How to use a VPN in Bhutan (and the best options)

If you’re browsing the internet from Bhutan, the good news is that, for the most part, you can do so freely. Still, there are occasional blocks on content such as pornography and, according to Freedom House, “powerful individuals can use defamation laws to retaliate against critics.” When you also consider the geographic restrictions on streaming platforms when traveling abroad and the risks of using public wifi, a VPN can certainly come in handy while in Bhutan.

Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts all data traveling between your device and the internet and routes it through an encrypted tunnel. This prevents others from seeing your real IP address and what you’re doing online – particularly important when traveling and frequently connecting to unsecured public wifi networks. A VPN changes your IP address to your preferred location, allowing you to bypass online content blocks.

In this post, we’ll take you through all of the best VPNs for Bhutan, explaining exactly what each has to offer. First, here’s a short summary of each Bhutan VPN in case you’re in a hurry:

Best VPNs for Bhutan:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Bhutan
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly.
2. Surfshark: Best for users on a budget
3. Total VPN: Best value for Bhutan
4. Proton VPN: Excellent choice for privacy-focused users
5. ExpressVPN: Best for users who want a premium VPN
6. IPVanish: Best for security and privacy
7. CyberGhost: Great choice for ease of use

How to use a VPN in Bhutan

Whether you’re in Bhutan, a neighboring country such as India or China, or traveling further afield, the process of using a VPN is much the same. The only real difference is that if you’re in China, you’d almost certainly need to use obfuscation to bypass the Great Firewall. With Bhutan having a more open internet, you’ll be able to connect as normal however.

Here’s how to use VPN in Bhutan:

1. Start by selecting one of the best VPNs for Bhutan as listed above. We particularly recommend NordVPN for its combination of speed, security, and extra features.
2. Download and install the VPN software on your device. You can connect multiple devices simultaneously with all of the best Bhutan VPNs – unlimited in some cases.
3. Log in to the VPN app and connect to a server. For example, you’d connect to a server in the UK if you wanted a UK IP address for accessing BBC iPlayer, ITVX, or Sky Go.
4. Your internet traffic will now be routed via the VPN’s encrypted tunnel and you’ll be able to get around geo-restrictions for the country to which you’re connected.
5. Having trouble unblocking? Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies usually does the trick. Sometimes you need to connect to more than one server to find one that works.

Best Bhutan VPNs compared

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Bhutan.

Best VPNs for Bhutan

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Bhutan:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2026

NordVPN is our preferred pick for Bhutan. It’s one of the few VPNs with servers in Bhutan, and selecting this location or a nearby server in Bangladesh or Nepal will give you a faster, more stable connection. Servers in 181 locations offer plenty of flexibility, and NordVPN is a strong content unblocker. This, plus the fast proprietary NordLynx protocol, means it’s a strong choice when you want to stream different Netflix libraries while traveling.

One area in which NordVPN sets itself apart from so many VPNs is its generous choice of specialty servers. These include P2P-optimized options, as well as Double VPN or Onion Over VPN for an extra layer of protection. NordVPN’s no-logs policy has been verified by Deloitte, and security comprises 256-bit AES or ChaCha20 encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. Extras include a password manager and ad blocking.

Secure up to 10 devices simultaneously via the NordVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Use with routers requires manual configuration.

BEST VPN FOR BHUTAN:NordVPN is our top recommendation. Its global server network, high-speed connections, and strong security setup make it ideal for use in Bhutan and for traveling. This no-logs service offers 24/7 live chat support. If you’d like to try NordVPN risk-free, you need only take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is absolutely packed with features, which makes its subscription prices all the more impressive. You pay as little as $1.99 a month and connect as many devices as you like simultaneously. 4,500+ servers are available across 100 countries, including Bhutan. Surfshark ranked among the fastest VPNs in our most recent speed tests, and it works with a lot of Netflix libraries and other popular streaming platforms.

Even if you opt for a base Surfshark Starter subscription, you’ll have access to MultiHop servers, its Alternative ID feature, and ad blocking. Step up to Surfshark One, and you’ll even get Surfshark Antivirus for even more comprehensive threat protection. All users benefit from ChaCha20 or 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks. You don’t need to worry about logs because Surfshark operates a strict no-logs policy.

