5 Best VPNs for Colombia in 2024 (Get a Colombian IP, too)

Colombia may not be as bad as North Korea, China, or the Arab world regarding internet censorship. But, the country’s internet has shortcomings that go against ethical values. The authoritarian government and measures in place plague Colombian citizens’ freedom by limiting internet access and use.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt and channel your web traffic through an intermediary server, thus hiding your web activities and changing your IP address. So, you can spoof trackers, websites, and the government to believe you are browsing the internet from a different country.

This post reviews the best VPNs for use in Colombia and how to retain full anonymity and freedom on the internet.

Best Colombia VPN – The quick list

Why you need a VPN in Colombia

Colombia’s suppression of internet freedom may not be as harsh as China or North Korea, but it’s still bad! The country enjoys an internet access rate of 65% of the population. In addition, many Colombians have a smartphone, which brings in the demand for freedom of expression.

However, authorities don’t guarantee this freedom, especially on the internet. The United States Department of State and the Freedom House report that the Colombian internet is only partly free. The government exerts excessive surveillance and creates a threatening climate that’s just as good as censorship.

Some activists, human rights defenders, and journalists have been the targets of attacks and sometimes assassinations. Self-censorship is the norm of the day in Colombia, and the state doesn’t seem ready to calm down.

The government scrutinizes the press and blogging platforms. Anyone who attempts to expose corruption or abuse of power by the government is a target of fatal attacks. In 2021, Colombian government officials sparked international headlines when they forcefully accessed the Facebook profile of a journalist.

The journalist had written a dossier that exposed corruption in the country. However, government agencies forced their way into the social media accounts to delete the posts and comments. Sadly, the judiciary encouraged this malicious act by failing to rule in favor of free speech.

If you are Colombian and value your inherent freedom of expression and conscience, you should check out our comprehensive guide to safe browsing. Here, we’ll return to you the inalienable human rights and finally give your life meaning. You should never be afraid to do the right thing; we care about you and want you to share information privately without exposing your identity.

And, apart from government blackmail, you would want the freedom to visit any website online. Colombian VPNs will bypass all government blockades and censorship and let you access any platform on the internet.

As of 2017, foreign gambling websites are effectively blocked in Colombia. However, the software we recommend will give you a new online identity (IP address) to use on any international betting website.

Also, the country outlaws torrenting. Although the concerned agencies seldom enforce copyright and torrenting laws, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) can easily block you. A VPN will spoof the ISP with different IP addresses and encrypt your web activity so that no regulator will know what you are doing online! Alongside torrenting, it will also help you safely enjoy content on the best websites to watch movies and TV shows for free.

5 best Colombian VPNs to bypass internet censorship – Detailed list

Ffter comparing dozens of the best VPNs, we came up with the list of the top 5 best VPNs for Colombia!

1. NordVPN

Safest, most comprehensive online privacy and security package for Colombia. The VPN enjoys a reputation as one of the internet’s most trusted privacy solutions due to its high-level security and modern features. 

NordVPN is an anonymous tool and a complete package of online security features. The VPN is widely reputed for its dedication to high-end security features. You can enjoy top-grade encryption, DDOS protection, kill switch, split tunneling, and malware blocking.

The service has over 6,800 servers in 113 countries. And, although they don’t have one in Colombia, the massive server network and great features make up for that.

You can set your VPN to any 59 server locations and successfully unblock all geo-restricted websites in Colombia. Choose your favorite movie from a complete library of the US Netflix, ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, and Sling TV, among others. With this VPN, you can access every international website blocked in your country.

You can also select servers optimized for specific tasks such as Tor Over VPN, torrenting, and gambling. The highly customizable VPN has an intuitive dashboard that guides you in picking the ideal server for web activities.

VPN provides powerful features, including place tunnel in CyberSec technology, Dark Web monitor, and multi-factor authentication. CyberSec technology is a hands-on security solution against malware and pesky advertisements.

And even with all these features, VPN still rocks with download speeds of up to 83 Mbps and upload of 50 Mbps on a stable 100 Mbps connection. So it’s ideal for P2P file-sharing, torrenting, and watching HD and 4k movies online.

