5 Best VPNs for Italy in 2024 (Unmatched Security and Freedom)

Residents of Italy and tourists alike should benefit from the many benefits of using a virtual private network (VPN). With a VPN, you can ensure all your data is securely encrypted and your internet traffic routed through safe and anonymous server locations. Also, this is great for tourists visiting for the first time who might be connecting to new and potentially unsafe internet connections.

This article will outline the best VPNs in Italy for a safe and enjoyable streaming experience.

Best VPNs for Italy: A quick list

Best VPNs for Italy – Comparative analysis

Top 5 VPNs for Users in Italy – A detailed review

1. NordVPN

A super-useful VPN provider for Italy that works as well as it promises. It does not compromise users’ data despite offering impressive performance.

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5,000+ speedy VPN servers scattered in over 60 countries

Reliable threat protection (malware, tracking, and ad blocker)

Industry standard, most secure encryption available: AES-256

An easy-to-use kill switch feature

Split tunneling feature with high efficiency

Offers multi-hop VPN for double encryption

Provides seamless Onion over VPN functionality

Ensures that no logging is done

Users can connect up to six devices simultaneously with each account

A 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked

Pros

• Has more than 60+ servers ai Italy
• Provides unlimited bandwidth and traffic
• Observes high-quality security practices

Cons

• The mobile app collects ad information

NordVPN is an excellent choice for users in Italy who need a premium VPN. The Panama-based service has over 5,000 servers in over 60 countries, among which over 60 are in Milan, Italy. 

NordVPN is excellent at unblocking and can grant users access to the Italian and American Netflix libraries. You can also access RaiPlay from anywhere outside Italy, along with BBC iPlayer, HBO, Hulu, and others.

Your internet activities are safeguarded with NordVPN’s AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. You can also take the security game further and utilize the dedicated IP, Tor over VPN, and the double VPN feature.

Moreover, users do not have to worry about retained data, as NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy.

You can find compatible MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS apps.

2. ExpressVPN

The absolute highest-quality VPN for Italy that offers exceptional speeds and security features. It has streaming-specialized servers for uninterrupted streaming.

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Boasts a network of over 3,000 strong VPN servers present in 85+ different countries worldwide

A unique technology; TrustedServer (for double security)

Safeguards connection with stealth AES-256 bits encryption

Strictly follows no-logging policy

Split tunneling with high efficiency

Has a functional Network Lock feature

Provides Tor over VPN servers

Enables Peer-to-Peer sharing

Allowing users to connect up to five devices at a time

30-day tested refund policy

Pros

• State-of-the-art privacy and security
• Has an unbreakable encryption with robust security
• Works seamlessly with major streaming platforms

Cons

• Not enough room for customization

This VPN service has an impressive server network containing over 3,000 servers in over 90 countries. These server locations include Milan and Cosenza. With these locations in Italy, you can easily unblock any local Italian content, primarily Raiplay.

Aside from Italy’s content, you can unblock other international streaming platforms, such as Netflix,  including all their major libraries. ExpressVPN works for Netflix apps for major devices and operating systems, and it is also compatible with HBO, Disney+, and Hulu, among others.

Regarding security, ExpressVPN does not drop the ball once; it’s even considered one of the best in the security feature category. The VPN service uses high-grade 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and perfect forward secrecy.

And if you are concerned about privacy, ExpressVPN does not store user logs, their IP address, or anything to tie back to user activities. 

The servers on ExpressVPN are all optimized to provide users with optimal streaming speed for whichever content and in any quality you wish to stream or download. In addition, ExpressVPN has apps that work seamlessly with macOS, Fire TV, iOS, Windows, and some routers.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA)

An overall quality VPN vendor that operates servers across the globe, even in Italy. It has double encryption for an extra layer of security.

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An expansive network of more than 33,000 effective VPN servers available in 80+ countries

P2P connectivity on most servers

Provides reliable and threat protection by encryption; AES 128-bits and 256-bits

Uncompromised protection against malware with in-built MACE

Does not collect logs on its users

RAM-spiralized VPN servers (enhances privacy)

Routes internet traffic with encrypted VPN tunnel (Split tunneling)

An easy-to-use network protector feature; Kill switch

Ten devices connection support at a time

30-day tested pay-back policy

Pros

• Protects multiple devices simultaneously
• Has multiple servers in Italy
• Allows torrenting with P2P sharing

Cons

• Apps still lacking mainstream features

With Private Internet Access, Italian users get extremely fast and reliable servers, especially for streaming and unblocking Italian and US Netflix libraries.

