How to get an IP address for Switzerland with a VPN

Unfortunately, due to regional restrictions, you won’t be able to watch Swiss TV during a trip abroad. This isn’t unusual (most major streaming apps use geo-blocking in some form) but it is a nuisance, especially if you’re missing out on your favorite show. Here’s the good news: it’s trivially simple to get an IP address from Switzerland and live stream Swiss TV with the help of a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Of course, VPNs aren’t just good for streaming. These services encrypt your data, allowing you to use public wifi hotspots anonymously, access your banking apps safely while in another country, and sidestep ISP throttling. You’ll also be able to avoid website-blocking systems and access whatever you like on hotel, airport, and coffee shop wifi.

Today, I’ll explain how to get a Swiss IP address using a VPN. I’ll also recommend the best VPNs for the job based on my first-hand experiences. For now, here’s a quick look at the top VPNs for obtaining a Switzerland IP address.

The best VPNs for getting a Swiss IP address:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for anyone needing a Swiss IP address. A reputable, security-focused VPN with excellent streaming ability and 120+ servers in Switzerland. Includes 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 way to get a Swiss IP address on a budget. Fast, versatile, and able to secure any number of devices. Works anywhere in the world and can access SRF, RSI, RTR, and RTS with no problems.
3. Total VPN: A speedy and versatile VPN offering reliable servers in Switzerland. Delivers a high degree of privacy and works with major streaming platforms.
4. 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.
5. ExpressVPN: Offers high-speed Swiss servers and obfuscation strong enough to beat China’s Great Firewall. Easy to use VPN that doesn’t keep logs.
6. IPVanish: This lighweight, no-logs VPN boasts an impressive privacy toolkit and a total lack of connection limits. Great for watching Swiss TV abroad.
7. CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly VPN with steady speeds, servers designed for streaming TV from Switzerland, and powerful privacy options. No logs policy.
8. PureVPN: A simple, affordable VPN that’s able to access the most stubborn streaming apps abroad. Audited privacy policy and a strong security offering.
9. PrivateVPN: Smaller network but great at accessing most streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu. Low-cost subscriptions and an effective stealth mode.

How to get a Swiss IP address (step-by-step guide)

VPNs can seem intimidating at first but they’re actually simpler than you might expect. Just follow the steps below and you’ll be watching Swiss TV in no time.

Here’s how to gain an IP address from anywhere with a VPN:

1. Begin by choosing a suitable VPN provider (I recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app.
3. Connect to one of your VPN’s Swiss servers. This gives you a Swiss IP address, which should make Switzerland-only services like RTS accessible regardless of your actual location.
4. Try loading a geo-blocked Swiss website. It should now be working.
5. If you still can’t access it, clear your browser’s cache and cookies before refreshing the page. Alternatively, try a different Swiss server or reach out to your VPN’s customer support team for further advice.

If you intend to watch a live event, I strongly recommend making sure your VPN works as expected 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.

How I found 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. Instead of simply finding VPNs with Swiss servers and calling it a day, I thoroughly assessed each service, evaluating it in the five areas that have the most impact on the user’s experience. Below, I’ll reveal what these areas were and explain why they’re so important.

• Speed: If you’re trying to get a Swiss IP address, you’re likely trying to stream, which requires reliable speeds. I tested each VPN at three times of day, using a 250 Mbps test server to replicate the average Swiss broadband connection.
• Features: Providers were scored based on how many countries their network covers. I also tested their ability to access geo-blocked services like Netflix, SRF, and Amazon Prime Video from abroad.
• Security and privacy: I’ll never suggest a VPN that can’t keep you safe. All providers were evaluated against 16 privacy-related criteria including encryption strength, presence of additional safeguards, and what logs are kept.
• Ease of use: The more simple and straightforward your VPN is, the better an experience you’ll have. For that reason, I prioritized newcomer-friendly services with task-specific servers and similar quality of life features.
• Value for money: I scored VPNs on more than just their monthly price. My testing looked at enhanced subscription tiers, overall versatility, and connection limits, among much more.

You can read more about these tests in the methodology section below. For now, let’s take a look at the VPNs that made the cut. 

Swiss IP VPNs compared

I’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – the #1 choice for getting a Swiss IP.

Best VPNs for getting an IP address from Switzerland

Let’s take a closer look at each of the top services. These reviews are based on my personal experiences using each VPN and the rigorous testing I put them through.

