Best VPNs for Switzerland in 2023

Want to gain online privacy and improve accessibility in Switzerland? Or perhaps you want to access regional services? We explain how and recommend the best VPNs for Switzerland.

When you connect to the internet, everything you do online is tracked. Swiss ISPs are subject to mandatory data retention directives that force them to store web browsing histories and communications metadata for six months. That data must be made available to the authorities on request, resulting in constant surveillance. Take your privacy into your own hands by using a VPN for Switzerland.

A VPN is an online privacy tool that prevents anyone from tracking you online. It works by encrypting all data coming and going from your devices. It conceals your IP address from the websites you visit, which removes a significant layer of tracking by websites.

One advantage of a VPN is that you can appear to be in a different location. You can leverage this capability to change your IP address and bypass restrictions on a local network, such as at work. You can also use a VPN to watch Netflix US or to access Swiss TV services like Zattoo, Suisse TV, and Swisscom from abroad.

Not all VPNs are reliable for gaining online privacy, and not all VPNs are fast enough for watching HD streams. In this guide, we’ve pinpointed the best VPNs for Switzerland. These VPNs are suitable for getting an IP address in Switzerland and for accessing restricted content from around the world with complete privacy. 

Below, you can take a quick look at the most secure and reliable VPNs for internet users in Switzerland.

Here are the best VPNs for Switzerland:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Switzerland. A secure VPN that works to access Zattoo and Teleclub Play from outside of Switzerland. More than 6,000 high-speed servers worldwide, including 100+ in Switzerland. Works to access international services like Netflix US. Apps for all devices come with a kill switch and robust encryption. No-logs policy. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Switzerland. Works to access Zattoo and other Swiss platforms. Allows unlimited connections and costs just $2.50 per month. Easy to use and comes equipped with a kill switch, obfuscation, and split tunneling. Solid no-logs policy and 24/7 live chat.
3. ExpressVPN: Offers fast servers in over 105 countries, including streaming-optimized servers in Switzerland. Works seamlessly with Swiss streaming platforms, as well as international services like Joyn, Netflix US, and BBC iPlayer. Round-the-clock customer support.
4. CyberGhost VPN: Perfect VPN for beginners in Switzerland. User-friendly, secure, and ideal for accessing Zattoo, Teleclub Play, and Swisscom TV on vacation. Boasts more than 10,000 servers worldwide, including 250+ Swiss servers. Uses the WireGuard protocol for outstanding speeds. Works with Netflix US.
5. ProtonVPN: A fast and reliable VPN based in Switzerland. Features include a kill switch, obfuscation, and a choice of protocols. Works to watch Swiss content like Zattoo. Fast servers in the US and 71+ countries, can access Netflix and game servers. Secure torrenting with port forwarding.
6. Atlas VPN: A fast and reliable VPN you can use on an unlimited number of devices. Perfect for accessing Zattoo from outside Switzerland or at work. Fast speeds for uninterrupted streaming. MultiHop connections and a kill switch.

Summary Table

Selecting the perfect VPN for Switzerland might seem daunting, especially if you're new to VPNs. Exaggerated claims about speed and security could lead you to potentially waste your money on a subpar VPN.

It's not uncommon to stumble upon VPNs that suffer from critical issues such as DNS leaks, weak encryption, and other vulnerabilities that can compromise your online privacy and security. We sought out VPNs that prioritize security and privacy while providing access to Swiss streaming services like Zattoo and SRF.

Our meticulous approach involves testing dozens of VPNs to find recommendations capable of delivering everything necessary for watertight online safety. Below, we've included the specific criteria we use to handpick the best VPNs for Switzerland.

• Access to Swiss streaming platforms and game servers from abroad or at work.
• Lightning-fast protocols and servers that can stream in HD and do other data-intensive tasks such as torrenting, gaming, and making video calls. 
• Reliable customer support with agents that can help you at any time of day.
• Strong security and privacy features, including a no-logs policy and encryption
• Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more
• A money-back guarantee that lets you try out the VPN on your own devices.
• A wide range of servers worldwide to get an IP address just about anywhere, with unlimited bandwidth
• Value for money
• Allows torrenting and other P2P activities
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party.

