Best VPNs for Italy
Short Answer: The Top VPN for Italy
The overall best VPN for users in or connected to Italy is ExpressVPN. It provides the fastest and most reliable connections through its servers in Milan and Cosenza, ensuring you can stream Italian content in 4K without buffering. Its proprietary Lightway protocol minimizes speed loss, making it the most consistent choice for expats trying to access RaiPlay, Mediaset Infinity, or Sky Go Italia. More importantly, its independently audited, RAM-only TrustedServer technology guarantees a strict no-logs policy, essential for protecting privacy from the Nine Eyes surveillance network.
VPN Comparison Table: Best VPNs for Italy at a Glance
| VPN Provider | Overall Italy Rating | Italian Servers (Locations) | Unblocks RaiPlay / Sky Italia | P2P/Torrenting Policy | Security Focus (Surveillance) | Price (Approx. Monthly) |
| ExpressVPN | 9.8/10 | Yes (Milan, Cosenza) | Excellent (Most Reliable) | Fully Supported | Audited No-Logs (RAM-only) | $\$6.67$ |
| NordVPN | 9.7/10 | Yes (Over 60 Servers) | Excellent (Fastest for 4K) | Specialized P2P Servers | Obfuscation, Double VPN | $\$3.09$ |
| Surfshark | 9.6/10 | Yes (Rome, Milan) | Very Good (Best Value) | Fully Supported | Unlimited Devices, Camouflage Mode | $\$2.29$ |
| CyberGhost | 9.4/10 | Yes (Over 200 Servers) | Good (Streaming Optimized) | Dedicated Torrenting Servers | Massive Network, NoSpy Servers | $\$2.19$ |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | 9.3/10 | Yes (Milan, Rome) | Good (Large Server Fleet) | Fully Supported | Open Source Apps, Kill Switch | $\$2.19$ |
Table of Contents (TOC)
Short Answer: The Top VPN for Italy
VPN Comparison Table: Best VPNs for Italy at a Glance
Introduction: Italy’s Dual Digital Challenge
In-Depth Reviews: The Best VPNs for Italy
4.1. ExpressVPN: The Gold Standard for Italian Speed and Reliability
4.2. NordVPN: Fastest Choice for Streaming and Advanced Privacy
4.3. Surfshark: Best Value and Unlimited Connections for Italy
4.4. CyberGhost: The Go-To for Dedicated Italian Streaming Servers
4.5. Private Internet Access (PIA): The Power User’s Customizable Privacy Hub
Expert Deep Dive: Unblocking Italian Geo-Restricted Content
5.1. The Challenge of RaiPlay‘s Geo-Detection
5.2. Accessing Premium Content like Sky Go Italia
5.3. Why Nearby Servers are Crucial for Football (Serie A) Streaming
The Italian Privacy Threat: Nine Eyes and Data Retention
6.1. The Nine Eyes Alliance and Italian Surveillance
6.2. The P2P/Torrenting Legal Landscape in Italy (Copyright)
6.3. The Importance of a No-Logs, RAM-Only VPN in Italy
Crucial Features for an Italy VPN
7.1. Italian IP Address Access and Server Spread
7.2. High-Speed Protocols (Lightway, NordLynx, WireGuard)
7.3. Advanced Kill Switch and DNS Leak Protection
7.4. Obfuscation/Stealth Mode for Restricted Networks
How to Get an Italian IP Address (Step-by-Step Guide)
VPNs and Italian Law: What You Must Know
9.1. Is VPN Use Legal? (Yes, but…)
9.2. The Dangers of Free VPNs in Italy
FAQs about VPNs in Italy
Final Verdict: Secure Your Bella Vita Digitale
3. Introduction: Italy’s Dual Digital Challenge
Italy, home to a rich cultural heritage and a massive digital consumer base, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for VPN users. The need for a top-tier VPN in Italy is driven by a dual purpose: overcoming geographical boundaries to access local media and ensuring robust privacy protection against growing surveillance concerns.
For Italian expats and travelers, the chief frustration is geo-blocking. Services like the public broadcaster RaiPlay, premium satellite TV platforms such as Sky Italia, and regional banking sites restrict access to users who do not possess a verified Italian IP address. A premium VPN is the only effective, secure way to bypass these restrictions.