Here are my top VPNs for obtaining Swiss IP addresses:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2026

NordVPN is my top recommendation for obtaining a Swiss IP address. It operates more than 9,000 servers in nearly 130 countries, with over 100 servers in Switzerland alone. You’ll have no problems accessing popular streaming platforms either, since NordVPN works with SRF, Netflix, and RSI. While it’s a very intuitive and novice-friendly service, there is 24/7 support over live chat. Users can protect up to 10 devices at the same time, torrent as much as they like, and browse freely in places with strict online censorship.

NordVPN was actually the fastest service I tested, boasting an average speed of 200.63 Mbps. That’s several times the recommend speed for streaming, meanng you’re unlikely to notice any performance issues and your downloads should be superfast. Here’s a breakdown of its speeds at different times of day:

One of the best things about NordVPN is that it delivers first-class security while remaining straightforward enough for beginners to use. You’re automatically protected thanks to this VPN’s unbreakable encryption, leak prevention system, kill switch, ad and tracker-blocker, and audited no-logging policy. It also has a custom protocol for beating digital censorship in places like China, plus specialty servers for accessing Tor over a VPN. Additionally, NordVPN is one of the few VPNs that accept Bitcoin payments and gift cards, making it easy to sign up anonymously.

NordVPN offers full GUI apps for Linux, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. It can also be manually installed on select wireless routers.

BEST VPN FOR SWITZERLAND:NordVPN is my top choice. It’s versatile, fast, and offers enough advanced options to keep experienced users happy without isolating novices. Try NordVPN risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best budget VPN for acquiring a Swiss IP address. With more than 4,500 servers spread across 100 countries, this provider is ideal for unblocking Swiss TV abroad. In fact, you’ll be able to watch SRF, RTS, and even Netflix abroad. I haven’t even gotten to the best part: Surfshark works in places with extreme censorship such as China and can protect every device you own at the same time. In the unlikely event of any issues, staff are ready to help at any time over live chat.

This provider excels where performance is concerned, delivering an average speed of 192.96 Mbps. What’s more, there was under 4 Mbps of difference between the best and worst results. As such, you can expect seamless playback with no buffering or stuttering. The table below shows Surfshark’s speeds at different times of day.

Surfshark’s security offering is actually one of the strongest around, which may come as a surprise thanks to its low price. In addition to its unbreakable encryption, it keeps you safe using a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a tool that blocks ads and trackers automatically. There’s a no-logs policy in place and Surfshark has been audited to prove it. Other features you may be interested in are split tunneling, multi-hop servers, and an advanced adult content filter.

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.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is my top low-cost VPN. Includes 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.

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3. Total VPN

Total VPN is an easy to use service boasting a presence in 80+ countries. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to try their first VPN thanks to its simple design and high degree of versatility. For instance, you can torrent as much as you like and access stubborn platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer from anywhere. There is a five-connection limit, which is lower than most other providers but not by much. If you need help, you can get in touch with support staff using the 24/7 live chat service.

I tested this provider’s Swiss servers at various points throughout the day, using a 250 Mbps connection. It achieved an average speed of 176.16 Mbps and was actually the third-fastest service in this list. What’s more, there was only 10 Mbps between its highest and lowest results, making it ideal for tasks where a stable connection is needed. Let’s take a look at those results:

Total VPN does a great job of protecting your privacy. It uses 256-bit AES encryption to keep your browsing habits private, which is backed up by IPv6 and DNS leak prevention, as well as a kill switch on most platforms. Crucially, this service follows a strict no-logs policy too. There’s even support for the obfuscated Hydra protocol in case you need to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN in the first place.

Total VPN apps are available for Windows, Android, iOS, and MacOS. At the time of writing, there’s no support for Linux or routers, unfortunately.

FAST AND AFFORDABLE:Total VPN has what it takes to help you stream Swiss TV abroad. Also boasts high speeds and affordable subscriptions. Annual plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee while monthly subscribers get a 14-day guarantee instead.

Find out more in our full Total VPN review.

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4. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN just keeps getting better. This provider has a stellar reputation and recently expanded its network, now offering 18,000+ servers in 130+ countries (Switzerland included). I was impressed by its streaming ability too, and was able to flawlessly unblock Swiss sites like RSI from abroad. Users can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and there’s 24/7 live chat in case you ever need help.

