What is the Best VPN in Canada For 2024?

Web users are increasingly aware of the need for better privacy and great safety online. VPNs offer Canadians an important and affordable tool for greater online anonymity and a way around geo-blocking. It can be difficult to pick the best one, so we compare some of the top players below. Learn how VPNs work, how to choose one, why you may need one and how to get the best VPN deals in Canada

Our opinion on ExpressVPN : An excellent VPN with an expensive server network

ExpressVPN is a great VPN particularly known for its server network, one of the largest on the market. ExpressVPN's features include :

• The proprietary Lightway protocol
• Up to 5 devices protected simultaneously
• Many browser extensions
• An easy to use interface

Thanks to its high number of servers, ExpressVPN allows ultra-fast connection wherever you are. This makes it particularly popular with people who travel often, especially for work, and want to keep their internet connection fast and secure everywhere in the world. ExpressVPN gets many great reviews on TrustPilot, with an average rating of 4.7/5. the service is widely acclaimed by its users, who are unanimous on the simplicity and ergonomics of the platform.

About	NordVPN
Dedicated IP address
How many devices	5
How many servers	300
How many countries	95
No-log
Money-back guarantee	30 days
Plan for businesses
Extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Encryption	AES-256
Features	Split Tunneling No-log TrustedServer Technology Threat manager Private DNS Emergency kill switch
Customer Service	24/7 livechat

Our opinion on CyberGhost : One of the oldest VPNs on the market

CyberGhost is an excellent VPN that has been on the market for more than 15 years. The company offers many VPN functionalities, such as :

• NoSpy servers that are a little more expensive, but guaranty an even stronger security
• More than 6,000 servers, in 89 different countries, some of which are located in strategic places

CyberGhost offers an automatic redirection feature towards HTTPS versions of websites, as well as top-of-the-line encrypting protocols - up to 256 bits encryption.

About	CyberGhost
Dedicated IP address
How many devices	7
How many servers	6,800
How many countries	91
No-log
Money-back guarantee	45 days
Plan for businesses
Extensions	Chrome, Firefox
Encryption	AES-256
Features	Zero-log policy One of the widest server networks available Kill-switch feature DNS leak protection Military-grade encryption
Customer service	Live Chat, email

Our opinion on Private Internet Access: The open-source VPN with attractive prices

Private Internet Access is a reliable and secure VPN that has been present on the market for more than 10 years. More than 15 million users in the world chose PIA as their VPN. One of the main advantages that this provider offers is the possibility to connect and protect up to 10 devices at the same time. The dedicated IP address module allows access to blocked content in your country or region, and it includes an antivirus. The Split Tunneling feature lets you choose which of your applications should use the VPN connection and allows for a smoother experience. All of PIA's applications are open-source, which means that users can test them and submit upgrades.

PIA's VPN pricing is one of the most attractive on the market, with offers starting at $2.60 a month.

About	Private Internet Access
Dedicated IP address
How many devices	10
How many servers	30,000+
How many countries	84
No-log
Money-back guarantee	30 days
Plan for businesses
Extensions	Chrome, Firefox
Encryption	AES-256
Features	Advanced split-tunnelling Wireguard protocol Dedicated IP address Malware and ad blocker Advanced data encryption
Customer service	24/7 LiveChat

Our opinion on VyprVPN: A reliable, privacy-focused and easy-to-use VPN

VyprVPN is a solid VPN with great privacy. It offers:

• Proprietary Chameleon protocol
• An internet kill switch that kicks in when the VPN disconnects or is disabled
• An independently-audited no-log policy

VyprVPN's monthly subscription is more than some of its competitors, but it is a nice choice for users concerned about protecting their privacy

About	VyperVPN
Dedicated IP address
How many devices	5
How many servers	700+
How many countries	60+
No-log
Money-back guarantee	30 days
Plan for businesses
Extensions	Chrome
Encryption	AES-256
Features	Chameleon protocol Audited no-log policy Kill Switch VyprDNS, a 100% owned and operated DNS service
Customer service	Live Chat, email

Our opinion on Atlas VPN: The VPN for unlimited simultaneous devices

Besides offering access for unlimited devices, Atlas VPN also has some other compelling features:

• A kill switch feature to automatically stops your traffic if you lose your connection to the server
• A security shield to block malware and ads
• 4K fast streaming
• A solid no-log policy

The VPN also offers a free basic service.

