Best VPN for the Netherlands in 2024: Online Privacy in Holland

The Netherlands government tries to ensure freedom on the internet. The government makes efforts to promote freedom of expression, internet freedom and independent journalism. However, it’s part of the Nine and Fourteen Eyes alliances. Moreover, cybercrime is on the rise and various services are geoblocked. The easiest solution is to use the best VPN for the Netherlands.

Key Takeaways: Best VPN for the Netherlands

• The Netherlands is part of the Nine and Fourteen alliances. Using a VPN is key to ensuring online privacy.
• We recommend trying ExpressVPN. It’s fast, secure and offers an excellent feature set. If you have a budget constraint, consider alternatives like NordVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost.
• If you need a free service and don’t mind limited features, PrivadoVPN is an excellent option.

A VPN (virtual private network) is a software solution that encrypts your internet traffic. Encrypting your connection ensures hackers can’t steal your data and nobody — including the government and internet service providers (ISPs) — can trace any online activity back to you. VPNs also help access content that’s geoblocked in the Netherlands, such as content in Netflix’s U.S. library.

Selecting a reliable VPN provider is critical because many VPNs are slow and some can even harm your device. In this guide, we walk you through the best VPNs for the Netherlands that will help you access streaming services and keep you anonymous. If you don’t want to go through the full guide, we recommend going with ExpressVPN.

The Top VPNs for the Netherlands

What Makes the Best VPN for the Netherlands?

The best VPN provider for the Netherlands should offer great security and privacy, be able to bypass geoblocks on popular streaming sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu and deliver fast connection speeds for a great streaming experience. Ideally, the VPN service should also have Dutch servers.

1. ExpressVPN — Excellent speed and security
2. NordVPN — Fastest VPN
3. Surfshark — Unlimited simultaneous connections
4. PrivadoVPN — Free VPN for the Netherlands
5. CyberGhost — Great interface on the desktop app

When selecting a VPN service, online security and privacy are the most critical. The best VPNs offer either OpenVPN, WireGuard or both, combined with AES-256 or ChaCha20 ciphers. They also include security features like a kill switch, split tunneling and DNS leak protection.

Encryption is important for security, but it tends to slow down the speeds. The best VPNs ensure this reduction in speed is minimal. Of course, to truly enjoy great speeds, you also need access to your favorite content. The best VPNs ensure you can circumvent restrictions on popular streaming websites like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

Having a Dutch server isn’t a necessity, but it does offer some benefits. A Netherlands server can help you access local content that’s geoblocked outside the Netherlands. For example, if you’re traveling out of the country and you want to watch Netflix Netherlands, you’ll need to connect to a VPN server in the Netherlands. A Dutch server is also good for staying anonymous while accessing the local internet.

The 5 Best VPNs for the Netherlands

We researched and narrowed our list down to five VPN services based on the factors explained in the previous section. We discuss each of these services below, but if you’re short on time, we recommend using ExpressVPN.

1. ExpressVPN

More details about ExpressVPN:

• Pricing: $6.66 per month (15-months plan)
• Free plan: None, 30-day money-back guarantee
• Provider website: expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service with everything you’d expect in a top VPN. The server network is spread across 105 countries, including the Netherlands. Since it has VPN servers in the Netherlands, you can acquire a Dutch IP address using ExpressVPN.

The app is set to select the best security protocol based on your connection by default. You can change the protocol anytime using the app — it includes the latest protocols like OpenVPN and Lightway (ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol). The app also includes other security features like kill switch, split tunneling and DNS leak protection. Learn more about ExpressVPN’s features in our ExpressVPN review.

Our speed and performance tests make a great case for ExpressVPN. It’s fast enough to allow streaming 4K content without any buffering. You can put ExpressVPN’s speeds to use when streaming — it’s great at circumventing geo-restrictions on almost any website you can think of.

Great at Streaming

ExpressVPN’s fast speeds and the ability to effectively bypass geoblocks make it the best VPN for streaming. You can access any foreign country’s content library on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or any other popular streaming service.