Best VPNs for Switzerland: Detailed reviews

Below, we have provided detailed summaries of each of the best VPNs for Switzerland. These reviews explain the advantages of each VPN, including any exclusive or specialist features they each have. 

We have included some cheaper VPNs and some that are more advanced. You can pick the VPN that offers the best feature set for your personal needs. All our recommendations have reliable data security and privacy whether you use them at work, at home, or on public WiFi within Switzerland. 

NordVPN comes equipped with a strict no-logs policy, strong AES encryption, a kill switch, and lightning-fast speeds thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol. You'll find more than 100 servers within Switzerland, and a whopping 6,000+ servers worldwide. 

Based in Panama, NordVPN enjoys the advantage of not being subject to mandatory data retention laws. In addition to its no-log promise, it runs on diskless servers that can be erased remotely. It completed a full third-party security audit of its apps and network, meaning that it is free of all known vulnerabilities.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick. These apps have useful features like double VPN, Tor over VPN, anti-DDoS protection, and specialized servers optimized for seamless streaming. It even throws in a free Smart DNS service and ad blocking, which is impressive considering the cost.

NordVPN offers secure access to a wide array of websites, including US Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, Sky, Sling TV, and many others. The Swiss servers have been tested and work to watch Suisse Play, Zattoo, and other popular Swiss services while on vacation.

A single subscription grants you six simultaneous connections, which means your entire family can use the VPN at the same time. If anything confuses you, you can get help setting up and using the VPN via 24/7 live chat support. Plus, it has a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee to let you try it out. 

BEST VPN FOR SWITZERLAND: NordVPN is a super fast and secure VPN that gives you access to region-locked platforms and censored content no matter where you travel. Strong encryption and a no-logs policy stop government surveillance in Switzerland. Keeps you safe on public WiFi. Works well with Netflix. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is our top recommendation for anybody in Switzerland who wants a workhorse VPN that is cheap. The VPN is very easy to use, and it has an impressive network of over 3,200 servers spanning 100+ countries. Servers in Switzerland bypass blocks at work and can access home services like Suisse Play and Zattoo on vacation.

When it comes to online security, Surfshark excels. It has a strict no-logs policy, an anti-censorship feature called NoBorders, 256-bit encryption, a reliable kill switch, and comprehensive protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks. The WireGuard protocol is perfect for HD streaming, gaming, torrenting, and other data-intensive tasks.

Surfshark is one of the few VPNs that consistently works to access popular platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max from anywhere in the world. If you travel to the UAE or China, you can use it to bypass VoIP blocks or to get around censorship of Western platforms like Facebook.

Apps are available for iOS, MacOS, Android, Windows, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for any internet user in Switzerland. You can also set it up manually on VPN-compatible routers. You can connect an unlimited number of devices. Live chat support is available 24/7, and you can compare it to any other VPN using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

QUALITY ON A BUDGET: Surfshark offers apps for all devices, and lets you use the VPN on an unlimited number of devices. Fast WireGuard protocol is perfect for streaming in HD. Reliable encryption and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is an outstanding option for enhancing your online experience in Switzerland. The VPN has an excellent reputation, a solid no-logging policy, and robust AES encryption to ensure your browsing activities remain private at home, at work, and on public WiFi. 

This provider boasts impressive speeds thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol, and it has more than 3,000 servers to choose from in 105+ countries. Swiss and German servers let you access home services like Zattoo. Plus, it works to stream Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and many other popular services from around the world.

Your privacy is a top priority with ExpressVPN. It maintains a strict no-logs policy and doesn't store any user activity records or source IP addresses. The OpenVPN protocol uses obfuscation by default, which is ideal for users in strict countries like the UAE and China. 

