Best VPNs for Iceland in 2024: Speed and Security

The best VPNs for Iceland let you bypass workplace blocks and access regional content. Our expert guide recommends the fastest and most secure VPNs for Iceland.

Internet service providers in Iceland are subject to mandatory data retention laws, requiring them to store web browsing histories and communication metadata for six months. These details are shared with government authorities upon request. This constant surveillance of Icelandic citizens is why it is crucial to use one of the best VPNs for Iceland.

A VPN is an online privacy tool that prevents local networks, ISPs, government agencies, and other eavesdroppers from tracking your online activities. It encrypts all data transmitted to and from your devices and hides your IP address. This eliminates a significant tracking method used by websites.

A major benefit of using a VPN in Iceland is its ability to change your location. You can switch your IP address to bypass restrictions on local networks, such as at work or on campus. A VPN for Iceland also lets you access international platforms like Netflix US and BBC iPlayer – or watch Icelandic TV streams like RÚV, Stöð 2, Sýn, Vodafone TV, and Síminn.

Not all VPNs offer fast speeds and reliable encryption. In this guide, our experts used meticulous testing to pinpoint VPNs for Iceland suitable for torrenting, gaming, and other data-intensive tasks. Our recommendations work to get an Icelandic IP address and prevent anybody from monitoring your activities.

Below, you can take a quick look at the top VPNs for internet users in Iceland. For detailed insights into each of the leading VPNs for Iceland, scroll down to our in-depth summaries.

The best VPNs for Iceland:

1. NordVPN: Best VPN for Iceland. Highly secure. Unlocks Icelandic platforms like RÚV, Stöð 2, and Sýn abroad. 14+ servers in Iceland. Works with Netflix US. Apps include a kill switch. Strict no-logs policy. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Budget-friendly Iceland VPN. Access Icelandic platforms abroad. Unlimited connections. Starts at $2.50/month. Features include strong encryption, WireGuard, a kill switch, and obfuscation. 24/7 live chat support.
3. ExpressVPN: Fast servers in 90+ countries, including Iceland. Unlocks Icelandic and international platforms like Netflix US. Includes ad blocking, obfuscation, and a kill switch. 24/7 live chat support.
4. CyberGhost VPN: Perfect for beginners. Unlocks Icelandic platforms while traveling. 9,000+ servers worldwide, including 24+ in Iceland. Works with Netflix US. Solid encryption and a kill switch.
5. Proton VPN: Fast and reliable. Unlocks Icelandic platforms like RÚV from abroad. Servers in the US and 69+ countries work with most streaming platforms, including Netflix. Port forwarding for torrenting. Kill switch and obfuscation. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Summary Table

Picking the right VPN for Iceland can be time-consuming and confusing. This is especially true if you are new to VPNs. Aggressive marketing and exaggerated claims about speed, security, and other important privacy features make it easy to end up with a subpar VPN.

In this guide, we’ve pinpointed secure VPNs that work seamlessly to access popular Icelandic services like RÚV, Stöð 2, Sýn, and Vodafone TV on vacation.

Our rigorous selection process involves testing numerous VPNs to ensure they meet our strict criteria. Below, we’ve included some of the things we looked for when choosing the best VPNs for Iceland.

• Access to Icelandic streaming platforms, game servers, internet banking, and other Icelandic web services from abroad or at work.
• Lightning-fast protocols and servers ideal for streaming in HD, torrenting, gaming, and making video calls. 
• Reliable customer support with 24/7 live chat.
• Robust security and privacy features, including a no-logs policy and 256-bit encryption.
• Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more.
• A money-back guarantee to test it on your own devices and services.
• Servers worldwide to get an IP address where you need it.
• Value for money.
• Suitable for torrenting privately.
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party.

Best VPNs for Iceland

The summaries below explain the most important attributes of the best VPNs for Iceland. Our detailed explainers will help you choose by listing unique features that set each VPN apart.  

NordVPN is perfect for internet users in Iceland. It offers a wide range of useful features, enforces a strict no-logs policy, and employs strong encryption with a reliable kill switch. Operating under Panama's jurisdiction, NordVPN is free from mandatory data retention laws. This, along with diskless servers and a successful security audit, underscores its commitment to user privacy.