So what kind of speeds can you expect? Using a 250 Mbps connection, I tested ProtonVPN’s Swiss servers in the morning, at midday, and in the afternoon, resulting in an average speed of 158.66 Mbps. That’s magnitudes quicker than you’ll need for day to day activities, so you should be just fine streaming Swiss TV. Take a look:

As you might expect, ProtonVPN was created by the Proton Mail team, who are known for their strong privacy focus. Accordingly, this VPN keeps you safe with unbreakable encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and automatic tracker and ad-blocking. ProtonVPN refuses to keep any logs and is one of the only providers with port forwarding support included as standard. There’s also split tunneling functionality, a Stealth protocol, and multi-hop servers with two layers of encryption.

ProtonVPN apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. If you’d rather protect an entire network, you can manually install it on most types of router.

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’s a limited free plan plus a 30-day money-back guarantee on paid plans.

Check out our complete ProtonVPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a reputable, beginner-friendly service with a network spanning 105 countries. Not only that, it’d adept at bypassing geo-restrictions, sidestepping the world’s toughest censorship one minute and helping you stream TV from Switzerland the next. This provider recently introduced new subscription tiers and bumped its base connection limit from eight devices to 10, so it’s better value than ever. Need help? No problem: customer support is available 24 hours per day over live chat.

The key question is whether ExpressVPN is enough to keep up with your needs. I put its Swiss servers to the test and was pleased to see an average speed of 129.24 Mbps. That’s not the fastest but it’s quicker than most other providers and well above what’s needed for watching live broadcasts. It’s also highly consistent, with less than 3 Mbps of variance across three separate tests.

When it comes to digital privacy, ExpressVPN has plenty to offer. For starters, it automatically obfuscates your traffic when you visit high-censorship countries like the UAE or China. Your activities are hidden using 256-bit ChaCha20 encryption and further secured with a kill switch, ad and tracker-blocking, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. ExpressVPN has been repeatedly audited, proving that its no-logs claims are true. Finally, you can pay in Bitcoin if you’re worried about anonymity.

ExpressVPN now has three plans to choose from: Basic ($3.49/month), Advanced ($4.49/month), and Pro ($7.49/month). Higher-tier subscriptions come with higher connection limits and extra features like a password manager or eSIM.

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.

GREAT UNBLOCKER:ExpressVPN is fast and secure, as well as being exceptionally novice-friendly. Does a great job of unblocking Swiss channels abroad. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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6. IPVanish

IPVanish is a phenomenal service that has really come into its own recently. Not only did it grow its network to 3,200 self-owned, RAM-only servers in 100+ countries, it allows you to connect any number of devices at the same time. I can confirm that IPVanish works with stubborn streaming services like BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video as well as SRF, RTS, and RSI. Customer support is available 24 hours per day via live chat. The only real downside is that IPVanish doesn’t work in China.

So far, this VPN sounds promising but how is its performance? In a word: excellent. IPVanish achieved an average speed of 150.14 Mbps with just 4 Mbps of variability throughout a typical day. That’s not bad at all when you consider that IPVanish is also one of the most cost-effective providers out there. If you’re looking to stream, torrent, or game, this VPN will certainly rise to the challenge.

From a privacy standpoint, IPVanish does everything right. There’s uncrackable ChaCha20 encryption, a kill switch that halts all data transferal after unexpected outages, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Newer features include multi-hop servers, tracker-blocking, and a tool that verifies whether links are safe to open. Even though it’s a US-based service, there’s no risk of having your activities revealed. That’s because IPVanish has a repeatedly-audited no-logs policy and is one of the few providers to release voluntary transparency reports.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Routers are supported too but you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions.

COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY:IPVanish is a fast, secure service that unblocks a ton of Swiss streaming apps. It’s highly-secure, can protect as many devices as you need, and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee with every annual subscription.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost was designed for novice users and streamlines your experience in many intersting ways. For starters, the server list is broken up into categories. There are general-purpose servers in 100+ countries, as well as some optimized for streaming, P2P activity, or playing games. There’s also 24/7 live chat so that you can get help in a matter of seconds, a Smart DNS service that can help you unblock geo-restricted streaming apps on Smart TVs, and a seven simultaneous connection limit.

I tried CyberGhost’s Swiss servers for myself, measuring their top speeds and overall consistency using a 250 Mbps connection. This VPN did admirably, providing an average speed of 134.56 Mbps. For context, that’s enough for you to stream live TV with downloads running in the background, while on a video call. In other words, you’re unlikely to notice any issues, provided you have reasonably fast internet.

