Privacy has become all-important in the internet-fueled digital age that we live in. One of the best ways to make sure you're keeping your daily internet perusing private is to get a VPN, otherwise known as a Virtual Private Network software, to protect your anonymity while you browse. While these were originally created for people to access their business networks from home, VPNs have evolved far beyond what their makers intended for them.
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Short on time? Here’s a summary of the 3 best VPNs:
What this sort of software does is connect your device to another server out there on the web, which then lets you browse the internet using that server's internet identity. That means that if you're in Toronto and the server you're using through your client is in, say, Paris, it will seem to the outsider that you're really browsing the web from France.
When these software solutions first became mainstream, they were usually used by people on public Wi-Fi connections looking to protect themselves from potential snoopers. But in today's day and age, there are many more uses. These software clients can assist you in getting past geographic restrictions to stream audio or video on sites like Netflix or Hulu, help you maintain anonymity online if that's what you crave, and help defend your sensitive information from getting logged while torrenting or freely browsing the world wide web.
Our Top 5 Picks For The Best VPN Canada
Canada does not take cybersecurity lightly, with the government employing its best effort to enforce strict online laws to prevent hackers, terrorists, and fraudsters alike from making its citizens their victims. However, many people believe these laws infringe on their rights as private citizens, which is why, in recent times, digital security softwares have become incredibly popular extensions.
There are more than a few privacy software solutions available for Canadians out there these days. Whether you're an expert on the intricacies of the world wide web or someone who uses the internet for nothing but streaming, our guide is sure to help you pick out the right VPN for yourself!
1. NordVPN – Best Overall VPN
Different people employ these extensions for different reasons, but if it's security that's driving you to buy one of these extensions, NordVPN is the direction we would point you in.
They offer a 'Double-VPN' option that will send your internet activity through two separate VPN servers. NordVPN also features encrypted traffic on the Tor network, secure messaging, dedicated IPs, and a strict 'zero logs' policy. Since they have 350+ servers dedicated to Canada, there's tons of coverage to go around for Canadians. They boast another 1,900 in the USA, most of which are P2P-friendly, meaning you can even use them to torrent movies if you so choose.
And if the wide range of servers and strong security measures weren't enough to convince you, NordVPN also offers some of the best speeds available in the Great White North. VPNs naturally throttle your internet speed, but with top of the line extensions like Nord, you'll hardly notice a change. In addition to this, you can even have up to six simultaneous connections, allowing you to browse from several different devices at once, keeping your entire family digitally safe.
If you go with NordVPN, you can guarantee your data and internet activity is safe and sound thanks to their amazing security tech, and according to experts in the field, it's safer than with any other VPN out there. And if you should encounter any issues with getting set up by some odd stroke of luck, their world-class customer support team has always got your back!
Pros:
Offer double-data encryption.
Zero logs policy gives users peace of mind.
Wide selection of different servers to choose from.
Affordable pricing to go with a 3-day free trial.
Cons:
30-day refund processing, should you ever need it, which is much longer than the more common seven-day process you'd see with most VPN services.
Check out the price on their website here!
2. Express VPN - Best Geo-Coverage
If you've done any research on these types of software solutions in Canada, chances are you've stumbled across Express VPN already. They have one of the largest user bases and offer arguably the highest quality and speediest VPN connection that you can find.
Their platform boasts incredible versatility, with extensions for both Firefox and Google Chrome. Operating out of the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN has consistently been a top-rated VPN service because it has a plethora of features, it's faster than many of its competitors, and it seldom faces issues on streaming platforms like Netflix. This company also casts a wide net, working on 3,000 servers, in 160 locations, across 94 countries.
This broad geographical server coverage is a significant contributing factor to ExpressVPN's success with Netflix in particular. Most of the servers can be found where you'd expect them: in the US and Europe, with some scattered across Asia. However, Express is one of the very few VPN services to also offer servers in remote areas of Africa, South America, and even the Middle East, where VPN servers are extraordinarily expensive to maintain and difficult to set up in the first place. To top this off, you can have up to five simultaneous connections per subscription license.
