If you made a Venn diagram of people who use Bitcoin and people who use VPNs, more than a few of those people would land in the overlapping center. We share an interest in technology and a preference for online privacy. So it makes sense that many of the best VPN providers accept bitcoin as payment.
While not completely anonymous, paying with bitcoin allows you to buy a VPN subscription outside the scope of banks and other financial institutions. The price of a subscription is pegged to the same dollar amount that you would spend otherwise, and thus adjusts according to the current price of bitcoin.
If you tread carefully, it’s possible to sign up and pay for a VPN without leaving a trace as to who you are. More on that later.
In countries where bitcoin is banned and exchanges are censored or monitored, a VPN can help bypass these obstacles and allow you to freely trade cryptocurrencies.
We go into some depth on each of the VPN providers that make up this list below, but if you prefer a quick summary, here are our top picks:
- NordVPN Our #1 choice for Bitcoin. Veteran provider that does not skimp on privacy and digital security. Keep no logs of browsing activities. Vast server network. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark Fast and secure, with a no-logs policy, this low-cost service ensures you’re protected at all times. It allows users to pay in Bitcoin.
- ExpressVPN Solid commitment to protecting the privacy and security of its users. No email address required. Numerous super-fast servers in over 90 countries. Also works great in China and throughout the Middle East.
- CyberGhost Good beginner’s option. Fast server speeds, strong privacy features and the ability to retain anonymity.
- PrivateVPN Direct Bitcoin payments accepted (no third-party middleman). Scores top marks at unblocking geo-restricted content.
- SaferVPN Stores no identifiable user data. Not as beginner-friendly as other choices here.
JUMP TO: How to buy a VPN with Bitcoin
The best VPNs for Bitcoin – At a glance
We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Bitcoin.
| No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PrivateVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Bitcoin: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Streaming Services | Netflix Amazon Prime Hulu BBC iPlayer Disney+ | Netflix Amazon Prime Hulu BBC iPlayer Disney+ | Netflix Amazon Prime Hulu BBC iPlayer Disney+ | Netflix Amazon Prime Hulu BBC iPlayer | Netflix Hulu | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 71 Mbps | Activity logs | None | Some | No identifying data | No identifying data | No logs stored | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Total number of servers | 5,400 | 3,200 | 3,000 | 7,000+ | 200+ |
| Best deal (per month) | $3.29 SAVE up to 63% + 3 months FREE | $2.30 Get 2 Months FREE with a 2-year plan | $6.67 SAVE: 49% on the annual plan | $2.11 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 3 months FREE | $2.00 SAVE 85% on the three year plan |
The Best VPNs that accept Bitcoin payments
But don’t just trust any VPN with your data. Our list of the best VPNs for Bitcoin is based on the following criteria:
- Accepts Bitcoin and/or other cryptocurrency payment
- No logs of online activity or IP address
- Strong encryption and leak protection
- Shared, dynamic IP addresses
- Fast and reliable speed
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?
NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use our top VPN for Bitcoin users with no restrictions for a month—great if you want to see what all the fuss is about before committing to a longer subscription.
There are no hidden terms or conditions—simply tell support staff within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you to claim a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN accepts Bitcoin via BitPay for all of its plans, and those who use it still get the 30-day money-back guarantee. The only other information necessary to sign up is an email address. NordVPN adheres to a strict zero logs policy. DNS and IPv6 leak protection come built in, as do two kill switches: one that allows you to block internet traffic across the entire device when the VPN connection drops, and one in which you can specify which programs get cut off. On top of normal OpenVPN and IKEv2 servers, specialized servers include Tor over VPN, double VPN encryption, and anti-DDoS. 256-bit AES encryption is paired with perfect forward secrecy for an uncrackable tunnel.
More than 5,400 servers are scattered across the globe. NordVPN is a capable unblocker of geo-locked streaming channels like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. You can connect up to six devices at one time, making it a great option for a small household or office. US customers can also pay with cash at certain vendors.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
Pros:
- Accepts Bitcoin via Bitpay for all their plans
- Zero-logs policy
- Extremely fast speeds
- Operates a large network of over 5700 servers in 60 countries
- Round-the-clock chat support
Cons:
- Desktop apps can be sluggish and takes a bit of getting used to
Our score:
BEST VPN THAT ACCEPTS BITCOIN:NordVPN is our top choice. Offers a robust network of servers. Strong security and privacy features. Accommodates up to 6 devices. Includes a risk-free 30-day money back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark allows users to sign up anonymously using a throwaway email address and Bitcoin. It keeps your traffic safe from snoopers using 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. There’s also split tunneling functionality and a NoBorders mode that helps bypass especially stringent web-filtering in places like China.
