Looking to protect your online privacy while traveling in Ivory Coast? Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) make this easy, but not just any will work. Read on for a guide to the best VPNs for Ivory Coast, as well as an explanation of how these services work and how they can help you abroad.

If you’re thinking about traveling to Ivory Coast, there are a few things you need to be aware of. First, the country has very loosely-worded libel laws, and something as a poorly-worded joke on social media could lead to a jail term. Second, according to Freedom House, journalists still face intimidation (and sometimes violence) at the hands of security forces. These are just two reasons why we recommend using a VPN to remain anonymous online while in Ivory Coast.

VPNs improve your privacy by encrypting your data, which hides your activities from snoopers like public hotspot owners, local ISPs, and the government. They also allow you to send this traffic through a server in a different country, which can help hide your true location (as well as unblock geo-restricted services while abroad).

Looking for the short version? Here’s a brief overview of the best VPNs for Ivory Coast. If any stand out to you, just scroll down; we’ll cover each in more detail a little later.

Best VPNs for Ivory Coast:

  • NordVPN: Our #1 VPN for Ivory Coast. A privacy-first service boasting an expansive network, high speeds, and top-tier unblocking abilities. All plans include a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: The best budget VPN for Ivory Coast. Came first in our latest speed tests but offers equally impressive security and privacy credentials. No connection limit and no logs kept.
  • ExpressVPN: With high speeds, powerful security features, and a network that spans an unparalleled 94 countries, this VPN is ideal for browsing, streaming, or torrenting in Ivory Coast.
  • CyberGhost: Offers 24/7 support, user-friendly apps, and one-click unblocking. Also has a great set of security tools and a total of 7,000 servers to choose from. Perfect for novice users.
  • IPVanish: A no-logs VPN that allows any number of connections. Steady speeds, decent unblocking potential, and an impressive security offering.
  • PrivateVPN: Provides higher speeds than many others and unblocks stubborn services with ease. Comes packed with security and privacy tools, plus a true zero-logs policy.
  • Hotspot Shield: A versatile choice that’s well-suited to frequent travelers. Offers speedy servers in 80+ countries, strong security tools, and the ability to unblock many of your favorite services abroad.

Once you have a VPN, getting protected is simple — it’s deciding which VPN to use that’s the hard part. We find that often, the best course of action is to choose a well-rounded service over those that claim to be the best at one specific thing. This ensures you’ll be able to handle most day-to-day tasks without any issues. With this in mind, we’re only recommending VPNs that meet all of these criteria:

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • Has a large server network, ideally with a strong presence in Africa
  • Provides speeds that are high enough for torrenting and live streaming
  • Reliably unblocks popular geo-restricted services abroad
  • Includes powerful encryption, plus a wide range of other security features
  • Doesn’t store any personally identifiable information
  • Offers apps for a wide range of operating systems and devices

We go into more detail about the criteria above and our testing methodology below.

Best VPN for Ivory Coast

Below, we’ll take a closer look at each of the best VPNs for Ivory Coast:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top-rated VPN for Ivory Coast. Thanks to its new NordLynx protocol, it offers some of the highest speeds around. What’s more, users have unlimited bandwidth, as well as access to more than 5,000 servers in 59+ countries. As such, this VPN is well-suited to a huge range of tasks, from unblocking Netflix to helping you blog or torrent anonymously. Up to six devices can be connected simultaneously.

Thankfully, NordVPN ranks just as highly on security. Its customizable kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and leak protection are just the beginning, though; it also boasts a regularly-verified no-logging policy, obfuscated servers for enhanced anonymity, and automatic wifi protection. If you run into any difficulty, support staff are ready to help 24/7 over live chat and email.

NordVPN has its own Android, iOS, Linux, MacOS, and Windows apps. It can be manually installed on a wide range of home routers too, allowing you to bypass the six-device limit.

BEST VPN FOR IVORY COAST:NordVPN is our #1 VPN for Ivory Coast. Its impressive speeds, industry-leading security tools, and large network make it an ideal choice for just about any task. What’s more, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Pros:

  • Fast and easy to use
  • Has no issues unblocking popular geo-restricted platforms
  • One of the best security offerings on the market
  • No-logs policy
  • Offers 24/7 live chat

Cons:

  • Takes two clicks to disconnect

Our score:

Find out more in our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is the best budget option for travelers to Ivory Coast. Not only that, it offers some of the best speeds, averaging 207 Mbps in our most recent tests. Users can choose from over 3,200 servers in 65+ countries and connect all of their devices at once. This VPN is able to unblock notoriously tricky platforms, and now works with 30+ Netflix libraries.

