Best VPN in Canada in 2025: Fast, Secure & Reliable Options

We believe in giving our readers the facts. When evaluating the best options for Canadian consumers, we looked at several factors:

If you want a detailed breakdown of these, scroll to the bottom.

Virtual private networks are servers that any device — such as a computer, Android phone, or tablet — can use to connect to the internet securely. When you turn on a VPN, all your internet activity is transferred via an encrypted tunnel. The data never leaves the encrypted route.

This keeps your web traffic anonymous to increase privacy and security. The best VPN will bolster your device with high-level encryption to protect your data as it’s routed through the VPN server. VPN networks also spread their servers across the globe so users can find a close network to speed up their connection or bypass geo-blocking.

Since 2017, internet service providers in Canada are allowed to sell your personal information to third parties. Some are even legally obligated to collect metadata from users, including your name, address, date of birth, and email addresses.

Canadian citizens should also be aware that Canada is part of several alliances that allow government spying and information sharing amongst each other.

One is the Five Eyes Alliance of the native English-speaking countries, Canada, the US, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. Canada is also part of the 14 Eyes Alliance that includes the Five-Eye nations plus several European countries.

To block them from collecting your sensitive personal data and to prevent malicious cyber-attacks, you need a VPN.

Now that you know what a VPN is and why you need one, the following sections will dive deeper into how it all works.

A VPN Protocol is a set of instructions and processes between the VPN server and the VPN client used to make a strong and secure connection. Some common examples are:

• OpenVPN
• PPTP
• SSTP
• L2TP/IPSec
• IKEv2

Here’s a bare-bones overview of each:

• OpenVPN: The OpenVPN Open-Source project is made with businesses in mind. This industry-standard protocol creates fast and secure VPN connections.
• PPTP: Designed for dial-up connections in the '90s, Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) is one of the oldest protocols. Its simple encryption can be quickly cracked, making it very unsecure. However, it delivers fast data speeds for those not needing strong encryption.
• SSTP: Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol is one of the most popular because it’s been fully integrated with every Microsoft OS following Windows Vista SP1. While you can use SSTP on Mac OS and Linux, configuring it can be difficult. SSTP uses 2048-bit SSL/TLS certificates and 256-bit SSL key encryption, bolstering security.
• L2TP/IPSec: Layer 2 Tunnel Protocol is a substitute to PPTP. As it does not offer any privacy or encryption right out of the box, L2TP is typically paired with the security IPSec VPN protocol.
• IKEv2: Developed in the ‘90s, Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2) is a widely used VPN tunneling protocol that offers a secure key exchange session for extra security. It is typically paired with the security protocol IPSec. IKEv2 is an excellent protocol for mobile devices.

Here’s a quick overview of how your data gets routed through the virtual private network through routers and devices.

• Provider-Provisioned VPN Building-Blocks: PPVPN is a device regularly used by businesses to allow staff secure remote access to the company network. This relatively new technology uses multiple virtual traffic links called “tunnels” that work on either Layer 2 (L2) or Layer 3 (L3) of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Layers. The VPN devices below can either operate in L2, L3 or both layers.
• PE Devices: A Provider Edge (PE) device is essentially a router that deals with both the Consumer Edge (CE) device and Provider (P) backbone devices — routers we will be discussing shortly. Considering PE routers must interact with both CE and P devices, they are located at the edge of the Network Service Provider (NSP) core.
• P Devices: Compared with provider edge routers, the previously mentioned Provider (P) backbone devices sit inside the network service provider core, as opposed to the edges. P devices are located at the core so that they can connect directly to provider edge devices, rather than CE devices.
• CE Devices: A Consumer Edge (CE) device is a router located at the edge of a customer’s network that provides direct access to the Provider-Provisioned VPN (PPVPN). CE devices are also often known as CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) devices
• C Devices: Unlike any of the other devices in this section, Customer (C) devices are found inside a customer’s network and not connected to the SPN. As this is the case, they are not aware that the VPN even exists.
• User-Visible PPVPN Services: If you’re curious about what a PPVPN (Provider-Provisioned VPN) has to offer, seek no further. In the section below, we have conveniently listed the main features that Provider-Provisioned VPN users can take advantage of.

