For anyone traveling to or living in Italy, an Italy VPN should be part of your daily online toolbox. Like almost any developed country, ISPs in Italy monitor user activity, and as the country is part of the '14 Eyes' intelligence program, any data collected on you may be shared with other countries.
VPNs anonymize your online activities and make them untraceable. For holidaymakers living la dolce vita in Florence, the best VPNs can help you relocate yourself back home to check regional news or your online banking, and you'll also be able to access blocked streaming content.
However, picking out the perfect VPN for Italy can be tricky. Tom's Guide team has tons of experience testing VPNs, and I've used that, as well as considered important aspects such as server count, speed, unblocking performance, and value for money, to prepare this guide of the five best VPNs for Italy. Keep reading for my in-depth analysis of each service.
Best Italy VPNs in 2024 - quick answer
Best VPNs for Italy in 2024
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NordVPN: the best Italy VPN overall
✔️ You want an all-in-one security package. NordVPN offers comprehensive protection, thanks to built-in antivirus, ad-blocking, and tons of other cybersecurity tools.
✔️ You want the best Netflix VPN. NordVPN unblocked everything in our testing, from niche Netflix libraries to local news channels.
✔️ Speed is your priority. NordVPN offers lightning-fast speeds in Italy, and everywhere else, too, with peak speeds of over 950 Mbps.
❌ You want simple mobile apps. Nord's map interface can feel busy on the smaller screens of mobile phones. Try ExpressVPN or Surfshark for an easier experience.
❌ You want a VPN for torrenting. Only a handful of NordVPN servers are P2P-optimized, unlike torrenting leaders ExpressVPN and PIA.
NordVPN is my number one recommendation for Italy, as it delivers on every count: blazing speeds, bypasses geo-restrictions everywhere, and offers a complete security suite at reasonable prices. Test it hands-on with a 30-day money-back guarantee and see for yourself.
For those looking for a complete Italy VPN package, NordVPN is the best choice, and this should come as no surprise if you've seen many of our other guides. The fact of the matter is that it's the best all-around service right now, and it's the perfect choice whether you live in Italy or you're just on a Mediterranean holiday.
With over 6,400 servers in 111 countries, including 60 in Italy, you can rest assured that there will be a NordVPN server nearby, no matter where you are. In addition to powerful AES-256 encryption and traditional VPN features like split tunneling, a kill switch, and an audited no-logs policy, unique features like Double VPN and Onion over VPN offer extra protection.
▶ Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
That's not all, though, as NordVPN is an all-in-one security package and also offers a built-in antivirus, password manager, secure cloud storage, and data breach scanner to ensure you're as safe as possible.
If you're just visiting the country, you might want to take a moment out of your sightseeing to kick back and watch a bit of TV. However, you might find that your favorite shows on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video are unavailable, and services like BBC iPlayer and Hulu will be totally blocked. As the best streaming VPN, NordVPN can unblock these (and just about every other streaming service, too) at the touch of a button, meaning you can make it feel like you're right back at home.
You'll also get stellar connection speeds, which are essential for gaming and streaming. Nord's WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol topped our speed tests with lightning-fast speeds of over 950 Mbps. Another highlight is its free Meshnet feature that allows you to create your own private network and connect and secure up to 60 devices at once.
I was both impressed and confused with NordVPN's map-based interface. It looks sleek and works excellently on the larger screens of tablets and PCs, but the same isn't true on smartphones, where the interface isn't as thumb-friendly as one would hope. However, you do have the option to use traditional server lists, so all's good.
Overall, NordVPN is simply the best VPN for Italy, offering full access to content worldwide, rock-solid security, and powerful apps. It's fairly reasonably priced, too, and with ten simultaneous connections, you should be able to cover all your devices. You can try it out risk-free thanks to a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Fun and intuitive design, but a little less clutter would make it even better | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | The map-based interface is a joy to use on bigger screens, but can be overwhelming on smartphones | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The fastest VPN in my testing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks all platforms, both local and foreign, in Italy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | All-around protection with built-in antivirus, ad-blocking, and several nifty security tools | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 friendly and professional help, plus very helpful articles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Excellent value for money overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
ExpressVPN: the easiest to use Italy VPN
✔️ You're new to VPNs. ExpressVPN has simple and intuitive apps for every device, along with beginner-friendly features such as auto-connect and 24/7 support.
