A VPN, or virtual private network, links your computer to a remote server, establishing a secure tunnel that protects your data as it travels between your device and other destinations. It also masks your IP address, making it difficult for anyone to determine your exact location when accessing the internet.
When comparing VPNs, consider factors like security features (i.e., encryption standards, no-logs policy) and performance (i.e., speed, server locations). Additionally, look at compatibility with devices, ease of use, and pricing plans to find the best fit for your needs.
Best VPNs in Canada
After reading through some of the most trusted tech blogs, we’ve recorded the VPNs that were always mentioned and averaged their scores.
Disclaimer for Netflix use: Netflix is constantly blocking servers used by VPNs, and VPNs are constantly setting up new servers to counteract this. It's an ongoing game of cat and mouse – there's no real perfect fix. Your best bet for accessing Netflix is to use the VPN with the most servers available.
| VPN service | Price (per month) | Money back guarantee | # of servers | # of connections at once |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $4.17 - $23.13 | 30 days | 6,000+ | 10 |
| PureVPN | $2.77 - $27.81 | 31 days | 6,000+ | 10 |
| Private Internet Access | $2.83 - $16.66 | 30 days | 35,000+ | Unlimited |
| ExpressVPN | $11.60 - $18.05 | 30 days | 3,000+ | 8 |
| IPVanish | $3.05 - $20.90 | 30 days (with yearly or 2-year plan) | 2,000+ | Unlimited |
| CyberGhost | $3.05 - $18.11 | 14 - 45 days (depending on subscription length) | 11,500+ | 7 |
| Mysterium VPN | $3.19 - $9.99 | 7 days | 20,300+ | 6 |
Please note: All prices were listed in USD on the individual sites. We’ve converted them to CAD using the current exchange rate (1.37), which is always subject to change.
Please also note: These VPN services frequently change up their promotional prices, so the prices you see may be different from what we've listed here (accessed on November 6, 2024).
How we chose the best VPNS
To evaluate VPNs, we analyze over 15 data points to generate a trustworthy Genius Rating. We consider all aspects of a VPN, including fees, number of connections per account, device availability, customer satisfaction, and promotions, to assess its overall value. Then, the VPN’s features are rated based on how they stack up against other available options.
Best VPN 2025 winner – NordVPN
Our pick for the best VPN of 2025 is NordVPN. With quick speeds, ad blocking, tons of servers, and an industry-standard 10 simultaneous connections per account, NordVPN is above-average in nearly every category.
It’s available on a wide variety of devices and features a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it easy for anyone to try.
Protect your privacy with NordVPN. This VPN works with almost any device, allows 10 devices to be connected at once, and costs as little as US$3.19 per month when you sign-up for a 2 year plan..
- High grade encryption
- NordVPN app is widely available
- 24/7 customer support
- 3 months for free and a money-back guarantee
- Smart ad-blocking included
- Useful add-ons available
- 2 year commitment to get the best price
- Monthly price is higher than average
- Threat Protection feature blocks ads
- Works with an impressive range of platforms and devices
- 30-day money-back gurantee
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Pricing plans
NordVPN offers three options for pricing and three tiered service plans. Here are the options for the Standard service plan:
| Length | Price per month (standard tier) | Price per year (standard tier) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $19.41 | $232.92 |
| 1 year | $7.62 | $91.44 |
| 2 years | $6.23 | $74.76 |
Please note that each payment option comes with the same perks, you just get a better price the longer you commit to their service. This is true for all VPN pricing plans.
PureVPN
The internet can be a scary place, but using PureVPN can help solidify your online security by encrypting your data and masking your location. This high-tech solution filters your data through over 6,000 servers around the world, keeping you anonymous and flexible.
- Get 4-tools-in-1 with PureMax
- Customer support available 24/7
- Support for the vast majority of devices
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections
- Low fees for longer subscriptions
- 31 day money back guarantee
- Relatively high month-by-month subscription fee
- Optional extras increase your fees
- Frequently offers discounted trials
- 24/7 customer support
- Supports Linux, Chrome, and Firefox
- Optional dedicated IP, port forwarding, DDOS protection addons
- Servers in over 65 countries
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Pricing plans
Right now, PureVPN offers three pricing options, ranging from monthly to two years upfront. Take a look at how these plans convert when looking at yearly vs. monthly totals:
| Length | Price per month (standard tier) | Price per year (standard tier) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $17.96 | $215.52 |
| 1 year | $5.53 | $66.36 |
| 2 years | $2.98 | $35.76 |
| 5 years | $2.76 | $33.12 |
Please note that each payment option comes with the same perks, you just get a better price the longer you commit to their service. This is true for all VPN pricing plans.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is a Virtual Private Network that gives your internet traffic added security and privacy. You can connect an unlimited number of devices at once, block ads and trackers, and enjoy private peer-to-peer file exchanging. Of course, it’ll also give you the ability to route around geoblocking to watch American Netflix in Canada (and other U.S. streaming services).
- Low price
- Includes ad block
- Browser and operating system availability
- No free version or trials
- Ad blocking included
- Antivirus add-on available
- Can pay with cryptocurrency
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Pricing plans
Private Internet Access offers three different pricing plans right now:
| Length | Price per month (standard tier) | Price per year (standard tier) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $16.58 | $198.96 |
| 1 year | $4.62 | $55.44 |
| 3 years | $2.82 | $33.84 |
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that protects your personal data with end-to-end encryption, giving you control over your own online privacy and security. You'll also have the ability to get around geoblocking of certain websites and services, whether it's American Netflix, Hulu, or other content we can't normally access in Canada.
