You’ve probably encountered region-locked content on many occasions. Often due to legal reasons such as copyright and licensing, some websites and services are only available in select countries. However, Ecuador also has a low level of internet freedom with disruptions to social media platforms as well as a history of surveillance of its citizens. Here’s the good news: you can bypass geographic restrictions and maintain your online anonymity by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel to a server in your preferred location. For example, if you’re in Ecuador, you may wish to access social media such as Facebook or a streaming service like Netflix. Connecting to a server in the US means you’re assigned a US IP address. Not only does this let you unblock geo-restricted American services, it also means you can browse anonymously.

We’ll provide reviews of all of the best VPNs for Ecuador further below. First, here’s a short summary of each in case you’re in a hurry to get started:

Best VPNs for Ecuador:

There are countless VPNs to choose from. Unfortunately, not all of them can be trusted. In order to find the very best VPNs for Ecuador, we came up with a list of must-have features:

  • Servers in a variety of countries worldwide
  • Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth
  • Secures data with high-end encryption
  • Strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy
  • Easy-to-use apps for desktop and mobile
  • Lets you connect multiple devices at once

Best VPNs for Ecuador

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Ecuador:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Browsing the web in Ecuador comes with some risk to privacy. However, NordVPN ensures your data’s security through its use of 256-bit AES encryption as well as DNS and IPv6 leak protection and a kill switch feature. NordVPN operates a strict no-logs policy which means it has absolutely no data to share with anyone, authorities included. For peace of mind, you even have the option to connect to Double VPN servers that provide an extra layer of encryption.

Secure six devices simultaneously with NordVPN’s apps for desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux), mobile (Android and iOS), and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions can also be downloaded. Use with routers requires manual installation.

BEST VPN FOR ECUADOR:NordVPN is our top pick. It has over 5,500 servers and provides unlimited bandwidth. Stream Netflix in Ecuador lag-free. Includes specialty P2P and Double VPN servers. 24/7 support available. Operates a strict no-logs policy. The 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try it risk-free.

Pros:

Cons:

  • Suffered a data breach in 2018

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a feature-packed VPN that offers roughly 3,200 servers in 65 countries. This is one of the more reliable choices for unblocking content. In fact, it works well with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and more. Thanks to unlimited bandwidth, lag and buffering aren’t issues you’re likely to encounter. Surfshark is highly suitable for sharing with family because unlimited simultaneous connections are permitted.

With Surfshark, you’ll have 24/7 access to live chat and email support as well as a variety of easy-to-use apps and browser extensions. This is a highly secure service that’s ideal for browsing safely in Ecuador. Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. With Surfshark’s MultiHop (Double VPN) servers, your data can be encrypted twice for even greater security. Furthermore, its no-logs policy means you can browse anonymously.

BEST VALUE VPN:Connect unlimited devices. Surfshark works with popular streaming services including Netflix. User-friendly apps and 24/7 support via live chat. Double VPN servers for extra security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Growing network of servers — 3,000+ in 65 countries

  • Unblocks streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+

  • Connect as many devices as you like simultaneously

  • Includes 24/7 live chat and email support

  • High level of security with a strict no-logs policy and Double VPN

  • Occasionally slow speeds on some servers

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN allows you to unblock more geo-restricted content than almost any other VPN. That’s because it has a network of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. Indeed, it’s one of very few VPNs that offers servers in Ecuador itself. Add to this ExpressVPN’s impressive speed and unlimited bandwidth, you’ve got a VPN that’s ideal for streaming. Some of the major services it successfully unblocks include Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.

Aside from offering excellent, beginner-friendly apps and browser extensions, ExpressVPN has knowledgeable 24/7 live chat and email support. You’re protected from hackers and snoopers both in Ecuador and while traveling abroad because ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption. There’s also DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, plus a kill switch. What’s more, even if data is requested, ExpressVPN doesn’t have any identifying logs to provide.

You can use ExpressVPN to connect up to five devices at once via the apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox, as is custom firmware for use with compatible wireless routers.

SERVERS IN 94 COUNTRIES:ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries including Ecuador. Very fast speeds for streaming Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Excellent apps and 24/7 support. Highly secure with high-end encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Offers servers in 94 countries including Ecuador

  • Ideal for streaming — watch Netflix and BBC iPlayer abroad

  • Fast server speeds and unlimited bandwidth

  • Provides excellent customer support (24/7 live chat and email)

  • Security includes high-end encryption and a kill switch

  • One of the more expensive VPNs on the market

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost stands out for offering far more servers than most VPNs on the market. With well over 6,500 servers available in 90 countries, it allows you to unblock region-blocked websites from all around the world. In particular, it works with Netflix US and BBC iPlayer. If you’re suffering from ISP throttling in Ecuador, you’ll likely appreciate that CyberGhost provides high-speed connections and unlimited bandwidth. This means no more lag or buffering.

Security is another of CyberGhost’s strong suits. That’s because it uses 256-bit AES encryption, ensuring your data cannot be read by snoopers. Also included are DNS and IPv6 leak protection and an automatic kill switch. There’s even automatic Wi-Fi protection so you’ll be protected when connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots. CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy and its apps support as many as seven simultaneous connections.

