With its stunning mountains and scenery, famous foods, and dynamic cities, Switzerland has plenty to offer for both tourists and residents alike.
However, while you’re in Switzerland, you may find that certain sites or content outside of the country is blocked for you due to geographical restrictions. And while Switzerland might be known for its Internet freedom, there are still security risks online, particularly if you use public WiFi.
But there is a solution to all of this: a virtual private network, also known as a VPN. A VPN can help keep you secure online by encrypting your traffic and activities and can help you change your IP address so that you can access restricted sites.
There are tons of VPNs out there on the market today, and I’ve tested dozens of them, eventually narrowing it down to my top five picks for the best Switzerland VPNs. I’ll break down for you all you need to know about them, so you can make the most informed choice for the best one for your needs.
In a hurry? Here are 5 best VPNs for Switzerland Here are my top five recommendations for VPN services for Switzerland:
Surfshark
● Best budget VPN with premium features
What makes a great VPN for Switzerland When deciding which VPN is best for your needs, there are some things you should take into account:
Server network . Look for a VPN with a broad server network so you can access content in as many countries as you want. Additionally, look for a VPN that has a server in Switzerland so you can have a secure Swiss IP address to access Swiss content.
Speed . The last thing you want is a slow connection and tons of buffering, so make sure to choose a VPN with fast speeds.
Privacy and security . It’s incredibly important to keep your online activities and data safe from threats, especially if you’ll be using public Wi-Fi. So make sure your VPN provides strong protection and keeps your activity safe.
Unblocking ability . Not every VPN is capable of bypassing geo-restrictions and unblocking restricted websites. So, you’re going to want a VPN that has proven capabilities for bypassing those restrictions.
Pricing . Make sure to consider the various prices of each VPN and the overall value of what you get with them. I also recommend choosing a VPN that comes with a money-back guarantee.
Why you need a VPN for Switzerland There are several reasons why it’s a good idea to get a VPN for Switzerland.
First of all, despite Switzerland’s reputation for strong Internet freedoms, you won’t be immune to threats to your online privacy and security. A VPN can help encrypt your traffic and provide other features that keep your online activity and data safe and secure.
Another reason you may need a VPN is if there are streaming services or gambling sites you want to be able to access but are blocked due to geo-restrictions. Or even your bank’s website in a foreign country could be difficult to access. A VPN can help you bypass those restrictions so you can gain access to any site you want.
Additionally, be aware that the Swiss do have laws about uploading files, which you should be aware of if you plan to do P2P torrenting. However, a VPN will help keep those activities private.
5 best VPNs for Switzerland Servers/countries: 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: Up to 8
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get ExpressVPN with 49% OFF
+ 3 months FREE!
ExpressVPN is my go-to number-one choice for a Switzerland VPN, with its user-friendly apps and excellent performance. It also offers more than one Swiss server as part of its over 3,000 servers in 105 countries .
Features : ExpressVPN comes with unlimited bandwidth , as well as 8 simultaneous device connections . It includes a split tunneling feature and a password manager . It also comes with a MediaStreamer feature , their version of Smart DNS to support streaming, and a Network Lock feature for making P2P file sharing extra safe.
Speed : This VPN has top speeds using its Lightway tunneling protocol, so you won’t have to worry about it slowing down your internet connection.
Security : ExpressVPN has all of the best security features, including AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, an ad-blocker, RAM-only servers, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy .
Streaming : ExpressVPN is great at bypassing geo-blocks on gambling sites and works with Swiss TV channels, as well as popular streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, HBO Max, Hulu, Vudu, and BBC iPlayer .
Compatibility : This VPN is compatible with most major devices and operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire Stick, Smart TVs, browser extensions, gaming consoles, and routers .
Pricing : This is more expensive than others on the list, with prices starting at $6.67 per month, but it does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee . ExpressVPN does offer a 7-day free trial , but it is only available for mobile devices.
Pros
Servers in Switzerland Broad server network Lightning-fast speeds Robust security and privacy features Strong unblocking abilities User-friendly 24/7 live-chat support 7-day free trial Cons
Pricier than other VPNs Free trial is only available for mobile devices Servers/countries: 7,100+ servers in 118 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: 10
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get NordVPN with 72% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!
NordVPN is a favorite among VPN users and is known to be a reliable and solid VPN with plenty of features. It has 7,100 servers in 118 countries , including many Swiss servers for those in need of a Swiss IP address.
Features : NordVPN lets its users have up to 10 simultaneous device connections and unlimited bandwidth . It also comes with split tunneling , double VPN, specialty servers , a SmartPlay feature , and NordLocker to provide extra encryption to your files.
