The best VPNs for Italy in 2024: Fast and reliable

If you’re looking for the best VPN for Italy, we’ve identified a number of viable options for anyone in the country. Keep reading for everything you need to know.

Italy benefits from strong EU privacy laws, but a Virtual Private Network (VPN) will provide additional online security, no matter whether you plan to connect to Italian services, or geo-restricted sites and apps from abroad. 

Anyone in Italy can benefit from using a VPN. It doesn’t matter if you’re an expat or a native, especially as the government, hackers, your ISP, and various other parties may keep track of your online movements. 

VPNs help to secure your connection by encrypting all of a device’s internet traffic and routing it through a location of your choosing. It helps to keep most trackers at bay while enabling the user to bypass geo-restrictions. 

For example, Italy has seen a surge in VPN usage since ChatGPT was banned in the country. You can use a UK server to watch BBC iPlayer, or you could pick an Italian server, which gives the user an Italian IP address to unblock RaiPlay and more. 

We’ll discuss each provider in detail below, but here’s a short summary of our top picks:

Best VPNs for Italy:

1. NordVPN: Our top pick for Italy. 50+ high-speed servers in Milan. Includes unique features like Tor over VPN servers and MeshNet, speedy NordLynx protocol, streaming support, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best budget Italian VPN. Affordable deals, servers in 100+ countries (including Italy), unlimited device connections, and numerous advanced features. 
3. ExpressVPN: Unparalleled unblocking, custom router software, Italian servers, audited no-logs policy, Smart DNS, and reliable apps. 
4. CyberGhost VPN: Streaming optimized servers in Italy and other countries, WireGuard connections, beginner-friendly apps, and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
5. Mullvad: Privacy-focused provider with simple pricing and an emphasis on anonymity. 
6. Proton VPN: Viable free version, streaming support, and designed by the team behind ProtonMail. 
7. Atlas VPN: Fledgling provider first launched in 2020. MultiHop, SafeSwap, SafeBrowse, and cheap deals.  

Summary Table

With hundreds of competing VPNs, a smattering of Italian server locations won’t be enough to get a spot on our list. We were able to significantly narrow the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for:

• Italian servers are necessary if you’d like to get an IP address from the region
• Fast connection speeds, whether it’s for streaming, gaming, torrenting, or browsing
• Streaming capabilities, including unblocking services in Italy and other countries 
• Any privacy or security features that will make a difference during day-to-day use 
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN provider 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, check out the testing methodology section later in this article.

Best VPN for Italy

Here's our list of the best VPNs for Italy:

NordVPN is our top pick overall and has 50+ servers in Italy that are located in Milan. It has a large network of over 6,000 servers in 60+ countries, with beginner-friendly apps available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Firestick devices. 

Average speeds of 196 Mbps make it a great pick for streaming, torrenting, or any online task you can think of. A built-in automatic SmartDNS service (SmartPlay) enables the user to access various geo-restricted services, while masking your IP and encrypting your connection. For example, it works with 23+ Netflix catalogs, including Italy, the United States, and the UK. 

Based in Panama, it’s a solid pick for improving privacy. NordVPN uses RAM-only servers, and the service has had both its apps and infrastructure audited on multiple occasions to ensure that you don’t have to take any claims at face value. To that end, it has a strict no-logs policy.  

If you’re in need of a secure method to access a network of devices, Meshnet is a private tunnel feature for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It’s free of charge, even for non-subscribers. As well as multiple robust security features, and multiple high-speed VPN servers, you'll find reliable chat support from a dedicated customer support team.

We detected no leaks, and the nifty proprietary NordLynx protocol is a custom fork of WireGuard. Additional features include Double VPN (MultiHop), as well as obfuscated servers and split tunneling. 

It does lack port forwarding, and it can take a while to switch servers when using desktop devices. Otherwise, it ticks every box if you need a VPN for Italy. It even comes with a dedicated IP in Milan for an additional fee. 

OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR ITALY: NordVPN offers a selection of unique features, including NordLynx and Meshnet, backed up by audited apps and infrastructure. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark has RAM-only servers in Milan and Rome, as part of a network that encompasses 100+ countries. Every server can be used for P2P, and there are apps for all popular platforms. Italian servers support WireGuard connections, along with Private DNS and Camouflage Mode. The latter is a form of obfuscation, making it appear as though the user isn’t connected to a VPN. 

Our top budget option thanks to a range of affordable deals, Surfshark comes with secure encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and strong streaming support. It’s perfect for accessing Italian content, including unrestricted access to services. The VPN can access blocked sites from abroad, including Hulu, TNT Sports, and many more. 

One of the best features is the ability to use an unlimited number of devices, so you’ll be able to share an account if you’d prefer. Average speeds of 189 Mbps ensure that Surfshark is always up to the task.  

Being headquartered in the Netherlands is one downside, especially if you’re aiming to keep your data away from the EU. However, its applications have been audited, and the provider keeps no usage logs. 

BEST BUDGET ITALY VPN: Surfshark is an impressive VPN that matches up to premium providers in most respects. Obfuscation, affordable deals, unlimited connections, servers in 100+ countries, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN has servers in Cosenza and Milan that are ideal for accessing a host of geo-restricted services. The same goes for the rest of its network, with locations in 105+ countries altogether. A superb choice if you need an IP address for Italy or elsewhere, it works with platforms such as Netflix, RaiPlay, Mediaset Infinity, VVVVID, La 7, and ChatGPT. Expect a seamless streaming experience via a large network of servers. 

The proprietary Lightway protocol allows for average speeds of 175 Mbps, which is more than quick enough to stream in 4K and torrent large files. Apps are intuitive, and it offers important features like a kill switch, split tunneling, OpenVPN encryption, and obfuscation. It has one of the best dedicated router apps on the market, and it comes with 24/7 live chat support.  

ExpressVPN passed our tests for IP leaks, DNS leaks, and WebRTC leaks, and it uses RAM-only servers. It’s based in the non-invasive British Virgin Islands, and its apps and infrastructure have been independently audited. 

A lack of port forwarding is a slight letdown, especially as it’s relatively expensive in an age of affordable VPN services. It’s arguably still worth it if you’re in the market for a premium provider for Italy. 

MULTIPLE ITALIAN LOCATIONS: ExpressVPN has a deserved reputation as one of the best in the business. Servers in 105+ countries, strong encryption, Lightway protocol, and unblocks lots of platforms and services worldwide. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost VPN has streaming-optimized servers that work with local services like Netflix Italy, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Canale 5, RaiPlay, and DMAX. It comes with an impressive collection of 180+ servers split between Milan and Rome, and there’s coverage in 100+ countries altogether. 

It’s a great pick for expats and travelers who want to access blocked content from abroad while in Italy, and there are further servers labeled for tasks like gaming and torrenting. Average speeds of 296 Mbps are exceptional. CyberGhost VPN offers features like split tunneling, and the ability to block malicious websites, tracking scripts, and adverts.

The provider is based in Romania, and its logging claims have been independently verified by Deloitte. This confirms that CyberGhost VPN collects no information about the user’s VPN activities.

As well as apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android, there are guides for VPN-compatible routers, smart TVs, consoles, and more, along with browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. It offers a superb user experience, and comes with a refund policy that is good for 45 days. 

CyberGhost VPN does lack a few of the advanced features seen above, but it’s hard to think of a better option for streaming. 

PERFECT FOR STREAMING: Streaming-optimized servers in Italy and abroad, beginner-friendly apps, ad blocking, and a solid logging policy. Extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

Mullvad has supported VPN connections in Italy since 2016, with a collection of 13+ rented servers found in Milan and Rome. 

It recorded average maximum connection speeds in excess of 660 Mbps, making it the speediest option on the list by a wide margin. In fact, it’s twice as fast as the closest competitor, which is Proton VPN (320 Mbps).

