Military deployment is fun, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Usually, these missions take up to 6 months when you will be away from your family. And when it is in a country with limited access to the internet, the challenge even doubles!
The best VPNs for military personnel will keep you safe on the internet while connecting you to friends and family on the go. Virtual private networks (VPNs) encrypt your data and funnel your connection through remote servers. So, you get a new IP address with which you can access blocked content.
In this article, we list the top VPN services with robust services for military deployment.
Top 5 VPNs for military personnel – Quick list
- ExpressVPN: Most advanced VPN with military-grade encryption, airtight security, thousands of worldwide servers, and other online safety tools. The VPN unblocks any geo-restricted websites and content.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Popular online security package offering top-notch privacy since 2010. The service has over 30,000 servers globally, with lightning speeds for seamless streaming.
- CyberGhost: Best military VPN for newbies. The friendly UI, top-quality encryption, and thousands of servers make CyberGhost ideal for recruits.
- Surfshark: Top-grade budget VPN for accessing apps websites, apps, and content in jurisdictions with internet censorship.
- IPVanish: Comes with multiple encryption protocols, split tunneling, hundreds of server locations, and no log policy.
How to use a military VPN
Using a military VPN is pretty straightforward- choose a VPN service, install it, and run it. And this straightforward method will encrypt your connection and unblock a wide range of content libraries on the internet.
So, follow this short guide to use a military-grade VPN.
- First, pick one of our recommended VPNs for army officers. Our tests and reviews prove that ExpressVPN is the connoisseur of VPNs in this category.
- Sign up on the ExpressVPN website and pay for your convenient plan.
- Then, download the app and install it onto your devices. ExpressVPN has a client for all the leading operating systems.
- Now, launch the newly installed app and pick a server in a country whose services you want to unblock
- The VPN will automatically encrypt your traffic and unblock various online services.
Should military members use a VPN?
Every internet user needs to have a good VPN. And, when you are a member of the military, then you must find an online safety tool that is top-notch and far more advanced than what the average person uses.
You see, the conditions of an army officer are pretty different from those of a civilian. You could be working in a country where terrorists, governments, criminal organizations, and enemies always try to track and access your information.
So, browsing the internet in such harsh conditions may put you in a dangerous situation. Indeed, you don’t want to expose your family or people you speak to on the internet to terrorist groups.
Foreign adversaries will always try to aggregate a database of you and other military members. They use this data to track your unit’s movement, preparation information, and actual location. When the enemy has this information about you, they could easily wipe out your whole troop!
Why is it necessary to use a VPN for army personnel
While joining the military changes your life upside down, you’d still want to enjoy the internet like regular people. The internet has hundreds of online tools to help you deal with separating your friends and family. VPN steps in the gap to give you a new IP address and hide your internet traffic, thus unlocking the internet for you.
Here are six main reasons every army personnel should use a VPN in deployment:
1. Beat censorship
You never know where you’ll be deployed, and it could be a country that regulates the internet. Most foreign governments censor the internet by forcing service providers to block certain websites. Many of these ISPs usually block websites using the IP address.
So, if you are on an FOB in the Middle East, expect not to access platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and other social media websites. For instance, the government in Qatar blocks almost all VoIP apps.
The censorship cuts you off from your friends and family and your favorite source of information and entertainment content. The top VPNs will bypass government censorship by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address.
2. Bypassing firewalls on networks
Based on the regulations of your military deployment unit, you might have to deal with pesky firewalls. Some military superiors order the network admins to block the network at the base.
All this happens typically for a good reason in the interest of security and military strategy, but sometimes, there is none. It feels like tyrannical internet censorship and prevents you from enjoying freedom on the internet.
Military VPNs step in the gap to hide your IP address and encrypt your commission so you can break through the military base firewall and access your favorite online platforms.
3. Have safe torrenting
The last thing you want is a deep cut into your salary. Typically, recruits make meager wages, especially on a low rank. Their small wages do not allow them to afford luxuries such as video games and monthly subscriptions to streaming platforms. Downloading torrents, therefore, always feels like a good escape plan.
Unfortunately, you might be in trouble if the network admin catches you torrenting stuff. While the network admin might easily forgive you, your superiors may want to exert their authority by pointing to you as an example. You might get demoted or have your promotion opportunities disrupted.
These VPNs are cheap subscriptions that encrypt your traffic, thus safeguarding your job and avoiding unwanted snoops.
4. Turn on a smooth gaming experience
It’s been a long day at the military base, and you’ve decided to play your favorite game. But then, your network connection fluctuates, making you lose several consecutive matches.
