The best Canada VPN in 2024
Avoid government eyes and stream more with a Canada VPN
As part of the Five Eyes Alliance, Canada has some of the strongest surveillance legislation in the West, so it's more important than ever to invest in a Canada VPN.
The best VPNs manage to offer both protection from hackers and scammers and privacy from prying eyes (and governments). This is done by encrypting your data and making it unreadable to those up to no good. If you love streaming, a VPN could be an essential tool too – by spoofing your IP address you can unlock region-specific content on the likes of Netflix and other services.
Here at Tom's Guide we've tested and reviewed dozens of VPNs so that we can bring you the best Canada VPNs out there. If you're ready to go, simply pick from the best three VPNs for Canada below. If you need more info, just keep scrolling for my in-depth reviews of all five.
My top 3 best Canada VPNs today
1. NordVPN – The best Canada VPN
NordVPN is one of the biggest names in the VPN world and for good reason. It's one of the fastest and easiest to use VPNs and you'll also get advanced anonymity tools and secure protocols for a worry-free experience. Nord also has some of the best streaming performance we've seen. Prices start at $3.39 per month and there's a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try the service risk-free before committing.
2. ExpressVPN – The best Canada VPN for mobile
ExpressVPN may be more expensive than other rivals, starting at $6.67 per month, but it offers a premium-level service. It's fast, and effective and makes connecting to its VPN incredibly easy. With 3,000+ servers in 105 locations, ExpressVPN works all over the world, and is also great for unblocking global streaming content. Tom's Guide readers can claim 3 months free as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. PIA – The best cheap Canada VPN
Private Internet Access is an affordable VPN that could be a great choice if you're after a budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on features and offers unlimited simultaneous connections. What's more, with more servers in North America than any other provider, you're bound to get a speedy connection. Subscriptions start at $2.19 per month. You're also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee in case it's not for you.
Recent updates
With NordVPN climbing to the top spot earlier in the year, I haven't made any significant changes to the top 5 best Canada VPNs in my latest update. What I have done is to ensure that all of the facts and figures are up-to-date – for example, updating NordVPN's entry to reflect that the provider now allows 10 simultaneous connections instead of six, and noting Private Internet Access's Surfshark-matching pricing.
The best Canada VPNs of 2024
Why you can trust Tom's Guide
1. NordVPN: the best Canada VPN
1. NordVPN
The best Canada VPN available today
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous connections: 10 | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, C4, 9Now, 10 play | Number of servers: 6,000+ | Server locations: 110+
✔️ You need a VPN for streaming: NordVPN unblocked every streaming site I threw at it in my testing.
✔️ You want an all-in-one solution: besides nailing the basics with strong encryption and an audited no-logs policy, NordVPN impresses with its add-ons, including antivirus, malware and ad-blocking, double encryption, and more.
✔️ You need a trustworthy VPN at a reasonable price: NordVPN delivers on all fronts (speed, unblocking, security, and ease of use), all while remaining an affordable solution to the average user.
❌ You want the simplest of interfaces: NordVPN certainly isn't difficult to use, but its map-style interface is not the easiest to work with, especially on mobile.
NordVPN is one of the most popular names in the industry and is extremely likable as a security software with the essentials and a built-in antivirus for extra safekeeping. It's also excellent for unblocking streaming sites, ideal for those who want to watch their favorite content from anywhere in the world.
NordVPN is arguably the biggest name in the VPN world, so it’s no surprise it works great as a Canada VPN. With class-leading privacy features and streaming power to match, my NordVPN review found it to be the very best provider on offer right now, and it's ideally suited to users in Canada.
The provider has over 450 servers located in Canada, and that all but guarantees you’ll be able to get great speeds for streaming and regular browsing no matter where you’re located. Plus, with over 6,000 servers worldwide, if you’re on holiday or on a business trip, you should be able to get connected with ease.
It's not only my top-rated Netflix VPN service, but it also knocks it out of the park when it comes to unblocking other streaming content. From niche Netflix libraries to Aussie sites 9Now and 10Play, I tested it with everything, and it passed with flying colors. So, whether you want to check out what's new on U.S. Netflix or catch up on Canadian classics when you're out of the country, NordVPN has you covered.
Plus, a top speed of over 950 Mbps puts it at the upper echelon of the fastest services around, and it offers a worry-free streaming experience.
For those looking for ultimate privacy, Nord has a lot to offer. You'll get AES-256 encryption as standard, a good kill switch, and a range of protocols including the speedy in-house NordLynx.