Whether it’s the desktop app or your web browser, PIA offers full functionality and access to major streaming platforms for users looking for Italian content, HBO, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.

The VPN service has military-grade encryption, a strict zero logs policy, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and a standard perfect forward secrecy.

It is also budget-friendly, allowing users to connect and protect up to 10 devices simultaneously on one account. In addition, the VPN service has optimized MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS apps.

4. Surfshark

A price-efficient VPN for Italy that offers quality services. It has multiple servers in Italy and works seamlessly to unblock Italian content abroad.

Visit Surfshark

Offers more than 3,200 secure VPN servers in 60+ countries

Runs on RAM-based servers (best for privacy)

No logging of user data

Robust data AES-256 (government-grade) encryption

Supports Peer to Peer traffic on most servers

Security-enhancing smart kill switch feature

Functional CleanWeb ad and malware blocking feature

Split tunneling with dependable effectiveness

No limit to the number of connections per account

30 days of no-questions-asked refunds

Pros

• Excellent streaming performance
• Boasts dependable security features such as Camouflage mode
• 24/7 customer support

Cons

• Limited app customization

With Surfshark, users get great value for money. The VPN service has over 3,000 servers in more than 60 countries, which includes server locations in Italy and Rome. Even though it costs less, it is fast and works seamlessly with major streaming platforms that others might struggle with.

Further, on budget-friendliness, Surfshark lets you connect and protect multiple devices simultaneously. This VPN service utilizes standard 256-bit encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.

In addition, the NoBorders feature allows you to access geo-restricted content from anywhere, even Rai TV. You also do not have to worry about your private data getting monitored or stored for later; Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy. 

Finally, if you need help with the service or have an inquiry, Surfshark offers 24/7 customer support. Additionally, you can find apps for this VPN service on major operating systems and devices.

5. IPVanish

A well-maintained VPN network for Italy that provides several international servers for Italians to hide their IP addresses and access geo-blocked streaming sites.

Visit IPVanish

Offers a fine network of more than 1,900 servers in 60+ locations

Servers are Peer to Peer optimized

No data logging on users at all

Has military-grade AES-256-bit encryption

One account connects an unlimited number of devices at once

Pay-back policy of 30 days

Pros

• Uses robust encryption protocols to secure user traffic and protect privacy
• Works seamlessly with Kodi add-ons
• Supports a wide range of devices

Cons

• Does not offer a free trial for users to test the service

Unlike most VPNs, IPVanish owns the servers it operates instead of renting or borrowing them. All of its over 1,900 servers in more than 60 countries are run by them, which means they possess full control of user traffic and, most importantly, who can access it.

IPVanish works best with Kodi add-ons, RaiPlay, and other streaming platforms besides Hulu and Prime Video. However, this should not discourage you as it supports major platforms like Netflix, HBO, and Disney Plus.

This VPN service keeps its user data snoop-proof with its state-of-the-art security protocols and features, including standard AES 256-bit encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and perfect forward secrecy. Streaming speed and quality is equally impressive, and you can enjoy all the content in HD quality without any lagging or buffering.

To top it all off, IPVanish lets you connect unlimited devices simultaneously. This VPN service is budget-friendly and efficient. You can find IPVanish apps for MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS.

VPN testing methodology

We hope to help our readers make the right choices and to do that; we must research and check the facts to be right on the money every time. Therefore, we had to test many VPNs before arriving at the best 5 VPNs for Italy.

We conducted these tests based on key metrics tailored for users in Italy and those abroad who want to access Italian content. These test metrics are as follows:

• Speed: We measure and record connection speeds to VPN servers worldwide to ensure our recommendations offer fast and reliable performance.
• Customer support: We evaluate each VPN’s customer support response times and quality of responses.
• Security: We only recommend VPNs that meet our high standards for security, including robust encryption and protection against data leaks. Our team tests each VPN for IP, WebRTC, and DNS leaks.
• Streaming: To help you watch free movies online and access popular streaming services from abroad, we conduct thousands of real-world tests to determine which VPNs can unblock them while keeping you safe.
• Privacy policy: We carefully examine each VPN’s privacy policy for any indication of personal data collection or monitoring of online activity while using the VPN.

How to use a VPN service in Italy

Using a VPN in Italy is no different from any other location. Yet, for the sake of simplicity, here are the steps you need to follow to set up and use a VPN in Italy successfully.

