Best VPN for Germany in 2024 to Maintain Online Privacy

Most German TV channels and apps are geo-blocked abroad. To unlock them, you’re going to need a German IP address that is only something the best VPN offers. Plus, even if you’re within Germany itself, you’re still going to need the best VPN to prevent data logging and online surveillance. Right now, the best VPN for Germany is Surfshark.  

5 Best VPNs for Germany in 2024

Data retention laws are high in Germany, and you’re probably going to want to add an extra layer of protection while using the internet in Germany. A VPN is one of the best ways to protect your data, to maintain privacy, and to be able to securely access the best streaming service that are geo-locked. If we had to choose one VPN that is the best for Germany, it would have to be Surfshark. Here’s why:

1. Surfshark – German VPN for unlimited devices 

Surfshark is quite a popular choice among users, but it’s also one of the more user-friendly and reliable VPNs for Germany. It gives you access to 3200+ servers in 100 countries, with the inclusion of German servers for accessing local content. Its German servers are spread in two locations: Berlin and Frankfurt. 

When I connected to the Surfshark servers in Germany, I got access to the German Netflix library abroad and local TV channels like Tele5, Neo, and ZDF. Its international servers are also reliable to unblock internationally geo-locked services like Hulu, BBC iPlayer and other options in Germany. 

Coming to security, it runs on military-grade 256-bit AES encryption using multiple protocols like OpenVPN. It also has a Kill Switch by default and other features like GPS Spoofing, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, AdBlocker, a Whitelister, and much more. This is required in a VPN for Germany to maintain online protection within the country. 

Another reason why we listed Surfshark on this list for the best VPNs for Germany is because it allows unlimited device connections. You’ll be able to maintain online privacy on most devices that you own. With that said, some of the platforms that Surfshark offers apps for is Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, Nvidia Shield TV, FireStick, and a lot more.

You can also test the VPN just in case you need to see how Surfshark performs. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee over each subscription package.

Get Surfshark for Germany Now

2. NordVPN – Best VPN for Germany with for online security 

NordVPN is another favorite among users for its security and privacy features. However, it makes one of the best Germany VPNs for this reason. The VPN  gives you access to 5600+ servers in 60 countries, with 240+ servers in Germany; Berlin and Frankfurt. Our team tested its German VPN servers are were able to unblock N24, ZDF, Rheinmain TV, and many others. 

Plus, the speeds on the German servers never hit lower than 156 Mbps over a local connection. You can also use its international servers to unblock popular platforms like US Netflix, Disney+, Hotstar, YouTube and BBC iPlayer in Germany. 

Online security and privacy in Germany is required, which is something the NordVPN German IP addresses can offer. When you connect to them, you’ll be anonymous online and go about undetected. To add to it, NordVPN follows a strict no-logging policy keeping its user’s data and online activities private. 

When in Germany, you’re going to need double the security, not only for all your devices but to secure your data as well. NordVPN runs on 256-bit encryption. It also carried a functional Kill Switch, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, a CyberSec feature, and a lot more.

You can use your Android or your Windows because NordVPN allows up to 6 multi-device connections. It also covers other apps for iOS, macOS, Linux, Android TV, Firestick, and much more. The provider also offers a business VPN called NordLayer just in case you run a business in Germany.

In the meantime, if you’d like to test the VPN out, Nord provides a 7-day free trial for Android and iOS. Besides that, it also offers a 30-day refund. This provider allows you to cancel your account and avail of a refund period for anyone who’d like to test the VPN a little longer.

Get NordVPN for Germany Now

3. ExpressVPN – Robust VPN for Germany 

The reason why ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Germany is because its performance overall was satisfactory. Within its list of 3000+ servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN has 4 German servers in 2 different locations: Frankfurt-1, Frankfurt-2, and Nuremberg. This means you’d be able to access the best German services and access your banking apps while traveling abroad. 

Additionally, you can connect to any of its international servers and unblock most websites, apps, and streaming services that are censored within the country. For starters, with the German servers, you can access TV channels like ZDF and Neo while traveling or even unblock the German Netflix library. Additionally, if you connect to the ExpressVPN US server, you can unblock Disney Plus, Hulu, or Amazon Prime in Germany. 

Now, to access streaming services or TV channels, you need stable speeds and unlimited bandwidth, which is something your ISP throttles. The best VPN for Germany, like ExpressVPN, can help make that happen. I even ran some tests on the ExpressVPN German and US servers, and their speeds never went lower than 198 Mbps on a slower connection. I chose ExpressVPN as the best German VPN because its speeds are the fastest. 

Now, considering that online censorship and surveillance is high in Germany, you need the best VPN that offers secure privacy and security features. ExpressVPN operates using 256-bit encryption which is industry-leading. Additionally, its apps come with a Kiill Switch, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and others. 

