How to get an Italian IP address

Do you want to access your favorite Italian TV shows and online banking services while abroad? Find out how to get an Italian IP address using a VPN here.

An Italian IP address allows anyone outside the country greater access to online services within it. This is great news for those who want to binge on Italian soccer via state TV channels or for expats who need to access banking services from Intesa Sanpaolo or Unicredit SpA. This article tells you how to easily get an Italian IP address using a VPN.

A virtual private network (VPN) allows users to connect to servers in any country where the VPN provider operates. Once a connection is established, the user’s device assumes the IP address of the server. All internet traffic flowing between the device and the server is encrypted, preventing third-parties – like ISPs – from being able to “see” what the user is doing online.  

How to get an IP address in Italy

It’s easy to get an IP address in Italy using one of our recommended VPN providers. Just follow these instructions: 

1. Choose a VPN that has servers in Italy. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Sign up for a subscription – longer terms are almost always better value. 
3. Download, and install, the relevant app for your device.
4. Restart the device once installation is complete. 
5. Open the newly installed app and search for “Italy” in the list of available servers.
6. Click the “connect” button.
7. Wait until the app tells you that a connection has been established.
8. Use the internet as normal, but with an IP address in Italy and encrypted internet traffic.

We’ll examine individual VPN services in more detail later. For now, here’s a summary of our top choices.

Best VPNs for getting an IP address in Italy:

1. NordVPN: Our recommended VPN for getting an Italian IP address. Has 60+ RAM-only servers in Rome and Milan, fast connection speeds, and easy access to popular streaming platforms and the Tor network. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN to get an Italian IP address. Offers unlimited device connections and speedy RAM-only servers in Rome and Milan. Dependable security tools, apps all have a full GUI and static IP addresses are available.
3. ExpressVPN: Italian IP addresses are available via RAM-only servers in Milan and Cosenza. Very fast connection speeds and obfuscation enabled by default. Has a dedicated app for routers and an Onion site on the Tor network.  
4. Proton VPN: Great for streaming and can provide Italian IP addresses via 36+ servers in Milan. Has open-source apps and allows port forwarding. Subscriptions include up to 10 simultaneous device connections. 
5. PrivateVPN: Provides IP addresses in Italy via a server in Milan. Has adjustable encryption and is good for both streaming and torrenting. A stealth mode enables connections in China and other restrictive countries. 
6. Atlas VPN: Has a server in Milan for Italian IP addresses and works with all major streaming platforms. Very fast speeds and subscriptions that include unlimited device connections and access to MultiHop servers. 
7. CyberGhost VPN: Excellent connection speeds and plenty of Italian IP addresses available via RAM-only servers in Milan and Rome. Great for streaming, with servers optimized for individual platforms. 

Summary Table

Choosing between the many available VPN providers isn’t easy – particularly when they ostensibly appear to offer near-identical services. To better compare providers we test them against a list of desirable criteria. These are outlined below and expanded upon in the testing methodology section of the article. 

• VPN with servers in Italy
• Fast connection speeds and unlimited bandwidth
• Strong privacy and robust security features for any online activity
• Ability to access streaming services such as Netflix Italy
• Value for money
• User-friendly apps 
• Helpful customer support

To be included as one of our top three providers, we additionally require VPNs to have a RAM-only server network, independently audited software and infrastructure, effective obfuscation, and a location beyond the reach of international spying alliances. 

Best VPNs to get an Italian IP address

Now let’s explore each of our recommended providers in a little more detail.

NordVPN is a great choice for anyone seeking an Italian IP address because it has extremely fast connection speeds and 60+ RAM-only servers in Rome and Milan,

The service works well with domestic Italian streaming channels as well as providing access to Italian content from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. The company has its own connection protocol – NordLynx – that’s fast and doesn’t store user data on its servers. 

As well as Italy, the company has thousands of servers in 60+ other countries. Many of these servers are optimized for specific tasks, including streaming, accessing the Tor network, and torrenting. NordVPN’s obfuscated servers enable users in countries like China, Egypt, and Iran to bypass censorship.   

Apps are particularly well-designed and are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux platforms. They come with strong encryption; a kill switch; split tunneling; protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks; and a Threat Protection tool that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. 

The service doesn’t allow port forwarding, though files can be accessed and transferred remotely using its MeshNet tool. This enables anyone – not just subscribers – to set up their own encrypted tunnels for devices they trust to pass network traffic. 