As well as speeds that easily outperform most providers, Mullvad places a big emphasis on security and privacy. You’ll be able to sign up anonymously, as it works via a secret account number rather than a username and password. The provider has been audited, proving that it doesn't log any activity or connection details. 

So, what’s the catch? It might not be the best choice for new users considering it lacks live chat support, and it doesn’t work reliably with any popular streaming platforms like Netflix or BBC iPlayer. 

If you’re interested in security and anonymity above all, this may be the best option. It comes with an obfuscation feature, a split tunneling feature, and faster connections than the competition. You'll find apps and support available for all popular devices. 

ANONYMOUS ITALY VPN: Mullvad is a transparent provider that will keep your data safe and secure. Offers the ability to sign up anonymously, P2P support, and lots of advanced features. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Mullvad.

Proton VPN has a strong reputation within the industry, having been developed and released by a team of CERN and MIT scientists. You may recognize the name, as the company is also known for the ProtonMail end-to-end encrypted email service.

Proton added more Italian servers in 2020, testing them out with a number of popular streaming services. They were successful when accessing Italian platforms like Hulu, HBO GO, ZDF, Channel4, and Channel5. It's packed with extra features, including port forwarding and Tor over VPN.

As of 2024, there are 48+ servers in Milan, all of which can be used for P2P. They come equipped with NetShield, which blocks malware, ads, and trackers.

Secure Core servers are available for Italy. These allow the user to route their traffic through a privacy-friendly country before reaching your preferred destination. In this case, Italian connections are routed through Switzerland, which is where Proton VPN is based. 

It lacks live chat support and it is pricier than many of the others that made the list. 

SECURE ITALIAN STREAMING: The premium version of Proton VPN has multiple Italian servers, and offers streaming support, a strict no-logs policy, and apps for all devices. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Atlas VPN is the final provider to make the list. A smaller selection of 750+ servers in 38+ countries does include Italy, enabling users to get a new IP address from the region with no hassle. It also comes with a simple freemium tier, with three locations on offer. These are found in Amsterdam, Los Angeles, and New York, so they might not be helpful for Italian users. 

The provider uses the WireGuard protocol to great effect, coming in with average global download speeds of 258 Mbps. This ensures that it’s more than fast enough for streaming sports or torrenting, and premium plans work with popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

Based in the United States, it might not be the best option if you’re hoping to steer clear of fellow 14 Eyes members. 

The kill switch also leaked our real IP address, even if only for a second while connecting. 

AFFORDABLE ITALY VPN: Atlas VPN is packed with advanced features, offering speedy WireGuard connections, MultiHop, a free plan, and streaming support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Atlas VPN.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Italy

Italy is a popular location for VPN users, whether it’s for streaming, browsing, or ChatGPT. There are potentially hundreds of providers to choose from, making it difficult to know which service to pick in a saturated market.

Therefore, to help everyone out, we have compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology. Our strict criteria ensure only providers dedicated to digital privacy, excellent usability, and optimal performance make it onto our list.

Below, you can see the criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for Italy:

• Italian servers: As well as multiple servers in Italy, the VPN must have a network containing options in other locations. This is useful for expats, or for anyone who would like to access geo-restricted apps and sites. 
• Speeds and performance: Connection speeds are always important, especially if you’re hoping to avoid any slowdown while you’re online. We’ve listed the average speeds for each of the VPNs listed above. 
• Streaming: Once again, we’ve factored in access to Italian services like RaiPlay, as well as international streaming platforms like iPlayer and Hulu.
• Privacy and security: Does the VPN offer features like MultiHop and obfuscation? The VPN must improve privacy, with watertight security.
• 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 for Italy

Each of the providers listed above offer apps for most popular operating systems. It’s not difficult to install and use a VPN app on most devices, but it can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not sure what to do. 

We’ve put together a step-by-step guide for using a VPN in Italy:

1. Sign up with one of the providers we’ve listed above. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download the VPN app to your device. 
3. Open the app, and log in. 
4. Select a server in Italy if you’d like an Italian IP address. Otherwise, select a server elsewhere. Wait to be connected. 
5. You’ll now be protected by the VPN. 

