Key Takeaways: The Best VPN for Venezuela
- ExpressVPN — Fastest automatic obfuscation and virtual Venezuelan server
- NordVPN — Reliable user security with a “double VPN” feature
- Surfshark — Venezuelan IP address with unlimited simultaneous connections
- Proton VPN — Best free Venezuelan VPN with alternative routing to bypass censorship
- Mullvad — Best short-term price plans with excellent security
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09/13/2021 Facts checked
Cloudwards completed a fresh evaluation of the best VPNs for Venezuela.
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11/14/2023 Facts checked
Article rewritten to include fresh VPN options for Venezuela.
Venezuela has an internet freedom index score of 15 out of 100, with the government controlling all major news media. For instance, the biggest telecommunication company, CANTV, is state-owned, so the government can see everything everyone is doing online. To avoid all this, you need the best Venezuela VPN.
Additionally, with the country facing hyperinflation, some Venezuelans have turned to cybercrime. To protect your online connection, it helps to hide behind a VPN’s encryption. Plus, you can comfortably stream any content from Venezuela and abroad using virtual IP addresses.
However, not all VPNs are suited for Venezuela. We researched and tested several of them and narrowed the list to the best five. ExpressVPN came on top, just as it topped our best VPN list. Let’s get the ball rolling to see how the five best VPNs for Venezuela performed.
Best Venezuela VPN: Cloudwards Editor’s Choice
ExpressVPN came out on top for several reasons. First, it’s the only VPN that offers automatic obfuscation across all servers without affecting speeds. This allows you to bypass attempts by the government to block VPN traffic.
ExpressVPN also provides a virtual Venezuela server for Venezuelan content; this means you can get a virtual IP address for Venezuela but not have the security risks of using a physical server within the country. (See ExpressVPN’s pricing.) However, we have four other excellent VPNs that we can recommend, so keep reading to learn more about them all.
How to Choose the Best Venezuela VPN
There are four key things to remember when choosing a Venezuelan VPN. It should protect your internet connection from state surveillance through encryption that does not leak IP addresses. All the VPNs on our list offer a high level of security.
Another important security feature is obfuscation. The Venezuelan government has not outlawed VPNs, but it does try to block their use. A VPN with obfuscation can bypass these blocks by disguising VPN traffic.
The VPN should also have an extensive global server network that lets you unblock streaming sites and social media platforms while in Venezuela. It’s a bonus if the VPN provides a Venezuela IP address for non-Venezuelans who want to access local content.
Finally, the VPN must be fast enough to handle bandwidth-heavy activities like streaming, torrenting and gaming. Protocols like Lightway UDP for ExpressVPN and NordLynx for NordVPN can boost connection speeds. Read our VPN protocols review to understand them better.
The 5 Best VPNs for Venezuela
Let’s see what makes these VPNs suitable for Venezuela, starting with our top pick, ExpressVPN.
1. ExpressVPN
More details about Expressvpn:
- Pricing: $6.66 per month (15-months plan)
- Free plan: No; 30-day money-back guarantee
- Provider Website: ExpressVPN.com
Pros:
- Fast automatic obfuscation
- Fast speeds for streaming
- Offers a Venezuelan server
Cons:
- Expensive
ExpressVPN can encrypt your internet traffic, but the key standout feature is the automatic obfuscation. ExpressVPN’s obfuscation is the only one that works across all servers and protocols. It also doesn’t impact download speeds.
With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, you can bypass international geoblocks, like watching Hulu in the U.S. or BBC iPlayer in the U.K. ExpressVPN is also one of the only two VPNs on this list (alongside Surfshark) that offer a Venezuelan IP address. With this virtual location, you can watch channels like Venevision or Telesur while using the VPN. Read more in our detailed ExpressVPN review.
ExpressVPN Hands-On Testing
ExpressVPN has apps for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows that are easy to install and navigate. To locate a Venezuelan server, use the search bar and connect with a single tap.
