The best VPN for Canada in 2025

best Canada VPN
(Image credit: Future)

Whether you're a Canadian native or just there on vacation, a Canada VPN is a handy digital app you can use to unblock shows, movies, and more from around the world.

At TechRadar, we've done our homework, including 28,000 speed tests, 2,200 streaming tests, and more than 100 reviews of the best VPNs around. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and PIA currently lead the pack when it comes to unblocking power and speedy Canadian servers.

Keep reading, and I'll dig into each provider with a detailed analysis of their performance, stream unblocking, and overall value for money.

5 best VPNs: quick overview

Looking for a quick answer? Check out my rundown of today's top 5 Canada VPNs – and keep scrolling for more info about each provider.

1. NordVPNThe best VPN for most people

1. NordVPN - from $3.39 per month
The best VPN for most people
NordVPN impresses right off the bat with more than 480 servers in Canada. Take your pick of locations in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, or hop overseas to unblock streaming content from around the world. Plus, with NordVPN's blistering speeds, you'll have no problem streaming in HD. The NordVPN apps are packed with features, too, and include built-in antivirus and ad-blocking tools that make the web a safer place to be. Take NordVPN for a test drive with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. ExpressVPNThe best VPN for beginners

2. ExpressVPN - from $6.67 per month
The best VPN for beginners
ExpressVPN is my go-to recommendation for VPN newbies because it's just that easy to use. The apps look great, too, so you won't have to deal with a ton of clutter while you're picking out a server. On that note, ExpressVPN has servers in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, and plenty of locations dotted around the rest of the world. While ExpressVPN is roughly twice the price of NordVPN, you can take the service for a test drive with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. PIAThe best VPN for Linux

3. PIA - from $2.03 per month
The best VPN for Linux
Private Internet Access (PIA) has servers dotted across a handful of Canadian cities – including Toronto, Montreal, Ontario, and Vancouver. That's great news for folks who want to unblock Netflix's Canada library (or local CBC content). You can share the love with friends and family, too, with unlimited simultaneous connections. PIA is a super-secure provider with a battle-tested no-logs policy. So, if you want a VPN that has proven its commitment to user privacy, PIA is hard to beat. See for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. SurfsharkThe best cheap (and fastest) VPN

4. Surfshark - from $2.19 per month
The best cheap (and fastest) VPN
Surfshark proves that you don't need to pay a fortune for a reliable VPN. One subscription bags you the fastest speeds I've seen in a long time, awesome content unblocking power, and unlimited simultaneous connections you can use to secure all of your gadgets. Plus, Surfshark has an impressive spread of 120 Canadian servers in Montreal, Toronto, and Quebec. If you're interested, it's well worth trying Surfshark for yourself with its risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. Proton VPNThe best free VPN

5. Proton VPN - from $4.49 per month
The best free VPN
If you want a seriously security-focused VPN, but don't want to fork out for a pricey subscription, Proton VPN could be your perfect match. It packs a ton of privacy-boosting tools and impressive speeds, as well as 44 servers dotted across Canada. The free Proton VPN plan is one of the best free services around, too, and will even help you unblock geo-restricted streaming content.

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The best Canada VPNs in 2025

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Recent updates

This update saw no significant differences between our top picks, and no new events in the industry for us to report on. As such, we double-checked the pricing, deals, server locations, and unblocking capabilities to make sure the information on this page was as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

The best VPN overall

(Image credit: Future)

1. NordVPN

A security specialist with plenty of unblocking power

Works with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Number of servers: 6,000+ | Server locations: 61 countries | Canada server cities: Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver | Maximum devices supported: 6

The fastest provider on the block
Double data encryption
Huge selection of servers
Unblocks Netflix with ease
Modest prices
Mobile apps are a bit fiddly
Basic browser extensions

NordVPN is the cream of the crop and our #1 pick overall – and packs a ton of features into budget-friendly prices (that are half as expensive as its closest rival, ExpressVPN). Plus, it's packed with features designed to give your digital privacy a boost.

There are plenty of servers in Canada to choose from, too, with 480 dotted across the country in key locations like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. If you want to hop across the border to the States, however, there's a massive network of 1,900 servers available.

Streaming and unblocking

NordVPN is fantastic at unblocking overseas content – and it's my personal favorite Netflix VPN. During my most recent round of tests, I was able to check out international libraries in Canada, the US, and the UK without any hiccups. NordVPN also works like a charm for smaller regional services, which means you can keep up with your favorite shows even if you're making the journey to Canada from overseas.

