Best VPN for Eduroam in 2024

Every time you connect to the internet on an Eduroam University campus, the University’s administrator can monitor your traffic. As a result, any student who doesn’t use a VPN will have their online activity such as website visits, downloads, and metadata recorded. This is why it’s important to use a VPN for Eduroam.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic and tunnels it to a server in a remote location. This bypasses restrictions imposed on the local network, allowing you to use the internet as if you were physically situated elsewhere. The encryption provided by the VPN also prevents your internet habits from being monitored, which gives you the freedom to surf the web without your school keeping tabs.

In this guide, we recommend the best Eduroam VPNs for students. Use the quick list below to select an Eduroam VPN, or scroll down for in-depth summaries that will help you pick the right VPN for your needs.

1. NordVPN: Our top VPN for Eduroam campuses. Secure apps for all platforms and outstanding connection speeds. Servers in 100 countries. Works with popular streaming services like Netflix US and BBC iPlayer. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Eduroam.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN for Eduroam. Servers in 100 countries. No logs VPN with robust AES-256 encryption. Can be used on an unlimited number of devices.
3. IPVanish: A US provider with a no-logs policy. Perfect for torrenting and streaming on Kodi while on campus. Fast and secure with unlimited simultaneous connections.
4. ExpressVPN: Fast servers in 100+ countries give you tons of unblocking options. Access Netflix with ease. Kill-switch and robust encryption, perfect for Eduroam campuses.
5. CyberGhost: Ideal Eduroam VPN for newbies. Very easy to use. Private and secure. Works with Netflix US and allows 7 simultaneous connections.
6. PrivateVPN: A Swedish provider with a no-logs policy that works great on Eduroam campuses. Robust AES-256 encryption. Easy to use on all platforms.
7. Hotspot Shield: Global server network in over 80 countries. Works with Netflix US. Protects you on campus or when you use Wi-Fi hotspots elsewhere.

How we selected the top VPNs for Eduroam

Not all VPNs have what you need to gain online privacy and freedom while at university. Below, we have included a list of what we looked for:

• A global network of servers that work to unblock content at universities
• Fast servers that are good for gaming, streaming, and torrenting
• A trustworthy no-logs policy
• 24/7 live chat and email support
• Outstanding value for money

We explain in more detail how we test and recommend VPNs later in the article. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that impressed us.

Best VPNs for Eduroam: 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 Eduroam.

Best VPNs for Eduroam

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

1. NordVPN

Dec 2024

NordVPN is a Panama-based VPN provider with over 6,000 servers in 100+ countries. It works with many popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. NordVPN’s proprietary protocol, NordLynx, provides fast server speeds for any bandwidth-intensive activity, be it streaming or torrenting. With one account, you can secure up to six devices at the same time.

You can expect a high level of security to keep you safe on campus. NordVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption in its apps, ensuring your connection to servers is completely secure. Further security features include DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and even specialty Double VPN servers. NordVPN has a no-logs policy which means it never stores any records about what you do online.

To use NordVPN, simply download an app for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire TV. You also have the option of Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions, or manually configuring a connection with a VPN-compatible router.

BEST VPN FOR EDUROAM:NordVPN is our #1 choice for Eduroam. Fast servers that are great for HD streaming. Global server network works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. Obfuscation to avoid VPN blocks on campus. Thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try NordVPN out risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a VPN service that represents superb value for money. It has a particularly impressive server network of over 3,000 servers in 100 countries. It’s also extremely good for accessing streaming content. Notably, Surfshark works with more than 30 Netflix libraries. The high-speed connections allow you to stream in 1080p HD or even 4K resolution without having to contend with lag or buffering.

Security-wise, Surfshark provides 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. A no-logs service, Surfshark also offers users extras including MultiHop servers and an ad, tracker, and malware blocker. While the apps are very easy to use, live chat and email support is available 24 hours a day should you need it. Best of all, you can use a single Surfshark subscription on an unlimited number of devices.

You’ll find Surfshark apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available to download. Use with compatible routers requires manual configuration.

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is the best budget VPN for Eduroam. Provides servers in 100+ countries. Very fast server speeds thanks to WireGuard protocol. Unlimited simultaneous connections and offers MultiHop servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. IPVanish

IPVanish is a US-based VPN that runs on a proprietary network, which allows it to provide fantastic speeds for doing data-intensive tasks such as streaming. What’s more, this VPN permits torrenting, which makes it a superb all-rounder. During our tests, IPVanish worked with Netflix US. IPVanish can be used on an unlimited number of devices at the same time so it’s ideal for sharing with friends.

This VPN is solid in terms of privacy. It adheres to a watertight no-logs policy, and its apps have robust 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. This ensures that everything you do online is concealed from your university. It also means that your data is secure against hackers on public Wi-Fi. Live chat and email support are available around the clock should you require any assistance.

IPVanish has apps for all of the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. However, it doesn’t offer any browser extensions. While IPVanish is compatible with select routers, this does require manual configuration.