Speed : This VPN has incredibly fast speeds utilizing its NordLynx protocol, so you won’t have to worry about any buffering or lag.
Security : NordVPN comes with all the top standard security features, including AES-256 encryption, a Dark Web monitor, DNS leak protection, malware protection, a kill switch, and a strict no-log policy .
Streaming : NordVPN can unblock many websites, including streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Max, Hulu, and Disney+.
Compatibility : This VPN is compatible with most devices and systems, including Windows , Mac , Android , iOS , Linux , smart TVs , gaming consoles , and routers .
Pricing : Prices for NordVPN start at $3.39 per month and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also offers a 7-day free trial on all devices, so you can take advantage of trying it out risk-free before making a decision.
Pros
Huge server network Servers in Switzerland Fast speeds Strong security features Good unblocking abilities 7-day free trial on all devices 24/7 live chat support Cons
Occasional connectivity issues Sometimes, the desktop apps are glitchy and require frequent updates No port forwarding Servers/countries: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: Unlimited
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get Surfshark with 83% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!
If you’re looking for a VPN with premium features but at a bargain price, then Surfshark is the one I would recommend. In addition to servers in Zurich, it also has over 3,200 servers in 100 countries .
Features : In addition to unlimited bandwidth , Surfshark stands out by offering unlimited simultaneous device connections so you can protect every device in your household. It also offers split tunneling , Smart DNS , a double VPN feature, and P2P-optimized servers .
Speed : While it might not be as fast as Express or NordVPN, Surfshark still has super-fast speeds that use the WireGaurd protocol.
Security : Surfshark has all the top standard security features, including AES-256 encryption, an ad-blocker, a cookie pop-up blocker, obfuscated servers, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy .
Streaming : Surfshark works well at getting around geographical restrictions on sites and can access streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Max, and Disney+ .
Compatibility : Surfshark is compatible with many devices, including Mac, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers .
Pricing : Prices for Surfshark start at the bargain price of $1.99 per month and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also has a 7-day free trial available.
Pros
Good server network Unlimited simultaneous connections Switzerland servers Strong security Low cost Free trial Cons
Not as fast as ExpressVPN or NordVPN Have to pay for additional features outside of the basic plan Servers/countries: 11,500+ in 100 countries
Money-back guarantee: 45 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: 7
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get Cyberghost with 84% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!
If you’re looking for something to mostly use for streaming and want something low-cost, CyberGhost could be a good option for you. It has a truly massive server network with 11,500 servers in 100 countries , including many servers in Switzerland.
Features : CyberGhost lets you use up to seven devices simultaneously and has unlimited bandwidth . It also has split tunneling and specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
Speed : CyberGhost has decently fast speeds with the popular WireGaurd protocol.
Security : While CyberGhost’s security features are not as robust as some of its competitors, it still has strong features that can provide basic protection, including AES-256 encryption , an ad-blocker, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy .
Streaming : CyberGhost is able to unblock streaming platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, Disney+, and HBO Max.
Compatibility : This VPN is compatible with devices such as Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, some Smart TVs, and routers .
Pricing : Prices for CyberGhost start at $2.03 and come with an impressive 45-day money-back guarantee . Free trials are available depending on your device: a 1-day trial for desktops, a 3-day trial for Android, and a 7-day trial for iOS users.
Pros
Massive server network An interface that is attractive and user-friendly Good for beginners Good speeds Great for streaming Servers in Switzerland 45-day money-back guarantee Cons
Some complaints with lack of consistent customer support Occasional slow-downs Less suitable for advanced users Servers/countries: 8,600+ servers in 112 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Fire TV Stick, Chromebook, Android TV
Simultaneous devices: 10
Works with: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more
Get Proton VPN with 56% OFF
+ 3 months FREE!
If you want a VPN that also offers a free version, Proton VPN is my go-to recommendation. However, be aware that the free version only has servers in 5 countries, and Switzerland is not one of them. With the paid premium version, you’ll have access to Swiss servers as well as 8,600 servers in 112 countries .
Features : Proton offers an unlimited free version . However, with this free version, you can only use it on one device, and it has limited features. With a paid premium account, you will be able to use it on up to 10 devices and have access to premium features, including P2P support, secured streaming servers, and high-speed servers .
Speed : Proton’s free version offers decent speeds, but be aware that servers could get overcrowded. Its premium version offers fast speeds and connections with special high-speed servers.
