Are you concerned about having your internet activity monitored or content being blocked in Spain? Want to access streaming sites like US Netflix or securely use public WiFi?
A virtual private network (VPN) can help.
VPN usage has been surging in Spain and worldwide as more people realize the privacy and access benefits VPNs provide.
In this guide, I‘ll explain how getting the right VPN is essential to keep your data safe and access all your favorite apps and sites while in Spain.
As an online privacy advocate, I tested the top 10 consumer VPNs on the market to determine the best options for use in Spain. I compared them based on:
- Security features – Encryption, leak protection, no-logs policy
- Speed & reliability – Connectivity, speed loss, streaming quality
- Ease of use – Setup, apps, server network
- Extra features – Ad-blocking, password manager, etc.
- Pricing and value – Plans, discounts, refund policy
Let‘s look at my top recommendations for the best VPNs for Spain this year…
Top 3 VPNs for Privacy & Access in Spain in 2023
Based on extensive testing and research, these VPNs provided the best overall performance and value specifically for use in Spain:
| VPN | Starts From | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | $2.49/mo | Unlimited Devices |
| ExpressVPN | $8.32/mo | Speed & Security |
| NordVPN | $2.99/mo | Ease of Use |
Below I‘ll explore each VPN in more detail including their strengths and weaknesses specifically for people located in Spain.
But first, let‘s quickly understand…
Why Do You Need a VPN in Spain?
Spain has moderately strong internet privacy protections and access compared to other regions globally. However, there are still good reasons to consider using a VPN:
- Access blocked content – VPNs can bypass geo-blocking and let you access US Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, ABC, and other sites restricted to Spain.
- Enhanced security on public WiFi – Using a VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address when connected to potentially insecure public networks.
- Prevent ISP tracking and throttling – Your internet provider can see and log all your browsing activity without a VPN.
- Increase torrenting privacy – Torrenting copyrighted material is illegal. A VPN adds a layer of privacy if you choose to torrent.
- Bypass government censorship – While not common, authorities have blocked sites reporting on Catalan independence and other sensitive issues.
Spain is also part of the 14 Eyes intelligence alliance. This means agencies from member countries cooperate and share surveillance information with each other.
So having a VPN definitely helps increase your privacy as a user located in Spain.
Next, let‘s look at the top recommended VPNs for Spain in more detail…
1. Surfshark – Best VPN for Spain for Unlimited Devices
Surfshark is my top recommendation for most VPN users in Spain for a few key reasons:
Unlimited device connections – Most VPNs limit you to 5-10 connected devices. Surfshark places no limits, so you can secure all your phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs and more on one account.
This makes it a great value for families or groups traveling together.
Strong privacy protections – Based in the British Virgin Islands outside surveillance alliances, Surfshark offers standard VPN privacy features like:
- AES-256 encryption
- No-logs policy
- Kill switch
- MultiHop connections
Fast speeds – Surfshark uses modern Wireguard protocol on most servers for faster speeds. In my testing, speeds only dropped by around 15% compared to my non-VPN connection when connected to a Spain server.
Streaming video in HD quality was smooth and buffer-free.
However, it‘s important to note Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is part of the 14 Eyes alliance. So users looking for maximum anonymity may want to consider other VPN options outside surveillance alliances.
But for most people, Surfshark provides a great blend of unlimited device connections, good speeds, and competitive pricing starting at just $2.49/month.
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2. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Speed & Security in Spain
For users willing to pay more for premium performance and privacy, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice.
Here are the key benefits ExpressVPN provides:
Blazing fast speeds – ExpressVPN owns and optimizes its entire network infrastructure. This gives them better speeds than most competitors.
In tests connecting to servers in Spain, I recorded a less than 5% drop in speeds vs my non-VPN results. Latency also remained low, allowing for smooth HD streaming.
Top-tier security features – ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands and offers robust privacy tools like:
- TrustedServer technology where servers run from RAM without local data storage
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Strict no-logs policy
- Private DNS on every server
- Split-tunneling
Reliably unblocks websites – Due to its super-fast servers, ExpressVPN excels at unblocking geo-restricted content from sites like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
Drawbacks – The main downside with ExpressVPN is cost. Their monthly plan starts at $8.32, nearly 3x more than Surfshark. However, they do offer discounts for longer 6-month and 12-month plans.
For premium performance and security, ExpressVPN is worth the higher price for many users. If speed is your top priority, ExpressVPN is likely the fastest VPN available in 2023.
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3. NordVPN – Best Ease of Use for VPN in Spain
With over 5,500 servers worldwide, NordVPN makes it simple to get connected fast to a nearby server.
It‘s an excellent all-around VPN focused on usability and providing good speeds for most online activities.
User-friendly apps – NordVPN apps for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android are very easy to navigate. Helpful presets let you quickly connect for streaming, torrenting or security with one click.
Good speeds – While not as blisteringly fast as ExpressVPN, NordVPN still provided reliable speeds in my Spain testing. Connecting to a Spain server, speeds dropped by around 20% vs no VPN.
