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The best VPNs for internationals in the Netherlands
Moved to the Netherlands, only to find your favourite shows have vanished and your banking app back home is suddenly suspicious of you?
Welcome to life as an international online — a VPN might just be your new best friend.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in a location of your choice. In plain English? It keeps your data private and makes it look like you’re browsing from somewhere else.
Whether you want to stream, surf safely, or simply feel a little closer to home, we’ve rounded up the best VPNs for internationals in the Netherlands.
Why do internationals in the Netherlands use a VPN?
There are plenty of reasons, and not all of them involve binge-watching (although, let’s be honest, a lot of them do).
- Streaming shows from back home: Streaming services often offer different libraries depending on which country you’re in. A VPN lets you connect to a server in your home country, so your usual line-up feels a little less far away.
- Staying safe on public Wi-Fi: From the train to your local koffiebar, free Wi-Fi is everywhere in the Netherlands. It’s handy, but public networks are often less secure. A VPN encrypts your traffic so nobody can snoop on it.
- Banking and admin from home: Some banks and government websites may flag or block logins from foreign IP addresses. Connecting through a server back home can make sorting out your affairs a lot less stressful.
- Keeping your browsing private: A VPN hides your online activity from your internet provider and anyone else lurking on your network.
- Travelling outside the Netherlands: Heading off on holiday? Connect to a Dutch server to keep using services that only work in the Netherlands, like some programmes on NPO Start (the Dutch public broadcaster’s streaming platform).
What to look for in a VPN
Not all VPNs are created equal. Before you hand over your credit card details, it’s worth checking a few key features.
- A strict no-logs policy: The whole point of a VPN is privacy, so choose one that doesn’t store records of what you do online. Bonus points if that policy has been checked by an independent audit.
- Server locations: Make sure the VPN has servers in your home country — and in the Netherlands, for when you’re travelling.
- Speed: Every VPN slows your connection down a little. The good ones keep it barely noticeable, so you’re not stuck watching a buffering wheel all evening.
- Security features: Look for strong encryption and a kill switch, which cuts your internet if the VPN connection drops so your data isn’t exposed.
- Number of devices: Want to cover your laptop, phone, tablet, and smart TV? Check how many devices you can connect at once.
- Price and money-back guarantee: Longer subscriptions usually work out cheaper per month, and many providers offer a money-back guarantee so you can try before you fully commit.
- User-friendly apps and support: You’ve already got enough Dutch paperwork to deal with. Your VPN should be easy to set up, with customer support in English.
Free vs paid VPNs: Is it worth paying?
A free VPN sounds tempting. Who doesn’t love a freebie after all? But free usually comes with a catch.
Free VPNs often have data caps, slower speeds, and only a handful of server locations. Some even make their money by showing you ads or collecting your data, which rather defeats the purpose.
Paid VPNs, on the other hand, generally offer better speeds, more locations, and stronger privacy protections. For many internationals, a paid plan often costs no more than a few tosti’s a month — a small price for streaming and surfing in peace.
Are VPNs legal in the Netherlands?
Good news: yes, using a VPN is completely legal in the Netherlands. You don’t need any special permission to download or use one.
That said, a VPN doesn’t make illegal activity legal, so no, it’s not a free pass for downloading the latest blockbuster. It’s also worth checking the terms of your streaming services, as some don’t allow VPN use and may block certain servers.
Frequently asked questions about VPNs in the Netherlands
Will a VPN slow down my internet?
A little, yes — your data takes a slightly longer route. With a good VPN and a decent Dutch internet connection, though, most people barely notice the difference.
Do I need a VPN on my phone too?
If you regularly use public Wi-Fi on the go, it’s a smart idea. Most VPNs offer mobile apps, and one subscription usually covers several devices.
Can I use a VPN to watch Dutch TV abroad?
In many cases, yes. By connecting to a Dutch server, you can access Dutch services that are otherwise limited to the Netherlands — just double-check the provider’s terms first.
Find the best VPN for you
Ready to take back control of your online life? Browse our top picks below and find a VPN that fits your needs, your devices, and your budget.