A VPN is the quickest tool for accessing content from Ecuador or anywhere. It enables you to access the internet using a remote server. Through this, you can encrypt your traffic and bypass restrictions. A VPN also assigns another IP address, allowing you to browse the web anonymously.
This article outlines the top five VPNs to use as an Ecuadorian resident to enjoy private, secure, and fast access to all of the internet’s services.
A quick look at the top Ecuador VPNs for 2024
While you can scroll down to read about the best VPNs to get an Ecuadorian IP in detail, here we present a quick gist of those VPN providers if you’re in a hurry to download one.
- NordVPN: The most secure VPN ensures you never compromise your online privacy regardless of your location. It also works great to bypass content restrictions in Ecuador.
- ExpressVPN: The leading VPN provider, and the only service on this list that has a dedicated Ecuador server. It works great to access local Ecuadorian content anywhere anytime.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Its tremendous support for up to 10 simultaneous devices, resilient virtual IPs and stable connections are great to protect your privacy in and outside Ecuador.
- IPVanish: With numerous South American servers and support for unlimited simultaneous connections, IPVanish is the best option to unblock and enjoy Ecuadorian content while traveling abroad.
- PrivateVPN: A modest VPN provider that neither compromises your online security, nor disappoints you in accessing blocked content in Ecuador or anywhere abroad.
Key reasons you may need a VPN in Ecuador
Using a VPN in Ecuador is important for several reasons. Aside from the government requiring telecommunication companies to store users’ data and IP addresses, you may need a VPN in Ecuador to access international content. Furthermore, if you’re traveling overseas and still want to watch your favorite local Ecuadorian shows and TV programs, a VPN will come in handy.
Below are a few reasons why using a reliable VPN for Ecuador is essential:
1. Bypass regional restrictions
Most countries worldwide have limitations on internet access, making it challenging for users to access their favorite content. Ecuador has government censorship on gambling websites, social media, streaming sites, and news portals. You can access any content you choose by connecting to a VPN server in another country.
2. Traveling purpose
Ecuador is an excellent spot for a vacation. However, it has a repressive internet restriction, especially on content that mocks or bashes the Ecuadorian government. So, to avoid posting content that may unknowingly cause trouble while on vacation, it’s best to use a good VPN.
Another reason is if you’re feeling homesick, you can connect to a VPN server in your home country to access local content while in Ecuador.
3. Uphold privacy and security
In Ecuador, the government still monitors its citizens’ online activity. In fact, it recently announced many technology initiatives, including a COVID-19 tracking platform in response to the pandemic.
Needless to say, this will threaten your privacy. To prevent this digital snooping, you should use a VPN service. VPNs help encrypt your data so no third party can track your activities.
4. Protects against cyberattacks
Cybercrime is a growing concern in Ecuador. Connecting to a VPN can help protect your online activity from hackers and cyber attacks. This makes it difficult to fall victim to phishing and malware attacks.
Is using a VPN legal in Ecuador?
Yes, it is legal to use a VPN in Ecuador. Unlike some countries with heavy restrictions on VPN usage, Ecuador hasn’t banned its use. Hence, there’s less risk of using one in the country. However, using a VPN for felonious activities is illegal in Ecuadorian law and can attract punishment.
Regarding online freedom, it is a lenient country, but it still has restrictions regarding the content you can post or read. There are several situations where Ecuadorian journalists have faced threats for expressing their personal opinions about the government.
If you wish to express views regarding the government, a VPN is crucial to keep you anonymous. We advise that you check Ecuadorian laws before using a VPN.