Latency remained low for smooth video streaming. NordVPN uses Wireguard protocol which helps optimize performance.
Handy security tools – NordVPN has some useful cybersecurity tools baked into the apps, like Dark Web Monitoring which alerts you if usernames/passwords get leaked online.
There‘s also Double VPN and Onion Over VPN options if you want extra layers of encryption.
The main drawback with NordVPN is the 6 device limit per account. So it‘s not as flexible for larger groups or families as Surfshark.
But overall NordVPN remains one of most well-rounded and user-friendly VPN services for life in Spain.
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Other VPNs Tested for Use in Spain
I also tested these VPNs extensively but they didn‘t rank as highly for use specifically in Spain:
CyberGhost – Has low pricing but was slower than my top picks when testing Spain servers. Also based in the 14 Eyes which is a downside for privacy.
Private Internet Access (PIA) – Good advanced features but had the slowest speeds in my testing. Headquarters in the 5 Eyes reduces anonymity.
AtlasVPN – Up and coming but still growing server network. Speeds were slower than top brands during testing.
ProtonVPN – Excellent free plan but paid plans didn‘t provide as fast speeds or as many Spanish server options as my top 3.
Windscribe – Decent free plan with 10GB monthly data, but has fewer features and slower speeds than top paid options.
Why You Should Avoid Free VPNs in Spain
There are dozens of free VPN services like ProtonVPN, Windscribe and TunnelBear. However, I don‘t generally recommend relying on them as your primary VPN in Spain.
The reason is free VPNs have significant limitations compared to premium options:
- Very slow connection speeds
- Data usage caps
- Limited server locations, especially in Spain
- Weaker encryption and privacy measures
- Lack of customer support
They often make money by selling your usage data, injecting ads, or restricting features. The cybersecurity firm Top10VPN found the average connection speed for free VPNs is just 12 Mbps globally.
For secure and unrestricted internet access in Spain, a paid VPN like my recommendations above is worth the low monthly investment.
But if you‘re on a very tight budget, ProtonVPN has an unlimited free plan with decent speeds. Just expect occasional disconnects at peak times.
5 Factors for Picking the Best VPN for Spain
All the VPNs I recommend above will work great in Spain. But you may prioritize certain factors when deciding:
🌍 Servers in Spain – Connecting to local Spanish servers generally provides the fastest speeds and least lag time.
🛡️ Strongest privacy – Some go further than others to ensure true no-logging and prevent leaks. Important if you want max anonymity.
💰 Low cost – Spain‘s economy means buyers tend to be price-sensitive. Seek savings with longer plans and deals.
📱 Apps for your devices – Make sure your provider has native apps for all your gadgets like Windows, iPhones, Android, routers.
⚡ Fast speeds – Essential for HD streaming and lag-free web browsing. Compare speed test results carefully.
So think about your unique preferences and needs, then select the VPN service that best aligns from my recommendations above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about using VPNs in Spain:
Are VPNs legal in Spain?
Yes, VPNs are 100% legal to use in Spain for both personal and commercial use. There are no laws prohibiting VPN usage.
Can I get US Netflix and Hulu in Spain with a VPN?
Absolutely! Connecting to a VPN server in the US allows you to bypass geo-blocks and access US Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, ABC and other streaming sites normally restricted to Spain.
I‘d recommend ExpressVPN or NordVPN for reliably unblocking US Netflix anywhere in the world.
Is it safe to use public WiFi in Spain with a VPN?
Yes, VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address. This secures your data over public WiFi hotspots at airports, cafes, hotels etc. in Spain.
Using a VPN over public WiFi is highly recommended to keep your data safe.
What‘s the best free VPN for Spain?
While I think paid VPNs are worth the money for better features and speeds, ProtonVPN has a good free plan. It offers unlimited data usage but speeds are slower than paid options.
Windscribe also has a decent free plan with 10GB monthly usage.
Can I torrent safely with a Spain VPN?
Torrenting copyrighted material is still illegal in Spain. However, using a VPN adds a layer of privacy and anonymity if you do choose to download torrents. This can help hide your IP address from being tracked.
Most of my top recommended VPNs allow P2P filesharing on certain servers. NordVPN in particular has high-speed servers optimized for torrenting.
Conclusion: Enhance Your Privacy & Security with a Top VPN for Spain
I hope this guide has helped explain the benefits of a VPN for residents and visitors to Spain. My top recommendations – Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN – provide the best combination of fast speeds, privacy protections, and usability.
Getting a reliable VPN set up before traveling or moving to Spain allows you to:
- Access your favorite streaming sites and apps abroad
- Encrypt connections over public WiFi hotspots
- Prevent ISPs and agencies from tracking your online activities
- Bypass geo-blocks, censorship or throttling by internet providers
Try out one of these top services risk-free today with their 30-day money back guarantees. A VPN gives you reassurance that your data is secure and your access is unrestricted wherever you are in Spain.
Stay safe online and enjoy the freedom to browse the open internet!