HIGH-SPEED CONNECTIONS:CyberGhost is very fast for streaming and torrenting. Unblock Netflix US abroad. Keeps you safe online with encryption and a strict no-logs policy. Secure up to seven devices at the same time. 24/7 support. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Huge server network — 6,500 servers in 90 countries

  • Very fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth for lag-free streaming

  • Strong security thanks to a strict no-logs policy and encryption

  • Connect up to seven devices at the same time

  • 24/7 live chat and email support available

  • Unable to bypass the Great Firewall of China

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish provides fast and consistent connections as well as a network of over 1,500 servers worldwide. With a particularly strong presence in the United States, this VPN can be used to stream Netflix US from Ecuador. It’s worth knowing that there’s also unlimited bandwidth which makes IPVanish suitable for streaming and torrenting. You can share this VPN with your family because it lets you secure as many devices as you want at once.

When you connect to IPVanish, you can browse anonymously thanks to its zero-logs policy. The use of 256-bit AES encryption makes your data unreadable to hackers and snoopers. DNS leak protection and a kill switch is also included. While this VPN is quick and easy to navigate, live chat and email support are available 24 hours a day should you need them. IPVanish plans also include encrypted cloud storage with SugarSync.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish allows unlimited connected devices for sharing with family. Good speeds and unblocks Netflix US. A zero-logs policy lets you browse the web anonymously. 24/7 live chat support and secures data with encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Good server speeds and unlimited bandwidth

  • Secure as many devices as you want at once

  • Live chat support is available 24/7

  • Secures your data with high-end encryption for your security

  • Headquartered in the US — a member of Five Eyes alliance

  • Doesn’t offer any browser extensions

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN has a small network of a little over 100 servers, placing an emphasis on quality over quantity. You’ll find servers in 60 countries including the US and UK, so it’s perfect for streaming Netflix and BBC iPlayer while in Ecuador. One of PrivateVPN’s strengths is its very fast server speeds. When combined with unlimited bandwidth, this makes it one of the best VPNs for streaming and torrenting, not to mention general day-to-day browsing.

Beginners will find this service very easy to use. Connecting to a server couldn’t be simpler and only takes a few seconds. You can even search by streaming service, finding servers that unblock specific platforms such as Netflix. PrivateVPN also offers live chat support for 22 hours per day. In terms of security, you can browse in Ecuador safely thanks to 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. PrivateVPN has a strict no-logging policy and, unlike some VPNs, doesn’t even keep connection logs.

PrivateVPN servers can be accessed by downloading and installing apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. While this VPN also works with some wireless routers, this does need to be set up manually.

WORKS WITH NETFLIX:PrivateVPN combines fast speeds and strong unblocking. Stream Netflix in Ecuador. Beginner-friendly service with easy-to-use apps and live chat support. Allows six simultaneous connections. Strict no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Small network of only 100 servers
  • Live chat support isn’t available 24 hours a day

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

                    Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

This is a VPN that doesn’t keep any identifying data of its users which is particularly important in Ecuador, a country with a degree of online censorship. All of your internet traffic is secured with 256-bit AES encryption while you’re also protected from DNS leaks. Should the VPN connection drop, a kill switch cuts your internet traffic, preventing your data from being exposed. If you need any help, 24/7 support is at hand via live chat and email.

You have the option of using Hotspot Shield through apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, or via a Chrome browser extension. Setup guides are provided for using Hotspot Shield with routers.

  • Doesn’t accept cryptocurrency payments
  • Some past privacy concerns

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

How to use a VPN in Ecuador

It may be that this is your first time using a VPN, in which case you’ll probably want a little bit of guidance! Don’t worry, VPNs may sound very technical but they’re actually very easy to use. Indeed, setup shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes.

Here’s how to set up a VPN in Ecuador:

  • First, sign up with one of the VPN providers listed above. As you’ll see from our reviews, we particularly recommend NordVPN.
  • Next, you’ll need to download and install one of the VPN’s apps. You may also have the option of using a browser extension if you prefer.
  • Open up the VPN app and connect to a server in your preferred location. For example, a server in the US if you want to unblock Netflix US.
  • Now you can go to the website or service you’d like to access. Its content should now be unblocked and available to you in Ecuador.
  • Still having trouble? Remember to clear your browser’s cache and cookies before refreshing your browser. Otherwise, try contacting your VPN’s customer support.

TRY A PAID VPN FREE: Want to try before you buy? You can do exactly this thanks to NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee. It requires an upfront payment but you then have a full 30 days to try it out. If it doesn’t meet expectations, you can request a full refund.

You should also consider connecting to a VPN in Ecuador for security reasons. The government has announced a number of technology initiatives, including a COVID-19 tracking platform in response to the pandemic. Needless to say, while a properly-managed system would be invaluable, as it stands, this proposal threatens the privacy of citizens. However, a VPN encrypts your data, securing it from your ISP and the government. The best VPNs also have a strict no-logs policy. As such, there’s no data to provide even if requested.

As if the above issues weren’t enough, free VPNs also come with a level of risk. This is due to their inferior security. Some don’t encrypt your data while others make money by logging and selling browsing data. This is particularly dangerous in a country that has been known to violate the rights of internet users. If you value your privacy and want to be able to browse anonymously without fear of surveillance, you’re best off sticking with the best paid VPNs for Ecuador.