Germany is celebrated for its precision engineering, iconic Autobahn, and stringent data privacy laws, notably under the European Union’s GDPR since 2018. By 2027, the VPN marketplace is expected to reach $107.5 billion, reflecting the growing need for online privacy and using the best VPN in Germany remains crucial.
As cybersecurity threats persist, residents and visitors seek additional protection online. This is where VPNs play a vital role, offering a shield against potential cyberattacks and privacy breaches. Having tested 45+ VPNs, ExpressVPN emerged as the top choice due to its super speed and robust security protocols.
Which is the Best VPN in Germany? [Quick Overview]
Explore the quick overview of my top picks for the best VPN in Germany. These best Germany VPNs offers a blend of high-speed servers, competitive pricing, and advanced security features.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Germany?
Whether visiting or living in Germany, safeguarding your privacy is likely a top concern. A reliable VPN can help, as it encrypts your data and conceals your IP address, allowing you to browse the internet with enhanced privacy and security.
Another reason why a VPN Germany is essential is due to geo-blocks restricting access to streaming content. Government surveillance and mandatory metadata retention have prompted many Germans to turn to VPNs to solve these issues. Hence, If you’re looking to access German content or protect your online privacy while browsing, using a Germany VPN server (like ExpressVPN) is the ideal solution.
If you reside in Germany, frequently travel, and connect to numerous public WiFi networks, your security and personal information are at risk and accessible to cyber criminals. This applies to all public Wi-Fi networks, including hotels, airports, coffee shops, aircraft, and restaurants.
When traveling abroad, it is essential to connect your devices to the best VPN for public Wi-Fi security in Germany to secure your personal information. A VPN will also provide you with a German IP address so you can easily use your German services while traveling as you would at home.
What to Look for in a VPN for Germany?
When choosing the best VPN service in Germany, here are some things I recommend you look for:
Security Features | Kill Switch, IP Leak Protection, Threat Manager |
---|---|
Privacy Features | Strict No-Logs Policy, Independent Audits |
Tunneling Protocols | Wireguard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
Servers | RAM-only, Obfuscated |
Encryption | AES-256-bit, 128-bit |
Unblocked Services | Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, |
Comparison: Best VPNs in Germany
To help you make an informed choice, I have prepared a comparison table highlighting the key features and pricing options of the top six best VPNs for Germany:
VPNs | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Worldwide Servers | Thousands of servers in 105 countries | 3200+ servers in 100 countries | 6000+ servers in 61 countries | + servers in 100 countries | 2200+ servers in 75+ countries | 35000+ servers in 84 countries |
Avg. Speed | 89.42 Mbps | 81.32 Mbps | 83.82 Mbps | 75.47 Mbps | 86.75 Mbps | 65.78 Mbps |
Multi-Logins | 8 | Unlimited | 10 | 7 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Unblocks | HBO Max, Netflix, ZDF, ARD Mediathek, and more | HBO Max, Netflix, ZDF, ARD Mediathek, and more | HBO Max, Netflix, ZDF, ARD Mediathek, and more | HBO Max, Netflix, ZDF, ARD Mediathek, and more | HBO Max, Netflix, ZDF, ARD Mediathek, and more | HBO Max, Netflix, ZDF, ARD Mediathek, and more |
Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers |
Pricing | EUR 6.04/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) | EUR 2.25/mo (US$ 2.49/mo) | EUR 3.61/mo (US$ 3.99/mo) | EUR 1.84/mo (US$ 2.03/mo) | EUR 2.71/mo (US$ 2.99/mo) | EUR 1.91/mo (US$ 2.11/mo) |
6 Best VPNs in Germany for 2024 [In-Depth Analysis]
In this detailed analysis of each recommended best Germany VPN, I have provided a comprehensive review of each provider to analyze how each VPN caters to the specific needs of German users, from accessing geo-restricted content to ensuring top-notch data encryption.
How to Install a VPN in Germany?
Here’s how to set up a VPN in Germany:
- Sign up for ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Open the app and sign in with your credentials and and connect to Germany VPN.
