By spoofing your location you can enjoy perks such as securely accessing geo-restricted media sites like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, logging in to your online bank accounts without triggering fraud alerts, and more. A VPN can also help you access Swiss TV, streaming services and other content when abroad.

Plus, having your internet traffic encrypted by a VPN means it’s safe from the prying eyes of your Internet Service Provider (ISP), government agencies, hackers, and any other potential snoopers. In this article, we’ll discuss the best VPNs for Switzerland, as well as general tips on how to make the most of them. We provide in-depth details on each of our recommendations below, but if you only have time for a summary, here’s our list of the best VPNs for Switzerland:

We found these to be the best VPNs for Switzerland:

  • NordVPN: Our #1 choice for Switzerland. Over a decade of experience with one of the largest networks of servers. Strong security, impressive speeds, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: A well-respected budget provider with powerful security features. No connection limit. Keeps no logs and offers plenty of speedy servers.
  • ExpressVPN: Super-fast and secure servers. 24/7 support and a large network. Apps are easy to use and secure.
  • CyberGhost: Great value service with apps that are easy to use, even for beginners. Impressive server speeds.
  • IPVanish: Apps are remote control friendly which makes this a favorite with Kodi users and torrenters. Secure all of your devices at once.
  • PrivateVPN: Secure and private service. Small, but growing network of servers.
  • Hotspot Shield: A quick, versatile service that works well with platforms like Netflix.

The VPN providers we recommend offer a wide range of server locations. This means it’s possible to get an IP address emanating from Switzerland even if you’re currently living in the US, the UK, Australia, Germany, Canada, India, China, Hong Kong, France, Sweden, Norway, Japan, or anywhere else in the world.

The best VPNs for Switzerland – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice VPN for Switzerland.

The best VPNs for Switzerland

VPN services are a dime a dozen but don’t put them all in one category. Our list of the best VPNs for Switzerland is based on factors which we have discussed after our reviews.

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

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

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is a fan favorite due to its zero-logs policy, fast speeds, use of the OpenVPN protocol, and a vast global network of servers. There are over 100 servers in Switzerland and 5,500+ elsewhere in the world.

This provider is headquartered in Panama and does not have to comply with any mandatory data retention laws. In any case, it records no logs of any user activity or session data. Furthermore, it ships with a bunch of other nifty features, such as double VPN, Tor over VPN, anti-DDoS, and servers optimized for fast streaming.

All traffic is encrypted with 256-bit encryption and additional security features include an internet kill switch and DNS leak protection. A single subscription will grant you access to six simultaneous connections and there’s support for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

BEST VPN FOR SWITZERLAND:NordVPN is a good value choice A good all-rounder that works well with Netflix. Strong security features and allows up to 6 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Includes a 30-day money back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Pros:

  • Impressive server size
  • Works with Netflix US, UK, and others
  • A fantastic option for streaming and torrenting
  • Top-notch security and privacy protection
  • No-logs policy

Cons:

  • Desktop app can be awkward to use, needs updating

Our score:

Read our review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a budget-friendly all-rounder with more than 3,200 servers spread across 65 countries including Switzerland.

This provider is especially strong on privacy, with a strict no-logging policy, an anti-censorship NoBorders feature, and support for the Wireguard protocol. Of course, it also boasts 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks.

Apps are available for iOS, MacOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. Select routers are supported too but must be manually configured.

TOTAL FREEDOM:Surfshark protects all your devices and gives you the ability to browse safely, stream, and torrent from anywhere in the world. It boasts high speeds, and even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Boasts high-speed servers

  • Lets you protect every device you own

  • Works with several major streaming platforms

  • Strong security offering

  • Keeps no logs

  • Customer support could be more responsive

Read the full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is a great VPN for Switzerland due to the fact that it’s fast and incredibly secure, and has a network of more than 3,000 servers to choose from.

ExpressVPN does not log any records of user activity or source IP addresses. Its use of the OpenVPN protocol is judicious and when you consider that it is paired with features like 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and an internet kill switch, its stature increases considerably.

The company offers intuitive, easy-to-use apps for Android and iOS, as well as clean desktop versions for Windows, MacOS, and Linux. Some wifi routers are supported as well. A single subscription allows for five simultaneous connections.

HIGHLY VERSATILE:ExpressVPN is a blazing fast and reliable choice which works with all major streaming services. Great security and privacy features and keeps no logs. Includes a 30-day money back guarantee.

  • Fantastic speeds for downloading and streaming

  • Fast enough to play HD video without buffering

  • Comprehensive security and privacy features

  • Works with a large range of services

  • Slight more pricey than other providers on this list

Read our review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost secures all web traffic with 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, an internet kill switch, and DNS leak protection. It does not store user data or logs, including IP addresses. Additional security features include an ad blocker, anti-malware defense, and anti-tracking.

You can access the service on Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, or MacOS. A single subscription allows for seven devices to connect concurrently.

