Norway is a model of democracy, and that is reflected in its digital space. There are no credible reports of the Norwegian government restricting access or censoring internet content. Plus, authorities don’t routinely monitor private online traffic or communications. However, this does not rule out the need for a VPN in Norway.
Other online threats exist in the form of hackers, identity thieves, data breaches, and more. A VPN also plays a vital role in providing unrestricted access to websites and content. That can come in handy when you’re abroad and looking to stream on local platforms like NRK1.
While there are lots of providers to choose from, they are not all the same. This article will guide you on the best VPNs for Norway and what they offer.
Best VPNs for Norway — Our Top 5 Picks
The providers on this list come with a wide array of high-end functionality for secure, stable, and reliable internet connections.
We only considered paid VPN services. While you can find some decent free options out there, they are no match for premium VPNs in Norway, everything considered. Let’s get down to it.
In a hurry? Here’s a rundown of the 5 best VPNs to use in Norway in 2024:
3000 servers
105 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
8 simultaneous connections
6300 servers
111 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
12000 servers
100 covered countries
45 days money-back guarantee
7 simultaneous connections
3000 servers
100 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
27000 servers
91 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
1. ExpressVPN
- Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands.
- Server count: 3,000+ in 94 countries, including Norway.
- 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 is one of the most reputable providers on the market, and for good reason. Many consider it not just the best VPN for Norway but the best overall.
It comes with a fleet comprising over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, including Norway, so you can get a Norwegian IP address.
ExpressVPN has no dedicated servers like some of its rivals, yet it stands out in terms of performance. The provider is incredibly fast and barely dents your original internet connection speed. For instance, you can stream videos in 4K without experiencing even mild buffering. That’s what makes it the best VPN to use on Netflix.
It’s known to work excellently with a wide array of streaming platforms. The provider will effortlessly bypass geo-restrictions on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and other foreign libraries if you’re in Norway.
It mirrors that performance on local channels and services when you’re abroad. You can follow along with news, sports, movies, and shows on NRK TV, Strim, and other streaming platforms.
ExpressVPN uses the virtually impenetrable AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data from malicious actors. It paved the way with its RAM-only TrustedServer technology. Combined with an audited no-logs policy, it guarantees that the VPN does not store logs that could lead back to you.
Lots of other features come along, both standard and advanced. For instance, Network Lock acts as a kill switch, preventing data exposure due to VPN interruptions. ExpressVPN also offers obfuscation and perfect forward secrecy.
You can use ExpressVPN on a glut of platforms and devices thanks to wide compatibility. One subscription covers five devices on a monthly plan and three more on longer-term plans. You can try it out risk-free, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. For all these reasons, it’s easy to see why our experts consider ExpressVPN to be the best VPN in Norway in 2024.
2. NordVPN
- Jurisdiction: Panama.
- Server count: 5,800+ servers in 60 countries, including 60+ in Norway.
- 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 6 devices.
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days.
NordVPN is one of the most famous VPNs around, with the provider earning a reputation backed by its feature-rich, privacy-focused service.
While its 60-country presence is far from the best we’ve seen, the sheer size of servers (5,800+) is nothing to scoff at. Plus, it has over 60 servers in the Norwegian capital, Oslo, which means there’s no shortage of connection options.
NordVPN delivers blazing-fast speeds for smooth, buffer-free internet connections. There are various tunneling protocols, but you get the most consistent results from its custom protocol built around WireGuard, NordLynx.
Few providers do a better job breaking past geo-barriers on websites and streaming services. With NordVPN, you can access exclusive libraries on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and most other services.
Looking to binge-watch Trygdekontoret on NRK1 from outside Norway? No problem. NordVPN lets you access geo-blocked content on local streaming providers with no hassle.
Keeping your online traffic safe and private is NordVPN’s bread and butter. The VPN uses military-grade encryption to scramble your data. It offers IP/DNS leak protection and a pretty advanced kill switch. Thanks to its independently audited logless policy, your internet sessions leak no breadcrumbs.
NordVPN’s toolkit is bursting at the seams with advanced and extra features. They include powerful anti-ad and malware capabilities, built-in Onion over VPN support, and Double VPN.
The VPN supports a host of platforms and devices. When you subscribe to one of its plans, you get to protect up to six devices at the same time. Like the best VPN for Norway (ExpressVPN), there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee with a refund option if you’re unsatisfied.
3. CyberGhost
- Jurisdiction: Romania.
- Server count: 9,600+ servers in 91 countries, including 34 in Norway.
- 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.