Furthermore, ExpressVPN was fast in our tests when connecting from Kenya to a U.S. server. The Lightway protocol exceeded our unprotected speeds of 60 Mbps by averaging63 Mbps, a 5% gain. This is sufficient for buffer-free 4K streaming, fast downloads and gaming without lags.
If you ever get faster speeds with a VPN than without, that’s proof your ISP may be throttling your speeds. ExpressVPN offers three protocols for your security in Venezuela: Lightway (UDP & TCP), OpenVPN (UDP & TCP) and IKEv2.
Pricing & Value: Is ExpressVPN Worth It?
ExpressVPN offers three price plans: one month, six months and 12 months. The 12-month plan provides the best deal (when you purchase the plan, it comes with three free months), while the one-month plan is the most expensive — though more affordable than Surfshark’s monthly plan. The VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee but no free plan.
2. NordVPN
More details about NordVPN:
- Pricing: $3.19 per month (two-year plan + three months)
- Free plan: No; 30-day money-back guarantee
- Provider website: NordVPN.com
Pros:
- Fast speeds for gaming
- Double VPN feature
- Obfuscated servers
Cons:
- No servers in Venezuela
- Obfuscated servers are slow
NordVPN doesn’t have a Venezuelan server, but it’s still one of the best VPNs for security and avoiding government interference, which is critical if you’re a journalist or political activist. First, you get a “double VPN” feature that encrypts your traffic twice, providing a backup in case one server fails. You can follow our step-by-step guide to set up NordVPN.
Furthermore, NordVPN offers obfuscated servers through the OpenVPN protocol. This eliminates VPN metadata from your traffic, helping you to circumvent possible VPN blocks in Venezuela. However, your speeds may be affected since the OpenVPN protocol is not quite as fast as WireGuard or its derivatives.
For unblocking content from Venezuela, NordVPN has over 5,000 servers in 60 countries. You can stream platforms like Peacock or BritBox from Caracas and communicate outside Venezuela with Facebook and X.
NordVPN Hands-On Testing
The NordVPN apps for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows are easy to use with all the servers accessible from the left panel. However, the combination of the large server map and the fact some servers are only visible on some protocols makes NordVPN a little challenging for VPN beginners.
NordVPN was the second-fastest service we tested from Kenya to a U.S. server at 58 Mbps, a 3% speed drop on our unprotected 60 Mbps speeds. This was achieved on the NordLynx protocol, which is fast enough to handle 4K streaming, lag-free gaming and torrenting. NordVPN’s obfuscated servers gave us average speeds of only 3 Mbps.
Pricing & Value: Is NordVPN Worth It?
You can subscribe to NordVPN using the monthly, one-year, or two-year plans. The biggest discounts come on the two-year plan. You get NordVPN and all its features, including a 30-day money-back guarantee, on the most basic plan. If you want a deeper dive into NordVPN’s features, price plans and the rest, then check out our NordVPN review.
3. Surfshark
More details about Surfshark:
- Pricing: $2.49 per month (two-year plan)
- Free plan: No; 30-day money-back guarantee
- Provider website: Surfshark.com
Pros:
- Venezuelan IP addresses
- Bypasses heavy censorship
- Unlimited connections
Cons:
- Camouflage Mode slows down speeds
- Expensive monthly plan
Surfshark is the most affordable VPN on its two-year plan, as detailed in our Surfshark review. Like our top two VPN recommendations, it also offers obfuscation, called “camouflage mode,” which grants you access to the open and free internet in Venezuela while disguising the fact that you’re using a VPN. It’s automatically activated when you switch to OpenVPN protocol.
You can also boost your security by using any of Surfshark’s 12 MultiHop servers that route traffic between two servers. This double encryption makes it even harder for state agencies in Venezuela to track you by protecting against the possibility of one server being compromised.
On top of this, you get over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including a Venezuelan server to get a Venezuela IP address. This means you can unblock both local and international content, from the NBA Live Pass or telenovelas on Globovisión.
