In today's increasingly online world, protecting your privacy and security has never been more important – and that goes double for cryptocurrency users.
Virtual private networks, or VPNs, are services Provide an encrypted connection to the Internet-Protect your Internet Protocol (IP) address from prying eyes.
For users who deal in CryptocurrencyVPNs provide an additional layer of security to protect against hacks and phishing attempts that could lead to the loss of money.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the best VPN options for cryptocurrency users, from big-name brands to more niche offerings.
This guide comes from hundreds of hours of testing, across years of VPNs' evolution, and looks at features including speed, security, privacy, pricing, user experience, cryptocurrency payment options, and more to explain everything you need to know.
Details like server number and location are included so you can select the best option that will help you wherever you are. We'll also look at the ability of VPNs to actually make claims like privacy and security - and how this is backed up with details like third-party no-logging audits - which are also taken into account.
Keep in mind that this is an overview of the best VPNs for cryptocurrency users, so you may want to delve into specific reviews before making the perfect choice for you.
Best VPN for Cryptocurrency Overall: NordVPN
What security measures does he use?
NordVPN uses the same AES-256 encryption standard used by the US military, so you can rest assured that the WireGuard and OpenVPN protocol options are both highly secure. This can be increased by using multiple hops as well as scrambling your connection, so that your use of a VPN cannot be detected.
What privacy features do you offer?
With a third-party audited no-logs policy, and all servers running only on RAM, the privacy NordVPN offers is top-notch. The company is based in Panama, so it falls outside the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes surveillance groups, which means governments can't demand the information — not that NordVPN holds any information that would be of much use.
Ease of use
With a selection of apps for multiple devices, a quick connect button that connects intelligently, and the option to choose servers based on specific needs like streaming, NordVPN is extremely easy to use. Sure, you have more sophisticated options if you need them but for automated connections, this is great.
Server locations
With over 140 server locations in 111 countries, NordVPN offers a truly expansive set of options for connecting internationally, without sacrificing speed or security.
Other features
NordVPN offers up to 10 simultaneous connections at once, the high-speed and secure WireGuard protocol, a kill switch, auto-connect, split tunneling, and threat protection to keep malicious websites and malware out.
Pricing
NordVPN's pricing is in the mid-range, which is good considering it's a premium option. This means one month is $12.99, but you can pay for two years upfront and it works out to just $3.79 per month. NordVPN accepts payments via cryptocurrencies, debit cards, PayPal, credit cards, and even iTunes and Google Pay options. There's also a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try before you commit to buying.
Best VPN for speed and privacy: ExpressVPN
What security measures does he use?
With RAM-only servers and some excellent features like DNS leak protection, AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption as well as a threat management tool, ExpressVPN focuses on superior security.
What privacy features do you offer?
ExpressVPN's location in the British Virgin Islands means privacy is naturally excellent, and is reinforced by an independently audited no-logs policy – meaning the company keeps strictly no data on its users.
Ease of use
One-click connection and extremely simple layout across its apps make ExpressVPN one of the most user-friendly offerings currently available. This means that some of the more complex features are missing in some apps, but for beginners, this is a real winner.
Server locations
Although ExpressVPN won't reveal the exact number of its servers, as they often vary, it covers a wide area of at least 105 countries. This means that you can reliably appear in the country of your choice no matter where you find yourself, including countries that have specific legislation prohibiting VPNs.
Other features
ExpressVPN features a kill switch, dynamic and dedicated IP options, and uses the Lightway protocol that provides a balance of speed and security. And you can do all this across eight devices at the same time.
Pricing
Payment can be made using PayPal, BitPay, Bitcoin and a range of other cryptocurrencies, as well as online bank transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and (of course) credit and debit cards. Expect to pay $6.67 per month, but you get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Best for Free: Proton VPN
What security measures does he use?
Proton VPN covers a lot of security bases with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryptions, as well as the latest WireGuard protocol technology.
What privacy features do you offer?
Proton VPN is based in Panama and uses a no-logs policy that is subject to third-party auditing, and Proton VPN has no data on its users whatsoever.
Ease of use
Proton VPN's Smart Protocol feature, which connects quickly based on your network connection, is a useful and easy-to-use option. Additionally, the speed connect button adds to this which makes accessing the VPN very easy.
Server locations
Proton VPN has up to 8,300 servers, covering over 112 countries, making it one of the most expansive offerings ever.
Other features
Proton VPN offers a free plan and unlike many others, it gives you very few limits – making it one of the most comprehensive VPN options you can get without paying anything.
Pricing
In addition to the free version, Proton VPN offers a paid tier at a low price of $3.59 per month, with the ability to pay in cryptocurrencies.