The app includes a feature dedicated to streaming called MediaStreamer. It’s a smart DNS tool that allows you to unblock popular streaming services without connecting to any VPN servers.

Using MediaStreamer improves the streaming experience, but it lacks encryption. Your connection will be less secure, so make sure you don’t use it for data-critical activities like online banking.

While ExpressVPN is expensive, you can minimize the cost by subscribing to the annual plan, costing $6.66 per month.

Shorter-term plans cost more, with the six-month plan costing $9.99 per month and monthly plan costing $12.95 per month. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free before you commit for the long term using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN Plans

• Unlimited GB
• 8
• Yes

30-days money-back guarantee

1-month plan, 6-months plan

1-month plan

$12.95/month

6-months plan

$9.99/month

$59.94 billed every 6 month

Save 22%

15-months plan

$6.66/month

$99.95 billed first 15 months and 12 months thereafter

Save 48%

2. NordVPN

More details about NordVPN:

• Pricing: $3.09 per month (two-year plan + three months)
• Free plan: None, 30-day money-back guarantee
• Provider website: nordvpn.com

NordVPN is the fastest VPN on the market according to our speed tests. However, speeds aren’t the only great thing about NordVPN. In fact, it almost matches ExpressVPN in terms of security and performance, as we explain in greater detail in our ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN comparison.

The VPN provider has built one of the largest server networks of any premium VPN. The network includes over 5,000 servers spread across 60 countries, including the Netherlands. This means that you can acquire Netherlands-based IP addresses using NordVPN.

The VPN does an excellent job of bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer. Since NordVPN is the fastest VPN, you’ll never have to worry about buffering when streaming content on an encrypted VPN connection. Learn more about NordVPN’s performance and feature set in our comprehensive NordVPN review.

Specialty Servers

NordVPN has four types of specialty servers that add another layer of security to your connection. The server types include double VPN, P2P, Onion over VPN and obfuscated servers. Note that your connection is secure even when using one of NordVPN’s standard servers. These servers serve a special purpose.

For example, using double VPN routes your internet traffic via two servers, adding another layer of security to your connection. Using P2P servers provides additional security when downloading content via torrenting.

NordVPN’s best deal is the two-year plan, costing $3.09 per month. That’s half of ExpressVPN’s cost for not a lot of compromise on performance and security. Alternatively, you can opt for a shorter-term plan.

The annual plan costs $4.99 per month, while the monthly plan costs $12.99 per month. Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

30-days money-back guarantee

Basic

• *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
• Unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

1-month plan, 1-year plan

1-month plan

$12.99/month

1-year plan

$4.99/month

$59.88 billed every year

Save 61%

2-year plan + 3 months

$3.09/month

$83.43 billed every 2 years

Save 76%

Plus

• *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
• Unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

1-month plan, 1-year plan

1-month plan

$13.99/month

1-year plan

$5.99/month

$71.88 billed every year

Save 57%

2-year plan + 3 months

$3.99/month

$107.73 billed every 2 years

Save 71%

Ultimate

• *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
• Unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

1-month plan, 1-year plan

1-month plan

$15.99/month

1-year plan

$7.99/month

$95.88 billed every year

Save 50%

2-year plan + 3 months

$5.99/month

$161.73 billed every 2 years

Save 62%

3. Surfshark

More details about Surfshark:

• Pricing: $2.19 per month (two-year plan + three months)
• Free plan: None, 30-day money-back guarantee
• Provider website: surfshark.com

Surfshark is one of the few VPNs on the market that offers unlimited simultaneous connections. The VPN provider has built an impressive server network and feature set, considering it’s newer than most other premium services.

The VPN provider’s server network includes 3,200 RAM-only servers spread across 100 countries — that’s more countries than ExpressVPN has servers in. The service also offers Netherlands servers, which means you can use Surfshark to acquire a Dutch IP address.

Surfshark is fast enough to allow streaming high-quality content without any buffering. In addition to a good download speed, Surfshark’s ability to unblock streaming sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video makes it a great VPN for streamers. Find out what else we love about Surfshark in our Surfshark review.

Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

Most premium VPN services limit the number of simultaneous connections, but Surfshark lets you use the service on unlimited devices. It also offers unlimited bandwidth, and this means you can share your account with as many people as you like without any negative impact on the performance. While Surfshark is already a low-cost service, sharing your connection reduces the cost even further.

Surfshark goes easy on your wallet. The best deal (the two-year plan) costs $2.19 per month. You can also opt for one of the shorter-term plans — the annual plan costs $2.99 per month, though the monthly plan costs $15.45 per month, which is very expensive. Like most services, you can also try Surfshark first using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

30-days money-back guarantee

Surfshark Starter

• Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Plans renew: $231.75 for one year, $417.15 for two years
• Unlimited GB
• Unlimited
• Yes

1-month plan, 15-months plan

1-month plan

$15.45/month

15-months plan

$2.99/month

$44.85 billed first 15 months and 12 months thereafter

Save 80%

2-year plan + 3 months

$2.19/month

$59.13 billed every 2 years

Save 85%

Surfshark One

• Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Plans renew: $239.25 for one year, $430.65 for two years.
• Unlimited GB
• Unlimited

1-month plan, 15-months plan

1-month plan

$15.95/month

15-months plan

$3.39/month

$50.85 billed first 15 months and 12 months thereafter

Save 78%

2-year plan + 3 months

$2.69/month

$72.63 billed every 2 years

Save 83%

Surfshark One+

• Everything in One, plus Data removal Plans renew: $269.25 for one year, $404.65 for two years
• Unlimited GB
• Unlimited

1-month plan, 15-months plan

1-month plan

$17.95/month

15-months plan

$6.09/month

$91.35 billed first 15 months and 12 months thereafter

Save 66%

2-year plan + 3 months

$4.29/month

$115.83 billed every 2 years

Save 76%

4. PrivadoVPN

More details about PrivadoVPN:

• Pricing: $1.99 per month (two-year plan + three months) per month
• Free plan: Yes, limited to 13 server locations
• Provider website: privadovpn.com

PrivadoVPN is the best free VPN option if you want to use the internet in the Netherlands. It offers servers in ten free countries, including the Netherlands. This means that PrivadoVPN can give you a Dutch IP address to access local content, such as NPO, KIJK and Ketnet.

PrivadoVPN also offers servers in popular destinations like the U.S., the U.K. and Germany. Thankfully, PrivadoVPN can get into the major streaming services, like Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video. Its fast speeds also ensure that you can browse the internet without any interruptions. Learn the full details in our PrivadoVPN review.

Excellent Security and Privacy

PrivadoVPN offers many privacy and security features that can help you browse the internet safely in the Netherlands. They include a kill switch to prevent leaks, AES encryption to scramble your traffic, multiple protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2) and a strict no-logs policy to safeguard your traffic.

PrivadoVPN offers paid plans too. The best deal (the two-year plan) costs $1.99 per month (two-year plan + three months) per month. You might also consider subscribing to one of the shorter-term plans. The annual plan costs $2.99 per month (15-months plan) per month, while the monthly plan costs $10.99 per month (one-month plan) per month. The service also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not fully satisfied, you can claim a full refund.

30-days money-back guarantee

Free

• 10GB
• 1

FREE

Premium

• *Billed $44.85 for the first 15 months, then $59.88 every 12 months. *Billed $53.73 for the first 27 months, then $95.76 every 24 months.
• Unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

1-month plan, 15-months plan

1-month plan

$10.99/month

15-months plan

$2.99/month

$44.85 billed first 15 months and 12 months thereafter

Save 72%

2-year plan + 3 months

$1.99/month

$53.73 billed every 2 years

Save 81%

5. CyberGhost

More details about CyberGhost:

• Pricing: $2.19 per month (two-year plan + two months)
• Free plan: None, 45-day money-back guarantee
• Provider website: cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost costs the least on this list; however, it’s not an inferior service. It has a large server network that includes over 9,000 servers, with more than 200 of them in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The VPN offers three security protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2 (IKEv2 is only available on Windows, macOS or iOS). It includes all the essential features like kill switch and URL-based split tunneling on the Windows and macOS apps (using “smart rules”) and app-based split tunneling on the Android app. Learn more about these features in our CyberGhost review.

