If you want to watch your favorite Swiss content — and access important services like online banking while abroad — you’ll need an IP address for Switzerland. The easiest way to do this is by using a VPN.
As well as spoofing your location, a VPN will increase your online security. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, rendering it unreadable by ISPs and malicious third parties.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly how to get a Swiss IP address with a VPN and list the best VPNs for the job. We’ll go into more detail about each of the providers we recommend later on. If you’re short on time, we’ll start with a quick summary.
The best VPNs for getting a Swiss IP address:
- NordVPN Our first choice for a Swiss IP address! 120+ speedy servers in Switzerland, great at getting around geo-restrictions. Secure apps. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Switzerland. - Surfshark Best budget option. A solid, privacy-focused VPN with excellent unblocking ability and high-speed Swiss servers.
- IPVanish Family-friendly VPN with a choice of Swiss servers. Allows unlimited connected devices. Works well with Android-based streaming devices like Kodi.
- ExpressVPN Operates fast, secure, and private servers in Switzerland and 104+ other countries. Knowledgeable customer support available 24/7.
- CyberGhost Great for novices. Apps are easy to install and use, which makes this a beginner-friendly choice. Vast server network with servers in two Swiss locations.
- PureVPN A reliable, high-speed option with plenty of servers in Switzerland. Works with a wide range of popular streaming services and allows up to 10 simultaneous connections.
- ProtonVPN No-logs service packed with security features. Delivers consistently high speeds and 24/7 customer support. No issues with Swiss streaming platforms like SRF.
- PrivateVPN Smaller network but great at accessing most streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu. Low-cost subscriptions and an effective stealth mode.
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.
How to get a Swiss IP address (step-by-step guide)
Even if you’ve never used a VPN before, don’t worry. They’re simpler than you might think. Just follow the simple steps below, and you’ll be bypassing regional blocks and accessing your favorite Swiss content in no time.
Here’s how to gain an IP address from anywhere with a VPN:
- Begin by choosing a suitable VPN provider (we recommend NordVPN).
- Next, download and install the software, making sure you get the relevant app for your operating system.
- Connect to one of your VPN’s Swiss servers. This will give you a Swiss IP address.
- Try loading a geo-blocked Swiss website. It should now be working.
- If you still can’t access it, clear your browser’s cache and cookies before refreshing the page. Alternatively, try a different Swiss server.
If you intend to watch a live event, we strongly recommend performing the steps above before it begins. This ensures that if you encounter any problems, you’ll still have time to get help from your VPN’s customer support team before the show starts.
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There are no hidden terms – just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you, and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
How we selected the top VPNs for a Swiss IP address
Choosing a VPN can be difficult. After all, there are hundreds of services out there, with more arriving all the time. To find the best services for getting a Swiss IP address, we tested VPNs in the following areas:
- Speed: To make sure you can get the most out of your Swiss IP address, we looked for VPNs able to provide fast connections. This meant conducting multiple speed tests while connected to each provider’s Swiss servers.
- Features: As well as having servers in Switzerland, we scored providers on the overall number of countries they supported. We also tested their ability to bypass geo-restricted services like Netflix and assessed their device connection limits.
- Security and privacy: We only ever recommend VPNs that provide comprehensive protection. This was evaluated using 16 security and privacy criteria.
- Ease of use: In our opinion, VPN software should be easy to use, regardless of how tech-minded you are. We used 10 different metrics to find the most user-friendly providers.
- Value for money: Rather than just comparing subscription fees, we used eight criteria for evaluating whether each VPN provided good value.
You can read more about our tests in the methodology section below. For now, let’s take a look at the VPNs that made the cut.
Swiss IP 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 for getting a Swiss IP.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PureVPN | Proton VPN | PrivateVPN |
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | PureVPN.com | ProtonVPN.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Switzerland | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Total number of servers | 7,425 | 3,200 | 2,400 | Undisclosed | 8,000+ | 6,000+ | 12,660 | 200+ | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Chromebook, Routers | Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV | Avg Speed (Europe) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 20 Mbps | Popular Sites Unblocked | 95% | 88% | 85% | 86% | 85% | 80% | 87% | 85% |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $3.39 Up to 76% off 2 year plans + free eSIM data | $2.19 86% OFF + 3 months free | $6.49 Best MONTHLY deal | $4.99 SAVE: 61% + 4 months free on 2 year plans | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free! | $1.99 85% off the 5-yr standard plan | $3.59 SAVE 64% on a 2-year plan | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
Best VPNs for getting an IP address from Switzerland
At Comparitech, we’re committed to bringing you the most helpful VPN advice possible. To do this, we personally use each VPN and put them through rigorous real-world testing. The following reviews are based on those first-hand experiences.
Here are our top VPNs for obtaining Swiss local IP addresses:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 9.7 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.6 / 10 |
Features: | 9.9 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
Switzerland speed testing: | 10.0 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.5 / 10 |
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our top pick for obtaining a Swiss IP address. It has one of the largest server networks of any service, with more than 7,400 servers (there are over 120 in Switzerland alone) in 118 countries.