We’d recommend turning on the kill switch at all times. It’s also worth testing out any of the additional privacy features that you think might be helpful. 

Italy VPN: FAQs

Is it legal to use a VPN for Italy?

VPNs are legal in Italy, and you won’t get in trouble for using the technology. For example, a remote access VPN will allow workers to access a company network securely from home. 

However, you’ll still be liable for any crimes you commit while using a VPN, so make sure to obey local laws at all times. 

Can a VPN be used for ChatGPT in Italy?

Yes, a VPN can be used to access ChatGPT in Italy. The Italian government made the decision to restrict access to the app in March 2023, following concerns relating to user privacy. It’s unclear how long the ban will last, but you will be able to access the chatbot with a VPN. 

You’ll need to connect to a VPN server in a region like the UK or France in order to log in to the OpenAI website. Italian users are now being refunded for Plus accounts, so you might need to sign up again to get full access to the latest version of the app.

Should I use a VPN if I live in Italy?

We’d advise you to use a VPN at all times, even if it’s just to stop your ISP and the government from tracking your online movements. There’s no telling who is interested in your personal data, and everyone is entitled to privacy.

How will I know if my IP address has been changed to Italy?

The easiest way is to Google ‘what is my IP?’ before and after connecting to the VPN server. You’ll see that the IP address has changed to match the new server location that you’ve selected.

Will a VPN have an impact on my connection speeds?

It’s possible that a VPN could impact your connection speeds while active, especially if you’ve selected a server that’s far away. 

Slowdown was more of an issue in the past, as the majority of premium providers now have speedy servers that could even improve performance if you’re being throttled by your ISP. We’ve made a note of the average speeds that each provider recorded during testing, which can be seen above.

Can I use a free VPN for Italy?

If you’re in need of a free service for Italy, it’s going to be tough to find a trustworthy VPN with Italian servers. It’s inadvisable to use a random free provider if you care about online privacy, as shady services have been known to sell user data, or infect devices with malware. 

Of the VPNs listed above, Proton and Atlas have decent free tiers. There are various limitations in place, including streaming and speeds, but they will keep your data safe and secure. If you’re in need of an Italian IP address, any of the providers listed above will be helpful, and they all come with a money-back guarantee. 

Can I watch Italian TV abroad with a VPN?

Yes. You can watch Italian TV abroad using a VPN. This is perfect if you are on vacation, traveling for work, or even if you are an Italian living in the US or elsewhere around the globe.

A reliable VPN, like the ones in this guide, lets you get an encrypted connection to a server located in Italy or any other country you desire. By connecting to an Italian VPN server, you get a valid Italian IP address, which makes you appear to be physically located in Italy. This lets you browse the internet from Italy, including accessing popular streaming services unavailable elsewhere.

With an Italian IP address, you can access Italian TV streaming platforms, websites, and other online services that are typically restricted to viewers in Italy. This means you can watch Italian TV channels, shows, news, sports, and other content as if you were physically present in Italy. 

What's more, you can even use a VPN to access Italian TV on any network within Italy where they have been blocked. So if your employers, school, or public WiFi hotspot has blocked YouTube, Netflix, or Italian TV services, you can use a VPN to bypass those blocks – completely privately.

Remember that some streaming services may actively block VPNs. This is why it is vital to stick to one of our recommendations. The VPNs we have picked have fast servers that will let you stream in HD without any buffering. Below, we have included a list of Italian services you can access with a VPN:

• RaiPlay
• Mediaset Play
• Sky Go Italia
• DAZN
• TIMvision
• Infinity
• La7
• TV8
• Discovery+
• Amazon Prime Video
• Netflix
• Apple TV+
• NOW TV
• Eurosport Player
• Chili
• Rakuten TV
• VVVVID
• MUBI
• Plex
• Crunchyroll
• Twitch