8 Best Countries For VPN [2023]
Making a conscious decision to get VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an essential first step toward a higher degree of online privacy. However, between the decision and actual purchase lies an often thorny road of confusion and uncertainty.
Researching the available sources, forums, and VPN top lists is usually part of the deliberation process, as is studying the technical aspects of VPNs such as speed, level of safety, downloading limit, and latency. On top of that, future VPN users should not forget to consider VPNs’ location and privacy policy.
Top 5 VPN services
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- ● Fastest VPN 2023
- ● Servers: 5300+
- ● Countries: 60+
WHY I LIKE NORDVPN NordVPN has long been regarded as one of the strongest brands in cybersecurity. With one of the largest server offerings on my list and support for most, if not all operating systems, making NordVPN an obvious choice for many. They have 24/7 customer support if you need help getting started. Their app is one of the most well-designed apps I have ever used. NordVPN even accepts cryptocurrencies as payment for extra anonymity.
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- ● Best Free VPN 2023
- ● Servers: 1713+
- ● Countries: 63+
WHY I LIKE PROTONVPN: ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland and is most known for their e-mail service ProtonMail. They currently offer the safest free VPN services on the market. There is also support for TOR usage and P2P file sharing. I highly recommend ProtonVPN if you are intending to do some extensive online sharing. It goes without saying that Proton does not collect logs of any kind and is completely safe to use.
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45 day money-back guarantee.
- ● Best torrent VPN
- ● Servers: 7400+
- ● Countries: 91+
WHY I LIKE CYBERGHOST CyberGhost VPN is the first choice of many other cybersecurity experts, and the reason is clear; they have the most complete VPN service. An incredible number of extra features that are best suited for the more advanced users but also work flawlessly for every-day purposes like P2P-filesharing. Cyberghost VPN also has the longest stretching money-back guarantee at a full 45 days.
VPN Location
As far as VPN location is concerned, two things should be brought to our attention. One is the location of the VPN’s headquarters, and the other is the location of the VPN’s servers.
Your VPN’s headquarters are the country where your VPN provider is registered. This is your VPN’s place of jurisdiction – the country whose laws will apply should any online abuse lead you to court.
Your VPN’s server locations are the physical locations of your provider’s servers. More locations mean better worldwide coverage, less congested traffic, and better speed.
Choose the Best VPN According to Location
From the legal point of view, the most important thing to consider location-wise is your VPN’s jurisdiction. You should take the time to learn about the country’s stance concerning user rights, copyright violation penalties, and online activity restrictions.
Several privacy-oriented countries respect users’ right to keep their information private, and one country where torrenting is not illegal.
Here is the list of eight countries best for VPNs.
1. Switzerland (Europe)
Global VPN providers located in Switzerland: ProtonVPN, VyprVPN, Perfect Privacy VPN
Switzerland is by far the safest country for VPNs. First, the country is not a European Union member, so it is not obliged to share any information with EU member states. Secondly, authorities need your consent if they wish to collect your data, which you can refuse to give. Finally, torrenting copyrighted content for private purposes is legal in Switzerland, so you will not get into trouble for doing it.
2. Iceland (Europe)
Global VPN provider(s) located in Iceland: N/A
Iceland is a very desirable country for VPN service, even though no major providers are located there as yet. The country’s Equal Access Act does not allow ISP companies to limit their users’ access to online services. Also, Iceland is thoroughly committed to protecting human rights. Still, there is one hitch: telecommunications companies are obligated to store users’ data for six months. However, they are only allowed to use them in criminal cases.
3. Sweden (Europe)
Global VPN provider(s) located in Sweden: Mullvad VPN, Private VPN
Sweden has long advocated for people’s freedom of speech and privacy. According to the country’s Personal Data Act, users’ data can be collected only with their express consent, which can be revoked at any time. Furthermore, as Sweden is an EU member state, its citizens are protected by the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). However, Sweden is not as torrenting-friendly as Switzerland.
4. Panama (Central America)
Global VPN provider(s) located in Panama: NordVPN
Panama’s Article 29 states that no one’s private communication is to be taken hold of without a warrant. Bill No. 665 further protects the country’s residents and requests that all parties holding users’ data delete them within ten days of users’ request for removal. Still, sharing copyrighted content is illegal in Panama and can lead torrent users into legal trouble.
5. Romania (Europe)
Global VPN provider(s) located in Romania: CyberGhost
Romania’s residents are protected by the EU’s GDPR and the country’s own National Supervisory Authority for Personal Data Processing, which ensures the citizens’ right to privacy. In 2006, Romania refused to implement the EU’s Data Retention Directive after the Constitutional Court ruled it unconstitutional. Romanian law does not make torrenting and P2P file sharing legal, but prosecuting offenders is not a priority for the Romanian government. All this makes Romania a good place of jurisdiction and server location.
6. Malaysia (Southeast Asia)
Global VPN provider(s) located in Malaysia: Hide.Me VPN
Although the state of freedom in Malaysia leaves much to be desired, the country is a surprisingly good location for VPNs. This is because Malaysia’s Personal Data Protection Act guarantees the protection of data from third parties, both in the case of companies and individuals.
7. British Virgin Islands (British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean)
Global VPN provider(s) located in the British Virgin Islands: ExpressVPN
The British Virgin Islands, one of the territories that used to form the British Empire, is not part of the EU, so the GDPR does not apply. However, the territory has its own version of the document, the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). Unfortunately, the document does not allow users to revoke their consent for sharing information with third parties. Also, third parties are not obliged to remove the information upon users’ request unless storing the information proves harmful to them.
8. Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory in southwestern Europe)
Global VPN provider(s) located in Gibraltar: IVPN
Gibraltar is another British Overseas Territory, but not governed by British laws. Nevertheless, it has its own Data Protection Act, similar to GDPR. Third parties are allowed to keep users’ information only with their consent and have to delete it if requested to do so by users.
In Conclusion
In terms of VPN headquarters and server locations, it is always best to choose a VPN provider which is headquartered or runs its service in a country with strict privacy laws and no obligation to share information with other countries.
Online privacy and safety are not to be taken lightly. That is why it is crucial to carefully consider all the available VPN service providers, compare their features, and check their locations. Even if you do not plan on choosing a VPN based on its headquarters, check where they are to know where you stand.
Switzerland is currently the best choice for VPN companies because the country has strict privacy laws, and torrenting for personal use is not illegal.
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