If you're not looking to make any concessions or sacrifices when considering which VPN to buy for yourself, ExpressVPN is one the best options that you can get in Canada. It's secure, it's fast, and it's easy to use - a great trifecta to have for any product as long as you can swallow the slightly larger than average price tag it comes with. However, if you do give it a shot and decide it's not for you, they've got a nice and simple 30-day money back guarantee to keep you nice and comfortable with your purchase, just message their customer support.
Pros:
Vast server range.
Very user-friendly mobile experience.
No logging policy.
Cons:
More expensive than some would like to pay for a VPN extension.
Check out the price on their website here!
3. CyberGhost - Easiest To Use
Based in Romania and Germany, CyberGhost boasts 140+ servers in Canada with another 530+ set up to the South in the USA. While it has proven to be preferable for use on mobile devices - the desktop interface has had its share of issues. Despite this, CyberGhost still provides fantastic speeds on solid connections and a versatile service offering alongside it all.
In total, CyberGhost employs over 3,000 servers and counting. Those 3,000+ can be found at over 80 spots in over 60 countries worldwide. The vast plethora of possible IP addresses makes this VPN especially good at spoofing your location.
CyberGhost is also by far the easiest VPN to use if you're not exactly seasoned when it comes to the world of security technology. The simplicity of the interface and the app's ease of use are both huge pluses that many of their customers highlight.
The company also claims to have some of the most stringent 'no-log' policies in the game today, which means there should be no worries about them logging IP addresses or any performed activity. One point they get a lot of credit for is how straightforward their anonymity policy is: they make it clear that they're not attempting to pull one over on anyone. And to top it off, they use many standard security and anonymity protocols, including 256-AES encryption.
It is also important to keep in mind that this client allows for between one and seven simultaneous connections, depending on the type of subscription that you purchase.
If you don't mind making a multi-year commitment, CyberGhost is one of the most affordable options out there, while also offering you state of the art features and technology. Of all of their plans, the three-year commitment provides the most savings. And if you're not quite ready to make a full commitment, you can try it for 45 days with a full money back guarantee.
Pros:
Large swath of servers to choose from.
Very user-friendly for people who are not quite tech-savvy.
Well-optimized for torrenting and P2P activity.
Cons:
Offers only a 24-hour free trial.
Throttles internet speed more than other highly-touted VPNs.
Check out the price on their website here!
4. Hotspot Shield - Fastest VPN
For some people, speed is always the name of the game. And if that sounds like you, Hotspot Shield is the VPN you want to aim for. Whether you're streaming or gaming, there isn't a faster VPN available in North America, hands down.
The servers Hotspot Shield has in Canada and America can offer some truly blazing speeds. While this is not consistent across all circumstances, some users have found that the VPN actually increased their download and upload speed, instead of slowing it down. While most VPNs are throttling your speed at least slightly, Hotspot Shield is able to not only avoid the throttle but actually help your internet activity move along more quickly. For VPNs, we can't stress how impressive and unique that is.
Apart from the speed, Hotspot Shield is still a pretty solid VPN client. It features a straightforward interface that makes it easy for anyone to use, though they don't offer much in the way of configuration possibilities. Hotspot Shield also has some cool security features such as private browsing. The privacy policy is also clear and adamant in communicating that this client will delete all browsing and connection info once the VPN session ends.
Now, when it comes to the one big downside to this VPN – it's just as unique as their impressive throttle bypass. Not everyone is a Netflix type of person; some people prefer to stream via BBC iPlayer. And if by some chance that sounds like you, Hotspot Shield isn't your best choice because BBC is the one and only entertainment platform this company hasn't quite figured out yet.
Other than that, Hotspot Shield is one of the best VPN for Canada options overall, offering top-of-the-line speeds to go with reliable and responsible security and anonymity features. And hey, if you don't love it - they also feature a comprehensive 45-day money back guarantee through their excellent customer support program, so giving them a shot is practically risk-free.
