Trying to stream a Taiwanese TV show or log in to your Taiwanese online banking account may not work when you’re outside the country. Fortunately, a VPN can help by providing you with a Taiwan IP address that you can use from anywhere.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) works by routing your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to its own server. As you can choose which server location you connect to, it’s easy to change your IP address and unblock content that’s usually inaccessible in your location. For example, if you connect to a VPN server in Taiwan, you receive a Taiwanese IP address. This makes it appear as if you’re browsing from Taiwan, so you can access all your usual content from home.
We’ll go into detail about why we chose the VPNs on our list later, but in case you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.
Best VPNs to get a Taiwan IP address:
- NordVPN: The best VPN for a Taiwanese IP address. More than 100 fast servers in Taiwan. Ideal for streaming Taiwanese TV and Netflix. No-logs service with 24/7 support. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Taiwan. - Surfshark: Best value VPN for an IP address from Taiwan. Strong unblocking ability. Works with TTV, CTV, and Netflix. Connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. Secure no-logs policy and double VPN servers.
- IPVanish: Unlimited simultaneous connections. Stream Taiwanese TV and Netflix US. Fast, reliable speeds and strong security with a zero-logs policy and encryption.
- ExpressVPN: Secure and speedy servers in Taiwan and 104 other countries. Unblocks Netflix. Uses high-end encryption and offers 24/7 support.
- CyberGhost: Large network of over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, including more than 45 in Taiwan. Great for streaming and has a strict no-logs policy.
- ProtonVPN: Quick, reliable, and highly customizable. Large presence in Taiwan and the ability to access a huge range of popular streaming platforms. Support via 24/7 live chat.
- PrivateVPN: Secure servers in Taiwan and 62 other countries worldwide. Watch TTV, CTV, and Netflix. User-friendly apps and low-cost subscriptions.
Many VPNs claim to protect your privacy and offer a fast, reliable connection but most (especially free VPNs) limit your connection speed or leak information.
We regularly test the top 70 VPNs for security and speed and this list only includes VPNs which are fast, reliable and are highly rated for privacy and security. Plus we only recommend VPNs which offer a full-money back guarantee allowing you to try them risk free.
How to use a VPN to get a Taiwan IP address
You don’t need to have any technical knowledge to use a VPN. The best VPNs are very user-friendly and even offer 24/7 support. Nevertheless, let’s walk through the process of using a VPN to get a Taiwanese IP address.
Here’s how to get an IP address for Taiwan:
- Sign up with a reputable VPN service that offers servers in Taiwan. We recommend NordVPN.
- Download and install the appropriate VPN app for your device. The VPNs listed in this post all offer desktop and mobile apps.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a server in Taiwan. This will change your IP address, and you’ll now have a Taiwanese IP address.
- Go to whichever Taiwanese website or service you’re trying to unblock. You should now be able to access it without issue.
- If you’re still facing geo-blocking, try clearing your browser’s cookies before reloading your browser. Otherwise, it’s worth contacting your VPN’s customer support.
See also: Best VPNs for Taiwan.
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The best VPNs for a Taiwanese IP address: 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 a Taiwanese IP.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN | PrivateVPN |
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | ProtonVPN.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Taiwan | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Total number of servers | 7,425 | 3,200 | 2,400 | Undisclosed | 8,000+ | 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, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 74 Mbps | Popular Sites Unblocked | 95% | 88% | 85% | 86% | 85% | 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! | $3.59 SAVE 64% on a 2-year plan | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
Our criteria for the top Taiwan IP VPN
So, how do you go about choosing a VPN? After all, there are a lot of options available. One option is to rely on marketing fluff provided by the VPN companies. A better option is to objectively test providers. As this isn’t feasible for the average busy person, we do it for you. Our tests covered the following key areas:
- Network suitability: We started by checking which providers had servers in Taiwan that could provide an IP address in the country. The best provider also had servers in lots of other countries. We then tested each VPN’s ability to access geo-restricted streaming content in Taiwan and internationally.
- Speed: Consistently fast VPNs enable you to browse and stream without constant interruptions. To find the quickest providers, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to each VPN’s servers in Taiwan.
- Security and privacy: Not all VPNs are able to keep your online activities hidden from your ISP or hackers. We rejected any that performed poorly against our 16 security and privacy criteria.
- Ease of use: We value VPN services that are easy for anyone to use. We gauged their overall user-friendliness using 10 different metrics.
- Value for money: To find you the best deals, we evaluated each VPNs’ money-saving features using eight different metrics.
You can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our methodology section below. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the cut.
Best VPNs for getting an IP address from Taiwan
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for getting a Taiwanese IP address:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 9.7 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.6 / 10 |
Network suitability: | 9.8 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
Taiwan speed testing: | 10.0 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.5 / 10 |
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our first choice for unblocking content in Taiwan. It’s the fastest VPN we’ve tested and has around 7,000 servers, over 100 of which are located in Taiwan.