PERFECT FOR FAMILIES:IPVanish is a US provider with a strict no-logs policy. Can be used on an unlimited number of devices. Works with Netflix US and offers 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN servers are located in a whopping 94 countries, and this VPN works with many popular streaming platforms including Netflix (multiple libraries) and HBO Max. The good speeds and unlimited bandwidth mean you’re not limited as to what you can do when you’re connected to the VPN. With your subscription, it’s possible to connect up to eight devices at the same time.

This VPN service has a no-logs policy to ensure that what you do online stays private now and in the future. ExpressVPN apps implement military-grade 256-bit AES encryption and have all of the other security and privacy features you need at university. This includes a kill switch and protection from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. If you have any problems, you can always contact ExpressVPN’s 24/7 support.

ExpressVPN has apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Alternatively, browser extensions are offered for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. There’s even custom firmware for use with compatible routers.

RELIABLE AND VERSATILE:ExpressVPN is a good VPN that unblocks dozens of popular services. Fast Lightway protocol for streaming and gaming. Servers in 94 countries. Access to many Netflix regions. 24/7 live chat support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN Review.

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has more than 10,000 servers located in 100+ countries to provide you with excellent coverage. You can also expect superb speeds for streaming (it works well with Netflix US) as well as torrenting. This provider represents value for money, and you can use the service on up to 7 devices simultaneously, which is good if you own many devices and want to be able to share the VPN with friends or family.

This VPN provider has everything you need to gain privacy on an Eduroam campus. A kill switch ensures that you never accidentally leak unprotected data to the university, and robust AES-256 encryption means the VPN tunnel always securely protects your internet habits – even when you choose to access blocked content. Last but not least, it offers DNS leak protection and provides 24/7 live chat support.

CyberGhost has apps for all major platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. You can also find an app for Amazon Fire TV as well as browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Manual setup allows a VPN connection with select routers.

A BUDGET OPTION FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost has superb apps for all platforms. Easy to use and a good option for beginners. No-logs VPN with a kill-switch and 256-bit AES encryption. Up to 7 simultaneous connections. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is more than fast enough for streaming HD content without any buffering or lag. This is one of the few services that works perfectly with over a dozen Netflix catalogs, as well as streaming services such as BBC iPlayer and Hulu. PrivateVPN’s strong unblocking allows access to game servers to play anything that has been restricted by your university (and do so with low ping for a better gaming experience).

It’s fair to say that PrivateVPN lives up to its name by being strong on privacy. Its apps come with security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Everything you do online is kept private by these aforementioned features, as well as PrivateVPN’s strict no-logs policy. Aside from live chat support, there’s the offer of free remote help and installation.

Secure up to 10 devices simultaneously with PrivateVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. It’s also possible to manually configure a PrivateVPN connection with Linux as well as VPN-compatible routers.

STRONG ON PRIVACY:No logs policy. Works with streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Easy to use to unblock content at university. Servers in over 60 countries. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is fast, thanks to its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol, which makes it a desirable option for any student who wants to play a lot of games or stream HD content. This is a useful and versatile VPN that works to unblock popular services like Netflix and iPlayer. And, it has servers in over 80 countries to allow you to bypass censorship with ease.

Hotspot Shield never stores any usage logs about what you do online. All data is routed through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel while you’re also protected from DNS leaks. A kill switch serves to cut your internet traffic should the VPN connection drop unexpectedly. Hotspot Shield supports multiple simultaneous connections and, if you need help getting set up, live chat support is available 24/7.

Download Hotspot Shield apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. You can also find browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Hotspot Shield is supported on various routers, but manual setup is needed.

A FAST US-BASED VPN:No usage logs policy. Secure apps with super fast connections. Works with iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Easy to use on all popular devices. An extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

Methodology: How we find the best VPNs for Eduroam

Not all VPNs are the same, and they do not all have what you need to successfully bypass restrictions and gain privacy while at university. At Comparitech, our experts test VPNs using a specially devised scientific methodology. Here is some of what we look for in Eduroam VPNs:

• Security: First, we review the apps to ensure they have the features you need to access the internet without fear of surveillance or hacking. This includes important features such as encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
• Privacy: It’s important to choose a VPN that protects your privacy through the use of a no-logs policy. We’ve studied some 140 VPN logging policies in order to identify those that, most importantly, don’t keep identifying logs of users.
• Servers: We check that there is a wide selection of servers across the world. This not only helps you to access content on Eduroam campuses, but also when you’re traveling abroad and want to access your subscriptions from home.
• Speeds: We test the VPN’s speeds to ensure it is up to the task of streaming in HD, downloading torrents quickly, and allowing you to make video calls or play games. We only recommend the fastest VPNs on the market.
• Ease of use: This may be the first time you’re using a VPN, and chances are you don’t want to waste time trying to configure it. We’ve looked for powerful VPNs that require little to no set up. Just click to connect to a server and you’re all set. They all include live chat and email support too.
• Value for money: There are VPNs to meet all budgets. Indeed, many of the VPNs that failed to make this list work out to be more expensive. It helps that we’re able to offer discount coupons for the best Eduroam VPNs. Furthermore, they’re risk-free thanks to their money-back guarantees.

See also:

• Best VPNs for school and college: Unblock sites on restricted Wi-Fi
• How to unblock sites on a school Chromebook
• How to unblock games on a school computer