BEGINNER’S CHOICE:CyberGhost is great for novice users. Great privacy, zero logs and DNS leak protection. Can struggle with some popular streaming sites. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Operates a network of more than 6,800 servers in 89 countries

  • Decent, reliable speeds

  • Solid streaming abilities

  • Beginner-friendly apps

  • Less suitable for power users

Read our full user review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is one of the few VPN companies that owns and operates all of its servers across the globe. This gives it absolute control over all user traffic flowing through its servers. If you’re looking to acquire an IP address from another part of the globe, then you’re in luck because IPVanish has over 1,300 servers in over 75 worldwide locations. Switzerland is included, with almost a dozen servers.

IPVanish is a favorite with torrenters as well as those who want to stream with Kodi. It enables them to download the Android APK directly to their device, and the interface is remote control-friendly which is ideal since Kodi devices typically lack a keyboard and mouse.

IPVanish works with a range of geo-restricted streaming sites, including BBC iPlayer. Security features include 256-bit AES encryption with perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, and an internet kill switch.

One paid subscription allows you to connect as many devices as you like simultaneously. Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS, complemented with 24/7 live chat customer support.

  • Operates a network of more than 1,300 servers from 75 city locations around the globe

  • Keeps no logs whatsoever

  • Provides a secure, encrypted connection

  • Good speeds for streaming

  • Has difficulty with some larger streaming services

Read our full review of IPVanish.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN differentiates itself from other services by focusing on quality over quantity. It delivers fast, robust speeds along with secure encryption, and works well with geo-restricted content.

At the time of writing, it offers more than 150 servers in 60+ locations across the globe, including two servers in Switzerland. This provider is completely logless, supports torrenting, and offers unlimited bandwidth for HD video streams.

Security features include 128- and 256-bit encryption (depending on your choice of protocol), perfect forward secrecy, an internet kill switch, and DNS leak protection. A basic plan allows for six devices to connect at the same time. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

GREAT SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is fast and secure Allows up to 6 devices on the same account. Fast connections but could do with having more servers to chose from. 30-day money back guarantee.

  • Unlimited bandwidth, high speeds, and P2P allowance also mean it’s suitable for torrenting

  • Keeps no logs whatsoever

  • Use up to six devices simultaneously

  • Small number of servers to choose from

  • Support staff are good, but only operate during European business hours

Read our review of PrivateVPN.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

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

There’s a lot to like, security-wise, including 256-bit encryption, protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks, and a kill switch. Further, this service offers automatic wifi protection, which should help keep you safe while using public networks. Hotspot Shield doesn’t store any data that could be used to identify you.

Apps can be installed on Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, and Android. Users can manually install this VPN on supported routers.

SAFE BROWSING ANYWHERE:Hotspot Shield puts your security first, without compromising on speed. Works with Netflix, Hulu, and more. All plans come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Provides consistently high speeds

  • Great at providing secure access to stubborn geo-restricted services

  • Solid set of security features

  • Past privacy issues

  • No anonymous payment options

Read the full Hotspot Shield review.

Finding the best VPNs for Switzerland: our methodology

Because every VPN is slightly different, it pays to do your research before signing up. Some might not have servers anywhere near Switzerland, for instance, while others might not be fast enough to perform the tasks you have in mind. To ensure we recommend the best possible services for travelers in Switzerland, we created a list of must-have characteristics:

  • Servers: We like to see VPNs with widespread networks and lots of servers to choose from. After all, the more countries a VPN covers, the greater the range of content you’ll be able to access. Swiss servers are a plus too, since nearby servers tend to deliver the highest speeds.
  • Speeds: Every VPN will slow your connection down but some providers are worse for this than others. We regularly speed test major VPNs and will only recommend those that perform well. This way, whichever you choose, it’ll be fast enough for streaming, torrenting, and browsing safely.
  • Unblocking ability: While visiting Switzerland, you may want to use services that are only available in your home country. Our team of international testers tests each VPN with a wide array of geo-blocked platforms including SRF, ZDF, and RTL to see which has the strongest streaming potential for travelers.
  • Security and privacy: Subpar security just won’t cut it. We look for 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy at a bare minimum. More advanced features like stealth modes or split tunneling are always welcome too.
  • User-friendliness: We believe that everyone should be entitled to online privacy, which is why we prioritize novice-friendly services. Anything else that makes a service easier to use (such as 24/7 support, no connection limit, or multi-platform support) is a huge plus.
  • Pricing: Given how many VPNs we see, it’s easy for us to tell if a service is charging more than it’s worth. Needless to say, we only recommend those that are fairly priced and will always let you know about any discounts or money-back guarantees to make sure you always get the best deal.

This might seem like a fairly extensive set of criteria but it’s actually only one small part of how we see if a provider is suitable. To find out more, check out our full VPN testing process.

How to browse safely in Switzerland using a VPN

We strongly recommend using a VPN in Switzerland to enhance your overall internet experience. This is easy to do and only takes a few minutes.

