article by Maria Perinic
March 22, 2020
Italy is a country with beautiful locations that everyone should hope to see at least once in their lifetime. If you’re planning a trip to this picturesque European country, the first thing you will want to make sure is sorted, along with your passport is a VPN for Italy. Whilst Italy has maintained a “free” internet environment, the country lags behind the rest of Europe with only 65% internet penetration.
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Constant debates surrounding fake news are rampant, and defamation is a criminal offense in Italy with civil lawsuits threatening writers left, right and center. There is also the issue of the Italian parliament approving a law allowing the government to use and regulate malware for hacking purposes. A regulation on data retention approved in 2017 also requires telecommunications operators to store internet and telephone data for as many as six years.
During this COVID-19 global pandemic, we recommend having a powerful VPN with speeds high enough to keep up with the increased demand for streaming content. With the large majority of people staying at home, streaming might be slowed down due to volume of users.
Best VPN Services in Italy
If you do not want your internet data to be accessible by the Italian government, the best option is to purchase a VPN subscription. This will secure your data by rerouting it to a completely different server anywhere in the world. We have rounded up the best VPNs in Italy which will ensure your safety and privacy whilst online.
#1ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN continues to dominate the top spot when it comes to the best VPN in Italy, as it does with many other locations around the world. This is because ExpressVPN offers a quality of service that is second to none. There are over 3,000 servers that you can choose from in 160 locations around the world.
Internet privacy is definitely an issue in Italy, but if you’re worried about data retention, ExpressVPN has jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands, which means that all your online data will be out of reach of any ISPs, government officials or even hackers.
This VPN is compatible with all the major platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, Nook, Chromebook and even your router and setup will take as little as five minutes. There are also extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
Unlimited bandwidth, lightning-fast speeds, and excellent customer support mean that you can stream, torrent and browse online without feeling your VPN connection at all. If you happen to come across some trouble, you can always contact customer support agents which are on hand 24/7 through online chat.
When it comes to security, you will find that ExpressVPN uses protocols such as OpenVPN, DNS protection, military-grade encryption as well as a Network lock, which acts as a kill switch, ending all online activity should your VPN connection drop.
With up to five simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee, you cannot go wrong.
If you’re looking for the best VPN service in Italy you cannot go past ExpressVPN. Here’s why:
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Ultra-fast streaming speeds
- Compatible with Android TV (Box) and Fire TV
- Apps available for every device
- Hides your streaming activity
- No connection logs
- No activity logs
- P2P possibility
- Ping times that are minimally affected
- ExpressVPN works extremely well in high censorship countries
- Military-grade encryption
- Large international server network
- 30-Day money-back guarantee
- Outstanding customer service
- 99% uptime guarantee
- Up to five simultaneous connections
Want to know more about ExpressVPN? Find out everything you need to know in our detailedreview.
#2CyberGhost
CyberGhost comes in at a close second choice for the best VPN for Italy for various reasons. There are as many as 5,900 servers to choose from in 90 countries and 103 locations with 114 of those servers based in Italy.
CyberGhost even explains how internet freedom is abroken concept in Italy explaining why you need a VPN in this country. You have the option to secure up to seven devices which will ensure your computer, laptop, smartphone, and other smart devices are kept safe.
When it comes to security, there is automated HTTPS redirection which will guarantee that you have the most secure connection to any website you might visit. Other key factors extras include blocking malicious websites, ads, as well as trackers.
Your anonymity is protected as CyberGhost has jurisdiction in Romania, and if you don’t wish to pay with a credit card, you can always pay through PayPal or Bitcoin.
There is a 24 hour free trial for Windows or a seven-day free trial if you install the iOS app, but it will not grant you access to the full service. The best option for a free trial is by using the Android app which will see you get a full seven-day trial without creating or logging into a CyberGhost account. CyberGhost is compatible with all major platforms and also ensures a 45-day money-back guarantee.
More reasons as to why CyberGhost is a solid choice of VPN for Italy:
- Strict No Logs Policy
- High speeds
- Automatic Kill Switch
- Simultaneous connections on up to 7 devices
- Easy to use
- 256-bit AES Encryption
- Unlimited bandwidth and traffic
- OpenVPN, L2TP-IPsec and PPTP protocols
- Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Routers
Want to know more about CyberGhost? Find out everything you need to know in our detailedreview.