Even if you’re using a gaming console in Germany and would like to add a VPN to it, you won’t be directly installing it. For this, ExpressVPN offers a MediaStreamer Smart DNS proxy. 

You can use the VPN on up to 5 devices since ExpressVPN supports more than 20 platforms. It has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Firestick, Linux, routers, Smart TVs and much more. 

Either run a few tests using the limited free trial or head to the 30-day refund period.  You can always ask for a refund and account cancelation if you’re not happy with the service.

Get ExpressVPN for Germany Now

4. CyberGhost – Best Germany VPN with 1618 optimized German servers

CyberGhost is one of the best for online privacy and streaming. It comes with ample reviews to support that. This is why CyberGhost, according to me, is the best VPN for online privacy in Germany. It gives access to 9000+ servers in 90 countries and has expanded its list to 1618 German servers in 3 locations. 

You can connect to the German VPN servers and unblock local content on services like Stream Now, DW RV Persian or access your local banking apps while traveling abroad. The speeds on the CyberGhost servers are fast enough to eliminate buffering issues and get HD streams. 

CyberGhost is also one of the more user-friendly VPNs that is easy to set up. It offers apps on numerous devices like Windows, iOS, Android macOS, Linux, Android TV, Fire TV, and a lot more. With one subscription, you can make on up to 7 multi-device connections.

To secure your privacy in Germany, CyberGhost runs its apps with 256-bit AES encryption. Other features that the app comes with are a Kill Switch by default, a split-tunneling feature called Exceptions, an AdBlocker, Automated HTTPS Redirect, and IP leak protection.

I understand that almost everyone is a little unsure when it comes to investing in a VPN they don’t know about. However, CyberGhost offers a 24-hr free trial for Windows and a 7-day free trial for iOS and Android devices for you to test the VPN app. Along with that, it also offers a 45-day refund period in case you need to test the VPN for a longer period.

Get Cyberghost for Germany Now

5. IPVanish – Unblock US Netflix and more in Germany

IPVanish is located in the US. However, after testing and reviewing the app, the VPN does not leak data, keeping your traffic in Germany undetected and anonymous. It might not be better than Surfshark, but IPVanish unblocks a couple of US streaming services in Germany, which you can do using its 1300+ servers in America. To access local German content outside the country, there is one German server in one location that you can connect to. 

It doesn’t offer much compared to the other VPNs on the list, but just enough to mask your physical location and secure your data. IPVanish operates using 256-bit encryption and offers a variety of protocols to choose from. It even has a functional Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and a unique feature called Scramble OpenVPN Traffic. This feature allows you to use the internet with a VPN without being detected.

What’s great is that with IPVanish, you’ll be able to unblock numerous streaming services. A few of them include Popcorn Time, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, DAZN, and Amazon Prime. If you have more than one device that needs protection, IPVanish supports unlimited device connections, offering apps for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, Roku, browser extensions, and a lot more.

IPVanish doesn’t offer a standard free trial, but you can run a few tests using its 30-day money-back guarantee free of charge.

Get iPVanish for Germany Now

Why do you need the best VPN for Germany?

There are many reasons why you should use a VPN in Germany, and honestly, there are equally similar reasons why one should use a VPN in general.

However, here’s why you should use a VPN for Germany:

Online surveillance

Germany’s government seems to have given its intelligence agency (BND), the upper hand in making sure they tab into their citizen’s devices. They’ll be able to monitor every text, every call, and every digital footprint you leave behind. Secondly, Germany is indeed a part of the 14-eyes alliance and can at any given time sell its citizens’ data to other members of the alliance.

Cyberattacks

There can be as much internet freedom in Germany as you dream of, but it’s always wise to be on the safe side. Just because data-protection is practiced, it doesn’t mean hackers are off duty. Someone somewhere is waiting to hack into your device, steal, manipulate, delete, or even sell your data. It’s always wise to take an extra leap towards cybersecurity measures.

Torrenting

Downloading or even uploading torrents is considered a big no-no in many countries, including Germany. The downloading of copyrighted content should never be practiced. If, however, you still feel like going ahead with it, it should always be done safely with maximum security.

Accessing content worldwide

The German government has held strict rules and has managed to censor multiple content and websites. This includes YouTube in particular. Accessing it, among other restricted websites like the US Netflix, HBO GO, or even Disney Plus, you’ll have to connect to a German VPN. It also applies to gaining access to local German channels, bank accounts, or media accounts while traveling out of the country.