Surfshark Hands-On Testing
Surfshark is compatible withiOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, and all the apps are easily navigable. You can type “Venezuela” into the search box to locate and connect to the VPN server instantly. Surfshark is also the best VPN for multiple devices, as it is the only one on this list that offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
In our speed tests using a US server, the VPN clocked 54 Mbps in our speed tests, a 10% drop on our unprotected speeds of 60 Mbps. This is slower than ExpressVPN and NordVPN but still more than enough for streaming 4K content, gaming and torrenting. We also ran tests with “camouflage mode” on, and the average speeds dropped to 11 Mbps.
Pricing & Value: Is Surfshark Worth It?
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN with three price plans. The 24-month option offers the best deal. However, the monthly plans are the most expensive option on this VPN list. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee and a cryptocurrency option for secure, untraceable payments. To get Surfshark, the cheap Starter plan is all you need.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
4. Proton VPN
for user security and privacy against surveillance.
More details about Surfshark:
- Pricing: Free, $4.99 per month (two-year plan)
- Free plan: Yes; unlimited data but only three server locations
- Provider Website: ProtonVPN.com
Pros:
- Over 3,000 servers
- Free unlimited data
- Secure protocols
Cons:
- No Venezuelan servers
- Free plan limited to 3 places
- Secure Core servers are slow
Proton VPN’s encryption can hide your real IP address in Venezuela to prevent any form of tracking. It has a unique feature called “alternative routing” that routes your connection through third-party networks, like Amazon Web Services, if the servers you’re using get blocked. This makes it a great choice if you find that other Venezuela VPNs can’t get through to the outside.
In addition, Proton VPN has a unique Smart protocol that automatically switches you to any of the other three protocols when one is blocked. This includes the Stealth protocol, which is perfect for journalists and activists. We’ve covered this obfuscation feature and more in our Proton VPN review, so be sure to read it.
Users of Proton VPN can access over 3,000 servers in 69 countries to unblock restricted streaming sites like Hulu and social media. On top of these, special “secure core” servers route internet traffic through other servers in privacy-friendly nations like Switzerland; this double VPN connection will reduce your speeds, though.
Proton VPN Hands-On Testing
The Proton VPN app has one of the most aesthetically pleasing interfaces. The servers are accessible from the left panel, complete with a search button. You can easily make changes like switching protocols, setting auto-connect, or managing your account subscription within the app.
Proton VPN was the second slowest VPN in our testing from Kenya to a U.S. server, clocking average speeds of 46 Mbps against our unprotected speeds of 60 Mbps. This was a 23% speed drop. However, it still handled streaming with almost no hiccups. Secure Core servers were slower, averaging speeds of 15 Mbps.
Pricing & Value: Is Proton VPN Worth It?
Proton VPN offers one-month, one-year, and two-year plans. You’ll get better discounts with the two-year plan, though you’ll have to pay more upfront. Each plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Proton is also the only alternative on this list that offers a free plan, and it doesn’t compromise on security or data, making it an excellent value.
- Unlimited GB
- 1
- Yes
5. Mullvad
More details about Mullvad:
- Pricing: $5.30 per month (one-month plan)
- Free plan: No; 30-day money-back guarantee
- Provider Website: Mullvad.com
Pros:
- Strong security & privacy
- Has geo-blocked obfuscation
- Anonymous sign-up options
Cons:
- Slowest VPN on the list
- Smaller server network
Mullvad takes anonymity and privacy seriously by allowing users to create accounts without using personal details — you can even pay in cash. This works perfectly for activists who don’t want their work to be traced back to them through their emails. There’s also an obfuscation feature called “v2ray” that lets you use the censorship-tackling Shadowsocks protocol.
While Mullvad has the smallest server network on this list, with a little over 600 servers in 40 countries, they’re well-distributed in locations that matter. You can connect to servers in Brazil to get decent speeds in Venezuela, or the United States and beyond to unblock restricted content. Unfortunately, Mullvad doesn’t offer a Venezuelan IP address, so watching local content abroad is impossible.
