Internet access is largely unrestricted in Belgium. That said, some ISPs have blocked several websites following court orders or for publicly undisclosed reasons. Already, this checks the box for getting a VPN in Belgium, but there are other reasons to consider.
While the Belgian government is not known for large-scale monitoring, other shady actors lurk on the internet there. Besides, the websites and online services you’re used to may be restricted when you’re in Belgium. And when you travel away, you’re cut off from watching F1 free on RTBF and keeping up with local content on platforms like Netflix Belgium.
A quality Belgian VPN handles all these issues hassle-free. This article will highlight the best providers for the job.
Top 5 best VPNs for Belgium
- NordVPN – best overall VPN for Belgium in 2024
- ExpressVPN – premium service with top features
- CyberGhost – most affordable VPN in Belgium
- Surfshark – feature-loaded VPN for Belgium
- Private Internet Access – reliable all-around VPN
Best VPN for Belgium — Our 5 Picks for 2024
We’ve tested dozens of VPN services. Each provider boasts of rapid speeds, airtight security, and excellent geo-block bypassing abilities. In reality, that’s not the case with many of them.
A well-performing Belgium VPN offers an optimal blend of privacy and security, performance, unblocking, and stability. The providers on this list are all premium VPNs.
Later, we’ll discuss why we focused on those as the best VPN services for Belgium.
Let’s get down to it.
1. NordVPN
- Jurisdiction: Panama.
- Server count: 6,400+ servers in 111 countries, including ~60 in Belgium.
- Standout feature: Custom NordLynx protocol built around WireGuard.
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chromebook, routers, gaming consoles, and more.
- Simultaneous connections: Up to 10 devices.
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days.
NordVPN is the absolute greatest Belgian VPN option for safeguarding your online presence. The popular VPN’s users have come to trust the quality of its service and excellent performance.
The Panama-based provider offers an ever-growing network of 6,400 servers in 111 countries, including Belgium. You can get a Belgian IP address from abroad with any of its 60 servers in the capital, Brussels.
NordVPN easily breezes past the geographical restrictions on Belgian and international websites and streaming services alike. It routinely unblocks exclusive libraries on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Expect similar performances with local streaming services, like VRT and Sporza.
NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx protocol is WireGuard on steroids. Besides ExpressVPN, it’s the speediest provider on the market — so expect lightning-fast connection speeds. That’s why the VPN is an excellent choice for downloads, streaming, and other data-heavy tasks.
But keeping your online security and privacy is where NordVPN really shines. There’s the industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption for scrambling your traffic. NordVPN also offers advanced kill switch options, ensuring unwitting VPN disconnections don’t expose private information.
Threat Protection keeps pesky ads and trackers away, but it also comes in handy against the more dangerous malware. Plus, NordVPN has a logless policy that has undergone independent audits.
NordVPN is compatible with a wide array of devices. You get to protect up to 11 devices simultaneously on one account. A 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to request a refund if you are not satisfied with this VPN for Belgium during this period.
2. ExpressVPN
- Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands.
- Server count: 3,000+ in 105 countries, including Belgium.
- Standout feature: TrustedServer technology.
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chromebook, routers, browsers, gaming consoles, and more.
- Simultaneous connections: Up to 8 devices on 6 and 12-month plans.
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days.
ExpressVPN plainly insists it’s one of the best VPNs for Belgium, and we agree. The British Virgin Islands-based provider offers an extensive network of servers comprising more than 3,000 in 105 countries, including Belgium.
Its rotating IP addresses are a tough nut to crack for websites and online services with geo-blocks and anti-VPN technology. Interested in streaming the latest episodes of Rough Diamonds from abroad? No problem. ExpressVPN unblocks exclusive content on local platforms hassle-free.
It’s just as good when it comes to the popular services. You can stream international content on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more from Brussels, Antwerp, or anywhere else in Belgium.
On top of that, it’s widely considered the fastest VPN service of 2024. Thanks to 10 Gbps servers and its custom Lightway protocol, you can enjoy stable VPN performance that barely dents your original internet connection. This means buffer-free 4K streaming, even on farther servers.
ExpressVPN keeps malicious actors off your online traffic with military-grade encryption trusted by US defense agencies. It comes with a kill switch and leak protection, so there’s no chance your private information is exposed.
On top of that, the VPN’s industry-leading TrustedServer technology means a reboot wipes away everything on its servers. Combined with a strict no-logs policy, you’re assured there’s no paper trail after each internet session.
ExpressVPN has extensive compatibility with loads of supported platforms and devices. One subscription covers up to 8 devices at the same time. A 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try the VPN out risk-free.
3. CyberGhost
- Jurisdiction: Romania.
