5 Best Free VPNs for Switzerland: Get a Swiss IP Address
We live in an utterly inter-linked world, thanks to the Internet. However, while the web has allowed us to stay connected, it has also left us exposed. ISPs, browsers, websites, and so on now do more than just providing you with access to the Internet today, they also monitor, retain, and could even sell details of your digital activities.
For Swiss internet users, the problem is more expanded. This is because Switzerland has some of the most retentive data laws in Europe. However, there’s a way you can stay protected and private by using VPNs, which are classified as either risk-free or free.
Risk-free VPNs assure you of no liability on the web. Their premium services usually come at a small refundable cost. While completely free VPNs are the no-charge but less reliable options as poor connection and traffic are common user-experiences.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the benefits of using VPNs. Also, we’ll provide you with a list of five top VPNs you can use to stay secure at all times. We kick-off with risk-free VPNs.
Best Risk-free VPNs for Switzerland
Risk free VPNs includes some of the best VPNs with a free trial period.
ExpressVPN
Features
- Number of servers: More than 3,000
- Speeds: Unlimited
- Server locations: 160 in 105 countries
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- 24 live chat: Yes
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Yes
Pros/Cons
- Fastest VPN out there
- Strict no logs policy
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Few discounts
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPN service providers today. It has years of experience in the industry and is equipped with top-notch features to offer you the best.
ExpressVPN has 160 different server locations all over the world, and this includes Switzerland. Of course, with such robust facilities, its perks do not end at keeping you secure alone. You are guaranteed the best in terms of internet speed and unrestricted global access.
Also, ExpressVPN has several additional features that complement its already incredible services. A few of them are its 256-bit traffic encryption, a no-logs policy, and a split-tunneling feature. The military-grade encryption provides your internet traffic with the best world-class shielding so that no individual or organization can spy on you.
Its no-log policy ensures that your data is never retained, not even to ExpressVPN’s databases. While the split-tunneling feature is an impressive tool that allows you to regulate your VPN service on your device.
ExpressVPN also has a 24/7 customer support service to assist you whenever you have issues. They can be contacted using live-chat or email and are operated by humans, not bots.
Interestingly, ExpressVPN does not limit your subscription to a single device. You can use one ExpressVPN account to stay secure on as much as five supported devices at once. So, you can choose to access websites in Zurich, and stream videos from a VOD in America at the same time. Better still? All subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied.
- Pros: Fastest VPN out there; Strict no logs policy; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $6.67
NordVPN
Features
- Cryptocurrency accepted? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: 6
- Dedicated IP-addresses? Yes
- Servers: 5342 in 58 countries
Pros/Cons
- Lots of pricing options
- Netflix support kept up to date
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Slow app
NordVPN is another excellent VPN service provider that’s perfect for Switzerland. It was launched back in 2012 and has been very impressive in offering exceptional services to internet users.
Today, NordVPN has 120 of its about 5704 global servers located in Switzerland. Of course, this means you get to enjoy the best of its services at all times. More impressive? NordVPN’s Switzerland servers are optimized for P2P sharing and have the double VPN feature.
P2P is an acronym for ‘Peer-to-Peer’ and is the technology behind torrenting networks. So, if you love to share large files or torrents, you can always count on NordVPN to provide you with a super-fast connection.
The Double VPN, on the other hand, is a fantastic tool in guaranteeing your Internet security and privacy. Instead of securing your information with a single server, with this feature, NordVPN does it with two. So, your Internet traffic is run through two servers and double-encrypted to give you maximum security.
Other features offered by NordVPN include DNS leak protection, IP address masking, and borderless access. NordVPN’s features and services are compatible with all common operating systems. Also, you can use a single NordVPN account to secure as many as six devices at once. This could be your mobile device, PC, or even a router.
Similar to ExpressVPN, NordVPN offers you a 30-day money-back guarantee on your subscription. So, if you have any doubts, you can purchase a plan and test its quality without worrying about losing your money. Also, NordVPN provides 24/7 customer support to assist you whenever you’re in need.
- Pros: Lots of pricing options; Netflix support kept up to date; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $3.71
Best Completely Free VPNs for Switzerland
ProtonVPN
Features
- P2P support? Yes
- 30-day money-back guarantee? Yes
- Country of origin? Switzerland
- Servers: 600+ in over 40 countries
- Simultaneous devices: 5
Pros/Cons
- Professional support
- Modern interface and apps
- AES-256 encryption
- Lesser known provider
The top of our list for complete free VPNs is ProtonVPN. Interestingly, this VPN provider has its operating headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. This confirms that it is compatible to work in the European country.
