Do you need a VPN in Germany when the country is known to have minimal internet censorship? Turns out that the answer is yes.
With the BND intelligence agency cooperating closely with the NSA, personal privacy has taken a hit. This matter was further complicated with the passing of a new data retention law, which requires ISPs to retain their users’ metadata for up to 4 weeks.
Even if you’re open to government surveillance, some content, like Netflix US, is not accessible in Germany. Plus, the country has harsh punishments for torrenting copyrighted materials, even if unintentional.
While we do not condone sharing copyrighted content, the above concerns have caused many to search for the best VPN in Germany.
Is VPN Legal in Germany?
Using a VPN is completely legal in Germany. There isn’t any law in the country that prohibits citizens from installing and using a VPN.
However, using a VPN is not an excuse to conduct illegal activities in the country. For example, if you’re sharing copyrighted materials via torrenting and hiding the activity with a VPN, it’s still illegal.
The same goes for hackers who are performing fraudulent attacks on unsuspecting users beneath the hood of a VPN’s stealth. Such activities are deemed illegal not only in Germany but also in other countries.
So, if you’re in Germany and use a VPN for casual browsing or to protect your online activities from being spied on — it’s perfectly legal.
This brings us to the next question: which VPN should you choose if you live in Germany?
Every VPN differs in performance and features, and one that works well in one country may not offer the same performance in another. We’ve narrowed the search for you and found the best VPNs for Germany.
The Best VPN for Germany
Checkout these VPNs that are proven to provide the utmost security and unblock geo-restricted content in Germany.
NordVPN
NordVPN gained fame in the VPN industry for its security and well-balanced features. It is headquartered in Panama, which does not have data retention laws or intelligence sharing with the 5-Eyes Alliance.
Users can choose from its 5,500+ servers, with 249 of them in Germany. This ensures that German subscribers enjoy favorable speed when downloading or streaming with NordVPN. NordVPN is P2P friendly and unblocks Netflix US easily.
Despite the vast range of features, NordVPN is uncompromising in security. It is based on the AES-256, which is unbreakable. Also, users have the choice to activate the DoubleVPN, which encrypts the data twice before routing it to the Internet.
NordVPN’s subscription plan supports 6 devices per account. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all plans.
Highlights
- 5,567 servers in 59 countries.
- Secured with AES-256 encryption.
- Based in Panama (safe jurisdiction).
- Above-average connection speed.
- Unblocks Netflix US.
Assguard
Assguard is trying to break the norm of a conventional VPN by creating an app that has a list of application shortcuts. Users can watch Netflix US, torrent, or browse the Internet without the hassle of manually choosing a server.
Beneath the hood of this sleek-looking app is a secure VPN technology. It uses the AES-256 encryption, which tunnels the data across its servers in 16 countries. While it lacks a killswitch, the developer assures that it’s planned for future release.
Assguard was originally launched for iOS, which is a success. Assguard is now available on macOS, Android, and Windows. You can use the VPN for free but with limited features or try out the premium feature with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Highlights
- Servers are available in 16 countries.
- Works with iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows.
- Unblocks Netflix US.
- Secured with AES-256 encryption.
- Configurable shortcuts.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost’s wide network of servers in over 90+ countries ensures that it has one of the highest connection speeds in the industry. Its apps are downloadable to popular platforms and feature a list of specialized servers for streaming and torrenting.
With an automated killswitch and multihop, security is assured with CyberGhost. A single subscription allows simultaneous connection of up to 7 devices. CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee period to try out its premium features.
Highlights
- 6,300+ servers in 90+ countries.
- High-speed connections.
- Unblocks Netflix US.
- Headquartered in Romania (safe jurisdiction).
- Responsive live chat.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is all about speed and beyond. It is arguably the fastest VPN on earth. With its blazing connection, streaming Netflix US on ExpressVPN is a pleasant experience. While doing so, its military-grade AES-256 encryption protects your data from being spied on.
Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN is not subjected to data retention laws. Besides its RAM-based server ensures that no data is permanently stored.
ExpressVPN supports 5 simultaneous devices per subscription and you’re backed by a 30-days money-back guarantee.
Highlights
- Extremely fast VPN connections.
- 3,000+ servers in 94 countries.
- Supports split-tunneling.
- Unblocks Netflix US.
- HQ in the British Virgin Islands (safe jurisdiction).
Surfshark
Surfshark’s mercurial rise in the VPN industry is backed by its speedy servers, secure connections, and advanced features like multihop and killswitch. Its offer of unlimited device support is also a plus point in attracting new subscribers.
Not only does Surfshark have a strict no-log policy, it engages independent auditors to ensure that its security is top-notch and free from hidden flaws. All of Surfsharks’ servers are P2P friendly.
You can try Surfshark risk-free with its 30-days money-back protection.
Highlights
- Unlimited devices supported per subscription.
- 1,700+ servers in 63 countries.
- Features multihop and killswitch.
- Based in British Virgin Islands (safe jurisdiction)
- All servers are P2P-friendly.
IPVanish
The fact that IPVanish is a US-based VPN may cause concerns for some users. Yet, it deserves a mention for its astonishing fast servers. Since changing ownership, it is committed to a strict no-logs policy, which means it can’t turn any personal data to authorities.
IPVanish is ideal for torrenting. It has blatantly pledged to ensure the anonymity of its users who are using P2P software when connected to the VPN.
In recent months, IPVanish has offered unlimited device connections for a single account. Each of its plans is protected with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Highlights
- Encourages torrenting.
- High-speed servers.
- No logs policy.
- AES-256 encryptions
- 1,500+ servers in 50+ countries.
FEATURES | NordVPN | Assguard | Cyberghost | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | No (Future plan) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fast Speed | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| AES-256 encryption | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Server counts | 5567+ | Undisclosed | 5300+ | 3,000+ | 1,700+ | 1,500+ |
| Number of countries | 59+ | 50+ | 90+ | 94 | 63 | 50+ |
| No-logs policy | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 24/7 Customer support | ✅ email or LiveChat | ✅ email or LiveChat | ✅ email or LiveChat | ✅ email or LiveChat | ✅ email or LiveChat | ✅email or LiveChat |
| No of devices | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Supports chain VPN connections | Yes (Double VPN) | Yes (Multihop) | Yes (Multihop) | No | Yes (Multihop) | No |
Summary
Given how the German government is surveilling the Internet, you’ll never know when you’re being spied on. Using a VPN in Germany helps you stay protected. Still undecided on what works well for you? Choose any in our list of the best VPN in Germany and you’ll avoid surveillance with ease.
