Best VPNs for the Netherlands (Holland) in 2024

Whether you’re visiting the Netherlands on vacation or live in the country permanently, it’s a good idea to use a VPN while connected to the internet. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) will protect your online security while letting you access sites that are otherwise unavailable in the Netherlands. For example, if you want to enjoy shows from your US Netflix library while vacationing in Holland, the best VPNs for the Netherlands will give you access.

Plus, our recommended VPNs all have servers in Holland. That means they can give you a Dutch IP address allowing you to watch Dutch content while abroad – such as shows on NPO, Ziggo Go, or KIJK. As an added bonus, VPNs also give you increased security and improved privacy. It encrypts your website traffic, so ISPs and third parties are unable to track your online activities.

We give detailed reviews of each of the providers we recommend further down, as well as explaining how to use them and answering some common VPN questions. But in case you’re short on time, we’ll start with a quick summary of the top options.

Best VPNs for the Netherlands:

1. NordVPN: Our top choice VPN for the Netherlands. Excellent value for money. Over 200 servers in the Netherlands. A strict no-logs policy with outstanding privacy and security features. Plus a 30-day money-back policy.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Netherlands.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Holland. Easy to use. Superb apps for all platforms. Robust security features. Allows unlimited connections. Works with a variety of Netflix libraries.
3. IPVanish: Popular for Kodi users, torrenting, and folks who need the highest standard of privacy. Apps for all platforms. Unblocks most streaming sites.
4. ExpressVPN: Multiple servers in the Netherlands. Unblocks most geo-restricted sites and services. Solid privacy and security features. Excellent customer support 24/7.
5. CyberGhost: Servers are great for streaming and downloading at good speeds. Great value and easy to use. Over 400 servers in the Netherlands.
6. PrivateVPN: Newer service with an expanding network. Gaining popularity for its excellent unblocking capabilities and fantastic speeds.
7. PureVPN: Reliable, easy to use VPN with some of the fastest Dutch servers on the market. Prioritizes your privacy and can access just about every streaming service we’ve tried.

How we selected the top Netherlands VPNS

Not all VPN providers are created equal, and some services are simply a waste of money. To help you get a reliable service, we put together this list of quality VPNs for the Netherlands based on the following criteria:

• Operates servers in the Netherlands – the more, the better – plus a wide global network
• Provides fast and reliable connections
• Can securely access streaming services inside and outside of the Netherlands
• Provides strong encryption and other security features
• Knowledgeable customer support

Of course, this is just an overview, but you can read more about our testing criteria in the methodology section later in the article. For now, let’s take a look at the ones that made the list.

The best VPNs for Holland: 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 VPN choice for the Netherlands.

Best VPNs for the Netherlands

At Comparitech, we strive to provide the most helpful and accurate VPN recommendations possible. To do that, our team personally uses every VPN, putting them through rigorous real-world testing before recommending them to you. The following reviews are the results of those hands-on experiences.

Here’s a list of the best VPNs for Holland:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for the Netherlands. With a network of over 6,000 servers in more than 100 countries, the Panama-based company has over 200 servers in the Netherlands, so you’ll have no shortage of options both inside and outside of the country. NordVPN is ideal for streaming and is known for its speed and ability to provide secure access to geo-blocked content and sites like US Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer. This allows you to stream shows from your home library while traveling.

This provider has a large focus on privacy, including having a strict zero-logs policy that has been independently verified many times, including most recently in January 2024. It keeps absolutely no logs, not even bandwidth data. This is backed by strong security, including 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.

A selling feature of NordVPN is that some servers are optimized for specific purposes, such as video streaming and anti-DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service). With a basic package, you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, which is a notch better than the industry standard.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

BEST VPN FOR NETHERLANDS:NordVPN is the top choice. With a large range of servers in the Netherlands, this is a good all-rounder option that works with most geo-restricted streaming sites. Great privacy and security credentials. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN here, or check out our video review below.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is our favorite budget VPN. This provider is based in the British Virgin Islands, a location that is strong in terms of privacy. It has only been around since 2018 but has quickly risen to be a consumer favorite.

It has apps for all platforms that are packed with advanced security features. This includes a kill switch, obfuscation, DNS leak protection, AES encryption (OpenVPN protocol), and built-in adblocking and malware protection. Plus, this VPN includes a SOCKS5 proxy and a free Smart DNS service with every subscription.

The service provides WireGuard connection in all of its apps, which makes this VPN extremely fast. This makes it ideal for HD streaming, torrenting, gaming, and other data-intensive tasks. Servers are located in 100+ countries, and this includes fast servers in Holland, which makes accessing a Dutch IP address simple from abroad.