For residents and privacy advocates, the concern is more insidious. Italy is formally integrated into the global Nine Eyes intelligence-sharing network. This alliance facilitates the mass surveillance and exchange of user data, making a verifiable no-logs policy and military-grade encryption a necessity, not a luxury. Furthermore, strict copyright enforcement means P2P and torrenting activities carry legal risks without proper protection.
This expert analysis zeroes in on the Best VPNs for Italy, focusing exclusively on those providers that deliver the necessary trifecta: reliable Italian server speed, proven unblocking capability, and an independently verified commitment to user privacy.
4. In-Depth Reviews: The Best VPNs for Italy
4.1. ExpressVPN: The Gold Standard for Italian Speed and Reliability
| Metric | Detail |
| Italian Server Locations | Milan, Cosenza |
| Key Advantage | Unmatched consistency for unblocking Italian TV platforms. |
| Privacy Technology | RAM-only TrustedServer technology. |
| Best For | Expats and travelers needing guaranteed access to RaiPlay. |
ExpressVPN sets the industry benchmark for speed and global server consistency, and its performance in Italy is no exception. With high-speed server locations in Milan and Cosenza, ExpressVPN offers low latency connections crucial for live streaming Italian sports and high-definition content.
Unblocking Italian Content: ExpressVPN boasts the highest success rate in reliably bypassing the geo-fences of notoriously difficult platforms like RaiPlay and Mediaset Infinity. Its Smart Location feature automatically connects you to the fastest server in Italy, ensuring minimal fuss when trying to watch Serie A football or local news.
Privacy Integrity: This provider is a standout choice for addressing the Nine Eyes threat. ExpressVPN uses TrustedServer technology, meaning all its servers run exclusively on volatile RAM. Data cannot be written to hard drives, and all session data is wiped every time a server reboots. This makes its no-logs claim verifiable and legally impervious—a non-negotiable feature for Italian privacy.
Expert Take: ExpressVPN is the most reliable, secure, and fast option for Italy. While it comes at a higher price point, the guarantee of uninterrupted access and ironclad privacy justifies the investment.
4.2. NordVPN: Fastest Choice for Streaming and Advanced Privacy
| Metric | Detail |
| Italian Server Locations | Over 60 servers across Italy |
| Key Advantage | Blistering speed via NordLynx; advanced security features. |
| Privacy Technology | Double VPN, Obfuscated Servers. |
| Best For | Speed enthusiasts and users concerned about state surveillance. |
NordVPN is a powerhouse for speed, primarily due to its proprietary NordLynx protocol, a customized version of WireGuard. For users in Italy, especially those with fast connections looking to stream 4K content or engage in high-speed P2P, NordVPN is often the speediest choice.
Enhanced Security (Nine Eyes Defence): NordVPN excels in providing multiple layers of privacy:
Double VPN (Multi-hop): Routes your traffic through two separate encrypted servers (e.g., Italy to Switzerland), making tracing the origin virtually impossible.
Obfuscated Servers: These servers disguise your VPN connection as normal HTTPS traffic, essential for users on restrictive networks or in environments where VPN use might be monitored.
Streaming & P2P: NordVPN’s massive Italian server count minimizes congestion, leading to high reliability for unblocking. Furthermore, it offers specialized P2P-optimized servers, ensuring a secure and fast connection for torrenting activities, mitigating legal risks in Italy.
Expert Take: NordVPN is the best choice for users who demand the fastest possible connection combined with advanced security features to combat the Nine Eyes alliance and other surveillance risks.
4.3. Surfshark: Best Value and Unlimited Connections for Italy
| Metric | Detail |
| Italian Server Locations | Rome, Milan |
| Key Advantage | Unlimited simultaneous connections; best budget option. |
| Privacy Technology | NoBorders Mode, Camouflage Mode. |
| Best For | Families, large households, or users with many devices. |
Surfshark offers an exceptional feature set usually found only in premium tiers, but at a budget-friendly price. Its standout feature is its support for unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account.
Unmatched Value: This is ideal for Italian households or individuals with a phone, laptop, smart TV, and gaming console—all can be secured simultaneously with one subscription. Its local servers in Rome and Milan provide reliable Italian IP address access.
Security and Stealth: Surfshark features Camouflage Mode (obfuscation) and NoBorders Mode, making it highly effective at maintaining a connection in restrictive networks. It also uses the robust WireGuard protocol to ensure speed is not sacrificed for its low cost.