NordVPN enables you to stream HD video without issues and access popular services like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. It’s a fantastic option for watching Swiss TV online from anywhere.

Ten simultaneous connections are permitted, so you can protect all of your most commonly used devices with a single account.
NordVPN outperformed its rivals in our speed tests for this article. While connected to the provider’s servers in Switzerland, we measured speeds between 198.25 Mbps and 203.61 Mbps. Its overall average of 200.63 Mbps is fast enough to stream 4K video on up to eight devices at the same time.
This VPN gives you the freedom to tailor your security setup perfectly. It features 256-bit AES encryption, a program-specific kill switch, an ad-blocker, a malware scanner, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, port forwarding, and DNS leaks. Further, it helps users easily access Tor over a VPN or use two VPNs at once.

NordVPN does not log any information that could identify you and is one of the few VPNs that accept Bitcoin payments. Support is available to help 24/7 via live chat.
This provider offers full GUI apps for Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It can also be manually installed on select wireless routers.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want the fastest Swiss servers for streaming on platforms like SRF and Netflix CH
- You need over 120 servers in Zurich alone for a reduced risk of server overload
- You’re a privacy-conscious user looking for features like double VPN and Tor over VPN
- You prefer a clean, user-friendly interface with built-in ad-blocking
- You want a VPN with a proven no-logs policy and strong encryption
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN with servers in multiple Swiss cities (NordVPN only offers Zurich-based locations)
BEST VPN FOR SWITZERLAND:NordVPN is our first choice. It’s versatile, fast, and offers enough advanced options to keep experienced users happy without isolating novices. Includes 30 day money-back guarantee for a risk-free deal.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 9.4 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 8.9 / 10 |
Features: | 9.3 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
Switzerland speed testing: | 9.5 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.7 / 10 |
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is a budget VPN that offers access to more than 3,200 servers in around 100 countries, including Switzerland. This means it’s an excellent choice for accessing a range of geo-restricted platforms — from Netflix US to RTS, and SRF.

Tested speeds averaged 192.96 Mbps, with just 3.97 Mbps of difference between the slowest and fastest results. This consistency is great for those who rely on fast speeds throughout the day.
With these fast speeds and no connection limit, you can watch lag-free, in the highest possible quality, from anywhere, on any device you like.
This VPN puts a major emphasis on user security. To keep your traffic safe from prying eyes, it uses 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, automatic ad-blocking and malware scanning, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. There’s also a strict no-logging policy, so you don’t have to worry about your activities being traced back to you.

Privacy-focused users can pay in Bitcoin, Ripple, or Ethereum for added anonymity. If you need any help, you can contact support around the clock via live chat.
Surfshark apps are available for Android, Windows, MacOS, Linux, and iOS. If you’d prefer, it can also be manually installed on supported network routers.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want to stream Swiss services like RTS, SRF, and Netflix CH while traveling
- You’re looking for excellent speeds and consistent performance
- You need a VPN that accepts crypto payments for extra anonymity
- You’re looking for the best value-for-money option with premium features at a low cost
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need premium features like static IPs or NoBorders mode without paying extra
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark has no connection limit and various cutting-edge security features, so you can browse safely from any of your devices. It also boasts fantastic unblocking ability, fast speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of Surfshark here.
3. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 9 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.4 / 10 |
Features: | 9.2 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
Switzerland speed testing: | 8.0 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.6 / 10 |
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is a VPN with a lot to offer: lightweight apps for the most popular platforms, speeds fast enough for uninterrupted HD streaming, and excellent data security.
It has more than 2,400 servers worldwide, spanning over 140 locations. It has 18+ servers in Zurich, Switzerland, and allows users to choose between them (most providers choose for you).