Plenty of servers, a user-friendly interface, and dedicated servers — it’s easy to see why CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs for Norway.
There’s also the fact that the VPN provider has nearly three dozen servers in Norway. They are part of an absolutely massive network comprising 9,600+ in 91 countries.
You get dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. That means faster speeds for those activities, alongside security from the danger of lurking nasties. That aside, CyberGhost’s 10 Gbps infrastructure means it’s one of the fastest VPNs you can hop on.
CyberGhost holds its own when it comes to getting past geo-blocks. It unblocks exclusive catalogs on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. Plus, you can watch Norwegian content from anywhere in the world. You only have to connect to one of its servers in Norway.
The VPN ensures your sessions stay private with its strict no-logs policy, fully audited by third parties. Even if CyberGhost wanted to store or share your data, it couldn’t. RAM-based servers wipe all information on them after a reboot.
If you live in Norway, you probably don’t need the double layer of its NoSpy servers, owned and managed in-house. But it’s nice to have the option.
Bank-level AES 256-bit encryption keeps your data on lock. CyberGhost also provides an automatic kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection. Plus, with Norway boasting comprehensive free Wi-Fi access, its automatic Wi-Fi protection can save your private information from interception.
You can use a single CyberGhost account on up to seven devices simultaneously, which is great if you own many that need a VPN. The provider’s confidence in its service shows in its industry-leading 45-day money-back guarantee for plans six months and longer.
4. Surfshark
- Jurisdiction: The Netherlands.
- Server count: 3,200+ in 100 countries, including Norway.
- 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.
Don’t let the cheap long-term pricing fool you — Surfshark is one of the best VPN services on the market. The versatile provider packs all the features you need in a quality VPN for Norway.
For instance, it comes with a network of 3,200 servers spanning 100 countries. With so many locations covered, you get lots of secure connection options in Norway and neighboring countries for when you’re traveling.
Surfshark is pretty speedy. While it doesn’t consistently reach the levels of rivals like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, you can browse and stream buffer-free, no problem. This VPN for Norway offers dedicated servers for P2P activities, which means faster downloads and sharing.
It also does a good job of unblocking geo-restrictions on Norwegian and international streamers. So, there’s no need to wait until you’re back in the country before catching up on new episodes of The Lørenskog Disappearance and The Girl From Oslo on Netflix Norway. It will just as easily bypass content locks on other popular platforms.
Surfshark doesn’t compromise on privacy and security despite its budget price. Its strict no-logs policy means whatever you do online is none of its business, or anyone else’s for that matter.
Browse securely on public networks backed by powerful AES 256-bit encryption. A powerful automatic kill switch minimizes the risk of exposing your data. In addition, Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature has a three-pronged defense against ads, trackers, and malware.
Surfshark works on all the major platforms. Smart DNS support extends compatibility to game consoles and Smart TVs. Unlike most VPNs that can be used in Norway or elsewhere, Surfshark places no limits on the number of devices that fall under a single subscription.
Check out our in-depth Surfshark review for more details.
5. Private Internet Access
- Jurisdiction: The United States.
- Server count: Servers in 84 countries, including Norway.
- 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 is a great choice for advanced VPN users because of its complex configuration options. That said, it is intuitive, and there’s no steep curve for beginners. Plus, the provider has built-in Norwegian language support.
PIA has the most extensive collection of servers on this list of the best VPNs for Norway, by far. At last count, they exceeded 30,000 in 84 countries, with the Norwegian capital Oslo among its locations.
The VPN is not exactly lightning-fast, but you can expect decent connection speeds, especially on nearby servers. The huge network comes in handy here, as you’re never short of options to switch to when you experience slowdowns. Plus, there’s a latency label, so you know what servers to avoid in the first place.
There are dedicated servers for faster streams and unrestricted access to streaming libraries. That said, Private Internet Access is inconsistent at best here and will hit roadblocks on some services. Luckily, local Norwegian streaming services are not tough enough to prevent you from watching your favorite content.
Keeping your traffic safe and private is where PIA really excels. The VPN is feature-rich, packing several standard and advanced tools. For instance, there’s a choice between AES 128-bit and 256-bit encryption standards, with the former allowing for faster connection speeds.
PIA’s no-logs policy has overcome the fire test in court and by independent auditors — the provider will definitely not store connection logs on its servers. Plus, PIA is open-source. You don’t see that level of transparency often in the industry.
Like Surfshark, Private Internet Access has no device connection limits when you purchase a plan. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test the VPN risk-free.