The bosses at NordVPN have regularly subjected their product to a series of independent audits over the last few years. In simple terms, this means that it really does what it claims to do, and genuinely protects your privacy.
NordVPN is a runaway winner when it comes to additional security features, and an in-built antivirus, a data breach scanner, dark web monitoring, NordLocker cloud storage, and NordPass password manager separate it from its peers as it's more a complete security package and not just a VPN solution. Plus and Ultimate level subscriptions now also include access to Nord's Threat Protection Pro. This an impressive antivirus-style tool that automatically deals with phishing scams, malware and suspicious URLs.
Also, its Meshnet feature is a unique innovation unmatched by any other provider, and looks like it could offer plenty of power for gamers, streamers, and anyone else who wants to share an encrypted network with up to 60 of their friends.
NordVPN offers a great range of apps for tons of devices, but do be aware that the interface can be a little awkward as a mobile VPN – I’d much rather see a list of servers than a map. If you're worried about that, I'd consider ExpressVPN as a fantastic alternative.
However, if you’re looking for a trusted VPN for Canada that covers every base for a reasonable price, NordVPN is my top choice.
Feature | Comments | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | An intuitive design, but there's still some clutter to get rid of | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | The map-style interface takes some getting used to, but the apps are generally very simple | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | Lightning-fast speeds make it one of the fastest around | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | Powerful unblocking capabilities get access to all popular and obscure libraries | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | Solid encryption, a proven no-logs policy, and add-ons like a built-in antivirus and password manager make it an all-rounder | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | 24/7 friendly and professional customer support with tons of helpful guides | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | Excellent value for money, although it can't match Surfshark on pure price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2. ExpressVPN: best Canada VPN for mobile
2. ExpressVPN
My favorite Canada VPN for mobile users
Available on: Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux (command-line only), Routers, almost everything else | Simultaneous connections: 8 | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, C4, 9Now, 10 play | Number of servers: 3,000+ | Server locations: 160
✔️ You want a VPN you can trust 100%: with an intuitive kill switch, a rock-solid no-logs policy, regular audits, and AES 256-bit encryption, ExpressVPN offers class-leading security and complete peace of mind.
✔️ You're mobile-first: ExpressVPN's mobile apps are super simple yet powerful, and are the best in the business.
✔️ You want access everywhere: 160 server locations around the world (including four in Canada) mean that you'll be able to stream content regardless of where you are.
❌ You're on a budget: ExpressVPN packs a serious punch for its asking price, but cheaper options like Surfshark and PIA may appeal more to the budget conscious.
❌ You want a VPN for Linux: while ExpressVPN supports Linux installations, it doesn't come with a graphical user interface (GUI).
ExpressVPN is just a hair's breadth behind NordVPN overall, and for many – mobile users particularly – it's still a fantastic choice. With loads of server locations worldwide, excellent privacy credentials and slick apps on all devices, it's perfect if you're always on the go, or want a fuss-free experience.
ExpressVPN pushes NordVPN all the way, and really they're neck and neck when it comes to providing a quality Canada VPN. Not only does it offer excellent connection speeds all over the world, but it can unblock just about every streaming service around, is ideal for torrenting, and is incredibly private and secure to boot – my glowing ExpressVPN review is testament to its quality.
First things first, ExpressVPN boasts industry-standard AES-256 encryption combined with a selection of protocols, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and an audited no-logging policy. The PFS feature safeguards end-to-end encrypted messages from being compromised by regularly changing keys, and the key takeaway here is that even if a key were to be compromised, it won't allow the attacker to get through to any past or future messages.
It also has a kill switch to protect you if your connection drops, plus split tunneling, which can route some of your traffic through the VPN while keeping some untouched.
Don’t be intimidated by Express’s comprehensive list of features, though – if all you want to do is press a button and get connected, you can do that too. While fine-tuning a VPN is fun for some, we really appreciate how ExpressVPN works perfectly out the box and is perfectly suited for those that just want to plug and play – especially on mobile devices.
That's really ExpressVPN's biggest asset – its simplicity. While other providers frontload their apps with every feature under the sun, Express takes a more straightforward approach. This is even more noticeable on mobile, where ExpressVPN really shines.
Should you face any issue using ExpressVPN, prompt and friendly 24/7 support will help you out in no time at all. And a rich catalog of helpful articles is the cherry on top, particularly useful when you need help on the fly.