#3Surfshark
Surfshark is one of the best upcoming VPN services, with incredibly fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. It also offers you access to over 800 servers across 50 locations around the world.
Just like ExpressVPN, Surfshark has jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands and a foolproof privacy policy which guarantees that Surfshark “do not collect IP addresses, browsing history, session information, used bandwidth, connection time stamps, network traffic, and other similar data.”
Security is tight with all the technical essentials covered, from AES-256 enc5ryption, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols. There is also a kill switch to fall back on.
Whilst the monthly subscription is quite high, signing up with Surfshark for two years will prove to be one of the most affordable options on the market. If you’re unhappy with the service, you always have the 30-ćday money-back guarantee to fall back on.
There is a seven-day free trial available, and you can pay for the service using a plethora of methods including credit card, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, Ali Pay, Pay Pal, and cryptocurrency.
The best part of Surfshark? You get unlimited simultaneous connections.
Surfshark makes the top three best VPNs in Italy for the following reasons:
- Great download speeds
- Zero logging
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Unlimited platform protection
- Unlimited Server Switching
- Some servers work with Netflix
- Strong encryption
- Torrenting allowed
- CleanWeb feature
- Unlimited devices
- Whitelister feature
Want to know more about Surfshark? Find out everything you need to know in our detailedreview.
#4ZenMate
Keeping yourself protected from online snoops is not a problem even if you’re a VPN newbie. ZenMate keeps things simple fornon-technical users with a simply designed website, free of jargon and complicated features. You can connect to servers in over 35 countries, including 48 server locations in Italy.
There is a seven-day free trial which will allow you to test out the service, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee. The privacy policy is a little long to read, approaching almost 5,000 words, but the main thing you need to know is that your online data is not going anywhere.
“We do not store or log your personal data which can be used to identify you or what you’re doing online. We do not monitor your online sessions…As we don’t store the data in the first place, this also means that we can’t be forced into giving away personal data to any government or sell it to any 3rd parties.”
It should be noted that ZenMate doesn’t yet offer an online chat service and as ZenMate points out, it can take up to 48 hours to get a response. Luckily, it took less than two hours to get a reply when we asked for help.
ZenMate is another fantastic choice when it comes to staying private online when in Italy due to:
- High-speed servers
- Kill switch
- Works with Netflix
- Simple to use
- Strict zero-logs policy
- Offers separate free ad-blocking software
- Free version available
- Always on switch
- 7 days free trial
- 30 days money-back guarantee
- Compatible with all major platforms
- OpenVPN, L2TP protection protocols
- Identity shield
Want to know more about ZenMate? Find out everything you need to know in our detailedreview.
#5ProtonVPN
With more than 526 servers in as many as 42 countries, with most of the servers being located in North America and Europe, but there are also locations in places such as Hong Kong, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Japan, New Zealand, India, and South Korea.
The fantastic thing about ProtonVPN 8is that it manages and owns its own server, which means they connect to the internet using their own network.
When it comes to speed, most locations do quite well and ProtonVPN also has no trouble getting around Netflix blocks. Being based in Switzerland means that ProtonVPN abides by some of the strictest privacy laws in the world and promises not to “log user activity or share data with third parties. Our anonymous VPN service enables Internet without surveillance.”
The only thing that this VPN company will log is the last timestamp of your latest login, which will get overwritten as soon as you log in again.
Although this VPN’s network is still quite small compared to that of ExpressVPN and other above-mentioned services, the apps are very well designed and there is also a free plan on offer.
The free plan has no bandwidth limitations and comes with medium speed and three country locations including the US, Japan, and the Netherlands.
ProtonVPN rounds up the top five best VPNs in Italy because of its:
- Strong encryption
- Forward secrecy
- All major platforms covered
- Strong protocols
- Swiss Based
- Strict no-logs policy
- DNS leak protection
- Kill switch
- Tor over VPN
- Easy to use
- Professional support
- P2P support
- Up to ten devices covered
- Quick country selector
- Quick connect
Want to know more about ProtonVPN? Find out everything you to know in our detailedreview.
