Last updated Jun 25, 2024 at 11am ET
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Switzerland isn’t the worst location regarding privacy, but it’s not perfect, either. For example, the government permits surveillance of all forms of communication, including the internet. Furthermore, Swiss Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can store communication metadata for up to 12 months.
Whether you’re cautious about your privacy or want to access blocked content, a VPN is your friend.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tool that allows you to connect through a remote server with an encrypted connection. This keeps your connection private and lets you bypass geo-restrictions to get more content out of Netflix and other platforms. It’s valuable technology to have, even in this country – thus, we present the best VPNs for Switzerland.
Best VPN for Switzerland: shortlist
- The best VPN for Switzerland9.6
- Effective & affordable Switzerland VPN9.3
- All-rounder VPN for Switzerland9.1
- Security-first VPN based in Switzerland8.8
How to set up a VPN for Switzerland
- Subscribe to a top-grade Switzerland VPN. We recommend NordVPN, now 74% off
- Get the software and set it up on your device
- Connect to a server in Switzerland
- Enjoy privacy, security, and endless possibilities with a VPN!
Why do you need a VPN in Switzerland?
Switzerland isn’t part of the European Union, and the EU Data Retention Directive doesn’t apply to it. However, the Swiss government passed its own directives earlier that let them use surveillance tactics if there is any proof a crime has been committed. It means your data could end up being collateral damage in an investigation.
Torrenting for personal use is freely allowed in Switzerland. However, P2P connections expose your IP address to everyone who is sharing data files. You could easily become a target for an online attack.
And despite their allowance for copyright piracy for your personal use, foreign online gambling portals are blocked. You’re limited only to local ones that are registered in the country and are subject to Swiss taxes. If you’re just passing through and want to connect to the site with all your chips, it will be a problem.
A premium VPN will help you disguise your real information and bypass all kinds of geo-blocks. Neither the government nor third parties will be able to spy on you due to military-grade encryption. And since this technology also changes your IP address, getting access to gambling websites and other blocked content is easy.
Best VPNs for Switzerland: overview
If you want to stay anonymous and protected, choose any of the secure VPNs from the list. They will help you circumvent restrictions and access loads of new content. Moreover, they offer amazing speeds, loads of Swiss servers, and phenomenal safety features.
1. NordVPN – the ultimate VPN for Switzerland
Panama
6400
111
532 Mbit/s
- Great for streaming, P2P, gaming
- NordLynx protocol for best speeds
- Independently-audited and secure
- Only six simultaneous connections
NordVPN is a perfect VPN for Swiss users, situated in the very privacy-friendly Panama. It offers a variety of robust features that will help you to keep your anonymity safe and remove annoying geographical restrictions. Furthermore, the provider’s no-logs policy was audited twice by the highly-regarded PwC AG consulting company.
The service is one of the fastest VPNs in the industry, thanks to the NordLynx tunneling protocol. Picking any of the 6400+ RAM-only servers in 111+ countries provides you with excellent performance. And getting a Swiss IP address won’t be a problem with 100+ suitable connection points across the nation.
If you’re privacy-conscious or working with sensitive data, use the DoubleVPN feature to route your connection through two encrypted servers. Then there’s obfuscated servers for those wanting to hide the fact they’re utilizing a VPN in the first place. Another neat aspect of NordVPN is that you can pay for the subscription with crypto.
You can grab this excellent Switzerland VPN for just $2.99/month. After applying a NordVPN discount code, that is. All commitments are protected with the 30-day money-back guarantee if you decide the provider isn’t for you. It’s an unlikely scenario, though, especially after testing the free 7-day trial available via the Google Play Store.
For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark VPN – Swiss VPN with infinite connections
Netherlands
3200
100
548 Mbit/s
- Fully-packed with great security features
- Great at geo-unblocking due to Smart DNS feature
- No device limit
- Unaudited no-logs policy
Surfshark VPN is one of the few premium VPNs that allow unlimited simultaneous connections with one subscription, so it’s one of the best multi-device VPNs. This means you can secure all your family’s devices. And when you take into account the powerful protection features included in the package, it’s a steal.
Subscribers get access to the biggest network region-wise – 3200+ RAM-only servers across 100+ countries. Switzerland is included in the list, with plenty of connection points in Zurich. Plus, you’re guaranteed superb speeds no matter the server due to the WireGuard protocol and the Nexus update.
In terms of perks, Surfshark VPN packs a punch. There’s Camouflage & NoBorders modes for bypassing internet censorship, MultiHop for double the encryption, and Bypasser (split tunneling) for customizing your VPN connection. Even malware and intrusive ads won’t be an issue once you enable the CleanWeb function.
If you’re looking for a great VPN for Switzerland, get this one for only $1.99/month. You won’t find a better deal anywhere after using a Surfshark VPN coupon. All subscriptions are risk-free, thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee. Those wanting to take the service out for a spin can do so with the 7-day free trial via the Google Play and Apple App Stores.
For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.