It’s a great option for streaming, whether you want to access Taiwanese TV or international services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or BBC iPlayer.

We conducted several speed tests while connected to NordVPN’s Taiwanese servers. As you can see from the chart below, the provider was very quick. Its overall average download speed of 197.52 Mbps makes it suitable for everything from multiplayer gaming through to streaming Taiwanese content in 4K.
If this is your first time using a VPN, you’ll likely appreciate NordVPN’s customer support, which is available 24/7 via live chat. Your privacy is protected at all times through the various security features on offer. For starters, there’s 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and the option of using multi-hop servers for an extra layer of encryption.
Furthermore, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means none of your personal data (such as your IP address or browsing history) is collected.
Secure up to 10 of your devices simultaneously via the NordVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Android TV. There are also Chrome and Firefox browser extensions, while routers can be installed manually.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need over 100 fast and reliable servers in Taiwan, ideal for streaming and gaming.
- You want seamless streaming on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Taiwanese TV with minimal buffering.
- You require multiple layers of security, like multi-hop servers and a strict no-logs policy.
- You appreciate top-notch customer support with 24/7 live chat.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You are seeking a quick connection setup – desktop apps can sometimes take longer to connect.
BEST VPN FOR A TAIWANESE IP ADDRESS:NordVPN is our top pick for Taiwan. Over 7,000 servers worldwide and 100+ in Taiwan. Unlimited bandwidth for streaming Taiwanese TV as well as Netflix. Offers 24/7 support, a no-logs policy, and Double VPN servers. Also includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 9.5 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 8.9 / 10 |
Network suitability: | 9.5 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
Taiwan speed testing: | 9.7 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.7 / 10 |
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark has a network of over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. This includes Taiwan, where it has approximately 32 servers able to provide users with a Taiwanese IP address.
One of the main advantages of Surfshark is that it has a strong unblocking ability, allowing you to access Taiwanese TV as well as the likes of Netflix and Disney+. Better still, this VPN lets you connect an unlimited number of devices via a single account.

In our speed tests, Surfshark performed admirably. Its average download speed of 193.05 Mbps means that, while using a Taiwanese IP address, you’ll be able to stream, game, and torrent without issue.
No matter your location, Surfshark ensures your privacy is protected. It offers a number of important security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. There’s also a no-logs policy, plus you even have the option of connecting to a MultiHop (Double VPN) server for an extra layer of protection. If you have any questions, you’ll be able to get in touch with Surfshark’s support team 24/7 over live chat.

