Best VPNs for Germany in 2024 (fast and secure)

Are you looking for the best VPN for Germany? We’ll take you through several top options, including a step-by-step guide with everything you need to know.

Germany has a decent record in terms of online privacy, thanks to strong data protection laws compared to much of Europe. However, its foreign intelligence agency, the BND, has supported NSA surveillance in the past, which is why the average citizen is likely to be more aware of the risks surrounding their personal data. This is where a VPN for Germany comes in.

The German government has also pushed for strong data retention laws that the EU recently ruled were illegal. P2P file sharing of copyrighted content is expressly forbidden in the region. ISPs work with law firms to target torrenters, as well as those watching copyrighted content, ready to hand out fines. 

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) will be able to solve these issues. A VPN will encrypt all traffic going to and from a device, routing it through a server located elsewhere. (You’ll even be able to pick the location.) This works to keep most hackers, internet service providers, trackers, and government agencies from keeping tabs on your online movements. It also works to mask your real IP address, ensuring anonymity from websites and apps, as well as the ability to access geo-blocked content from US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more.  

We’ve picked out several top options for the region. We’ll go into more detail about each service below, but if you just want a quick answer, here’s a summary.

Best VPN providers for Germany:

1. NordVPN: Our top pick for Germany. Superb speeds, large server network, good streaming support, and packed with extra features. Offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Solid budget option for Germany. Will access streaming sites, has great speeds, and unlimited device connections. 
3. ExpressVPN: Premium provider with super-fast servers and simple apps. Unblocks almost anything you can think of. 
4. Mullvad: Sweden-based, strict no-logging policy, offers WireGuard, a privacy-focused provider, and has German servers. 
5. Proton VPN: Great option for privacy and security, with German connections routed via Iceland, Switzerland, or Sweden. From the team behind ProtonMail.
6. CyberGhost VPN: Impressive total of 1,650+ servers in Germany. Low-cost, high speeds, and beginner-friendly. 
7. IPVanish: Great for Kodi users. Unlimited simultaneous devices, German server found in Frankfurt, and owns and operates its network.  

Summary Table

The majority of the best VPNs have a couple of German servers, but your experience will differ depending on the provider you’ve chosen. We’ve ensured that all of the best VPNs for Germany listed above meet the following criteria:

• German servers: Strong coverage in Germany, and beyond.
• Fast connection speeds: The VPN must offer capable connection speeds. 
• Ability to access blocked German sites and services: Can the VPN access blocked services in Germany, as well as internationally? 
• Privacy and security: We look at logging, leaks, protocols, and more. 
• Stability and usability: The VPN should have notable features, beginner-friendly app support, and helpful customer support options. 
• Value for money: The VPN must be priced fairly. 

To make the top three we only accept VPNs that tick all of the following boxes:

• Diskless servers (these are wiped daily making it almost impossible for the VPN to retain any usage data).
• The VPN must not log identifying data on customers and must have had its logging policy audited by a reputable third party (such as PWC). This ensures that VPNs which claim to adhere to certain practices actually do so.
• The VPN must have gone through a technical security audit by a third party. As opposed to a logging policy audit, this tests the security of the VPN product itself.

Check out the testing methodology section later in this article for more information about our criteria.

Best VPNs for Germany

Here is our list of the top picks if you need a VPN for Germany:

NordVPN is our top recommendation for German users. It has roughly 200 servers in Berlin and Frankfurt, as part of a network of 5,200+ found around the globe. It’s easy to use, with the option to Quick Connect clearly labeled.  

Features include Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and obfuscated servers while streaming support is included. You’ll have no trouble accessing international services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. The German servers can also be used to stream ARD, Zattoo, TV Now, Magine TV, Joyn, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and more. 

If security is your main aim, NordVPN is excellent. It has solid encryption, RAM-only servers, and regular audits of its apps and network. However, it is worth mentioning that one third-party server in Finland was hacked in 2018. In response to the incident, Nord noted: 

“The incident effectively showed that the affected server did not contain any user activity logs. To prevent any similar incidents, among other means, we encrypt the hard disk of each new server we build.”

The service ticks all of the boxes, with responsive apps available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and more. You’ll be able to connect up to six devices simultaneously. 