Read up on this provider in the full PIA review, or fare it against the best VPN for Norway in our Private Internet Access vs ExpressVPN comparison.
Why You Need a VPN for Norway in 2024
Norway believes in internet privacy. As part of the European Union, it falls under the purview of the GDPR. Besides, Norway has implemented some of the strongest data privacy regulations in the world. As mentioned earlier, there are no credible reports of government censorship or surveillance.
That said, it’s part of the 14 Eyes Alliance, that notorious group of Western intelligence-gathering and sharing countries. It means that, technically, Norway may spy on its citizens, monitoring their online activities. For privacy-focused individuals, that’s too much of a risk to ignore.
That aside, the rate of cybercrime is on the rise worldwide, and Norway is not immune. There are hackers, scammers, identity thieves, and data breaches to worry about. Hopping on a free public Wi-Fi in a cafe in Oslo or Bergen could open sensitive information to snooping or theft.
Using properly functioning VPNs in Norway virtually eliminates those problems. A VPN encrypts your traffic and routes it to and from your device and the internet, with a remote server as the go-between. That way, you’re shielded from monitoring and hacking.
There’s more. A VPN can let you access geo-blocked content on websites and online services. That way, you could still get to watch Norwegian TV from abroad.
It carries on to banking services because foreign transactions can look suspicious. With a VPN connected to a Norwegian server, Handelsbanken Norway, Nordea Bank, and other banks will not raise eyebrows at your transactions and flag them.
How We Ranked The Best VPNs for Norway
Considering how many VPN providers there are, settling on one isn’t the easiest choice. Especially when you don’t know what to look out for.
That’s why we tested dozens of VPNs to arrive at the five best options for when you’re in Norway or are traveling out of the country. Our ranking of the best VPNs in Norway is based on a number of metrics, which we’ll discuss below.
Privacy and Security
These are the areas that matter the most. Regardless of what else it offers, a VPN must shield and protect your data from unauthorized access and interference. This requires high-level encryption, as well as features like a kill switch and leak protection. It must also have a strict no-logs policy. And because you can’t just trust a company, we prefer the policy to be audited by a third party.
Server Network
Does the size of a VPN’s collection of servers matter? Other factors are involved, but the simple answer is yes, it does. A large network size ensures that you get stable, fast connections. Plus, they play a part in bypassing geo-restrictions.
We paid attention to the sheer size and the distribution of servers in different locations and countries. Because it matters for this article, we only selected VPNs with servers in Norway.
Speed and Performance
Using a VPN will slow down your internet connection. It’s down to the nature of its task, and there’s no way around it. That said, some VPNs won’t noticeably slow your connection down, and those are the providers we considered for this list. High-bandwidth infrastructure and fast tunneling protocols are vital here.
Bypassing Geo-restrictions
Geo-blocks restricted website content, movies, TV shows, and news to different countries and regions. To qualify as one of the best VPNs for Norway, a provider must be capable of bypassing those restrictions so you can stream local content when you’re away. In addition, it should work on popular streamers like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
User Experience
We prefer VPNs that are easy to install and configure. The user interface should be clear and concise, and the instructions should be easy to follow. In addition, they should have quality customer support systems with knowledgeable and responsive staff.
Money-Back Guarantee
A money-back guarantee means a VPN is certain you’ll be impressed by the quality of its service. If you find it subpar, you can request a refund within the given period. All the providers on this list offer at least 30-day money-back guarantees, with CyberGhost standing above 45 days.
Conclusion
The best VPNs for Norway place unlimited content within reach in bare seconds. They reach past geo-blocks so you can view and stream content that would not be available to your region. More importantly, they keep your internet traffic under the radar, shielding you from monitoring and your data from prying eyes.
ExpressVPN is our #1 recommendation. A 49% discount saves you money when you try its annual plan, with three extra months in the bargain.
FAQs about VPNs in Norway
Are VPNs legal in Norway?
Yes, VPNs are legal in Norway. The Norwegian government has no regulations limiting or banning its use, so there’s no danger of getting into trouble. As long as you don’t commit any crimes while using one, that is.
Can I get a free VPN for Norway?
We don’t recommend that you do. They are no match for premium VPNs and come with several limitations, such as fewer servers (and no servers located in Norway), slower speeds, and capped bandwidth. Plus, free VPNs may pose a privacy risk by selling your data to third parties.
What are the best VPNs for Norway in 2024?
ExpressVPN is the best VPN service for Norway, based on its performance in our tests. However, other viable alternatives include NordVPN, CyberGhost, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access.