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- ExpressVPN apps for operating systems and devices
- ExpressVPN browser extensions
- ExpressVPN price plans
- More expensive than most competitors
- Fewer simultaneous connections than alternative services
- Built-in speed test feature
- Free password manager
- 24-hour live support
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Pricing plans
There are three unique price plans available for ExpressVPN service:
| Length | Price per month (standard tier) | Price per year (standard tier) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $17.96 | $138.48 |
| 6 months | $13.86 | $166.32 |
| 12 months | $11.54 | $215.52 |
IPVanish
IPVanish provides secure, encrypted, and private access to the internet, regardless of where you are or what device you’re using. One common use of a VPN service like this is to unblock American Netflix and streaming services not normally available in Canada. For the most part, IPVanish fits the bill, though there have been complaints about streaming being a bit slow through this service.
- Affordable pricing with discounts
- No device limit
- Operating system availability
- Slow speeds for streaming
- No free version or trials
- Annual plans include extra ransomware and malware protection
- No device limit
- Also available on ChromeOS and Linux
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Pricing plans
With IPVanish, subscribers can choose from 3 different price plans:
| Length | Price per month | Price per year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $17.99 | $215.88 |
| 1 year | $3.75 | $45 |
| 2 years + 3 months | $2.53 | $30.36 |
CyberGhost
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Pricing plans
CyberGhost has a few pricing options:
| Length | Price per month (standard tier) | Price per year (standard tier) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $18.02 | $215.52 |
| 6 months | $9.70 | $116.4 |
| 2 years + 3 months | $3.04 | $36.48 |
Mysterium VPN
- Excellent pricing
- Many, many servers
- No-logs policy & strong encryption
- Built on decentralized tech
- Not available on all devices
- Limited trial
- User interface experience
- Decentralized network of 19,000+ residential nodes
- Global IP coverage in more than 100 countries
- Optimized for crypto users and gamers
- 24/7 customer support team
- Open-source protocol with robust encryption
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Pricing plans
Mysterium VPN has a few pricing options:
| Length | Price per month | Price per year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $9.99 | $119.88 |
| 6 months | $6.85 | $82.20 |
| 1 year | $5.14 | $61.68 |
| 2 years | $3.19 | $38.28 |
How does a VPN work?
Everything you do on the internet is connected to your IP (internet protocol) address. This essentially means your every connection request can be traced back to you.
A virtual private network (VPN) reroutes your connection through an alternate, encrypted path, so your internet data looks like it belongs to a different IP address.
Why should I use a VPN service in Canada?
The two most common reasons for utilizing a VPN are: bypassing country restrictions and maintaining privacy while online.
Bypassing country restrictions: VPNs for streaming services
Complicated licensing laws mean that some shows simply aren't available for streaming in Canada, though they may be available in America.
Because your IP address is linked to your location, you could change your VPN connection to a server in the U.S., for example. Then, for every website you visit – including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video – it would look like you're actually in America.
Streaming services aren't the only services with geographical restrictions. Certain countries may block sites that don't comply with their laws and/or regulations.
If you live in or travel to one of these areas, you could use a VPN and connect to a server located somewhere else and bypass these restrictions.
Online privacy
VPNs eliminate the risks that unsecured websites pose since all of your information is encrypted and hidden.
Even if your connection was somehow intercepted, it would be that much harder to trace back to you, since your IP is covered by the VPN's IP.
Public WiFi networks can be concerning for those worried about online security, but a VPN puts a secure wall between you and anyone misusing a public network.
Are the best VPN services in Canada free?
While there are plenty of free VPNs available, paid services are the ones that offer the highest levels of security and convenience.
Free VPNs often come with strict data limits, which is especially annoying when you're trying to stream videos. This means the VPN won't be helpful to bypass Netflix country restrictions for very long.
Each of the options mentioned above come with free trials or money-back guarantees that range from 7 to 45 days – some even have both. This makes it easy and inexpensive to try out a paid service and see if it's right for you.
What should I look for in a VPN service?
We mentioned a few things above, but there are more details you should look at when considering which VPN service is right for you.
Note that this list is just to start you looking at some of the right features – it’s not an exhaustive list of all the important factors.
| What to look for | What you want |
|---|---|
| Number of servers | More is better |
| Data Caps | None |
| Number and type of devices/software | More to use simultaneously, lots of device/software compatibility options |
| No logs | Wording that specifically says the service will not track your online activity. |
| Customer service and tech support | 24/7 availability is ideal |
| Pricing | Low – but look for best value |
Editorial Disclaimer: The content here reflects the author's opinion alone, and is not endorsed or sponsored by a bank, credit card issuer, rewards program or other entity. For complete and updated product information please visit the product issuer's website.
FAQ
What is a VPN?
A VPN (or virtual private network) reroutes your internet connection and gives you a different IP address than what your provider would assign you. This essentially makes it look like you're accessing the internet from a different location.
What kinds of devices can access a VPN?
Just about any device that can access the internet can use a VPN network, but this varies with providers. Most Canadians can use VPNs on their computers, tablets, mobile phones, and gaming consoles to enjoy a private, secure connection.
What's the typical monthly price of a VPN?
Pricing varies depending on the provider, but they range from around $2.75 to $23 per month. Most VPN providers offer consistent promos, though, particularly for longer terms, like 1, 2, or even 5 years.
Can I get a free trial VPN?
Yes, there are several VPN services that offer either a free trial or a money-back guarantee. For instance, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day free trial and CyberGhost has a 24-hour free trial, plus a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Which is the best free VPN in Canada?
Although it’s technically not free, TunnelBear will waive service fees for those who use less than 500MB of data each month. WindScribe provides free VPN service (with a few caveats) but has a low number of servers and locations.
What’s the best VPN for US Netflix in Canada?
The top rated VPNs for this purpose are NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Keep in mind, though, that Netflix is constantly cracking down on VPN users – don’t be surprised if you have access one day but not the next.
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