GREAT VALUE VPN FOR HOLLAND:Surfshark is an incredible all-rounder. Perfect for families thanks to its unlimited connection allowance. Ideal for streaming Dutch TV platforms abroad. Works with Netflix, iPlayer, Hulu, and more. Robust encryption. Wireguard protocol. Built-in malware protection. 30-day money-back policy.

Read our full Surfshark review here, or check out our video review below.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish is based in the US and is another quality provider with more than 2,000 servers in over 50+ countries and 75+ locations, including more than 65 servers in Amsterdam. The provider has super-fast speeds ideal for streaming video without lag, and can consistently access geographically-blocked sites and international streaming platforms. This VPN works really well with Kodi thanks to its remote control access and is popular with torrenters since it allows torrenting on all servers.

IPVanish certainly measures up when it comes to privacy and security. This provider has a strict no-logs policy and keeps no online traffic or connection logs. It uses 256-bit AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy. And for extra protection, you have DNS leak protection and a kill switch. A basic IPVanish plan will enable you to connect every device you own simultaneously.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish let's you connect every device you own. Great for families. Works well with Kodi and is popular with torrenters. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish or check out the video review below.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands and operates a large network of 3,000+ servers in over 100 countries. This includes several Netherlands locations in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague.

ExpressVPN provides an extremely fast service, with all servers optimized for speed. As such, you can typically stream HD content with no issues and should have no problem downloading large files. It works well with popular streaming sites such as Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix, allowing you to watch content from your home libraries while traveling abroad.

When it comes to security and privacy, ExpressVPN has your back. Its zero-logs policy means that it will not track any of your browsing activity. While some VPNs store connection logs that can be traced to individual users, this is not a concern with ExpressVPN as it doesn’t log any IP addresses.

This provider uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is considered as good as it gets, along with perfect forward secrecy. It also provides a kill switch in case the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, as well as DNS leak protection.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and some Wi-Fi routers.

RELIABLE VPN FOR THE NETHERLANDS:ExpressVPN is a great choice. Secure access to most streaming services like Netflix and iPlayer. Great speeds for buffer-free HD viewing. Total security and privacy. Includes a no-quibbles 30-day money-back guarantee, so you’ll receive a full refund if unsatisfied.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN here, or check out our video review below.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a Romania-based provider that gives users access to a growing network of servers. You can choose from more than 10,000 in 100+ countries, including over 400 in the Netherlands. More than enough to ensure you can always find one suited to your needs.

CyberGhost is another provider that’s great for those looking to stream. Whether you want to securely access your home Netflix library, Amazon Prime, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer, you can select your option within CyberGhost’s intuitive app. Based on your selection, you’ll be connected to the appropriate server to suit your needs.

As with the other VPNs on this list, CyberGhost doesn’t disappoint on the security front. It provides 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Privacy-conscious users will be pleased, too, as there are no user activity logs maintained and no connection logs that can be tied to an individual. A CyberGhost plan enables you to connect up to five simultaneous devices.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

400+ SERVERS IN HOLLAND:CyberGhost is great for beginners. Easy to use. Good on privacy. Streams HD video reliably. Has a vast global server network as well as plenty to choose from in the Netherlands. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is based in Sweden and is the newest provider on our list. While it does operate a smaller network of servers than the others, it still has plenty to offer. One of the biggest selling features of PrivateVPN is its fast speed. This makes it ideal for streaming, and it works with Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. What’s more, it works with Netflix Netherlands, so you can access your home library while abroad.

PrivateVPN holds true to its name by maintaining a strict no-logging policy. And even though it’s new, this provider has entered the market with a strong security suite to back its service. Encryption is 128-bit or 256-bit, depending on which protocol you’re using. You also have perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Plans allow for up to 10 devices to be connected simultaneously.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

GREAT SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is a solid all-rounder. Works to access major streaming sites. Good for browsing and torrenting. Could do with having more servers and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money-back policy.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

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7. PureVPN

PureVPN has one of the larger networks, boasting 6,000+ servers in around 65 countries, including the Netherlands. Further, it outperformed most of its rivals in our latest tests, delivering stable connections and average speeds of almost 300 Mbps. Whether you’re looking to video call, stream Dutch TV, or torrent while traveling abroad, this VPN is up to the task. Support staff are on hand 24 hours per day via live chat, and users can protect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

Now, this doesn’t mean much if the service can’t keep you safe. Luckily, PureVPN uses uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection to ensure that your activities are kept hidden at all times. There’s also an independently-verified zero-logs policy for added peace of mind. Want a little more control over your connection? Dig into the options menu and you’ll find a tracker-blocking tool as well as automatic connection and split tunneling features. The only downside is that the kill switch isn’t available on Apple platforms.

