Why You Need a VPN for Travel
New to virtual private networks? Start with our VPN and privacy guide for what a VPN can and cannot protect, how to evaluate a provider, and why streaming or banking access is never guaranteed.
Two problems make a travel VPN essential in 2026: content geo-blocking (Netflix shows different libraries per country; Hulu is US-only) and banking app restrictions (many banks block logins from foreign IP addresses, triggering fraud alerts or lockouts). A VPN with servers in your home country solves both.
Top 5 Travel VPNs Tested in 2026
1. NordVPN — Best Overall for Streaming Unblocking
NordVPN consistently unblocks Netflix US, UK, Australia, Japan, and Canada. It also unblocks Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and most major streaming platforms. Their Obfuscated Servers feature helps bypass VPN blocks in countries like China and UAE.
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime
- Works in China and UAE with obfuscated servers
- 6 simultaneous devices per account
- Fast speeds: 300–600 Mbps average on nearby servers
- Limitation: slightly more expensive than Surfshark
NordVPN — Best VPN for Travellers in 2026
Unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and protect your banking apps abroad. 30-day money-back guarantee. Try risk-free.
Get NordVPN2. ExpressVPN — Best for Speed & Reliability
ExpressVPN is consistently the fastest VPN tested. Their Lightway protocol achieves near-native internet speeds on most connections. They maintain dedicated streaming servers that reliably unblock Netflix and other services.
- Fastest speeds tested: 400–700 Mbps
- Works reliably in China, UAE, and other restricted countries
- MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature for devices that don't support VPN apps
- Limitation: most expensive option ($6.67/month on annual plan)
- Limitation: limited to 8 simultaneous devices
3. Surfshark — Best Value for Multi-Device Travellers
Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections — meaning you can protect your phone, laptop, tablet, and a family member's devices all on one account. Speeds are slightly below NordVPN and ExpressVPN but perfectly adequate for streaming.
4. ProtonVPN — Best for Privacy-Conscious Travellers
ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, has a verified no-logs policy, and is fully open-source — meaning independent security researchers have audited every line of code. It's slightly slower than NordVPN for streaming but offers the strongest privacy guarantees.
5. Mullvad — Best for Anonymous Use
Mullvad doesn't require an account email — you purchase with a randomly generated account number. Accepts cash and cryptocurrency. Best for users with strong privacy requirements who don't need streaming unblocking.
| VPN | Netflix US | Hulu | BBC iPlayer | Banking Apps | Price/month (annual) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $3.69 |
| ExpressVPN | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $6.67 |
| Surfshark | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $2.49 |
| ProtonVPN | Yes | Variable | Yes | Yes | $4.99 |
| Mullvad | No | No | No | Yes | $5.00 |
Get eSIM plans, speed data, and connectivity tips for your destination.
Do VPNs Work with Banking Apps?
Most banks block logins from foreign IP addresses as a fraud prevention measure. A VPN with a server in your home country gives you a home-country IP, which usually resolves this. However, some major banks (notably HSBC, Chase, and some EU banks) maintain VPN IP blocklists. If your bank blocks VPN IPs, try: (1) a different VPN server in the same country, (2) clearing app cache, (3) using the bank's web portal instead of the app.
Before leaving, connect to your VPN on home Wi-Fi, route through a server in your home country, and test your banking app. This confirms the VPN works with your specific bank. If it blocks you, contact your bank to add a travel notice or ask about their international access options.