Speed-wise, IPVanish averaged 170.15 Mbps in our tests. This is more than fast enough for streaming, gaming, or torrenting while using a Swiss IP address (Switzerland is the best country to torrent from).
IPVanish even allows you to connect unlimited devices at once, whereas most other services tend to max out at 10.
This VPN uses 256-bit encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and a kill switch (in desktop apps) to keep your activities private at all times. It also offers more advanced security and privacy features such as local connection blocking, OpenVPN traffic obfuscation, and the option to change your IP address at predetermined intervals. IPVanish doesn’t log any information that could identify you.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux, and some routers can be configured manually.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want to connect unlimited devices simultaneously
- You want manual server selection (e.g., 18+ servers in Zurich) rather than auto-connect
- You’re using Android-based devices like Kodi boxes to stream Swiss content
- You need advanced options like IP rotation and OpenVPN obfuscation
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want a VPN headquartered outside the US for better jurisdictional privacy
- You’re looking for the best unblocking performance
COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY:IPVanish is a fast, secure service that allows you to protect all of your household’s devices at once. 30-day money-back guarantee included
Read our full IPVanish review.
4. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8.3 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.3 / 10 |
Features: | 9.4 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.2 / 10 |
Switzerland speed testing: | 5.3 / 10 |
Value for money: | 8.4 / 10 |
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN currently has more than 3,000 location servers spread across 105+ different countries, including Switzerland. It’s exceptionally good at bypassing geo-restrictions, so you’ll even be able to stream content from notoriously stubborn platforms like Netflix US and Amazon Prime Video.

Best of all, this service is fast enough to stream live HD (or even 4K) video without any interruptions. In our tests, it averaged 129.24 Mbps — which is fast enough for multi-device streaming (though note that ExpressVPN only allows up to eight simultaneous connections).
ExpressVPN guarantees your online privacy with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, perfect forward secrecy, and the best protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks.

Security-conscious users will appreciate that they can pay with Bitcoin, but as ExpressVPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, there’s no risk of you being tracked either way. Need help? Customer support is available 24/7 over live chat.
ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. This VPN has custom firmware to simplify the process of installing it on a router.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a VPN that reliably unblocks Swiss streaming services with minimal hassle
- You need strong security with Swiss servers for online banking or crypto transactions
- You want solid cross-platform apps, including for Linux and routers
- You value 24/7 expert support for resolving errors
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need labeled servers for SRF, RSI, or other Swiss streaming platforms
- You’re on a tight budget
GREAT UNBLOCKER:ExpressVPN is fast and secure, and great at unblocking geo-restricted services from abroad. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
5. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
Features: | 7.2 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
Switzerland speed testing: | 5.4 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.5 / 10 |
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost has more than 10,000 high-speed servers across 100+ countries (including 250+ in Switzerland). It’s designed for novice users and is extremely simple to use. We particularly like that it has a list of streaming servers that are labelled with the streaming platforms that they work best with. We tried several of these and they worked great.

For our speed tests, we used on of CyberGhost’s regular servers in Switzerland. As you can see from the chart below, speeds were consistently quick. Overall the provider averaged 131.22 Mbps, which is fast enough for everyday tasks like video calling, high resolution streaming or multiplayer gaming.
This service has an always-on kill switch designed to keep you safe at all times. It uses 256-bit encryption and IPv6 and DNS leak protection and provides automatic ad and malware-blocking. CyberGhost doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, but you can pay with Bitcoin for added anonymity. Live chat is available 24/7 in case of any problems.

