Whether you’re an Italian resident or you’re just visiting, VPNs for Italy offer a wide range of benefits. Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts all of a device’s internet traffic and routes it through an intermediary server in a location of your choosing.

That means if you’re using public wifi at a cafe or hotel, a VPN can secure your connection from any hackers who may be snooping on the network. If you’re concerned about the European Union’s mass surveillance of the internet, VPNs protect you from that, too. If you want to watch a video that’s only available in another country, a VPN can change your perceived location and unblock the stream. And if you’re traveling outside of Italy but still want to keep up with Italian shows on RaiTV, you can get an Italian IP address and unblock the Italy-only RaiPlay.

This article gets into detail on each of the VPNs we chose for this list, but if you are short of time, here’s a summary of our top picks:

Best VPNs for Italy:

  • NordVPN Our top Italy VPN. Large network of fast servers including servers in Italy. Keep no logs. A reliable, private, and secure service. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark The best budget option for Italy. High speeds, a major focus on privacy, and the ability to protect every device you own simultaneously.
  • ExpressVPN Great for unblocking streaming sites from abroad. Huge network of servers around the globe tuned for high-speed performance. Hard to beat on security and privacy.
  • CyberGhost Budget choice that is preferred by beginners for their user-friendly apps that are easy to set up. Fast and secure.
  • IPVanish Favoured by Kodi users for their simple to use apps and torrenters for their reliably fast and secure service.
  • PrivateVPN Newest provider here with servers in Italy, good for accessing Italian content from abroad.

VPNs are inexpensive and easy to use, but not all of them are worth your time and money. You’ll want something fast, secure, and with plenty of servers that can unblock content from around the world.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

The best VPNs for Italy – At a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Italy.

We’ve curated our list of the best VPNs for Italy based on the following criteria:

The best VPNs for Italy

  • Operates Italian server locations
  • Can unblock geo-locked content outside of Italy
  • Fast and reliable connections
  • Strong security and a no-logs policy
  • Bonus: an Italian-language website

Note that we also have articles specifically for Netflix Italy and Rai TV (RaiPlay) users, but this article will look at the best VPNs for Italy overall.

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

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

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is a Panama-based provider with more than 5,200 servers in 60 countries. That includes more than 60 servers in Milan. NordVPN can securely access pretty much anything you can throw at it, including both the US and Italian versions of Netflix in the app and in a browser. You’ll have no problem accessing RaiPlay from abroad. NordVPN also works with Hulu, HBO, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, among others.

Connections are guarded by 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. NordVPN also has specialized servers set up for specific use cases. These include dedicated IP, double VPN, and Tor over VPN. A single subscription allows you to connect up to six devices at the same time. NordVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

BEST VPN FOR ITALY:NordVPN is our first choice. With a large range of servers including a few in Italy, this is a good all-rounder option that works with Italian Netflix, RaiTV and most other streaming services. Great privacy and security credentials. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included so you can try it risk-free.

Pros:

  • Operates 60+ servers in Italy, easily unblocks RaiPlay and Netflix Italy from abroad
  • A trusted provider that makes no compromises on security
  • Works with all major streaming platforms like Hulu, HBO, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer
  • Customer service available via 24/7 live chat
  • A fantastic option for streaming and torrenting

Cons:

  • Collects advertising IDs on mobile

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark has a network of around 3,200 servers in 65 countries, including some in Italy and Rome. This low-cost VPN is generally very fast, and excels at securely accessing stubborn streaming platforms like Netflix and DAZN, so you shouldn’t have any issues watching Rai TV abroad. Best of all, it allows you to protect every device you own with a single account.

This VPN’s servers secure your traffic using 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. What’s more, they offer a NoBorders mode capable of bypassing even the strictest network restrictions. Surfshark is a zero-logs provider and can’t reveal details of your activities under any circumstances. If you need any help, you can reach support staff 24/7 via live chat.

Apps are available for Android, Windows, Linux, MacOS, and iOS.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is our favorite low-cost option. It’s very fast, with powerful security and privacy features, and no connection limits. Also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Impressive streaming abilities

  • Fast speeds

  • Great range of security features

  • No-logging policy

  • Secure as many devices as you like

  • Not much customization

Read the full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN operates a huge network of more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries. That includes two locations in Italy: Milan and Cosenza. Both unblock Italian streaming services such as Raiplay. ExpressVPN works with Netflix in the US, UK, and Canada, among others. That includes both the Netflix app for iOS and Android and in a web browser. ExpressVPN can also reliably access Hulu, HBO, Prime Video, and Disney Plus.