And never worry about NordVPN getting tracked by the government as the company is registered in Panama, outside the jurisdiction of the 14, 9, or 5-Eyes alliances. They also have a no-log policy, meaning they don’t store any web history on their service. 

NordVPN guarantees complete security and anonymity across six simultaneous devices on all popular operating systems. You can also install the application on streaming devices, including Roku. FireStick and Kodi. Plus, you can get your money back in 30 days if you are unsatisfied.

Check out our comprehensive Nord VPN testing and review for final details.

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2. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access VPN (PIA) is the world’s most popular VPN, with millions of users worldwide. If you’re looking for a VPN with precise server locations, Private Internet Access PIA solves your needs. With ~30,000 servers in 90 countries, including Colombia, PIA takes unblocking geo-restrictions to a whole new level!

The huge server network allows you to unblock every website you can think of using a different IP address. Also, the extensive network of servers makes it difficult for authorities and online service companies to block specific VPN servers.

Talking of unblocking, you can bypass all restrictions by the government on streaming websites. PIA  opens Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Spain, France, Africa, Japan, and even in your South American country. You can watch your favorite movies on Disney Plus, CBS, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

Moreover, you can download torrents and watch your favorite movie in 4K and Ultra HD resolutions. PIA VPN will speed up your connection to about 70 Mbps download speed.

You can use the P2P file-sharing technology to download torrents or visit free movie websites courageously because the VPN will protect you. The MACE technology blocks all the pesky ads, pop-ups, and potential malware.

Then, the AES-256-bit encryption will ensure nobody can track your online activities. PIA VPN also guards your device against IP address, DNS leakages, and spillage of WebRTC information. 

A single PIA VPN subscription keeps unlimited devices protected simultaneously. The software is compatible with all popular operating systems, including iOS, MacOS, Android, Linux, and Windows. Also, PIA has extensions for Firefox and Google Chrome.

Apart from being one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, Private Internet Access accepts cryptocurrency payments, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and Litecoin.

See our complete review of Private Internet Access VPN here for more details.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is our first choice as the best VPN to beat Colombian geo restrictions and government censorship. The VPN has lightning-fast speeds and top-notch security, letting you watch Hulu, HBO, and US Netflix and unblock other streaming websites. As a comprehensive package of online security features, ExpressVPN comes with military-grade encryption and a huge network server.

ExpressVPN boasts over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including Colombia. You can get a new IP address that will unblock US Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and BeIn Sports, among other streaming websites. You can unblock your favorite international gambling website!

ExpressVPN boasts up to 52 Mbps upload and 90 MBps per second download on a stable 100 Mbps connection. This means your streaming will be fast enough, and you can watch HD and 4K videos without any data lag or buffering.

The VPN supports P2P optimization, which allows you to download torrents securely. You can share files without fear of exposure to your prying eyes. You can bravely navigate the murky torrent websites because ExpressVPN comes with AES-256-bit encryption, ad blockers, and malware detection features.

The security service guarantees up to 8 simultaneous connections with DDoS and DNS attacks protection against IP address leakages. The VPN provides split tunneling, Perfect Forward Secrecy, Threat Manager, and the Network Lock kill switch.

The security software will support devices across all operating systems and browsers, including iOS, Linux, Android, Windows, Mac OS, and Firestick. You can use the dedicated MediaStreamer Smart DNS if your device does not support VPNs. So you can keep your gaming console, Smart TVs, and Wi-Fi routers secure.

Check out our comprehensive ExpressVPN review and get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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4. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a Swedish online security and privacy service with top-notch performance and protection. It is one of the oldest and most reliable online privacy tools, having survived several anti-VPN campaigns for the decade.

The VPN has 200 servers across 63 countries. The number may be lower than Private Internet Access VPN or ExpressVPN, but it covers the most critical major cities worldwide.

The VPN server locations are enough to unblock most geo-restricted websites in Colombia. You can unblock Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, US Netflix, and HBO Max anytime. Also, it provides high connection speeds, which stream top Ultra HD and 4K resolutions on large screens.

Besides, you can download torrents safely and fast through the enhanced P2P connection support. It also guarantees protection against DDoS attacks and DNS leakage and comes with a Kill Switch as an extra layer of security.