- Server count: 12,000+ servers in 100 countries, including 226 in Belgium.
- Standout feature: In-house managed NoSpy servers.
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, browsers, and more.
- Simultaneous connections: Up to 7 devices.
- Money-back guarantee: Up to 45 days.
You can get a Belgian IP address when you connect to any of CyberGhost’s 220+ servers in the country. That’s more than many VPN providers have in their networks in total. The Belgian collection is part of its massive network comprising over 12,000 servers in 100 countries.
CyberGhost is the cheapest top VPN service on the market, which points to incredible value for your money. For its affordable price, you’re offered access to local content on any Belgian TV or streaming platform, even if you’re halfway around the world.
Plus, it doesn’t let geo-blocks on popular streaming services get in the way of quality content. When you’re in Belgium, you can stream movies, TV shows, and more on Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.
Connecting to one of its dedicated streaming servers provides the best results. There’s even one for the local RTL Play. If you’re a torrenter, you’ll be glad to know it also comes with lots of dedicated P2P servers — over a thousand.
CyberGhost isn’t on the level of NordVPN in terms of speed. But then, no other provider is. However, 10 Gbps server infrastructure, WireGuard, and that vast network means you can expect buffer-free connections, especially on nearby servers.
AES 256-bit encryption protects your data from hackers and other cybercriminals. As extra security, its automatic Wi-Fi security feature kicks in as soon as you connect to a new public network.
CyberGhost also comes with an automatic kill switch for when your VPN connection drops. It has an audited no-logs policy, verifying that the service doesn’t store any identifiable logs.
If you buy a long-term plan, you get more than enough time to make up your mind on committing, thanks to a 45-day money-back guarantee. If needed, take a look at our CyberGhost vs ExpressVPN analysis to narrow down your choice.
4. Surfshark
- Jurisdiction: The Netherlands.
- Server count: 3,200+ in 100 countries.
- Standout feature: Nexus with SDN technology for multiple server connections.
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, browsers, and more.
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited devices.
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days.
Surfshark may be a little underrated, thanks to its budget tag. However, the provider is undoubtedly one of the best VPNs in Belgium.
It offers a collection of 3,200+ servers across 100 countries. We’re especially impressed by that country spread, as it’s the widest on this list.
So it’s race day, and you want to follow the free MotoGP live stream on RTBF while away from Belgium. Despite the streaming service’s geo-blocks, Surfshark ensures that’s not an issue. Unblocking other local platforms is just as hassle-free.
You can also follow the episodes of all your favorite shows on several global services — no surprise, as it’s an excellent streaming VPN.
As for performance, Surfshark gives a pretty decent showing. You get to stream in high-quality resolutions while avoiding buffering, especially on WireGuard. Most of the VPN’s servers are being updated from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps, promising even faster speeds.
The Dutch-based provider encrypts all your traffic with bank-level encryption, preventing your ISP from seeing what you’re doing online. An automatic kill switch and IP leak protection keep your personal information out of the grasp of snoopers. What’s more, the VPN has undergone third-party audits to verify its no-logs claims.
Surfshark also offers CleanWeb, a feature with ads, trackers, and malware blocking.
This great VPN service for Belgium works with computers, smartphones, routers, streaming devices, and more. Thanks to a generous unlimited device policy, one Surfshark subscription carries all your devices. If you’re unsatisfied, you can request a refund within 30 days of your purchase.
5. Private Internet Access
- Jurisdiction: The United States.
- Server count: Servers in 91 countries.
- Standout feature: Choice between AES 128-bit and AES 256-bit encryption.
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, gaming consoles, and more.
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited devices.
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days.
Private Internet Access offers an extensive network of servers, affordable VPN service, and airtight protection.
The VPN’s collection of servers in 91 countries dwarfs even CyberGhost’s. While it’s US-centric, with servers in every state, PIA has loads in Europe, including Brussels, Belgium.
PIA’s servers are optimized for 10 Gbps connections and the VPN offers speedy protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. However, that doesn’t always translate to the fastest connection speeds, especially on distant servers.
That said, it’s far from a slow VPN, and you can still stream videos in high-definition quality and higher. If you’re forced to switch servers due to slowdowns, the VPN’s latency labels come in handy.
Private Internet Access mirrors that performance with regards to streaming. It effortlessly unblocks local streaming services like VRT and Netflix Belgium. However, it’s not quite smooth sailing when it comes to international platforms and their tougher geo-blocks. Still, you can enjoy videos on Netflix US and some other services from Belgium.
PIA excels security-wise. While it’s based in the US, the provider has proven in court that it does not save or hand over user logs. It implements the virtually unbreakable AES 256-bit encryption (with the faster AES 128-bit as a speedier alternative). PIA’s customizability extends to the kill switch, with regular and advanced options.