3. PrivateVPN – cheap VPN for Switzerland
Sweden
200
63
299 Mbit/s
- Excellent security
- Great for streaming & P2P
- Owns all hardware
- Lacks WireGuard
Keep your browsing habits completely anonymous with PrivateVPN. The service includes the essential VPN feature trifecta and a few neat perks to boot. With optimal performance, great geo-block circumvention capabilities, and 10 simultaneous connections under the belt, you’ll be ready to brave the world wide web from anywhere in the world.
The provider has a modest network of 200+ servers in 63+ countries. However, it does offer two servers in Zurich with blazing-fast speeds if you want to connect through Switzerland. You won’t even notice that WireGuard is missing, not with the reliable OpenVPN protocol and High Quality Network (HQN) keeping up great connectivity.
PrivateVPN lets you hide all tracks of VPN usage with the Stealth VPN feature. You also get Application Guard, which allows selected applications to work only when you’re connected to the VPN. And if you want to boost your torrents, do so with SOCKS5 proxies and port forwarding.
$2.00/month for this Switzerland VPN won’t hurt your wallet. Just don’t forget to utilize a PrivateVPN code before finalizing the purchase to get the discount. Of course, you can see how everything works first with the 7-day free trial available on the provider’s website. And the 30-day money-back guarantee lets you use it scot-free for longer.
For a deeper investigation of PrivateVPN, read our PrivateVPN review.
4. Proton VPN – privacy-oriented Swiss VPN
Switzerland
8600
112
520 Mbit/s
- Robust security features
- Secure, audited, and open-source
- Swift connection speeds with WireGuard
- No live chat customer support
If you’re looking for a trustworthy service operating from Switzerland itself, don’t overlook Proton VPN. The provider has many things going for it – an independently-audited no-logs policy, open-source applications, plenty of security-focused features, and more. And you get to protect your most important devices with 10 simultaneous connections.
8600+ servers across 112+ countries span the whole globe, so getting almost any content you want is easy. And as expected from a Swiss-based VPN, it includes 45+ servers in Zurich. Lastly, stable and speedy connections are guaranteed with the WireGuard tunneling protocol and VPN Accelerator.
Now, the feature list. Proton VPN offers Netshield (ad & malware blocking), Secure Core (double encryption), split tunneling, Tor over VPN, the Stealth protocol, and more. The service is so focused on providing its users with complete privacy that you can even pay for the subscription with crypto and cash.
Utilize a Proton VPN code to snatch this Swiss VPN for just $2.99/month. Your purchase is insured with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you won’t lose your hard-earned cash if you decide to cancel. Plus, there’s a great free version that comes with unlimited bandwidth, 3 server locations, and 1 simultaneous connection.
For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.
Best Switzerland VPN: comparison
| NordVPN | Surfshark VPN | PrivateVPN | Proton VPN | |
| Rating | 9.6 | 9.3 | 9.1 | 8.8 |
| Network size | 6400+ servers in 111+ countries | 3200+ servers in 100+ countries | 200+ servers in 63+ countries | 8600+ servers in 112+ countries |
| Simultaneous connections | 6 | Unlimited | 10 | 10 |
| Streaming & torrenting | Both | Both | Both | Both |
| Features | Threat Protection, Double VPN, split tunneling, Tor Over VPN, obfuscated servers, SmartPlay | CleanWeb, MultiHop, Bypasser, Camouflage & NoBorders modes, GPS spoofing, Smart DNS | Stealth VPN, Application Guard, port forwarding, SOCKS5 proxies | Netshield, Secure Core, split tunneling, Tor Over VPN, Stealth protocol, port forwarding, VPN Accelerator |
| Price | $2.99/month | $1.99/month | $2.00/month | $2.99/month |
How to choose the best VPN for Switzerland
Choosing the right kind of provider is a crucial decision. Here’s what you should prioritize when choosing a VPN for Switzerland:
- A big fleet. Having servers in the country in question is mandatory, but other regions shouldn’t be overlooked, either. The broader the network, the more geo-locked content you can access.
- Ensured privacy. We recommend prioritizing VPNs with no-logs policies because they don’t collect data about you. It’s especially important if the service is located in a Fourteen Eyes alliance country. And brownie points go to those with independently-audited policies.
- Guaranteed security. AES-256 encryption, IP & DNS leak protection, and a kill switch are essential features you can’t go without. They ensure you’re hidden at all times and prevent potential data leaks in case the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
- Optimal performance. Naturally, routing your internet traffic through an encrypted server slows down speeds. It can range from barely noticeable to detrimental, depending on how the provider implements the tunneling protocol.
- Versatility. A robust Switzerland VPN may also include perks meant to improve streaming, torrenting, online gaming, or just bypass censorship measures in general. If it’s something you need, check whether the provider offers them.
- Price. A higher price is often a marketing gimmick and doesn’t necessarily mean the service will be better. Don’t be afraid of trying cheaper VPN services if they include everything you want. Most come with money-back guarantees, so there’s no risk in subscribing.
How to get a Swiss IP?