Security : Both the free and premium versions offer AES-256-bit encryption , a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy . With the premium version, you will also get secure core servers and a NetShield ad-blocker .
Streaming : Proton VPN’s premium version works well at unblocking many streaming sites, including Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Max, Hulu, and Disney+.
Compatibility : Proton VPN is compatible with Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, Chromebook, Fire TV stick, and Android TV.
Pricing : Proton offers an unlimited free version , but for its premium service, prices start at $4.99 per month. And if you’re unhappy, you can get your money back within 30 days.
Pros
Unlimited free version Located in Switzerland Premium version has servers in Switzerland Large server network with premium service Good speeds Cons
Free version is limited to only 5 server locations No RAM-only servers No app for Apple TV Lacks 24/7 live chat How I picked and tested VPNs for Switzerland When testing and analyzing which VPNs belonged on this list, there are several factors I kept in mind:
Swiss servers . I only chose VPNs that have servers in Switzerland that I could easily connect to and use for Swiss content.
Speed . I tested the speeds of many VPNs and was sure to choose the ones that were among the fastest to ensure you could stream, download, or browse without any difficulty.
Privacy and security . Online security is something I take seriously, so I only chose VPNs that promise robust security features with strong encryption.
Unblocking abilities . I analyzed each VPN capability for unblocking restricted sites and chose services that easily unblocked many sites.
User-friendly . I considered how user-friendly each service was, and the overall performance.
How to obtain a Switzerland IP address with a VPN
To get a Swiss IP address, follow these steps:
Select a premium VPN service. I recommend ExpressVPN .
Download the VPN to your device.
Launce the VPN app and connect to a server in Switzerland.
Once you’re connected, you can check and should see that you have a Swiss IP, perfect for protecting your data or accessing Swiss content.
The state of Internet freedom in Switzerland Switzerland has earned a reputation internationally for its Internet freedom and has very few restrictions on what residents can and can’t access.
Data collection and privacy While you’re pretty much free to do whatever you want online, that doesn’t mean your data is safe and private. Many Swiss ISPs will store people’s digital data for at least 6 months, which could lead to your information being leaked. However, by using a VPN with a no-logs policy, you can prevent this.
The legality of torrenting in Switzerland Compared to other countries, the Swiss are fairly relaxed regarding torrenting and downloading online. It’s perfectly legal to download copyrighted materials such as movies, TV shows, and music.
However, it is illegal to download video games and computer software, and it is illegal to upload copyrighted files. This could present a problem if you’re torrenting with P2P. But a VPN will help hide your torrenting activity.
Online banking Switzerland is known as a global financial center, meaning many people will be doing online banking in the country. While most banks don’t geo-block their sites, there are often fail-safes in place to prevent fraud when someone is trying to access their account. So, by using a VPN to change your IP, you can save yourself some of the hassle.
Should I use a free VPN in Switzerland? While it might be tempting to use a free VPN, this is not something that I would recommend.
To begin with, many free VPNs tend to have slow speeds, overcrowded servers and lack the ability to bypass geo-blocks on sites. They also tend not to have the necessary security features to keep you safe, and often, your privacy is at risk. Some free VPN companies even sell data to third parties, which could leave you vulnerable.
This is why I recommend sticking with premium VPN services.
Where else can I use a VPN? Besides Switzerland, you can also use a VPN in many other countries, including:
FAQ Is VPN legal in Switzerland? Yes, VPNs are perfectly legal in Switzerland.
What VPN is based in Switzerland? From this list, Proton VPN is based in Switzerland.
Are Swiss VPNs safe? Yes, Swiss VPNs are very safe and often have excellent privacy.
What is the fastest VPN for Switzerland? The fastest VPN, in my experience, is ExpressVPN.
Does ExpressVPN work in Switzerland? Yes, ExpressVPN works great in Switzerland.
How do I access my Netflix library from Switzerland? To access your Netflix library from Switzerland, you will first need to choose which country’s library you would like to access. Using a VPN, select a server in that country. Then log in to your Netflix account as usual, and enjoy.
Can a VPN help me access Swiss TV content from abroad? Yes, a VPN can absolutely help you watch Swiss content from abroad. Just make sure to choose a VPN with Swiss servers.
Conclusion There are many reasons why a VPN is useful if you’re in Switzerland, whether you want to keep your online activities as secure as possible or want to be able to access your favorite shows around the world. A VPN can help protect your privacy, help you torrent safely, and make sure you can access any gambling website or streaming platform you want.
There are many great VPNs to choose from, but the number one VPN that I recommend for Switzerland is ExpressVPN.