About	Atlas VPN
Dedicated IP address
How many devices	unlimited
How many servers	750
How many countries	40
No-log
Money-back guarantee	30 days
Plan for businesses
Extensions	Chrome, Firefox
Encryption	AES-256 et ChaCha20-Poly1305
Features	SafeSwap MultiHop+ WireGuard crafted tunnels Ads and malware blocker Data Breach Monitor Private DNS No-log Network Kill Switch 4K streaming
Customer service	Online chat

Our opinion on PureVPN: a good VPN at a competitive price

PureVPN is one of the best-known VPNs out there and is a compelling option. Users report good luck unblocking streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu and Disney Plus with this no-log VPN. PureVPN has one of the most extensive server networks with over 6500 servers in 78 countries. You can use up to 10 simultaneous devices.

Finally, PureVPN lets you try its services for 31 days with a full refund if you’re not happy.

About	PureVPN
Dedicated IP address
How many devices	10
How many servers	6,500
How many countries	78
No-log
Money-back guarantee	31 days
Plan for businesses
Extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Encryption	AES-256
Features	Internet kill switch Dedicated IP Port Forwarding Add-on No-log certification 24/7 customer support
Customer service	Online chat

Our opinion on NordVPN: The world's most popular and secure VPN

NordVPN is an excellent VPN, with one of the best quality/price ratios on the market.

The services offers great features including:

• A dedicated IP address (add-on)
• Strict no-log policy
• Many servers and countries
• Ad blocking
• An antivirus
• A password manager (NordPass)
• A malware scanner
• One TB of encrypted cloud storage (AES-256 encryption, NordLocker).

You can connect up to 6 devices simultaneously. NordVPN relies on a large network of servers located in over 59 countries. NordLayer, the team subscription for small businesses gives access to servers in more than 30 countries, 24/7 customer service, and AES 256-bit encryption and the option of a dedicated IP address. Pricing depends on the number of employees in your company and starts at just $7.00 USD per user per month

About	NordVPN
Dedicated IP address
How many devices	6
How many servers	5,500
How many countries	59
No-log
Money-back guarantee	30 days
Plan for businesses
Extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Encryption	AES-256
Features	Encrypted connection Ultra-fast connection No activity logs kept Mesh network routing Multi-factor authentication Ad blocking and anti-virus Privacy on the go Kill Switch to protect your data Split Tunneling Dedicated IP Masked IP Double protection with double IP change Chrome, Firefox, Edge extensions Worldwide access Private DNS Dark Web Monitoring
Customer Service	24/7 online customer service

Our opinion on Surfshark VPN: multihop double VPN for additional security

Surfshark is a good VPN which offers attractive features at very competitive prices. We particularly appreciate the large number of servers and multi-hop connections which uses two VPN servers at once for increased security. In addition, Surfshark has 3200 servers in 65 different countries. Surfshark has very good customer reviews.

About	Surfshark
Dedicated IP address
How many devices	unlimited
How many servers	3,200
How many countries	65
No-log
Money-back guarantee	30 days
Plan for businesses
Extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Encryption	AES-256
Features	Cleanweb Unlimited devices ByPasser Private DNS and leak protection No-log Camouflage mode
Customer service	24/7 email and online chat

Our opinion on FastestVPN: Great connection speeds

FastestVPN is one of the best value-for-money VPNs on the market. Its customer service is also well regarded.

FastestVPN's customer service is accessible worldwide 24/7 by email and live chat. A 15-day trial period allows you to test whether FastestVPN is right for you. Adblock and Anti-malware features help to keep you protected and split-tunnelling and DNS leak protection keep your activity private.