Privacy Laws and Regulations in Italy
Whether you live in Italy or are just planning to visit, you must remember that by doing so, you are subjecting yourself to the data retention laws which are in place there. This is particularly worrisome if you are dealing with sensitive information, whether for business or personal matters.
Many news outlets are not allowed to spread any form of content which entails speaking out against the government. Those that do so can face jail time without having a hearing.
According toFreedom on the Net, “Italian lawmakers have made several attempts to regulate hacking in recent years. A proposal known as the ‘Trojan Bill’ sought to amend Article 266 to reflect the Supreme Court’s judgment, as well as establish a more robust system for authorizing remote and covert hacking.”
A VPN will allow you to hide your online communications and activities from ISPs or government agents.
Italian Streaming Services
If you are located outside of Italy and wish to tune into the latest news, watch your favorite shows, and movies, a VPN will allow you to bypass geo-blocks and stream from the following channels.
- Cibor TV
- Rai Uno
- Rai Due
- Rai Tre
- Rai News
- Rete 4
- Italia 1
- TgCom 24
- Rai Storia
- Rai Gulp
- Euronews Italian
- UniNettuno University Italy
- Tele Pace
- Tele Padre Pio
- Senato TV
- Radio Italia TV
- Parole de Vita
Conclusion
Whilst Italy is a liberal country, it cannot be said by any means that there is complete freedom online. This is due to the fact that government agencies and ISPs constantly regulate the internet in order to stop “fake news” being spread and also to uncover those who are speaking out against the government.
No matter whether you are just traveling or residing in this beautiful country, steps should be taken in order to maximize your safety online. Thebest VPNs as mentioned above will allow you to stay private by encrypting your traffic so that it is not monitored by any third parties.
You will also be able to get around geo-blocks and tune into your favorite Netflix shows, pay your bills with internet banking without fears of getting hacked as well as save money when shopping online.
For the best VPN in Italy, we highly recommend ExpressVPN which offers a failsafe, fast connection with excellent customer service at all times.
FAQs
Which VPN works in Italy? ›
BEST VPN FOR A ITALIAN IP ADDRESS:NordVPN is our #1 choice. With dozens of Italian servers to choose from, a top-tier security offering, and outstanding unblocking capabilities, it's perfect for almost any task. There's also a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
Which free VPN has Italy? ›iTop VPN is picked as the best free VPN for Italy in that it grants significant performance on both internet security, anonymity and speed. iTop VPN utilizes military-grade (AES-256) encryption, the extremely secure level of encryption, on your data.
What is the number 1 VPN in the world? ›ExpressVPN received a CNET Editors' Choice Award for best overall VPN. We evaluate VPNs based on their overall performance in three main categories: speed, security and price. Express isn't the cheapest, but it's among the fastest and, so far, is the most secure.
How can I access websites in Italy? ›- Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because of its secure servers in Italy to safely access local content wherever you are. ...
- Connect to a server in Italy. Pick an Italian server on the server list and connect to get an Italy IP address.
- Start browsing.
So, if you do a lot of online work while you're in Italy, consider a VPN. It has saved people from identity theft.
Is NordVPN free? ›However, NordVPN offers a seven-day free trial to all new Android subscribers. The VPN service also offers a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee on Windows, macOS, iOS and all other platforms. During the 30 days, you'll have free access to one of the fastest VPNs available.
Does urban VPN Work? ›Urban VPN may be successful if you require little more than website unblocking, but its apps are poor. It also offers no customer support. There is a complete lack of transparency, meaning that it is likely not a trustworthy provider.
How do I use Itop VPN? ›iTop VPN review - YouTube
Does NordVPN work in Italy? ›Yes, with NordVPN, you can connect to 59+ secure servers in Italy. Click on Italy in the country map to change your location. If you want to connect to a specific server, scroll down to Italy in the country list, click the three dots on the right, and then select the server from the drop-down menu.
What streaming services work in Italy? ›However, ExpressVPN proven to be the only service in Italy that provides best-in-class and reliable access to Hulu with highly optimized American servers.
