The best VPNs for Sweden in 2024: Speed and security

A VPN for Sweden will allow the user to access geo-blocked sites safely, improving online privacy in the process. Here’s what you need to know about the best VPNs for Sweden.

Sweden is a popular location for VPN usage, given the populace is actively interested in looking after their personal data. The country was one of the first to introduce legislation to protect data in 1973, but a VPN will still help anyone in Sweden to keep their internet activities private. 

A VPN allows the user to access geo-restricted sites and services in Sweden and elsewhere, encrypting all data sent to and from your device in the process. It’s perfect for anyone aiming to access content from home, while it also works to add another layer of privacy while you’re online. Below, we’ve included a quick rundown of our top VPN recommendations for Sweden.

The best Sweden VPNs:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Sweden. Over 110 servers in Sweden, fast connection speeds, unique features, and strong security. Works with Swedish platforms like SVT Play and TV 4 Play. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for Sweden. Large server network, works with Swedish services, decent speeds, and strong encryption. Unlimited devices. 
3. ExpressVPN: A popular provider that offers unfettered access to various geo-blocked services, including international content. User-friendly, custom protocol, reliable speeds, and audited apps and infrastructure. 
4. Proton VPN: Sister service to ProtonMail, packed with additional security features, great for P2P and streaming, and offers port forwarding. 
5. Mullvad: Privacy-focused VPN with an emphasis on increasing anonymity. Fastest VPN during testing. 
6. CyberGhost VPN: Perfect for streaming content from Sweden or elsewhere. Thousands of servers. Beginner-friendly apps, affordable subscriptions, and an extended 45-day guarantee. 
7. IPVanish: Strong security, fast speeds, VPN with servers in Stockholm, and unlimited device connections.

Summary Table

If you’re in need of a VPN for Sweden, there’s a long list of services that will be able to get the job done. We've been able to narrow the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best providers for Sweden:

• Servers in Sweden for easy access to local services, as well as locations in a selection of popular locations worldwide 
• Connection speeds will dictate how efficiently the user is able to perform any online task
• Streaming access, as well as allowing the user to bypass any restrictions on sites from abroad with unlimited bandwidth 
• Privacy and security, including everything from notable features to available protocols
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for Sweden, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

Best VPNs for Sweden

Here’s a roundup with detailed information about each of the VPNs that have made it onto this list.

NordVPN has over 110 RAM-only servers to pick from in Sweden, as part of a collection of 6,000+ servers in 60+ countries. It’s our top VPN for Swedish users, with fast connection speeds (196 Mbps) and access to local platforms like SVT Play and TV 4 Play. If you’d like to stream via services from abroad, it also works well with the likes of Netflix, HBO, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and ESPN. 

Being based in Panama is a plus, as the region is free from any jurisdictional issues you’d find with countries like the US or the UK. Nord has been audited by PWC Switzerland, ensuring the validity of its no-logs policy. Encryption is watertight, and average speeds work out to 196 Mbps. Speeds are boosted by the custom NordLynx protocol, which is built around WireGuard. It protects against DNS leaks, and there are obfuscated and Double VPN servers. 

NordVPN is packed with features, including specialty servers that offer Double VPN (MultiHop), P2P, and Onion Over VPN. Meshnet allows the user to create private, encrypted tunnels between devices and is available even without a subscription. 

There aren’t many flaws to speak of, although it does lack port forwarding, which is helpful with P2P clients like BitTorrent. Regardless, it still ticks every box and works out to be a versatile option for users in Sweden. 

THE BEST VPN FOR SWEDEN: NordVPN has over 110 servers in Sweden, and can be used to bypass geo-restrictions safely in Sweden and beyond. Audited apps and infrastructure, fast speeds, and packed with unique features like Meshnet. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark has good coverage in Sweden, and it’s our top choice if you need a budget option. A total of 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries allow the user to get an IP address from various far-flung locations, and there are 15+ servers in Stockholm. 

A single subscription can be used with an unlimited number of devices at the same time, which makes it ideal for sharing with others. You’ll be able to stream via various geo-restricted sites, matching up to premium alternatives in most respects. 

For example, MultiHop, malware filtering, ad blocking, rotating IPs, and obfuscation are just some of the notable features included with a Surfshark account. Unfortunately, a few of the more interesting add-ons are hidden behind a paywall (Surfshark One). This includes a private search engine and antivirus software. 

On the other hand, it is understandable given Surfshark is already one of the most affordable VPNs on the market. Speeds work out to roughly 188 Mbps, so it doesn’t lag behind the competition. As it’s based in the Netherlands, you might want to look elsewhere if you’d prefer to avoid any services within the EU. 

You’ll find apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS.

THE BEST BUDGET VPN FOR SWEDEN: Surfshark is a viable low-cost service for users in Sweden and elsewhere. RAM-only servers in 100+ countries, unlimited device connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is another great solution for any users in Sweden that are in need of a reliable provider. You’ll find beginner-friendly apps for all popular devices, and there are 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries worldwide. 

