How to get an Italian IP Address with a VPN

It’s easy to forget that many of the services we use regularly don’t actually work in other countries. This can cause problems when you travel abroad outside Italy and find you are unable to continue watching your favorite shows or accessing your online services. There’s no need to worry, though: with the right VPN, getting an Italian IP address is child’s play.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) runs your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server in the location of your choice – in this case, Italy. This provides you with an Italian IP address and tricks Italian sites and services into thinking you are still in the country. This means you’ll be able to access your home news sites and online banking services and watch channels like La7, RaiPlay, and Canale 5 from anywhere. Plus, as an added bonus, using a VPN protects your privacy and keeps your online activities hidden from your ISP or anyone else monitoring your network.

In this article, we’ll explain how to use a VPN to gain an Italian IP address and also list the best VPNs for the job. We’ll go into more detail about each of them below, but in case you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for an Italian IP address:

1. NordVPN: Our #1 VPN for an Italian IP address. Works reliably with a huge range of Italian services and boasts one of the strongest security toolkits around. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best low-cost VPN for getting an IP address from Italy. A no-logs service with the ability to securely access RaiPlay, Netflix Italy, and more. Secure unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. ExpressVPN: A high-speed VPN that works flawlessly with platforms like La7 and RaiPlay. Solid security and privacy features, plus a network spanning 94 countries.
4. CyberGhost: Dedicated servers for watching Italian TV abroad. Easy-to-use apps, a broad selection of security tools, and over 200 general-use servers in Italy help you get a hassle free Italian IP address.
5. IPVanish: Lightweight and security-conscious VPN ideal for gaining an Italian IP address. No limit on the number of devices you can connect. Provides decent speeds and unblocking ability, plus a true no-logs policy.
6. PrivateVPN: This zero-logs VPN is known for its high speeds and powerful security features. Moreover, it’s able to unblock some of the most popular streaming services abroad.
7. AtlasVPN: A fast US-based VPN with servers in Italy and 48 other countries. Great for gaining an Italian IP address and streaming RaiPlay 2, Infinity, Chili, and Dplay. No logging policy.

How to get an Italian IP address abroad

Even if you’ve never used a VPN before, don’t worry, gaining an Italian IP address from outside the country is easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be accessing your favorite Italian content from anywhere in no time.

1. First, decide which of the services below you’d like to use (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Install the VPN app on any device you use often. Most providers let you connect at least five at the same time, but the exact limit varies from one VPN to another.
3. Open the app and select a server in Italy, this will give you the Italian IP address you need to access Italian TV channels and services abroad.
4. Congratulations! As far as the sites you visit know, you’re now browsing from Italy.
5. If you’re still seeing errors or sites are refusing to load properly, try clearing your cookies and cache, then refresh the page.

The best VPN to get an IP address for Italy: at a glance

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 an Italian IP.

The best VPNs for getting an Italian IP address

Connecting to a VPN is the easy part, but first, you’ll have to decide which one to use! If you’re looking to get an Italian IP address, it’s likely you’re interested in streaming, which introduces a few additional requirements. To make sure we’re only recommending the best VPNs on the market, we decided to only consider those meeting all of the criteria below:

• Must have at least one server in Italy, though ideally more, and a range of other server locations for flexibility
• Has as small an impact on your speeds as possible
• Can unblock Italian streaming services from abroad
• Protects your privacy with uncrackable encryption and various other strong security features
• Doesn’t store any logs that could be used to identify you
• Offers apps for a wide range of operating systems

This is just an overview, but you can read more about our VPN testing process in the methodology section below. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made our list.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for gaining an Italian IP address:

1. NordVPN

Sep 2023

NordVPN is our first choice for an Italian IP address. It has around 60 servers in Italy (with more than 5,500 worldwide), and some of these are even optimized for P2P file-sharing. Streaming is no problem either; NordVPN is one of the fastest providers we’ve tested and works well with a wide range of services, including Canale 5, La7, and RaiPlay. Each account can connect a maximum of six devices at the same time.

It’s clear that this VPN takes user security seriously. Not only do its apps include an app-specific kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and leak protection, but newer versions even offer a WireGuard-based protocol named NordLynx. NordVPN claims to keep no logs and regularly backs this up with the help of independent auditors. If you’re having problems, the 24/7 support team can help you out over live chat or email.

NordVPN has its own iOS, MacOS, Android, Windows, and Linux apps. Users looking to secure every device on their network can follow manual setup instructions to install this service on a wide array of supported routers.