This service offers access to over 3,200 servers in 100 countries worldwide. It works with a huge range of streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, and as such, is an excellent choice for anyone who streams frequently. With no connection limit, users can secure every device they own simultaneously.
Surfshark offers MacOS, Android, Windows, iOS, and Linux apps. It can even be manually installed on supported network routers.
Pros:
- Pay in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Ripple
- Excellent record on security and privacy
- Connect as many devices as you like
- No-logs policy
- Provides decent speeds
Cons:
- Some slow speeds
- Smaller network than some of its rivals
Our score:
Read our full review of Surfshark here.
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is an affordable service with a lot to offer Bitcoin users;. Its strong unblocking abilities and powerful security features make it an obvious choice for streaming and gaming while abroad. Still not convinced? Why not take advantage of Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee?
3. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN accepts Bitcoin via BitPay for all of its plans. The 30-day money-back guarantee still applies to those who pay with Bitcoin. To sign up, the only other necessary information is an email address. ExpressVPN does not log your internet activity or your email address, but does store some non-identifying diagnostic info like dates (not times) when you used the VPN, total amount of data transferred per day, and choice of VPN server. The apps use best-in-class security, including 256-bit AES military-grade encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and comprehensive leak protection.
ExpressVPN operates more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries. It’s one of the most reliable VPNs when it comes to securely accessing platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and HBO. A kill switch is built into the desktop apps.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and certain wifi routers.
Pros:
- Accepts Bitcoin via BitPay for all plans
- 30-day money-back guarantee still applies to Bitcoin paid signups
- Superfast server network is great for streaming and downloading
- Industry-leading security features
Cons:
- Not the cheapest provider here
- Could provide more control over advanced features
Our score:
FAST AND VERSATILE:ExpressVPN is a speedy, secure service. It has a vast server network that is optimized for high-speed connections. User-friendly apps for all operating systems. Hard to beat on privacy and security. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee too.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost accepts bitcoin payments via BitPay on all of its plans, and you still get the 45-day money-back guarantee. CyberGhost uses 256-bit encryption and perfect forward secrecy to create a super-secure tunnel to the VPN server. The company boasts a clear no-logs privacy policy. You can also avail of extra security features like anti-malware and anti-tracking. DNS and IPv6 leak protection is built-in. Some servers are equipped with double encryption for added security.
CyberGhost allows you to connect up to seven devices at the same time. Over 9,000 servers are available to choose from. You can select a server based on how you plan to use the VPN, such as streaming or anonymous browsing. CyberGhost can help you securely stream several streaming channels like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Pros:
- Accepts Bitcoin via BitPay and 30-day money-back guarantee still applies
- Keeps no user activity logs and provides strong encryption to bypass activity detection
- Good value provider with fast servers that are great for streaming and downloading
- Apps are easy to use and great for new users
Cons:
- Doesn’t work in China
- May not offer enough control for experienced users
Our score:
GREAT FOR NOVICES:CyberGhost is easy to use and set up. Great security and privacy with zero logs and DNS leak protection. Unblocks popular streaming platforms. 45-day money back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
5. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is an up-and-coming provider that’s poised to take on the legacy competition. If you don’t want to go through BitPay, which handles the Bitcoin transactions for the other VPNs on this list, PrivateVPN allows you to send bitcoin directly to the company with no middleman. The website explains:
“When you’ve payed the correct amount, you will receive a Transaction ID from your Bitcoin account provider, and in order for us to complete your payment, we have to match your Transaction ID towards your Order ID.”
You’ll get 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and a no-logs policy. DNS and IPv6 leak protection come standard, and you can simultaneously connect up to 10 devices. PrivateVPN is one of the best streaming VPNs in the business, despite its smaller server network. You can securely access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video from abroad.
Pros:
- Can pay with Bitcoin via BitPay or directly using details on the site
- Provides a secure, encrypted connection
- Keeps no logs whatsoever
- Works with a wide range of Netflix country catalogs
Cons:
- Support staff are well trained, but they only operate during European business hours
- New network with a smaller number of servers to choose from
Our score:
GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is consistently reliable. Good for general purpose use and HD Streaming. Great security and privacy. Could do with having more servers and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
6. SaferVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.safervpn.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
SaferVPN accepts Bitcoin payments via BitPay along with normal credit cards, and all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. SaferVPN only logs some non-identifying diagnostic data, which does not include records of your online activity, DNS requests, or your real IP address. Perfect forward secrecy is combined with 256-bit AES encryption to secure all the traffic heading to and from your device, using either OpenVPN or IKEv2 protocols. We noticed public DNS servers are used for some locations, according to our review, so make sure you’re using one with SaferVPN’s private DNS servers beforehand for maximum privacy.