You can download and install Surfshark apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. You’ll also have the option of Chrome, Firefox and Edge extensions. As for routers, Surfshark provides manual setup guides to help you get started.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark has highly affordable long-term plans and offers great value when you also factor in its unlimited simultaneous connection allowance. High-speed servers and impressive unblocking. Extras include Alternative ID and an antivirus. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. Total VPN

Total VPN takes online protection to another level because it comes bundled not only with Total Antivirus – the best antivirus we’ve tested – but also with Total AdBlock. This further adds to the excellent value on offer. With Total VPN, you have access to servers in approximately 90 countries, Bhutan included. Its US and UK servers work well with the likes of Hulu, Peacock, BBC iPlayer, and ITVX. This VPN uses WireGuard so you can expect fast, consistent connections.

The clean, uncluttered design of Total VPN’s apps as well as the presence of 24/7 live chat and email support makes it a safe choice for first-time VPN users or simply those who want an uncomplicated VPN experience. It ticks all of the essential security boxes: 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Another nice feature is split tunneling. Available for Windows and Android, it lets you choose which VPN apps can bypass the VPN.

With Total VPN, you get a choice of apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and tvOS. You might want to look elsewhere if you want a VPN for Linux however, as there’s no app available. Likewise, Total VPN doesn’t provide support for routers at the time of writing.

ADVANCED PROTECTION:Total VPN stands out for its VPN antivirus, and ad blocking bundle. The VPN has servers in some 90 countries including Bhutan and works with streaming services including Netflix and Prime Video. Secure and with 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Total VPN review.

4. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a VPN that takes users’ privacy seriously, as evidenced by a very strict no-logs policy, multiple independent audits, and anonymous payment options. Yet it doesn’t do any of this at the expense of performance. Proton VPN has one of the biggest server networks of any VPN, offering over 18,000 servers in 129 countries. You can easily find fast local servers and servers further afield for accessing region-locked websites and services.

This VPN is one of the fastest on the market and its high-speed servers coupled with an unlimited bandwidth allowance means you can stream in 4K lag and buffer-free. Beyond 256-bit and ChaCha20 encryption, Proton VPN offers an effective kill switch, DNS leak protection, and Secure Core (Double VPN) servers. Its highest tier, Proton Unlimited, adds a whole suite of privacy-first products including Proton Pass, Proton Drive, and Proton Calendar.

Proton VPN has apps for desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS) as well as Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV apps. Chrome and Firefox extensions are available for when you only need to secure browser traffic. Proton VPN is compatible with select routers too.

PRIVACY-RESPECTING:Proton VPN puts your privacy first, using strong encryption and operating a true no-logs policy. You can even pay anonymously in cash. Strong performance and valuable extras including Secure Core servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Proton VPN review.

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is very much a solid all-rounder for when you need a VPN that won’t let you down when it comes to performance or protection. With servers offered in 105 countries, you’ll easily be able to access region-locked content. Not only are there servers for Bhutan, ExpressVPN has servers in all 50 US states. This makes it a strong candidate for accessing Hulu as well as Netflix US. Its proprietary Lightway protocol allows for high-speed, stable connections.

This VPN is easy to use thanks to straightforward apps, generous help resources, and quality 24/7 live chat and email support. It’s packed with features including ad, tracker, and malicious website blocking, a password manager, and split tunneling. ExpressVPN is one of the most audited VPNs, having subjected everything from its no-logs policy to its apps to independent review. 256-bit AES encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch round out the security offering.

Secure 10–14 devices (depending on your chosen plan) with ExpressVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. Extensions can be downloaded for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers. Custom firmware is available for compatible routers.

HIGHLY VERSATILE:ExpressVPN is a popular choice among streamers and torrenters thanks to its fast speeds. Yet it’s user-friendly with excellent apps and 24/7 support. It also provides a high level of security and strict no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish is a VPN you can share with family or friends at home because it doesn’t impose a limit on the number of devices you can connect at the same time. Ranking among the fastest VPNs around, IPVanish poses no problems whether you’re streaming in 4K or playing intense online multiplayer games. Of its over 3,200 servers, over 160 are located in Asia in more than 30 countries, Bhutan included. These provides plenty of flexibility when it comes to unblocking.