- Sign up for a VPN with servers in Switzerland. You can never go wrong with NordVPN, which has over 100 Swiss servers.
- Download the VPN app and install it on the device of your choice
- Connect to any Swiss server
- Check for IP address or DNS request leaks
- Enjoy browsing regional content!
Should you use a free VPN for Switzerland?
We understand how tempting free VPNs are, but we strongly recommend giving them a wide berth. While not most costless providers do this, an alarming majority of them partake in shady practices such as:
- Extensive data logging. Free services collect your information and then sell it to third parties, like advertisers. It’s one of the methods they use to cover operational costs.
- Intrusive ads. Another way such VPNs make money is by littering their applications with advertisements. Most of them are harmless, but some contain viruses, so accidentally clicking on them is dangerous.
- Malware-ridden apps. A few costless providers were caught injecting malicious software into their clients. These track your actions and collect various info even while you’re not connected to the VPN.
- No basic protection. Even if the service includes encryption or leak protection, they’re usually so unreliable that you might as well not use the VPN at all.
And if that’s not enough, free VPNs facilitate poor performance due to severe server and bandwidth limitations. Those who don’t want to pay a dime will be better off taking advantage of VPNs with free trial versions. Although for a limited time, you get full protection and access to the complete feature list. And once one trial ends, start another with a different service.
VPN not working in Switzerland: solutions
Sometimes you follow the instructions to a T, and yet, the thing you’ve been working on doesn’t work. The same can happen with VPNs since this tool isn’t 100% foolproof. There’s no need to fret – do some troubleshooting instead.
- Switch servers. You won’t get any results if the connection point is overcrowded or down for maintenance. And if you’re trying to access a specific streaming service, the IP address might be simply banned.
- Check for IP & DNS leaks. Exposed IP addresses and DNS requests leak your location, so we recommend performing a leak test. Then toggle the VPN’s security features and cycle through the available tunneling protocols.
- Clear all browser cookies. Stored in your browser’s cache, these also contain information about your actual whereabouts.
- Update the VPN. Outdated software usually doesn’t perform as well and is a security risk to a certain extent. Download the latest available patch.
- Contact VPN customer support. The problem might be more on the technical side, so getting in touch with professionals is a good idea.
And if the above steps don’t help, it’s time to switch to another Swiss VPN provider. The ones we included in this list work as intended, bypass geo-blocks with ease and keep your online identity secure at all times.
Bottom line
Despite being a privacy haven in some aspects, Switzerland does have issues regarding surveillance. And with the government blocking certain websites and platforms, you can’t really say you have access to the free world wide web here.
Using a robust VPN takes care of the privacy and banned site problems. Providers like NordVPN achieve this with powerful security features and wide-ranging server networks. And since they usually come with additional perks, they are useful for all kinds of online activities to boot.
If you’re in Switzerland, which of these VPNs have you used before? Did we miss any great providers? Let us know in the comments below!
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FAQ
Which VPN has servers in Switzerland?
All VPNs from our list have Swiss servers. However, the best one is NordVPN. It offers phenomenal speeds, loads of hardware globally, and top-notch features. Plus, it can bypass geo-restrictions, so you’ll get a bunch of new content online.
Can I use a VPN in Switzerland?
Yes, using VPNs is totally fine in Switzerland. Actually, we highly recommend using a reliable service for privacy and security. You’ll have the best experience with our top Switzerland VPNs.
Are VPNs legal in Switzerland?
Yes, VPNs are legal in Switzerland. Many residents use this technology to make their browsing safer and to access content blocked by the government. However, doing illegal activities while connected to a VPN still makes them illegal.
Can I watch Swiss TV online with a VPN?
Yes, you can stream Swiss TV online with a VPN. All you need is to get a Swiss IP address. First, subscribe to a VPN and install it on your device. Then connect to a server located in Switzerland, and you’re good to go.
Is torrenting legal in Switzerland?
It’s legal to download copyrighted material in Switzerland, but only for personal use. Distributing it is a punishable offense, though. Still, torrenting exposes your IP address to other users, so using a VPN is necessary to protect your privacy.
I would also recommend Surfshark, as TkiTki has mentioned above. It is a good alternative when choosing a VPN provider in Switzerland.
I’m a huge fan of Switzerland (especially Basel!), but I’m not so huge on privacy-crackdowns. Even though I don’t look at anything incriminating, I feel more secure knowing that people aren’t monitoring my data!
Although a bit high priced, Surfshark is another good one for all your devices. It allows unlimited streaming access, has 500+ servers in 50 countries, and offers 30-day money-back guarantee. You might want to add it to the list.
Mention Switzerland and I think of Swiss bank accounts and other things where a person can maintain their privacy. It’s disappointing that Internet service providers keep your data for 6 months. A good reason to get a VPN, especially considering it sounds like their country’s entertainment options are so limited.
Great list! I have been studying VPNs recently and can say, that the author knows what he’s talking about. Services listed here are fantastic. I use IPs from different countries, which makes me safe and hidden from crackers, advertisers and the gov.