Is ExpressVPN better than NordVPN? ›
If price is your main concern, choose NordVPN. However, ExpressVPN offers faster speeds than NordVPN and about 100 more server locations. Depending on what country and location you want to connect to through your VPN, ExpressVPN may be a better choice.
Which VPN is best and safe? ›| System | NordVPN | Norton Secure VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Split Tunneling | Yes, on Windows, Android and Android TV only | Android and Windows Only |
| Netflix | Yes | Yes but not in all regions |
| Torrenting | Yes | No |
| IP Addresses | Dynamic, shared with other users but can pay for dedicated address | Dynamic |
Their success comes from a combination of technical trickery, computing power, cheating, court orders, and behind-the-scenes persuasion. VPNs can be hacked, but it's hard to do so. Furthermore, the chances of being hacked without a VPN are significantly greater than being hacked with one.
How can I watch content from another country? ›The simplest way to change Netflix region is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN tunnels your internet traffic through an intermediary server located in a country of your choice. It can mask your real IP address and replace it with one from your chosen country, thus spoofing your current location.
How can I watch content not available in my country? ›The most reliable way to get around the region filter is simply to use a VPN. This is a service which lets you browse the web as if you were in a different country. You can try this with a free VPN, though we recommend a paid service such as NordVPN which currently sits at the top of our best VPN ranking.
How can I access blocked sites? ›Use VPN for unblocking online
As per our experience and expert reviews, using a reliable VPN service is the best way to unblock websites with ease. All popular VPNs have their apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, etc., which makes it easy to unblock sites at work or school.
Italy VPN for PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, and more
A single ExpressVPN subscription includes software solutions for every device in your home, including gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox and smart TV systems like Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick.
While premium VPNs offer a high level of encryption, a VPN app can be hacked, just like any other. For example, if you use a very weak password, suffer a spyware attack, or keep your information somewhere unsecure, a hacker could still access your VPN application.
What's the best free VPN? ›Best free VPN for mobile
You may pick the classic Atlas VPN and ProtonVPN as they're the best free VPNs for Android. Though, there are some other options. For example, Windscribe and Hide.me are also worth a shot.
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet. VPN. If you can't find it, search for "VPN." If you still can't find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
- Tap the VPN you want.
- Enter your username and password.
- Tap Connect. If you use a VPN app, the app opens.
Which free VPN has unlimited data? ›
Hotspot Shield Basic VPN
Hotspot Shield Basic is a popular free VPN plan with a very major plus: in June 2022, Hotspot Shield began upgrading the service to offer unlimited data across all platforms. (As we write, Mac, Android and iOS now support unlimited data, with Windows joining the party later.)
- Proton VPN Free. Truly secure with unlimited data – the best free VPN. ...
- Privado VPN. A free VPN that can unblock Netflix (for now) ...
- Windscribe. Generous on data, and secure too. ...
- Atlas VPN. Great speeds, and tons of data for Mac users. ...
- Hide.me. ...
- Hotspot Shield Free.
- RocketVPN: This VPN app is free to use and provides high-speed access to various locations. ...
- SuperVPN: This VPN app is a simple app with minimum modifications or settings. ...
- FlashVPN Free Proxy: ...
- HolaVPN: ...
- VyprVPN: ...
- Hotspot Shield VPN: ...
- Droid VPN:
...
5. Atlas VPN – Best free VPN for Android and iOS.
| Feature | Atlas VPN free version performance |
|---|---|
| Encryption | AES 256-Bit |
| Price | Completely free |
It works fairly well, and they have a large server network. It also and offers enhanced security to its users. Above all, iTop VPN is also pretty affordable, especially for a longer time commitment. The dedicated servers make it very easy for people who want to get this VPN for a specific purpose.
Is iTop VPN actually free? ›The Safest VPN to Access the Internet Fast Free. Except for the features mentioned above about iTop VPN, iTop VPN is also the best free VPN for Windows, Android, and iOS without any doubt.
Who is NordVPN owned by? ›The short version is that NordVPN is owned by the Lithuania-based, Tesonet. The official brand name is "NordVPN", but the difference in names is a business common practice (just like few people know the company "Procter & Gamble", but many people know "Pampers", "Oral-B" and "Gillette").