Expert Verdict: NordPN
Chiara Castro headshot
Expert Verdict: NordPN
Chiara Castro

NordVPN is my top pick for most users today. You'll get sleek apps for all of your devices, security that has your back whether you're browsing at home or on the go, and access to more streaming platforms than you can shake a stick at. So, if you're looking for a stand-out everyday service, NordVPN is hard to beat. ★★★★★

Read more: NordVPN review

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NordVPN test results:

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Apps look great, but can feel busy on some devices

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Most features are easy to find and use, though the map interface can be off-putting

⭐⭐⭐

Performance

The quickest VPN I've tested

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Unblocking

Unblocks a wealth of content via Netflix and more

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Security and privacy

Tough encryption, double kill switch, and transparent audits

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Customer support

Live chat support is quick to respond and professional

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Low-cost plans pack a lot of value

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best VPN for beginners

(Image credit: ExpressVPN)

2. ExpressVPN

An awesome pick for Canada—and pretty much everywhere else

Works with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Apple TV | Number of servers: 3,000+ | Server locations: 160 | Canada server cities: Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver | Maximum devices supported: 8

Ultra-reliable kill switch
Great mobile apps
Super helpful customer support
Unlocks loads of sites and services
Servers in 105 countries
Above average prices
Not the fastest VPN

Test after test, ExpressVPN continues to impress. A huge part of the reason why it's so high on my list is just how easy the service is to use. Its mobile client is especially user-friendly, which is great news for folks who are often on the go and relying on notoriously unsecure public Wi-Fi networks.

In terms of server coverage, ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 secure servers dotted across 105 countries. Hundreds of these servers are based in Canada, too, in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, meaning you'll have top-notch speeds when you're browsing from home.

Streaming and unblocking

If you want to hop across digital borders to check out Canadian content while you're away on vacation (or business), you'll be glad to learn that ExpressVPN is a stellar streaming VPN. It always achieves great results in our in-house testing, unblocking in-demand platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and many more.

Expert Verdict: ExpressVPN
Chiara Castro headshot
Expert Verdict: ExpressVPN
Chiara Castro

ExpressVPN is my #1 recommendation for new VPN users who want to get up and running right away. Setup only takes a few clicks and you'll have no trouble navigating the user-friendly apps. Plus, ExpressVPN lives up to its name with speeds that can handle all your HD streaming. ★★★★½

Read more: ExpressVPN review

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ExpressVPN test results:

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Apps are fresh and fun, no matter which device you're using

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Features are easy to find and use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance

A speedy provider, but slower than NordVPN

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Unblocking

Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more with ease

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Security and privacy

Packed with security features and robust encryption

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Customer support

24/7 live chat support never disappoints

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

A pricey pick, but feature-rich

⭐⭐⭐

The best budget VPN

3. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Tons of servers, features, and privacy

Works with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Number of servers: 10,000+ | Server locations: 91 countries | Canada server cities: Vancouver, Ontario, Toronto, Montreal | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited

A long list of security features
Servers in 91 countries worldwide
Open source apps
Dedicated streaming servers
Support for port-forwarding
Monthly plan up to $11.95 from $9.95 
Apps might be intimidating for newbies

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a battle-hardened veteran of the VPN scene that remains a popular pick – thanks, in no small part, to its awesome security tools. You'll also be able to install and use PIA on virtually any device you own, which is especially handy if you're traveling to and from Canada regularly and rely on your phone, laptop, and tablet to stay connected to family.

PIA's server is absolutely huge, too, with well over 10,00 servers worldwide. Looking for connections within Canada? PIA spoils users for choice with servers in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and even Ontario.

Streaming and unblocking

PIA is another solid option for folks who want to check out what's new on international streaming platforms – or keep up to date with Canadian programming when abroad. The SmartDNS feature lets you bypass geo-restrictions that'd otherwise keep you away from your favorite content, sites, and news sources. PIA's streaming capability improved in my most recent tests, unblocking virtually all in-demand sites, including Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

The VPN delivers on the torrenting front, too, with an array of torrenting-friendly servers and port-forwarding capability that some providers lack entirely.

Expert Verdict: PIA
Chiara Castro headshot
Expert Verdict: PIA
Chiara Castro

Private Internet Access has carved out an impressive niche in the VPN industry as a privacy-first provider that has proven its commitment to user security. The service knows how to have fun, too, with awesome unblocking power and P2P-friendly servers right where you need them. ★★★★

Read more: Private Internet Access review

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Private Internet Access test results:

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Tons of depth and plenty to customize

⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Beginners might be overwhelmed by the complexity

⭐⭐⭐

Performance

Average speeds compared to other premium services

⭐⭐⭐

Unblocking

SmartDNS and a wide server network make unblocking a breeze

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Security and privacy

Packed with security features and a proven no-logs policy

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Customer support

Expert support is on hand at all times

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Fair prices, and plans come with handy extras

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best cheap VPN

(Image credit: Future)

4. Surfshark

A budget-friendly provider that packs a punch

Works with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Number of servers: 3,200+ | Server locations: 110+ | Canada server cities: Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited

Incredibly affordable prices
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Unblocks most streaming platforms
Lightning-fast speeds
Handy Pause VPN feature
Below average OpenVPN speeds
Kill switch issues in extreme situations

There's no doubt about it – Surfshark is the best cheap VPN around. A low price doesn't mean low quality, however, and Surfshark's user-friendly apps come with all the tools you'll need to unblock content, secure your day-to-day browsing, and protect every gadget in the home.