CyberGhost offers apps for MacOS, Linux, Android, Windows, and iOS. Subscribers are permitted up to seven simultaneous device connections. It works on select network routers after manual configuration.
Buy this VPN if:
- You’re a beginner who wants easy access to Swiss content
- You want labeled servers for Swiss streaming services like Netflix CH or SRF
- You prefer a VPN with a longer 45-day money-back guarantee
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN that works reliably in censorship-heavy countries
- You want a lightweight app – CyberGhost apps can be bulky and slow
BEGINNER-FRIENDLY VPN:CyberGhost is an easy to use VPN that offers excellent connection speeds, strong unblocking capability, and a large server network. Includes 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
6. PureVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
Features: | 8.0 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.7 / 10 |
Switzerland speed testing: | 5.9 / 10 |
Value for money: | 8.1 / 10 |
Website: www.PureVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS
PureVPN has more than 6,000 servers spread across 65 countries including Switzerland, so users have plenty of choices. It works with a huge number of geo-blocked platforms including Netflix, RSI, and Amazon Prime Video.

In our tests for this article, PureVPN’s average download speed was 138.91 Mbps. This means that, whether you’re looking to torrent, stream, or use public Wi-Fi hotspots during your trip, PureVPN can help.
This service was designed for beginners, and it shows. Its settings menu is clutter-free and all of the important features are enabled by default. These include unbreakable encryption, a kill switch, and automatic leak protection.

PureVPN has a true no-logs policy and has proven it with four successive audits. It would be nice to see some sort of anonymous payment method in the future though, as this is something many of its rivals already offer.
PureVPN has its own Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and MacOS apps. Additionally, it can be manually installed on a wide range of routers (check the website for instructions). If you run into any issues, support staff are on hand 24 hours per day via live chat.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a straightforward VPN to unblock a wide range of Swiss streaming platforms
- You need apps across various device types, including Smart TVs and routers
- You want a VPN with verified no-logs audits (PureVPN has undergone multiple)
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want advanced tools like traffic obfuscation, multi-hop, or split tunneling
- You require integrated ad or tracker blocking
QUICK AND CAPABLE:PureVPN can handle just about anything, from streaming to playing online games. It’s fast, privacy-conscious, and very easy to use. Best of all, it comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Read our full review of PureVPN to learn more.
7. ProtonVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 7.4 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 8.8 / 10 |
Features: | 6.2 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.3 / 10 |
Switzerland speed testing: | 5.5 / 10 |
Value for money: | 7.4 / 10 |
Website: www.ProtonVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ProtonVPN operates more than 12,000 servers in 117+ countries. It has more than 730 servers in Switzerland alone.

This provider also boasts top-tier speeds, averaging 133.45 Mbps in our tests for this article. For context, that’s fast enough that you shouldn’t notice any issues, even when performing data-intensive activities like streaming or torrenting.
This VPN can reliably access a huge range of region-locked services including SRF, RSI, and Disney+.

This VPN stands out from the crowd by giving you plenty of ways to customize your connection. For instance, you can switch protocols, set up split tunneling and port forwarding, or choose to block ads and trackers automatically. ProtonVPN follows a strict no-logging policy and backs this up with uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. It also owns several multi-hop servers that are kept in high-security data centers for maximum privacy.
ProtonVPN apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. There’s a 10-device limit and 24/7 support via live chat. If you’d rather protect an entire network, you can manually install it on most types of router.
Buy this VPN if:
- You value a Swiss-based provider with a strict no-logs policy
- You need an extensive Swiss server network (730+ servers)
- You want advanced features like port forwarding and split tunneling with a Swiss IP
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re a novice looking for an ultra-simple setup (Proton can be overwhelming)
- You want native support for Smart TVs or gaming consoles
SPEEDY SWISS SERVERS:ProtonVPN has a larger presence in Switzerland than most of its rivals. Not only that, it provides fast speeds and a wide array of privacy features. There is a limited free plan available, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee on paid plans.
Check out our complete ProtonVPN review.
8. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 6.2 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 8.6 / 10 |
Features: | 4.7 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.6 / 10 |
Switzerland speed testing: | 1.0 / 10 |
Value for money: | 8.2 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN stands as a robust solution for those seeking a Swiss IP address. Overall, it has servers in 63+ countries, including Switzerland. In addition to its servers providing easy access to Swiss streaming services and other location-restricted content, the provider also works well with stubborn international platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

PrivateVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and speeds averaging 52.88 Mbps. While this is slower than the other VPNs we’ve mentioned, it’s still fast enough for streaming in 4K on two devices simultaneously.
If you need faster speeds while using a Swiss IP address, PrivateVPN allows you to reduce the level of encryption used on your traffic. The reduced computational load adds several Mbps in our experience.

