Best VPN for Cuba in 2024

The Cuban government practices heavy Internet censorship, and many common websites and apps like Snapchat, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Zoom are blocked. Government surveillance of Online activities is the norm, raising significant privacy concerns.

That’s why I always use a premium VPN for Cuba. Using a virtual private network (VPN) in Cuba allows me to access blocked websites and protects me from cybercriminals and government surveillance so I can browse the Internet safely.

In a hurry? Here are the best VPNs for Cuba 

Here’s my list of the top five VPNs for Cuba.

Key takeaways

1. The Cuban government imposes significant censorship, blocking many social media and news sites.
2. It is illegal to share information online that is not compliant with what the government in Cuba deems acceptable.
3. Government surveillance is a known practice in Cuba.
4. Using a quality VPN in Cuba encrypts your data, secures your privacy, and supports unrestricted Internet Access.

Why you need a VPN for Cuba

I consider a good VPN essential for visiting Cuba. Here’s why.

• Bypass Internet censorship. Cuba has strict controls limiting Internet access to certain websites and platforms. Social media sites, news outlets, and VoIP services like WhatsApp or Skype are restricted or monitored by the government. VPN services allow users to connect to servers in other countries, bypassing local restrictions and gaining access to blocked content in Cuba easily.
• Improve privacy and security. Public Wi-Fi in Cuba, such as those available at Wi-Fi hotspots, can be insecure and vulnerable to cyber threats. The best VPN services provide a secure connection by encrypting your data which secures your data, like passwords, browsing history, and financial information, from hackers and potential surveillance.
• Access geo-restricted content. Many online services such as Netflix, Spotify, and certain news outlets limit content to users in specific countries. When citizens travel to Cuba, using a VPN service to connect to a server in their home country gives them access to content from home while physically located in Cuba.
• Maintain access to work, email, and banking services. Email services, online banking portals, and financial apps may not be accessible without a VPN in Cuba due to international restrictions or security policies. Using a VPN in Cuba allows you to connect to servers in other countries, maintaining uninterrupted access to your accounts from home.

How to choose the best VPN for Cuba

When using a VPN in Cuba, I want the following features:

• Unblocking capability. In Cuba, many sites are blocked so I look for a VPN with features like obfuscated servers and a strong track record for bypassing geo-blocks so I can access basic things like banking services, work portals, streaming sites, and VoIP apps while in Cuba.
• Strong security and privacy. When using a VPN in Cuba, where government surveillance is common and my Internet connection is often dependent on public Wi-Fi, I’ll only use a VPN that offers AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, an independently verified no-logs policy, an automatic Kill Switch, and DNS leak protection which are necessary for keeping my data safe.
• Speed. I look for the fastest speeds possible to avoid buffering or lag during VoIP calls, streaming, gaming, and downloading large files.
• Large server network. A VPN with an extensive server network can prevent overcrowding, reduce the risk of slow speeds, and support unrestricted access to online sites and services worldwide.
• Compatibility: I want a VPN with easy-to-use apps for all my devices including laptops, desktops, mobile devices, and smart TVs. I want the option to connect multiple devices under a single subscription.
• Customer service. Even for experienced VPN users like myself, reliable customer support is a must. Make sure your VPN subscription comes with 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day trial that lets you cancel for a full refund.

5 best VPNs for Cuba

I’ve picked out the 5 best VPNs for Cuba and provided you with all the details you need to pick the best one for your budget and needs in the sections below.

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is my top choice for secure Internet access and reliable performance in Cuba.

Features: ExpressVPN comes with advanced features that provide an extra layer of online security and performance including obfuscation, ad-blocking, malware protection, a password manager, and split tunneling. It has over 3,200 servers in 105 countries, including virtual servers in Cuba.

Speed: I was impressed with ExpressVPN’s Internet speed, retaining 97% of my baseline download speed.

Privacy and Security: One of the main reasons I’m using a VPN is for Internet security, and Express VPN is one of the best VPNs for that offering military-grade encryption, an independently verified no-logs policy, RAM-only servers, a Kill Switch, and DNS leak protection.