✔️ You want access to content inside and outside Italy. Over 160 server locations worldwide and powerful unblocking mean that ExpressVPN is one of the very best VPNs for streaming.
✔️ Bulletproof privacy is non-negotiable. ExpressVPN is armed with regular audits, top-notch encryption, and handy extras such as a password manager to keep your data safe at all times.
❌ You're on a tight budget. Although ExpressVPN delivers excellent value, those looking for a bargain will like NordVPN or Surfshark better.
❌ You want to cover your entire group. If you're vacationing in Italy with a large group, ExpressVPN's just eight simultaneous connections won't be enough.
ExpressVPN is a vastly experienced and proven VPN service with servers in major Italian cities, strong privacy credentials, simple apps, and unmatched streaming performance. While it's more expensive than the others, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee to try it out risk-free.
An industry veteran and one of the best-known VPNs on the planet, ExpressVPN is a hugely popular option for those seeking an Italy VPN. You'll get all the basics, ultra-fast servers in Milan and Cosenza, and plenty of interesting extra features. What's more, all ExpressVPN apps are super simple to use, which is a real highlight of the service.
It's the best VPN for beginners, and you can launch its app on any device and get protected with just a single tap. Next, an intuitive auto-connect will quickly re-establish a connection with another VPN server if your current connection fails.
▶ Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The best part is that although there are enough options in settings to tinker around (meaning it's also great for experts), you can also choose to leave the settings as they come and use the big on/off button for protection in Italy and elsewhere.
If you're a streaming fan, you'll be pleased to know that ExpressVPN can unblock just about every service on the web, thanks to its massive selection of 3,200 servers spread across 105 countries in a class-leading 160 different locations. From Netflix and Amazon Prime Video to Disney Plus and BBC iPlayer, as well as regional content, ExpressVPN grants easy access to everything.
Although it isn't as quick as some of the others, top speeds of around 560 Mbps are still fast enough for everything you'll need ExpressVPN for, including streaming, gaming, and torrenting. In fact, it's one of the best torrenting VPNs, as every single server is P2P-optimized. Security is tight, too, with strong AES-256 encryption, RAM-only servers, an effective kill switch, an independently audited no-logging policy, and excellent leak protection.
Coming to its downsides, ExpressVPN is a premium service, and it's more expensive than almost every other VPN we recommend. Additionally, it offers just eight simultaneous connections, which can be a deal breaker if you're traveling to Italy with a group—we'd recommend Surfshark in that case.
All in all, though, ExpressVPN's focus on privacy and years of reliable unblocking performance coupled with its easy-to-use apps on every single platform make it a compelling choice for those with the budget for it. Even better, it offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can take it for a test drive and see if it's for you.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Super simple and clean designs on all platforms | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | One of the best for beginners, but there are enough customization options to keep experts happy, too | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Decent speeds, but not as quick as NordVPN or Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Glides past the geo-restrictions on every popular streaming platform and region | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Top-notch encryption and countless audits ensure complete peace of mind | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 professional assistance and a comprehensive set of help articles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Worth the splurge but more affordable options are available | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Surfshark: the best cheap VPN
✔️ You want the best budget VPN. Surfshark offers arguably the best combination of features, performance, and prices, making it a top choice for bargain hunters.
✔️ You need the fastest Italy VPN. With peak speeds of over 950 Mbps, Surfshark is hands down the fastest service I’ve tested.
✔️ You want to protect a lot of devices. Surfshark is one of the very few VPNs to offer unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can protect everyone around you.
❌ You need a foolproof switch. There's no questioning Surfshark's security in day-to-day life, but its Windows kill switch failed when we tested it under extreme circumstances.
❌ You're a hardcore torrenter. Surfshark isn't as suited for P2P activities as some of its competition, like ExpressVPN and PIA.
Surfshark offers a unique combination of ultra-fast speeds, excellent unblocking, unlimited connections, good security, and some of the lowest prices in the industry. Even better, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you won't lose a single penny in case it's not for you.
Surfshark is, simply put, the best choice for those looking for a bargain. But, while it tops our best cheap VPN rankings, it's also fully featured and truly competes with the more expensive options above in terms of functionality. For starters, you'll get over 3,000 servers worldwide, including Italian cities Rome and Milan, guaranteeing fast speeds every time you turn your VPN on.