• VLAN: A Virtual LAN (VLAN) is a subnetwork used to group together a range of devices found on separate LANs (Local Area Networks). Virtual LANs are often used by large companies to improve traffic management and overall network performance by grouping devices together. They provide a higher level of control and security on large networks.
• VPLS: A Virtual Private Local Area Network Service (VPLS) lets customers develop a LAN structure that connects geographically separate sites. All services look as if they’re on the same logical local area network, regardless of their physical location.
• EoIP: Ethernet-Over IP Tunneling (EoIP) is a protocol used to develop an ethernet tunnel between two separate routers. The tunnel could run over PPTP tunnel, IPIP tunnel or other connection types able to transport IP.
• IPLS: IP-Only LAN Services (IPLS) are capable of interconnecting multiple systems across a metropolitan-area (or wide-area) network, making it look as though they are on a private LAN service. Basically, IPLS is a simplified version of a virtual private local area network service.
• PW: A pseudowire (PW) emulated the process of a transparent wire, point-to-point connection across a PSN (Packet-Switching Network).

• MPLS VPN: A multiprotocol label switching VPN, is a family of techniques that utilises multiprotocol label switching methods to create a VPN. In a multiprotocol label switching network, you will often find provider edge routers, provider routers, and customer edge routers.
• Unencrypted Tunnels: Occasionally, a VPN may use tunneling protocols that lack encryption for protecting data. In this instance, a Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) is utilized for security.

Every VPN service uses two types of encryption keys: public and private.

Public keys are visible to every client on the same VPN network. For safety reasons, in public key cryptography, more than one key is used: one for decryption and one for encryption.

Private keys are only known to the server and the client and are much faster than public keys.

When it comes to block size, both public and private Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Triple Data Encryption (3DES) keys are measured in bits and differ in length between 128-bits and 256-bits.

Although 3DES has a total encryption key length of 168-bits, it only offers a fixed key strength (security) of 112-bit.

AES, a method now used by the United States government, has three distinct key lengths: 128-bit, 192-bit and 256-bit.

Much like a virtual private network, a proxy server is a hub between the client (you) and the internet that works like a secure web filter and firewall.

One of the key differences is that while a VPN is capable of unlocking geo-restricted sites and censored content, proxies automatically forward your traffic to a site when surfing the web — hence the name “forward proxies.”

Below, we have listed the three most common proxy protocols (servers) that you’ll have most likely come across when browsing the web.

When choosing a VPN provider, look for the following must-have features:

Security 

Security should be your top requirement in a provider. In our opinion, NordVPN is the safest network due to its key security features. Remember, a VPN provider should NOT:

• ☑️ Store or track IP addresses
• ☑️ Record timestamps for connections and disconnections
• ☑️ Collect personal information or track your browsing activity
• ☑️ Store, share, or sell any of your data or give out information about your online activity

Speed 

Next, you want a fast connection. The download speed is usually measured by megabits per second (Mbps).

The higher this number, the faster your download or video stream. Your distance from the server also affects how fast pages load.

Jurisdiction 

Where the VPN company is physically located could affect your privacy and security. Some governments can force the company to give them your identifying information and data.

Leak Protection 

Data leaks and breaches can happen if your real IP address is exposed. Make sure that your VPN service offers DNS leak protection and is properly configured. Some providers also perform leak monitoring.

Related Read: What is DNS.

Good for Streaming in Canada? 

Some streaming services involve file sharing, also called torrenting, and others block content even if you have a legitimate account.

Using a VPN hides your location and activity so you can enjoy the content you want to see from anywhere without hassle.

Masking

You might come across the term “obfuscation.” This simply means the network’s ability to mask your IP address, location, and online activity.

One of the advantages of using a VPN is its ability to protect you from government surveillance and spying.

This is useful whether you want to enjoy Netflix streaming while you’re away on vacation or you live in/visit countries that oppress citizens or block web content.

Network

Since speed and geo-blocking are two elements that can affect your service, choose a VPN with a large number of servers and locations.

Features

Features range from security protocols to bandwidth. Look for AES-256 encryption, SSL certificates, OpenVPN, PPTP, and Tunnel Protocol.

An important feature is a kill switch that allows you to disconnect immediately with a mouse click.

This is useful if, for some reason, you become disconnected from the VPN and your identity is in danger of being exposed. .

Some VPNs are more affordable than others, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s because they’re missing features or quality. Aspects like low initial prices, more streamlined VPN tools, longer subscriptions, and fewer extras can all mean you get a great VPN at a low price.

These affordable options are perfect for users with simplistic needs who want robust VPN functions without all the unnecessary bells and whistles that they probably wouldn’t use anyway. However, it is important to choose a provider who doesn’t skimp on speeds, security practices, and reliability.

Here are three of our favorite platforms who combine great prices with great functionality.

CyberGhost: A Popular Pick Among VPN Users

• Pricing: Introductory prices range from $2.03 to $12.99/month
• 45-day money back guarantee
• 10-Gbps servers

CyberGhost is a great option for budget-conscious VPN users. They have all of the strong privacy and security features you would expect from a service, such as industry leading encryption, no-logs, and fast speeds. All for a very affordable price. They also have dedicated IPs and features for gamers who want to enjoy low-ping/low-lag online gaming.