It is a familiar feeling, but you can solve it using a VPN. Some challenges you get when playing games abroad are that they may not be available in your deployment area. And even when they are, you may get kicked off a match because of a random IP ban by the host or the base network admin.
Sometimes it is cyber criminals targeting you with DoS and DDoS attacks. A few ISP providers even throttle your internet bandwidth by targeting your IP address.
Army VPNs will protect your connection and hide it from snoops and ISP providers. You can bypass all geo-restrictions that prevent you from playing with your friends. You can even increase the speeds or reduce your lag by connecting to a different server location in the game’s country of origin.
5. Enforce online security measures
The internet is a murky world of criminals looking to make you their next victim. Just because you successfully avoided malicious spamming emails and phishing links doesn’t mean you’re entirely safe. Cybercriminals are always vigilant and can easily use public Wi-Fi or the military base’s internet network to get to you.
Hackers have successfully broken into public Wi-Fi networks and intercepted data from various websites for years. And they read your web data and steal your login credentials and credit card information. Some websites that use HTTP protocol can show hackers everything you do, so we recommend websites with HTTPS SSL certificates.
VPNs for army officers will block all potential threats and encrypt your data and traffic so nobody can read what you do online.
6. Unblock streaming websites
Sometimes, you want to catch the latest episode of your favorite TV series. But then, most streaming platforms restrict their libraries to specific geographical regions. Some sites with content restrictions include Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Pandora radio.
Other options like Crackle and HBO Max do not offer any special services for military bases. Even though a service like Hulu is available on US military bases, we still have to deal with hundreds of limitations. The Hulu service, for instance, is not available for live TV outside the US.
If you want to unleash the full freedom of the internet, you can use the VPN recommendations we give you to unblock US Netflix and other local content libraries.
Disclaimer: PrivacySavvy.com will never encourage you to infringe any copyright against the law. We want you to follow the security regulations your base commanders and superiors put in place. This article aligns with our mission to make our internet users into Privacy Savvy experts and provide knowledge about how the internet works. We understand that military life can be tough, so we provide you with information on how to gain more freedom quickly and safely.
How does a VPN work
VPNs hide your online identity by connecting you to a virtual server. So, when you visit a website, you appear to be browsing the internet or accessing files from a different IP address.
The VPN channels your traffic so securely that not even your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can see what you do online. The private networks will encrypt your data and then scramble it to appear worthless to any snoops wanting to intercept it.
VPNs also maintain your online privacy even when using Wi-Fi in public. Nobody can intercept your traffic. They also disguise your location and give you a new IP address belonging to the server location. This lets you unblock streaming services from your international area of deployment.
VPNs also fortify your security while protecting your browsing and communications. Check out our complete guide on VPN tunneling to know how it works.
Top 5 best VPN services for military today – Detailed list
Below is a detailed review of our top 5 best military-grade VPN recommendations:
1. ExpressVPN
The top VPN service for overseas deployments that protects sensitive data with military-grade encryption and grants access to content from anywhere.
Has a server network of over 3,000 nodes present in 107 different countries
TrustedServer technology (for enhanced security)
Protects connection with reliable AES-256 data encryption
Does not keep log of user traffic usage
A split tunneling feature that works as claimed
Has Network Lock (kill switch) feature
Supports Tor over VPN
Peer to peer connection allowed on most servers
There are eight simultaneous connections allowed per account
30-day tested pay-back policy
Pros
- Compatible with multiple platforms
- Boasts top-notch security and unbreakable encryption
- Observes dependable data security practices
Cons
- Bit pricey compared to the industry average
ExpressVPN is the world’s best military-grade VPN for army personnel in deployment. Our top-rated VPN is a comprehensive package of several crucial online privacy and security features, including military-grade encryption dedicated apps for different operating systems and devices, SmartDNS, ad blockers, and threat managers.
ExpressVPN uses multiple foreign security protocols, such as its Proprietary Lightway and AES-256 bit encryption, to ensure your connection is safe during deployment. In addition to the OpenVPN (UDP or TCP) online safety industry standard, the VPN incorporates the Lightway to speed up your connections even with low resources.
The military-grade encryption scrambles your traffic, making it hard to read for snoops and hackers. The VPN’s zero-log and secrecy policy adds another layer of safety by alternating your encryption key. And you will not find any IP or DNS leak when using ExpressVPN. The Network Lock (kill switch) will terminate your connection immediately if there is a drop in connection.
ExpressVPN also maintains a strict zero-log policy using the TrustedServer technology (RAM-based servers), which technically works for data after a reboot. So, not even the VPN company can physically store any information.