PureVPN supports all major platforms, with apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. Further, it works with most routers (although manual setup is required – check the website’s help section for detailed instructions).

ULTRA-FAST:PureVPN is a quick, reliable option with secure servers in Amsterdam and 60+ other countries. Ideal for streaming, torrenting, or staying safe on public wifi. Better still, all plans come with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our complete PureVPN review.

Finding the best VPNs for the Netherlands: Methodology

There are hundreds of VPNs on the market, and they are not all suitable for gaining robust online privacy and security. To ensure we only recommend the very best VPNs for the Netherlands, our reviewers personally test each VPN. Below, we have included a list of the important features we checked for when testing the VPNs for this list.

• A trustworthy no-logs policy. A reliable VPN will never track or log what you do online while connected to its servers. This guarantees that the VPN does not keep data that could later be harvested by government snoops with a warrant.
• Robust encryption. A VPN is only ever as secure as the encryption that powers its tunneling protocol. We check under the hood to see how the VPN implements the encryption in their chosen VPN protocol and only recommend VPNs that can completely prevent your data from being intercepted.
• Advanced VPN features. For a VPN to offer value for money, it should have plenty of reliable privacy and security features that make it both useful and versatile. We check for DNS leak protection, a kill switch, obfuscation, and other features such as split tunneling, port forwarding, and a SOCKS5 proxy.
• A fast global server network. Having plenty of servers to choose from ensures that you can always access services and content from around the world. Our recommendations not only have plenty of servers worldwide but also many servers in each location to prevent congestion.
• Device compatibility. We know everyone uses the internet in different ways, so we look for VPNs that work with a variety of devices. We choose providers that support major operating systems like Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS at a minimum. But we also look for them to work with other platforms like Amazon Fire TV, Linux, and Wi-Fi routers, and if possible, to offer browser extensions, too.
• A money-back guarantee. Market-leading VPNs are confident about the service they provide, and they want you to be able to try their service. That is why they have a money-back guarantee to let you test the service and get a refund if you aren’t satisfied.

Want to know more? Check out our detailed VPN testing methodology.

Using a free VPN in Holland

Although there are plenty of free VPN services available, they typically just don’t measure up. This can be down to a host of reasons, depending on the provider.

A limited network of servers and long wait times are common occurrences with free services and will likely be off-putting for many users. You may also find issues with speed and reliability, and small data caps can hamper attempts to download large files.

Although, the practical downsides certainly don’t represent the worst of things. Other problems arise because companies adopt an unethical business model that jeopardizes the privacy and security of users. Notable issues include some providers enabling tracking cookies, logging user activity, and even carrying malware.

Our recommendation is to avoid the risks and the hassle by paying for a reputable VPN service.

How to use a VPN for the Netherlands

Using a VPN to gain online privacy, security, and added accessibility is easy. Simply follow the steps below to set up your VPN, and you’ll be browsing and streaming securely in no time.

Here’s how to set up a VPN for the Netherlands:

1. Pick a VPN for the Netherlands. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Click the link to the VPN’s website and subscribe.
3. Download the VPN software, taking care to choose the correct version for your devices.
4. Install the VPN and log in using your credentials.
5. Choose a server from the list – taking care to pick one for the country you require. For example, choose a server from the US to watch US Netflix from abroad. Or, if you are outside Holland, choose a Dutch server to gain a Dutch IP address and access your home services from abroad.
6. Connect to your chosen site, you should now be able to access restricted content!
7. If you’re struggling to access the sites, try clearing your cookies and your browser cache, as these can store location information from previous sessions. If this doesn’t work, contact your VPN’s customer support team for more help.

Privacy laws in Holland

The Netherlands is generally known for its internet freedom and strong privacy laws. The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) took Microsoft to court over data processing that breached the Dutch data protection law. The use of a VPN is completely legal in the country, and, in fact, several VPNs are actually based in the Netherlands, including GOOSE VPN, proXPN, and Shade You.

On the other hand, this is a 14 Eyes country, which means it is part of an international surveillance alliance, including some European countries as well as the US, Canada, and Australia.

Plus, recently, the Dutch Senate approved a controversial new data mining law. This gives governments a much wider reach when accessing information, reportedly enabling intelligence services to tap into Wi-Fi hotspots and chat apps and hack into your device if someone you know is a suspect in a crime.

The EU Data Retention Directive was implemented in the Netherlands through the Telecommunications Data Retention Act until it was invalidated in 2014. This law required ISPs to collect user traffic and location data and store it for 12 months. Revision of the data retention laws in the country is ongoing and will likely change again thanks to the implementation of the GDPR.

The resulting potential lack of privacy in the Netherlands, from these factors, could be a good reason to use a VPN while visiting or living in the country.

Best VPNs for the Netherlands (Holland): FAQs