NordVPN speed test

BEST VPN FOR AN ITALIAN IP ADDRESS:NordVPN is our #1 choice. With dozens of Italian servers to choose from, a top-tier security offering, and outstanding unblocking capabilities, it’s perfect for almost any task. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

Read our comprehensive NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is our top budget option, but it’s more than capable of competing with more expensive providers. Not only does Surfshark regularly rank highly in our speed tests, but it’s one of the few major VPNs that lets you connect as many devices as you like. Better still, it’s able to reliably stream services like Netflix Italia, RaiPlay, and Now TV from anywhere.

Security-conscious users will find plenty to like here too. Surfshark protects your online activity with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, an ad-blocker, and protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. Surfshark also offers a NoBorders mode for bypassing country-wide VPN-detection systems in countries like China. This VPN keeps no logs at all, and its support staff are on-hand 24/7, so you’re never more than a few minutes away from getting help.

Surfshark apps are available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. Newer versions of the app have full M1 chip support, too, meaning lower battery usage and improved stability on MacOS systems. Alternatively, it’s possible to manually install this service on your home router (provided it’s running Tomato, DD-WRT, or Asus firmware).

Surfshark speed test

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is our top budget option. Has a very low impact on speed but doesn’t compromise on security. Works well with Italian streaming platforms and lets you connect an unlimited number of devices. This VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at our full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a quick and reliable VPN that does a great job of securely accessing Italian streaming services. We had no issues accessing La7, RaiPlay, or Netflix Italy from abroad, and suffice it to say, it works just as well with region-locked platforms from other countries. This service has a very low impact on your connection speeds and doesn’t limit your bandwidth in any way. Users can connect up to five devices at the same time.

This VPN protects you from snoopers by preventing DNS and IPv6 leaks, shielding your data with 256-bit encryption, and using a kill switch to ensure you never browse unprotected. It’s possible to let certain apps through the VPN, too, in case you’d like to prioritize speeds or access services from two regions simultaneously. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any identifiable data, but if you’d like even greater privacy, you can always pay in Bitcoin. Having problems? Live chat-based support is available around the clock.

ExpressVPN provides apps for MacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux. It’s also the only service in this list with its own router firmware. This actually saw a substantial upgrade recently and is now faster, more stable, and easier to use than ever before.

ExpressVPN speed test

GREAT PERFORMANCE:ExpressVPN blends speed, security, and unblocking ability to provide a service that seems custom-designed for travelers. Not only does it work flawlessly with popular Italian streaming services, but it even provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more details, check out the complete ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has the largest network in this list, with over 9,000 servers worldwide and over 200 in Italy alone, you’ll have no problem getting a stress free Italian IP address. To help you access your favorite services as easily as possible, this VPN offers specially configured servers for streaming. There are even some optimized for accessing Netflix Italy, RaiPlay, and Amazon Prime Video IT. With generally decent speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and a seven-connection limit, it’s clear that this user-friendly VPN has plenty to offer.

The apps require minimal setup since their security tools come pre-configured. These include 256-bit encryption, leak protection, an ad-blocker, and an always-on kill switch. CyberGhost refuses to log any personally identifiable data, and it recently released a standalone password manager, security checkup, and antivirus apps, showing it has a real commitment to security. The customer support help desk can be reached, day or night, over live chat and email.

CyberGhost offers Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, and Linux apps. Not only that, but it can be manually installed on a wide range of wireless routers.

STREAM ITALIAN TV:CyberGhost is stress free VPN service with servers specifically designed to work with RaiPlay, Netflix Italy, and Amazon Prime Video. That’s not all: it also comes with 24/7 customer support, a great set of security tools, and a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our complete CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish has roughly 25 servers in Italy and more than 2,200 in another 60+ countries. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to live stream Italian TV abroad since it unblocks La7 and Canale 5 and is generally pretty fast (with recent infrastructure upgrades boosting speeds even further). What’s more, this VPN lets you secure any number of devices, making it ideal for family vacations.

There’s real depth to this service’s security as well. It uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks but also offers a true zero-logs policy. Not only that, but there’s a feature that’ll obfuscate your OpenVPN traffic, potentially allowing you to access services that usually block VPNs outright. IPVanish recently introduced WireGuard support to further increase its performance. If you run into any issues, you can reach support staff at any time over live chat.

IPVanish comes with its own iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows apps. If you’d prefer, you can manually install it on supported routers and Linux distributions instead.

COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION:IPVanish is packed full of security features and lets you connect every device you own. Further, its speedy Italian servers make it easy to watch Italian TV abroad. This provider includes a 30-day money-back guarantee on its annual plan.