Best 5 VPNs for Ecuador: A brief overview
| VPN Service | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Private Internet Access | IPVanish | PrivateVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed (Mbps) | 111 Mbps | 193 Mbps | 301.32 Mbps | 191.70 Mbps | 250 Mbps |
| Number of Servers | 5,613 | 3,000 | 25,000 | 2,000+ | 200 |
| Best Deals per/month | $3.29 | $6.67 | $3.33 | $3.33 | $2.00 |
| IP Locations | 59+ countries | 160 in 94 countries | 84+ countries | 75 in 50+ countries | 60+ countries |
| Maximum Devices Supported | 6 | 5 | 10 | Unlimited | 10 |
| Compatibility | iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, Fire TV, Android TV, Chromebook, routers | Linux, Windows, Android, iOS, routers, Firefox, Smart TVs, Edge, Chromebook | Android, Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, routers, Opera, Chrome, Firefox, Opera | Windows, iOS, Android, routers, Mac | Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Xbox, PS3, PS4 |
5 best VPNs for Ecuador – Detailed list
1. NordVPN
According to our tests, NordVPN is an outstanding VPN for Ecuador. This provider has numerous servers in South America. While it doesn’t have an Ecuador server, you can connect to servers in neighboring places like Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Costa Rica.
For security and privacy-conscious users, it has a strict no-logs policy, AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol, it’s one of the fastest providers in the industry.
NordVPN is excellent at unblocking heavily armed streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus.
It also secures six devices simultaneously with the app. With all the benefits of using this VPN, it undoubtedly offers you value for money. For $3.99, you can enjoy its monthly subscription and 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is our top pick for a VPN to use in Ecuador. This provider has 3,000+ servers worldwide and RAM servers to ensure your privacy. Not only does it give you an Ecuador IP address, but it also delivers fast and stable connections. Hence, you can watch local shows on TC Television and Ecuavisa or conveniently shop on Comandato from abroad.
Regarding security, it offers the latest 256-bit AES encryption alongside a kill switch. Your personal data will be safe and anonymous from your ISP provider and the Ecuadorian government.
Aside from unblocking Ecuador’s content, you can access other international libraries on streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video.
In addition, you can test this VPN risk-free as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. We ran multiple DNS, WebTRC, and IP leak tests with ExpressVPN and found none. It also has a proprietary Lightway protocol, which provides speedy connections and a seamless, buffering-free browsing experience.
ExpressVPN is the best tool for accessing content in Ecuador and other South American countries like Venezuela, Brazil, and Peru.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) has the most extensive network for accessing global content in Ecuador. It has over 25,000 servers in 84 countries, with an average of 400 servers per country, the highest among top Ecuador VPNs.
Unlike other VPNs that struggle with securing multiple devices simultaneously, PIA users in Ecuador can enjoy protection for unlimited devices.
From extensive testing, Private Internet Access boasts an impressive score speed. Its rates can reach peaks of 301 Mbps. With this speed, you can stream in 4K and play online games without lag. Its upload, download, and connection speeds are also excellent.
Although PIA doesn’t have physical Ecuador servers, you can use virtual servers to channel data through a geolocated server elsewhere. Besides, you can get a Costa Rica or Colombian IP address with your connection routed from another location.
This provider has a strict zero-log policy, military-grade encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch to ensure your online anonymity. Despite its US location, it has a strict no-logs policy verified by Deloitte.
4. IPVanish
Another trustworthy VPN vendor that provides complete VPN protection in Ecuador. It boasts military-standard encryption that makes you invulnerable online.
Boasts a network of more than 2,200 servers in 75 locations
Boasts P2P optimized servers
No data logging on users at all
Military-grade AES-256-bit encryption
Effective split tunneling feature
A kill switch feature with high effectiveness
Responsive 24/7 customer support
One account connects an unlimited number of devices at once
Pay-back policy of 30 days
Pros
- 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone
- Uses robust encryption protocols to secure user traffic and protect privacy
- Verified no logs policy for assured online anonymity
Cons
- Doesn’t offer a free trial for users to test
IPVanish is a beginner-friendly provider that offers excellent privacy functionalities. The mobile app supports several languages, including Spanish. During your stay in Ecuador, you can protect unlimited devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV.
