If you found this article, chances are you’ve hit a roadblock that separates you from a significant chunk of Croatia’s online space. Maybe you’re an expat longing for a taste of home or simply a fan of the country’s vibrant content. Whatever the case, you need a Croatian IP address to get through.
Many websites, TV channels, and streaming platforms restrict access to location-specific content and online services. Even banking apps can present hurdles when you’re not operating within the country’s borders.
An IP address in Croatia is your key to overcoming these challenges, and a VPN service is the fastest and most reliable way to get one. This article comes with easy-to-follow instructions to walk you through the process. On top of that, we’ll discuss the best VPN services you should be considering.
Why You Need a VPN to Get an IP Address in Croatia
Ever encountered a frustrating “content unavailable in your location” message while trying to access a Croatian website or online service? You’re not alone.
Many online resources there are geo-restricted, meaning they’re only accessible to users with Croatian IP addresses. It’s the same case virtually everywhere else.
When you’re in the country, that poses no issues because your device automatically adopts one. So, for instance, you can launch Netflix or other streaming services and immediately view its catalog curated for the Croatian audience.
Even Google infers your location based on your IP address and generates relevant search results and local recommendations.
However, as soon as you leave Croatia, your devices are assigned IP addresses reflecting your new location. It’s not something you would ordinarily notice, except that now you’re locked out of some previously accessible websites or content.
That’s where a VPN comes in. Think of it as a secure tunnel that redirects your internet traffic through a remote server in your desired location. In this case, Croatia.
When you connect to a VPN server there, your device is assigned a Croatian IP address. That effectively masks your actual location and tricks websites and services into thinking you’re browsing from within the country, even if you’re really far away.
Get a Croatian IP Address in 5 Steps
Here’s a simple guide to obtaining an IP address in Croatia using a VPN. It goes without saying that you need a VPN with Croatian servers to proceed.
Let’s get down to it.
1. Choose a VPN
Your preferred VPN service must not only provide a Croatian IP address but also offer essential features like robust security, fast connection speeds, and dedicated customer support. We recommend ExpressVPN because it’s a reliable option that fits the criteria.
Obtain a Croatian IP address with ExpressVPN
2. Sign Up
Visit the VPN’s website and create an account by providing your email address and payment information. Select a subscription plan that suits your needs and complete the payment process.
3. Install the VPN App
Download the VPN app from the provider’s website onto your device.
If you’re using a computer, locate the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions.
For smartphones, you can easily find the app on the Play Store or App Store, depending on your device.
4. Connect to a Croatian Server
Launch the app and log in using your account credentials. Locate the server menu and choose a Croatian server. Next, click the Connect button on the home screen to activate your VPN connection.
5. Confirm that you now have a Croatian IP address
With the VPN connected to a Croatian server, your actual IP address is now replaced with one assigned to the server.
You can use online tools like an IP address checker to verify this. It should display your new Croatian IP address, signaling that you’re now virtually present in the country.
The best VPNs for obtaining a Croatian IP address
While there are scores of VPN services on the market, only a select few have servers in Croatia. That narrows down your options, but not enough.
So, we put in the work to streamline your choices even further. Following our assessment, here are the top providers you should be considering for getting an IP address in Croatia.
1. ExpressVPN
Overall, ExpressVPN ranks as the #1 VPN for 2024, so it’s no surprise that it tops this list.
The British Virgin Islands-based provider delivers the goods in virtually every relevant aspect.
It comes with an impressive network comprising over 3,000 servers across 105 countries, including Croatia. It’s easy to set up and navigate, and you can get a Croatian IP address within seconds of installing the app by connecting to a server in that location.
It’s the fastest VPN provider around, so expect lightning-fast connection speeds for seamless browsing, streaming, and downloading. You could be downloading a torrent file or streaming a late-night movie on NOVA TV, HRT1, or SPTV, and ExpressVPN will have you enjoying a lag-free, buffer-free experience.
By the way, it easily unblocks those and other local platforms, no matter where you are. It’s just as effective with more popular streaming services — Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and more.
ExpressVPN prioritizes security with a robust combination of features, including military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and multiple protocols. A kill switch and DNS leak protection plug potential loopholes for exposure. Plus, ExpressVPN operates a strict no-logs policy, which KPMG has audited and found to be valid.