Questions? You’ll find answers in the full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN may only have one server in Italy and around 200 globally, but it’s a strong contender for travelers hoping to watch Italian TV abroad. That’s because it owns and hosts these servers itself, offers consistently high speeds, and consistently works with services like Netflix Italy, Now TV, and DAZN Italia abroad. Additionally, it lets you connect up to 10 devices at a time, giving you the freedom to watch wherever you like.

It also has an impressive security offering, with WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leak protection, a customizable kill switch, and a zero-logs policy. PrivateVPN lets users choose between 128-bit and 256-bit encryption and provides a stealth mode that’s capable of bypassing even the strictest online censorship. Those looking for an added layer of anonymity can pay in Bitcoin. Customer support isn’t quite available 24/7 but is only offline for a few hours per day.

PrivateVPN has Android, MacOS, iOS, and Windows apps. Linux systems and certain routers are supported too, but you’ll have to configure the service manually for these.

KEEPS NO LOGS:PrivateVPN, as you may have guessed, doesn’t compromise on privacy. Further, it’s exceptional at bypassing regional restrictions. Whether you’re looking to stream Mediaset or torrent safely, it’s a fantastic choice. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at our in-depth review of PrivateVPN.

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7. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN has around 750 servers in 48+ countries, including Italy. This makes it an excellent choice whether you want to access Italian streaming platforms abroad or unblock Italian services at work, in school, or on other restrictive networks.

The VPN is fast thanks to its WireGuard protocol, which makes it good for streaming platforms like Mediaset Infinity, La7, and Canale 5 outside of Italy. Plus, it works to access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other popular international services.

Apps are available for MacOS, iOS, Windows, and Android. Those apps come with 256-bit encryption, DNS  leak protection, a kill switch, and split tunneling. Torrenting is permitted throughout its network, and you can ask questions via its 24/7 live chat (members only). It even comes with ad blocking and malware filtering to help protect you online.

EASY TO USE:AtlasVPN is a user-friendly VPN that has fast servers in Italy. Provides 24/7 live chat support for members only. Can stream many kinds of Italian services abroad. Solid AES-256 security and decent speeds. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why not read our complete AtlasVPN review

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Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for an Italy IP address

Technically, all that’s needed to get an Italian IP address is an Italian VPN server. In practice, though, there are several other things you’ll have to pay attention to, especially if you’re hoping to stream Italian TV from abroad. To ensure you get the best possible service for your needs, we evaluated every potential recommendation against the standards set out below:

• Italian servers: More Italian servers mean a more reliable connection (due to a lower overall load), plus the ability to connect while some are undergoing maintenance.
• Speeds: Every VPN will slow your connection to some degree. Still, we prioritize those that have as small an impact as possible. Needless to say, we regularly speed-test our VPNs to ensure they’re suitable for live-streaming HD video (provided your base connection is fast enough).
• Streaming services: Different people might want to watch different channels. We test our recommendations against a wide range of geo-blocked streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, and Now TV, to see just how strong their unblocking abilities really are.
• Privacy and security: A VPN that doesn’t keep you safe online is no good at all. Our recommendations must have a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a no-logs policy, and 256-bit encryption at least. Ideally, they’d go even further.
• Value for money: We don’t want you to pay more than you have to. Part of our testing involves evaluating the features a service offers and comparing its price to rivals with a similar set of tools. If we don’t think it’s priced competitively, it just doesn’t make the list.
• User-friendliness: Everyone should be able to use the services we recommend, regardless of whether they’re a seasoned pro or completely new to VPNs. Bonus points if a service offers 24/7 live chat, allows unlimited connections, or streaming-optimized servers.

This is actually just one small part of how we put VPNs through their paces. Want to learn more? You might find our detailed methodology post interesting.

Using a free VPN to get an Italian IP address

Although they can be tempting, we don’t recommend using a free VPN to get an Italian IP address. For starters, these services tend to group their servers in the UK and the US, so you might struggle to find a free VPN with Italian servers. But even if you do, these providers tend to have smaller networks than paid providers. This means that more users are sharing the same servers, which can result in extremely slow speeds. Further, these services often have low monthly bandwidth caps, which limits the amount of time you’ll be able to stream even further.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, free VPNs often come riddled with security problems. Some fail to encrypt user traffic at all, while others rely entirely on obfuscation (which is far less secure) instead. We’ve even seen free providers outright lie to their users about the logs they keep. These reasons are why we strongly advise you to take factors other than price into account when deciding which VPN to use. We recommend looking into a service’s security features, reputation, and privacy policy to begin with.

If you are worried about the cost and need to get an Italian IP address for free, consider using a reputable VPN with a free trial or making use of their money-back guarantees. That way, you can be 100% sure you’re happy with the product before committing to paying for it long-term.

Gaining an Italian IP address: FAQs