Performance: As one of the highest-performance VPNs I’ve used, this VPN lets me enjoy flawless connections for VoIP calls, browsing, streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Streaming: I’ve successfully used ExpressVPN to unblock geo-restricted content on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and other online streaming platforms.

Compatibility: ExpressVPN has an intuitive app for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux, allowing for easy use on all my home and mobile devices.

Pricing: The subscription is $6.67/month on a 1-year plan with three free months, 8 simultaneous connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is another great choice for those who want high-speed, secure connections, and full Internet access while in Cuba.

Features: NordVPN includes advanced features and security extras like obfuscation, ad blocking, malware protection, Meshnet, data breach monitoring, and lots more. With over 6,400 server locations in 111 countries, you can easily access content from around the world without leaving Cuba.

Speed: I found that NordVPN kept up a whopping 98% of my baseline download speed.

Privacy and Security: NordVPN excels in providing the security and privacy I want while using a VPN in Cuba including military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, RAM-only servers, a Kill Switch, and strong leak protection.

Performance: I found NordVPN works great for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and VoIP calls in Cuba without interruptions.

Streaming: NordVPN reliably bypasses geo-blocks on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and many other popular streaming services.

Compatibility: The intuitive apps for Nord are designed for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Pricing: NordVPN’s two-year basic plan is an affordable $3.39/month, with four free months, 10 simultaneous connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is ideal for budget-conscious users looking for secure, private, and unrestricted Internet use in Cuba. Best of all, it allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it a popular option for large households.

Features: This budget VPN has an impressive 3,200 servers in 100 countries supporting broad internet access from Cuba. It also has many more features than most VPNs in this price category, including ad blocking, malware protection, dark web monitoring, split tunneling, and more.

Speed: I kept up about 81% of my baseline download speed using a Surfshark connection.

Privacy and Security: With military-grade encryption, a zero-logs policy, RAM-only servers, a Kill Switch, and leak protection, Surfshark keeps browsing safe even in restrictive regions like Cuba.

Performance: The connection can slow down during high-traffic periods. If this happens I suggest you ask the 24/7 live chat support to find a faster connection so you can enjoy smooth streaming, gaming, VoIP calls, or torrenting

Streaming: Surfshark works great for unblocking Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming platforms.

Compatibility: The VPN is intuitively designed for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux devices.

Price: Surfshark pricing starts at just $1.99/month and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Best of all you can connect all your devices under just one subscription.

4. CyberGhost

If you’re looking for a cheap VPN with a focus on privacy and security, CyberGhost is a strong choice for use in Cuba.

Features: CyberGhost offers 11,500+ servers worldwide in 91 countries, with servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. It also comes with split tunneling and ad blocking.

Speed: I retained 73% of my baseline download speed on my CyberGhost connection.

Privacy and Security: CyberGhost ensures security and privacy in Cuba with its AES-256 encryption, Kill Switch, strict no-logs policy, RAM-based servers, and DNS leak protection.

Performance: The VPN service works well for streaming, gaming, and browsing on local servers but does have slower speeds on long-distance connections, so stick with servers close to Cuba.

Streaming: CyberGhost reliably unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and many other streaming platforms from Cuba.

Compatibility: The VPN is compatible with macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux.

Pricing: Pricing starts at $2.03/month and includes 4 free months, 7 simultaneous devices, and a 45-day money-back guarantee.

5. ProtonVPN

For secure, privacy-focused, and unrestricted Internet use in Cuba with a free option, ProtonVPN is a solid option.

Features: With ProtonVPN’s paid plans, you have over 8,600+ servers in 112 countries, plus handy extras for Cuba like ad blocking, stealth mode, and double VPN.

Speed: ProtonVPN has decent speed, maintaining 76% of my baseline download speed on local servers.

Privacy and Security: With AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, a Kill Switch, and leak protection, ProtonVPN prioritizes user privacy.

Performance: ProtonVPN works well for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and general browsing.

Streaming: In Cuba, ProtonVPN can unblock Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more.