You have a few VPN protocols to choose from with IPVanish, two of which are WireGuard and OpenVPN. These offer ChaCha20 and 256-bit AES encryption respectively, and you’ll benefit from DNS leak protection and a kill switch. IPVanish operates a no-logs policy which has passed independent audits. You’ll find a number of valuable extras too including a secure browser, cloud storage, Double Hop servers, and Threat Protection (ad, tracker, malicious site blocking).

Secure all of your devices simultaneously with IPVanish apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. No browser extensions are available. IPVanish is compatible with a variety of routers and has detailed setup guides.

NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish is ideal if you have a lot of devices to secure as there’s no connection limit. Servers cover some 30 countries in Asia alone including Bhutan. Offers extras such as a secure browser and Double Hop servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has established a reputation for its streaming capabilities, boasting dedicated servers for popular streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, Crunchyroll, and YouTube TV. Accessing these platforms is quick and easy. You won’t have to worry about lag or buffering either because CyberGhost topped our most recent speed tests as the fastest VPN. Though it has no servers in Bhutan, servers cover 100 countries including 25 in Asia.

This is one of the most secure VPNs you can use. It starts with 256-bit AES encryption, protection against DNS leaks, and an automatic kill switch. Yet you’ll also find NoSpy servers – those owned and operated entirely by CyberGhost. Just as important as all this, CyberGhost operates a strict no-logs policy and is headquartered in Romania, beyond Five Eyes jurisdiction. Though CyberGhost apps are easy to use, you’ll find 24/7 support should you need it.

Connect to CyberGhost servers via apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. You also have the option of downloading a browser extension for Chrome or Firefox. If you manually install CyberGhost on a router, you can bypass its 7-device connection limit.

DEDICATED STREAMING SERVERS:CyberGhost is the fastest VPN we’ve tested and has specialty streaming servers so you can easily unblock popular platforms. Includes a generous server network and its own NoSpy servers. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

Finding the best VPNs for Bhutan: our VPN testing methodology

Some VPNs sound impressive at first, particularly when they make big claims about the speeds they offer or the privacy they provide. The fact is that the quality of VPN services varies greatly. However, it’s not fair or realistic to expect you to try them all out in order to find the best VPN for Bhutan. With this in mind, we used our established testing process to determine whether a VPN fulfilled key criteria such as sufficient speeds for streaming or a truly private no-logs policy.

Server network

A VPN’s server locations dictate the content you can access and even the quality of your connection. For example, if a VPN offers servers in the US, you can access US-based streaming services such as Hulu and Peacock from anywhere including Bhutan. Yet access to servers in Bhutan or a nearby country such as Bangladesh, Nepal, or India often provides a faster, more consistent connection because data doesn’t travel as far.

Aside from looking for servers in countries worldwide, we want to see if a VPN offers any specialty servers. These may be optimized for specific activities such as P2P file-sharing, streaming, or gaming. They may even offer an extra layer of privacy as in the case of Double VPN or Onion Over VPN servers. We test these servers work as they should and check if a VPN also provides the option of dedicated IP addresses for a more consistent experience.

Speed

Many VPNs claim to be fast but it’s not always the reality. That’s why we connect to each VPN’s servers across three different locations at three different times of day. This allows us to measure a VPN’s server speeds across varying network conditions. In order to make tests fairer, we run our speed tests on the same 1 Gbps connection each time and over the fastest VPN protocol – usually WireGuard.

Before each round of tests, we measure our own base connection so that we’re realistic about the kind of speeds we can expect. Naturally, the further a server from our location, the slower speeds are likely to be. We wanted to find servers in Bhutan and neighboring countries so that you can have the fastest and most consistent connections when browsing from the country. As part of our speed tests, we streamed content to make sure there were no performance issues.

Unblocking

Another area in which the success of VPNs can wildly differ is unblocking. Some VPNs struggle to access geo-restricted websites and services, some are highly effective in doing so, and then there are those in the middle that are somewhat inconsistent. We aimed to find those that work at the first time of asking, testing each VPN against difficult-to-access streaming platforms such as BBC iPlayer, DAZN, and Disney+.

