Whether you’re visiting the Netherlands on vacation or live in the country permanently, it’s a good idea to use a VPN while connected to the internet. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) will let you securely access sites that are otherwise unavailable in the Netherlands. For example, if you want to enjoy shows from your US Netflix library while vacationing in Holland, a VPN will give you access.

Plus, our recommended VPNs have servers in Holland. That means that can give you a Dutch IP address allowing you to watch Dutch content while abroad – such as shows on NPO, Ziggo Go, or KIJK. VPNs also give you increased security and improved privacy. It encrypts your website traffic so ISPs and third parties are unable to track your online activities.

We go into lots of detail on each of the providers we have chosen further down. But in case you’re short on time, here’s a short summary of our list.

Best VPNs for the Netherlands:

  • NordVPN: Our top choice VPN for the Netherlands. Excellent value for money. Over 200 servers in the Netherlands. A strict no-logs policy with outstanding privacy and security features. Plus a 30-day money-back policy.
  • Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Holland. Easy to use. Superb apps for all platforms. Robust security features. Allows unlimited connections. Works with Netflix.
  • ExpressVPN: Multiple servers in the Netherlands. Unblocks most geo-restricted sites and services. Solid privacy and security features.
  • CyberGhost: Servers are great for streaming and downloading at good speeds. Great value and easy to use.
  • IPVanish: Great for Kodi users, and folks who need the highest standard of privacy. Apps for all platforms.
  • PrivateVPN: Newer service with an expanding network. Gaining popularity for its excellent unblocking capabilities and fantastic speeds.
  • AtlasVPN: Reasonably priced. Fast speeds, and capable of protecting multiple devices.

The best VPNs for Netherlands – 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 Netherlands.

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.

Best VPNs for the Netherlands

Not all VPN providers are created equal, and some services are a waste of money. To help you get a reliable service, we put together this list of quality VPNs for the Netherlands based on the following criteria:

  • Operates servers in the Netherlands
  • Provides fast and reliable connections
  • Can securely access streaming services outside of the Netherlands
  • Provides strong encryption and other security features

Of course, this is just an overview, but you can find our full VPN testing methodology later in the article.

Here’s a list of the best VPNs for Holland:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

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

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

This provider has a large focus on privacy including having a strict zero-logs policy. It keeps absolutely no logs, not even bandwidth data. This is backed by strong security, including 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.

A selling feature of NordVPN is that some servers are optimized for specific purposes, such as video streaming and anti-DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service). With a basic package, you can connect up to six devices simultaneously, which is a notch better than the industry standard.

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

BEST VPN FOR NETHERLANDS:NordVPN is the best choice. With a large range of servers in the Netherlands, this is a good all-rounder option that unblocks most geo-restricted streaming sites. Great privacy and security credentials. 30-day money back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Operates 200+ servers in the Netherlands
  • Strong security, and encryption features
  • Strict no-logs policy ideal for privacy-conscious users
  • 24/7 live chat support on offer
  • Able to simultaneously connect 6 devices at once
  • Apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux and Android

Cons:

  • Some servers can become unresponsive and you may need to try another one occasionally

Our score:

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is our favorite budget VPN. This provider is based in the British Virgin Islands; a location that is strong in terms of privacy. It has only been around since 2018 but has quickly risen to be a consumer favorite.

It has apps for all platforms that are packed with advanced security features. This includes a kill-switch, obfuscation, DNS leak protection, AES encryption (OpenVPN protocol), and built-in adblocking and malware protection. Plus, this VPN includes a SOCKS5 proxy and a free Smart DNS service with every subscription.

The service provides WireGuard connection in all of its apps, which makes this VPN extremely fast. This makes it ideal for HD streaming, torrenting, gaming, and other data-intensive tasks. Servers are located in 63+ countries, and this includes fast servers in Holland which make accessing a Dutch IP address simple from abroad.

CHEAPEST VPN FOR HOLLAND:Surfshark is an incredible all-rounder. Perfect for families thanks to its unlimited connection allowance. Ideal for streaming Dutch TV platforms abroad. Works with  Netflix, iPlayer, Hulu, and more. Robust encryption. Wireguard protocol. Built-in malware protection. 30-day money-back policy.

  • Works with Netflix Netherlands, US, and UK allowing you to watch your home library while abroad.

  • Offers live 24/7 chat support

  • Superfast servers globally, including Holland

  • Apps for all platforms

  • Privacy-conscious provider

  • Some servers are slightly slower than others

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands and operates a large network of 3,000+ servers in over 94 countries. This includes several Netherlands locations in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague.

ExpressVPN provides an extremely fast service with all servers being optimized for speed. As such, you can typically stream HD content with no issue and should have no problem downloading large files. It works well with popular streaming sites such as Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix allowing you to watch content from your home libraries while travelling abroad

When it comes to security and privacy, ExpressVPN has your back. Its zero-logs policy means that it will not track any of your browsing activity. While some VPNs store connection logs that can be traced to individual users, this is not a concern with ExpressVPN as it doesn’t log any IP addresses.