All servers are optimized for maximum speed so you can stream video and download large files without interruption. ExpressVPN uses the best security standards in the business, including 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. ExpressVPN only logs metadata that can’t identify the user; no real IP addresses or traffic contents are recorded.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV, and certain wifi routers.

FAST AND VERSATILE:ExpressVPN is a reputable provider that’s optimized for high-speed connections. Excels at unblocking Italian streaming sites. Hard to beat on privacy and security. There is a 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee with every plan.

  • Not as cheap as some other services
  • Doesn’t provide much control over advanced functionality

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is great for treaming content from US Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. The app lets you select a server based on the popular streaming service you wish to access, so there’s no need to guess which server to use or contact customer support. RaiPlay viewers should have no problem unblocking the stream when connected to a CyberGhost server in Italy, of which there are nearly 200 in Milan and Rome.

CyberGhost Pro uses 256-bit AES encryption and keeps no logs of users’ activity nor IP address. It scored very well in our speed tests; streaming in HD should pose no issues. The app also has some extra features like ad and malware blocking and anti-fingerprinting to help keep your browsing private. Over 3,000 servers are available and that number is growing fast.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

BEGINNERS’ CHOICE:CyberGhost has a simple set up. Works well with RaiPlay. Good option if you are looking for a fast, reliable connection and an easy-to-use interface. Can struggle with unblocking some popular streaming sites. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Operates 150+ servers throughout Italy and unblocks RaiPlay with no issues

  • Some of the fastest streaming servers we’ve tested

  • Keeps no user activity logs and provides strong encryption to bypass activity detection

  • Apps are great for beginners

  • Few customizable settings

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish operates more than 1,900 servers in some 60 countries. It owns, rather than rents, its servers, meaning it has maximum control over the traffic that flows through its network and who can access it. If you have a Hulu or Prime Video account, IPVanish isn’t very reliable with those. But it works for pretty much everything else including RaiPlay. IPVanish is also a favorite among Kodi users and works with all Kodi add-ons we’ve tested thus far.

IPVanish uses future-proof security standards including 256-bit AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy. It keeps no logs of usage, activity or identifying metadata. Speeds are fast enough to stream in HD without interruption on most servers. A normal plan allows you unlimited simultaneous connections across all your devices.

NO DEVICE LIMITS:IPVanish has a large network of servers. Generally solid for RaiPlay streaming and folks who need the highest standard of privacy, but look elsewhere if you want to stream Netflix Italy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Operates over two dozen fast servers in Milan

  • Unblocks RaiPlay and many other popular streaming sites

  • Works well with Kodi add-ons for remote control users

  • Struggles to unblock some streaming services

  • Apps don’t work in China

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN is the youngest VPN on this list but it isn’t making any rookie mistakes. While it’s server network is much smaller than its rivals, it offers extremely fast speeds and extensive streaming capabilities. Both the Italian and American Netflix catalogs are accessible to PrivateVPN users, whether you prefer to watch in an app or web browser. RaiPlay, Hulu, HBO, Prime TV, and BBC iPlayer are also at your fingertips.

PrivateVPN doesn’t fall short when it comes to privacy or security, either. The company boasts a no-logs policy, military-grade encryption, and perfect forward secrecy. Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected on a single account. DNS leak protection and a kill switch come baked in.

GREAT SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Speeds were surprisingly good at this end of the market. Could do with having more servers and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Operates servers in Arezzo and Milan that are geared for streaming

  • Speeds are good enough for high-quality streaming

  • Has an easy install wizard for apps

  • Fewer servers to choose from than other providers higher on this list

  • Support staff are good, but only operate during European business hours

  • Apps lack some popular advanced features

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

How to use a VPN for Italy

Using a VPN to gain online privacy and to unblock censored or regionally restricted content is easy. Simply follow the steps below:

  • Choose a VPN from this guide. We recommend NordVPN because it offers value for money, reliability, servers in 59 countries, including Italy, and apps for all platforms with robust privacy features.
  • Subscribe to the VPN and download the VPN app. Our recommendation allows you to install the VPN on multiple devices simultaneously.
  • Install the VPN and log in using your credentials.
  • Choose a VPN server in Italy to get an Italian IP address, or elsewhere to unblock regional content.