ProtonVPN free version has quite some impressive features that make it stand out from other free VPNs. One is that it does not put a limit on your browsing data or speed. Also, ProtonVPN’s free version does not have annoying ads that are attributed to most no-charge VPNs.
This VPN’s free version upgrades its services a bit further by not logging your browsing activities. So, you do not have to bother about your data being retained and sold.
ProtonVPN’s free service is restricted to three country server locations. Connection speeds and ease of access are on the medium level. However, this is mostly when the servers are overcrowded by many free users.
ProtonVPN’s free version supports iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux devices. In a case where you’re having problems, there’s a customer support system that can be contacted on ProtonVPN’s website. So, you do not need to go searching for local Switzerland offices when battling technical issues.
Also, ProtonVPN is fairly regulated in protecting your data as an unsubscribed user. Unlike most free VPNs, ProtonVPN does not sell your information to external parties to fund its operations.
- Pros: Professional support; Modern interface and apps; AES-256 encryption;
- Lowest price: €4
Trust.Zone
Features
- Complete anonymity? Yes
- Unblocking of all websites? Yes
- Pricing options: 4
- Servers: 164 in 80+ zones
- Free trial: Yes
Pros/Cons
- Military grade encryption
- Bitcoin accepted
- App for mobile devices
- Lesser known provider
Trust.Zone is another VPN service provider that offers you free premium services for a limited time. All that is required is that you open an account, and you can kick-off your secure internet-surfing from Switzerland.
This top-notch has several cool features that separate it from most standard free VPNs. One is that it is located in Seychelles, where its operations are protected by strong data laws. Also, this location is out of the jurisdiction of the 14 eyes countries. So, your data is kept away from all external parties, including several government cyber-organizations.
Also, Trust.Zone uses L2TP and OpenVPN for its connection protocols – a pretty impressive move for a free VPN.
In terms of facilities, TrustVPN has 170 servers in 89 different locations. This provides you with fast and easy Internet access, which can reach really impressive speeds. So, if you need excellent connections for your live-streaming or downloads, Trust.Zone is a fantastic option.
Trust.Zone’s free version ends when your three days free trial is over, or when you exhaust the 1GB bandwidth provided under the package. However, you are guaranteed unrestricted web access and optimum data security as long as it is on. Trust.Zone is also one of the few free VPNs that guarantee your data safety on public networks like Wi-Fi.
- Pros: Military grade encryption; Bitcoin accepted; App for mobile devices;
- Lowest price: €3
IPVanish
Features
- One click connect? Yes
- Bandwidth cap? No
- Servers: 100+ superfast servers
- Platforms: Mac, Windows, Linux, Chrome OS, iOS, Android, Routers
Pros/Cons
- Firewall
- Apps for all devices
- 40,000+ shared IPs, 1,300+ VPN servers in 75+ locations
- Not the cheapest out there
IPVanish was launched in 2012, and in less than a decade, it has grown to become an excellent VPN service provider. IPVanish is based in the USA but works well in Switzerland. There, it offers some of the best services through its 1300 servers in over 75 countries globally, including Switzerland.
IPVanish provides you with easy to use apps that support most common operating systems. These apps are complemented with impressive features like unlimited bandwidth on usage, 256-bit AES encryption, and unrestricted web-accessibility.
This VPN’s unlimited bandwidth means that the provider doesn’t place a cap on your data usage. While its 256-bit AES encryption guarantees you world-class protection on your Internet activities. This way, not even the government can spy on you.
IPVanish’s unrestricted web-access works in line with its 1300 globally located servers. This allows you to enjoy entry to websites in other countries apart from Switzerland, which may have been otherwise blocked.
Also, IPVanish offers the best in terms of connection protocols as it supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec.
However, IPVanish doesn’t offer a complete no-charge version. You only have access to its free version within the 7-day refundable period on its subscription plans. This means that you can purchase an IPVanish subscription and enjoy its premium services. Then, cancel the package within seven days, and your money will be fully refunded to you.
- Pros: Firewall; Apps for all devices; 40,000+ shared IPs, 1,300+ VPN servers in 75+ locations;
- Lowest price: $2.62
Benefits of using VPNs
Here are some of the benefits of using a VPN in Switzerland.
1. Privacy
If you do not want every visit you make to the web, leaving footprints, VPNs are a good idea. Your digital activities are logged by your ISPs and other Internet access providers all the time. This means that you can easily be monitored when they deem fit.