This VPN includes plenty of features designed to keep you safe too. There’s 256-bit encryption, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, a kill switch, a NoBorders mode, and automatic malware-scanning. Additionally, newer versions support WireGuard, which is faster and easier to audit than OpenVPN. Surfshark has a true no-logs policy and accepts three kinds of cryptocurrency. Customer support can be reached 24/7 via email or live chat.

Surfshark has Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android apps, plus a MacOS app with full M1 chip support. This VPN also works with select wireless routers, though manual installation is needed.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is our top budget pick. It’s hard to find a VPN that blends speed, security, and unblocking ability, and services that do so affordably are even rarer. Best of all, this no-logs provider has no connection limit and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Faster than any other VPN we’ve tested

  • Works well with services like Netflix

  • Impressive security credentials

  • Keeps no logs whatsoever

  • No limit on number of devices connected

  • Customer support could be improved

Interested? Take a look at our complete Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is a particularly strong choice for travelers as it has particularly strong unblocking abilities and a network that covers around 94 countries. In other words, you’ll be able to access a huge range of services while in Ivory Coast. Additionally, this VPN is extremely fast thanks to its new Lightway protocol, making it an excellent option for data-intensive tasks like torrenting or live streaming. Up to five simultaneous connections are permitted per account.

Needless to say, this service values your privacy. It hides your activities with protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch. You can even choose to let specific applications pass through the VPN if you’d like. ExpressVPN doesn’t store any logs that could identify you, but you can pay in Bitcoin if you’d like another layer of privacy. The support team can be reached, day or night, over live chat and email.

ExpressVPN comes with apps for Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux. It also offers its own custom router firmware, which was recently updated and now boasts faster, more stable performance than ever before.

SPEED AND SECURITY:ExpressVPN is a fantastic choice thanks to its high speeds and impressive security offering. What’s more, it offers access to servers in 94 countries — far more than most of its rivals. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee included!

  • Ranks highly for speed

  • Great capabilities for unblocking geo-locked content

  • Takes user security and privacy very seriously

  • Pay anonymously with Bitcoin

  • Slightly more expensive than some other options

Check out our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

From the moment you connect, your traffic is secured by 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch (that can’t be turned off). CyberGhost doesn’t stop there: it also boasts automatic ad-blocking and malware-scanning, plus newer versions offer WireGuard support as well. Also, this VPN refuses to log any data that could lead back to you. The customer support team is available 24/7 via live chat and email.

CyberGhost users can install apps for Linux, MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. If you’d rather secure an entire network, you’ll have to manually install this VPN on your home router.

ONE-CLICK PROTECTION:CyberGhost makes it as easy as possible to protect yourself online. With a wealth of pre-configured security tools, an unparalleled network, a 45-day money-back guarantee, and beginner-friendly apps, this VPN is ideal for new users.

  • A speedy, user-friendly option for beginners

  • Almost 7,000 servers to choose from

  • All security features enabled by default

  • Some servers designed for streaming

  • Could offer more control over advanced functionality

Why not read the complete CyberGhost review?

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish stands out from the crowd by being one of the few major providers that allows users to connect any number of devices. That’s not its only selling point, though: it also has somewhere near 1,600 self-owned servers in 60+ countries. Further, this VPN’s already decent speeds saw a substantial increase recently as a result of network infrastructure improvements.

This provider punches above its weight where security is concerned. As well as bulletproof encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, it offers OpenVPN traffic obfuscation, LAN traffic blocking, and a true no-logs policy. IPVanish aims to bring WireGuard support at some point this year, which should see its speeds increase even further. Its apps are very easy to use, but if you’re having problems, support is available over live chat, 24 hours per day.

IPVanish offers easy-to-use apps for Windows, Android, MacOS, and iOS. Further, this VPN can be manually installed on Linux systems and a wide range of wireless routers.

PRIVACY FIRST:IPVanish doesn’t compromise where privacy is concerned. It lets you protect an unlimited number of devices with top-tier security tools and doesn’t log any data at all. Of course, its speeds are equally impressive, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee too.