ExpressVPN’s headquarters are in the British Virgin Islands, so it is outside the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes Alliances and doesn’t share any of your information.
The 3,000 servers will unblock geo-restricted online services in any country or region. So, you can watch your favorite Netflix US shows or YouTube and ESPN. The unblocked internet lets you communicate with your family in the Middle East by bypassing Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram bans. ExpressVPN even bypasses tough fireballs like those in China.
And the electric speed connections will guarantee good gaming and low lag connections when watching movies in 4k. The seeds can go as high as 90Mbps on US and UK servers using a steady 100 Mbps connection. Remember, Ultra-HD streaming services typically require as low as 25 Mbps.
And if you’re a fan of torrenting, the service will offer you P2P support and unlimited bandwidth with which you can download content. The split tunneling feature gives you the power to pick the apps you want to use with the VPN.
The VPN service has clients for different types of operating systems and devices. The MediaStreamer, for instance, is a SmartDNS service that works well on your gaming consoles and smart TVs. You can install it on your TP-LINK router to power your smart home.
ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, 24/7 customer support, and up to eight devices simultaneous connections for every subscription. You can pay with various payment plans, including PayPal, credit cards, and cryptocurrency.
Check our comprehensive ExpressVPN review for more details.
2. Private Internet Access (PIA)
An impressive VPN provider that boasts an extensive server network to bypass local and international restrictions easily when stationed abroad.
A large network of over 35,000 VPN servers present in 90+ countries
Peer to Peer connection supportive servers
Secure connection with reliable encryption; AES 128-bits and 256-bits
Robust protection against malware and adware with in-built MACE
Enforces a policy of zero logs
Runs on RAM-only VPN servers (benefits privacy)
The split tunneling feature works as expected
Boasts a feature-rich kill switch
Each account allows connection to unlimited simultaneous devices
30 days no-questions-asked money-back guarantee
Pros
- Exceptional value for money with multi-device protection
- Boasts uncompromising privacy policy with no logs kept
- Has built-in ad-blocking and malware protection
Cons
- Distant servers have slow speed
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN enjoys international ratings as one of the cheapest and most popular online security services, with over 35,000 servers in more than 90 countries. PIA developers incorporate several security features in one package, including an ad blocker, DNS leak protector, kill switch, and split tunneling.
With over 35,000 servers in 91 countries worldwide, you can choose the IP address for a specific block in New York City. PIA’s extensive server network is RAM-based with a no-logs policy, which means they will delete all the data they have on you during the reboot. The extensive network of servers means that online services cannot successfully target the IP addresses of the VPN servers.
No matter where you are, PIA will unblock all the top streaming sites. You can watch Netflix libraries from the UK, US, France, Spain, Denmark, and Africa. You can also breakthrough through the restriction firewalls of your military camp or overturn the ban on websites such as Hulu, CBS, and Amazon Prime. And if in the Middle East, PIA will let you communicate with your family through WhatsApp, Skype, Telegram, or other VoIP apps.
A VPN offers a lightning-speed connection and can sustain a 60 Mbps upload speed and a 70 Mbps download speed on a stable 100 Mbps connection. The speeds are suitable for gaming and 4K ultra HD resolution streaming.
The VPN also protects you from any IP address or DNS leakage and spillage of WebRTC information. AES-256-bit protection protocols ensure that your connection is always safe so that neither your ISP nor your base network admin can see what you do online. The MACE proprietary technology will block all the pesky pop-up ads and detect and prevent potential malware.
The service is compatible with iOS, Linux, Android, Mac OS, and Windows, among other popular operating systems. You can also run it on Google, Chrome, or Firefox.
PIA is among the world’s cheapest high-quality VPNs you can get. Plus, you can pay for your subscriptions through any convenient method, including online banking, credit cards, and cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Dogecoin.
See our full Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN review for more details.
3. CyberGhost
A complete VPN service that offers a robust network of servers facilitating seamless access to both domestic and global content while deployed abroad.
Has a network of more than 8,500 VPN servers present in 80+ countries worldwide
Boasts reliable AES-256-bit data encryption
Verified no DNS leaks
Peer to Peer connections are allowed
Kill switch mode is customizable
Each account connects up to seven devices at once
Adheres to 45-day money-back policy
Pros
- The service’s client software is easy to use
- Uses top-notch encryption protocols and security measures
- Does not collect or store any of its users’ activity data
Cons
- Some servers are slow
CyberGhost offers an extensive server network with an intuitive user interface that unblocks the internet for military personnel. It literally makes you a ghost online with the AES-256 encryption, no logs policy, and pro-privacy company policies and jurisdiction.