Speaking of speeds, Surfshark is the fastest VPN around, alongside NordVPN, dominating our speed tests with peak speeds of over 950 Mbps. The good news keeps coming, as Surfshark is also well known as one of the best for unblocking geo-restricted content from around the world, whether that's on Netflix, Prime Video, iPlayer, 9Now, 10Play, or any other platform.
▶ Try Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
One of Surfshark's standout offerings—and what really sets it apart from the others—is unlimited simultaneous connections. You can install the Surfshark app on virtually an unlimited number of devices, meaning you can share it with all your friends and family members. For those traveling to Italy with a large group, this feature alone could end the search for you.
Privacy doesn't take a back seat, either, and alongside industry-standard encryption, a proven no-logs policy, and RAM-only servers, you also get split tunneling, a built-in antivirus, ad-blocking, MultiHop, and private DNS on every single server. That's almost as comprehensive a security package as NordVPN, further solidifying Surfshark's spot as the best value VPN service for Italy.
However, it's worth noting that although Surfshark's kill switch works perfectly in the real world, it failed when we tested it under extreme conditions. However, to reiterate, those were extremely trying conditions (not what you'd encounter in your day-to-day), plus we only noticed issues on Surfshark's Windows kill switch, meaning it worked fine everywhere else.
To conclude, you won't get a much better VPN for Italy than Surfshark if you're looking for the best bang for your buck. With prices under $2.50 a month, eye-watering speeds, simple, effective apps, and great streaming performance, Surfshark's a real catch. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so in the unlikely scenario that it’s not for you, you won’t be losing a single penny.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple, minimalistic interfaces on all platforms | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | One of the very best for beginners, alongside ExpressVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The fastest among the dozens of VPNs I’ve tried | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Grants access to every streaming platform, no matter your location | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Minor kill switch issues on Windows, but nifty security tools make up for that quite nicely | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 expert assistance and tons of help articles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Unbeatable value, an absolute no-brainer for bargain hunters | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Other VPNs I've tested and recommend
✔️ You want excellent streaming performance. From international content on Netflix to local Italian favorites on Rai TV, Hotspot Shield unblocks everything with ease.
✔️ You want ample time before committing. Hotspot Shied offers the longest money-back guarantee I've seen: 45 days, so you can test it thoroughly before putting your money into it.
✔️ You want a free VPN. Hotspot Shied Basic offers unlimited data and supports torrenting, but you'll have to make do with a single US server.
❌ You want great value for your money. Hotspot Shield offers a decent package, but its over-the-top prices make it difficult to recommend over the others.
❌ You want a fast VPN. Hotspot Shield is undoubtedly quick enough, but one would expect class-leading speeds for the price tag.
🔒 Hotspot Shield is an extremely capable VPN for streaming, thanks to a large server network and fairly quick speeds. It's also easy to use, supports torrenting, and offers a massive 45-day money-back guarantee to test it out stress-free.
Hotspot Shield combines excellent streaming performance with impressive speeds and a decent selection of servers spanning 90 countries and 130 locations. Such wide coverage is very much on par with some of the biggest names in the industry, and Hotspot Shield has servers in two Italian cities, too: Rome and Milan.
Combined with local servers, Hotspot's powerful unblocking abilities allow easy access to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, as well as Rai TV, which is a local streaming platform in Italy.
▶ Try Hotspot Shield with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
It's worth noting that Hotspot Shield was once the quickest service in the industry, but we've seen its peak speeds drop in our latest tests. Still, its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol, with speeds of around 600 Mbps, is no slouch, and is fast enough to support all online tasks, including streaming in HD and high-octane online gaming.
In terms of security, you get a unique Smart VPN feature that'll help you find and connect to the best server for your current location and activity. Additionally, Hotspot Shield will automatically connect to a VPN server when you're on public Wi-Fi hotspots, making it a reliable travel buddy—for Italy and everywhere else, too.
Hotspot Shield has excellent apps on Windows and Mac, alongside good Android VPN and iPhone VPN offerings, but if you use devices like Chromebooks or gaming consoles, unfortunately you won't be able to get covered. This is the drawback of Catapult Hydra, but if you stick to the mainstream devices, you'll have no issues at all. Also, Hotspot Shield can secure up to 10 devices at a time, which is what we've come to expect from the industry of late.