In addition to great security, CyberGhost also offers the ability to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms like Max and Hulu. However, it did fail to get into Amazon Prime Video and unblocking Disney Plus and BBC iPlayer required switching servers a few times. CyberGhost doesn’t offer impressive speeds, but they’re enough for standard-quality streaming.

Automation Features

CyberGhost has the “smart rules” feature that can help automate VPN-related tasks. Think about how much time you’ll save by automating tasks like connecting to the same server at startup or when you launch the browser.

Smart rules are essentially trigger-and-action-based rules. For example, you can set up a rule to connect to a specific server location whenever you launch the browser.

CyberGhost is cheap, costing $2.19 per month for the best value, its two-year plan. Shorter-term plans are also available. The six-month plan costs $6.99 per month, while the monthly plan costs $12.99 per month.

Unlike most other services, CyberGhost offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee (14 days on the monthly plan). You can request a full refund during this window if you’re not satisfied with CyberGhost.

CyberGhost Plans

• *The 2-year plan includes 4-months free which breaks down the 56.94 t0 $2.03 per month. *The price under the 2-year plan is billed yearly after the first two years.
• Unlimited GB
• 7
• Yes

45-days money-back guarantee

1-month plan, 6-months plan

1-month plan

$12.99/month

6-months plan

$6.99/month

$41.94 billed every 6 month

Save 46%

2-year plan + 2 months

$2.19/month

$56.94 billed every 2 years

Save 83%

Why Should You Use a Netherlands VPN?

You should use a Netherlands VPN to ensure privacy, security and access to your favorite geoblocked content.

The Netherlands is part of the Nine and Fourteen Eyes alliances, which are groups of countries that have agreed to share data. The purpose is to combat terrorism and organized crime, but that can result in the invasion of your privacy too.

When you’re in the Netherlands, you also can’t access Netflix U.S. or any other country’s library on any streaming platform.

Moreover, you’re at risk when using public WiFi in the Netherlands. You could be a victim of a man-in-the-middle or another type of attack, which could lead to the loss of confidential information like bank login credentials or credit card details.

Using a VPN in the Netherlands protects you against all of these.

Can You Use a Free VPN for the Netherlands?

Yes, you can use a free VPN in the Netherlands. However, you should only use one of the best VPNs for the Netherlands that has a free plan, like PrivadoVPN. Most free VPNs you find with a Google search are slow and insecure, and some even infect your device with malware.

Using a trustworthy free service like PrivadoVPN ensures your data and device are safe. Moreover, PrivadoVPN offers a free server in Netherlands, so can get a Dutch IP address to stream Dutch content.

Final Thoughts

Even though the Netherlands is one of the most pro-freedom countries, using a VPN makes sense because it’s part of the Nine and Fourteen Eyes alliances. Of course, a VPN also protects you against hackers and lets you access your favorite geoblocked content online, provided you choose the right service.

Have you used a VPN in the Netherlands before? Which one did you use, and what was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, thank you for reading.

FAQ

• What Is the Best Netherlands Free VPN?

  The best Netherlands free VPN is PrivadoVPN. It’s reliable, fast and maintains zero connection logs. It offers free servers in 10 countries, including the Netherlands.

• How Do I Get a Dutch VPN?

  To get a Dutch VPN, you need to first sign up for a VPN service — we recommend ExpressVPN. Next, you need to install its app on your device. Once the app is installed, launch it and connect to a VPN server based on your preference. You’ll then be ready to start using your Dutch VPN.

• Does ExpressVPN Work in the Netherlands?

  Yes, ExpressVPN works in the Netherlands. In fact, it’s the best VPN to use in the Netherlands. It offers an excellent feature set and top-notch performance. However, if you find ExpressVPN to be a little expensive, you might consider other services like NordVPN, Surfshark or CyberGhost. If you’re looking for a free alternative, try PrivadoVPN.