In order to get a Taiwanese IP address, you’ll first need to download a Surfshark app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, or Amazon Fire TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. However, manual setup is required for use with routers.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want unlimited simultaneous device connections, perfect for large households.
- You need exceptional value for money, with affordable long-term plans.
- You want 30+ servers in Taiwan for flexibility when seeking a Taiwanese IP.
- You’re looking for the most consistent speeds we found in testing.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want highly customizable settings – limited advanced options on the standard plan compared to other VPNs.
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark has over 3,200 servers and works with Taiwanese TV and streaming services such as Netflix. Lets you secure as many devices as you want. No-logs service with Double VPN servers. Offers 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review.
3. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 9.1 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.4 / 10 |
Network suitability: | 9.2 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
Taiwan speed testing: | 8.3 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.6 / 10 |
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish provides very fast servers and allows unlimited bandwidth. This makes it a good choice if you suspect that your ISP is throttling your bandwidth. It’s also a good option for demanding activities like gaming and streaming. Even while connected to relatively distant servers in Taiwan (we performed our tests from the UK), it still managed an average download speed of 172.27 Mbps in our tests.
Overall, this VPN has around 2,400 servers in 140+ locations. You’ll find servers in Taipei, Taiwan, as well as the United States, allowing you to unlock major international platforms like Netflix US, Hulu, Disney Plus, and Max. If you’re planning on sharing your VPN with your family, IPVanish lets you connect as many devices as you want.

When you connect to an IPVanish server, your data is secured with 256-bit AES encryption. A kill switch ensures all data transfer stops in the event that the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks.

In addition to a kill switch and DNS leak protection, IPVanish has a zero-logs policy. This allows you to browse the web without revealing your identity. 24/7 support is offered via live chat, and IPVanish is one of the very few providers that offer customer support via phone.
A recent addition to this provider is the very reasonably priced Advanced Tier. It comes bundled with an unlimited VPN, 1 TB of cloud storage, and a secure cloud-based browser, all for just over $1 more per month than the standard plan.
IPVanish provides easy-to-use apps for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. You can also find an app for Amazon Fire TV, although you’ll need to follow manual setup instructions to use IPVanish with your router or Linux PC.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need unlimited device connections – ideal for families or users with many devices.
- You want fast speeds for lag-free streaming and gaming using servers in Taiwan.
- You require a reliable zero-logs policy, ensuring your data remains private.
- You need flexible security options, including the ability to select which apps or sites use the VPN tunnel.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You are concerned about IPVanish’s US base.
- You want to pay for your VPN anonymously using cryptocurrency.
CONNECT ALL DEVICES:IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Good, consistent speeds and unlimited bandwidth for streaming Netflix US and CTV. Provides 24/7 support via live chat. Security includes a zero-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
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 |
Network suitability: | 9.6 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.2 / 10 |
Taiwan speed testing: | 5.2 / 10 |
Value for money: | 8.4 / 10 |
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN offers a large network that covers 105 countries. Its servers in Taiwan are as fast as they are reliable, allowing for uninterrupted browsing and streaming. In the speed tests for this article, ExpressVPN averaged 125.24 Mbps. As a rough guide, this is fast enough for streaming in 4K on five devices simultaneously.
ExpressVPN’s excellent unblocking ability means you can watch the likes of TTV, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer wherever you are. You’ll also be able to use ExpressVPN to connect up to eight devices at the same time.

ExpressVPN has a high level of security that helps keep you safe online. In particular, it’s headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, where it isn’t subject to mandatory data retention laws. As such, this VPN doesn’t keep any logs identifying its users. Internet traffic is secured with 256-bit AES encryption, while there’s also a kill switch and protection from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. Live chat and email support is available 24/7.

If you sign up with ExpressVPN, you’ll have access to its apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. Browser extensions are available to download for Chrome and Firefox, while you’ll also have the option of custom firmware for routers.
Buy this VPN if:
- You require fast servers, with some of the most consistent speeds we tested.
- You need high-end security with industry-leading encryption a proven no-logs policy.
- You value a VPN with proven unlocking ability of Taiwanese and international sites and platforms.
- You want easy-to-use apps, with support for a wide range of devices.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You are looking for a cheaper VPN – one of the more expensive options on our list.
- You want advanced customization options – lacks some of the granular settings available with other providers.
HIGHLY SECURE:ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers in 105 countries including Taiwan. Fast servers and works well with Netflix and BBC iPlayer. User-friendly apps and 24/7 live chat support. Secure with encryption. With the 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it out risk-free.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
5. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8.4 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
Network suitability: | 8.6 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
Taiwan speed testing: | 6.0 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.5 / 10 |
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost has an extensive network of more than 10,000 servers in 100 countries, including Taiwan. You’ll be able to use CyberGhost to watch the likes of TTV and CTV from anywhere in the world. It’s also worth knowing that this VPN works with Netflix US and Amazon Prime Video.

