Best VPN for Barcelona

It’s not unusual for travelers to arrive in a foreign country and only then realize that some of their favorite shows and services are inaccessible. Some sites and platforms change their content from region to region, while others block access altogether. On the plus side, it’s easy to bypass these regional restrictions, you just need a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Most geo-restricted services check your IP address to find out which country you’re in. However, if you’re using a VPN, they’ll only see the location of the server you’re using. In other words, by connecting to a server in America from abroad, you can unblock services normally only available in the US. Further, VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, which prevents it from being read by snoopers like your ISP, the hotel you’re staying at, or any hackers monitoring the network.

In this article, we’ll list the best VPNs to use while visiting or living in Barcelona and explain how to use them. We’ll go into more detail about each of the providers later on, but in case you’re in a rush, here’s a quick summary.

Best VPNs for Barcelona:

1. NordVPN: Our first choice VPN for Barcelona. Has consistently high speeds and works with all manner of geo-restricted services. Also boasts an impressive security offering. Best of all, this no-logs provider comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best budget pick for Barcelona. Secure every device you own simultaneously. Quick and reliable Spanish servers, plus solid security and streaming ability.
3. ExpressVPN: Blazing fast speeds make this a perfect choice for streaming in Spain. Works well with Netflix and similar services. Has a great set of security and privacy features, too.
4. CyberGhost: A speedy VPN that just works. Has over 200 servers in Spain, plus a suite of pre-configured security tools. Works great with Netflix and Disney+, among other services.
5. IPVanish: A zero-logs service that doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect. Provides solid speeds, a fantastic security toolkit, and decent streaming abilities.
6. PrivateVPN: Reliable and privacy-conscious, with above-average speeds. Perfect for streaming your favorite shows while traveling in Spain. Follows a strict no-logging policy.
7. Hotspot Shield: This provider is a solid all-rounder, blending strong security with steady speeds and the ability to securely access plenty of services abroad.

Best Barcelona VPNs: at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Barcelona.

Best VPN for Barcelona

If you’re having trouble deciding which VPN to use, don’t worry: you’re far from the only one! Sometimes, it seems like every service claims to be the best despite them all having different features, security tools, and network sizes. Instead of worrying about finding one service that can do it all, we recommend you choose a well-rounded VPN instead. This approach ensures that you’ll be able to handle most day-to-day situations without any issues. With this in mind, we decided to only recommend services that fit the criteria below:

• Has fast and reliable servers in or around Barcelona
• Works with
• Offers plenty of powerful security and privacy features
• Does not log any personally identifiable information
• Provides apps for all of the major operating systems and devices
• Easy to use with customer support available

This is just a sample of our criteria, but if you want to know more about our testing methodology, check out our dedicated article. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the list.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Barcelona:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2024

NordVPN is our top pick for users in Barcelona. It has more than 5,500 servers in 60 countries worldwide, with around 60 in Spain. It’s an extremely speedy VPN, which makes it a fantastic choice for data-intensive tasks like streaming and torrenting privately. What’s more, NordVPN can securely access a laundry list of region-locked services, from Netflix to Antena 3. A maximum of six devices can be connected at once.

One of the best things about this service is its security toolkit. This includes an app-specific kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks. Further, users can block ads and malware automatically or use the obfuscated servers to browse the web freely in countries like China. NordVPN follows a strict no-logs policy and, as such, can’t divulge details of your activities to anyone. Live chat is available around the clock in case you run into any issues.

NordVPN offers iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, and Linux systems. Alternatively, you can manually configure it for wireless routers, thereby protecting every device on your network.

BEST VPN FOR BARCELONA:NordVPN is our top pick for anyone traveling in Barcelona. It’s a highly versatile, speedy provider with one of the strongest security packages around. Better yet, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free before you commit.

Find out more in our comprehensive NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a fantastic budget option. It has a network of 3,200 servers in 100 countries, with clusters in Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia. This provider combines impressive speeds and above-average streaming ability to become an affordable yet versatile choice, capable of handling almost any task. Additionally, in contrast to most other VPNs, Surfshark doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect. As such, it’s a particularly strong choice for families.

There’s a lot to like as far as security is concerned too. To begin with, this VPN uses 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch to hide your activities from snoopers. It also includes a CleanWeb feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware automatically, plus a NoBorders mode capable of bypassing country-wide internet restrictions. Surfshark doesn’t keep any logs at all and offers 24/7 assistance over live chat.

Surfshark apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Users can also follow manual setup instructions to secure a router and protect every device on their home network.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a low-cost service, but it offers a solid security offering, exceptional streaming ability, and steady speeds. Best of all, you can connect any number of devices simultaneously. This VPN even includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN operates more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries (including Spain), which is more locations than any other provider in this list. It’s also the fastest provider we’ve tested, so it’s perfect for anyone looking to stream during their visit. As well as securely accessing several Netflix libraries, this provider works well with Cuatra, Antena 3, and similar services. Five devices can be connected at once per account.

This VPN uses effectively uncrackable 256-bit encryption to hide your activities from snoopers. Also included are a kill switch, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and the ability to block local connections entirely. You can even use the split tunneling feature to let specific apps bypass the VPN if you’d like. ExpressVPN refuses to log any personally identifiable data and allows you to pay in Bitcoin for added anonymity. Should you encounter any issues, just get in touch with support using the 24/7 live chat help desk.