The network consists exclusively of diskless servers, which means they can be erased remotely in an emergency. This VPN has been fully audited by a third-party firm, meaning you don't have to take its privacy and security claims on faith alone. The apps employ perfect forward secrecy and a reliable internet kill switch.

A single account is valid for use on eight devices, which is enough for most users.  Apps are available for Android and iOS, Windows, Mac, and routers. ExpressVPN has live chat support that can help you at any time of day. It allows torrenting throughout its network. You can try it out using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

RELIABLE AND VERSATILE: ExpressVPN works with all major streaming services. Has a solid no-logging policy and strong AES encryption. Diskless servers for added protection. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost VPN is based in Romania, a country that lacks mandatory data retention directives that could force VPNs to keep records of user activities. As a result, CyberGhost has a watertight no-logging policy that promises never to track its users or retain records of user IP addresses or servers used.

The CyberGhost network is almost unprecedented in size. It has more than 10,000 servers in 100+ countries. Swiss servers let you access banking services online or your favorite TV services while on vacation. 

We strongly recommend CyberGhost if you are a newbie to the world of VPNs. It labels its servers by use and has streaming servers optimized for each country that show you which services they work with. This lets you find the server you need instantly.

In our tests, CyberGhost was able to access Netflix US and a bunch of other regions. It also worked to watch Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and many others. This makes it a decent all-rounder if you’re looking for a VPN for streaming. It also allows torrenting. However, it doesn't include port forwarding or proper split tunneling, so you may prefer to shop elsewhere depending on how much you torrent. It does come with an automatic kill switch, as well as offering robust speeds. 

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Live chat support is available at any time of day on its website.

EASY TO USE: CyberGhost VPN makes streaming easy and is strong on privacy, with a kill switch, AES encryption, a choice of protocols, and DNS leak protection. It blocks ads and trackers. No-logging policy. 45-day money-back guarantee to try it out yourself.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

Proton VPN was developed by the team behind Proton Mail. As you’d expect, it has a solid no-logging policy.

With servers spanning more than 71 countries, Proton VPN ensures speedy connections that are ideal for HD streaming, gaming, and torrenting. In our tests, it worked to access various Swiss TV services, as well as foreign services like Netflix US and BBC iPlayer. It's one of the few VPN services to be Swiss-based, so it doesn't struggle with any local services.

Proton VPN has more features than just about any other VPN on this list. These includes apps for all platforms, a kill switch, obfuscation, protocol options (including OpenVPN and WireGuard), MultiHop connections, split tunneling, a strict no-log policy, Secure Core servers, Tor over VPN, and DNS leak protection. These will help to add an extra layer of security while connected.

Proton boasts a handy port forwarding feature if you want a VPN for torrenting in Switzerland. This makes it easier to seed torrents. It doesn’t have diskless servers and hasn’t undergone a full third-party audit. If this sways your decision, stick with one of our top three providers instead.

Proton VPN offers a limited free plan, with connections to servers in the US, Japan, and the Netherlands. These are suitable for getting online privacy but will not work to access streaming platforms like Netflix US. To unlock streams or to get an IP address in Switzerland, you'll need a paid account.

Finally, Proton VPN is a bit more expensive than some of our other recommendations, but the additional features make it worthwhile. You can test the premium version yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

BEST FOR TORRENTING: Proton VPN is an excellent option for techy users in Switzerland who want more bells and whistles. Servers in 71+ countries, including Switzerland. Port forwarding makes it the best Swiss VPN for torrenting. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Atlas VPN is a fast service that is great for families. It costs just $1.82 per month, and you can use a single account on an unlimited number of devices. That means you can share your account with friends and family, or even split the bill.

Atlas VPN has servers in 44+ countries, which is more modest than some of our other recommendations. However, they are extremely well-placed and offer fast speeds for streaming. In our tests, the Swiss servers worked to watch Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Zattoo, and Suisse Play. It also worked with international platforms like Netflix US, Hulu, and HBO Max.