While we were connected to its servers in Taiwan we measured download speeds of between 130.2 Mbps and 141.92 Mbps. The overall average of 136.92 Mbps makes CyberGhost well-suited to everything from video calling to high-resolution streaming.
Subscribers get access to 24/7 support via live chat and email, allowing you to quickly resolve any issues you encounter. CyberGhost is highly secure and operates a strict no-logs policy. With 256-bit AES encryption, protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks, and an automatic kill switch, you’ll be able to browse without fear of your data being compromised.

You can connect to a server in Taiwan using CyberGhost’s apps for desktop (Windows and macOS) and mobile (Android and iOS). Also included are apps for Amazon Fire TV and Android TV. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox. Routers require manual setup. CyberGhost allows up to seven simultaneous device connections.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a large server network with 45+ servers in Taiwan, offering plenty of options for securing a Taiwanese IP address.
- You value easy-to-use apps that require minimal configuration – perfect for beginners or users who prefer simplicity.
- You want good speeds for smooth 4K streaming from Taiwan-based services.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN that works in China – struggles to bypass The Great Firewall.
- You require more advanced configuration options – designed for ease of use not customization.
SPEED AND SECURITY:CyberGhost has high-speed servers and a network of over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries. This includes 45+ servers in Taiwan for getting a Taiwanese IP address. Keeps you safe online with encryption and a strict no-logs policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
6. ProtonVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 8.8 / 10 |
Network suitability: | 8.3 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.3 / 10 |
Taiwan speed testing: | 6.2 / 10 |
Value for money: | 7.4 / 10 |
Website: www.ProtonVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ProtonVPN has 20 servers spread across two locations in Taiwan: Taichung City and Taipei. In total, the provider has more than 12,000 servers in 117 countries.

In our tests for this article, ProtonVPN delivered speeds of between 125.71 Mbps and 149.1 Mbps. Both results are fast, though that’s a little more variance than we like. As ProtonVPN lets you choose between individual servers, there’s scope for trying a few to find the fastest.
This VPN works with stubborn platforms like Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu, so you shouldn’t run into problems watching your favorite Taiwanese shows abroad.

Let’s talk about security. As you might expect, ProtonVPN uses uncrackable encryption to hide your traffic from snoopers. However, there’s also DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, an automatic tracker-blocker, plus a proven no-logs policy. Its advanced features are worth mentioning too: you can let certain sites through the VPN unencrypted, set up port forwarding, or activate the accelerator to push your speeds even higher. Since you can pay in Bitcoin or cash, it’s even possible to sign up almost completely anonymously.

ProtonVPN has apps for Android, Windows, Linux, iOS, and macOS devices. It supports routers too, allowing you to secure an entire network provided you’re willing to set it up manually. If you need any help, staff are available 24 hours per day over live chat.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need advanced security features such as split tunneling, port forwarding, and an accelerator to boost your speeds.
- You value strong privacy protection, and advanced protocols that make it ideal for secure browsing in Taiwan.
- You want a customizable VPN experience, allowing you to choose individual servers for better performance and security.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You are a tech novice – advanced features might be overwhelming for new users.
- You prefer a more budget-friendly option.
DOESN’T KEEP LOGS:ProtonVPN is a zero-logs provider with fast speeds and first-class unblocking ability. Approximately 20 Taiwanese servers. Free plans are available, but paid subscriptions offer a better experience and include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Take a look at our full ProtonVPN review.
7. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 6.7 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 8.6 / 10 |
Network suitability: | 7.2 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.6 / 10 |
Taiwan speed testing: | 1.0 / 10 |
Value for money: | 8.2 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN may be a smaller VPN provider with just 200 servers, but it has a presence in 63+ countries, including Taiwan. What’s more, it’s great at unblocking geo-restricted content in Taiwan and elsewhere. We had no problems accessing Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video during testing.