It's well worth noting that Hotspot Shield also offers a completely free VPN: Hotspot Shield Basic. It's one of the very few free services to offer unlimited data, so you can stay protected at all times without worrying about exhausting your data. However, it doesn't come with a kill switch, only offers a single US server, and there's some logging as well, meaning it's difficult to recommend it over the likes of PrivadoVPN Free and Proton VPN Free.
Overall, Hotspot Shield doesn't blow the competition out of the water, but it's done well to offer a well-rounded Italy VPN package with good speeds, great security, exceptional streaming performance, and fairly competitive prices. It stands out with its industry-leading 45-day money-back guarantee, though, meaning you'll have ample time to test the service before committing.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Clutter-free and simple design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Straightforward to set up and use, making it a delight for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | In the upper echelon of fast VPNs, but certainly not as quick as the top dogs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Sidesteps restrictions on all popular streaming sites, except 9Now and 10 Play | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Some issues with kill switch, but encryption is top-notch | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Live chat works well, but the support options aren't as comprehensive | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | High prices if not for discounts, and there's a limited but completely free plan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You're looking for a bargain. At just over $2 a month, CyberGhost is right alongside Surfshark as the best budget pick for Italy.
✔️ You're a beginner. All CyberGhost apps boast super straightforward and intuitive interfaces, and you'll also have tons of tutorials at your disposal at all times.
✔️ You want the longest money-back guarantee. CyberGhost comes with a whopping 45-day money-back guarantee, giving you 15 more days than the industry standard to decide if it's fit for you.
❌ You're traveling to Italy with a group. CyberGhost allows just 7 installations, and you'll not just have to log out but also unregister a device to add another. Try Surfshark if you're in Italy with your friends and family.
❌ You want access to every streaming service. CyberGhost failed to unblock UK Netflix and Disney Plus in our latest tests, which wasn't the case with the other VPNs on this list.
CyberGhost is neck-and-neck with Surfshark in terms of value. It impressed me with its massive network of servers, a unique server filtering system, simple apps, good streaming performance, and, of course, a class-leading 45-day money-back guarantee that gives you a lot of time to try it out risk-free.
Our final Italy VPN pick is CyberGhost, and for those looking to stream, game, or torrent within Italy, it's a great pick. It's also an excellent alternative to more expensive services, and simple, clutter-free apps with everything exactly where you'd expect them to be make it a great choice for beginners, too.
One of our favorite features is the server filtering function in-app. If, for example, you wanted to watch US Netflix and you're in Milan, all you'd need to do is filter the 9,000+ servers to show you which will provide the best connection. Then connect, and you can watch whatever you like. You can also sort servers by distance, load, and ping, and then choose a server with quick loading times and little to no lag for your gaming session.
▶ Try CyberGhost with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
CyberGhost is great for streaming, as it effortlessly unblocks platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and loads more. However, it's well worth noting that it doesn't get past everything, and we found that it wasn't able to bypass the geo-restrictions on Disney Plus and UK Netflix. If these streaming sites are a priority for you, I'd recommend getting one of the four VPNs above.
In our speed tests, CyberGhost's WireGuard protocol peaked at a very respectable 760 Mbps, making it faster than the likes of ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield. Next, security is top-notch, too, thanks to essentials like 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, an audited no-logs policy, and blockers for ads and trackers to keep viruses and hackers away.
A couple of highlights, though, are its ability to unblock local banking sites for fast and secure transactions and its above-par security on public Wi-Fi. Put together, they make CyberGhost an excellent VPN for people traveling to Italy for an extended vacation.
Although CyberGhost only allows you to install the app on 7 devices at a time—beyond which you'll have to unregister a device to add another—it more than makes up for that through sheer value. At under $2.50 a month on a three-year plan, it's seriously cheap, and a great choice if you want to make your money go further.