Compatibility: ProtonVPN supports iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Fire TV Stick, Chromebook, and Android TV.

Pricing: Paid plans start at $4.99/month, with 3 months free, 10 simultaneous devices, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Cuba’s digital landscape: Internet freedom and civil rights for visitors

The Cuban government engages in heavy Internet censorship, with online freedom significantly limited. Cuba has a law in place that makes it illegal to share any information that isn’t in line with what the government deems socially acceptable. The government also has the right to label content critical of Cuba as a cybersecurity threat or fake news.

As part of their censorship policy, many websites and apps that are freely available in the US, Canada, and other Western countries are blocked in Cuba, especially social media sites like Facebook, Telegram, and Twitter. They even restrict reputable news sites like the BBC.

The government monitors all Internet traffic in Cuba, making online privacy nearly impossible. You can only establish an Internet connection using a Cuban SIM, ETACSA internet card, or government-approved Wi-Fi so it’s hard to evade their reach.

VPNs to avoid 

I would avoid the following VPNs in Cuba. They don’t have the security and privacy protection that
you’ll need for this country and don’t have what it takes to get past the strong blocks used in Cuba.

• ActiVPN. This VPN has lacks key features like a no-logs policy, RAM-only servers, and a kill switch. It’s also got a poor track record for bypassing geo-blocks.
• Betternet. Betternet has been known to collect and share user data, and its free version lacks essential security features.
• Borderless VPN. Unable to bypass most blocks, and lacking RAM-only servers, Borderless isn’t the best choice for a Cuba VPN.
• StrongVPN. I wouldn’t recommend this as a VPN for Cuba with its lack of RAM-only servers and leak protection.

What services can you unblock in Cuba with a VPN?

Travelers to Cuba can use a VPN service to unblock Snapchat, WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook, and Zoom so they can easily stay in touch with friends, family, and work colleagues.

Can I use a free VPN for Cuba?

I don’t recommend using free VPN services for Cuba travel. The free VPNs rarely have what it takes to consistently access restricted websites, so it won’t do you much good if you want to access your messaging apps, banking, emails, or streaming services from Cuba.

Free VPNs rarely offer the gold standard in security that is essential for a Cuba VPN. Many free VPNs have been caught selling their users’s data to third parties for profit, which makes any privacy features in place useless. A notable exception is the free version of ProtonVPN, which offers the same privacy and security protection that paid subscribers get.

Even the best free VPN providers have limits on servers, data, and/or bandwidth which will limit your internet speed and access to worldwide content from Cuba.

Instead of using one of the free VPNs, I recommend signing up for one of the more affordable, reputable VPNs for Cuba.

FAQ

Do VPNs work in Cuba?

Yes. VPNs work in Cuba, but not all of them. That’s why I recommend you use one of the VPN services I’ve recommended as they are all proven to be an effective Cuba VPN.

Is it legal to use a VPN in Cuba?

Yes. VPNs are legal in Cuba as long as they are being used for legitimate purposes and not to conduct illegal activities.

What VPN works best in Cuba?

I recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN for Cuba.

Does VPN work for Snapchat in Cuba?

Yes. With the right Cuba VPN, you can use SnapChat in Cuba. I recommend using ExpressVPN for the most reliable access to restricted content, including Snapchat, Facebook, and more.

Does ExpressVPN work in Cuba?

Yes. ExpressVPN works in Cuba. In fact, I ranked it as the best VPN for Cuba thanks to its highly reliable service as well as privacy, security, and simplicity.

Conclusion

I always recommend using a virtual private network (VPN) for Cuba travel. Cuba is a country with strong government censorship and surveillance, so you’ll need a premium VPN service to access social media, news, banking, and other sites from back home while you visit.

A VPN is also the best way to protect yourself from cybercriminals and government surveillance while you browse on public Wi-Fi in Cuba and are most vulnerable to cyber threats.

ExpressVPN is my top pick for the best VPN for Cuba. ExpressVPN works well when it comes to accessing restricted online content and provides the gold standard in Internet security and privacy features. Best of all, ExpressVPN is incredibly easy to use.