IPVanish has over 2,000 servers in over 70 countries and features South American locales like Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. It’s effective for securing your online connection and ensuring privacy. The provider has a traffic obfuscation to mask your identity.
Besides, it offers 500GB of encrypted storage and a SOCKS5 proxy, which torrenting and streaming fans will find valuable.
Due to its reliable security features, you can confidently use this VPN on public WiFi in Ecuador. IPVanish has 256-bit AES encryption, making your data unreadable to snoopers and hackers.
To top it all off, it has impressive streaming speed and quality. Hence, you can enjoy content in HD quality without buffering or lagging, even on resilient platforms like Netflix.
5. PrivateVPN
An effective VPN service that secures your connection with industry-grade encryption and ensures no data is stored by implementing a strict no-log policy.
Has over 200 server locations across 60+ different countries
256-bit AES encryption for robust internet data security
Peer to Peer-supportive network of servers
Dependable web leak protection
Provides a kill switch you can rely on
Doesn’t keep users’ logs
Each account allows up to ten devices at once
Money-back guarantee of 30 days
Pros
- User-friendly apps for mobile and desktop platforms
- No limit for bandwidth
- Friendly customer support via live chat
Cons
- Limited number of servers
PrivateVPN is a great VPN to use in Ecuador. With it, you can get an exclusive Ecuador IP address. This provider places quality over quantity as it has functioning servers in 60 locations, including the US and the UK. So, you can stream Netflix (US & Ecuador), Disney+, Ecuavisa, Teleamazonas, HBO Max, Ecuador TV, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN+, and TC Televisión.
The service also offers intuitive apps for Android, macOS, Windows, and iOS device platforms. When we tested PrivateVPN with uTorrent, it took about nine minutes to download a 2.5GB file. We also didn’t detect any DNS or IP leaks.
The provider lets you enjoy Ecuadorian content from anywhere, including countries like China and UAE. It boasts the Shadowsocks proxy. Although the feature isn’t as dependable as ExpressVPN’s obfuscation (for example), it does the job. You can hide from VPN detectors, usually active in high-censorship countries, by activating the ‘Stealth VPN’ feature from PrivateVPN’s dashboard.
It also has multiple VPN protocols like OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, or IKEv2 to enable you to tweak your speed-security range. PrivateVPN offers the best subscription deal on our list. You can get it at a more affordable monthly price of $2.00 with its 3-year plan.
How we selected the best VPNs for Ecuador – Our methodology
Several VPNs can help you access Ecuadorian and international content, but they differ in price, quality, efficiency, and server speed. When selecting the best VPNs for Ecuador, there are metrics you should follow to narrow your search. We tested these VPNs based on users’ reviews and sufficient tests.
To help you pick the best, we compiled a list of criteria we looked at:
- Extensive server network: All the best VPNs on our list have an extensive server network, but only ExpressVPN boasts an Ecuador server. The larger the server, the less chance of traffic congestion with an increased speed.
- Security and privacy features: A VPN should have top-notch security features like AES 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy to keep you anonymous. This way, you can ensure robust protection against online spoofing from the government and cyberattacks.
- Customer service: Choose VPNs with friendly and responsive customer service. It should have a live chat, email, and phone channels that provide 24/7 customer support. Regardless of the VPN service you select from our list, you can rest assured of dedicated customer support.
- Fast speeds: The top VPN should improve your browsing speed. This means you shouldn’t experience any lag or buffering while streaming. We tested most VPNs’ performance and speed by connecting to servers in Ecuador and nearby locations, and only the fastest providers made our list.
- Ability to bypass regional restrictions: A significant reason for connecting to a VPN is to bypass regional restrictions. All our best services can unblock geo-restricted streaming services like Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix.
- Pricing: An ideal VPN shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. Select providers that offer you value for money. The top VPNs give promos and discount codes on their anniversaries. They also offer a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How to set up a VPN service for Ecuador
If this is your first time using a VPN, these easy steps can help. Here’s how to set up a VPN in Ecuador:
- Subscribe to a tested VPN. NordVPN is our no. 1 recommendation here because it’s the only provider on our list with an Ecuador server.