Although ExpressVPN is pricier than the competition, its MediaStreamer tool makes up for that by allowing you to stream geo-restricted content on devices that don't natively support a VPN, like Smart TVs and gaming consoles.
So when it comes to a VPN for streaming, ExpressVPN is hard to beat. It does an awesome job of unblocking Canadian content – which comes in handy if you're traveling overseas and want to stay up to date with your favorite shows – and has no trouble accessing other international goodies. That includes shows and movies on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more.
It's worth noting that, topping out at over 950 Mbps, Surfshark and NordVPN are quite a bit faster compared to Express's 410 Mbps average from my most recent round of testing. But that's still way more than you require for streaming in 4K Ultra HD and gaming online, so there's nothing to worry about.
Overall, ExpressVPN loses out to Nord because the latter is faster and offers a few more interesting features for a slightly better price. However, if you're always glued to your phone, ExpressVPN will give you a more pleasant experience.
Feature | Comments | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | Clean interface with everything very easy to find | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | Easy to use for beginners, and lots of customization options make it equally exciting for tech-savvy users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | Fast enough for just about everything you need it for, but Surfshark and NordVPN are currently faster | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | Access to every streaming platform you can think of | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | One of the very best encryption and security measures, including a strict no-logs policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | 24/7 customer support with tons of helpful guides | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | Those who can afford it won't regret the purchase, but cheaper options are available | ⭐⭐⭐ |
3. Private Internet Access: best cheap Canada VPN
3. Private Internet Access
More Canadian servers than any other provider
Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (GUI) | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, C4, 9Now, 10 play | Number of servers: 10,000+ | Server locations: 150+
✔️ You want tons of servers: PIA has thousands of servers in Canada alone, plus a server in every U.S. state. No matter where you are, you'll always have a PIA server near you.
✔️ You need a VPN that has proven its claims: PIA appeals to privacy-conscious users, and it's the only VPN provider to have proven its no-logs policy in court twice.
✔️ You want a cheap VPN: PIA often undercuts Surfshark as the cheapest provider on our list thanks to a price tag of around two dollars a month.
❌ You want a simple VPN: While it's still easy to use, PIA's multitude of settings could be intimidating to newbies.
❌ You want a lightning-fast VPN: PIA isn't slow by any stretch of the imagination, but services like Surfshark and NordVPN are admittedly faster.
Private Internet Access is an affordable VPN for Canada with lots of power under the hood, thanks to a massive server network, unlimited simultaneous connections and customization options, and a verified no-logs policy. It's not the fastest, but it's sufficiently quick and unblocks just about everything.
One look at my Private Internet Access review and you'll see just how much I rate this provider these days – it features high up in my overall guide to VPN services, too.
Boasting more individual servers than all of its competitors, PIA has thousands of servers in North America alone, meaning it's super simple to find a speedy server close to where you are. It nails it as a U.S. VPN, too, thanks to having a server in each of the 50 states.
One of the most notable asset in PIA's armory is the unlimited simultaneous connections you get with your subscription. That puts PIA on par with Surfshark as an ideal choice for those looking to cover all their devices on a single subscription.
If you're looking to unblock BBC iPlayer, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video, you're in luck as, in my testing, PIA got me access without a hitch. You'll also be free to check out Canada Netflix, or the international content libraries, to your heart's content.
In addition to the essentials like a kill switch, split tunneling, and AES-256 encryption, PIA is also the only VPN to have proven its no-logs policy in court (twice!) ensuring complete peace of mind.
Privacy-wise, PIA seriously impresses. With a comprehensive zero-logging policy alongside interesting advanced features like port forwarding and a command line tool that allows you to write your own scripts that automate the program, it'll definitely appeal to the techier user.
There's a lot to play around with – from encryption level to server location and everything in between, you can craft an entirely customized experience for yourself.
However, beginners may find this many options a tad overwhelming and, although a well-put-together resource catalog and 24/7 customer support are of great help, there's no arguing that services like NordVPN and ExpressVPN are better suited to those new to VPNs or high-tech software in general.
For those using mobile devices, PIA functions well as both an iPhone VPN and an Android VPN, and although the apps aren't quite up to the standard of ExpressVPN, it's still great to use on the go.
One of the few negatives is that PIA's connection speeds are fairly slow compared to the competition, but with WireGuard connections reaching more than 330 Mbps, these speeds should be satisfactory for just about any user – and for the price, it's a great value Canada VPN.