NordVPN has verified its no-logs claim through multiple audits of its software and infrastructure. The company also offers a bug bounty to researchers able to find any vulnerabilities in its application code. 

BEST VPN FOR ITALIAN ADDRESSES: NordVPN is our recommended provider. It has 60+ RAM-only servers in Italy, and provides easy access to popular streaming platforms and the Tor network. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark has RAM-only servers in Rome and Milan able to provide a range of Italian IP addresses. Its connection speeds are consistently fast and the service allows users to connect as many devices as they want simultaneously.

Other features include access to MultiHop servers, static IP addresses, and a NoBorders mode that obfuscates traffic so that it can bypass Chinese VPN blocks. The company’s Nexus technology rotates users’ IP addresses in-session, making them more difficult to track. 

Surfshark works great with both Italian national TV and international streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. VPN-incompatible devices like games consoles and smart TVs can use the company’s smart DNS tool to spoof their locations and bypass geo-restrictions. 

Surfshark apps all have a full GUI and are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. They come with strong encryption, built-in leak protection, and an ad and malware blocker. Browser extensions are also available for Firefox, Chrome, and Edge.

The company adheres to a strict no-logs policy that’s been verified through a third-party audit of its server network. As of 2022, Surfshark is no longer independent, having merged with NordVPN’s parent company – Nord Security. 

GREAT VALUE: Surfshark can provide IP addresses in Italy and 99+ other countries. Connections are fast and the service works in China. Subscriptions include unlimited device connections and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN provides robust security and easy access to Italian IP addresses via servers in Milan and Cosenza. The service is very fast, which is partially thanks to the company’s proprietary Lightway connection protocol. 

Outside Italy, ExpressVPN has RAM-only servers available in 105+ countries. These work notably well with popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+. The company’s MediaStreamer tool can spoof the location of VPN-incompatible devices so that they too can access geo-restricted content. 

ExpressVPN’s obfuscation – which is enabled by default – makes it possible for subscribers in restrictive countries like China to get Italian IP addresses. The provider has a dedicated Onion site on the Tor network so that users can sign up anonymously.

Well-designed apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Nvidia Shield, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. These come with strong encryption, a kill switch, built-in leak protection, and a Threat Manager Tool. ExpressVPN makes an app for routers, which allows subscribers to easily protect every device on their home networks. 

ExpressVPN was acquired by cybersecurity firm Kape Technologies in 2021. Kape has something of a controversial history, stemming from its prior incarnation as Crossrider. As Crossrider, it specialized in the creation of software designed to inject adverts into users’ browsers. 

ExpressVPN has a solid no-longs policy that’s been independently verified. In the year following its acquisition, the company underwent a reassuring 12 third-party audits.  

TRUSTED SERVERS: ExpressVPN provides access to Italian IP addresses via servers in Milan and Cosenza. It has an app for routers, obfuscation enabled by default, and a proprietary connection protocol. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Proton VPN can provide subscribers with an Italian IP address via any one of its 36+ servers in Milan. A SecureCore server in Italy routes sensitive traffic via a Proton VPN high-security data center in Switzerland. 

All of the company’s apps are open-source and available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and FireTV. They come with built-in leak protection, easy access to the Tor network, a kill switch, strong encryption, split tunneling, and an ad-blocker.  

Proton VPN allows port forwarding, which improves seeding and leeching while torrenting. It’s compatible with routers running AsusWRT, DD-WRT, OpenWRT, or FreshTomato firmware. Subscriptions permit users to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

The VPN works well with big-name streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Connection speeds are fast enough for lag-free gaming and streaming 4K video, as well as many of your favorite streaming services.

Proton VPN has a clearly defined no-logs policy that’s been verified through multiple independent audits of its software and infrastructure. Any significant legal requests for customer data are published on the transparency report page of its website.

STRONG ON PRIVACY: Offers protection for highly sensitive traffic when using Italian IP addresses. It has open-source apps and servers in 68+ countries. Great for both streaming and torrenting. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ProtonVPN.

PrivateVPN has a server in Milan able to provide subscribers with an Italian IP address. Servers are also available in 62+ other countries. 

The service works well with streaming platforms, and is able to access Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, CBS, and BBC iPlayer. Speeds are decent, though the other providers in our list are significantly faster. Subscribers can choose to reduce the level of encryption used on their data if speeds are insufficient. 