Is Nord safe? ›NordVPN has military-grade encryption when it comes to safety. Most notably, NordVPN uses 256-bit AES data encryption. This, along with their well-protected servers and excellent firewall, makes NordVPN incredibly secure.
What does NordVPN actually do? ›NordVPN keeps you private and secure online, by hiding your IP address, and routing your internet traffic through an encrypted connection to a privately owned VPN server. (As opposed to the unencrypted servers owned by your ISP). All you have to do is tap 'Quick Connect' in the app to secure yourself online.
How can I watch TV in Italy? ›- Start by signing up for one of the VPNs below (we particularly recommend NordVPN).
- Install the app on your device and log in. ...
- Connect to any of your VPN's Italian servers. ...
- Finally, visit your favorite streaming service.
Can I watch English TV in Italy? ›
Whether you are in Italy or any other country worldwide. As long as you have an internet or WiFi connection, with ChillGlobal you will be able to watch English TV no matter where you are.
Does Netflix work in Italy? ›US Netflix offers a larger variety of TV shows and movies that may not be available on Netflix Italy. However, with a VPN like PureVPN, you can access Netflix's US catalog in seconds.
Which VPN is fastest? ›Hotspot Shield is the World's Fastest VPN. To win this award, Hotspot Shield outperformed competitors in both local and international testing conducted by Ookla®. For more details on our testing methodology, see our article on the fastest VPNs.
What's the cost of ExpressVPN? ›How much does ExpressVPN cost? ExpressVPN offers three subscription plans. Subscriptions cost $8.32 per month for a 12-month plan, $9.99 per month for a six-month plan, and $12.95 per month for a one-month plan. Each subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the service risk-free.
How much does NordVPN cost per month? ›How much does NordVPN cost? A month-to-month subscription to NordVPN costs $11.99. If you sign up for a year-long subscription, the month-to-month cost is $4.99, and if you sign up for two years, the cost drops to $3.99 per month.
Does ExpressVPN work in Italy? ›Italy VPN for PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, and more
A single ExpressVPN subscription includes software solutions for every device in your home, including gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox and smart TV systems like Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick.
If price is your main concern, choose NordVPN. However, ExpressVPN offers faster speeds than NordVPN and about 100 more server locations. Depending on what country and location you want to connect to through your VPN, ExpressVPN may be a better choice.
Can you watch American TV in Italy? ›The Best Way to Watch U.S. TV Online from Abroad
Most U.S.-based television networks limit access to their shows to viewers who live inside U.S. borders and have an American IP address. Luckily, it's still possible to view U.S. TV online by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
However, NordVPN offers a seven-day free trial to all new Android subscribers. The VPN service also offers a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee on Windows, macOS, iOS and all other platforms. During the 30 days, you'll have free access to one of the fastest VPNs available.
How do I find a good VPN? ›- A free VPN is, in fact, not free. ...
- Security experience of the vendor. ...
- All reviews are not independent. ...
- VPN provider's home country matters. ...
- Check your VPN's privacy policy. ...
- Thousands of servers may be a security risk.
Which VPN is fastest? ›
Hotspot Shield is the World's Fastest VPN. To win this award, Hotspot Shield outperformed competitors in both local and international testing conducted by Ookla®. For more details on our testing methodology, see our article on the fastest VPNs.
Can you be hacked through a VPN? ›If a cybercriminal is targeting you, a hacked VPN can enable them to access and take over your devices using spyware or ransomware. Leaked credentials. When your VPN security is compromised, anyone eavesdropping on your connection might view your traffic and personal information.
How can I stream TV in Italy? ›- Start by signing up for one of the VPNs below (we particularly recommend NordVPN).
- Install the app on your device and log in. ...
- Connect to any of your VPN's Italian servers. ...
- Finally, visit your favorite streaming service.
Amazon Prime Video is a membership-based service available in over 200 countries and territories. You can watch it while traveling, though your movie and show options may change based on your location.
How can I watch TV through VPN? ›- Install a VPN already. Get HMA VPN for your Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android device. ...
- Choose a location, any location. Open your VPN and change your location to wherever your favorite show is available. ...
- Use the internet as normal.