Unblocks any streaming website or online service with over 8,000 server locations across 90 countries. You can access social media accounts like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook and unblock YouTube from China or the Middle East without a hassle. And you can stream American Netflix or libraries easily by getting a US IP. The extensive network of servers also allows you to connect to specific cities for clean gaming and streaming experience.
CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs that makes you invincible on the internet. The AES 256-bit encryption protocol will scramble your online traffic, making it impossible for snoops and hackers to read or intercept. The kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection stay active to secure your browsing.
VPN networks, however, face one problem because some organizations can know you are using virtual networks. But CyberGhost will give you a constant dedicated IP address to connect to the internet. So this IP address accesses your business networks and other sensitive systems while protecting you from snoops and cyber criminals.
Cyberghost connections have lightning super speeds which comfortably support 4K and UHD streaming. The average download speed on American servers is about 80 Mbps. And if your bandwidth is unlimited, you can enjoy fast internet for a long time. If you are a torrenting fan, you can use dedicated P2P servers and reliable file sharing.
CyberGhost also blocks ads and potential malware while protecting you from threats on public Wi-Fi. The VPN automatically activates the tunnel when you connect to public Wi-Fi. The automatic kill switch protection feature activates immediately when you encounter a poor connection.
CyberGhost maintains a strict zero-log policy, meaning they will not share your personal information with third parties. Headquartered in Romania outside the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes Alliances, this VPN is not obligated to share any of your sensitive information with any security agency.
The VPN is compatible with all popular operating systems and web browsers. You can also set up CyberGhost on gaming consoles and internet routers. The 24/7 customer support has a multilingual team to ensure you’re having a fantastic time. CyberGhost has an outstanding 45-day money-back guarantee for a free test.
Check out our comprehensive CyberGhost VPN guide for more details.
4. Surfshark
A VPN service provider committed to delivering high-speed connectivity and state-of-the-art technology to safeguard online privacy.
Offers more than 3,100 secure VPN servers in 100 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
- Offers competitive pricing for its premium VPN services
- Boasts robust security features such as military-grade encryption
- Impressive customer support you can count on
Cons
- Seems to be fixing out some flaws in its service
Surfshark is the cheapest, top-quality VPN service for army personnel. It has all the premium features of a top-level VPN and comes surprisingly cheap. This military-grade VPN is easy to navigate, with sophisticated encryption protocols and online security features, but it’s affordable for anyone!
It boasts more than 3,200 servers in about 100 countries around the world. The servers unblock all streaming websites, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and DC Universe. Even when deployed in the Middle East, the VPN will unblock geo-restricted streaming websites and VoIP apps such as Viber, Skype, or WhatsApp.
After opening your favorite streaming website, you can enjoy a top download speed of 81 Mbps and an upload speed of 72 Mbps on a stable 100 Mbps connection. This is enough to play video games and stream Ultra HD and 4K videos on large screens.
Surfshark VPN guarantees a safe online experience with 256-bit encryption and a kill switch. The CleanWeb feature rids of all unwanted ads, trackers, and malware. Then the “Bypass” and “Multi-hop‘ features will boost your online privacy while the DNS and IP leakage protection has the needed extra layer of online safety.
Surfshark is available for different operating systems and web browsers with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
See our comprehensive Surfshark VPN review and testing for more details.
5. IPVanish
An exceptional VPN vendor that provides round-the-clock customer assistance and outstanding geo-unblocking features.
Offers a network of more than 2,000 servers in 70+ locations
Servers are P2P optimized
250GB SugarSync cloud storage
No data logging on users at all
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
- Offers fast and stable connection speeds
- Supports a wide range of devices
Cons
- Does not offer a free trial for users to test the service
IPVanish provides top-tier VPN service with over 2,000 server locations across 75 locations. The VPN service boasts airtight online security audited by the Leviathan Security Group and confirmed not to retain user data or leak personal information.
Imagine connecting an unlimited number of devices simultaneously for a single VPN subscription. Now, that’s precisely what IPVanish brings you! You can connect all your devices simultaneously across all possible operating systems and browsers. IPVanish has one of the most user-friendly interfaces with easy customization settings. Plus, if you ever get stuck anywhere, their customer support team is always ready to help 24/7.
IPVanish has one of the fastest VPN connections alongside ExpressVPN. Our tests recorded lightning speeds of 463 Mbps on American and UK servers. So you can enjoy a seamless gaming experience with and stream 4K and top-resolution videos on large screens.