Expert Take: Surfshark provides the most competitive price-to-performance ratio in the Italian market. It’s the perfect solution for comprehensive household coverage without compromising the essential security features needed for Italy.
4.4. CyberGhost: The Go-To for Dedicated Italian Streaming Servers
| Metric | Detail |
| Italian Server Locations | Over 200 servers across Italy |
| Key Advantage | Servers optimized specifically for Italian streaming platforms. |
| Privacy Technology | NoSpy Servers (owned/operated by CyberGhost). |
| Best For | Users whose primary goal is streaming geo-blocked Italian TV. |
CyberGhost boasts one of the largest global server networks, including an impressive fleet of over 200 servers in Italy, making it an excellent option for low-latency connections across the peninsula.
Streaming Optimization: CyberGhost’s key strength is its categorized servers. Users can browse the app and find servers specifically labeled for optimized streaming performance with popular Italian platforms like RaiPlay or Mediaset Infinity. This takes the guesswork out of unblocking.
Security Innovation: CyberGhost operates its own NoSpy Servers, which are physically located in a high-privacy jurisdiction (Romania) and managed entirely by CyberGhost staff, eliminating any third-party risk. For users concerned about the Nine Eyes data sharing, this extra layer of control provides enhanced peace of mind.
Expert Take: If you are frustrated by the constant server switching required to stream Italian TV, CyberGhost’s specialized and labeled servers offer a convenient, high-performance solution.
4.5. Private Internet Access (PIA): The Power User’s Customizable Privacy Hub
| Metric | Detail |
| Italian Server Locations | Milan, Rome |
| Key Advantage | Highly customizable settings and open-source applications. |
| Privacy Technology | Proven in court not to log data (multiple times). |
| Best For | Advanced users needing customization for P2P and encryption. |
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a champion of transparency and user control. All of its apps are open-source, allowing anyone to verify their code, and the provider has proven its no-logs claim multiple times in real-world court cases where no user data could be retrieved by authorities.
Customization for Italy: PIA allows users in Italy to fine-tune their encryption levels (e.g., using fast AES-128 for streaming or max security AES-256 for P2P), giving unprecedented control over the connection profile. It also offers multiple P2P-friendly servers and the ability to enable advanced features like SOCKS5 proxies.
Massive Network: While ExpressVPN focuses on server quality, PIA wins on sheer server quantity, ensuring minimal congestion in its Italian server locations (Milan and Rome), leading to consistent speeds.
Expert Take: PIA is the ideal VPN for the technically savvy user in Italy who wants granular control over their security, especially when engaging in high-risk P2P activities, balanced with fast WireGuard performance.
5. Expert Deep Dive: Unblocking Italian Geo-Restricted Content
The primary reason many users seek the Best VPNs for Italy is to overcome the digital boundaries that separate them from their favorite Italian media. This is a technical cat-and-mouse game that requires superior VPN technology.
5.1. The Challenge of RaiPlay‘s Geo-Detection
RaiPlay, the online streaming platform for the national public broadcaster Rai, is the most frequently requested Italian service. While it is free to watch, its content is strictly geo-blocked outside of Italy due to licensing agreements for its major shows, films, and live sports.
The Barrier: RaiPlay employs advanced IP-blocking technology that not only detects non-Italian IP addresses but is also specifically trained to identify and block IP addresses that belong to known VPN providers.
The Solution: The top-tier VPNs (ExpressVPN, NordVPN) invest heavily in constantly refreshing their Italian IP address pools. When RaiPlay blocks a range of IPs, these providers immediately retire those addresses and introduce new, clean Italian IP addresses, ensuring that the connection remains viable. ExpressVPN consistently proves to be the fastest to adapt to RaiPlay’s blocks, making it the most reliable choice.
5.2. Accessing Premium Content like Sky Go Italia
For Italian users abroad who subscribe to premium services like Sky Go Italia or DAZN, the geo-block is even more stringent. These services often use technologies that detect discrepancies between the IP address (Italian) and the device’s DNS location, or even GPS data on mobile devices.
The recommended VPNs counter this with:
DNS Leak Protection: They ensure that only the VPN’s dedicated DNS servers are used, preventing the device’s real location from leaking.