Its custom NordLynx protocol delivers ultra-fast speeds across 5,500+ global servers, including 14+ servers in Reykjavik, Iceland. In our tests, we could access Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube TV, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix US among other popular international platforms.

NordVPN also has servers in Denmark that you can use to watch DR TV, TV 2 Play, and Viaplay from Iceland. It works to watch Icelandic services like RÚV Sarpurinn, Stöð 2, Sýn, Síminn Sjónvarp, and Vodafone TV while on vacation.

The apps include advanced options like double VPN, split tunneling, OpenVPN, obfuscated servers, Tor over VPN, and anti-DDoS. It even throws in a free Smart DNS service and blocks ads.  

Users get access to apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick. A single NordVPN subscription allows up to six simultaneous connections, making it a family-friendly choice. 24/7 live chat support is available.

BEST VPN FOR ICELAND: NordVPN is a super-fast and secure VPN. Unlocks region-locked platforms and bypasses censorship worldwide. Strong encryption and a no-logs policy safeguards against government surveillance in Iceland. Protects you against hackers on public WiFi. Compatible with Netflix. 30-day money-back guarantee to test it risk-free.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is our favorite low-cost VPN for people in Iceland. It has a user-friendly interface and over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, including Iceland. It excels at bypassing restrictions to stream Icelandic TV services like Sýn at work or abroad. Servers in Denmark can access ViaPlay and other Danish streaming services that are popular in Iceland.

Surfshark has completed third-party security audits, runs on diskless servers, and adheres to a strict no-logs policy. NoBorders mode, 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection protect your data in transit. The WireGuard protocol is optimized for HD streaming and gaming. It allows torrenting and comes with a robust kill switch.

In our tests, Surfshark worked to watch global platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max seamlessly from Iceland or abroad. It can bypass VoIP blocks and censorship in restrictive countries like the UAE and China. 

Surfshark can be installed and used on an unlimited number of devices. It makes apps for iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. You can also install it manually on routers. 24/7 live chat support can help you whenever needed.

FAST & SECURE BUDGET VPN: Surfshark offers apps for all devices, and lets you use the VPN on an unlimited number of devices. Fast WireGuard connections are perfect for streaming Icelandic TV platforms on vacation. Works to access Netflix US. Reliable encryption and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN has been around since 2009, making it one of the longest-running consumer VPNs on the market. The VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is excellent in terms of privacy. It has a solid no-logging policy and a choice of protocols with robust AES-256 encryption.

ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers in 100+ countries, including servers in Iceland and Denmark. It works to access restricted websites at work and while traveling abroad. In our tests, we could stream Icelandic TV platforms like Stöð 2, Sýn, and Vodafone TV, as well as Danish services like DR TV, TV 2 Play, and Viaplay. It also works to watch around a dozen Netflix regions, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and many others.

Its custom Lightway protocol is designed to give you faster speeds, making it fantastic for HD streaming and torrenting. To keep your data secure, the VPN runs on a diskless server network, and it has completed a full third-party audit.

The apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android and they include a kill switch, a free smart DNS service, and tracker and ad blocking. Users can connect up to eight devices consecutively. You can get help via live chat at any time of day.

HIGHLY VERSATILE: ExpressVPN works with most major streaming services, including Icelandic and Danish TV streaming platforms. The VPN maintains a strict no-logging policy and provides strong AES encryption to protect your privacy at home, at work, and on public WiFi. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost VPN is ideal for VPN beginners in Iceland looking for an app that is easy to use. The VPN is based in Romania and has a strict no-logging policy.

Subscribers can connect up to eight devices with a single subscription. Servers are available in 100+ countries, including Iceland and Denmark to watch popular TV streams from abroad or at work.

CyberGhost has more than 9,000 servers worldwide, so it never suffers from congestion. We tested many of its server locations and could access Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and many other popular platforms.

To make things even easier, CyberGhost labels its servers by use, including streaming-optimized servers for each country. Torrenting is allowed throughout its network, but the apps lack port forwarding and proper split tunneling.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, and they come with a kill switch, automatic WiFi protection, and ad and tracker blocking. 24/7 live chat support is available on its website.