This provider uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is considered as good as it gets, along with perfect forward secrecy. It also provides a kill switch in case the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, as well as DNS leak protection.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and some wi-fi routers.

RELIABLE CHOICE FOR THE NETHERLANDS:ExpressVPN is a great choice. Secure access to most streaming services like Netflix and iPlayer. Great speeds for buffer-free HD viewing. Total security and privacy. Includes a no-quibbles 30-day money-back guarantee so you’ll receive a full refund if unsatisfied.

  • Fast servers in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague

  • High speeds for downloading and video streaming

  • Great encryption, security, and privacy features

  • Strict no-logs policy

  • Support is 24/7 and staff are well trained

  • Power-users may find the advanced options limited

  • It’s expensive compared to some other VPNs

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is a Romania-based provider that gives users access to a growing network of servers. You can choose from more than 9,000 in 90+ countries, including approximately 320 in the Netherlands.

As with the other VPNs on this list, CyberGhost doesn’t disappoint on the security front. It provides 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Privacy-conscious users will be pleased too, as there are no user activity logs maintained and no connection logs that can be tied to an individual. A CyberGhost plan enables you to connect up to five simultaneous devices.

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

Great Value:CyberGhost is great for beginners. Easy to use. Good on privacy. Streams HD video reliably. 45-day money back guarantee.

  • Operates approx 300 servers in the Netherlands

  • Unlocks a host of geo-blocked content abroad

  • Some of the fastest streaming servers we’ve tested

  • Apps are great for beginners

  • Seven devices simultaneous connection allowance

  • Not suitable for those that need control of advanced features

  • Doesn’t work in China

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is based in the US and is another large provider with more than 2,000 servers in over 50+ countries and 75+ locations, including more than 65 servers in Amsterdam. This VPN works really well with Kodi and is very popular among users, as well as torrenters. However, if you’re looking to stream Prime or Hulu, you might have to look elsewhere. Although IPVanish might offer access to other geo-blocked content outside of those sites.

IPVanish certainly measures up when it comes to privacy and security. This provider has a strict no-logs policy and keeps no online traffic or connection logs. Like ExpressVPN, it uses 256-bit AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy. And for extra protection, you have DNS leak protection and a kill switch. A basic IPVanish plan will enable you to connect every device you own simultaneously.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish has a large network of servers. Great for families and multiple connections. Works well with Kodi but look elsewhere if you want to unblock streaming sites. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Operates over 65 fast servers in Amsterdam

  • Best performer for Android-based Kodi devices in our testing

  • Keeps no traffic logs or connection logs

  • Speeds are great for HD streaming on most servers

  • Doesn’t work in China

  • Support can be slow

Read our full review of IPVanish.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN is based in Sweden and is the newest provider on our list. While it does operate a smaller network of servers than the others, it still has plenty to offer. One of the biggest selling features of PrivateVPN is its fast speed. This makes it ideal for streaming, and it works with Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. What’s more, it works with Netflix Netherlands so you can access your home library while abroad.

PrivateVPN holds true to its name by maintaining a strict no-logging policy. And even though it’s new, this provider has entered the market with a strong security suite to back its service. Encryption is 128-bit or 256-bit depending on which protocol you’re using. You also have perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Plans allow for up to 10 devices to be connected simultaneously.

GREAT SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is a solid all-rounder. Works to access major streaming sites. Good for browsing and torrenting. Could do with having more servers and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money back policy.

  • Operates two fast servers in Amsterdam, great for streaming while abroad

  • They log no personally identifiable information on their users

  • Faster than many other providers

  • Connect 10 devices simultaneously

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

  • Live chat not quite 24/7

  • Kill switch is Windows only

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

7. Atlas VPN

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

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

Atlas VPN is a newer VPN provider that has quickly established a global server network. Its servers cover dozens of locations including the Netherlands. It also happens to be one of the fastest VPNs on the market. Our tests revealed an average speed of 247 Mbps, making it ideal for streaming and online gaming. Speaking of streaming, Atlas VPN works with Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and more, allowing you to stream your home libraries while traveling.

Whether you’ve got lots of devices to secure or you’re planning on sharing with family, you’ll appreciate Atlas VPN’s unlimited simultaneous connection allowance. You’ll benefit from security features including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. What’s more, MultiHop servers are available, as is an ad and malware blocker. Atlas VPN also doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:Atlas VPN offers excellent speed for streaming without lag or buffering. Lets you connect as many devices as you like under a single account. MultiHop servers for extra security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Doesn’t offer browser extensions
  • Missing some useful features like split tunneling
  • No support for wireless routers or Linux

Read our full Atlas VPN review.