Also, in the case of internet networks such as torrent clients, your digital information is left open to other users. This could be your IP address and even location. Unfortunately, all these put you at risk and highlight the need for internet privacy at all times. VPNs guarantee that you have that privacy.
2. Remote access
Sometimes you may have to travel far away from home for work, education, or leisure. However, several websites on the Internet are often limited by forms of geo-restrictions and censorships. Ordinarily, if that were your case, you would have to miss out on those websites until you returned back to a supported location.
However, VPNs help you get rid of this hassle as they assure you of unrestricted remote access whenever you need it. This is possible through their servers, which are usually spread globally. Also, VPNs are useful in a scenario where you’re based locally, as in the case of Switzerland, but want to access restricted external web sources.
3. Protection from digital harm
Attacks from malware and hackers are some of the risks that come with using the internet. This issue not only hinders your internet access but also jeopardizes your personal and financial safety.
However, VPNs are capable of saving the day once again. Their services, such as military-grade data encryption and anti-data retention policies, help you stay away from digital harm. An instance is the 256-bit AES encryption offered by some of the VPNs listed above. This encryption is world-class, and it’s sure to leave any random hacker or malware spooked.
What types of devices are supported by VPNs?
Interestingly, most people think VPN services can only be enjoyed on mobiles and PCs. However, that is far from the truth. For most subscription-based VPN providers, you can enjoy their services on routers, smart TVs, and even game consoles.
For supported routers, you can configure your VPN services to work with them to keep all your connected devices protected. In the case of smart TVs, VPNs provide you access to ordinarily restricted streaming platforms.
While for game consoles, you get to unlock a whole new world of experiences. For instance, with VPNs, you get to access and join gaming tournaments irrespective of geo-restrictions. So, you can be seated at home in St. Gallen and be partaking in top gaming tournaments in China.
How do you set up VPNs?
Another aspect internet users shy away from is the issue of setting up a VPN. Of course, this is understandable as VPNs often seem technical. However, you have nothing to worry about.
Most VPNs provide apps to ensure ease of use for their products and services. Most times, all you need is a few clicks, and you’re connected and secure.
However, there is the case of devices like routers, smart TVs, and consoles that require a more complicated setup. To tackle this, VPNs usually have detailed guides that inform you of all the steps you need to take to set up these devices.
Also, there might be scenarios where you’re still unable to set up your devices despite the guides. Here, VPNs usually have readily available customer support to assist with all technical problems.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Free VPNs for Switzerland
Is it legal to use a VPN in Switzerland?
Yes, using a VPN in Switzerland is lawful. This is because they come in handy for protecting yourself against cybercriminals and evading surveillance. However, using a VPN for activities against Swiss national laws is still unlawful. If law enforcement catches you, you’ll face heavy punishment. Therefore, it’ll be best not to use your Swiss VPN for illegal activities.
Is torrenting legal in Switzerland?
Yes, it’s perfectly legal to torrent various materials in Switzerland. Furthermore, unlike many European countries, it isn’t unlawful to download copyrighted content. There’s a condition, though. It’s that you can only torrent copyrighted materials for personal use. Indeed, this Swiss legal position has received heavy backlash from the film and music industry, but it hasn’t changed. Notably, though, it would be best to still torrent with a VPN. This way, you get added privacy and security while downloading files.
How can I get a Swiss IP address?
Say you leave Switzerland and still want to keep up with your favorite local TV content and banking services. Then, you need a Swiss IP address to continue browsing like you left the country. So, you have to sign up for a VPN with servers in Switzerland. Once you connect to these Swiss servers, you’ll get a Swiss IP address to enjoy local content from anywhere.
Can I unblock multiple Netflix libraries from Switzerland?
Yes, you can access more than Swiss Netflix with a free VPN. You just have to connect to servers in your preferred country. After connecting to the server, you can access the Netflix library of that country. So, you can access American Netflix and watch shows from the Netflix libraries of other European countries. Finally, you’ll need a VPN with servers in various countries. An extensive server spread means many more accessible Netflix libraries.
In conclusion
VPNs are handy in countering some of the shortcomings of the Internet. They help you stay safe, private and grant you a new world of possibilities beyond geographical boundaries while on the web.
We’ve highlighted five of the best VPNs that offer you the most exceptional of these services in Switzerland. So, all that’s left for you is to start a fresh web-experience accompanied by security and unhindered access.