TL;DR
This article compares six leading VPNs for crypto use in 2025, based on speed, server coverage, privacy features and pricing. It outlines the risks of free VPNs, including data logging and weak encryption, and presents tested alternatives. NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost and IPVanish each offer different strengths in trading, privacy and multi-device access.
If you’re active in crypto, you’re probably already using a VPN (virtual private network) for cryptocurrency trading or something similar. So, we won’t waste your time. Instead, we’ll ask you a simple question:
Are you still using that free VPN your mate recommended? You know, the one that’s probably farming your data and passing it on to ad networks?
If the answer is yes, you may be in a pickle.
Free VPNs might seem appealing on the surface, but they come with serious trade-offs, especially for crypto users:
- A CSIRO study found that 75% of free VPN apps include tracking libraries and 38% contain malware.
- Many log and sell your browsing data to advertisers, use weak or outdated encryption and leave your wallet credentials vulnerable to interception.
- Additionally, free services often cap your data, limit server access and slow down your connection, making it harder to use exchanges or interact with DeFi platforms securely.
- Most also skip independent audits, offering little transparency into how your data is handled. For anyone active in crypto, a trusted paid VPN is the safer, smarter choice.
With this in mind, we ask you to check out our list below of the best VPNs for crypto in 2025. We’ve based our selection on independent performance testing, user satisfaction scores and how each service holds up in real-world, day-to-day crypto use.
For those just about to board a plane to a crypto conference on the other side of the planet, we’ll start with a neat comparison table.
Best VPNs 2025 – compared
NordVPN
Yes, we know you’ve heard of NordVPN, but it continues to dominate the list of the best VPNs for cryptocurrency trading in 2025. It holds a 4.5/5 user rating (PCMag) and is consistently ranked among the fastest VPNs, thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol, built on WireGuard. With over 7,200 servers in 118 countries, it offers excellent global coverage, key for traders accessing region-locked exchanges or managing remote wallets.
NordVPN stands out for advanced privacy tools like Double VPN, Onion over VPN and Threat Protection Pro, which blocks trackers, malware and phishing domains. Additional tools such as Meshnet, Dedicated IP and Dark Web Monitor provide extra layers of control and visibility for security-conscious users, especially those running multisig or managing crypto across multiple devices.
- Pricing: NordVPN starts at $3.09/month for a two-year plan and $12.99/month on a monthly subscription, competitive for the privacy features included.
- Best for: Crypto users who prioritize speed, privacy and serious security infrastructure for everyday use.
Surfshark
Surfshark has built a strong following in the crypto space by offering premium features at entry-level pricing. It holds a 4.5/5 rating (PCMag) and boasts some of the fastest VPN speeds for crypto trading, with OpenVPN hitting 460 Mbps and WireGuard exceeding 950 Mbps in independent tests.
Its network includes 3,200+ servers in over 100 countries, and it’s the only VPN on this list that allows unlimited device connections, a major perk for crypto users juggling wallets, exchanges and cold storage setups across laptops and mobile devices. Surfshark also includes strong privacy tools such as Dynamic MultiHop, IP Rotator and Nexus technology, which obscures network paths and makes user tracking more difficult.
- Pricing: Starts at just $1.99/month for a two-year plan and $15.45/month if billed monthly.
- Best for: Crypto users who need speed, scalability and a strong privacy feature set at a low price point.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is built for people who take privacy seriously, which includes a large portion of the crypto community. Rated a rare 5.0/5 by PCMag, it sets the benchmark for transparency with a strict no-logs policy, regular audits and jurisdiction in privacy-friendly Switzerland.
While its network is smaller — about 500+ servers in 67 countries — Proton still delivers excellent latency and reliability, essential for everything from checking a Web3 wallet to confirming transactions on a DeFi platform. One of its standout features is Tor over VPN, allowing you to route your traffic directly through the Tor network for deeper anonymity.
Proton VPN also remains one of the few providers offering a truly useful free VPN for crypto users, with unlimited bandwidth and no forced upgrades.
- Pricing: The free plan includes full functionality with limited server access. Paid plans start at $4.99/month (two-year deal) and go up to $9.99/month.
- Best for: Privacy-first users, activists or anyone seeking a free or paid VPN built around long-term trust.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a top-tier option for crypto users who value ease of use without compromising performance. Holding a 4.5/5 rating (PCMag), it runs on the Lightway protocol, optimized for high-speed uploads and stability, which is useful when interacting with blockchain networks or syncing nodes.
It's 3,000+ servers in 105 countries provide solid international access and security is bolstered by TrustedServer technology, all RAM-based servers that wipe data after every reboot. Combine that with an independently audited no-logs policy, and it’s easy to see why ExpressVPN remains a go-to for traders traveling across restricted regions or needing consistent access to crypto exchanges.