Best Free Open Source Decentralized VPN: Mysterium VPN
What security measures does he use?
With a wide range of node network coverage, you can count on keeping your data secure. Not having a single point company also results in a more decentralized data spread, which should keep you safer (in theory).
What privacy features do you offer?
The open source nature of this VPN means you can see for yourself what's going on, which means your data is as secure as you need it to be. No more trusting a company to do it for you.
Ease of use
Like any other VPN, it's easy to download and set up using Myst coin before you get started. The apps are also easy to use with deeper layers of complexity if you need it.
Server locations
Boasting a whopping 16,000 servers in 135 countries, it has a huge reach across the globe. All this equates to 20,000 IP address options to choose from.
Other features
You can use up to six devices simultaneously with unlimited bandwidth.
Pricing
The option ranges from $6.85 per month on a six-month plan, to a $3.19 per month option if you choose the two-year tier. Payments can be made using cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies including Myst and Bitcoin.
Best for Random Security: Orchid VPN
What security measures does he use?
This decentralized VPN uses a quota-weighted algorithm to connect randomly in order to provide the best security and optimal connection.
What privacy features do you offer?
This uses Onion routed multi-hop connections which means your privacy remains very secure and since there is no central company managing your data, it makes it even more private.
Ease of use
Orchid VPN's app system makes it easy to use - although it's worth noting that it won't run on Windows and that it uses WebRTC as its protocol.
Server locations
Since this is decentralized, the company says it is not possible to provide specific server numbers or locations. Users report that many of them are often connected via the United States.
Other features
The use of a VPN client distinguishes this from what it essentially is, a Tor-style decentralized network. It's an easy-to-use feature that really helps here, providing clarity and control even for beginners. However, the multi-hop feature is a really useful option for those who want extra layers of protection.
Pricing
This is an instant payment system that uses the OXT token system to buy and sell. This is an ERC-20 token built on Ethereum.
Best for Browser Wrap and Firewall: Brave Firewall + VPN
What security measures does he use?
With AES-256 encryption, Brave VPN is military-grade secure and backed by a firewall service that helps protect against tracking, malware, and other malicious attempts at your privacy. WireGuard means you stay safe while getting maximum speed.
What privacy features do you offer?
Unlike other browsers, considering Chrome, Brave won't collect your data, for a more private browsing experience, while DNS or IP leaks won't be an issue with this VPN running. Despite having a US location and stored IP and email address data, it's not the most privacy-conscious.
Ease of use
Since this is a standalone VPN and also offers a browser version, this means accessing the VPN is simple. This provides a secure web browsing experience from directly within the browser or from the top button menu.
Server locations
Brave doesn't share server numbers but appears to cover 14 countries, with four servers in the US. So not much compared to the competition.
Other features
Connections up to five devices simultaneously. But it offers apps for many including Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Pricing
There is a 7-day free trial, and then you get a flat price of $9.99 per month which makes it quite expensive for what you get. It only lets you pay via credit cards and stripe but not cryptocurrencies or PayPal.
Best VPN for Decentralized Options: NymVPN
nymvpn.com (beta)
What security measures does he use?
NymVPN offers a unique combination of 5 hops, ensuring that your identity is more difficult to find than most other VPNs, which offer 2 hops at best. There's also a 2-hop option, which offers WireGuard speeds, if you need a lower-latency connection where security isn't as critical. Thanks to independently running nodes, of which there are more than 750 at the time of deployment, the protection is very effective.
What privacy features do you offer?
NymVPN, according to its creators, is designed to be a network Resistance to the NSA Level View – A bold claim, but with this multi-hop system built on the ZK-powered blockchain, this could be one of the most secure decentralized VPN options available right now. You get Sphinx cipherIdentifiable data is obscured and this token-based access is used for secure communications and options for managing privacy settings.
Ease of use
NymVPN is primarily a public VPN which means that despite the level of privacy strength accessible here, it functions as a decentralized VPN that is easy enough to use. This means that apps across different devices are all designed to integrate and work intuitively. You can expect an automatic kill switch to prevent data leakage in upcoming versions as well.
Server locations
There are over 30 countries you can use NymVPN across, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Plus you have over 110 exit servers to ensure the highest level of flexibility.
Other features
Thanks to the motivation of server operators, NymVPN has become a high-quality offering. Data is protected from analysis through packet shuffling and encryption. There are also zero-knowledge payment methods to ensure complete anonymity at all times. Apps are available for iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Pricing
At the time of publishing, NymVPN is in beta, and you can download the app and try it for free. Sign up and you'll get 30 days free via an access code sent to your email.
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