SaferVPN works with US Netflix and sports some very quick connections, which will allow you to stream in HD. Over 1,300 servers are available in 50+ global locations.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
Pros:
- Allows Bitcoin payments via BitPay
- Stores no logs or identifying information
- Good streaming capabilities with decent speeds
Cons:
- iOS and Android apps didn’t work with Netflix during our tests
- Even though they operate their own DNS server, some servers use public DNS like Google
- Limited features compared to other VPNs
Our score:
SIMPLE INTERFACE:SaferVPN achieves great speeds. Lets you securely stream geo-restricted content while traveling and has great privacy credentials. Lacks some popular features. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full SaferVPN review.
VPN testing methodology
Comparitech strives to publish the most accurate, useful, and comprehensive VPN reviews and recommendations on the web. To do that, our reviewers evaluate every VPN we recommend based on a combination of real-world experience, expert analysis, and a series of performance and security tests. When it comes to Bitcoin VPNs, we specifically look at:
- Security: We assess each VPN’s encryption scheme and test connections for various types of data leaks.
- Logging policy: We sift through each VPN’s privacy policy and terms of service for any language or lack thereof that could indicate the collection of personally identifiable data while using the VPN.
- Speed: We measure and record download speeds while connected to VPN servers located around the world.
- Payment: For this article, we focused on VPNs that accept Bitcoin and/or other cryptocurrencies as payment. All VPN providers we have covered also accept debit and credit cards as forms of payment
- Customer support: Our reviewers contact each VPN’s customer support staff as secret shoppers to gauge response times and quality.
- Streaming: We use real-world tests to find out which VPNs can access popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video.
To get a better idea of how we rate and review VPNs, check out our full VPN testing methodology.
How to buy a VPN with cryptocurrency – Bitcoin
We’ll assume you already have a Bitcoin wallet with funds in it. We’ve outlined below how to pay for ExpressVPN with Bitcoin as an example.
Here’s how to buy a VPN with Bitcoin:
- Go to your chosen VPN provider’s website and begin the signup process. When you get to the crypto payment section, find the Bitcoin or cryptocurrency option.
- Each VPN provider likely uses a third-party payment system, such as BitPay, to handle Bitcoin transactions. You can either sign up or continue as a guest. For this example, we’ll choose the latter.
- Enter any necessary contact details, such as your email address, and continue. This will vary depending on the payment system used by your VPN provider.
- Next, you’ll be presented with a payment URL and QR code. You can either use the Bitcoin wallet app on your phone to scan the QR code or copy and paste the URL.
- In your crypto wallet app, confirm the transaction details and send the bitcoin. You might need to wait for your transaction to be verified on the blockchain. The time varies depending on your transaction fees and how many times the transaction needs to be validated in subsequent blocks.
- Once the payment has been made, continue with signup as usual.
Bear in mind that if you’re buying a VPN with Bitcoin to stay anonymous, you’ll need to take additional precautions. These include signing up with a burner email and hiding your IP address and other identifiers from the VPN’s website.
How to anonymously buy a VPN subscription
A common misconception is that bitcoin is anonymous. In fact, the sender, receiver, and amount of every transaction is recorded in the blockchain, a digital public ledger of all cryptocurrency transactions on the bitcoin network. Whether you use a VPN or not, the blockchain will record your wallet address, the wallet address of the recipient or sender, and how much bitcoin was transferred. That means your purchase of a VPN with bitcoin can still be traced back to you.
However, only the wallet addresses of each transaction are recorded, and wallets aren’t necessarily tied to their owner’s real identity. This pseudo-anonymity will be sufficient for many, but if you really want to anonymously spend bitcoin on, say, a VPN subscription, be prepared for a few more steps and fees.
If you want to spend your bitcoin anonymously, check out our guide on how to mix bitcoin. We explain how to use Tor Browser to hide your IP address, create burner email accounts on Mailinator, and ultimately tumble bitcoin to hide its origin.