How to set up a VPN in Switzerland:

  • Decide on a provider that meets your requirements (we recommend NordVPN).
  • Download the VPN app for your device directly from the provider’s website. Don’t use third-party sites.
  • Open the VPN app, log in, and connect to a server of your choice. If you need a US IP address, connect to a US VPN server. If you want a Swiss IP address, connect to a server in Switzerland.
  • You will receive a notification indicating a successful connection. Your web activity is now encrypted and you will be browsing with a new IP address.

Should I use a free VPN in Switzerland?

The major use cases of VPNs are to access geo-restricted or blocked sites, use public wifi safely and securely, access banking and financial services, and crack VoIP services where they’re blocked. This requires ironclad levels of security and blazing fast speeds – something that free VPNs aren’t going to provide. Such services are notorious for their poor encryption standards, limited IP addresses, and shady practices of data theft and pilferage.

You might think that you’re getting a great deal because of the fact that you don’t need a credit card to sign up and you can use the service as and when you want. But as they say, when the product is free you end up being the product.

Free VPN providers are in the business of making money. They’re not being subsidized by a government grant or another non-profit like the Mozilla Foundation. They earn profits by mining user data to sell to third-party advertisers or constantly inundating you with advertisements. Some egregious providers have also piggybacked on idle user bandwidth to create botnet armies. At the end of the day, one of the core reasons you’re signing up for a VPN is to make sure your privacy and confidentiality on the web is maintained. However, such providers will likely do just the opposite of that.

We believe that by investing a few dollars each month for a paid VPN service you will enjoy a trouble-free and superior experience.

Why should I use a VPN in the first place?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be deployed for several reasons. These include safely torrenting files, accessing your favorite movies and television shows when abroad, evading government surveillance, and circumventing state restrictions on blocked sites. A VPN is a necessity for accessing the unfiltered web amidst all the censorship in place these days.

A VPN encrypts all traffic flowing to and from your device and tunnels it via an intermediary server in a location of your choice. It works by obfuscating your actual IP address (the one assigned to you by your internet service provider), making it appear that you’re in a different location. By connecting to an appropriate server, you can securely access streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu. Furthermore, the encryption aspect means state-appointed hackers and sleuths cannot determine your digital footprint.

Read: 8 Best VPNs for Torrenting.

Some folks assume that the original registration of the account will follow them everywhere; that is if they originally signed up from the US, for example, then they can always access US Netflix. However, that is a fallacy. Netflix is contractually bound to geo-restrict its services due to licensing agreements it has in place. To view Netflix libraries from other parts of the world, you will have to connect to a VPN server in the appropriate location first.

You might wonder why Netflix operates this way. That’s because most of the content it broadcasts isn’t its own property. The company buys rights from other production houses, but they don’t cover the globe. However, Netflix’s own original content, Stranger Things for example, isn’t affected by this because it owns the intellectual property rights.

Free VPNs are definitely not compatible with Netflix. Most paid ones, however, do work. All you have to do is connect to a server in the coutnry whose library you’d like to access. All of the VPNs we’ve recommended can work with, at the very least, Netflix US.

Swiss television offers a wide range of content, including news, entertainment, and sports. Some of the popular channels are SRF1, 3+, 4+, and 5+. Many channels geo-restrict their live streams to users who log in with a Swiss IP address. So if you’re outside the country you will need to use a VPN and connect to a Swiss server.

Accessing banking services from abroad can increase the risk of attacks by hackers, especially those who tend to target public wifi networks. Examples of said networks are those found in coffee shops, malls, hotels, and other areas of interest. Using a VPN to encrypt your traffic will render it unreadable to anyone who intercepts it.

At the same time, while banks don’t always geo-restrict services, their fraud detection and compliance departments will monitor incoming traffic with a keen eye. IP addresses from obscure parts of the world might be flagged, even if you provide the correct username and password. In some cases, you might have to answer additional security questions or speak with a customer support representative before being allowed full access to your account. As such, it’s a good idea to use a VPN first.

The use of a VPN is popular with torrenters to protect their identity on the web and keep their online activity private.

Note: Comparitech does not provide legal advice and nothing in this article should be considered as legal advice. 

To the best of our knowledge, CyberGhost is the only major provider that has servers in multiple Swiss cities. Users can connect to clusters in either Zurich or Huenenberg.

The BBC is aware that VPNs can be used to access its streaming service from abroad. As a result, it attempts to block the IPs of as many VPN providers as possible. This has resulted in very few VPN services working to access iPlayer abroad.

The good news is that there are a few premium VPNs that know how to keep providing access to iPlayer for their users. To find out more, check out our dedicated guide on iPlayer VPNs. You can pick any of the VPNs in the link to stream iPlayer while in Switzerland.

VPNs are useful for streaming TV from abroad because they allow you to spoof your location and thereby bypass any geographical restrictions that might be in place. In other words, if you’re trying to watch Swiss TV channels while traveling or living outside Switzerland, a VPN will allow you to do so without any hassle.