connection protocols.

The company owns – as well as hosts – its server network, and also acts as its own internet service provider. This helps ensure there is no third-party interference with user traffic. It has a clearly defined no-logs policy and allows users to pay in cryptocurrency for additional privacy.

PrivateVPN is a great option for streaming, and is able to access multiple Netflix libraries as well as content from Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Servers are available in 63+ countries, including Costa Rica, Brazil, Panama, Argentina, Chile, Columbia, and Peru.

Features include a Stealth mode, which enables connections in highly restrictive countries like China, built-in leak protection to ensure users’ IP addresses aren’t unwittingly exposed online, and a kill switch. Apps are available for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Manual connections are possible for Linux and compatible routers. Instructions for both are available on the PrivateVPN website.

PORT FORWARDING:PrivateVPN is great for both torrenting and streaming. It has a secure, company-owned network and a customer support team that can provide remote control assistance. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our detailed PrivateVPN review.

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6. Hotspot Shield

Works in NicaraguaTested Apr 2024

Hotspot Shield is a secure VPN with servers in 80+ countries. The nearest available server to Nicaragua is just over its southern border in Costa Rica. Connection speeds are fast, with an average speed in excess of 300 Mbps.

Features include a kill switch, leak protection, gaming-optimized servers, a malware blocker, and easy access to the Tor network. The company has a proprietary connection protocol that it uses by default. This is able to bypass censorship in China and elsewhere, though users should switch to WireGuard if they want the fastest speeds.

The service works with many popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Max, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. It allows torrenting and has beginner-friendly apps available for Windows, Android, iOS, MacOS, and Linux. Hotspot Shield is also compatible with routers. Configuration guides are available on its website.

The company has a no-logs policy and a 24/7 live chat support service should subscribers run into any problems.

FAST SPEEDS:Hotspot Shield is fast and secure. It has servers in 80+ countries, with options near Nicaragua. It has a proprietary connection protocol and servers optimized for both streaming and gaming. Plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our detailed Hotspot Shield review.

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7. Private Internet Access

Works with NicaraguaTested Apr 2024

Private Internet Access allows unlimited device connections and excellent discounts for long-term subscriptions. It has servers near Nicaragua, and in 91+ countries overall.

The company’s software – which includes apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android – is open-source, which means anyone can check it. It has a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited by Deloitte, and only uses RAM-only servers in its network.

Port forwarding is allowed, which makes seeding and leeching more efficient while torrenting. Streaming-wise, the provider works with Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and ITVX. Its smart DNS feature enables VPN-incompatible devices like games consoles to change their virtual DNS location and access geo-restricted content. Speeds are fast enough for streaming video in 4K and for placing international VoIP calls.

Other features include a kill switch, a built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker, split tunneling, and access to MultiHop servers. Subscribers traveling to Nicaragua can use automatic Wi-Fi protection to ensure their connection is safe at all times.

VETERAN PROVIDER:Private Internet Access has open-source software, servers in 91+ countries, and an audited no-logs policy. Subscriptions allow unlimited device connections and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our detailed Private Internet Access review.

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Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for Nicaragua

We objectively compare VPN services against a specific list of criteria as part of our testing methodology. When choosing the best VPNs for Nicaragua, this included the following:

• Large server network: The best VPNs have lots – and we mean thousands – of servers available in their networks. These are typically spread over anything up to 100 countries. These large, far-reaching networks ensure that individual servers never get too heavily loaded. They also give users plenty of options for spoofing their IP address. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, consumer VPN providers don’t have servers in Nicaragua, so we’ve looked for the next best thing; namely, servers in both of Nicaragua’s neighboring countries. If you’re in Nicaragua, connecting to the nearest available server normally provides the best connection speeds.
• Fast connection speeds: There are drastic differences in how VPNs perform speed-wise. Some will bog your connection down to the point where it’s almost unusable. Others can cope with (almost) anything. Differentiating between the two isn’t easy, as providers almost always claim to be fast. With this in mind, we perform regular speed tests to ensure we only recommend the quickest VPNs.
• Robust security & privacy: Any VPN worth its salt will come with an array of security and privacy features. These, at the very least, include a kill switch, 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and a zero-logs policy. We prioritize those providers that offer additional features such as automatic wi-fi connection, obfuscation, split tunneling, and access to MultiHop servers.
• Intuitive apps: A well-designed graphical user interface (GUI) is key to a quality VPN service. We only recommend providers with easy-to-use apps that can be navigated without having to consult any supporting documentation. Apps should be available for all major platforms and the provider should ensure customer support is readily accessible should any issues arise.
• Value for money: We only ever recommend subscription-based VPNs (see below for an explanation why). While this might seem off-putting if you’re on a tight budget, we’ve sought out some great value providers that cost as little as $2 a month. We’ve also included some pricier options for those who don’t mind paying extra for particular features.

Can I use a free VPN for Nicaragua?

Free VPNs are almost always a poor choice if you care about your security or privacy. Many lack basic features such as a kill switch, while others fail to encrypt data, or may leak your IP address. Most keep some form of identifying logs. Free VPNs attract a lot of users (because they’re free) but lack the infrastructure to support them. Their inadequate server networks are often congested, which results in slow connection speeds. This makes free VPNs unsuitable for placing VoIP calls from Nicaragua, for example.

Best VPNs for Nicaragua – FAQs