How to choose the best VPN for Germany

In a nutshell, to choose the best VPN for Germany, its servers have to be optimized to produce fast and stable speeds, bufferless UHD streams, strong security, and privacy features to maintain online privacy in Germany and prevent your data from leaking out. Additionally, the VPN you choose for Germany has to be able to unblock the best international streaming services in the country and local content abroad. With that said, here’s how you can choose the best German VPN: 

Server Coverage

These providers were chosen on the basis of offering a wide platform of servers from around the world. They even offer German IP addresses to access local content from anywhere in the world.

Privacy and no-logging policy

Since Germany is part of the 14-eyes and does the occasional online sweeping through your activities, it is necessary you choose a German VPN that has the best privacy and no-data retention policies. It should be able to secure and preserve your anonymity.

Ability to bypass geo-blocked platforms

Another thing, Germany may not restrict the amount of time you spend on the internet, but it does, however, block certain platforms like YouTube.  And by that, I mean completely filtering almost 61% out of the most viewed video categories. The VPN you choose for Germany should be strong enough to bypass heavy Geo-blocks from anywhere in the world.

Best security backing

It doesn’t matter what device you use, the German VPN you choose should have the best security measures like 256-bit encryption and an active Kill Switch. Secondly, since the German government is pretty much tapping into your devices and activities, all the more reason for you to need a VPN that doesn’t leak your data. I tested each provider on this list for IP leaks using several of its servers including the German ones.

Fast streaming speeds

Gaining access to streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime by either locals or foreigners from Germany can be a big bust. Not every platform you try to access is going able to function smoothly with slow speeds. It could be because of your ISP throttling your connection speeds. For that, you’re going to need a German VPN that stabilizes or heightens your download speeds.

P2P optimized servers

Torrenting is considered a criminal offense in many countries including Germany. Scoring a VPN that has P2P optimized servers will make torrenting more accessible and safer to operate with. Not failing to mention the best download speeds; dodging terrible buffering escapades.

User-friendliness

All the VPNs chosen for Germany have user-friendly apps for multiple devices. This is important as not all users are professionals. A simple and clean client app is the best thing VPN users look for.

Compatibility and multi-device connections

The VPNs selected all support multiple devices and also allows you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously per VPN subscription. You’ll never know which device you’ll need protecting when on holiday.

A competent support chat

In most cases, I’d say it’s better to have a 24/7 support chat, but in actuality what’s the point if the guidance they’re providing isn’t helpful? A competent and reliable support chat is what you need for assistance in Germany.

To conclude

A VPN is required for safe online passage in or outside Germany. However, before picking any, it always wise to go through authentic VPN reviews for double-checking.

All the German VPNs mentioned on my list (Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and IPvanish) are secure, fast, unblocked German and international content. They’re exactly what the best VPN for Germany should offer.

The best thing about these providers is that they offer regular discounts. Keep track of them on our VPN deals page.

If, however, you’re traveling to Germany just for business, you could consider using the best business VPN! But, if you’re looking for just one, we recommend Perimeter 81.

FAQs – Best VPN for Germany

Can a free VPN be used in Germany?

Yes, a free VPN can be used in Germany. However, there’s no guarantee how safe a free German VPN would be. The point of using a VPN for Germany is to bypass geo-restrictions and to protect your digital footprints. A free VPN with a German server might not be able to do that. We always recommend using a free VPN for Germany like ExpressVPN. However, if you’re on a budget, there are other options on the list. 

Are VPNs legal in Germany?

Yes, using a VPN for Germany is legal since there aren’t any laws against it. However, there are services within the country that might not allow access to them with a VPN. Either way, since VPNs are legal in Germany, it’s best you use one to maintain online protection. 

How do I get a VPN in Germany?

You can get the best VPN in Germany by choosing any one from our list. However, right now, the best German VPN is Surfshark. All you need to do is get the VPN from the website or the Store, download and install it on your device, launch and sign in. Now, connect to a German VPN server, and use the internet in Germany safely. 

Which VPN works the best in Germany?

Right now, Surfshark works the best in Germany. Its speeds are the fastest, the security is reliable, and it supports app for most devices. 

What VPN has Germany for free?

There are two reliable VPNs that offer a free German server, however, there’s no surety of what else they offer. A premium VPN works way better than a free option, and plus offers you servers to access international services within the country. 

To Summarize, the Best VPN for Germany is…..

Rank	Provider	Our Score	User Rating
1	Surfshark	9.6/10	Read Review	Find Out More Get Started >>
2	NordVPN	9.4/10	Read Review	Find Out More Get Started >>
3	ExpressVPN	9.3/10	Read Review	Find Out More Get Started >>
4	Cyberghost	9.0/10	Read Review	Find Out More Get Started >>
5	IPvanish	8.5/10	Read Review	Find Out More Get Started >>