That’s it! As soon as the VPN connects, your data will be encryption which will prevent local network administrators, ISPs, government agencies, and cybercriminals from monitoring your traffic. In addition, you will be able to bypass any blocks imposed on the Internet by the government and access services from around the world.

Can I use a free VPN for Italy?

Free VPNs are a dime a dozen these days, but the vast majority of them aren’t worth your time. They either won’t offer the functionality you need or simply can’t be trusted.

Supposedly “free” VPN services are still by-and-large for-profit ventures. In order to generate income, many of them mine your browsing traffic and inject tracking cookies into your browser in order to collect information that can be sold to advertisers. That defeats the privacy purpose of a VPN and should be avoided. Some VPNs even insert additional advertisements right into web pages.

Free VPN services also tend to be far more limited than their premium counterparts. Bandwidth limits and data caps are commonplace, as are waiting queues. Servers tend to be congested and restricted to a small handful of locations.

VPNs to avoid in Italy

It would be impossible to vet all of the hundreds of VPN providers out there, but here are a few that you might have come across in your search that should definitely be avoided in Italy.

PureVPN

PureVPN is being hammered in the press and on community boards lately since the arrest of one of its users. The man, charged with stalking, used PureVPN to try and hide his identity. But PureVPN, a Hong Kong-based company, handed over logs of IP addresses to US law enforcement that led to the man’s arrest. While we do not condone the man’s actions, PureVPN’s no logs policy is extremely misleading. Meanwhile, some critics have started questioning the integrity of PureVPN’s security.

AirVPN

AirVPN has earned a stellar reputation in the VPN community thanks to its strict zero-logs policy and superb security standards. Unfortunately, the company is incorporated in Italy, firmly within the jurisdiction of Italian authorities. In any other country, AirVPN would be a solid recommendation, but for people in Italy, it’s just a bit too close to home.

Italy data retention and mass surveillance laws

In 2006, the European Union adopted the Data Retention Directive, which requires internet service providers to collect certain information about subscribers. That information includes metadata such as source IP address, destination IP address, time, duration, device, and user location.

In Italy, ISPs retain all data for at least 12 months. While the law does not require storing the contents of internet communications, neither does it specify what traffic must be retained.

The Italian government is now considering increasing that time period from 12 months to six years. It could also allow for web monitoring without judicial review, meaning authorities or your ISP can see the actual contents of your browsing data and not just metadata.

The Senate voted on a new bill in March 2017 that regulates hacking for criminal investigations, but privacy groups raised concerns about the lack of adequate safeguards.

VPN testing methodology

Comparitech aims to provide readers with the most useful, comprehensive, and accurate VPN reviews and recommendations on the web. To do that, we personally and professionally evaluate dozens of VPNs based on real-world experience, expert analysis, and a battery of tests. When it comes to Italy VPNs, we focus on:

  • Security: Every VPN we recommend meets our standards of quality including strong, up-to-date encryption and protection from data leaks. We test each VPN for a range of IP, WebRTC, and DNS leaks.
  • Speed: We measure and record connection speeds to VPN servers around the world.
  • Streaming: We run thousands of real-world tests to find out which VPNs can unblock popular streaming services from abroad.
  • Customer support: We measure response times and gauge the quality of responses from each VPN’s customer support.

In addition to those tests, we examine each VPN’s privacy policy for language or lack thereof that might indicate the collection of personal data or online activity while using the VPN. You can read more about how we test VPNs on our methodology page.

Disclaimer: Although we’ve researched this topic thoroughly, we are not legal experts. Nothing we’ve said above should be considered legal advice. If there’s any doubt as to whether VPNs are legal in your location, we suggest consulting a professional or researching local laws for yourself.

That being said, some VPNs are much slower than others due to poor optimization and congested servers. The VPNs we recommend above all meet our minimum speed requirements, which should be enough to stream video in high definition.

On two occasions, Italian courts have ordered ISPs to block access to several torrent tracking websites, including ThePirateBay. These sites remain blocked in Italy but can be accessed with a VPN.

Comparitech does not condone or encourage any violation of copyright restrictions. Please consider the law, victims, and risks of piracy before downloading copyrighted material without permission.