Most of CyberGhost privacy features come pre-configured, so to browse the web safely. you don’t actually have to do anything beyond connecting. This VPN includes a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, tracker and ad-blocking, and unbreakable ChaCha20 encryption, as well as an audited no-logging policy. You can enable split tunneling, change the port used, and tell CyberGhost to connect automatically in certain situations if you need even greater security.

CyberGhost offers apps for MacOS, Linux, Android, Windows, and iOS. Its website provides manual setup instructions for popular router firmware.

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.

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8. PureVPN

PureVPN is a lightweight provider that’s hard to beat. It has 6,000 servers spread across 65 countries including Switzerland, meaning you’ll be able to use platforms like Netflix, RSI, and Amazon Prime Video while on vacation abroad. Bypassing regional limitations simply isn’t an issue with this service; PureVPN can even help you stay safe in countries like China where the internet is heavily-restricted. There’s also a 10 simultaneous connection limit and 24/7 assistance available via live chat.

Is PureVPN fast enough for streaming? Following three tests at different times of day, this service had an average speed of 135.58 Mbps and only 6 Mbps between its highest and lowest results. As such, PureVPN isn’t just great for watching TV; you’ll be able to play competitive online games and download torrents without the slighest interruption. Here’s a breakdown of its performance:

PureVPN boasts a robust security toolkit, with unbreakable ChaCha20 encryption backed up by a proven no-logging policy, a kill switch and leak protection. There’s also a Security Suite in the settings allowing you to toggle its ad and tracker-blocking, dark web-monitoring, and password management tools. It accepts a variety of cryptocurrencies and automatically obfuscates your connection so that you’re protected no matter where in the world you travel.

This VPN has apps for Linux, MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. You’ll have to manually install it on routers but there are guides on PureVPN’s website.

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.

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9. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is another excellent option for those seeking a Swiss IP address. With a curated collection of 200 self-managed servers in 60+ countries and the ability to get around China’s Great Firewall, you’ll be able to access virtually anything, virtually anywhere. For example, I was able to stream Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, download torrents, and access region-exclusive in-game events while connected. You can protect up to 10 devices at once, and support is available via 24/7 live chat.

If PrivateVPN has any shortcomings, it’d be speed. While still quick enough for day to day activities like watching Swiss TV channels, it wasn’t able to match the other providers in this list. Still, an average speed of 52.89 Mbps is nothing to sneeze at, especially when you consider that this is the only major VPN which owns, hosts, and manages its entire network. Here’s a look at its speeds at various times of day.

It’s no secret that this service cares about privacy — it’s in the name. Still, PrivateVPN has been around for over 15 years and has never experienced a single data breach. That’s not something many other providers can claim! This no-logs VPN keeps you safe with adjustable encryption (128-bit or 256-bit AES), an app-specific kill switch, and automatic protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. There’s also a Stealth mode that you’ll need when browsing in places where the internet is heavily-restricted — just be aware that this only shows up in the Advanced view.

PrivateVPN apps are available for Android, Windows, iOS, and MacOS. Its website provides manual setup instructions for Linux systems and supported routers.

GREAT FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN can beat almost any digital restriction. Could be slightly faster but boasts exceptional security and streaming ability, plus a 10-connection limit. This affordable service includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Using a free VPN to get a Swiss IP address

Want to change your IP address on a budget? Free VPNs can be appealing at first glance but I advise against using one. They tend to have 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 up front. Most of the time, you’ll notice large, obnoxious ads have been inserted into the pages you visit. 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 survey of 280+ 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.

I recommend using a reputable VPN with a proven record of protecting its users’ privacy instead.

Other ways to get a Swiss IP

If you don’t want to use a VPN, it’s still possible to get a Swiss IP address.

Residential proxy services such as ResiProx, SmartProxy, IPRoyal, and SOAX are all able to provide Swiss IP addresses (though note that your connection won’t be encrypted).

The Tor network can be configured so that your exit node – prior to joining the wider internet — is based in Switzerland. While Tor is great for anonymity, it is painfully slow and unsuitable for anything beyond browsing.

A smart DNS service enables you to change your location for certain types of traffic (it’s typically used for streaming). Smart DNS Proxy, for example, has a server in Zurich.

Getting an IP address for Switzerland: FAQs