It’s based in the British Virgin Islands, so it steers clear of any invasive jurisdictions, and it uses 256-bit AES encryption. The custom Lightway protocol helps to boost average speeds to 175+ Mbps, which exceeds the median average home internet speed of 115 Mbps in Sweden. 

Express happens to be one of the best in the business when accessing geo-restricted sites and apps, to the point where it’s hard to think of many platforms that can’t be bypassed with a relevant server. 

Everything from privacy to customer service is industry-leading, while it’s especially user-friendly. It comes with split tunneling, Smart DNS, obfuscation, and a sturdy kill switch. 

Despite the many positives, ExpressVPN could arguably be a little cheaper. As there are only five simultaneous device connections per account, it might not be the best provider if you plan to share an account with others. 

USER-FRIENDLY SWEDEN VPN: ExpressVPN is BVI-based, fully audited, and works seamlessly to access various geo-restricted services worldwide. Custom protocol, reliable connection speeds, and a simple 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Swiss-based Proton VPN has 20+ servers in Stockholm, which offer support for Tor, P2P, and streaming. Proton has a well-earned reputation as a trustworthy provider, thanks to a solid no-logging policy and robust encryption.

It happens to be one of the few providers to offer a number of free servers with no bandwidth caps. Free locations are restricted to the United States, Japan, and the Netherlands, and speeds are slower than you’ll find with Plus servers. The free plan also limits access to streaming, torrenting, and its built-in ad blocker. However, your data will be safely encrypted, and it comes with a no-logging policy that has been verified independently by Securitum. 

Plus users also get access to average speeds that exceed 320 Mbps, alongside extra features like split tunneling and port forwarding. Apps are available for all major platforms, and there are roughly 3,000 servers in 71+ countries. 

It’s fairly pricey, but it’s hard to think of many better options for torrenting safely. Proton VPN is ideal if you'd like a service with multiple advanced security features. 

ADVANCED SWEDEN VPN: Proton VPN is a reputable service that offers everything from streaming in Sweden to free secure servers in multiple locations. Port forwarding, impressive connection speeds, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Mullvad is arguably the best choice if you’re looking for a Swedish VPN that won’t let you down. It notes that ‘some storing of user data is required by law’, such as payment records. However, it keeps no traffic logs, and allows the user to sign up anonymously. You’ll find various servers in Sweden, located in Gothenburg, Malmo, and Stockholm. 

It has some of the fastest speeds on the market, averaging out at 660 Mbps. This allows for seamless performance, no matter if you plan to use the VPN for browsing or torrenting. 

Further advanced features include MultiHop, obfuscation, and a Shadowsocks proxy. Unfortunately, Mullvad announced that the service no longer supports port forwarding, which is a blow to users who share P2P files. 

Another drawback is that you won’t be able to use Mullvad with many popular streaming platforms. Instead, the VPN is designed to protect the user by improving your online anonymity. If you’d prefer to steer clear of Sweden, many alternatives are headquartered outside of the EU. 

SPEEDY SWEDEN-BASED VPN: Mullvad has a reputation for improving user privacy, with lots of advanced features and the ability to sign up anonymously. Excellent connection speeds in excess of 660 Mbps, zero-logs, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Mullvad.

CyberGhost VPN has carved out a niche as one of the best VPNs for streaming, making it especially easy for beginners to get started with the service. It’s able to access Swedish content from abroad, and works with platforms in a further 13+ countries. Servers are optimized for streaming, and are labeled so you’ll always be able to connect to the best location for the job.  

It has over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, with average speeds (296 Mbps) that put much of the competition to shame. As well as streaming, it’s ideal for anything from torrenting to gaming. In terms of normal browsing, some servers can cause Captchas when using Google, which can be frustrating. 

CyberGhost VPN is also missing out on a few advanced features seen elsewhere, including port forwarding, MultiHop, and obfuscation. You’ll find apps for Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and macOS, and it’s headquartered in Romania. 

STREAMING OPTIMIZED SERVERS: CyberGhost VPN is arguably the best choice for streaming content from Sweden and elsewhere. User-friendly apps for all devices, strong security, cheap deals, and impressive speeds. Offers an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

IPVanish is another great solution for Swedish users, with a location found in Stockholm. In total, there are 2,200+ self-owned servers in 75+ locations, offering fast average connection speeds (251 Mbps) that make it a suitable option for anything from streaming to gaming. 

It works well with a variety of US-based streaming platforms, accessing Netflix, HBO Max, Prime Video USA, Disney Plus, CBS, and NBC.

Advanced features include split tunneling, as well as a SOCKS5 proxy and obfuscation. The proxy is a great solution for anyone planning to use BitTorrent, as it will conceal your IP address from the swarm. 