- Download and install the VPN application on your device. You can also use the VPN’s browser extension if it’s available.
- Open your VPN app and sign in using your credentials.
- Connect to a VPN server in your preferred location. For example, a server in the UK if you want to unblock UK Netflix.
- You can now browse the internet safely in Ecuador.
Can I access blocked content in Ecuador with a VPN?
Of course, you can access any geo-restricted content in Ecuador using a VPN. Geo-restricted content is content that’s unavailable based on your location. Using a VPN, you can change your IP address to a different country. For example, switching to a US IP address lets you easily watch British BBC and US Netflix.
Can I use a free VPN in Ecuador?
You can use a free VPN in Ecuador, but it’s not advisable because they have privacy and security flaws. Besides, many freemium VPNs have few servers in various locations, limiting the online content you can access. Most claim a no-logs policy but eventually collect users’ data to sell to third-party advertisers.
Free VPNs also put you and your device at risk of cyberattacks. As they don’t have the resources to offer the best security, hackers can steal your information. You may also find them slow for torrenting and streaming movies. Compared to their premium counterparts, these VPNs throttle your bandwidth and even subject your connection to traffic overload.
In fact, a free VPN undermines the whole purpose of using a VPN. So, you’re best off sticking with the best 5 VPNs for Ecuador. Rather than downloading a free VPN on your device, there are pocket-friendly services you can use. You can use PrivateVPN and enjoy its free trial.
Streaming in Ecuador
Numerous streaming apps and platforms in Ecuador air international series and produce local programs. They also give access to sports, news, and music.
During our search, Ecuadorians checked the following platforms to access US and UK content:
1. Netflix
Netflix is a popular streaming platform in Ecuador. It has content in almost every part of the world. Over the years, it has amassed 140 million paid subscribers, which is impressive. This is all thanks to a VPN. Many Netflix users can now access a vast content library to watch geo-restricted shows in their country.
If you’re an Ecuadorian resident traveling abroad, you can watch top shows like Let Him Go, Queens on the Run, Kiss Kiss, Time Trap, and One More Time with a VPN. Since Netflix content varies between countries, using a VPN gives you a virtual VISA to watch content from different locations in the comfort of your home.
2. TC Television
TC Television is one of the leading national networks in Ecuador. The channel has produced original productions like The Children of Don Juan, The Sorceress, Jocelito, Dominated Heart, and These Secretaries.
TC Television also features live sports and the latest news videos and articles on its site. Connecting to a VPN in Ecuador will allow you to watch this local channel and stream telenovelas.
3. YouTube
Many Ecuadorians use YouTube to watch tutorials, music videos, vlogs, and, most importantly, stream movies. As a result, it’s one of the most popular streaming platforms in the country. Millions of users worldwide have created accounts on YouTube to upload and watch videos daily. When you use a VPN in Ecuador, you can access YouTube content based on the server connecting you to the internet.
FAQs
ExpressVPN has one server in Ecuador that users from abroad can use to access Ecuadorian content like Ecuadorian Television and Ecuavisa. The provider also has several servers in South American countries like Venezuela and Costa Rica.
To get an Ecuadorian IP address, you’ll need an Ecuador VPN server. We recommend using ExpressVPN because it has a server in Ecuador. Besides, it delivers maximum privacy protection and can bypass geo-restrictions.
You can use a proxy if you want. However, we recommend using one of the best VPNs for Ecuador. While a proxy replaces your IP address with a different one, it doesn’t mask your internet traffic like VPNs. A VPN encrypts your web traffic through a secure virtual tunnel to ensure online anonymity. Besides, like freemium VPNs, free proxy servers are unsafe. Since they offer cheap services, you cannot know who’s operating them; it could be an intelligence agency or cybercriminals.