Further, PrivateVPN uses AES-256 bit encryption, Socks5, and HTTP proxy encryption protocol. Their zero log policy means they cannot keep your web data or personal information.

And one PrivateVPN subscription connects up to 10 simultaneous devices across iOS, Android, Mac OS, Linux, Windows, and all major operating systems. You will get a 30-day money-back guarantee and lots of policies.

Check our test results and the policies on our comprehensive PrivateVPN review here.

5. Surfshark

Surfshark VPN is the cheapest yet excellent VPN service that provides premium security for a low price! Military-grade encryption, thousands of servers worldwide, ad blockers, and geo-restriction bypass are all affordable to every internet user! 

With more than 3200 servers in 100 countries, Surfshark unblocks every possible website worldwide. The extensive network of servers makes it possible to bypass all geo-restrictions and access Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and ESPN, among other streaming websites. And yes, Surfshark VPN has servers in Colombia, which means you can access government services and online banking from foreign countries.

Surfshark faithfully delivers an electric speed of 72 Mbps upload and 80 Mbps download on a stable 100 Mbps connection. So, you can easily watch your favorite streamed movies in 4K and Ultra HD resolution without any data lags or buffering. 

Surfshark has a kill-switch feature that prevents any leakage to prying eyes. The AES 256-bit encryption protocol, Bypass, multiple no-borders, and CleanWeb features keep you safe and anonymous on the internet while fighting pesky trackers and malware. Then, the DNS and IP leakage protection adds an extra layer to ensure your web data is not exposed to hackers.

Surfshark is also compatible with all popular operating systems and offers several bonuses in the 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, check our full Surfshark VPN review.

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Colombia VPN ranking guide: How we ranked the best VPN for Colombia

After understanding how dangerous it is for activists and journalists to criticize authorities in Colombia, you need a VPN with airtight privacy and security features. But while there are dozens of VPN service providers, you must pick one that works well. And we specifically chose VPNs that bypass all Colombian state surveillance and censorship.

Here are the features that guided our ranking process for Colombia’s best VPN.

1. Numerous servers

The ideal VPN for Colombia has several servers in different countries. An extensive network of server locations allows you to access content libraries from different regions. Also, you get a large selection of IP addresses to bypass geo-restrictions and national surveillance. Most of our recommended VPN services have servers in Bogotá.

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2. Fast speeds

A cheap, low-quality VPN might slow down your videos when you want to unblock streaming websites. But we specifically chose tools that will not lower your internet speed by more than 30%. So, our VPNs will help you stream your favorite movies and TV shows at 4K and Ultra HD resolutions.

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3. Online security features

A modern VPN isn’t just an IP address changer. Instead, its equipment encrypts your online data, protecting you from prying eyes and web criminals.

The VPN must, therefore, have AES-256-bit encryption and other added features for your safety, such as Kill switch IP and DNS leak protection and malware blockers. Our list of the best VPNs in Colombia consists of security services with comprehensive online protection features and tools.

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4. Smart obfuscation

Although Columbia does not outlaw a VPN, connecting to the internet through private networks might raise suspicion with your ISP provider. Most ISPs throttle or block connections coming from a virtual server. Law enforcement may suspect you are engaging in nefarious activities on the internet if you’re connecting from a VPN.

Fortunately, our recommended tools have obfuscation features that mask your VPN data traffic to look like the standard HTTP. So, your ISP will never know you are using a VPN.

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5. Top-level encryption protocols

We recommend VPNs that have AES 128-bit or 256-bit encryption. Most intelligence agencies and military use this encryption to protect their classified databases. So, the tight encryption protocol will hide your browsing activity and protect your personal information from snoopers.

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6. Easy-to-use

The best VPNs for Colombian citizens have an intuitive user interface that’s easy and quick to navigate, even by rookies. First, the common security tools have applications for all desktop and mobile platforms and operating systems. Some of them even have extensions for browsers.

And on top of this, the service providers will offer 24/7 customer support and plenty of hands-on tutorials.