If you're a hockey fan, you'll be glad to hear that Surfshark has Canadian servers in Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto – so you'll never miss another match when you're out of the country.

Streaming and unblocking

Surfshark is your digital skeleton key, able to unblock Netflix libraries from all over the world – including Canada. I was able to check out Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime, too, without any issues. It is worth noting that Surfshark struggles to get around China's Great Firewall, so you may want to check out one of our top-rated China VPNs if you foresee this being an issue.

Expert Verdict: Surfshark
Chiara Castro headshot
Expert Verdict: Surfshark
Chiara Castro

Surfshark is a stellar premium service with a price tag that works for pretty much every budget – meaning you don't need to spend a fortune to shore up your digital privacy. Plus, it's the quickest VPN on our books, capable of unblocking streaming services from Canada and beyond. ★★★★

Read more: Surfshark review

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Surfshark test results:

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

A fresh, modern design that's easy on the eyes

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Straightforward and intuitive

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance

A super-fast service ideal for streaming in HD

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Unblocking

Unblocks in-demand services from around the world

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Security and privacy

Come with ad and malware blocking, but kill switch has issues

⭐⭐⭐

Customer support

Customer support is friendly and fast, though support articles could be improved

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Budget-friendly and excellent value

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best free VPN

(Image credit: Proton VPN)

5. Proton VPN

A well-established champion of digital privacy

Works with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Number of servers: 3,000+ | Server locations: 71 countries | Canada server cities: Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal | Maximum devices supported: 10

Improved network coverage
Free plan boasts unlimited bandwidth
Tons of security features
Open-source apps
Unblocks popular streaming services
Below average speeds
Customer support needs improvement

Proton VPN is brought to you by the same team behind Proton Mail, one of the best encrypted email services on the block. Proton takes an unflinchingly airtight approach to privacy, whether it's their VPN service or email platform, and utilizes independently audited open-source apps. What's more, I couldn't find a single tracker on the Proton VPN website when I combed through it during testing. This is exactly what I like to see from today's leading VPNs.

Currently, Proton VPN boasts an impressive network of servers with plenty of coverage in Canada. There are 70 Canadian servers overall, dotted across Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto. So, whether you want to circumvent news laws or access Canadian broadcasts when you're overseas, you'll have no trouble finding a nearby server.

Streaming and unblocking

Proton VPN does a great job of unblocking in-demand streaming services, too, and can access Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ without a fuss. However, it is worth noting that you'll need a premium plan to make use of the VPN's unblocking capabilities, as well as its P2P function.

That doesn't mean that its free VPN isn't worth trying out, however. It's a great way to get a feel for Proton VPN's suite of features and unique interface, and doesn't impose any data caps or monthly allowances on its users. This is handy if you need a VPN in a pinch – and doubly so when you consider just how untrustworthy most free VPNs are.

Expert Verdict: Proton VPN
Chiara Castro headshot
Expert Verdict: Proton VPN
Chiara Castro

Proton VPN is a staunch defender of digital privacy – and has the audited no-logs policy and security tools to prove it. With servers in Canada, nearby US, and the rest of the globe, unblocking streaming services is a cinch. So, if you're looking for a security-first service, you'll want to give Proton VPN a chance. ★★★★

Read more: Proton VPN review

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Proton VPN test results:

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

A sleek and stylish dark mode is the star

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Great mobile apps, but the desktop version can be complex

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance

A decent performer that doesn't top our rankings

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Unblocking

Paid plans can unblock a ton of services and sites

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Security and privacy

Lots of security add-ons, an audited policy, and open source apps

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Customer support

Support can be patchy and hard to get hold of

⭐⭐⭐

Price

Premium plans aren't exactly cheap, but the free plan is fantastic

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Toronto at Night

(Image credit: Alex Shutin / Unsplash)

How to choose a Canada VPN

There are a lot of VPN services on the market – and picking out your perfect match can seem daunting. To start, you'll need to ask yourself one key question: what are you going to use your VPN for?

Are you an avid streamer who wants to check out what's new in international content libraries? Do you live overseas and need access to region-locked Canadian sites? Or are you looking to keep your devices safe from cybercriminals and crooks?