- Pricing: Slightly more premium, with plans starting at $6.67/month (12-month plan) or $12.95/month if paid monthly.
- Best for: Crypto users who want an intuitive, secure VPN that "just works" across all major devices and platforms.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost earns its place here through sheer scale; with 9,000+ servers in 91 countries, it offers one of the largest VPN infrastructures available. Its user rating sits at 4.0/5 (PCMag), and while speeds are respectable rather than record-breaking, it excels in accessibility and server customization.
Key features include Dedicated IP, ad and malware blocking and servers optimized for streaming and torrenting, which is ideal for those running crypto mining rigs or doing heavy background network activity. It also has one of the most generous refund policies on the market: a 45-day money-back guarantee.
- Pricing: Plans start at $2.19/month for a two-year subscription and $12.99/month for monthly billing.
- Best for: Users looking for maximum server choice, casual crypto users and those new to VPNs who want a clean UI and simple setup.
IPVanish
IPVanish is a more niche pick, but it fills a specific role: unlimited simultaneous device connections – perfect for crypto traders or dev teams running complex, multi-device setups. It holds a 3.5/5 user rating (PCMag) and has made significant speed improvements with the adoption of the WireGuard protocol.
With 2,000+ servers in 75+ locations, it provides enough coverage for most use cases and includes robust privacy features like split tunneling, DNS leak protection and a verified no-logs policy. It’s not as polished as the top-tier providers, but it’s highly configurable for power users.
- Pricing: Starts at $2.99/month on a two-year plan, or $12.99/month billed monthly.
- Best for: Crypto users who need flexibility and customization across multiple devices or want a VPN that can scale across teams.
Using crypto without a VPN is like storing gold bars in a glass safe on a busy street.
Sure, the door might be locked, but everyone can see exactly what you’ve got, where it is and when you’re accessing it.
Using a free VPN is like trusting a stranger to guard that safe while you’re gone.
Maybe they’ll keep watch. Maybe they’ll make a copy of the key. Either way, you’ve lost control and that’s not a position you want to be in when crypto is on the line.
A trusted VPN like the ones in our list is the opposite. It’s like moving your digital assets into a secure vault of your own, with encryption, access controls and visibility only you manage. It won’t fix everything, but it puts you back in charge.
If you’re in crypto, your connection is part of your attack surface. You’re logging into exchanges, signing into wallets and interacting with Web3 apps, often across borders and in less-than-secure network environments. A proper VPN for crypto trading gives you the privacy, stability and access you need to operate without being tracked, throttled or geo-blocked.
And while free VPNs might sound convenient, they come with real risks: poor encryption, logging policies that can’t be verified, limited speeds and in some cases, baked-in malware. In crypto, where even small leaks can be costly, that’s a risk you shouldn’t take.
The VPNs for crypto users we’ve outlined are fast, tested and flexible enough for how crypto people work: across time zones, across devices and often on the move. Pick the one that fits your setup, and stop trusting your privacy to luck.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should I use a VPN for cryptocurrency trading?
Utilizing a VPN for cryptocurrency trading enhances your online security by encrypting your internet connection, masking your IP address, and protecting against potential cyber threats. This is particularly crucial when accessing crypto exchanges or managing digital wallets, as it helps prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.
2. What are the risks of using free VPNs for crypto activities?
Free VPNs often come with significant security risks, including weak encryption protocols, data logging and potential malware exposure. Many free services monetize by selling user data to third parties, compromising privacy. For secure cryptocurrency transactions, it's advisable to use reputable, paid VPN services that offer robust security features.
3. Can a VPN help me access geo-restricted crypto exchanges?
Yes, a VPN can bypass geographical restrictions by connecting to servers in different countries. This enables access to crypto exchanges and services that may be unavailable in your region, providing greater flexibility in your trading activities.
4. How does a VPN protect my crypto wallet?
A VPN secures your internet connection, reducing the risk of interception by malicious actors when accessing your crypto wallet. It also helps prevent tracking and surveillance, ensuring your transactions remain private and secure.
5. Are there VPNs that accept cryptocurrency as payment?
Yes, several VPN providers accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) for payment, offering an additional layer of anonymity. This allows users to maintain privacy not only in their internet activities but also in their payment methods.
6. What features should I look for in a VPN for crypto trading?
When selecting a VPN for cryptocurrency trading, consider features such as strong encryption standards (e.g., AES-256), a strict no-logs policy, high-speed connections, a wide range of server locations and support for multiple devices. These features ensure secure and efficient trading experiences.
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