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7. Unblocking your restricted platforms

Many people need a VPN to bypass geo restrictions and firewalls. And although Columbia’s internet censorship never gets as much press as the Middle East or China, many websites are blocked in the country. If you want to access betting websites or movie streaming platforms, you should use any of our recommended VPNs.

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8. Value for money

While top-quality online security and privacy services cost a fortune, they should be fair with the pricing. We carefully handpicked VPNs that offer high-quality features and security services that match their price. We have a VPN for everyone.

Although NordVPN and ExpressVPN are the priciest tools on our list, we also have cheaper VPNs like Surfshark. All our commended security tools come with a money-back guarantee in case you’re unsatisfied. Moreover, some VPNs have discounts and bonus coupons that allow you to save more money.

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Can a free VPN bypass Colombian internet censorship?

You can use hundreds of good free VPNs to get a new IP address and bypass the geo-restrictions. And there’s a great temptation to use a free online tool, especially in these harsh economic times.

But, once you understand the precarious nature of Colombian politics and free speech, you may want to take another direction. The Colombian government monitors and censors the internet and keeps its critics under close surveillance.

So you want to use a VPN that you can get and comprehensive security online equipment that will guarantee your safety and privacy. You must avoid any situation where your personal information or web activity leaks to malicious people or the government.

Using a free VPN in Columbia may sound like a good idea because it’s free, but there is always a catch. Some free VPNs will report you to the authorities, while others will leverage your bandwidth to build armies of online botnets.

Again, free and cheap VPNs and services interrupt your connection and trick you into subscribing to the premium services. And, apart from monetizing the connections with pesky ads, these VPNs slow down your connection and have poor customer support and an overall terrible experience.

Also, several users allege that the free VPNs inject mounted malware into the host devices. When free VPN providers are not bugging you with unending ads, they are busy mining or trading your user data and crucial information.

So, do not download or use a free VPN in Colombia. Your privacy and safety are too important to trade for a free online service. Don’t fall for saving a few coins at the expense of exposing yourself to malicious hackers and government agencies baying for your blood!

Instead, pick one of our recommended VPNs that provides solid military-grade encryption and total privacy at lightning speed. Escape every government surveillance or censorship in Colombia with our top-quality VPNs without having to look back your shoulders, afraid that someone is watching.

VPNs to avoid in Colombia 

When it comes to safeguarding your privacy and anonymity while seeking a Colombian IP address, it’s crucial to choose a VPN that prioritizes user protection. 

Although the VPN providers listed in our article don’t have a track record of compromising user data, it is essential to be aware of other unscrupulous VPN options to avoid, including:

PureVPN

Evidence suggests that PureVPN cooperated with law enforcement agencies to identify one of its customers. The collaboration occurred after a 24-year-old woman filed a complaint regarding online blackmail, suspecting her roommate’s involvement. 

The FBI used PureVPN’s logs to trace the internet activity and apprehend the culprit, raising ethical concerns despite the provider claiming to have a ‘no-logs’ policy.

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HolaVPN

Hola, a popular VPN extension for Chrome-based in Israel, misused its substantial user base of nearly 50 million for unlawful purposes. The company transformed this extensive network into a massive botnet, employing individual users’ bandwidth to conduct Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks and distribute copyrighted material. Users remained unaware of these activities, highlighting HolaVPN’s unethical practices.

Be cautious and thoroughly research VPN providers to ensure your privacy and security remain intact while using their services.

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How to get a Colombian IP address abroad

Would you want to access Colombian television and banking services abroad? If yes, then you need a Colombian IP address!

Follow the instructions below:

1. Check out the VPNs for the features you are looking for. Remember to pick a VPN with a Colombian server, such as NordVPN.
2. Now, subscribe to the service and install the software onto your device.
3. After successfully signing up and paying for the subscription using your favorite payment method, follow the instructions to launch the VPN on your device.
4. Open the application and choose a Colombian server.
5. Connect to the server, and all your internet activities will be private and secure.

Other ways to get a Colombian IP address

There are several other alternatives for obtaining a Colombian IP address:

Tor Browser

If you’re seeking an alternative method, consider using the Tor browser. It’s a freely available service designed to provide encryption and anonymity, commonly used by journalists, human rights activists, and whistleblowers to safeguard their online identities.