Speed-wise, the provider was slower than the other VPNs in this article. It is, however, still fast enough for streaming in 4K. Even its lowest speed-test result of 45.37 Mbps exceeds Netflix’s 4K requirement of 15 Mbps
One of the best things about PrivateVPN’s apps is that they’re very easy to navigate. Should you need any help, there’s live chat support (available 22 hours per day) and free remote help and installation.
Security-wise, PrivateVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption and further protects you with a kill switch. There’s also DNS leak protection and a no-logs policy. Together, these features ensure your personal data and communications are safe from hackers and snoopers.

With PrivateVPN, you have access to apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. You can also use this VPN with select compatible routers, but it’s worth knowing that this requires manual configuration.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a user-friendly VPN with simple apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, great for beginners.
- You want reliable access to Taiwanese TV and streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and CTV without hassle.
- You are looking for a low-cost VPN with great streaming capabilities
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need a larger server network.
- You require faster speeds for multiple streams or have a slow base connection.
IDEAL FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN is fast and reliably accesses Taiwanese TV channels as well as Netflix. Easy-to-use apps for desktop and mobile platforms. Can be used on 10 devices at once. Protects privacy with its no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
Our Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for a Taiwan IP address
Trying to find a suitable VPN can be difficult, as there are hundreds of providers to choose from. Our recommendations for finding the best VPNs for a Taiwan IP involved testing in the following areas:
Network suitability
We’ve established that getting an IP address in Taiwan requires connecting to a VPN server in that country. The obvious starting point for testing was therefore finding providers with servers in Taiwan. We followed this by scoring VPNs on the number of other countries they supported. More countries means more opportunities for accessing region-locked content. We also scored providers on their ability to bypass VPN blocks of the type imposed by Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and some Taiwanese TV channels.
The scores for the above were weighted and then combined for ease of comparison.
NordVPN scored a winning 9.8 out of 10. It has plenty of servers for IP addresses in Taiwan and an additional 117 countries. It’s also great for streaming, and unblocked every service we tried. ExpressVPN and Surfshark are excellent alternatives — particularly in the streaming department.
Speed
While getting an IP address in Taiwan is all well and good, you also want to be sure that your chosen VPN is fast enough to support activities like streaming. With this in mind, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to each VPN’s servers in Taiwan.
To make the tests more representative, we rate-limited our test machine to 250 Mbps (which is a little slower than the median fixed broadband speed in the US). We used the desktop version of the Ookla speed-testing app for accuracy.
The results for each VPN were averaged and then converted to a score out of 10 relative to the other tested providers. This makes a side-by-side comparison possible.
NordVPN was the fastest provider overall, though Surfshark wasn’t far behind. Both VPNs allow you to make the most of your base connection speed. IPVanish was the next-quickest option.
Security and Privacy
A VPN is only as secure as the VPN tunneling protocols and encryption algorithms it uses. We check under the hood to ensure those are safe enough to prevent hacking and eavesdropping. As the table below demonstrates, we also check for a kill switch, DNS leak protection, as well as several other key features.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | 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 |
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 |
Authentication | SHA-384 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 |
Keys | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 2048-bit | 2048-bit |
Perfect Forward Secrecy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
DNS leak protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
IPv6 leak protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Private DNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Torrenting allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Kill switch | All platforms | Mobile app-level | All platforms | Mobile app-level | All platforms | All platforms | Some platforms |
HQ outside 9 eyes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Obfuscation | Stealth | Stealth | Stealth | Automatic | Stealth | Stealth | Stealth |
Supported protocols | Own protocol | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Own protocol | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only |
Anonymous payment options | Multiple | Multiple | None | Multiple | Multiple | One | One |
Additional security features | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No |
To simplify things, we scored each test metric and combined the results to generate the following comparison chart.