About	FastestVPN
Dedicated IP address
How many devices	10
How many servers	550
How many countries	40
No-log
Money-back guarantee	15 days
Plan for businesses
Extensions	Chrome, Firefox
Encryption	AES-256
Features	Adblocker Anti-malware Smart tunnelling Multiple protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPSec, OpenConnect, L2TP Internet kill switch NAT Firewall Unix-based P2P optimized servers Unlimited bandwidth Unlimited server switching Fast Buffering and Downloading Prevent ISP Throttling Access Geo-Restricted Content
Customer service	24/7 email and online chat

Our opinion on ProtonVPN : A reliable Swiss-based VPN with many security tools

ProtonVPN is a VPN platform based in Switzerland and renowned for its reliability and high security.

The NetShield DNS filtration feature protects the user from malware, blocks ads, and prevents website trackers from following you during your browsing. The included kill-switch function and the permanent-VPN option let you completely stop any traffic on the web in case of loss of connexion with the VPN server. The connexion is then automatically transferred to another server.

Thanks to the Secure Code architecture of ProtonVPN, the network is protected against attacks by redirecting traffic through multiple servers. The VPN can also support the Tor network that allows anonymous browsing and access to hidden websites.

About	ProtonVPN
Dedicated IP address
How many devices	10
How many servers	1,101
How many countries	54
No-log
Money-back guarantee	15 days
Plan for businesses
Extensions	Chrome, Firefox
Encryption	AES-256
Features	Adblocker Secure Code architecture protects you from network attacks VPN Accelerator boosting your speed up to 400% Complete disk encryption Tor over VPN Kill Switch and Permanent VPN options
Customer service	24/7 live chat

What is a VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It is a secure, encrypted connection between the user and the network they are connecting to. They are used by people who want to use the internet more anonymously and privately.

VPNs act as a private tunnel allowing you to interact with the web without being easily tracked or observed. A VPN encrypts your connection and hides your IP address.

What does a VPN do?

Here's how a VPN works. Virtual private networks redirect your internet traffic through an intermediary VPN server before it goes to the ultimate server. This means that your Internet Service Provider or network manager cannot see your web activity. As you interact with websites, they see the VPN server's IP address rather than yours.

Without a VPN, the IP address of your computers, smartphones and other devices is visible on the web. VPNs allow you to mask your IP address and browse more anonymously.

Additionally, VPNs use encrypted connections. They create a tunnel that prevents third parties like your ISP, network manager, advertisers and hackers from tracking and collecting your browsing data.

VPNs are widely used today in business, especially for those working from home who need to connect to their employers' network. But VPNs are also increasingly popular for home users who want greater privacy and security online.

Why use a VPN?

VPNs have many uses like streaming Netflix in a different country, connecting to work servers or accessing your files while on a public network. Here are some of the main benefits of using one:

• Greater security: A VPN is a powerful tool for increasing your security against attacks from hackers. Most VPN servers are equipped with numerous firewalls and encryption. Without a visible IP address, hackers have a harder time accessing your router.
• Protection of sensitive data: VPNs protect your sensitive data. It can prevent information you enter on the web from being intercepted by third parties and attached to your IP.
• Hide or modify your IP address: VPN users connect through a VPN server's IP address rather than their own. The VPN acts as a secure tunnel and encrypts the users' data to make them anonymous.
• Playing online: Many gamers appreciate that VPNs facilitate buying digital games from other markets, playing on different servers and accessing content that may be censored where they live.
• Streaming: Some VPNs allow you to access geo-restricted sites and view content from all over the world including streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer or Hulu in other countries.
• P2P files: VPNs allow you to download with less risk by hiding your IP address and physical location.

How do you pick the right VPN?

When shopping for the best VPN for you consider one with the following features:

Feature	Why it matters
Speed	A fast VPN, especially for streaming, is important because you are connecting through their servers before the website serves you content. Their connection speed will dictate your download speeds while connected.
No-Log	No-log VPNs do not retain data including IP, requests and other browsing data on their servers. This means greatly anonymity. They can't share with marketers or local authorities what they never recorded.
Dedicated IP	Some VPNs offer you a dedicated IP address (often for an additional price) while others give you a shared IP address. Dedicated IP addresses make it easier to stream and avoid CAPTCHA requests.
Split Tunneling	Split Tunneling is a feature that allows you to choose which applications use the VPN while allowing others to operate on your normal network, such as funnelling all of your email traffic through a work server or Netflix through a US-based server.
Number of servers	The more servers your VPN has the more users it can support at a time, meaning faster speeds for you.
Number of devices	Most VPNs have a limit on the number of devices you can simultaneously connect. Need to connect a couple of computers, a game console and your telephone at the same time? 5+ simultaneous connections will let you do just that.
Price	Price varies greatly between providers based on their location and features. In the world of VPNs paying a little more often corresponds with significantly better service.

