5 Best VPNs for Germany in 2024

Germany is renowned for having robust data protection laws, but Internet freedom has recently declined due to new laws. Legislation has been passed that allows surveillance of residents’ online activities and requires websites and messaging platforms to provide user data to authorities. Not to mention the government places restrictions on anonymous communication.

Furthermore, certain streaming and torrenting sites like The Pirate Bay or 123movies are blocked. All that said, you can use a VPN for Germany to bypass these restrictions and protect yourself online. A VPN scrambles your traffic and protects your data using strong encryption. It also bypasses geo-blocks, so you can access your favorite content from anywhere.

In this article, we recommend the 5 best VPNs for Germany and discuss why you need a VPN. We also provide a walkthrough on how to use a VPN for Germany, answer some FAQs, and more. 

Best VPNs for Germany - Our Shortlist

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN for Germany
2. NordVPN – Security-Focused Germany VPN
3. CyberGhost VPN – Best VPN in Germany to Unblock Streaming Sites
4. Private Internet Access – Highly Customizable VPN in Germany
5. Surfshark – Best VPN for Germany with Reliable Torrenting Features 

How to Use a VPN in Germany

To use a VPN in Germany, you first need to find and subscribe to a VPN with servers in Germany. This can be a bit daunting for beginners, but the steps below make it easy:

1. Subscribe to a VPN with servers in Germany (we recommend ExpressVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN on your device.
3. Launch the VPN and log in using your credentials.
4. Connect to a server in Germany or any other location.
5. You can now surf the Internet with unrestricted access to your favorite sites. 

Getting a German IP address is also straightforward. It only requires you to connect to a server in Germany to unblock local content from anywhere. 

The Best VPNs for Germany

When choosing the best VPN for Germany, consider the criteria we used to curate our list of the top VPNs with the most servers. The first factor to evaluate is whether a VPN has a large global server network with servers in Germany so it can bypass geo-blocks and access global and local platforms like RTL+, Sky Go, and Pluto TV inside and outside the country.

Essential features include obfuscated servers, AES 256-bit encryption, a dedicated kill switch, and strong tunneling protocols to protect you online. A no-logs policy is also necessary to keep your data from being saved or shared. Furthermore, your VPN should offer fast speeds and reliable server performance. 

The VPN you choose must allow multiple simultaneous connections and run on all major devices and operating systems. You should also make sure it has 24/7 customer support and a trustworthy money-back guarantee to help you get a refund easily if you're unsatisfied with the experience.

Based on the criteria above, here’s our list of the 5 best VPNs for Germany:

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN for Germany

ExpressVPN offers over 3,000 servers located in 94 countries globally, with several present in Frankfurt and Nuremberg. This helps you stream German content on platforms like RTL+, Sky Go, and Pluto TV inside and outside the country. Its obfuscated servers also help you bypass strict geo-blocks and access your favorite global services without interruptions. 

As the fastest VPN in our tests, ExpressVPN is a great choice if you want unlimited bandwidth, enabling you to browse the Internet, torrent large files, or stream your favorite content in 4K with minimal slowdowns. Moreover, its servers offered consistent and stable connections across the board.

With ExpressVPN, you can use secure protocols like Lightway and OpenVPN, ensuring top-tier security. It also offers AES 256-bit encryption to safeguard your data. The VPN follows a strict no-logs policy, so your activities leave no digital footprint. Plus, to avoid any data exposure, its Network Lock kill switch disconnects your Internet if the VPN connection fails.

ExpressVPN's customer support operates round-the-clock with 24/7 live chat to promptly address any issues that may arise. The app can be installed on smartphones, PCs, routers, and more—and it works on 5 devices simultaneously. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service risk-free.

2. NordVPN – Security-Focused Germany VPN

NordVPN hosts over 5,700 servers across 60 countries, with 240+ German servers situated in Berlin and Frankfurt. Its reliable obfuscation technology masks your VPN usage so you can bypass restrictions and access local platforms like RTL+, Sky Go, and Pluto TV, as well as global services, from Germany or abroad.

This VPN for Germany follows a no-logs policy and employs a kill switch for data protection. You also get 256-bit encryption and multiple security protocols to shield your online presence. Plus, its Double VPN feature offers additional security by encrypting your Internet traffic twice. 

While NordVPN isn’t as fast as ExpressVPN, you still get access to its speedy, reliable 10 Gbps servers accompanied by unlimited bandwidth. This means you can stream in 4K, download files using torrent clients, and browse the Web without any interruptions. However, we did face some slowdowns when connecting to distant server locations.  

NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat customer service for troubleshooting any issues. The VPN can be installed on most common operating systems like Android, iOS, and Windows and be used on 6 devices at once. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to explore the features risk-free and request a refund if you are not completely satisfied.

3. CyberGhost VPN – Best VPN in Germany to Unblock Streaming Sites

CyberGhost has one of the most extensive server networks available, with over 9,500 servers in more than 90 countries. It has a broad presence in Germany, with 1,400+ servers in Berlin, Dusseldorf, and Frankfurt. This makes it easy for you to bypass restrictions and access global and local services like RTL+, Sky Go, and Pluto TV from anywhere. 

You get a seamless experience and reliable performance with unlimited bandwidth and specialized servers fine-tuned for gaming, streaming, and torrenting. For example, you can connect to a Netflix-optimized server for a lag-free 4K streaming experience. 

This VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption and multiple VPN protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard to protect your data. It also adheres to a strict no-logs policy and has a dedicated kill switch to safeguard your data while using public WiFi networks in Germany. However, CyberGhost doesn’t offer obfuscation.