The provider supports up to eight simultaneous device connections on one subscription.
A 30-day money-back guarantee backs your purchase. If you have any questions, need assistance, or want to claim a refund, its customer support is available 24/7.
2. CyberGhost
A cost-friendly alternative to ExpressVPN, CyberGhost strikes a sweet balance between features, security, and affordability. Well, that is if we ignore its rather pricey monthly plans.
It has plenty of servers — the most on this list by some distance. Fifty-two of the provider’s 11,600+ servers across 100 countries are in Croatia, which means you can easily take your streaming subscriptions and local online services with you when you go abroad.
With so many options, you’ll rarely run into congestion on multiple servers simultaneously. While not the fastest option on the market, CyberGhost still delivers decent speeds for smooth browsing and streaming.
The provider offers optimized servers for the latter, with dedicated options to unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and other popular platforms. However, the regular servers will do for viewing local Croatian content from abroad. There are no data caps or bandwidth limits, so you won’t experience pesky interruptions while you stream.
We like CyberGhost’s SmartRules feature, which lets you configure the VPN to work with your preferences. For instance, you can set it to connect to a Croatian server whenever you launch an app, say Netflix.
CyberGhost comes with bank-level encryption, a reliable kill switch, and DNS leak protection to safeguard your data. There’s also a handy automatic Wi-Fi protection feature you can customize with SmartRules. When it detects an unprotected public network, the VPN immediately shields your online traffic from hackers and other lurkers, even if it isn’t activated.
You get one less simultaneous device connection on one subscription than ExpressVPN, but that’s good enough for most users. Your subscription comes with an industry-leading 45-day money-back guarantee. Find out more in our CyberGhost VPN review.
3. NordVPN
The next best provider for getting an IP address from Croatia ranks near the top of most VPN lists. It comes with a collection of 6,100+ servers in 61 countries, including 16 in the Balkan country.
NordVPN breezes past most geo-restrictions, including on popular services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+. Similarly, it makes quick work of Croatian sites.
Whether you want to catch up on live events or entertainment from back home on platforms like NOVA TV or Netflix Croatia, it will provide instant access each time.
What’s more, it’s easily one of the fastest VPNs — in fact, only ExpressVPN outperforms NordVPN here. You can browse the internet, stream content, and download large files with little to no buffering or lag, even when you’re connected from far away.
However, online privacy and security are where NordVPN places its strongest emphasis, with its extensive collection of standard and advanced tools. It uses the virtually unbreakable AES 256-bit encryption cipher to keep your online activities under the radar. In addition, the VPN has RAM-based servers and a strict no-logs policy.
One account only covers six devices simultaneously, but router support can extend that if you want. There’s a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee, just in case you change your mind.
What About a Free VPN?
While the allure of a free VPN to get a Croatian IP address may be tempting, you want to understand the potential downsides — and there are more than a few — before diving in. Here’s why we generally don’t recommend using a free VPN for Croatia.
For one, free VPNs typically have severely limited server networks, and most of them don’t have locations in Croatia. Even if you find a free VPN with a Croatian server, the connection speeds are likely to be slow and unreliable. That means you’re almost always going to experience buffering and lag while you browse, stream, or download.
Many also impose data caps and usage limitations, which can be problematic if you plan to stream or download content.
On top of that, some free VPNs have significant privacy and security risks, which is ironic considering why you need a VPN in the first place.
For instance, Urban VPN, a supposedly free provider with Croatian servers, does everything wrong in this aspect, extensively logging information and offering subpar security features.
A premium provider is always the better choice.
Conclusion
Whether you need a Croatian IP address for streaming, accessing local online services, or privacy purposes, a VPN is the best way to go. It outmaneuvers geo-blocks on platforms like Netflix Croatia, HRT1, HRT2, Nova TV, and RTL, placing you within Croatia’s digital borders, no matter where you are.
Our top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It comes with servers in the country and excellent unblocking abilities. Plus, you get robust security and privacy, stable performances, and responsive customer care.
If you click the link below, you can enjoy a special 49% discount on its annual plan, which comes with three extra months.