The VPN service has super tight security features, including AES-256-bit encryption which is the same used by leading intelligence agencies. Therefore, your data is safe, and the Leviathan Security Group successfully audits and confirms its no-log policy. The automatic kill switch, and split tunneling, will prevent data linkages and let you customize the apps you want to use the VPN tunnel.
You can also share files or download torrents with the P2P servers. A subscription to IPVanish also gives you access to 250 GB of space on their dedicated secure storage service, SugarSync. The cloud storage service will bring you all the features of a high-end service, such as iCloud or Dropbox, but safer.
Our IPVanish review provides a fully comprehensive analysis and testing results.
Tips on choosing the best VPN for military deployment
Army officers need to be careful with how they use their internet. There is so much at stake for the security personnel because any simple mistake could lead to hacking or being on the wrong side of the regulations of your military base commander. Also, your private information could easily get into the hands of cybercriminals.
And, above all, you don’t want to put your family’s, friends, or comrades’ life in danger by exposing the tactical position or strategy.
To make sure our commended VPNs meet your requirements, we set a few features that every VPN must have:
1. Security features
Check whether your VPN has airtight security features that will keep your online traffic and deter safe. for instance, check whether it has the following features:
- AES-256-bit encryption: Hackers and prying eyes always try to see what you’re doing online. However, when you have military-grade AES 256-bit encryption protocols, your data will be unreadable to them.
- Kill switch: A military-grade VPN needs a kill switch feature if your network fails you.
- RAM-based servers: Choose VPNs that enforce a strict zero-log policy. Such providers do not store your data on their servers but delete everything during reboot.
- DNS leak protection: While hackers and snoops can intercept your traffic in case of a leakage, you can hide your IP address and other information using a VPN with DNS leak protection.
2. Speed
Get VPNs with super-fast connections to enjoy seamless gaming, torrenting, and streaming. Our recommended VPN services will not drop your average speed by over 50%.
3. Worldwide network of servers
Recommended VPN services have an extensive global network of servers with which you can unblock geo-restricted content from your country of deployment.
4. User interface
Much military personnel are not exactly cyber experts. And, unless you are indeed a techie, you certainly don’t want a complicated application that’s hard to use. So, pick a VPN with an intuitive user interface.
5. Country of incorporation
If you want to be extra careful with your online data, you should also check the country where the VPN company is incorporated. Be careful when choosing VPNs from the United States or members of the 5, 9, or 14 prying eyes.
Also, you may want to avoid VPNs from China because they are bound by the country’s national security laws, which force companies to give up data upon request.
6. Premium services only
A good VPN should cost a fair price. You can get the best free VPNs, but always remember there’s a catch. A subscription fee keeps the VPN company motivated to work in the interest of your privacy. But free VPNs trade your data.
7. Convenient payment method
Sometimes, you want to pay for a subscription through online banking, credit cards, or other online payment methods. Or, you want to be able to use your cryptocurrency for an extra layer of security.
The best VPN for the army should always have convenient payment methods. In addition, there should be a money-back guarantee to refund you if you’re not impressed.
Do I really need military-grade VPN encryption?
It would be best to use VPNs with unbreakable encryption protocols such as AES 256-bit. Some companies use the terminology “military-grade” as a marketing strategy to imply that their products are tough and durable. However, military-grade means the security or encryption standard for online security tools.
AES-256-bit encryption is the same standard that the National Security Agency uses to protect classified National Security information.
But, just because a company claims their online security product is military grade does not mean they use this encryption standard. So, check with your VPN provider whether they have this level of technology.
But is the AES 256-bit encryption unbreakable? Well, it is now because nobody else has been able to break through databases created through this method. But you never know whether hackers in the future could find ways to break into this standard protocol.
That’s why security agencies have multiple layers of protection, including intranets. However, 256-bit AES encryption is currently the best standard available for commercial use.
Is a military VPN just for you?
If you do not have anybody around you to share this security package, it’s all for you. But the VPN could create some friends and earn you a few bottles of beer if you lend some of your comrades use. Fortunately, most VPNs we recommend here can connect several devices simultaneously.
So you can share with friends and family at home. If you live with your family on the base, then our mentioned VPN will come in handy in securing their online shopping and breaking through the base firewalls.
FAQs
Although the base might have a strong internet connection, there may be a few challenges with the network and censorship. Not all your favorite streaming websites may be available in your country of deployment. Again, some military bases may use the network admin to spy on your web traffic. A VPN unblocks all geo-restricted content and keeps your data safe from the nosy guys.
Premium VPNs will work anywhere in the world. So you can pick a VPN service that allows multiple simultaneous connections. This way, one subscription will be enough for all your devices and your family.