PrivateVPN apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. These come with protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks, and app-specific and system-wide kill switches.

Other PrivateVPN features include a stealth mode that works in China; and access to a SOCKS5 and HTTP Proxy. The provider permits port forwarding, which makes torrenting more efficient. 

PrivateVPN is compatible with routers running AsusWRT, Tomato, or DD-WRT firmware. Its dedicated customer support team is – unusually – able to provide remote control assistance with router configuration. 

The company has never suffered a data breach and has an overarching dedication to transparency. However, while it has a strict no-logs policy, it has yet to be independently audited. In 2022, the company was bought by UK-based web-hosting business, Miss Group.

STEALTH MODE: Enables access to Italian IP addresses and a range of international streaming services. Permits port forwarding and has a stealth mode that can bypass VPN blocks in China. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Atlas VPN provides subscribers with unlimited device connections and Italian IP addresses via a server in Milan. It’s very fast and able to access a host of streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

The company’s SafeSwap servers provide additional security by rotating users’ IP addresses in-session – making their true IP addresses yet more difficult to track. These servers – which are only available in three countries – also enable MultiHop connections with randomized exit servers. 

Apps have a pleasingly minimalist aesthetic and are available for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. They come with a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a tracker-blocker, and a data breach monitor.

Atlas VPN uses the WireGuard connection protocol by default. This protects internet traffic with ChaCha20 encryption. Subscribers can alternatively use the IPSec/IKEv2 protocol, which uses 256-AES encryption.

The company has a robust no-logs policy, though this has yet to be independently audited. At the time of writing, audits had been carried out on the Windows and iOS apps. In 2020, just a year after being launched, Atlas VPN was acquired by Nord Security. 

STRONG ON SECURITY: Atlas VPN provides very fast connection speeds and Italian IP addresses via a server in Milan. It’s a great choice for streaming and can rotate users’ IP addresses in-session. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of AtlasVPN.

CyberGhost VPN can provide Italian IP addresses via 210+ RAM-only servers in Milan and Rome. Connection speeds are impressively quick and long-term subscriptions are reasonably priced. 

The provider is particularly good for streaming as it has servers optimized for individual streaming platforms. This takes the guesswork out when trying to find a server that works with your favorite platform. Windows users have the additional benefit of being able to set their streaming apps to auto-connect to an optimized server. 

As well as Windows, apps are available for iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux. These come with DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection; a kill switch; and a built-in ad and malware blocker. CyberGhost VPN is compatible with routers and its website provides step-by-step instructions for configuring connections.

For those willing to pay a little extra, the company offers access to its NoSpy servers. These are housed in CyberGhost VPN’s Romanian data center and provide yet faster speeds, a dedicated uplink, and extra bandwidth.

CyberGhost VPN was acquired by Kape Technologies in 2017. Since then it has operated separately from other Kape brands and undergone several third-party audits that have verified its no-logs policy. It issues quarterly transparency reports where it lists any official requests for customer data.

FAST CONNECTIONS: CyberGhost VPN has multiple options for users seeking an Italian IP address. It boasts fast connection speeds and hassle-free streaming access. It has an audited no-logs policy and plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

Methodology for choosing the best VPNs for Italian IP addresses

When choosing providers we look for VPN companies that can offer something more than just an Italian IP address. We discuss the features we consider necessary as part of our testing methodology below. 

• Servers in Italy: If you want an Italian IP address, then you’re going to need to connect to a server in Italy. The best VPNs have multiple options available in more than one location. Ideally, these servers are physically present in the country, rather than virtual servers.
• Fast connection speeds: There’s little point using a VPN to get an Italian IP address if the resulting connection is painfully slow. We regularly test VPN providers to find out which are the fastest. We only include those able to stream video in HD without buffering. 
• Strong privacy and security features: VPNs that can’t keep you safe online are not worth your time or money. We require providers to at least have the following: strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, leak protection, and a kill switch. We give preference to those that also provide access to MultiHop and obfuscated servers, split tunneling, and port forwarding.
• Ability to access streaming services: While an Italian IP address will give you access to a range of domestic Italian TV channels, it’s not guaranteed to work with the Italian content libraries of the major streaming platforms. The majority of VPN connections are blocked by the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. We conduct regular tests to find out which VPN services continue to work with the most popular Italian streaming platforms. 
• Value for money: It costs money to operate a good quality VPN service, which is why the best providers are subscription-based. We try to include providers operating at a range of price points, but all offer a level of service in line with their monthly fees.  
• User-friendly apps: VPNs can be confusing to first-timers, so we always look for companies that make their apps easy to use. Intuitive graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are a good start, as is consistency – and availability – across a range of platforms. The best apps have advanced configuration options for users with more experience.
• Helpful customer support: If you’re paying for a long-term VPN subscription, it’s nice to know that the company you’ve given money to will be there if you need help. To this end, we look for providers that offer 24/7 customer support via live chat. This should be backed up by a comprehensive and searchable online knowledge base.  