Whether it's one of these things or a combination of them all, there are a few critical criteria to keep in mind when you're shopping around for a VPN that's worthy of your trust (and money):

  • Security should be any VPN's top priority. You'll want to stick to VPNs that offer the WireGuard protocol, as it's a stellar combination of security and speed. Alternatively, OpenVPN is a battle-tested protocol favored by privacy purists. A reliable kill switch is a must-have, too. It'll prevent you from accidentally leaking identifiable data if the VPN connection fails.
  • You'll also want to opt for a provider with a strict no-logs policy. This ensures that the provider doesn't retain any identifying information about you, so there's simply nothing sensitive to hand over even if the government (or another third party) comes knocking.
  • Speed is critical, too, especially if you'll be using your VPN for streaming, gaming, or torrenting. The median speed of the fastest VPNs we tested is 700 Mbps, which is plenty fast. However, services with a top speed of around 560 Mbps are still capable of handling HD streaming.
  • The number of servers and server locations is another relevant factor to consider. More servers mean more chances of bagging a fast and reliable connection, as well as a higher amount of locations you can spoof your location to. For a Canada VPN, you want a selection of servers around key cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
  • Finally, VPN apps should be straightforward and user-friendly. Check out how many simultaneous connections the provider supports, too, as it's always a bonus to use multiple devices at any one time.

Canada VPN FAQs

What is VPN?

Short for virtual private network, a VPN is a security software that protects and hides your internet activity. You use a VPN via an app on your device, just like you do when you open up WhatsApp or Uber Eats on your phone. Once you've picked a server location, the VPN encrypts the data leaving your device and routes it through a secure tunnel to the server of your choice.

This lets you appear as if you were accessing online services from that country/place and can unblock censored or restricted content, like TikTok or the US Netflix library, without any hiccups. That's not all – because your data is encrypted, no one, not even the government, can see what you're doing online.

What is the best VPN for Canada?

The competition is tough, but NordVPN tops my list at the moment. In short, it's a superb and speedy service that unblocks virtually any site or app you point it at – and it's incredibly easy to use.

What's more, with servers in over 111 countries (and in three Canadian cities), you'll have no trouble bypassing blocks and censorship, and 24/7 live chat support is always on standby if you need a little help picking out the best server or troubleshooting any obstacles.

Why get a Canada VPN?

VPNs were originally designed with online security in mind – using encrypted tunnels and faceless servers to ensure that your activities could not be traced – and for many Canadians, that will remain the main reason for getting a VPN.

However, it's the flexibility and extra use cases that have contributed to the massive growth in the VPN industry. The fact that you can use them to make your laptop or mobile think they're in Canada, even when they're not, has become a lifeline for travelers and expats to watch Canadian TV while overseas.

Logging on via a server elsewhere also means you can access websites that may otherwise have been blocked in your corner of the country – hence why VPNs for streaming have become so popular these days.

Is a VPN legal in Canada?

Yes, using a VPN in Canada is legal. It is worth noting, however, that anything that was previously illegal without a VPN connection won't suddenly become legal with one.

Which free VPN has Canadian servers?

While I always recommend opting for a paid-for VPN service to benefit from optimum security and a full run of premium features, there are a number of free VPN services that might meet your criteria – and some even have servers in Canada.

That being said, many free services are limited counterparts of a VPN's premium offering, and you might find yourself limited to a handful of servers and a pittance of monthly data.

How can I use a Canada VPN to unblock geo-restricted content?

Using a VPN to access geo-restricted content is fairly straightforward. Once you've picked out a VPN, download the correct client for your device and run through the simple installation process.

Then, connect to a server in your desired location. For instance, if you're abroad and want to stream TSN or Citytv, you'll need to join a Canadian server. After that, you'll be able to visit the broadcaster's website or app and take your pick of content.

IIf you want access to the US Netflix library, you'll need to connect to a server in the US to trick your device into thinking you're really there. Then, log in to your Netflix account to see exclusive US titles. Be warned, though, this does go against Netflix's Terms of Use, with recent reports claiming Netflix has been blocking residential IP addresses.

Edited by
River Hart Tech Software Editor
Edited by
River Hart

River helps take care of cybersecurity content on TechRadar—ranging from breaking news pieces, reviews, and buying guides.

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Chiara Castro
News Editor (Tech Software)

Chiara is a multimedia journalist committed to covering stories to help promote the rights and denounce the abuses of the digital side of life – wherever cybersecurity, markets, and politics tangle up. She writes news, interviews, and analysis on data privacy, online censorship, digital rights, cybercrime, and security software, with a special focus on VPNs, for TechRadar and TechRadar Pro. Got a story, tip-off, or something tech-interesting to say? Reach out to chiara.castro@futurenet.com

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