With MACE, PIA blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites effectively. Plus, it uses RAM-based servers, so your tracks disappear for good after a reboot.
We also like that Private Internet Access places no limits on the number of devices you can protect with one account. A 30-day refund policy when you subscribe allows you to test the VPN risk-free.
How We Ranked The Best VPNs for Belgium — Our Methodology
There are currently 100+ VPN services in the market. Selecting the best provider isn’t easy, as they all claim to be excellent in all the right areas.
We did the research, testing dozens of options using criteria that ensure we only recommend the best VPNs for Belgium in 2024. Here’s a look at some of the metrics we considered.
Privacy and Security
Belgium is a hotbed for cybercrime. When you go online on an unprotected network, you risk losing sensitive information to hackers, phishers, data breaches, and more. To prevent these, the Belgian VPNs on this list offer top-of-the-line features, like AES 245-bit encryption, a kill switch, and a strict logless policy.
We prioritize services with even more advanced functionality, such as Double VPN, obfuscated servers, etc.
Wide Network and Belgium Servers
The more servers a VPN has, the lower the chances of slowdowns and congestion, so you have stable connections. A wide network also helps streaming-inclined users access geo-blocked content. We prioritized VPNs with servers in Belgium, which means you can get a Belgian IP address from abroad.
Speed and Performance
The extra steps a Virtual Private Network adds to your online traffic invariably impact its speed.
However, for the best VPN in Belgium or elsewhere, that impact is usually not enough to cause frustrating slowdowns. We regularly conduct speed tests. That way, we can recommend lightning-fast services.
Bypassing Geo-Restrictions
Many people who use VPNs do so to access content that’s exclusive to other regions. The best VPNs for Belgium allow you to view restricted content on websites and online services wherever you are in the world. On the other hand, they also unblock libraries on foreign services for people resident in Belgium.
User Experience
Each VPN on this list of the best options for Belgium is widely compatible, allowing you to download and install its apps on most devices you can access the internet with. We also considered VPNs that are intuitive and easy to use above others. In addition, quality customer service available around the clock was an important metric.
Money-Back Guarantee
Top VPNs are so confident of the quality of their services that they offer money-back guarantees. That way, you get to claim a refund if you’re unsatisfied. Every provider on this list offers at least a 30-day money-back guarantee, with CyberGhost standing out with its 45 days.
Why You Need a VPN in Belgium
Belgium isn’t known as an internet-restrictive country. However, there are some restrictions going on, all the same.
For instance, authorities are block-happy when it comes to P2P activities. The country’s Internet Service Protocols (ISPs) have restricted access to most torrenting sites due to court orders or pressure from the Belgian Anti-Piracy Federation (BAF).
In addition, Belgium’s data retention laws mandate ISPs and telecommunication firms to retain user data for up to a year. That includes your browsing history, searches, and more.
While authorities say the regulations are meant to fight crime, there were surveillance concerns, leading to a court challenge. However, the country’s Constitutional Court upheld the laws. The concerns remain.
There’s more. Belgium ranks high for cybercrime, and criminals there are constantly finding ingenious ways to exploit your data.
A quality Virtual Private Network mitigates these issues. High-level encryption scrambles your internet traffic, sending it through a secure tunnel to a remote server and then on to its destination. That process effectively shields your data and online activities from your ISP and cybercriminals.
VPN benefits extend to other areas. For instance, they bypass geo-blocks on websites and online services to provide exclusive access. That means you can follow along with local Belgian content, even when you take a trip out of the country.
That’s also the case when you’re in Belgium — you get to explore content that would be ordinarily locked to other locations simply by connecting to a VPN server there.
Can You Use a Free VPN for Belgium?
You can use a free VPN for Belgium, but we don’t recommend doing so. Operating and maintaining VPN infrastructure can be very expensive, considering many providers have hundreds or thousands of servers. If you’re not paying a subscription, chances are that you’re the product.
On one hand, most free VPNs available in Belgium are severely limited in terms of server size, speed and performance, unblocking abilities, and more. But they can also be privacy and security risks, as many free VPNs are known to sell user data to third parties.
If the price is an important factor, you could purchase a cheap VPN plan instead. You would be getting better value for your money.
Conclusion
Belgium has cybercrime issues that necessitate shielding your data from hackers and other malicious actors. But a VPN can have several other use cases, such as helping you access local TV and streaming services in Belgium when you’re abroad. Or unblocking international platforms from within the country.
The best VPN for Belgium is NordVPN. The provider offers robust security and privacy, excellent unblocking, and reliable connections.