While obtaining a Colombian IP address through Tor is technically possible, the process is intricate and involves multiple steps. If you wish to download or stream HD content, it’s important to note that the browsing speeds on Tor can be unreliable. In such cases, opting for a VPN is a more suitable choice.

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Free proxy server

Another option is to utilize an accessible proxy server. However, although they operate similarly to free VPN services, they have limitations such as reduced download speeds and unclear privacy policies. 

So, don’t be surprised if you are abruptly disconnected halfway through your favorite show. Furthermore, HTTP and SOCKS proxies typically lack encryption and only redirect internet traffic from specific applications, such as web browsers.

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Tips on using a VPN in Colombia

Whether a Colombian resident or an expatriate, you will need a VPN for security, privacy, and opening up blocked internet services. Sometimes, you will want to unblock international content or hide your identity when browsing the internet. And, with the level of internet censorship in Columbia, you certainly want to take your time!

The steps below will guide you in setting up the best VPN on your device in Colombia:

• First, settle on a VPN provider with the features you are looking for. We have comprehensive VPN reviews detailing each service provider’s features, pros, and cons. Check them out and only settle for a VPN that works for your privacy, security, and cost needs.
• Sign up for the service once you have chosen a VPN provider and a plan that fits your pocket. Choose a convenient payment method that works for you, including PayPal, credit card, or cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.
• After a successful payment, the provider sends you your login information. Go ahead and log in to the service for quick customer care services.
• Then, download the app that is relevant to your device. Do not install these third-party applications or software because they could easily be compromised. So make sure you download the apps straight from the VPN provider’s website, which is the most credible.
• After the installation, reboot to integrate the VPN into your device system successfully.
• Now, launch the VPN app, enter your login details, and connect to a VPN server location of your choice.
• Next, check your new IP address to confirm your connection is encrypted and private. 
• Your device is now ready to beat your restrictions on government surveillance and unblock all banned content in Colombia. 

How to access the full US and Spanish Netflix library in Colombia

VPN allows you to access Telemundo and the entire US or Spanish Netflix library in Columbia. Your local content in the Columbia Netflix account is limited to your region. If you compare the movies and TV shows with what you find in Spain, America, or other countries, you will realize that you need access to certain movies in your country.

Netflix normally uses IP addresses to determine the library of movies they can show you. Some content available in Spain, the United States, or Argentina is banned in Columbia due to copyrights.

This restriction is usually punitive, which you can bypass with a VPN. All you need is to connect to a VPN server in Spain, and you will access the Spanish Netflix library. Or, if you want to open up the US Netflix catalog, you will choose a server in the country.

In most cases, Netflix and other major streaming websites operate in each country depending on the laws of the land. So, if a certain movie has issues with Colombian laws, Netflix will not show that movie in the country. Netflix bows down to restrictions and license issues, which means some content may not be available in Colombia.

Do not forget that not all VPNs will open Spanish or US Netflix libraries in Colombia. Some VPNs do not support Netflix, showing you the proxy error message. Nonetheless, our recommended VPNs are specifically handpicked to unblock Netflix in Colombia.

Check out our complete guide on how to find out your actual IP address on your device.

How to access Colombian TV and banking services when abroad 

A VPN can be highly beneficial if you’re a Colombian citizen traveling abroad. It will enable you to stay connected to your favorite TV shows, access local sports leagues, and seamlessly manage online banking activities.

Colombia boasts diverse TV programs encompassing news, sports, entertainment, and current affairs. Main channels such as RCN TV, Canal Uno, Caracol TV, and Canal 13 offer live streaming options online. However, accessing some of these channels may require a Colombian IP address. 

This is where a VPN can come to the rescue by providing the necessary virtual location.

While banking and financial institutions typically do not impose geo-restrictions on their services, they are bound by stringent internal compliance regulations. Multiple login attempts from overseas locations could trigger security alerts, resulting in potential account lockouts until your identity is verified. This can be highly inconvenient, especially when traveling and needing immediate access to ATMs or credit cards. 

Using a VPN and masking your location to appear as if you’re in Colombia, you can overcome these hurdles and seamlessly conduct your online banking activities abroad.

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