Internet censorship isn’t a problem in Bhutan, though the country has seen occasional blocks on adult content. Still, it’s good to know that a VPN offers obfuscation for when you need to not only get around geographic restrictions, but circumvent VPN blocks. Indeed, you’d need a VPN to access many international websites and services if traveling in China. It’s for this reason that we sought VPNs for Bhutan that have the ability to disguise their VPN traffic.

Security and privacy

There aren’t any specific safety concerns when it comes to the internet in Bhutan but, like anywhere else, you’ll want to be careful when connecting to public and hotel wifi networks. Their lack of security can put your data at risk which is why we only selected VPNs that use a high level of encryption: ChaCha20 (WireGuard) or 256-bit AES (OpenVPN). These robust encryption protocols ensure that even if traffic is intercepted, the information can’t be read.

A VPN should offer leak protection to ensure that user data, specifically IP addresses and DNS requests, don’t bypass the VPN’s encrypted tunnel. We use online leak test tools to make sure of this. We verify a VPN’s kill switch works as it should by forcing our VPN connection to drop and checking that our internet traffic is cut and that our real IP address stays hidden. We also assess whether a VPN has any extra security features, be it an antivirus or ad blocker.

Ease of use

Whether a VPN is easy to use is somewhat subjective. A VPN app that seems straightforward to navigate for one user may feel confusing and over-cluttered to another. Our testing of VPNs for Bhutan starts from signup, making sure the process is smooth and that, when it comes to downloading and installing the VPN software, an automatic setup wizard is there to guide you through it.

We then look for convenient features such as a quick-connect button, a search bar for finding server locations, and the ability to favorite specific server locations for faster future access. The settings page should be easily accessible and the various features such as the kill switch and VPN protocols will preferably be explained. One thing all of the best VPNs for Bhutan have in common is the availability of live chat and email support, available 24/7 in most cases.

Value for money

The good news is that the best VPNs for Bhutan don’t break the bank. You choose from one month, one year, and two year plans. Multiple subscription tiers are available to choose from in some cases, providing even more flexibility to suit all budgets. We look at all of the above criteria when assessing a VPN’s pricing and ask ourselves whether its speed, security, and feature offering represent value for money.

Most top-tier VPNs offer generous discounts for their one and two year plans, giving you a chance to save significantly if you’re prepared to pay more upfront. Also important is whether a VPN gives you a chance to try its service at no cost. We looked for VPNs with free trials – most typically available for Android and iOS – as well as 30-day money-back guarantees. Both are ways to try the best VPNs for Bhutan risk-free.

Want to know more? Our VPN testing methodology further explores our process when it comes to assessing a VPN’s speed, security, and unblocking.

Why do I need a VPN for Bhutan?

Using a VPN in Bhutan mainly protects your privacy and secures your data. Although the country’s internet isn’t heavily censored, there have been occasional blocks on content deemed inappropriate, specifically porn. A VPN encrypts your traffic and prevents anyone – including your ISP – from seeing which sites you visit. It also prevents your personal safe from being intercepted on public wifi networks.

A VPN can also help you sidestep geographic restrictions. Streaming platforms, online banking services, and news sites may limit content based on your IP location. By routing your connection through a server in another country, you can access all content. Likewise, encrypting your online traffic via a VPN is useful for avoiding ISP throttling because ISPs sometimes throttle streaming and P2P traffic to better manage their networks.

In short, although a VPN isn’t mandatory in Bhutan, it can offer privacy and security as well as flexibility, particularly when you’re using unsecured networks or handling sensitive online tasks.

Can I use a free VPN in Bhutan?

Free VPNs do work in Bhutan, but come with notable trade-offs that you should weigh carefully. Most free VPN providers impose strict data caps and slower speeds. They offer limited server locations compared to quality paid providers. Needless to say, all of this makes activities such as streaming, torrenting, and downloading large files frustrating. You may find it difficult to access geo-blocked websites and services and performance is likely to be comparatively poor.

More importantly, free VPNs often try to sustain themselves by logging user activity or injecting irrelevant or even inappropriate ads. You may find that the data a VPN logs is sold to third parties. Between this and potentially weak encryption and insufficient leak protection, free VPNs can end up undermining the very protection you seek. When the best VPNs all come with money-back guarantees and free trials, there’s little reason to use free VPNs for Bhutan.

VPN for Bhutan FAQs