- Choose and connect to your preferred VPN server location.
- Enjoy protected browsing with your IP address and online traffic hidden from view.
How to Choose the Best VPN in Germany? [Our Methodology]
To choose the best VPN in Germany, I tested more than 45 VPNs. However, I have recommended very few of them in Germany because they don’t offer strong encryption and security protocols. Every VPN I have shortlisted meets the following criteria:
- Servers Worldwide: A German VPN should have an extensive server network worldwide to switch from one server to another if you face connectivity issues.
- Fast Speeds: Fast-speed connections provide HD streaming in Germany so that you can avoid issues like buffering and lagging.
- Security and Privacy: The VPNs I have suggested offer a reliable kill switch, AES 256-bit encryption, no-logs policy, IP/DNS leak protection, and more.
- Compatibility: Supports a variety of platforms and operating systems. My recommended VPNs offer native apps for most operating systems like Windows, macOS, iOS, and more.
- Money-back guarantee: A reliable VPN doesn’t restrict you from canceling its services and demanding a refund. If you’d like to go the other way, these VPNs offer a minimum 30-day money-back guarantee without any questions.
- Customer support: A reliable VPN offers customer support through email, live chat, and more. It ensures your queries are resolved ASAP. You can rely on my recommended VPNs to help whenever you encounter an issue.
- Value for money: Often, VPNs advertise themselves as far too good and justify their outrageous prices one way or another. My recommended VPNs don’t do such a thing. They ensure you get value for money through their numerous features.
Now, let’s move to the section to learn more about is VPN legal in Germany?
Are VPNs legal in Germany?
Yes, VPNs are legal in Germany. There are no laws prohibiting the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) for privacy and security purposes.
However, like in most countries, using a VPN to engage in illegal activities—such as downloading copyrighted content or accessing restricted services in violation of terms—is still illegal under German law.
As long as the VPN is used for legitimate purposes, such as protecting personal data or accessing geo-blocked content, it remains within the legal framework in Germany.
Can I Use a Free VPN in Germany?
You can use a free VPN in Germany, and Windscribe, ProtonVPN, and PrivadoVPN are excellent choices. But it’s essential to be cautious when considering these VPNs. The free VPNs often come with questionable security and blacklisted IP addresses for streaming content.
In my experience, I have also faced a lot of ads, popups, and sluggish services while streaming shows and movies with such providers, which annoyed me a lot.
What I find most disturbing is that almost 40% of free VPNs leak user data to third parties. The information includes the sites you visit, the ads you have clicked on, and more. Moreover, these services offer only limited servers, resulting in slow speed and buffering.
As per a Reddit thread, while a VPN for streaming is not required for streaming content alone, it’s highly advised when torrenting due to stringent piracy laws. Many users recommend paying for VPN services like ProtonVPN or Mullvad, noting that free VPN options like Windscribe are limited in data.
The consensus emphasizes the potential high fines for illegal activities, making the investment in a good VPN worthwhile for ensuring access to geo-restricted content and avoiding legal issues.
Which VPNs to Avoid in Germany?
While many VPNs promise optimal performance and security, some fall short, especially in Germany. I have identified VPNs you should avoid due to inadequate security measures, poor server performance, or privacy concerns. Stay informed and clear of these options to ensure your online activities in Germany remain secure and efficient.
- Hide My Ass: This is a UK-based VPN service with a bad history of logging user data and helping authorities make arrests using data. Therefore, I don’t recommend that users in Germany use this VPN service as it can threaten the user’s right to privacy.
- Hide.me: This free VPN service limits data to 2GB/mo and speeds to only 3Mbits/second. It also offers only 3 server locations to its users, and the speeds are terrible. However, Hide.me also lures users to subscribe to their paid versions despite substandard quality of service.
- Hola VPN: Another VPN to avoid in Germany is Hola. This VPN has been involved in selling user information to third parties. It also distributes the idle bandwidth of its free VPN users to other services. Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend using Hola VPN in Germany if you truly want to protect your online privacy and security.