How to unblock Bitcoin sites and apps
If Bitcoin-related websites and apps, such as cryptocurrency exchanges, are blocked in your country, you can use a VPN to gain access. A VPN encrypts all of a device’s internet traffic and routes it through an intermediary server in a location of your choosing. That means you can access blocked sites and apps by connecting to a server in a country where bitcoin is legal.
Here’s how to unblock Bitcoin sites with a VPN:
- Sign up for one of the recommended VPNs above
- Download and install the VPN app
- Run the VPN app and select a server location in a country where bitcoin is legal and open
- Access the website or app as you normally would
It’s that easy! You can even gain access to exchanges and other Bitcoin-related services that are region-locked to specific countries, although exchanges in other countries will likely require local forms of fiat payment.
Where do I get a burner email address?
Most VPNs at least require an email address to sign up. You can use your own email address if you’re not too concerned about leaving a trace, but bitcoin users might want to use a burner email to make the entire transaction as anonymous as possible.
A couple of our favorite free burner email services are Mailinator and Geurrilla Mail. To use them anonymously, access their websites with a VPN or Tor Browser. The VPN website should also be accessed using Tor Browser or a VPN. This prevents websites from logging your IP address, which can be traced back to you (note that the VPN services we recommend don’t record IP addresses, but their websites likely do).
Mailinator allows you to receive email at any address you can think of that ends in “@mailinator.com”. Just make something up, e.g. paulbischoff@mailinator.com, when you sign up. There’s no need to set anything up ahead of time, just go to Mailinator and check the email address you just invented. Note that anyone can check the same email as you—all emails are part of the public domain—but no registration or authentication is necessary, so as long as you’re on the Tor Network, nothing can be traced back to you. You can’t reply using Mailinator, but you probably only need the email for account verification and app activation, anyway. Also, emails are deleted every eight hours or so, so make sure to copy any important information ahead of time. Although emails get deleted, the email addresses do not, so you can continue to receive mail at the same address, so long as you check within eight hours of receiving it.
Geurrilla Mail offers disposable temporary email addresses. A new email address is generated as soon as you go to the website (again, use Tor Browser). You can send and receive email, reply, and open attachments. No registration is necessary. Like Mailinator, anyone can check your inbox without a password, but emails are not part of the public domain. Email addresses last indefinitely, but the emails themselves only last for one hour before being deleted. Guerrilla Mail is open source and accepts Ethereum donations.
Is Cryptocurrency Fully Anonymous?
No, most cryptocurrency is not fully anonymous, including Bitcoin. All transactions that occur using Bitcoin are recorded and verified on a public ledger called the blockchain. Those records include wallet addresses from which cryptocurrency is sent and received. Although a wallet address doesn’t constitute an identity, in most cases it’s not hard to figure out who the owner of a wallet is or what device that wallet is stored on. For this reason, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are often considered pseudo-anonymous, or “pseudonymous” for short.
Some cryptocurrencies are more anonymous than others, such as Monero.
Cryptocurrency can also be tumbled (a.k.a. “washed” or “mixed”) to better obscure the connection between sender and receiver, though such services operate in a legal grey area.
How much is the transaction fee if I buy a VPN with Bitcoin?
Bitcoin transaction fees are as volatile as the price of Bitcoin itself, so by the time you read this, the cost will likely have changed. That being said, as of time of writing at the end of 2021, the average fee is about $2, which is about the lowest it’s been in a long time. Fees have reached higher than $60 on average in the past.
See also: How to encrypt your email
Buying VPNs with Bitcoin: FAQs
Why use Bitcoin to buy a VPN?
VPNs are primarily designed to enhance your privacy and some people worry that using a traditional payment method, such as a credit card, will leave their real name and bank details somewhere in the VPN's system.
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin can help by obscuring your identity a little, though it's not impossible to tell who owns a specific wallet by any means. To really sign up anonymously, the best option is to find a VPN that accepts gift cards and buy one of these in person, with cash.
Why doesn't every VPN accept cryptocurrency?
One of the biggest problems with crypto is that it's extremely volatile. For instance, Bitcoin has previously lost half of its value in a matter of months. This makes setting a price particularly difficult, especially since transaction fees are also wildly unpredictable.
Of course, for consumers, the problem is that currently, crypto can't really be used to buy very much. VPN providers know this, and can capitalize by taking unwanted crypto in exchange for access to their services. There is, after all, a small chance that the crypto's price will skyrocket in the future, though this may be too optimistic to gamble on for smaller providers.
This time I used bitcoin to extend my subscription with Nordvpn. By the way, recommend their product to someone looking to add an extra layer of security to your daily life on the web