Split Tunneling: This feature allows users to route only the streaming app (e.g., the Sky Go app) through the Italian VPN server while keeping other apps on the normal local connection. This often tricks the service into believing the connection is entirely local.
5.3. Why Nearby Servers are Crucial for Football (Serie A) Streaming
Live sporting events, particularly Serie A football, require uninterrupted, high-bandwidth connections. The crucial metric here is latency (lag time), which is determined by the physical distance between the user and the VPN server.
By having servers physically located in Italian cities like Milan and Cosenza, the best VPNs minimize the distance data needs to travel. This results in the lowest latency, preventing the buffering and quality drops that ruin the experience of watching a live match.
6. The Italian Privacy Threat: Nine Eyes and Data Retention
While geo-unblocking is a technical challenge, privacy in Italy is a legal and intelligence challenge that demands the most robust security possible.
6.1. The Nine Eyes Alliance and Italian Surveillance
Italy is formally a contributor to the global Nine Eyes (or Sigint Seniors Europe) intelligence-sharing network, which is functionally equivalent to the more notorious Five Eyes (US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ).
The Risk: As a participant in this alliance, Italian intelligence and government agencies can legally collect mass amounts of communication data and share it with other member nations. This collaboration significantly elevates the risk of surveillance for any Italian citizen or resident.
The Defence: The only effective defence against this level of state surveillance is a VPN located outside the legal jurisdiction of the Nine Eyes network and, crucially, one that utilizes RAM-only servers.
RAM-Only Servers: As pioneered by ExpressVPN, these servers cannot permanently store data. Even if a foreign surveillance agency were to legally compel the provider to release data from an Italian server, there would be no data to retrieve, thereby nullifying the surveillance agreement.
6.2. The P2P/Torrenting Legal Landscape in Italy (Copyright)
Italy has relatively strict copyright laws, and while the act of torrenting itself is not strictly illegal, downloading or sharing copyrighted material is a civil and, potentially, criminal offense. Copyright holders actively monitor Italian IP addresses engaging in P2P file sharing.
The Risk: Without a VPN, your ISP can see your P2P activity, and copyright trolls can easily log your public Italian IP address, leading to cease-and-desist letters, fines, or legal action.
The Solution: A premium VPN encrypts your connection, making your activity invisible to your ISP and any third-party monitor. For this purpose, you need a provider with:
A verified No-Logs Policy.
A full Kill Switch to prevent IP leaks during P2P session drops.
High-speed, P2P-friendly servers (like those offered by NordVPN and CyberGhost).
6.3. The Importance of a No-Logs, RAM-Only VPN in Italy
In a Nine Eyes contributing nation, the provider’s logging policy moves from being a marketing claim to a legal firewall. We only recommend VPNs that have either:
Been independently audited: External security firms have verified the no-logs claims.
Proven their claims in court: The provider has been served a subpoena but had no data to hand over.
Implemented RAM-only architecture: The ultimate technological guarantee that data cannot be stored.
7. Crucial Features for an Italy VPN
Selecting the right VPN for Italy requires a focus on security features tailored for its specific digital risks.
7.1. Italian IP Address Access and Server Spread
Any effective Best VPNs for Italy list must prioritize providers with a substantial and well-maintained presence of Italian servers.
Reliability: A larger number of servers (like those offered by CyberGhost and NordVPN) ensures less congestion and better speeds.
Local Access: Crucial for banking, local news, and streaming services that require a specific geo-location.
Expat Use: The primary tool for an expat to maintain their digital connection to Italy.
7.2. High-Speed Protocols (Lightway, NordLynx, WireGuard)
Speed is non-negotiable for streaming Italian media. Traditional protocols like OpenVPN are secure but often too slow for 4K. The top-tier solutions rely on:
ExpressVPN’s Lightway: Optimized for distance and stability, ensuring low-lag live streams.
NordVPN’s NordLynx: Built for pure speed and performance.
WireGuard: An open-source, lightweight protocol that provides massive speed improvements over previous generations.
7.3. Advanced Kill Switch and DNS Leak Protection
This is your security net. In a country involved in surveillance alliances, accidental exposure is a high-stakes risk.
A Full Kill Switch instantly cuts your internet connection if the VPN tunnel drops, preventing your real Italian IP address from being exposed.
