A VPN hides your traffic and prevents your IP address from being tracked, so you can trade crypto worry-free. It also ensures consistent access your local crypto exchange when you travel. Based on my tests, the top VPN for crypto trading and payments is ExpressVPN. It has a global network of highly-secure servers and high-speed connections. It’s also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN with your favorite crypto platforms at no risk to you. If it doesn’t suit your needs, you can easily request a refund over 24/7 live chat. It only takes a couple of minutes and you’ll get your money back within a week. Secure your crypto trades with ExpressVPN
Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Cryptocurrency Trading in 2023
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The Best VPNs for Crypto (Tested in January 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — TrustedServer Technology Keeps Your Crypto Activity Private
Key Features: ExpressVPN is the #1 VPN for crypto trading and bitcoin payments. Its TrustedServer technology ensures that none of your online crypto-related traffic is ever stored to a physical server, since they run entirely on RAM. This is further bolstered by military-grade encryption, which prevents anyone from snooping on your connection (especially useful on public WiFi or while traveling). The last thing you want is to become the target of hackers monitoring your traffic. In addition to top security, ExpressVPN ensures you have blazing-fast access to any crypto exchange. In tests, I registered only a 21% average speed drop across 4 global servers (New York, Paris, Frankfurt, and Melbourne) when compared to my base internet speeds. This is an impressive mark for any VPN to hit and more than enough for any crypto-related activity. In fact, you can easily multitask and support browsing, streaming, and downloading files with no interruption. Even if you prefer interacting with the latest DeFi protocol instead of a centralized exchange, it’s best to ensure that your original IP and DNS addresses aren’t exposed. Fortunately, my tests confirmed ExpressVPN is completely resistant to any data leaks. I connected to several different locations and ran tests, with one of the positive outcomes visible above. I found ExpressVPN intuitive to use on both desktop and mobile devices. I tested several crypto apps on mobile, including Binance, Coinbase, Huobi, and Delta, and encountered no interference or blocks. Both the mobile and desktop interfaces are slick and user-friendly. It only takes a few seconds to choose a country and connect. You can pay for ExpressVPN in crypto using BTC, ETH, XRP, USDC, BUSD, PAX, or GUSD. Some of these payments are handled by BitPay, but ExpressVPN is also quite unique since they accept payments from multiple wallet types. This includes MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, Blockchain Wallet, Coinomi Wallet, and dozens more. You can see for yourself before committing to a subscription — try ExpressVPN for your crypto trades at no risk as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. This applies to crypto payments as well. I even tested the refund policy myself — before the month was up, I contacted an agent via 24/7 live chat to request a refund. It was approved within minutes and I had the money back just 5 days later. Secure your crypto trades with ExpressVPN ExpressVPN works with: Android, iOS, Blackberry, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, routers, and more.
2. CyberGhost — NoSpy Servers Offer Guaranteed Physical Security for Your Crypto Trades
Key Features: CyberGhost is a great choice for crypto trading with highly-secure NoSpy servers. CyberGhost operates these servers within its Romanian headquarters so it can keep direct watch over them with the ability for instant maintenance. Most VPN providers rent their servers from foreign providers almost exclusively, so it’s good to know that CyberGhost offers a better solution. These servers also offer better speeds and higher bandwidth, with snappier performance for accessing your crypto trades. You can find the servers in the “NoSpy Servers” category on the app. Choose a server with low load for the best results. Unlike most VPNs, CyberGhost’s kill switch is alwayso n and can’t be turned off. If your VPN connection ever drops, the kill switch will block off your device’s connection to the internet. Usually I prefer when a VPN makes these features optional, but in this case I can’t complain. If you’re using a VPN to hide your IP address while using a crypto exchange or protocol, you can’t afford to expose it even for a second. Fortunately, CyberGhost passed all leak tests I ran on its servers, making this a non-issue for most users. Unfortunately, CyberGhost’s biggest downside is that the no-logs policy hasn’t been verified with an independent audit. The VPN publishes an annual Transparency Report to break down all dealings with law enforcement, which is a good start. However, an independent audit with full code transparency would be great to see and very much in the spirit of crypto. Before fully committing, you can try CyberGhost for crypto trading risk-free for up to 45 days. Paying with Bitcoin via BitPay is also allowed and it doesn’t affect your ability to make use of the money-back guarantee. After testing CyberGhost for a couple of weeks, I verified the money-back guarantee myself by contacting an agent over the 24/7 live chat and requesting a refund. I wasn’t pressured to stay and they promptly processed my refund within a couple of minutes. I had the money back just 6 days later. Secure your crypto trades with CyberGhost CyberGhost works with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, routers, and more.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — MACE Ad and Malware Blocker Makes Navigating the Crypto Web Safer