TOP GERMAN VPN PICK: NordVPN is the best VPN for Germany, whether you want to access DE sites securely, or stream content from back home safely while on holiday. Lots of additional features, 24/7 support, and exceptional speeds. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is a capable budget provider that matches up to the competition in most respects. Take its German servers, which are found in Frankfurt and Berlin. Each offers WireGuard support for the fastest connection speeds, as well as Camouflage Mode (obfuscation). 

You’ll be able to connect as many devices as you like with a single account, and it can be used to access services like Netflix USA and BBC iPlayer in Germany. It has over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries. 

Let’s get the negatives out of the way first. Surfshark ‘merged’ with NordVPN in 2021, aiming to ‘consolidate their resources in reaching mutual goals and innovate within the cybersecurity industry’. However, it’s not the best result for the average user, who is likely to be none the wiser. 

MultiHop servers can be used to improve speeds, connecting the user to the UK before looping back to a German server. It has DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection, and it offers a kill switch with all apps. These can be found for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux, and there’s also router support. Surfshark offers 24/7 support via live chat, just in case you ever need assistance. 

BUDGET-FRIENDLY VPN: Surfshark is an affordable provider that belies the low asking price. Great speeds and security features, streaming support for popular services, unlimited devices, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is another top pick for Germany, despite a slightly higher price tag. Whether you’re aiming to access local content with a German IP, or international apps and services, it tends to have the best results overall. The service has been around for over a decade, with German servers located in Frankfurt and Nuremberg. You’ll be able to connect to 94+ countries altogether. 

It will be able to access services like the Bundesliga, Netflix, and TV Now, with great speeds thanks to the proprietary Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN has been audited multiple times, with third parties confirming its privacy policy protections, and server technology security.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, and more, along with browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. It also has one of the more responsive support teams, available via live chat or email.

EXCELLENT ALL-ROUNDER: ExpressVPN is one of the more performant providers to make the list. Audited, fast connection speeds, German servers, and an expert at unblocking services. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Mullvad is arguably the best pick if privacy is first and foremost in your mind. The VPN has a strong reputation within the industry, with numerous advanced security features such as MultiHop, split tunneling, port forwarding, and more. 

There are 44+ German servers (850+ overall) split across two cities, either in Düsseldorf or Frankfurt. This includes 15+ self-owned servers in the latter. Otherwise, the rented options are dedicated, so they aren’t shared with anyone else.

However, the service is based in Sweden, which falls under 14-Eyes Alliance jurisdiction. (More on that below.)

Rather than multiple subscription options, there’s a flat fee, which works out at €5 a month for five devices. Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux devices are supported. You’ll be able to get Mullvad working with a router, and there’s even a Firefox browser extension that’s free to use. 

SUPERB SECURITY FEATURES: Mullvad might not be the best pick for streaming in Germany, but it does come packed to the brim with security features including MultiHop, open-source code, split tunneling, port forwarding, and more. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Mullvad.

Proton VPN is a great pick if you’re looking for a secure option within the region. It’s developed by the team behind the popular ProtonMail service, and it offers streaming support for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Proton VPN has 1,800+ servers in 67+ countries. Each Secure Core German server comes with an adblocker in the form of NetShield, while connections are routed via Iceland, Switzerland, or Sweden. Secure Core works by passing user traffic through multiple servers. There are an additional 70+ servers found in Berlin and Frankfurt, which can be used for P2P and Tor, as well as offering streaming support. 

You’ll find apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and more, and it can be used with up to 10 devices at the same time. 

As it’s based in Switzerland, it’s subject to European data laws. However, unlike Proton Mail which is subject to data requests, the VPN is protected by Swiss laws and cannot be forced to start logging under any circumstances. This makes its no-logging policy watertight. 

PLENTIFUL SERVERS IN GERMANY: Proton VPN has lots of great server options for Germany. Enjoy high speeds, strong streaming support, and various privacy and security enhancements. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

CyberGhost VPN has a total of 9,000+ servers in over 90 countries, so you’ll never struggle to find somewhere to connect to. It has an impressive total of 1,650+ servers in Germany alone, which is great coverage for the region. 

You’ll be able to stream and connect to German TV services including ZDF, ARD, 7TV, German YouTube, and Netflix DE. There are also streaming-optimized servers for international content like Netflix US, Hulu, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. German locations can also be used for P2P filesharing, and it’s fairly affordable. 