The fast WireGuard protocol makes it a good choice for gaming, torrenting, or making video calls. The apps are extremely easy to use and come with 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, MultiHop servers, and malware and tracker blocking.

The biggest drawback is that AtlasVPN is based in the US. However, it has a no-logs policy,  which means it has no records to hand over to authorities even if served a warrant. 

Live chat support is available 24/7, but it is for paying subscribers only. Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. You can test it yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

GREAT FOR STREAMING: Atlas VPN is fast for streaming and playing games. Works with a large number of streaming platforms. Servers worldwide, including in Switzerland. Unlimited simultaneous connections. MultiHop servers and ad blocking are included.  Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Atlas VPN.

Switzerland VPN testing methodology

The internet is jam-packed with competing VPNs, but we recommend you avoid most of them. Many VPNs offer an inferior service that does not adequately protect you online. To make sure we only recommend secure VPNs that are worth your time and money, we carry out tests on dozens of competing services using a meticulous VPN testing system.

We test each VPN for leaks, check under the hood to see how the encryption is implemented, check the reliability of the kill switch, and determine average download speed. We also check each VPN's privacy policy to ensure it isn't doing anything dodgy with user data.

Our methodology ensures we only recommend secure VPNs that prioritize data privacy and security. Once we have a shortlist of trustworthy VPNs, we tested those VPNs to figure out whether they are suitable for Switzerland. 

If you want to know more about how we test, review, and recommend VPNs, then you can check out our full testing methodology guide. Below, we have included the main features we looked for when recommending the best VPNs for Switzerland.

• Reliable security: We concentrate on recommending VPNs that offer top-notch security and privacy features. All the VPNs for Switzerland in this guide offer encryption, cutting-edge VPN protocols, secure applications, a trustworthy kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Some go the extra mile with strong security features like obfuscation and ad blocking.
• Privacy: We check each VPN's privacy policy to be sure that the VPN never tracks your home IP address, the servers you connect to, or any of your browsing activities. This ensures that your online habits remain private both now and in the future, while lowering your digital footprint.
• Fast servers and protocols: We exclusively recommend VPNs that have a fast Tier-1 network of high-speed servers around the globe. 
• Server options: We test each VPN with Swiss TV channels and platforms from abroad, as well as international content via services like Netflix US, Hulu, and Joyn while in Switzerland. All of our recommendations operate servers worldwide to let you get an IP address anywhere that you need it. 
• Apps for all devices: You can use these VPNs on multiple devices concurrently, and install them on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. Our recommendations have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and in some cases Firestick and Linux. 
• Customer support: We prioritize VPNs that take customer care seriously. We understand that not everybody knows how to use a VPN. We recommend VPNs that have both email and live chat support available to help you install and use the VPN on all your devices.

In addition to the criteria mentioned above, we also insist on two other features for our top three VPNs. First, they must have completed a full third-party security audit of their service. This ensures that the apps, policies, and network implementation have been checked for flaws and vulnerabilities and that the VPN has been given a full bill of health.

Also, our top three picks must have a network that runs on diskless servers that run in RAM. This allows the provider to remotely shut down any of its servers, preventing data recovery in the event of a server raid by the authorities. The VPN can erase a server remotely in case of an emergency.

Switzerland VPN FAQs

Can I get a free VPN for Switzerland?

Although there are a few free VPNs that we can recommend, it is important to understand their limitations. Reliable VPN providers that have a free plan only provide that service to advertise the premium version. They limit the free version’s locations, speed, and downloads.

At the time of writing, we know of no reliable free VPNs that offer servers in Switzerland. You will not be able to use a free VPN to get an IP address in Switzerland while on vacation. It is also important to remember that free VPNs will not let you access popular streaming services like Netflix, Joyn, or Hulu. Access to these services is reserved for the paid plan.

Besides these limitations, most free VPNs available in app stores are not trustworthy. Many free VPNs have weak privacy policies that allow them to track users for profiling purposes. Those free VPNs sell users' data to third parties to create a revenue stream, which means that they put your privacy at risk.

