Best Free VPN services for Austria in 2023
Using a VPN in Austria
In Austria, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is legal and protected under laws supporting online privacy. A VPN allows users to access the internet securely by encrypting their data and changing their IP address. This enables convenient access to local Austrian content as well as international websites. However, while VPNs are legal for enhancing privacy and security, using them for illegal activities is prohibited and punishable by law. Overall, VPNs are a practical tool for safe internet access in Austria, allowing for both local and international content access.
In case you don't want to read the entire article, here’s a quick summary of the best VPN services according to our independent tests and research:
- NordVPN Best VPN for general work and entertainment purposes. I found it to be reliable, high-speed, and easy to set up, and it's one that I use daily for work.
- ProtonVPN (Free Version) Proton is often referred to as the single most trustworthy company in the VPN business. They focus on security over anything else and offer the best free VPN available. This is the company behind ProtonMail.
- CyberGhost VPN was voted as the best gaming VPN for 2023 and is one of the cheapest VPN services among the whole top 10.
Best Austrian VPN
RANK
BRAND
DEVICES
STATS
DOWNLOAD
1
6
6 simultaneous devices.
- ● 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.
2
∞
Unlimited simultaneous devices.
- ● Best Cheap VPN 2023
- ● Servers: 3200+
- ● Countries: 65+
WHY I LIKE SURFSHARK: Surfshark VPN is perfect for those who want a cheap and reliable VPN that also has many extra features. "Camouflage Mode" hides your usage from your ISP, "Kill Switch" suspends your connection and protects your information if you temporarily lose Internet access, "MultiHop" to connect from multiple countries at the same time just to name a few. My favorite feature of Surfshark is "Whitelists" which allow the user to exclude specific apps and programs from the VPN connection.
3
7
7 simultaneous devices.
- ● 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.
4
∞
Unlimited simultaneous devices.
- ● Best Netflix/Streaming VPN
- ● Servers: 35500+
- ● Countries: 84+
WHY I LIKE PIA VPN: PrivateInternetAccess is at the top of my streaming tests, which is a great combination with their easy-to-use UI, Open-Source software and built in adblocker. PIA is also perfect for those who want to be able to pay with PayPal which for some reason, many other VPN services do not support. 30-day money-back guarantee, multiple Netflix libraries, and extremely affordable are the three main selling points for this VPN service.
5
∞
Unlimited simultaneous devices.
- ● Robust/Security focused
- ● Servers: 750+
- ● Countries: 43+
WHY I LIKE ATLAS VPN: Atlas VPN is one of the best new free VPN services. With the free version, you get unlimited data, no ads and zero logging. During my speed tests, Atlas VPN performed very well and could compete with mainstream services. Kill Switch, Ad-blocker, and P2P support all included with a regular subscription, which is incredibly cheap for such a robust service.
6
10
10 simultaneous devices.
- ● 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.
7
10
10 simultaneous devices.
- ● Best VPN for Gaming and Streaming
- ● Servers: 200+
- ● Countries: 63+
WHY I LIKE PRIVATEVPN: PrivateVPN is the strong underdog in the world of VPNs. With a shy number of servers, it is evident that they are focusing on quality over quantity. Overall, PrivateVPN is a very decent choice of VPN, especially if you had enough of the excessive advertising by some of the other more known brands in this list. Setting up the VPN requires extremely little intervention, and you can even pay with Bitcoin.
8
49%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
30 day money-back guarantee.
- ● Best Mobile VPN app
- ● Servers: 3000+
- ● Countries: 94+
10
77%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
45 day money-back guarantee.
- ● Fastest free VPN
- ● Servers: 3200+
- ● Countries: 80+
11
85%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
7 day money-back guarantee.
- ● Great free VPN
- ● Servers: 1000+
- ● Countries: 26+
12
68%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
10 day money-back guarantee.
- ● Best reputation
- ● Servers: 91+
- ● Countries: 17+
14
79%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
15 day money-back guarantee.
- ★ Great adblocker included
- ★ Servers: 1800+
- ★ Countries: 20+
15
66%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
30 day money-back guarantee.
- ● 5 devices simultaneously
- ● Unlimited usage
- ● 50+ locations
16
70%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
30 day money-back guarantee.
- ● Unlimited traffic
- ● Up to 1 Gbps
- ● Free trial
17
85%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
30 day money-back guarantee.