All in all, CyberGhost is a quality VPN we're happy to recommend to most people, including streamers, gamers, and torrenters, as well as the privacy-conscious in Italy. What's even better is that CyberGhost offers a staggering 45-day money-back guarantee, giving you more than enough time to decide if it's the right fit for you.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Fun and intuitive design that's easy to customize | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | The interface is easy to navigate, and both beginners and experts will appreciate it | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Lightning-fast speeds, not far behind the industry's fastest | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Dedicated streaming servers but failed to unblock UK Netflix and Disney Plus | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Ad blockers and anti-tracking tools on top of essentials such as an audited no-logs policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Assistance is decent, but support agents could be more helpful | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Outstanding value as well as a 45-day money-back guarantee | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How to pick a Italy VPN
The sheer amount of VPNs available right now can make it overwhelming to zero in the best one for your needs. But if you consider the following factors when looking for a VPN for Italy, you'll certainly find a good service that's worth spending your hard-earned money on.
- Security: first up, you'll need to make sure your Italy VPN is super secure and will keep you private. Do not settle for a VPN without a no-logging policy, excellent encryption, a reliable kill switch, and leak protection.
- Speed: your chosen VPN should be fast enough to support your online tasks, which can range from general browsing to streaming in HD or 4K. Fast speeds will also ensure stable connections, no matter where you are in Italy.
- Server locations: a wide network of servers, including servers in Italy, will ensure you're always able to connect to a nearby server for the best performance. Servers in various countries are also essential for sidestepping geo-restrictions on streaming sites.
- Unblocking capabilities: depending on your streaming appetite, you'd want to look for a VPN that can effortlessly unblock streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, RaiPlay, etc.
- Simultaneous connections: most VPNs offer up to 10 simultaneous connections, but if you plan on vacationing in Italy with a large group, consider providers like Surfshark and PIA that offer unlimited connections.
- Ease of use: intuitive and clear-cut apps are the way to go, especially if you're new to VPNs. If you're a techie who needs granular control, though, you can opt for VPNs with heavily customizable apps.
- Price: there are tons of good options on the market, including some cheap VPNs that have low prices but high-end features. So, you should absolutely be able to find an excellent Italy VPN within your budget.
How we test Italy VPNs
Our dedicated in-house team of experts tests dozens of VPNs every few months to make sure we only recommend the best in the business to you. Our VPN testing begins at the provider’s website, where we sift through its privacy policies to understand how it handles user data.
Next, we install the VPN's apps on all major device types and then stress-test essential features, such as the kill switch, to see if everything works as advertised. While we're with the apps, we also judge how easy to use (or not) they are, as that's an important ranking criteria we use.
We then find out the VPN's peak and average speeds by using different speed test websites and encryption protocols over multiple rounds of testing. Lastly, to test the provider's unblocking capabilities, we throw various streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus at it, and we do so from different locations around the world for accurate readings.
For more information on our VPN testing procedures, check out our how we test VPNs page for Tom's Guide.
Italy VPN FAQs
Are VPNs legal in Italy?
Yes, VPNs are legal in Italy, as is the case in most countries around the world. However, it's crucial that you pick a good Italy VPN that will keep you safe and your data hidden from the prying eyes of hackers, ISPs, and government authorities.
It's also important to note that just because using VPNs is legal doesn't mean you can use them for illegal activities. If you're caught using a VPN to commit crimes, such as downloading copyrighted content, you can face heavy fines or jail time or both, depending on your crime. The bottom line is that in Italy, it's not the VPN you use but what you use it for that can be against the law of the land.
Which VPN is best for Italy?
With over 60 servers spread across Italy and a total of 6,400+ worldwide, our testing has revealed that NordVPN is the best Italy VPN on the market right now. It's the fastest service we've tried, hands down the best for unblocking geo-restricted content no matter the platform or location, and offers an all-in-one security package with a built-in antivirus, ad-blocking, and password manager.
Priced at $3.39 a month, NordVPN is also reasonably priced and offers fantastic value for money. What's more, it also comes with a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it on for size without risking a single penny.
What's the most secure VPN for Europe?
We tried dozens of VPNs and found NordVPN to offer the best privacy security both inside and outside Europe. That's because in addition to essential VPN features, such as a good kill switch, a proven no-logs policy (NordVPN has been audited four times now), and various VPN protocols, NordVPN also offers a ton of extras for all-around protection on the internet.
These extras include a dark web scanner, built-in antivirus, a cross-platform password manager, a data breach scanner, and secure cloud storage, as well as unique features such as Double VPN and Onion over VPN.
All in all, if you're in Europe and looking for a VPN to protect you from not just surveillance but also all sorts of cyber threats, as well as to unblock your favorite content and/or enhance your gaming experience, NordVPN is just the best choice there is.