Private Internet Access (PIA): Strong Security

• Pricing: Introductory pricing from $1.98 to $11.95/month
• Free email breach monitor
• Unlimited simultaneous connections

PIA is a strong contender for the best cheap VPN, especially for security-minded users. They have 100% open-source software, customizable encryption settings, advanced split-tunneling, ad-blocking, and even anonymous payment options available. They have all of the functions and features of a great VPN at a fraction of the price. Hard to go wrong.

VyprVPN – All-Around Solid Option

• Pricing: Introductory prices range from $3.00 to $5.00/month
• Proprietary Chameleon Protocol for overcoming censorship
• P2P options

VyprVPN is one of our favorites for beating strict VPN censorship, thanks to their Chameleon Protocol. They also have tons of useful VPN features, such as split-tunneling, DNS leak protection, high-speed streaming, and a third party audited no-logs policy. You really can do pretty much anything with this provider, and the price is more than fair as well.

Free VPNs should be approached with caution. The fact is technology costs money. There aren’t many businesses that can afford to offer you reliable service and lots of features without getting the money out of someone. Because of this, they often sell your data to a third-party, where it will be used for marketing or something more nefarious. They could also just bombard you with ads.

Totally free VPNs are about 70 percent slower than paid services due to all of the traffic on a limited network.

Rather than take risks with free VPNs, there are plenty of affordable options that offer solid service. Just remember that you’ll get what you pay for in terms of privacy and security.

While it’s ultimately up to you, we highly recommend a paid service if you want access to unlimited data and all the best features. Unfortunately, using a free VPN does come with a certain amount of risk.

That said, you can try out all of the VPNs on our list with their various money-back guarantees. Just be sure to get your refund before the refund time period ends, and it will be the equivalent of using their VPNs for free, at least temporarily. This way, you can decide if you like one service more than the other and if you feel it is worthwhile to spend the money on one of these providers.

If you’re just dying to use an actually free service, you may have some luck with Windscribe. Here’s a quick overview.

Unreliable free services have been known to limit the amount of data you can use, restrict the overall functionality of their apps, or even sell your private data to third parties. That is why it’s best to stick to the well-known, reputable services, like the ones that we have detailed in our top list. However, here are some pros to both free VPNs and paid VPNs, to help you decide.

Advantages of free VPNs include:

• Budget-friendly way to protect your online privacy
• They unlock access to essential features, like encrypting your connection and masking your IP address without the added costs
• Many free VPNs are designed to be user-friendly. You can download and install these top VPN apps in minutes, even if you’re not tech-savvy

Advantages of using paid-VPN services include:

• More gigs
• Higher bandwidth
• Better security and encryption
• Advanced features like intrusion/leak detection and prevention
• Blazing fast connections and download speeds
• 24/7/365 support
• Strict no-logging policies that are backed in writing

No VPN is 100 percent safe and anonymous. But we feel that paying a little to increase the odds that you and your information are protected is worth the price.

Is Using a VPN Legal in Canada?

Canadians have been able to legally enjoy the protection of VPN services for a while now, and nothing has changed. In fact, they’re recommended by security experts for online privacy protection. The only time you might get into trouble is if you use a VPN to commit illegal acts.

Canada is one of the countries that can force VPN companies to provide law enforcement and government agencies with user data on request. You should also know that using a VPN could violate the terms of service for some streaming platforms like Hulu and Netflix.

Are VPNs safe?

For the most part, VPNs are perfectly safe and legal.

The only time there is some risk involved is if you use them to get around the law, such as accessing or downloading copyrighted materials without permission or performing an illegal activity. For more about safety, read my articles about free Canadian VPNs and why to avoid them!

Depending on what you need a VPN for, there may be some providers better suited to your specific needs. Here’s our thoughts on what VPNs are best for particular uses:

• Best VPN for torrenting: Surfshark or NordVPN. These both support torrenting, are fast and responsive, and have robust privacy measures in place to keep your online activities anonymous.
• Best VPN for Android devices: IPVanish. While most major VPNs have apps for various smartphones, IPVanish’s Android app includes loads of great features, some unique to this service, and makes it easy to connect to a specific country, city, or favorite location.
• Best VPN for iOS devices: While it’s hard to go wrong with any of our VPN favorites, CyberGhost is particularly well suited for iPhone and Apple devices. They have developed native apps specifically for iOS and macOS, making it easy to use on the go with their user-friendly interface.
• Best for streaming geo-restricted content: ExpressVPN is particularly well-suited for unblocking Netflix or other geo-blocked content. As streaming services are cracking down on VPN use, this is a major factor when choosing a provider.