One flaw is that CyberGhost does keep some connection logs, even if they can’t be linked to an individual user. Another downside is that it’s another VPN that is owned by Kape Technologies (rather than being an issue with Kape, it’s not ideal for the VPN landscape to be controlled by a handful of companies).

FAST SPEEDS: CyberGhost VPN is an optimal pick if you plan to stream content from any major region. Over 1,600+ German servers. A 14-day money-back guarantee is available for one-month plans, while six months or longer is covered by a 45-day guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

IPVanish has a network of over 2,000 servers worldwide. This includes a location in Frankfurt which can be used for a German IP address. Such a large network is great for international travel, as IPVanish can also provide an IP address in other countries like the UK and Australia. One key difference is that each of its servers is owned and operated by the provider, rather than being rented. However, it is based in the United States, which isn’t ideal for a VPN HQ. It’s also owned by J2 Global, who have links to StrongVPN, Encrypt.me, SaferVPN, and OverPlay VPN.

Often preferred by Kodi users, it offers unlimited device connections, while features include leak protection, split tunneling, WireGuard, and more. 

You’ll find IPVanish apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The provider also has setup guides for routers and Linux.

UNLIMITED SIMULTANEOUS CONNECTIONS: IPVanish is another strong option for Germany. Unlimited device connections, self-owned servers, and advanced features. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available for 12-month and 24-month plans only.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

Testing methodology: Best VPNs for Germany

With hundreds of VPNs on the market, it can be tough to know which is best for the task at hand. We used the following testing methodology to come up with our list of the best VPNs for Germany:

• German servers: We look at the number of German servers each VPN offers. Ideally, there will be options in multiple cities. We also check out the size and strength of the entire VPN network. 
• Fast connection speeds: Fast connection speeds are a must for anyone aiming to stream or torrent, and it’ll help to ensure no lag during anything from gaming to video conferencing. The VPN must offer unlimited bandwidth and be able to stream 4K content with no buffering.
• Ability to access blocked German sites and services: German servers are one thing. Can these locations actually be used to bypass any geo-blocks you’ll find with German content? What about international services, such as US Netflix and BBC iPlayer?
• Privacy and security: No identifying information about you or your online activities should be stored while using the VPN. As well as the logging policy, we look at each VPN’s encryption, check for leaks, and note any important features. 
• Stability and usability: Expect various notable features, beginner-friendly app support, strong customer service, and a smooth experience overall.
• Value for money: Is the provider available for a fair price, and does it offer good value? This includes any available deals, and if there’s a money-back guarantee available. 

Bonus points

As well as the criteria listed above, we also award bonus points to VPN companies that provide any of the following (our top three providers in this list all provide the below):

• Diskless servers: Our top providers (as well as CyberGhost) run their servers on RAM instead of traditional storage. This eliminates a lot of the risk if it happens to be seized, as it would effectively be like taking an empty piece of hardware with no data or configuration files.
• Based in countries not part of any known intelligence alliance: Given the relationship between the BND and the NSA, we’ve avoided services headquartered in countries that regularly share intelligence. For example, the best-known alliance is The 14 Eyes (officially called SIGINT Seniors Europe, or SSEUR) which includes the UK, USA, Germany, France, Spain, and nine others, though other alliances (such as Maximator and the Afghanistan SiGINT Coalition) also exist, and it’s likely there are more partnerships that we are not aware of. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are all based in Panama or the British Virgin Islands (which, crucially, is a distinct territory separate from Great Britain).
• Regular application and server audits from a respected third party: Rather than taking VPN logging claims at face value, we look for audited services. There is a difference between a server audit and an application audit. The former examines things like whether the VPN’s infrastructure inadvertently collects data that would disprove no-logging claims, while the latter examines the apps that a user runs on their device. As you might have guessed, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark have had both types of audits performed.

How to use a VPN in Germany

If this is your first time using a VPN, we’ve included a step-by-step guide to take you through the process below.

Here’s how to use a VPN for Germany:

1. Sign up with a VPN provider. (NordVPN is our top recommendation overall.)
2. Download and install the relevant VPN app for your device. 
3. Open the app, and sign in with your login details.
4. Select a server location to begin (for example, connect to a US server if you want to access US streaming sites).
5. Connect to the server. You’ll now be assigned a new IP address that matches the location you’ve selected. 