What is a dedicated IP address?

A dedicated IP address means that a VPN assigns the user a server with a unique Internet Protocol address just for them. It is used exclusively by that user, unlike many VPNs that offer a shared IP address, meaning that many users connect using the same one.

The difference between a dedicated IP and a shared IP is important because the dedicated IP is less likely to be blacklisted by some websites. A dedicated IP address allows you to avoid CAPTCHA security checks, facilitates online payment and provides greater access to geo-restricted streaming content (say to access American Netflix from your home in Calgary). These can be issues on shared IPs, which are common on the cheapest VPN plans.

A dedicated IP address, while more expensive, is a great option when using a VPN. It will hide your real IP address from others while avoiding some of the drawbacks of shared IP addresses. It will help you browse securely and anonymously.

How do you set up a VPN?

Once you've picked your VPN and started your subscription, you'll typically need to install the VPN's included software on the device you want to protect. Each company is a little different, so for this example, we have picked NordVPN:

First, go to the NordVPN download page to download the NordVPN application.

Next, launch the downloaded install and follow its instructions.

Then, click on the NordVPN icon on your desktop to open the app. Once in, if it's the first time, you'll need to create or fill in your username and password

Finally, it's time to connect! Pick a server in the location you wish to use and click "Connect" to open the NordVPN application. Search for a VPN server by location or by specificity and click on it to connect

Your VPN is now installed and activated. The NordVPN icon should now be visible in the taskbar at the bottom right of your screen (Windows) or at the top right toolbar (Mac). It will change colour when it is connected so that you know when you're protected.

How much does a VPN cost?

The price of a VPN varies from one provider to another. It ranges greatly depending on the features offered, like the location of and number of servers available and how long you sign up for.

Promotional offers are regularly available, especially for longer engagements. Many VPNs offer one-month subscriptions, but these can be expensive as a one-off purchase. The price drops with a commitment of one, two or even three-year subscriptions.

VPN	Subscription 1 month	Monthly price with annual subscription	Annual subscription total
ExpressVPN	$12.95 USD	$8.32 USD	$99.84 USD
CyberGhost	$12.99 CAD	$4.29 CAD	$41.58 CAD
NordVPN	$11.99 CAD	$4.39 CAD	$59.88 CAD
Private Internet Access VPN	$11.95 USD	$3.33 USD	$39.95 USD
Surfshark VPN	$15.69 CAD	$4.89 CAD	$77.13 CAD
Protonvpn	9.99€ EUR	5.99€ EUR	71.88€ EUR
VyprVPN	$15 USD	$8.33 USD	$100.00 USD
PureVPN	$10.95 CAD	$3.24 CAD	$38.88 CAD
Atlas VPN	$13.81 CAD	$4.13 CAD	$49.53 CAD
FastestVPN	$10 USD	$2.49 USD	$29.95 USD
Hotspot Shield VPN	$17.99 CAD	$10.99 CAD	$131.99 CAD
Mullvad VPN	5.00€ EUR	5.00€ EUR	60.00€ EUR

What VPN extensions are available?

Many VPNs offer extensions for web browsers including Google's Chrome, Mozilla's Firefox, Microsoft's Edge and Apple's Safari.

Extensions make for an easy way to use your VPN without having to launch a separate application. They're a good option when you just want to do a quick search in a different country.

Each VPN works slightly differently, but they are usually available through the provider's website or in Chrome's Webstore or your browser's equivalent.

Where can you use a VPN?

VPNs can be used on a wide variety of devices. These include:

• PCs or Macs
• Smartphones and tablets running iOS or Android
• Routers
• Smart TVs
• Video game consoles
• Web browsers

How many devices can I protect at a time with a VPN ?