In addition, many free VPNs have been shown to lack reliable encryption and suffer from app and server vulnerabilities, including IP and DNS leaks. Some free VPNs even hide spyware in their apps, which means they are putting your devices at risk. For this reason, it is vital to steer clear of the majority of free VPNs.

Why do I need a VPN in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, the government has passed regulations that force ISPs to track users and keep records of all their web visits for six months. This data can be requested by the police and other government authorities as part of their investigations and for matters of national security. 

Governments using mandatory data retention often exploit data for widespread surveillance purposes under the guise of national security. This is unsettling because innocent people have no reason to be placed under surveillance.

Besides the tracking undertaken by ISPs and the Swiss government, many corporations also track internet users. Public WiFi, work, and campus networks all monitor traffic and analyze user web visits and other activity. In addition, the websites you visit can track you using your IP address.

Users in Switzerland are exposed to significant privacy risks, which is why it is a good idea to use a VPN to encrypt your connection and change your IP address.  

Casual internet use can disclose a lot of sensitive personal information when compiled. This can include health information, political beliefs, sexual preferences, interests, and many other personal details that ought to be private. 

Using a VPN is the best way to stem the flow of your personal information and will protect you against hackers on public WiFi and when you use peer-to-peer services (such as torrenting).

Do I need a fast VPN for Switzerland?

Yes. There are dozens of competing VPNs to pick from, and the vast majority of those services cut costs by renting cheap servers. These types of VPNs will slow down your internet considerably, which makes it hard to stream and engage in data-intensive tasks.

The VPNs in this guide offer both security and excellent performance. The best VPNs for Switzerland have fast servers to let you get an IP address anywhere that you need one. 

They employ speedy protocols such as WireGuard and OpenVPN UDP, which are perfect for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and making video calls.

Can I watch Swiss TV with a VPN?

Yes. The VPNs in this guide all have servers in Switzerland that can give you a valid Swiss IP address. This will allow you to bypass region locks and network restrictions to enjoy Swiss TV broadcasts from anywhere. Below, we have included a list of Swiss services that you can access with a VPN:

• Netflix
• Amazon Prime Video
• Disney+
• Apple TV+
• Sky Show 
• Zattoo
• UPC TV
• Teleclub
• SonyLIV
• MUBI
• Hayu
• Starzplay
• Crunchyroll
• Kividoo
• Shudder
• Pantaflix
• Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRF)
• Tele Züri
• TeleBärn
• 3+ TV
• RTS (Radio Télévision Suisse)
• RSI (Radiotelevisione Svizzera)
• MySports 
• Eurosport 
• MTV Switzerland
• Comedy Central Switzerland
• National Geographic Switzerland

Is torrenting legal in Switzerland?

Although Switzerland has relatively good privacy protections for consumers, and it’s rare for Swiss internet users to be prosecuted for torrenting or illegal streaming, it is important to recognize that piracy is still illegal in Switzerland. 

In addition, Switzerland has been added to a list of countries that are considered hotspots for piracy, meaning that the country is under pressure to crack down on copyright infringement.

Remember that you should not use a VPN to engage in online harms or criminal activities and that you use a VPN at your own risk. Nothing in this guide should be taken as legal advice.

Can I stream BBC iPlayer in Switzerland?

Yes. By connecting to a VPN server in the UK, you can easily access any British terrestrial TV service that has an online stream (which nowadays is all of them). All of the VPNs recommended in this guide have fast servers in the UK that work to watch BBC iPlayer in Britain. Below we have included a list of UK TV services you can watch with a VPN:

• BBC iPlayer
• ITVX
• Channel 4
• Channel 5
• TNT Sport
• Sky TV
• Now TV
• Netflix UK

You can connect to servers anywhere else in the world. For example, you can connect to a server in the US to watch Hulu, HBO Max, or Netflix US, or to a server in Germany to access Joyn.