- ● 10 devices
- ● Unlimited bandwidth
- ● Countries: 60+
19
$5.00 /user
14 day free trial/money-back guarantee.
- ● Simple Cloud VPN Setup
- ● Site-to-site VPN Tunneling
- ● Easy Server & User Management
21
67%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
7 day money-back guarantee.
- ● 5 devices
- ● Locations: 65+
- ● 24/7 live support
22
80%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
30 day money-back guarantee.
- ● 10 devices
- ● Countries: 20+
- ● P2P Optimization
23
66%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
Basic, advanced, and pro plans.
- ● Countries: 22+
- ● Locations: 36+
- ● 24/7 live support
24
79%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
30 day money-back guarantee.
- ● Best multi-device VPN
- ● Servers: 1000+
- ● Countries: 200+
Best Free Austria VPNs
| Free VPN | Average Rating | Logs | Netflix | Countries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windscribe VPN | 79,83% | No | Yes* | 10 |
| Hotspot Shield VPN | 77,14% | No* | No | 1 |
| ProtonVPN | 76,37% | No | No* | 3 |
| TunnelBear VPN | 71,50% | No | No | 34 |
| FlyVPN | 59% | Yes | Yes | 13 |
| Hola Free VPN | 55,75% | Yes | No | 1 |
| Opera VPN | 52,83% | No | Yes | 4 |
How to choose the best VPN for Austria?
When selecting the best VPN for Austria, consider these key aspects: A wide network of servers, including those in Austria, is crucial for accessing both local and international content. Strong encryption, like AES-256, and advanced security features are vital for data protection and privacy. Fast download speeds ensure smooth online activities, while comprehensive app support allows usage across various devices. Responsive customer support is beneficial for assistance and troubleshooting. Additionally, compare prices and features for value.
Recommended VPNs for Austria include NordVPN for overall performance and security, Surfshark as a budget-friendly option with unlimited connections, ExpressVPN for streaming enthusiasts, CyberGhost for ease of use, Private Internet Access for reliable protection, PrivateVPN for its focused server network, and Atlas VPN for unlimited device connections. Each of these caters to different needs, from robust security to user-friendly interfaces, making them suitable choices depending on your specific requirements.
How Austria’s Internet Censorship Works
In Austria, the media operates under a legal framework that supports freedom, though libel laws protect politicians, and the government influences state broadcasting. Religious freedom is guaranteed, but certain laws disproportionately affect Muslim organizations.
Proposed internet censorship laws aimed at reducing online hate speech have been criticized for potentially infringing on rights and not effectively addressing extreme-right websites. Data protection is a focus, with the Austrian data protection authority actively fining entities for non-compliance, especially regarding consumer data and unlawful surveillance systems. However, transparency in publicizing these fines is limited.
Are VPNs legal in Austria?
In Austria, using a VPN is legal, and a variety of VPN providers are available for securing data and facilitating access to both local and international websites. These laws require large internet platforms to have systems for reporting and removing illegal content, emphasizing that the rule of law applies to the internet as well.
Can you get in trouble for using a VPN in Austria?
Using a VPN in Austria is legal, and the country’s laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Austrian Data Protection Act (DSG), govern the use of such technology. While using a VPN to mask your IP address is allowed, it’s important to avoid accessing illegal content, such as websites promoting hate speech or violence. The Austrian data protection authority (DSB) oversees the protection of personal data and confidentiality, but there is no specific indication that authorities actively monitor individuals accessing illegal sites. Responsible use of VPNs within legal boundaries is crucial in Austria.
What sites are blocked in Austria?
In Austria, websites featuring illegal content like neo-Nazi material or child abuse imagery are blocked by legal mandates. Additionally, Austrian ISPs previously used DNS blocking for sites violating copyright laws, but in 2022, IP address blocking was introduced, accidentally affecting some innocent sites.
This method was later deemed a net neutrality violation, leading to a ban on IP address blocking and a return to DNS-only blocking. International entertainment sites, such as German TV channels and U.S. Netflix, enforce geoblocks due to licensing agreements, restricting access without a VPN in Austria.
Do any free VPNs work in Austria?