DNS Leak Protection ensures that DNS queries (which can reveal your location) are routed through the VPN tunnel, not your local ISP.
7.4. Obfuscation/Stealth Mode for Restricted Networks
While Italy does not enforce China-level internet censorship, some corporate, university, or public networks may implement filters that block VPN traffic. Features like NordVPN’s Obfuscated Servers or Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode are essential for disguising your VPN tunnel as regular web traffic, allowing you to bypass these local network firewalls.
8. How to Get an Italian IP Address (Step-by-Step Guide)
Whether you are in Rome or Rio, getting a secure, functional Italian IP address is a simple process:
Subscribe: Choose a top-rated VPN from our list that offers high-performance Italian servers (ExpressVPN is the most reliable).
Download and Install: Install the VPN app on your desired device (PC, Mac, iOS, Android).
Log In: Enter your credentials.
Select Server Location: Open the server list and search for “Italy.”
Connect: Click on the preferred Italian server location (e.g., Milan or Rome).
Verify: Visit an IP checker website (e.g.,
iplocation.net). The website should now show your location as Italy, and you can securely access RaiPlay, local banking, and other geo-restricted Italian content.
9. VPNs and Italian Law: What You Must Know
9.1. Is VPN Use Legal? (Yes, but…)
Yes, using a VPN in Italy is completely legal. There are no laws in Italy that prohibit individuals from using encryption or virtual private networks to secure their privacy.
The Caveat: While the tool is legal, using the VPN to engage in illegal activities remains illegal. This includes sharing copyrighted content via P2P networks (torrenting) or engaging in criminal activities. The VPN provides anonymity, not immunity. This is why a verifiable no-logs policy is crucial, as the VPN must have no data to provide authorities should they investigate an illegal act.
9.2. The Dangers of Free VPNs in Italy
In the context of the Nine Eyes alliance and stringent copyright enforcement, using a free VPN in Italy is an unnecessary, high-risk gamble:
No Security Features: Free VPNs lack the essential features required for Italy: no obfuscation, no RAM-only servers, and often no full kill switch.
Data Logging: Most free services survive by logging and selling your personal browsing data (including your IP address and activity) to third parties, completely defeating the purpose of a VPN.
Poor Performance: Free services have tiny server fleets, leading to crippling congestion, slow speeds, and complete failure when trying to unblock services like RaiPlay.
For a country with Italy’s specific digital security concerns, only a premium, audited VPN offers a safe and functional solution.
10. FAQs about VPNs in Italy
Q: Which VPN is best for unblocking RaiPlay from outside Italy?
A: ExpressVPN is consistently the most reliable choice for RaiPlay. Its rapid IP address rotation and proprietary Lightway protocol are highly effective at bypassing RaiPlay’s advanced geo-detection firewalls.
Q: Are there any Italian VPN companies I should use?
A: We strongly advise against using any VPN company physically based in Italy. Due to Italy’s involvement in the Nine Eyes alliance and its domestic data retention laws, a VPN registered in the country could be legally compelled to log and share user data. Always choose a provider with a privacy-friendly jurisdiction (e.g., British Virgin Islands, Panama).
Q: Will a VPN help with geo-restricted Italian banking apps?
A: Yes. If you travel outside of Italy, your Italian banking app or website may flag your foreign IP address as suspicious and block access. Connecting to an Italian IP address via a top-tier VPN will resolve this and provide the necessary local access while securing your financial data.
Q: Why do Italian VPNs need to worry about the Nine Eyes alliance?
A: Italy shares intelligence data with countries like the US, UK, and Australia. This means if the Italian government were to obtain user data, that information could be shared internationally. Using a RAM-only, no-logs VPN (like ExpressVPN or NordVPN) ensures there is simply no data to be seized or shared.
11. Final Verdict: Secure Your Bella Vita Digitale
Navigating Italy’s digital landscape requires a strategic VPN choice that addresses both the local media demand and the international privacy threat. You need a fast key to unlock your favorite shows and a secure shield against surveillance.
The most complete and dependable solution is ExpressVPN. It offers unparalleled reliability for accessing difficult platforms like RaiPlay, delivers superior speed via its Lightway protocol, and provides the ultimate defence against the Nine Eyes network with its independently verified, RAM-only TrustedServer technology.
Secure your connection, unlock your Italian content, and ensure your bella vita digitale remains private and accessible.