EASY TO USE: CyberGhost VPN is perfect for beginners who want to gain privacy and online security. It has a solid no-logs policy, a kill switch, strong encryption, a choice of protocols, and DNS leak protection. It blocks ads and trackers. Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

Proton VPN was developed by the team behind ProtonMail and is based in Switzerland, a location that is fantastic in terms of privacy. The VPN has a watertight no-logs policy, a choice of protocols, strong encryption, and the option to add obfuscation. MultiHop connections are also available.

Proton VPN has servers in more than 69 countries, including Iceland, to watch all your favorite shows on vacation or restricted networks (such as at work or on campus). If you are one of Iceland's many Danish speakers, you can enjoy connecting to servers in Denmark to watch ViaPlay or other popular streaming platforms. 

If you specifically want a VPN for torrenting in Iceland, Proton VPN is well worth considering. Not only is it highly secure and trustworthy, it includes advanced features like split tunneling and port forwarding, which are extremely useful for seeding torrents. 

Although this VPN may not be as good as our top recommended VPN for Iceland when it comes to accessing streams, we found it to work with Netflix US, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer – so it is still serviceable. You can test it with your streaming accounts using the money-back guarantee. Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. They all come with a kill switch. 

BEST FOR TORRENTING: Proton VPN can get an IP address in Iceland from abroad. Very fast. Has servers in 69+ countries. Port forwarding makes it the best for torrenting in Iceland. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Iceland VPN testing methodology

The internet is packed with competing VPN options, but not all are created equal. Many fall short of providing the privacy features and protection users need. To ensure we recommend only the best and most reliable VPNs, we meticulously test numerous services using a thorough evaluation process.

Our testing involves checking for leaks, examining encryption methods, assessing the effectiveness of the kill switch, and evaluating download speeds. We also check over each VPN's privacy policy to ensure it completely safeguards user data.

Our approach ensures that we only recommend secure VPNs that are designed to provide watertight privacy. This makes them safe for protecting your browsing habits against ISP and government snooping. It also makes them reliable for gaining privacy while traveling to countries that enforce overreaching surveillance and censorship.

You can find out more about how we test and recommend VPNs in our detailed methodology guide. Below, we've outlined the key features we considered when recommending the best VPNs for Iceland.

• Reliable security: VPNs in this guide offer top-notch security and privacy features, including encryption, cutting-edge protocols, secure applications, kill switches, and DNS leak protection. Some include additional features like obfuscation and ad blocking.
• Privacy: Each VPN's privacy policy is scrutinized to ensure no tracking of your home IP address, connected servers, or browsing activities, guaranteeing ongoing privacy.
• Fast servers and protocols: We recommend VPNs with a fast Tier-1 network of high-speed servers worldwide.
• Server options: VPNs are tested with Icelandic TV platforms and international services like Netflix US, Hulu, and HBO Max while in Iceland. They operate servers globally, providing access from or to just about anywhere.
• Apps for all devices: VPNs can be used on multiple devices concurrently, with apps available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and in some cases Firestick and Linux.
• Customer support: We prioritize VPNs that offer robust customer support via email and live chat to assist with installation and using the VPN on any device.

Besides these important features, our top three recommendations must also include the following two things:

• Diskless servers: These servers run exclusively in RAM, so no user data is ever stored on a hard disk. They can instantly be erased in an emergency by pulling the plug. 
• Fully audited: Our top three picks have all paid for independent security audits. This ensures that the VPN is free from vulnerabilities and is living up to the privacy and security promises it makes. 

Iceland VPN FAQs

Can I use a free VPN in Iceland?

There are many free VPNs, but it's important to understand their limitations. Free VPNs offered by reputable providers are generally secure in terms of privacy, but they often have limited server options and impose bandwidth and download restrictions. This means that the free version may not offer the same level of access and performance as the paid version.

Free servers are typically much slower and may not work for accessing popular streaming services like Netflix. Reputable VPNs impose these restrictions to incentivize users to upgrade to a premium plan.

Steer clear of the majority of free VPNs advertised online or in app stores. Studies have shown that many free VPNs lack encryption, have invasive privacy policies, and suffer from app and server vulnerabilities.