ExpressVPN comes with top-notch Android, MacOS, iOS, Windows, and Linux apps. Additionally, it has its own router firmware, making it easy to secure a whole household at once.

PERFECT FOR STREAMING:ExpressVPN is extremely quick, with fantastic streaming abilities and a great set of security features. Naturally, this means it’s ideal for anyone hoping to stream while visiting Spain. What’s more, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost users can choose from more than 9,000 servers in 90+ countries. Of these, around 200 are in Spain, with clusters in Barcelona and Madrid. Speeds are more than fast enough for live streaming, so whether you’re looking to stream La Sexta during a trip abroad or simply access your local Netflix library while in Spain, you’re in good hands. Thanks to this service’s seven-device limit, you’ll even be able to protect all of your favorite devices at once.

This provider has done everything it can to make getting protected as easy as possible. All of the security features are pre-configured, so you’ll be browsing safely from the moment you connect. These include 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, an ad-blocker, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, plus a random port feature that can help you bypass VPN-blocking measures. CyberGhost doesn’t store any data that could identify you. 24/7 support is on hand over email and live chat.

CyberGhost has Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and MacOS apps. If you’d like to secure all of your devices at once, it can be manually installed on supported home routers.

GREAT EVERYDAY VPN:CyberGhost is highly versatile, with high speeds, strong security offering, and fantastic streaming abilities. As such, it’s more than a match for day-to-day tasks like streaming and torrenting. Better still, this provider offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our comprehensive review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

IPVanish has more than 2,000 self-owned servers in 60+ countries, 30 of which are in Madrid. It’s a lightweight, high-speed provider that allows any number of simultaneous connections, so if you’re looking to share your account with family members, it’s a great choice. Although streaming ability isn’t this VPN’s strongest area, it’s still more than capable of securely accessing Netflix US and Telecinco from abroad.

Here’s a service that pulls out all the stops to keep you safe online. First, it uses 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. However, there’s also a traffic scrambler that attempts to let you use services that normally block VPNs by default. IPVanish is a zero-logs provider, meaning it can’t be used to trace your activities back to you. For help with any issues, just get in touch with support using the 24/7 live chat service.

IPVanish includes Windows, Android, MacOS, and iOS apps. Additionally, this service can be manually configured to work with Linux systems and a wide range of internet routers.

PRIVACY FIRST:IPVanish offers plenty of advanced security tools, plus a zero-logs policy, all but ensuring your privacy. It’s fast too, and has no problem with you connecting dozens of devices simultaneously. Finally, IPVanish offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at the complete IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has a smaller network than its rivals, with around 200 servers in 63 countries and just one in Spain. Nevertheless, it remains an excellent choice for travelers thanks to its exceptionally high speeds and fantastic streaming capabilities. In fact, even services that cause issues for other providers (Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, for instance) can be securely accessed from abroad using PrivateVPN. A single account allows up to ten connections at once.

This service keeps you safe online with DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a customizable kill switch, and automatic malware scanning. There’s also 256-bit encryption, with the option to use 128-bit instead for a slight speed boost. Finally, there’s a Stealth mode capable of getting around, especially strict online blocking; this even works in China, so it should be able to do whatever else you need it to. PrivateVPN keeps no logs and provides live chat-based support most hours of the day.

PrivateVPN users have the choice of iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux apps. Alternatively, they can follow manual setup guides to install the service on select routers.

NO LOGS PROVIDER:PrivateVPN makes sure you can browse anonymously using a fantastic set of security tools and a strict no-logging policy. Better still, it offers faster-than-average speeds and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Still have questions? Find answers in the full PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield offers access to 1,800 servers in 80+ countries, and even has some in Barcelona itself. With speedy connections and the ability to securely access a wide range of in-demand services (such as Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu, it’s the ideal companion for anyone hoping to stream their favorite shows while visiting Spain. Up to five devices can be connected at any one time.

This service prioritizes your security, as evidenced by its use of 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. It also includes a Wi-Fi protection feature that connects to the VPN whenever you use an unsecured network. Hotspot Shield doesn’t store any identifiable data after your session ends. Having problems? 24/7 support is available over email and live chat.

Hotspot Shield offers apps for Linux, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. What’s more, this service can be manually configured for use with supported internet routers.

NO-FUSS SECURITY:Hotspot Shield lets you connect in a single click, and its speeds are more than enough for any day-to-day task. With a great set of security features built in, a 45-day money-back guarantee, and solid streaming capabilities, this VPN is well worth your time.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

How to hide your traffic in Barcelona with a VPN

New to VPNs and not sure where to begin? No problem: We’ve created a step-by-step guide to setting up a VPN so you can get a Spanish IP address or an IP address from any country abroad. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be browsing the web privately in no time.

Here’s how to use a VPN for Barcelona:

1. Begin by choosing one of the VPNs from the list above (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install your VPN’s app. Most providers allow around six connections at once, so you can protect all of your most commonly used devices at the same time.
3. When you’re ready, log in and connect to a server in the country you’d like an IP address from, for example, you’d choose a US server to watch US TV abroad.
4. That’s all there is to it; your activities should now be hidden from anyone monitoring the network.
5. If you’re having problems, we’d advise clearing your browser’s cookies before reloading the page. Alternatively, try switching servers or getting in touch with your VPN service’s customer support team is your best bet.

Barcelona VPNs: FAQs