Netherlands VPN testing Methodology

There are hundreds of VPNs on the market and they are not all suitable for gaining robust online privacy and security. To ensure we only recommend the very best VPNs for the Netherlands, our reviewers use a scientific VPN testing methodology.

Below we have included a list of the important features we always check for when testing the VPN for this list.

  • A trustworthy no-logs policy. A reliable VPN will never track or log what you do online while connected to its servers. This guarantees that the VPN does not have data laying around that could later be harvested by government snoops with a warrant.
  • Robust encryption. A VPN is only ever as secure as the encryption that powers its tunneling protocol. We check under the hood to see how the VPN implements the encryption in their chosen VPN protocol and only recommend VPNs that can completely prevent your data from being intercepted.
  • Advanced VPN features. For a VPN to offer value for money, it should have plenty of reliable privacy and security features that make it both useful and versatile. We check for DNS leak protection, a kill-switch, obfuscation, and other features such as split tunneling, port forwarding, and a SOCKS5 proxy.
  • A fast global server network. Having plenty of servers to choose from ensures that you can always access services and content from around the world. Our recommendations not only have plenty of servers worldwide but also many servers in each location to prevent congestion.
  • A money-back guarantee. Market-leading VPNs are confident about the service they provide, and they want you to be able to try their service. That is why they have a money-back guarantee to let you test the service and get a refund if you aren’t satisfied.

How to use a VPN for the Netherlands

Using a VPN to gain online privacy, security, and added accessibility is easy. Simply follow the steps below to set up your VPN and start enjoying a private internet connection.

Here’s how to set up a VPN for the Netherlands:

  • Pick a VPN for the Netherlands. We recommend NordVPN because it is fast, has excellent apps for all platforms, and provides watertight privacy levels both at home and on public Wi-Fi.
  • Click the link to the VPN’s website and subscribe.
  • Download the VPN software onto your devices.
  • Install the VPN and log in using your credentials.
  • Clear your cookies and your browser cache as these can store location information from previous sessions.
  • Choose a server from the list – taking care to pick one for the country you require, such as the UK to stream BBC iPlayer – and click connect.

Privacy laws in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is generally known for its internet freedom and strong privacy laws. The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) took Microsoft to court over data processing that breached the Dutch data protection law. The use of a VPN is completely legal in the country and, in fact, several VPNs are actually based in the Netherlands, including GOOSE VPN, proXPN, and Shade You.

On the other hand, this is a 14 Eyes country, which means it is part of an international surveillance alliance including some European countries as well as the US, Canada, and Australia. The resulting potential lack of privacy while in the Netherlands could be a good reason to use a VPN.

Recently, the Dutch Senate approved a controversial new data mining law. This gives governments a much wider reach when accessing information, reportedly enabling intelligence services to tap into wi-fi hotspots and chat apps, and hack into your device if someone you know is a suspect in a crime.

The EU Data Retention Directive was implemented in the Netherlands through the Telecommunications Data Retention Act until it was invalidated in 2014. This law required ISPs to collect user traffic and location data and store it for 12 months. Revision of the data retention laws in the country are ongoing and will likely change again this year with the implementation of the GDPR.

A limited network of servers and long wait times are common occurrences with free services and will likely be off-putting for many users. You may also find issues with speed and reliability, and small data caps can hamper attempts to download large files.

Although, the practical downsides certainly don’t represent the worst of things. Other problems arise because companies adopt an unethical business model that jeopardizes the privacy and security of users. Notable issues include some providers enabling tracking cookies, logging user activity, and even carrying malware.

Our recommendation is to avoid the risks and the hassle by paying for a reputable VPN service. 

Dutch anti-piracy group BREIN took down more than 230 piracy sites in the first half of 2017 alone. What’s more, towards the end of last year, it was announced that hefty fines would be introduced as a further preventive measure. And even more recently, the Netherlands’ privacy watchdog, Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP), gave film production company Dutch Filmworks permission to collect the IP addresses of illegal downloaders.

With legal alternatives becoming more prevalent, the number of people looking to illegally torrent has decreased. Although, for those who want to access restricted sites, it could be done with the use of 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.

Netflix has made efforts to crack down on VPN use to access its content, so you may end up seeing a proxy error. Some providers are simply unable to get around this, but others, including those we’ve reported working with Netflix above, should be able to direct you to a server that will work.

Although, there are other factors at play, including each server’s current level of use. Some providers will be able to show you which is the fastest server for your current location or at least let you know which ones are carrying the least burden at a given time.

Some of the providers we’ve mentioned above offer automatic wifi protection. But it’s always worth double-checking your settings and that you are in fact connected to your VPN before joining a hotspot. What’s more, following a few additional best practices for using public wifi will help you steer clear of any other issues.

A few providers, like NordVPN, also offer double hop servers hosted in the Netherlands that pass your data through two layers of encryption. There is obviously a speed tradeoff here but if you’re looking for a little extra security, it’s a small price to pay.