Best VPNs for Crypto 2024

Why Would I Use a VPN for Crypto?

There are a few main reasons you may want to use a VPN for your crypto activity, the first being encryption. VPNs encrypt your internet activity, meaning that third parties are not able to see what you are doing online and what type of activity it is. This is especially useful if you have to use a public or untrusted wi-fi network to complete a transaction.

The next reason you may want to use a VPN for crypto trading is for the ability to trade at all, as some countries are restricted from accessing crypto exchanges and services due to government regulations. This means that you can use any exchange or service regardless of your location, which is especially important for those in less tolerant crypto regions like China. Even if you are already able to access these sites, changing your local trading platform can mean finding better prices or lower fees too.

Hiding your IP address is another main reason to use a VPN for crypto trading and activity. This is because all crypto transactions, while they may not have your name attached to them, are recorded in a public ledger. Your IP address is tied to this transaction as well, meaning that someone can trace where the transaction came from, whether it the government or a hacker looking to steal your account. VPNs hide your address, only showing the VPN server address, meaning that you can make transactions privately.

Best VPN for Crypto Trading: NordVPN

One of the most recognizable names in the VPN industry, and with good reason, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy and runs RAM-only servers, meaning your data logs cannot be copied anyways. Based in Panama, meaning no storage of user data, NordVPN offers top of the line encryption, has 5,000 IP addresses, and over that number of servers to choose from across 62 server locations.

They offer an automated kill-switch, 24/7 customer support and frequently have great sales on their services. The best part for crypto users is that NordVPN offers not only anonymous sign-up, but they accept a variety of crypto assets for payment including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin and Tron. NordVPN can be used on up to 6 devices.

Alternative VPN for Crypto Trading: ExpressVPN

Another one of the most recognizable names in the crypto industry, ExpressVPN enforces a strict no-logs policy like NordVPN, while also using RAM-only servers.

Based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no data retention laws just like Panama, ExpressVPN offers 30,000 IP addresses, with more than 3,000 servers across 160 locations in 94 countries. They offer an automated kill-switch, but no 24/7 support, and are a bit more expensive than NordVPN or our budget option below, but most plans come with free months. ExpressVPN accepts Bitcoin as its only cryptocurrency payment option. ExpressVPN can be used on up to 3 devices.

Best Budget VPN for Crypto: Surfshark

Despite its smaller network, Surfshark is a good alternative to NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

Surfshark is the faster option for internet speed, and with a no-logs policy and RAM-only servers just like the other two options. Based in the British Virgin Islands, just like ExpressVPN is, Surfshark has 3,200 servers based in 65 countries. It is also a lot cheaper than NordVPN and Express VPN as long as you are willing to commit to a 2-year plan (they offer a 30-day free trial too), but the price is much higher for shorter timeframes.

Surfshark also accepts a variety of cryptocurrencies for payments including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple. Surfshark can be used on an unlimited number of devices.

What is a VPN?

A commercial virtual private network (VPN) is technology that allows you to create a private connection any network by creating an encrypted tunnel between your computer and the internet. VPN are installed just like any other app or program on your smartphone or computer.

A VPN can let you get around censorship in your country, such as restricted access to crypto sites, or access geo-restricted media content from another country, such as another countries Netflix catalogue, and prevents your internet service provider from being able to intrude on your privacy and track your web browsing.

How Do VPNs Work?

Once installed, VPNs work by making it look like you are accessing the internet from a different location than you actually are once you are connected. Here is what happens to your data:

1. The VPN software on your device encrypts your data traffic and sends it to the VPN server through a secure connection. The data also goes through your Internet Service Provider (ISP), but they can no longer see what you are doing.
2. The encrypted data from your computer is decrypted by the VPN server.
3. The VPN server will send your data on to the internet and receive a reply, which is meant for you, the user.
4. The traffic is then encrypted again by the VPN-server and is sent back to you.
5. The VPN-software on your device will decrypt the data on your end resulting in a normal browsing experience.

This is all done in the background once you are connected, but overall, it results in a more private browsing experience, which is important for crypto trading and activities.

Are VPNs Safe?

A great question considering that all your internet activity is sent through the VPN provider, meaning there is the potential they could see everything you do. However, this is where RAM-only servers and no-log policies come in, as they ensure that your VPN provider is not watching or logging your activity. Be sure to pick a VPN service that has had these claims audited, and avoid free VPN services, which are notorious for abusing your data and selling it to advertisers.

Are VPNs Legal?

Yes, using a VPN is completely legal, and many top companies and countries use an array of VPNs for their own data. It is, however, illegal to use a VPN for illegal activities such as pirating movies or anything else that goes against local laws.