Feature | Comments | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | Lots of customization options can make it a bit complex | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | Excellent for experts who know their way around, but it's not too beginner-friendly | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | Will be fine for most users, but top speeds are way behind the competition | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | Thousands of servers mean there's hardly a streaming platform it doesn't unblock | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | A no-logs policy that has been proven in court twice alongside best-in-class configuration | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | No shortage of helpful guides, and 24/7 customer support pull through nicely | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | Excellent for those pinching for pennies | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best of the rest
4. Surfshark
The best value Canada VPN
Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (GUI) | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, C4, 9Now, 10 play | Number of servers: 3,200+ | Server locations: 100+
✔️ You want unlimited simultaneous connections: with just one Surfshark account, you can protect as many devices as you want.
✔️ You want the fastest speeds: topping out at 950 Mbps, Surfshark is one of the fastest I've tested, making it an ideal choice for speed obsessives.
✔️ You want a budget-friendly package: Surfshark quite simply offers terrific bang for your buck.
❌ You need a flawless kill switch: Surfshark's kill switch failed when I tampered with low-level settings, and while that's not going to happen in real life, providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN are slightly more reliable.
❌You want extensive configuration: Surfshark focuses on being very beginner-friendly, and experts may find the lack of customization options unsettling.
Surfshark is a great choice of family VPN, thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections. It also offers blazing speeds, 360-degree security, excellent streaming support, and one of the lowest price points in the industry. Try it for yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
If you're on a budget, Surfshark is my top-rated cheap VPN – and it just so happens to be an excellent VPN for Canada, too. With all the features you need and none you don't, my Surfshark review found that it's faster than any other at a fraction of the price.
With AES-256 encryption and several protocols including WireGuard, plus an ad blocker, kill switch, tracker-free web browsing, antivirus, and even a built-in data breach notifier, its desktop clients are powerful and reliable. It’s easy to install and provides quick access to Surfshark’s 3,200+ servers worldwide – with more than 120 of them in Canada itself. That's great news for folks for want to shore up their security without sacrificing performance. Why? Well, if you connect to a nearby server, your data doesn't have to travel as far as it would if you connected to a server on the other side of the world.
Although its server count is not as impressive as Nord or PIA, it's present in a staggering 100 countries and is a force to reckon with when it comes to bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming sites. It's worth noting, though, that while you won't have difficulty finding a good Canada VPN server, cheap rival PIA has far more servers on the North American continent.
From BBC iPlayer to Netflix and everything in between including Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+, you'll be able to binge your favorite movies and TV shows no matter where you are.
Peaking at an excellent 950 Mbps, Surfshark is currently poised as top of the pops in my guide to the best fast VPNs when using the WireGuard protocol. We even recorded OpenVPN speeds in excess of 600 Mbps, which is absolutely peerless.
The mobile apps are polished and professional, offering a very simple way to get connected anywhere in the world. There's a nifty NoBorders mode that gives you a list of the best-performing servers near you so that you can choose the fastest one.
What's more, they also solve one of many of its rivals' downfalls (we're looking at you, ExpressVPN) – with unlimited simultaneous connections, you can cover as many devices as you like, whether that’s 5 or 105. If you need whole-family cover, Surfshark is an excellent choice.
Surfshark has all the security smarts you'd expect from a modern VPN. But it is worth noting that when we really stress tested the kill switch, we found a couple of glitches. It's nothing that will affect 99% of users and even after that is quite marginal, but we didn't discover the same kind of vulnerabilities in other providers.
Some users may find Surfshark’s apps too simple and, beyond protocols and the kill switch, there’s not a lot to change. But that really won’t matter to many, as the provider’s charm is in its simplicity – it’s cheap, easy, and reliable.
Feature | Comments | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | A minimalistic, fun, and intuitive design that will make beginners comfortable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | Simple apps on all platforms, and navigation is a cakewalk | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | The fastest among all the VPNs I’ve tried | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | Effortlessly unblocked every streaming site I tested it with | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | The kill switch could use some work, but everything else is top-notch | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | 24/7 friendly support with no shortage of guides | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | Its value for money is second to none | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
5. Proton VPN: Swiss security + great free version
5. Proton VPN
Seriously secure VPN for Canada
Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (GUI) | Simultaneous connections: 10 | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, C4, 9Now, 10 play | Number of servers: 6200+ | Server locations: 90+
✔️ You want a self-sufficient VPN: Proton VPN comes with an auto-connect feature, meaning that you connect to the VPN once and you're always protected.