CyberGhost’s 24/7 live chat customer support is ready to assist you with any inquiries or issues you may have. You can install the VPN on laptops, tablets, and even routers and use it on 7 devices simultaneously. Also, the VPN provides a 45-day money-back guarantee with long-term plans, so you can try the service and receive a full refund if you don’t like it.

4. Private Internet Access – Highly Customizable VPN in Germany

Private Internet Access (PIA) has a massive network spread across 80+ countries, including Germany, where it has servers in Frankfurt and Berlin. It uses the Shadowsocks feature to obfuscate your VPN tunnel, which helps you bypass geo-blocks to access global and local platforms like RTL+, Sky Go, and Pluto TV inside and outside the country. 

With PIA, you get fast speeds and reliable performance for P2P torrenting, Web browsing, and 4K streaming. We didn’t face any issues and got a seamless experience with the German servers. This VPN for Germany supports unlimited simultaneous connections and works on all major devices like smartphones, laptops, desktops, gaming consoles, routers, and more. 

PIA’s app lets you tailor it for better security or faster speeds, depending on your needs. You get multiple options, such as the OpenVPN or WireGuard protocol and AES 256-bit or AES 128-bit encryption. Moreover, the no-logs policy ensures your online activity won’t be shared with any authorities, and the dedicated kill switch helps protect your data if the VPN connection drops.

The configuration settings for PIA can be a bit confusing to beginners, but its 24/7 live chat tool helps you set it up on your device quickly. Plus, your subscription is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee with an easy refund process.

5. Surfshark – Best VPN for Germany with Reliable Torrenting Features

Surfshark has over 3,200 servers across 100 countries, including Germany (in Berlin and Frankfurt). You can use its Stealth VPN obfuscation features to bypass strict VPN blocks and use your favorite global and local platforms like RTL+, Sky Go, and Pluto TV from Germany or abroad. 

With Surfshark, you get fast speeds, low ping, and great server performance. While testing the service, we were pleasantly surprised to see the results nearly match ExpressVPN. So, you can stream and game online without any lag. 

Surfshark’s kill switch keeps your data safe, and the no-logs policy protects your data from being stored or shared. Robust AES 256-bit encryption and multiple security protocols make sure your network remains safe from prying eyes. 

This VPN for Germany can be used on unlimited devices simultaneously and runs on the most prominent operating systems. You also get reliable assistance with Surfshark’s 24/7 live chat tool, and your purchase is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why Do You Need a VPN in Germany?

You need a VPN in Germany to help you bypass geo-restrictions so you can access global and local websites and services from anywhere. A VPN also helps you secure your connection and keep your online activity private. Here are some more ways a VPN for Germany can be helpful:

• Unblock Streaming and Torrenting Websites – Streaming platforms like Netflix US and torrenting websites like The Pirate Bay are not available in Germany. Using a VPN can help you bypass these geo-blocks to access your favorite content inside and outside the country.
• Secure Torrenting Experience – Torrenting is illegal and risky in Germany. Not to mention it can lead to data leaks and other issues. A VPN helps you keep your P2P connection safe, so you can download files on torrent clients without accidentally exposing your device information or other sensitive data.
• Enhanced Network Security – A VPN service encrypts your connection with AES 256-bit encryption and multiple security protocols. This means your traffic is scrambled to protect it from spying by government agencies.
• Protect Your Sensitive Information – A VPN for Germany helps you secure your private data with a dedicated kill switch and an audited no-logs policy. This means your data will not be stored or shared with any third parties or government agencies. So, you can stream and download whatever you want on the Internet.
• Block Ads, Trackers, and Spyware – Surfing on the Web exposes you to ads, malware, and spyware. A reliable VPN for Germany helps you avoid these issues by using an ad-blocker to keep ads away and warn you before opening malicious links.

Are VPNs Legal in Germany? 

Yes, VPNs are legal in Germany. There are no specific laws that explicitly ban the use of VPNs in the country, and you can use any VPN available on the Internet to mask your IP address without facing any legal threats.

Even though VPNs are legal, infringing on copyrighted content and accessing sites that shouldn’t be available in Germany can result in legal issues. For example, streaming Netflix US shows and movies that aren’t available in Germany is considered illegal. Downloading files from illegal torrenting sites is also bound to get you into trouble.

That said, government officials don’t generally go through with prosecuting people who use a VPN to get access to restricted content. However, it’s still ideal to use a premium VPN to stay safe online.

Can You Use a Free VPN in Germany?

Yes, you can use a free VPN in Germany, but we highly advise against it. Many free VPN services have a limited server list with no locations in Germany. This means you won’t be able to use local German services while traveling abroad. 

Free VPNs also have slow speeds and data caps. This means you won’t be able to perform any high-bandwidth activities like reliably streaming in 4K or downloading large torrent files. 

Moreover, the services have lousy security features. Some even sell and share your browsing data for a profit.

That said, we highly recommend getting a premium VPN for Germany to mask your IP and unblock services easily that will meet your requirements. 

Final Thoughts

Concerns about government surveillance, torrenting restrictions, and geo-blocks on streaming platforms are quite common in Germany. While the country has strict rules protecting privacy, new data retention laws have made complete Internet freedom a thing of the past. Luckily, a VPN can help you solve all these issues. 

We highly recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN to use in Germany. With its extensive server network, you can enjoy your preferred content anywhere in the world. Moreover, ExpressVPN’s strong security and privacy features ensure your data will remain safe from any authorities or other prying eyes.

That’s all for our take on how to select the top VPN for Germany. If you have any questions, drop a comment below. Thank you for reading!