1. Select one of the VPNs in this article, such as NordVPN or Private Internet Access. 
2. Subscribe to your preferred VPN and download the app on your device. 
3. Install the VPN and sign in with your login details.
4. Select a server in Italy to get an Italian IP address to unblock restricted content.

Now, you are all set to enjoy safe and private internet surfing. You can be assured that all your private data will be encrypted, thus preventing your ISPs, snooping government agencies, and cyber criminals from monitoring your traffic.

In addition, you can bypass any government blocks imposed on the internet and access services worldwide.

Is a free VPN good to go in Italy?

Many free VPN services are available, but only some are recommended. They may lack the necessary features or fail to instill trust.

Despite being labeled “free,” these VPN services are often run as for-profit ventures. For example, some use your browsing data to generate revenue and place tracking cookies on your browser to gather the information that can be sold to advertisers. This approach undermines the whole purpose of using a VPN and should be avoided. Some free VPNs even inject additional advertisements directly into web pages.

In addition, free VPNs come with numerous limitations compared to their premium counterparts. For example, data caps and bandwidth limits are standard, and there may be queues to wait in. Furthermore, free VPNs usually have congested servers that are only available in a few locations.

VPN services to avoid in Italy

Vetting every one of the hundreds of VPN providers out there would be impossible, but several should be avoided if you’re in Italy. Here are two VPN services you should stay away from in Italy.

AirVPN

AirVPN has established an excellent reputation in the VPN community due to its strict zero-logs policy and superior security standards. However, the company is incorporated in Italy, which falls within the jurisdiction of Italian authorities. AirVPN is a reliable recommendation in any other country, but it may be too close to home in Italy.

PureVPN

PureVPN has recently received negative attention in the press and on community boards after one of its users was arrested for stalking. The individual had used PureVPN, a Hong Kong-based company, to conceal his identity.

However, PureVPN handed over IP address logs to US law enforcement, which led to the individual’s arrest. Although we do not condone the man’s actions, PureVPN’s “no logs” policy is highly misleading. Moreover, some critics are now questioning the reliability of PureVPN’s security.

Italian data retention and mass surveillance laws

In 2006, the European Union implemented the Data Retention Directive, which mandates that Internet Service Providers collect specific information about subscribers. This information includes metadata such as the source IP address, destination IP address, time, duration, device, and user location.

In Italy, ISPs must retain all data for at least 12 months. While the law does not necessitate the storage of Internet communication contents, it also does not specify which traffic must be retained.

The Italian government is now contemplating increasing the retention period from 12 months to six years. This move could also permit web monitoring without judicial oversight, allowing authorities or your ISP to view the actual content of your browsing data, not just metadata.

In March 2017, the Senate voted on a new bill regulating criminal investigation hacking. However, privacy groups raised concerns about the lack of adequate safeguards. 

Key reasons why you might need a VPN in Italy

Using a VPN in Italy is necessary for various reasons. In addition to the issue of surveillance, many Italians are also concerned about the limited content library of streaming services like Netflix and other geo-restricted channels. Furthermore, Italian ex-pats need help accessing local streaming services abroad.

Outlined below are a few reasons why using a reliable VPN for Italy is crucial:

• Privacy protection against surveillance: Intelligence agencies in Italy can intercept communications and hack into data without prior consent. The United Nations raised this concern. Individuals can avoid government monitoring and protect their privacy in Italy using VPNs.
• Access to streaming services: Certain streaming platforms, such as RaiTV, are restricted to Italian IP addresses, which is not an issue if you’re in Italy. However, when traveling abroad, you lose access to these channels. A VPN with servers in Italy, such as ExpressVPN, can easily bypass these restrictions.
• Bypassing regional restrictions: Most places worldwide have limitations on internet access, which limits the utility of the internet, making it difficult for users to access their favorite websites and stream their favorite shows. This issue is resolved with a VPN for Italy, and the internet becomes more accessible.
• Protection against cyber-attacks: Italy lacks a secure cybersecurity strategy, and phishing attacks increased from around 400 in 2015 to over 3000 in 2019. Hence, security tools like VPNs are crucial for individuals in the country.
• Accessing blocked websites: A VPN comes in handy when you want to circumvent restrictions imposed by your network administrator. It routes your connection through a remote server, allowing you to access blocked websites.
• Torrenting: Torrenting is legal in Italy, so you need a VPN that has P2P-optimized servers to boost performance and security. Also, a VPN protects you from ISP throttling when downloading large torrent files.

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