These issues can result in data leaks and enable the VPN provider to monitor users for profiling purposes. Selling user data to marketing firms and data brokers contradicts the purpose of a reliable VPN, which is to ensure complete online privacy for internet users located in Iceland.

Can I bypass blocks at work with a VPN for Iceland?

Yes. Employers in Iceland and elsewhere around the globe often block access to TV streams, Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, online games, Twitch, Discord, Reddit, and many other popular platforms. They do this to stop their staff from becoming distracted. Students in Iceland experience similar restrictions on University and college campuses.

Anybody in Iceland can bypass WiFi blocks at work by using a VPN. Connecting to a VPN server in Iceland allows you to sidestep most restrictions implemented by network administrators. This allows you to use the internet as if you were back at home.

The encryption provided by a VPN means that you never need to worry about being tracked, either. The secure VPN tunnel ensures that your employer or school cannot detect what you are doing online. Using a VPN at work or on campus is at your own risk, so be sensible.

Can I watch Icelandic TV on vacation with a VPN?

Yes. A VPN allows you to spoof your location to get an IP address anywhere that the VPN provider has a server. By connecting to a VPN server in Iceland, you will get a valid Icelandic IP address. This will make you appear to be in Iceland, granting you secure access to any Icelandic streaming platform. 

As many people in Iceland also speak Danish, it is worth noting that you can also use a VPN to watch Danish TV while in Iceland. Alternatively, you can connect to a VPN server in the UK to watch BBC iPlayer, TNT Sports, Channel 4, or ITVX. Or a server in the US to watch ESPN, FOX, NBC, ABC, or any other network that interests you.

Below, we have included a list of Icelandic streaming services you can watch with a VPN:

• RÚV
• Stöð 2
• Sýn
• Vodafone TV
• Síminn TV
• Viaplay Iceland
• 365
• Tónlist.is
• Kvikmyndir.is
• SkjárEinn

Can I torrent securely with a VPN in Iceland?

Yes. If you want to torrent without your ISP and the government monitoring your file sharing and downloads, it is advisable to use a VPN. The encryption provided by a VPN prevents Icelandic ISPs from being able to watch your file-sharing activities. A VPN also hides your IP address from other peers, which prevents hackers and copyright trolls from targeting you.

Do I need a fast VPN in Iceland?

Slow VPNs can reduce your internet speed between 50 and 90 percent, which will cause severe buffering issues and lag when trying to stream videos or play games. 

We test VPN connections to multiple server locations at three-hour intervals. We only recommend VPNs that have plenty of throughput and bandwidth.

This ensures that you can keep streaming, torrenting, making video calls, and playing games even while connected to your VPN to gain privacy. In fact, if your ISP is engaging in bandwidth throttling, our recommendations may even be able to speed up your internet, so it is worth giving them a test run using the money-back guarantees.

Why do I need a VPN in Iceland?

The government in Iceland has passed legislation that forces ISPs to maintain records of user browsing habits and communications data for six months. This data must be shared with government authorities on request. This means that everything you do online is being monitored not just by your ISP, but also potentially by government snoops.

Besides this monitoring, a VPN also prevents websites and other third parties from tracking you online. Many data brokers and marketing companies are vying for your data. A VPN hides your real IP address so it can’t be used to identify your device.

VPN encryption also helps protect your data as it passes over local networks. This can stop public WiFi hotspots, schools, employers, landlords, and other third parties from watching what you are doing online. It can also prevent you from being victimized by hackers when you use public WiFi.

Besides these privacy advantages, a VPN also gives you added online freedom. It can allow you to access region-blocked internet services, websites that have been blocked or censored, and any services that have been restricted when you travel around the world. No matter where you connect, you will always have access to the entire internet.

Are VPNs legal in Iceland?

Yes. VPN use is completely legal in Iceland and VPN use is very popular in the country.

VPNs are only illegal in a few countries around the world, such as Russia and Iran. In some countries, VPN use is frowned upon, and the use of a VPN to bypass certain blocks may be considered illegal. This is why you should do some research before traveling and be sure to use a highly secure VPN at all times. 

We are not lawyers and nothing in this article should be taken as legal advice.