NordVPN and Surfshark were the most secure and private VPNs overall. Both use effectively uncrackable encryption and RAM-only servers by default. They also have obfuscation options that work in restrictive countries like China. ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN also scored notably highly.
Ease of use
For a VPN to be versatile and useful, it should have apps for all platforms that are easy to use and navigate. We also looked for VPN providers that value their customers and provide both live chat and email support around the clock. You can see the full range of test metrics in the table below.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apps for all major platforms | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Novice-friendly design | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ease of signup (reviewer to score) | 5 (easy) | 4 | 5 (easy) | 5 (easy) | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Router support | Standard | Standard | Standard | App | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Unblocking consistency | Great | Great | Great | Generally works | Great | Great | Generally works |
Task specific servers | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Network | 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 |
Interface | Well-organised | A little cluttered | Well-organised | Well-organised | 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 |
Each metric was assigned a score based on its relative importance. These scores were combined to generate overall scores for comparison.
NordVPN was the easiest-to-use provider overall. Its apps work well for users of all skill levels, and its task-specific servers are particularly handy. IPVanish and ExpressVPN are also strong choices for users with no VPN experience.
Value for money
While comparing subscription costs is a good start when assessing a VPN’s relative value, we like to go further and include things like money-back guarantees and device connection limits. The table below shows the metrics we used to measure value for money.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Money-back guarantee | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Connection limit | 6+ | Unlimited | Unlimited | 6+ | 6+ | 6+ | 6+ |
Subscription 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 |
Monthly pricing | <$13 | <$10 | <$13 | $15+ | <$13 | <$10 | <$10 |
Lowest price | <$5 | <$5 | <$5 | $5+ | <$5 | $5+ | <$5 |
Free trial available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Student discount | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
As before, the scores for each metric were combined to generate a chart for comparison.
Surfshark scored the highest, though only slightly more than IPVanish. Both VPNs allow unlimited device connections, which is great if you’re sharing an account with friends or family. Both providers also have two-year introductory offers, resulting in long-term savings (note that IPVanish costs a little more). NordVPN and CyberGhost are the best alternatives if a device connection limit doesn’t bother you.
Using a free VPN to gain an IP address for Taiwan
As you’ll quickly find out, most free VPNs offer a very limited number of servers in an even smaller number of locations. If you’re lucky enough to find a free VPN that has servers in Taiwan, chances are that they won’t be fast enough for browsing, not to mention streaming and torrenting. It’s also worth knowing that free VPNs aren’t particularly reliable when it comes to unblocking Taiwanese TV and streaming services like Netflix.
You should also exercise caution with free VPNs because they have a fundamental lack of security. With some free VPN services failing to secure your traffic with encryption or protect you from DNS leaks, your data is left exposed and could fall into the wrong hands. What’s worse is that some free VPNs log and sell your data to third parties. As such, the best way to get a Taiwanese IP address is with a fast, secure VPN such as those recommended above.
Getting a Taiwanese IP address: FAQs
Why might I need an IP address for Taiwan?
When traveling abroad, you’re most likely going to need a Taiwanese IP address in order to access region-blocked websites and services from home. This might be a TV platform that is subject to copyright and licensing restrictions, such as TTV. Alternatively, you may even find that you can’t log into your online banking account which may automatically flag a foreign login for fraud. You can reduce the chance of this happening by getting a VPN that will hide your IP address and give you a Taiwan IP instead.
If you’re already in Taiwan, chances are you already have a Taiwanese IP address (assuming you’re not connected to a VPN). You may simply want to use a VPN to change to another IP address from Taiwan. In doing so, your online activity is no longer tied to your identity and physical location. This means you can continue to unblock your favorite local content without having to sacrifice your online privacy and anonymity.
Are VPNs legal in Taiwan?
Yes, VPNs are legal in Taiwan and most other countries. However, any illegal activities carried out while connected to the VPN will still be deemed illegal. For example, using a VPN to download torrents containing copyrighted material would be prohibited.
How will I know if my IP address has been changed to Taiwan?
If you want to make absolutely sure that your IP address has been changed to Taiwan, you only need to use our IP Address Check tool or whatismyip.com. There, you’ll be able to see the IP address you’ve been assigned by your VPN and the approximate location of the server (in this case, it should be somewhere in Taiwan).
You should also be able to see this information from within the VPN app anyway once you connect to a Taiwan server.