Bonus points

To make it to one of our top three positions, VPN companies must additionally offer the following features:

• Access to China: China has invested significant resources into restricting its citizens' use of VPNs. Its advanced VPN-blocking apparatus is able to stop all but a handful of providers. Those that continue to work in the country provide a much-needed avenue to the free internet. As well as working in China, these VPNs are able to bypass blocks in other restrictive countries like Iran, Egypt, and Russia.
• Diskless servers: In a bid to improve the security of their networks, the best VPN providers now only use RAM-only servers. Because these servers run on volatile memory, any data stored on them is erased when the server is shut down or rebooted. This makes them less of an attractive target for hackers or government authorities seeking to obtain user connection data. 
• Incorporation outside the scope of intelligence alliances: International intelligence-sharing alliances such as the Five Eyes, SIGINT Seniors Europe, and Maximator provide a way for member countries to circumvent domestic regulations that restrict direct surveillance of their own populace. It’s a murky business and one that the better VPN providers try to steer clear of by incorporating their companies in countries – such as Panama and the British Virgin Islands – that aren't affiliated with any known intelligence alliances. 
• Audited software and infrastructure: VPN companies rely on their customers trusting them to do what they say they do. It does little for consumer confidence when providers with supposed "zero logs" policies are subsequently found to have retained data logs. To reassure the public, the leading VPN companies now bring in independent auditors to carry out detailed analysis of their software and infrastructure. These verify any no-logs claims and help identify vulnerabilities in the VPN software.

Can I use a free VPN to get an Italian IP address?

You can, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Free VPNs lack the security and privacy features of their subscription-based counterparts. Most have some form of logging policy to collect user-data and monetise it. Others lack the ability to encrypt internet traffic and are better thought of as proxies rather than true VPNs. The worst act as vectors for malware thanks to badly configured application permissions. 

At a basic level, most free VPNs simply don’t have servers in Italy. They tend to operate limited networks that provide coverage in just a few countries. These smaller networks easily become congested by the large numbers of people seeking a “free” service. The resulting connection speeds are slow and unsuited to streaming, gaming, or torrenting.

How to get an IP address in Italy – FAQs

How do I use an Italian IP address?

First, you need to get an Italian IP address. This requires connecting to a VPN server in Italy. Once connected, your device will assume the IP address of that server. When you go online, it will appear to the website you visit that you’re connecting from Italy. This will help you access Italian geo-restricted online services.

Is it legal to use an Italian IP address?

Yes, provided that VPNs are legal in the country that you’re connecting from. VPNs are only illegal in a few of the world’s most restrictive countries, such as Belarus, North Korea, and Oman. 

Even though VPNs are legal in the majority of countries, the terms and conditions of some online services forbid their use. Rather than taking action against the user, these services typically block connections when a VPN is identified. The VPNs in our recommended provider list are the best options for evading these blocks. 

What TV can I watch with an Italian IP address?

An Italian IP address provides you with access to a range of Italian TV channels from state and commercial broadcasting channels. Options include:

• Rai 1-5
• Rete4
• Rai Gulp
• Cine34
• Rai Movie
• Rai Yoyo
• Canale 5
• Italia 1+2

Which VPN has an Italian IP address?

All of our recommended VPNs have servers in Italy able to provide users with an Italian IP address. NordVPN is the best of the bunch, with a choice of 60+ servers in Milan and Rome.

How do I know if I have an Italian IP address?

It’s easy to check your IP address using a free resource such as whatismyipaddress.com. If you’re connected to a server in Italy, this should be reflected in the location provided in the “My IP Information” section. If it isn’t, then contact your VPN provider.