The process is the same no matter where you’d like to connect to, as long as the VPN has servers in the location you’d prefer. You’ll now be free to connect to previously blocked apps and services, and your online activities will be hidden from your ISP. 

VPNs for Germany FAQs

What about a free VPN for Germany?

It’s always tempting to look for a free VPN, but it’s inadvisable for a number of reasons. For example, it’ll be tough to find a free provider with servers based in Germany, and everything from connection speeds to bandwidth is likely to be capped. 

There are also various security and privacy risks to be aware of. Free VPNs aren’t always able to provide secure encryption, which can lead to issues if it’s leaking your data. Some providers fund free servers with lots of adverts. Other, more nefarious companies will sell user data to third parties, and some have been caught reselling user bandwidth.  

Is it legal to use a VPN in Germany?

Yes, it’s perfectly legal to use a VPN in Germany. However, if you’re planning to use a VPN for illegal activities, you’ll still be liable for breaking the law. VPNs are banned or restricted in regions such as China, Russia, and the UAE.

Can I watch German TV from abroad using a VPN?

Streaming services tend to be available in specific regions, due to broadcasting rights and international restrictions. In other words, services are region-locked, and they use your IP to check your current location. 

A VPN will help to bypass any restrictions, which is great if you’re abroad. Services like ZDF won’t be able to see your real IP address. Instead, all they will see is the IP address of the VPN server that you’ve connected to. A German VPN server can be used to access DE streaming platforms. As such, a UK server can potentially unblock British streaming services, while an American server can be used for US platforms. 

Is torrenting legal in Germany?

Yes, torrenting is legal in Germany, with some caveats. Torrenting copyrighted material is generally considered to be illegal, and IP addresses from the region are often monitored by law firms. Downloading illegal torrents can result in fines in Germany, of up to €1,500.

As well as traditional torrents, this includes apps like Popcorn Time and websites containing copyrighted content. Here is a list of private law firms that frequently send out copyright warnings to German users, courtesy of Raymond Chenon:

• Auffenberg, Petzhold, Witte, Baumgarten & Brandt, Bindhart, Fiedler, Zerbe, CSR, Daniel Sebastian, Denecke Haxthausen & Partner, Fareds, Johannes Rübenach, Kornmeier & Patner, Lihl, Lutz Schroeder, Marcus Meier, Marko Schiek, Negele, Nümann und Lang, Paulus, Philipp Marquort, Rainer Munderloh, Rasch, Reichelt, Klute, Aßmann, Sasse und Patner, Schalast & Patner, Scheuermann, Westerhoff, Strittmatter, Schutt, Waetke, SKW Schwarz; U+C, Vahrenwald & Kretschmer, Waldorf Frommer, WeSaveYourCopyrights, Winterstein, Zimmermann & Decker.

Why do I need a VPN in Germany?

You’ll be able to access international streaming services, and you won’t have to worry about any copyright trolls. Your ISP also won’t be able to keep tabs on what you’re up to, as it will only be able to see your VPN connection. It’s great for keeping all online snoopers at bay. 

Will Smart DNS change my location to Germany?

A Smart DNS service will be able to change your location to Germany, but it can’t encrypt your traffic, or keep your data secure. A VPN is the better option if you want to improve privacy and security at the same time as unblocking websites. 

What are Germany's data retention laws?

In September 2022, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) found that Germany's general data retention law violates EU law. It’s a requirement for companies to retain the location and connection data of all people who use their services. However, this law has been suspended since 2017.

Will my ISP know I’m using a VPN in Germany?

Yes. Your ISP will be able to tell that you’re using a VPN as it can see encrypted data traveling to and from a remote server. However, it can’t see the data itself, only that you’re connected to a VPN. 

Is streaming movies illegal in Germany?

No, it’s legal to do so as long as the broadcaster has the copyright holder's permission. For example, services like Netflix and Amazon Prime are safe to use, but we’d avoid streaming any pirated content. 

How do I access my home Netflix in Germany?

The German version of Netflix is decent, although it won’t have the full range of shows you’re used to back home. The same is true for any Germans traveling abroad, as each Netflix catalog is different depending on the region you’re in. As well as differing content, you might find that some shows lack subtitles in the language you’d prefer. 

The good news is, the VPNs listed above work with US Netflix, while many work with additional regions like the UK, Canada, France, and more. However, Netflix does try its best to block the use of VPNs, by banning the IP addresses in use.