  • High speeds and unlimited bandwidth

  • Prioritizes user security and privacy

  • Lets you secure every device you own

  • Doesn’t accept cryptocurrencies

For more information, read our full review of IPVanish.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN has been hard at work lately. Not only has it expanded its network to around 200 servers in 63 countries, but it’s also become its own ISP and web host, which ensures your privacy by preventing any other company from having access to your data. Combine this with fantastically high speeds and the ability to unblock all of your favorite services abroad, and it’s clear that there’s a lot to like here.

Naturally, this VPN uses 256-bit encryption, although you can reduce this for a small speed boost if you’d like. It also has leak protection, a customizable kill switch, and a stealth mode that’s designed for bypassing country-wide censorship. PrivateVPN follows a strict no-logs policy and will soon be adding WireGuard support to its apps. Customer support isn’t quite 24/7, but you should be able to use live chat most hours of the day.

PrivateVPN provides apps for iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Android systems. Linux devices and select routers are supported too, although these require manual configuration.

BROWSE SAFELY ABROAD:PrivateVPN boasts above-average speeds and a wealth of security and privacy tools, plus excellent unblocking capabilities. That’s not all: this no-logs VPN also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Provides fast and reliable connections

  • Exceptional unblocking capabilities

  • Privacy and security are top notch

  • Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat

  • Fairly small network

Take a look at our comprehensive PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

                    Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

Hotspot Shield is a great all-round performer. It has roughly 1,800 servers in 80+ countries and is fast enough to stream live HD video with no noticeable buffering. This VPN is even able to access platforms like Netflix and HBO Max in Ivory Coast, so there are very few limits on what you’ll be able to watch during your travels. That said, a maximum of five devices can be connected at one time.

The other VPNs in this list have been strong on security and Hotspot Shield is no different. It has a kill switch, leak protection, and 256-bit encryption, plus its own proprietary Hydra protocol that it claims is faster and easier to audit than OpenVPN. Further, this service can connect automatically any time you use an unsecured network. Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep any logs that could be traced back to you. Users can contact support staff 24/7 over email or live chat.

Hotspot Shield apps are available for MacOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Android. Users can also choose to manually configure this VPN on supported home routers.

HIGHLY VERSATILE:Hotspot Shield can handle just about anything you throw at it. Boasting high speeds, a major focus on streaming, and strong security and privacy tools, it’s the perfect VPN for everyday usage. Further, all plans include a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast enough for almost any task

  • Works flawlessly with major region-locked services

  • Has a solid set of security features

  • No anonymous payment options

  • Some past privacy concerns

Read our in-depth Hotspot Shield review.

How to browse safely with a VPN while traveling

New to VPNs? Not sure how to get started? Below, we’ll walk you through setting up your VPN and using it to browse the web privately in Ivory Coast.

Here’s how to set up a VPN for Ivory Coast:

  • First, choose one of the VPN from the list above (we recommend NordVPN).
  • Sign up, then download the app. Most providers allow you to secure around five devices at once, so feel free to install it on any PC, phone, or tablet you use regularly.
  • Log in and connect to a server in your preferred location. If you’re looking for anonymity, any server is fine. If you’d like to use a geo-blocked service, you’ll have to choose a server in the appropriate country (e.g. you’d need a UK server to access BBC iPlayer abroad).
  • Having trouble? Clear your cookies and cache and reload the page to fix the most common problems. Alternatively, try a different server or contact your VPN’s support team directly to ask for more in-depth assistance.

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for the Ivory Coast

Traveling to a foreign country can be a fantastic way to unwind, but it often brings its own set of issues. For instance, your usual services might not be accessible in the Ivory Coast, and your online banking app might view login attempts from abroad with suspicion. To ensure that we’re only recommending versatile services that can handle any problem you might face in the Ivory Coast, we evaluated all of our VPNs against the criteria below:

Our research doesn’t end here. Evaluating the factors above is just a small part of our comprehensive VPN testing methodology. This data-driven approach helps us better understand the services, so we can recommend only those that are a good fit for your needs.

These providers usually offer some kind of paid plan too, but these aren’t really comparable to their paid-only rivals. For a start, free VPNs usually aren’t subject to the same kind of testing that paid VPNs are, making them more vulnerable to attack. Further, there’s no telling who owns a specific free VPN, or if it’s even safe to use, which makes entering your payment details a risky prospect. We urge you to consider all aspects of a VPN, including its logging policies and reputation, rather than simply choosing a service because it’s free.