What is the Impact of German Data Retention Laws on VPNs?
German data retention laws, which require ISPs to store users’ metadata for a specific period, significantly impact VPN usage by raising concerns about privacy and data security. These laws can undermine the anonymity that VPNs are meant to provide, as they may compel VPN providers operating in Germany to retain user logs or comply with government data requests.
Consequently, this has led many privacy-conscious users to opt for VPNs based in countries with stronger privacy protections or those with strict no-logs policies, ensuring that their online activities remain private and secure despite the stringent data retention requirements in Germany.
Reddit Insights on the Best VPN in Germany
The conversation on Reddit revolves around finding a free VPN with servers in Germany. Various users suggest options like Surfshark and Norton VPN for their free trials, while others mention Proton VPN, although it’s noted that its German servers require a paid version.
Windscribe is also recommended for its 10 GB/month free plan, which includes German servers, but some users caution against using most free VPNs.
Private Internet Access and BrightVPN are also mentioned, though BrightVPN was replaced by Surfshark by one user. The overall sentiment is that while there are some free options, they come with limitations.
What Content Can You Watch With a VPN in Germany?
Here’s a list of all the streaming services you can access in Germany using a VPN:
Streaming services | |
---|---|
Netflix | Hulu |
Disney+ | Fubo TV |
VOX | Amazon Prime |
Comedy Central | Peacock TV |
flux. tv | MTV USA |
Nitro | Crave TV |
FAQs – Best VPN in Germany
What is the best VPN to use in Germany?
ExpressVPN is regarded as the top VPN in Germany, offering unmatched speeds and advanced security. It features a network of thousands of servers across 105 countries, enabling effortless protection at the touch of a button.
Which VPN has many German servers?
ExpressVPN and NordVPN lead the industry with the most extensive server network, impressive performance, fast connection speeds, and complete robust features. ExpressVPN offers thousands of servers in 105 countries, including Frankfurt and Nuremberg.
Is NordVPN good for Germany?
Yes, NordVPN is completely allowed in Germany. There are currently no laws prohibiting VPN usage within the country. You can use one without fear of legal repercussions, with a few exceptions. If you engage in illegal activities while connected to a VPN, you are still violating the law.
Is streaming illegal in Germany?
Yes, using VPNs is allowed and entirely legal in Germany. There are no specific laws prohibiting VPN usage in the country. This means you can freely use a VPN without any legal concerns, except if you engage in illegal activities while using a VPN, which would still be against the law.
Does ExpressVPN work in Germany?
Yes, ExpressVPN works great in Germany. It boasts a comprehensive server network and offers high-speed 10-Gbps servers across 105 countries worldwide. You can easily select a server location or rely on this VPN’s Smart Location feature to choose the optimal network server.
Which VPN works with Netflix Germany?
ExpressVPN works perfectly well with Netflix Germany and is the best VPN in Germany. It offers thousands of servers across 105 countries, and it offers 2 German server locations locally. It can unblock many Netflix content libraries, so you can stream it buffer-free without issues!
Can I watch German TV from abroad using a VPN?
Yes, you can access German TV from any location worldwide by utilizing a privacy-centric VPN like ExpressVPN. Connect to a server located in Germany through the VPN, and it will disguise your location, allowing you to circumvent region restrictions and enjoy German TV content from anywhere you are.
Will my ISP know I’m using a VPN in Germany?
Yes, your ISP in Germany can detect that you’re using a VPN because it sees encrypted traffic going to a VPN server. However, it cannot see the contents of your activity or the specific websites you’re accessing while using the VPN.
Wrapping Up!
Whether you aim for seamless streaming, secure torrenting, or browsing with security and privacy, you will need the best VPN in Germany to secure your online activities and unblock restricted websites and platforms globally without being monitored by hackers, ISPs, or third parties.
After a thorough VPN testing, I found ExpressVPN to be the top choice for VPN in Germany. It offers a vast range of fast-speed servers, exceptional unblocking capabilities, solid security, and privacy features that ensure a seamless online experience with safety.