Pros:
Boasts arguably the fastest download speeds of any VPN operating in North America.
Privacy policy is strong and clear.
Interface is simple and easy to use.
45-day money-back guarantee.
Cons:
Not a lot of potential for customization or adjustability.
Check out the price on their website here!
5. IPVanish - Best Beginner VPN
With IPVanish, your real IP address will do just that – vanish. This VPN allows you to browse and work on the internet without any sort of worry.
With 35 servers across Canada and another 500+ sitting in the USA, you're unlikely to run into a shortage of options with this client. While their Microsoft client hasn't quite worked out all the kinks, the rest of IPVanish's software suite is very intuitive, offering the perfect balance of simple and advanced options. Like Hotspot Shield, IPVanish is one of the very few VPNs that can correctly claim to provide higher than average internet speeds, which makes it an excellent option for torrenters.
When it comes to security and privacy, IPVanish is pretty good in that department as well. They boast a zero-logs policy that is very strictly monitored, keeping your identity hidden when you want it to be. The company also says that they record no user internet activity while using the app, pointing to the importance of everyone's civil right to privacy as the impetus for this, which we definitely appreciate.
While they don't offer any sort of free trial (a rarity for top-rated clients), IPVanish does offer a seven-day money back guarantee with all of their pricing plans if you want to try it out. All of their pricing packages are more than reasonable, with their one-year subscription serving as the best bang for your buck. From high-speed downloads to solid and reliable privacy measures, IPVanish is all-around one of the best VPN solutions you can find in Canada.
Pros:
Impressive level of intuition with their software clients.
Increases download speeds, making it ideal for torrenting.
Strictly monitored zero-logs policy in effect.
Cons:
Windows client still runs into a decent amount of issues.
Does not offer a free trial.
Check out the price on their website here!
FAQ – Best VPNs In Canada
Going out and looking for the right VPN for you is not an easy task by any means, as these software clients can get quite complicated. To that end, we've supplemented our breakdowns of the top five best VPNs in Canada by answering a plethora of FAQs for you in the following section:
Are VPNs legal in Canada?
Yes, VPNs are perfectly legal to use in Canada by federal law. No provinces in Canada have any laws barring the use of VPNs, either. That said, what you do while using the VPN is an entirely separate matter. We do not condone any illegal internet behavior.
What is the best free VPN in Canada?
While some companies are offering free VPN services, every company needs to make money. And since those companies are not making money off of your subscription fees, that means they need to make money elsewhere.
This situation makes your internet activity the product that's up for sale for these 'free' VPNs, which is the opposite of what most people in the market for a VPN are looking to have happen. VPNs are generally used to help ensure good internet privacy and security, but free clients feign giving you that peace of mind while selling all of your internet activity on the open market.
Are VPNs legal in Canada 2020?
Yes, VPNs are currently fully legal both federally and on a provincial level in Canada. You can use VPNs without having to worry about any action against you, though illegal activities while using a VPN are another story.
How much does a VPN cost in Canada?
When it comes to our top five best VPNs in Canada, we're talking about a range of about $8.00 to $12.99 when subscribing on a month-by-month basis. If you don't mind a more long-term commitment, you can subscribe to these high-quality VPNs for prices ranging from $2.75 to $6.67. The market, in general, does not diverge more than a dollar or two from these numbers.
Can you be tracked if you use a VPN?
While a VPN can provide users with many security and privacy features, they cannot guarantee complete anonymity. While the VPN disguises users to an extent, the actual usage of the VPN itself can be traced, most often by your internet service provider. VPN usage can be traced through the IP address of the VPN server through which the user is connecting.
However, top-notch solutions, such as the ones we've suggested here, have features that can mask VPN usage, making it harder for service providers to spot.
Does Netflix know if you use a VPN?
A pre-configured VPN for Canada residents can open the international Netflix catalog through connecting to the particular country's geo-servers, which can allow access to tons of new content to which a user would not otherwise have access. Though it really depends on which VPN you're using if you want to access this international catalog. Some clients can bypass the dreaded Netflix proxy error, and all five of the options we've listed here are capable of working around this proxy error, though most other software clients cannot.