✔️ You want a Linux VPN: Proton VPN is one of the few providers to operate a graphical user interface (GUI) on Linux devices, making it a go-to choice for Linux users.
✔️ You want a reliable VPN: Swiss privacy laws and open-source apps open for inspection at any time make Proton VPN a great choice for privacy purists.
❌ You want to stream on the free plan: Unlike PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN's free plan does not come with unblocking capabilities, and it's only adequate for normal day-to-day usage.
❌ You're on a tight budget: Proton VPN's paid plans are feature-rich, but their pricing goes against them when it comes to competing with industry giants like Surfshark and PIA.
Proton VPN is an excellent choice for privacy-focused individuals as its independent audits, open-source platforms, and strict privacy laws are some of the most foolproof around. You can try it risk-free with its limited free plan or enjoy its full potential with a premium plan on a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Proton VPN is a benchmark for what security in a VPN looks like, and on the back of a seriously impressive Proton VPN review, here it is on yet another top 5 list.
Although it has fewer servers in Canada than rivals Surfshark and PIA, it's a great fit for those looking to globetrot Netflix in privacy, as in my testing it was able to unblock U.S., U.K., Canadian, Australian and even Japanese libraries – much better than a lot of the competition. Plus, it can access BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, YouTube, and more. Basically, you'll be spoiled for choice regardless of whether you're in Canada or overseas on holiday.
It's worth noting that although Proton VPN has a fantastic free VPN, it doesn't come with unblocking capabilities as that's reserved for paid users only. That said, the limited free plan provides access to servers in the U.S., so those in and around the region (Canada included) will be able to make the most of Proton's free offering.
Privacy is also a high priority for Proton VPN and, as well as a full bare-metal DNS network and safe servers all over the world, you'll also be able to use the Secure Core feature.
Essentially, this routes your connection through an ultra-secure server (Iceland, Switzerland, or Sweden) before sending it on to your location of choice. This is great if you also need a UAE VPN, Turkey VPN, or any other similar risky location by ensuring your identity is protected even if your endpoint is compromised – an already unlikely circumstance at the worst of times.
Like Private Internet Access, Proton VPN too offers open-source apps, meaning anyone with the necessary expertise will be able to access its code and check for vulnerabilities to assure themselves of the service's reliability.
Thanks to the very stringent and secure Swiss privacy laws at its core and an always-on VPN feature for round-the-clock protection, Proton VPN is as good as it can get for you if you're a privacy purist.
If we're making Proton VPN sound packed to the hilt with features and tools, it's because it is. But we're aware that for some potential customers that may be seen as a negative. When the likes of Surfshark and ExpressVPN make everything seem so easy and straightforward, Proton's apps can feel a bit intimidating.
Overall though, Proton VPN is a seriously potent, private VPN, with a lot of servers and while it does lack live chat support (right now), it's definitely worth considering if privacy is at the top of your list.
Feature | Comments | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | Dynamic and intuitive design with the dark mode at its heart | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | The mobile apps are seamless, but desktop users have some understanding to do | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | Sufficiently quick for every use case | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | Gets past all major streaming sites with ease | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | Very privacy-focused with open-source apps, an always-on VPN feature, and superb encryption | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | Fair amount of guides online, but still no 24/7 support lets it down | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | A handy free plan for standard use and premium plan prices are improving | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How to choose a Canada VPN
Most users will want a good all-rounder as their Canada VPN. Rock-solid privacy and a watertight zero-logging policy come first, and will ensure your data stays private from your ISP, the government, and any other dodgy snoopers on public Wi-Fi.
Then, excellent apps for a good range of devices will be important for most, as staying protected on the go is just as important as at home. Streaming support is also a big plus, and in my testing the most private services are also the best for this, so no sacrifices need to be made.
Overall, I rate NordVPN as the very best Canada VPN. With plenty of servers both in and outside Canada, top streaming support and excellent, audited privacy credentials, it's the full package.
How we test the best Canada VPNs
When it comes to recommending a product that users will entrust with quite possibly every byte of their online life, I have to be absolutely sure that my choices are correct, and thoroughly tested.
For a comprehensive rundown, check out out our full methodology of how we test VPNs. For the time-poor, though, here are the crib notes.