It is possible to use a free VPN in Austria. As an example, the Urban VPN is available for non-commercial use in Austria. It is powered by Urban VPN’s support group (Peer-to-Peer) VPN. Users who are part of this community assist one another in unblocking access to most websites by making available their network resources. In Austria, Hide.me also offers a limited-feature free VPN service. A free version of Windscribe’s paid service is also available. The plan includes 10 GB of free data per month.
There are other free VPN providers to choose from in Austria. However, their speeds and security settings aren’t always guaranteed. They don’t have many server choices, either. They usually have higher rates of disconnection and offer little ongoing support. It would be prudent for you to choose only those that have received high ratings on user review pages.
Why is my VPN slow in Austria?
VPN service slowdowns can be caused by a number of factors. VPNs encrypt the internet traffic and send it to a secure server. As a result of these additional steps that must be completed before you can access the internet, the service can cause a lag in your connection.
A slowdown can also be caused by the distance between you and the VPN server of your choice. Your connection must travel a longer distance to and from your destination if you select a server that is located farther away. As a result, lags in upload and download can occur.
The problem can also be caused by a VPN server that is nearly full. Some servers are also limited in capacity, allowing only a certain number of users to connect. As you approach the user limit, you can see lags or interruptions in your connection.
Some websites can also trigger VPN lags by attempting to block VPN users’ access. The problem may also be caused by a Google DNS configuration. Using a free VPN may also trigger a slow connection. Many free VPNs purposefully slow down your connection speed to conserve bandwidth for their paying customers.
Thoroughly check your smartphone also to see if it has a lot of background applications running as these apps can cause lags in your VPN. Your VPN speed can also be dragged by junk objects and unwanted programs.
How to unblock Google, YouTube, and more in Austria?
In Austria, popular websites like Google and YouTube are easily accessible. If you encounter issues accessing certain websites, using a VPN can be a useful solution. VPNs not only mask your IP address and location, but also protect your online activities, depending on the server you choose. This can be particularly helpful for circumventing geoblocks imposed by content providers.
For accessing geo-restricted content, especially streaming services, a SmartDNS service offers an efficient alternative. While it doesn’t provide encryption or online anonymity like VPNs, SmartDNS is known for its high speed, allowing seamless streaming without buffering. It’s especially useful for unblocking content where speed is a priority over privacy. However, some large entertainment companies might detect and block access attempts via SmartDNS.
Additionally, web proxy networks or servers can also be used to bypass country-level restrictions. These proxies allow you to change your server location, potentially making it appear as if you are accessing the internet from a different region. This can increase the likelihood of accessing geo-restricted content, but similar to SmartDNS, proxies don’t offer the same level of security and anonymity as VPNs.
What To Do If Your VPN Isn’t Working in Austria
Make sure your main internet connection is up and running if your VPN isn’t working. It is also a good idea to use a reputable VPN service provider to ensure that the servers you’re connected to are secure, reliable, and fast. They can also provide quick and dependable customer support if you have issues with your VPN services.
You may also use self-service checks to ensure that your networking setup is in working order. Use the command prompt and log in as the administrator to release or renew the IPConfig.
You can also check to see if the problem is the result of a DNS setup. To check whether your internet connection is up and running, ping an external IP address (for example, 8.8.8.8). Your internet link should be perfect if you get responses from a ping. Something is interfering with the VPN’s service if there is no answer or a request timeout error occurs.
Next, check your DNS settings in your network connections menu. Enable the “Obtain IP Address and Obtain DNS Server Auto” options in the Properties tab to ensure that your device can represent the settings directly from your modem or router. Set up OpenDNS to repair your DNS if the connection continues to be a problem.
Check the option settings on your Ethernet adapter to make sure they’re set to the recommended values. Try the following OpenDNS codes as your backup DNS server and preferred DNS server (208.67.220.220 and 208.67.222.222).
You can also check your underlying connection or try connecting to a different server location. Another choice is to change your VPN protocol. The protocols OpenVPN TCP, L2TP, and PPTP are recommended. Another choice is to change your DNS server configuration and adjust your proxy settings.
If the steps above don’t work, contact your ISP or VPN provider’s helpdesk. If the problem persists, you can consider changing your VPN provider to one that provides a better service.
Related articles
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- Best VPNs for Switzerland in 2023
- Best VPN for Belgium in 2023
- Best VPN services for Taiwan (Get a Taiwanese IP Address)
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