Mullvad Hands-On Testing
The Mullvad app is simpler than the other VPN alternatives. It’s easy to activate important security features, like the kill switch, and to select the right protocol.
Mullvad was the slowest in our speed tests using a U.S. server, clocking average speeds of 34 Mbps. A 43% speed drop is significant, and we also experienced minor buffering issues with 4K streaming and lags when gaming. You should be fine if you only need to access and share simple websites like news outlets and social media platforms. With obfuscation activated, we got 5 Mbps.
Pricing & Value: Is Mullvad Worth It?
Mullvad has a unique pricing model with a single flat fee of 5 euros ($5.26) per month. You can pay for your subscription using different payment options, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or even cash. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. Here’s our Mullvad review if you want to learn more.
- Unlimited GB
- 5
- Yes
Can You Use a Free VPN for Venezuela?
You can use a free VPN for Venezuela, but it’s not something we recommend, except for Proton VPN and the other services on our best free VPN list. Plenty of free VPNs make money by using and sharing your private data.
Many free VPNs can be slow or have limited server networks, and few are built well enough to get around censorship in Venezuela. Read more in our free VPNs vs paid VPNs guide.
The Best Free Venezuela VPN: Proton VPN
Proton VPN is the best free Venezuelan VPN. Its free plan offers over 90 free servers in Japan, the Netherlands and the United States, plus has no data limit. Its free servers can unblock multiple geo-restricted sites and social media platforms from Venezuela.
How to Use a VPN for Venezuela
Using a VPN for Venezuela isn’t hard. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide for using ExpressVPN for Venezuela.
- Subscribe to ExpressVPN
Launch the VPN website and choose a plan that fits your budget.
- Download and Install the VPN
Download and install the VPN on your device.
- Launch the VPN and Connect to a Venezuelan Server
Find Venezuela from the list of servers and tap on it once to connect.
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Why You Need a VPN When in Venezuela
Venezuela doesn’t score well in terms of internet freedoms, and things have become worse since Nicolás Maduro came to power in 2013. For example, independent media stations like Union Radio can’t air anything without approval from the Venezuelan government.
Cases of journalists like Roland Carreño getting arrested and jailed without trial are common. Using a VPN is one of the few safe ways for Venezuelan media to expose what’s happening in the country.
Additionally, cybercrime is on the rise in Venezuela. A VPN can add an extra layer of encryption protection and privacy to your internet connection.
Final Thoughts
Whether you live in Venezuela or just plan to visit, a VPN is vital if you want to access a free internet with more protection from government repercussions and to avoid internet censorship.
ExpressVPN is still the best VPN for Venezuela. Private and secure, it offers the fastest obfuscation with great download and streaming speeds. NordVPN, Surfshark and Proton VPN are worthy alternatives, and Mullvad also gets you what you need if you don’t mind slower speeds.
You may also find our informative pieces on the best VPN for Brazil and Argentina VPN very helpful if you’re touring South America.
Have you made your decision on a Venezuela VPN provider? Can Mullvad take care of your needs, or do you prefer a more advanced option? Do you need something for a large group like Surfshark, or is NordVPN, ExpressVPN or Proton VPN enough? Let us know what you think, and thank you for reading.
FAQ: 5 Best VPNs for Venezuela
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Using a VPN is legal in Venezuela. The government clamps down on freedom of expression, but has not entirely banned the use of VPN within its borders. However, using VPNs for illegal activities may land you into trouble.
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You can get a Venezuela VPN by installing one that offers servers worldwide. If it offers Venezuelan IP addresses, the better for you as you can unblock local and foreign content from anywhere.
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ExpressVPN works in Venezuela and offers both global and local IP addresses you can use to bypass government surveillance and access restricted content.
The post The Best Venezuela VPN: 5 Top VPNs for 2023 appeared first on Cloudwards.