Should I get a VPN?
They are most useful for people who value their privacy very highly and want to avoid any sort of snooping on their internet activity. They are also helpful in avoiding that nasty Netflix proxy error so users can access content that wouldn't otherwise be available in their country.
How do I get a VPN in Canada?
Obtaining a VPN in Canada is not complex at all; it's as simple as visiting whatever app store your devices are compatible with and finding which VPN works best for your preferences. We're confident that our top five options are all more than capable of satisfying your needs!
Are free VPNs good?
Generally, it's best to avoid free softwares and proxies, as these will often cost users a lot more when it comes to privacy and security. These 'free' services allow malicious third parties to access user information, not to mention they can also log and track all of your comings and goings on the web, which is precisely the type of invasion of privacy that these extensions are supposed to help users avoid.
How much does ExpressVPN cost?
ExpressVPN, which is one of our best VPN choices for Canadians seeking a privacy extension today, offers several different plans. If a user wants to subscribe on a month by month basis, it will cost $12.95 per month. A six-month commitment reduces the monthly price to $9.99, while a 12-month pact brings you down to a small $6.67 payment every thirty days.
Is it illegal to use a VPN for Netflix?
The short answer is no, but it really depends. Some countries have different laws and rules on this matter. In Canada, it's not illegal to use a VPN with Netflix. However, the streaming service certainly doesn't encourage the use of software clients to subvert their geo-locational restrictions.
Do VPNs actually work?
The short answer is that they can absolutely do what they claim they do, though that doesn't mean that all of the extensions you'll find out in the wild can. Tried and tested high-quality companies such as the ones featured here can confidently be employed to help you maintain the internet privacy you desire.
Do you really need a VPN for streaming?
You certainly do not need to be using a VPN to stream video on your device, but it definitely helps. Usually, ISPs will slow user bandwidth when they notice streaming or downloading, but virtual private networks can help mask those actions so as to avoid having your internet speed throttled.
Do I need a VPN at home?
It depends on your living situation. If you live in a place where your internet is provided by someone you don't necessarily trust, a VPN is a good safety measure to use to protect yourself. If you or someone you know and trust are the ones providing the internet, however, using a VPN is not necessary, but more a matter of preference.
Do you need a VPN for streaming in Canada?
No, you do not need a VPN to stream in Canada, but you can use one if you prefer. They are entirely legal in Canada, so if you prefer using a VPN for privacy reasons, that's okay, but again, far from necessary.
Can you get a free VPN?
VPNs themselves are not necessary, though if you value your privacy, they're a great tool to have. Free virtual private network clients are readily available, but we do not suggest using one. They do not provide the privacy policies users can get with top-rated high-quality extensions that cost no more than 12 bucks a month.
How much does ExpressVPN cost in Canada?
ExpressVPN is top-class when it comes to VPNs, though you do have to pay a bit of a premium for that quality. On a monthly basis, ExpressVPN costs $12.95, a six-month subscription will set you back $9.99 a month, and a 12-month commitment comes down to just $6.67 per month.
Closing Thoughts
The internet can certainly be a scary place, so it's nice to have a software client such as a VPN with an ironclad privacy policy to have your back. VPNs are certainly not essential or mandatory, but they are definitely an asset for anyone who's looking for a higher level of digital security and a good degree of privacy while using the world wide web.
Canada doesn't have many stringent laws when it comes to VPNs, so there's no need to worry about buying and employing them during your everyday computer usage. While we strongly recommend our top five best VPNs in Canada, we do not suggest going for just any VPN that seems nice. These extensions are meant to protect user privacy, and it's important to find the right one that will do just that in whatever applicational purpose you intend it for.
Now that we've told you about our top 5 VPNs in Canada, it's our turn to hear from you. What VPN did you end up picking out for yourself? Let us know in the comments below!