Features include an effective stealth mode, static IP addresses, leak protection and a kill switch.
PrivateVPN supports a wide range of devices (and has a ten-connection limit), so you can maintain a secure and private connection across all your devices. Whether you’re on a desktop, laptop, or mobile device, you can securely access your favorite Swiss content without any issues.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN with stealth mode to get around tough restrictions abroad
- You want a provider with static IP options for more stable Swiss access
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want the fastest speeds (PrivateVPN lags behind competitors)
- You require large Swiss server coverage
GREAT FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN is a versatile, reliable service with low-cost subscriptions and a strong commitment to maintaining your online privacy. Includes 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
Finding the best VPNs for a Swiss IP: Our methodology
Few VPNs provide a high quality all-round service, despite claims to the contrary. To objectively assess the best VPNs for a Swiss IP address, we carried out tests in the following key areas:
Speed
It’s all very well getting a Swiss IP address, but what if the resulting connection is too slow to use? To ensure this situation is never realized, we found the fastest providers by carrying out multiple speed tests while connected to their servers in Switzerland.
To better emulate the experience of an average user, we limited our base connection speed to 250 Mbps (which is slightly lower than the median fixed broadband speed in the US). Measurements were taken using the desktop version of the Ookla speed-testing app.
The results for each provider were averaged and converted to a score out of 10 relative to the other tested providers. This made a side-by-side comparison possible, as the chart below demonstrates.
NordVPN was the fastest provider overall, with Surfshark a close second. Both providers are particularly well-suited to demanding activities — like streaming in 4K or online gaming — while using a Swiss IP address.
Features
We checked that each VPN has a reliable network of servers located globally (not just in Switzerland), and scored them accordingly. We also scored them on their ability to access geo-restricted services in Switzerland and elsewhere.
These scores were weighted and then combined to generate an overall score for each VPN.
NordVPN’s score of 9.9 was highest overall. It has servers in a market-leading 118 countries and worked with every streaming service we tried it with. ExpressVPN, Surfshark and IPVanish are all excellent alternatives.
Security and privacy
We tested each VPN for DNS leak protection to ensure that it prevents your ISP from tracking web visits. We also checked for strong AES encryption, reliable VPN protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard, and a kill switch to prevent data leaking outside of the VPN tunnel. Our other security and privacy test metrics are shown below.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PureVPN | Proton VPN | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs |
IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs |
Encryption | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher |
Authentication | SHA-384 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-256 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 |
Keys | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 2048-bit | 2048-bit |
Perfect Forward Secrecy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
DNS leak protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
IPv6 leak protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Private DNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Torrenting allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Kill switch | All platforms | Mobile app-level | All platforms | Mobile app-level | All platforms | Some platforms | All platforms | Some platforms |
HQ outside 9 eyes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Obfuscation | Stealth | Stealth | Stealth | Automatic | Stealth | Automatic | Stealth | Stealth |
Supported protocols | Own protocol | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Own protocol | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only |
Anonymous payment options | Multiple | Multiple | None | Multiple | Multiple | One | One | One |
Additional security features | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Each of the above metrics was assigned a score based on its relative importance. These scores were then combined to generate an overall score for each provider.
NordVPN and Surfshark each scored 9.5, making them the best options for a secure and private connection. They use strong encryption and RAM-only servers as standard. They can obfuscate traffic when necessary and have had multiple third-party audits of their software and infrastructure.
Value for money
The cost of a VPN does not always reflect the level of service it provides. In this guide, we have recommended services that provide high levels of reliability and a superb feature set at a fair price. “Fairness” is evaluated using several criteria, which you can explore in the table below.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PureVPN | Proton VPN | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Money-back guarantee | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Connection limit | 6+ | Unlimited | Unlimited | 6+ | 6+ | 6+ | 6+ | 6+ |
