When you’re hopping from one country to another, your internet connection shouldn’t compromise your privacy — or your ability to stream Netflix at night. That’s where a reliable VPN becomes a digital nomad’s best friend.
In this guide, I’ll share the best VPNs for remote workers in 2025, based on real travel experience, speed, and ease of use. Whether you’re working from Thailand, Portugal, or Costa Rica — these VPNs have your back.
🌐 Why Every Digital Nomad Needs a VPN
Here’s why I never connect to Wi-Fi without one:
- Public Wi-Fi is risky — Think cafés, hostels, airports.
- You can access content globally — Like banking sites or YouTube from back home.
- Avoid surveillance or censorship — Especially in countries with restricted internet.
- You can save money — Flights, rentals, even some software pricing.
🔒 What to Look for in a Nomad-Friendly VPN
- Server locations worldwide
- Strong no-logs policy
- Good speeds for video calls and uploads
- Kill switch & auto-connect
- Mobile + desktop apps
- Affordable long-term plans
🥇 The 5 Best VPNs for Digital Nomads in 2025
1. NordVPN
- Servers: 6,300+ in 110+ countries
- Speed: Very fast with NordLynx protocol
- Why it rocks: Reliable, easy to use, great mobile app
- Extras: Threat protection (malware, trackers), meshnet for secure device linking
2. Surfshark
- Servers: 3,200+ in 100+ countries
- Speed: Excellent, even for streaming
- Why it rocks: Unlimited device connections (great for couples/friends)
- Extras: CleanWeb (ad blocker), Dynamic MultiHop
3. ExpressVPN
- Servers: 3,000+ in 94 countries
- Speed: Top-tier, even on slow networks
- Why it rocks: Best for streaming & bypassing geo-restrictions
- Extras: TrustedServer tech (RAM-only), split tunneling
👉 Get 3 months free with ExpressVPN
4. ProtonVPN
- Servers: 2,900+ in 90+ countries
- Speed: Solid, especially on Plus plan
- Why it rocks: Built by the creators of ProtonMail, strong privacy
- Extras: Free tier available (with limits), Secure Core routing
5. AtlasVPN (budget pick)
- Servers: 1,000+ in 50 countries
- Speed: Decent for price
- Why it rocks: Super affordable for new nomads
- Extras: Built-in data breach monitoring
👉 Get AtlasVPN for under $2/month
📊 VPN Comparison Table
| VPN | Countries | Speed | Devices | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 110+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 6 devices | 30 days |
| Surfshark | 100+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Unlimited | 30 days |
| ExpressVPN | 94 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5 devices | 30 days |
| ProtonVPN | 90+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | 10 devices | Free plan |
| AtlasVPN | 50 | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Unlimited | 30 days |
🧳 Bonus: How I Use VPNs as a Nomad
- I set it to auto-connect on public Wi-Fi
- Use Split Tunneling when I only want certain apps to run through VPN
- Test servers in multiple countries to compare speeds
- Keep a backup VPN app on my phone (just in case)
✅ Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about working remotely and protecting your data, a VPN isn’t optional — it’s essential.
For most nomads, NordVPN hits the sweet spot for price, speed, and simplicity. If you’re on a tighter budget or traveling as a couple, Surfshark is a no-brainer.
Wherever you work, don’t leave your digital door unlocked.
Safe travels – and even safer browsing.