The number of devices you can protect with a VPN depends on the package and provider. The providers will protect 5 devices simultaneously. Some allow an unlimited number of devices.

VPN	Simultaneous connections
ExpressVPN	5
CyberGhost	7
NordVPN	6
Private Internet Access	10
Surfshark	Unlimited
Protonvpn	10
Vyprvpn	6
Purevpn	10
Atlasvpn	Unlimited
FastestVPN	10
Hotspot Shield	5

How do you get a free VPN?

Some VPNs promise free protection but be cautious with these products. As the internet mantra goes "if you are not paying for the product, you are the product". Free VPN providers may need to sell your usage data to marketing companies to pay for the service. Remember that it costs money to offer a service like this.

Other less scrupulous companies could offer a free VPN, but install malware on your devices or cryptojacking software to use your computer and energy to mine cryptocurrency for them.

The safest and best free VPNs would be free trial offers for paid VPNs. These may be restricted in bandwidth and lack some key features of the paid versions, but can serve in a pinch.

On the other hand, almost all VPNs have money-back guarantees. So it can be worthwhile to test several VPNs during their first free 15 or 30-days before deciding on the best VPN for you.

What is a no-log VPN?

A log simply refers to a record of the connections your device makes to other networks. A no-log does not keep these connections and associated data which can include browsing history, IP addresses, when you connected and usage metadata.

Not all VPNs promise not to log activity. VPNs that keep this information could be compelled to share their logs with local authorities or could sell it to third-party marketing partners. Privacy-conscious users should pick a no-log VPN and make sure that they understand their policy thoroughly.

Proxy servers vs VPNs: What's the difference?

VPNs are often confused with proxy servers, but they are not identical to VPNs. A proxy server is a server that acts as an intermediary between you and a website. At their most basic you can access one through a webpage. This makes it look like you are connecting from a different place than you really. Proxy servers can help you to access a site that is not normally accessible from Canada. They may be used to access a single site or application. They are recommended for activities requiring little bandwidth.

VPNs offer that same service while adding system-wide protection and encrypting your connection.

How to turn off a VPN?

It is easy to turn off your VPN within the VPN’s software. You can do so in your VPN’s software where you will find a simple interface with a button to activate or deactivate it. Many providers give a shortcut in the taskbar (Windows) or toolbar (Mac).

Every piece of software is slightly different, but here's an example of what it looks like in Mullvad VPN.

Are VPNs safe?

Yes, a reputable VPN is safe. We’ve listed our picks of the best and safest VPNs available at the top of this page,

VPNs are an important tool for online anonymity and safer surfing. They increase your privacy when you browse the net or download files. A VPN makes for a much safer connection on public networks by masking what you do from network administrators. At home, they can mask your surfing from your ISP.

With that being said, not all VPNs are created equally. Make sure that you pick a trustworthy provider. Consider the following criteria when choosing your VPN:

• A no-log policy
• VPN security settings
• The VPN server network
• Connection speeds
• Privacy Policy
• Accessibility and availability of customer support
• Simultaneous connections allowed

Can I use a VPN on all my devices?

Most VPNs are compatible with a wide range of devices including those running on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux and more. Many support routers, smart TVs, and game consoles too.

Given the greater anonymity that they provide, many people like to use a VPN on all of their devices.

What is a VPN protocol?

A VPN protocol is the set of rules that are used to make a connection between the VPN application and the server. It tells them how to communicate with one another safely. Different VPNs support different protocols.

The most frequently used protocols today include:

• OpenVPN
• WireGuard
• PPTP
• SSTP
• L2TP/IPSec
• IKEv2/IPSec

Read more on VPNs

• [Survey] Canadians and the use of VPNs: insights
• Our VyprVPN Review: Reliable, Privacy-focused and Easy-to-Use
• Our FastestVPN Review: A Solid VPN at a Great Price
• Our PureVPN Review: A Nicely-Priced VPN
• Our Surfshark Review: A Competitive VPN with Multihop
• Our NordVPN Review: A Popular and Secure VPN