Unlike some sites, we don't simply reel off a spec sheet and declare the provider with most impressive claims the winner. Instead, we have a dedicated team in-house that gets hands-on with all the providers listed (and more).
Every 6 months, after scouring the website for new claimed features or changes in policy, we sign up to a plan and install it on a range of devices. The Windows app sees the most rigorous testing, and it's here that we'll try to break the kill switch, ensure any leak protection is working correctly, and measure connection speeds.
The other apps, including the Mac VPN, Android, iOS and Windows, also see comprehensive testing, and we'll check every available setting in every app to make sure it's functioning as promised by the provider.
As we use the apps, if anything appears to be behaving strangely we'll investigate that. We might dig into the source code, or view the contents of its RAM. This general usage stage is also how we make decisions on aesthetics and ease of use – although these are admittedly more subjective.
Then comes the streaming testing. We'll test each VPN with all the big streaming sites from a number of locations to ensure it's working as claimed. As Netflix is still hugely popular and somewhat troublesome when it comes to VPNs, we test the biggest providers every month to make sure my recommendations are still relevant.
Best Canada VPN FAQ
What is the best Canada VPN?
My #1 recommendation as the best Canada VPN is NordVPN. Among its server list of 6,000+ are locations in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, and I recorded some of the fastest connection speeds ever from Nord in my latest testing. Its above-and-beyond security tools are very reassuring and, from install to everyday operation, it's extremely easy to use.
ExpressVPN is a very close second place, and is arguably even nicer to use for mobile users (I personally prefer its smartphone app interface to Nord's). While Private Internet Access represents a more affordable option, covering you for around $2/month and featuring an impressive array of server locations across North America.
Why do I need a Canada VPN?
The two big reasons for downloading a VPN for Canada are privacy and streaming.
If you follow the news you'll know that online freedoms are gradually getting eroded in Canada and the U.S. (well, the whole world, really), so having a VPN is the first and easiest step to take in making sure you're looking after your data.
By anonymizing all your traffic, a good Canada VPN can help you avoid hackers and trackers, targeting advertising, ISP throttling and so much more – check out our page on VPN uses to learn about everything they can do.
Also, streaming is a huge part of our lives now, but if you head overseas it's quite likely you won't be able to access the content that you're used to. By using a VPN you'll be able to spoof your location back home, giving you access to everything you're used to.
You'll also be able to explore different regional streaming services from your own home in the same way – just pick a server and get going.
Can I get a Canada VPN free?
While free Canada VPNs do exist, you need to be careful. Also, you have to be aware that every free service has its drawbacks.
You'll likely be subjected to daily or monthly data caps, ranging from the generous to the pathetic, and you also probably won't get the same high speeds as you would if you paid for a service.
Some are also known to inject adverts into your browsing, which is one of the main things people use VPNs to avoid.
If you won't be using your VPN much at all, one of the best free VPN services could work. However, if you want to stream, game, or even just have it on all day, you'll need something fully fledged – and with Surfshark starting at around $2/month, you won't have to pay much either.
Is a VPN legal in Canada?
Using a VPN in Canada is entirely legal, and having one installed on your computer does not incriminate you in any way.
However, just because VPNs can make it possible to 'get away' with illegal activities such as pirating content and software, using one does not suddenly make illegal acts legal.
We in no way condone using a VPN to perform illegal activities, but we can also reassure you that in Canada, having a VPN subscription alone is nothing to worry about.
What can I stream with a Canada VPN?
There are two main threads to answer this question.
The first is that you can stream things that you wouldn't ordinarily be able to watch in the Great White North. So if there's a show or movie that appears on U.S. Netflix but not on the Canada catalog, for example, one of the above VPNs will help. Or if there's an overseas sporting event that no Canadian broadcaster is showing live, choose a VPN server located in a country that is showing it and watch as if you were there.
The second scenario is if you're travelling away from Canada and want a slice of home. You'll find that services likes Crave, CBC, TSN and Sportsnet are geo-blocked and can't ordinarily be streamed when abroad. Pop on your VPN, select a server in Toronto or Montreal and access any of those streamers from anywhere.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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Mo is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide. Day-to-day he oversees guides on the best VPNs, privacy, and cybersecurity content, and also undertakes independent testing of VPN services to ensure his recommendations are accurate and up to date. When he's not getting stuck into the depths of a VPN you've never heard of, you'll find him working on his Peugeot 205 GTi or watching Peep Show instead of finally putting up those shelves.
- Krishi ChowdharyContributor