Subscription terms | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ |
Sale frequency | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals |
Monthly pricing | <$13 | <$10 | <$13 | $15+ | <$13 | <$13 | <$10 | <$10 |
Lowest price | <$5 | <$5 | <$5 | $5+ | <$5 | <$5 | $5+ | <$5 |
Free trial available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Student discount | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
To make a quick comparison easier, we converted the scores for each of the above metrics into an overall score for each provider.
Surfshark, with a score of 9.7, was the best-value provider overall. It has no device connection limit as well as a keenly priced two-year introductory offer. IPVanish also allows unlimited device connections, but costs a little more.
Ease of use
We believe that VPN software should be accessible to everyone, regardless of whether they’re long-time VPN users or beginners. We also value strong customer support teams that are quick to respond and knowledgeable. You can see the other metrics we use to evaluate overall user-friendliness in the table below.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PureVPN | Proton VPN | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apps for all major platforms | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Novice-friendly design | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ease of signup (reviewer to score) | 5 (easy) | 4 | 5 (easy) | 5 (easy) | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Router support | Standard | Standard | Standard | App | Standard | App | Standard | Standard |
Unblocking consistency | Great | Great | Great | Generally works | Great | Great | Great | Generally works |
Task specific servers | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Network | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries |
Ease of cancellation | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy |
Interface | Well-organised | A little cluttered | Well-organised | Well-organised | A little cluttered | A little cluttered | Takes some getting used to | Well-organised |
Feature parity | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | All features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions |
Scores for the above metrics were combined and used to generate the following comparison chart.
With a score of 9.6, NordVPN was the easiest-to-use provider overall. It has a hassle-free sign-up process, well-designed apps, and task-specific servers for accessing the Tor network or obfuscating traffic. IPVanish and ExpressVPN were also particularly strong contenders.
Using a free VPN to get a Swiss IP address
While free VPNs can be appealing at first glance, we advise against using one. These services tend to have fairly small server networks, yet more users than most paid VPNs. As a result, you’re likely to experience very slow speeds, long buffering times, frequent pauses, and perhaps even disconnection from the VPN. Further, streaming platforms regularly improve their geo-restriction measures, and whereas paid services usually have the resources to find a workaround shortly after, free VPNs typically don’t.
Like any other business, a free VPN is designed to make money, even though the user doesn’t pay upfront. Most of the time, you’ll notice ads have been inserted into the pages you visit, which is nothing new. The problem is that these ones are often very large, distracting, and obnoxious. Additionally, some services use tracking cookies to collect information about your internet activity. This can then be compiled into a consumer profile and sold to third parties later without your knowledge.
Unfortunately, hackers are tailoring their approaches to capitalize on your desire to stay safe. In fact, a 2016 survey of 283 free VPN apps showed that 37% contained malware. Equally troubling is the fact that 18% of the uninfected apps never used any encryption, essentially leaving you no better off than browsing unprotected. Even well-known free VPNs come with risks, as we found out when Hola was caught facilitating a botnet with idle user bandwidth.
We recommend using a reputable VPN with a proven record of protecting its users’ privacy instead.
Getting an IP address for Switzerland: FAQs
Is VPN usage legal in Switzerland?
Yes, VPNs are legal to use in Switzerland. Remember, though: they’re simply privacy tools. If you use a VPN to do illegal things online, you could well still find yourself in trouble with the law.
How do I watch Netflix in Switzerland?
Netflix Switzerland has an impressive library, to begin with, but if you’re traveling and looking to change your Netflix region to your home country’s catalog while in Switzerland, you can do so by connecting to a VPN.
How do I check if my IP address has changed?
To check if your IP address has changed after connecting to a Swiss server location on your VPN, you can visit “whatismyipaddress.com”. This website will display your current IP address and location. If the VPN is connected to a Swiss server, the IP address shown should be Swiss.
Hi,
Tried this but Netflix does not work at all using any VPN.
Hi Marika, I’ve just checked and PrivateVPN does still seem to be unblocking Netflix Switzerland. The others can unblock larger libraries like Netflix US and UK; I’ve updated the article to make this more clear. Thanks, Ian