As IPVanish works with an unlimited number of simultaneous devices, you’ll be able to share an account with others, and it’s helpful for power users. You’ll find apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. 

IPVanish is based in the United States, so even with a strict no-logs policy, it might not be the best solution if you’d prefer to avoid the home of the NSA. 

SELF-OWNED SERVERS: IPVanish is a reputable provider with self-owned servers found in Sweden and a further 74+ locations worldwide. Strong speeds, streaming and security, unlimited simultaneous device connections, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Sweden 

Rather than picking out providers at random, we’ve compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology. We test and compare the best VPNs in the business. 

Our strict criteria mean that only providers dedicated to digital privacy, with excellent usability and optimal performance, can make it onto our list. Below, you can see the criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for Sweden:

• Servers: Servers in Sweden are an obvious prerequisite. We also look at the coverage in popular locations such as the United States and the UK for travelers and expats. The same goes for other Scandinavian countries. 
• Speeds and performance: Fast connection speeds will ensure no lag, even if you’re connecting to servers located halfway around the world. The VPN needs to be reliable, especially if you’re planning to stream content from abroad.
• Privacy and security: How does the VPN perform in terms of security and privacy? We look at features, their implementation, and everything from DNS leak protection to encryption and protocols. The VPN must obscure your internet traffic. 
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

How to use a VPN in Sweden 

There are no restrictions on the use of VPNs in Sweden, but it can still be a daunting task for beginners. If you’re not sure where to begin, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to set up a VPN for Swedish users. 

Here’s how to set up a VPN in Sweden:

1. Firstly, you’ll need to pick a VPN. Our top recommendation is NordVPN.
2. Sign up, and download the relevant app to your device. 
3. Once signed in, you’ll be prompted to select a server location. This can be in Sweden, or elsewhere. 
4. Wait to be connected to the VPN server. 

That’s all it takes to get started. You’ll be able to access content available in the region that you’re connected to, and your data will be encrypted in the process, obscuring your real IP address.   

Sweden VPN FAQs

Can I use a free VPN for Sweden?

Free VPNs aren’t a smart idea if you care about your personal information. For example, numerous free providers have been found to be siphoning user data, selling it off to third parties in an attempt to monetize anyone who isn’t willing to pay via traditional means. 

Even if the service doesn’t sell your data, you’re likely to be inundated with adverts, and performance isn’t going to be up to par. The majority of free VPNs can’t be used for streaming, as the IP addresses have already been blocked by services like Netflix. There’s also the possibility of malware, so it’s best to stick with an audited provider if possible.

Are VPNs legal in Sweden? 

Yes, VPNs are entirely legal in Sweden, and are often used for business, or to provide a secure network. While it’s legal to use a VPN to improve online privacy, the same can’t be said if you plan to use a VPN to break the law in Sweden or anywhere else.

What can I do with a Swedish IP address?

A Swedish IP address can be used to access various local sites and services from abroad. It’s also ideal for use within Sweden, so you’ll be able to catch up with streaming platforms like C More and TV4 Play while protected by a VPN. Your ISP won’t be able to keep tabs on what you’re up to, and will only be able to see that you have connected to a VPN server.

Will a Swedish VPN slow my connection speeds?

A VPN tends to slow down user speeds to an extent, as a consequence of encrypting all of the data sent to and from your device. However, as of 2023, the majority of premium providers have average server speeds that are faster than the typical broadband connection in Sweden. Average fixed broadband speeds equate to roughly 115 Mbps, while mobile internet averages out at 98 Mbps in the country. Each of the providers listed above won’t let you down in terms of connection speeds.

How strong are Swedish privacy laws? 

Swedish privacy laws are some of the strongest in Europe, with robust protections which allow the user unfettered access to the internet while in the country. This means you’ll be able to browse the web, accessing various apps and services as long as there are no geo-restrictions. 

On the other hand, Sweden’s laws surrounding intellectual property rights leave a lot to be desired. Sweden is one of the world’s largest consumers of pirated content, which has led to issues with the Spridningskollen (Sharing Watch) initiative in the past. The initiative was formed by Gothia Law, and a PR agency known as Prime. Together, they represented the likes of Scanbox Entertainment, Noble Entertainment, Atlantic, and Crystalis Entertainment.

The initiative enabled copyright holders to gain access to a user’s personal data. It used software to determine whether anyone is downloading copyrighted material. If caught, users could be charged up to $250 for each violation. As such, anyone found to be torrenting could fall afoul of fines, or could even be taken to court. As of 2023, the Spridningskollen website is offline. 

Is a VPN based in Sweden better for privacy?

Not necessarily. Sweden benefits from decent privacy laws, insofar as there are no limits on content, and the web is unfiltered. However, some users may prefer to opt for a service outside of the EU, even if it’s just for increased peace of mind. If so, options like NordVPN and ExpressVPN are based in Panama and the British Virgin Islands, respectively.