Key Features: Private Internet Access’ MACE ad and malware blocker is a great addition to its premium VPN service. I tested it with multiple websites notorious for adverts and was impressed to find not a single ad displayed. MACE even keeps a database of servers associated with malware and trackers, preventing them from loading on your device. Given the abundance of scams and opportunists present in the crypto space, I’m pleased with the additional security MACE provides. To use different encryption protocols or other settings, PIA gives you granular control over your security. There’s a host of settings available and explanations for the more complex ones. Of course, PIA is suitable for users of all skill levels (although I recommend turning on the kill switch before you load any crypto websites). PIA’s desktop and mobile apps are equally functional and connect to servers within seconds. If you’re like me and enjoy managing your crypto exchanges on mobile as much as on desktop, it pays to have a reliable and unobtrusive mobile VPN. It’s worth noting that PIA is headquartered in the US. This places it inside the purview of the 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance networks and the watchful eye of the US federal government. However, there have been 2 occasions where the US government demanded data from PIA, but PIA had nothing to hand over in both instances. Many VPNs never get to prove their no-logs claims, so PIA has arguably won the benefit of the doubt here. Unfortunately, PIA’s servers are slower than both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. If you’re looking for the fastest VPN on the market for your crypto trades, PIA isn’t the best choice. Don’t take my word for it though. You can try Private Internet Access for Bitcoin payments risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. The money-back guarantee even applies to cryptocurrency payments. When I requested a refund over 24/7 live chat, all I had to do was briefly explain why. My refund was quickly approved and I had the payment back within the week. Secure your crypto trades with PIA PIA works with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, routers, and more.
4. PrivateVPN — Cheap Prices for a High-Performance Crypto VPN
Key Features: PrivateVPN’s server network is small with just 200+ available to choose from. However, its price-performance ratio speaks for itself. At just $2.00, PrivateVPN boasts speeds comparable to what you’ll get from more expensive VPNs. I saw only a 25% decrease from my base speeds on local servers and a sharper, though still manageable 50% drop on average while using long-distance servers. This is plenty to ensure you have consistent connectivity while trading. In terms of security, PrviateVPN has a kill switch to prevent data leaks, top-end encryption choices, and even split tunneling to allow specific apps to bypass the VPN. I ran the kill switch through some tests and no leaks appeared, while the split tunneling feature let me connect (and disconnect) specific apps from the VPN. Unfortunately, PrivateVPN’s kill switch isn’t available on iOS. At the same time, the IKEv2/IPSec encryption protocols are only available on the iOS app. Whether these two features balance each other out is arguable, but worth considering if you’re an iPhone user. If you need more info before you commit, you can make use of PrivateVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee to check it out with zero risk. While PrivateVPN accepts payment in Bitcoin, it’s the only VPN on this list that makes these payments non-refundable. I personally tested PrivateVPN for just under a month and then reached out to a live chat support agent. They asked for the reason why I wanted a refund, but quickly gave me approval when I told them I had changed my mind. The money was returned to me within a week. Secure your crypto trades with PrivateVPN PrivateVPN works with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, routers, and more.
5. IPVanish — Unlimited Device Connections to Trade On All Your Devices
Key Features: IPVanish offers unlimited device connections so you can trade crypto anywhere you go. This is extremely useful since it means there’s no chance of being logged out of a device just because you logged in elsewhere. Just as the crypto markets never sleep, this way your devices can be protected 24/7. When it comes to security, you can choose between multiple encryption protocols and prioritize security, speed, or device compatibility. The integrated kill switch also works well and passed all my tests — just ensure you turn it on since it’s off by default. Unfortunately, IPVanish was involved in a case where it handed over partial user logs to the US government in 2016. However, this happened while under different ownership — the new owners claim to fully honor the no-logs policy. If you want to stay on the side of caution, ExpressVPN has an audited and proven no-logs policy and it’s based firmly outside of US jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands. In addition, IPVanish is the only VPN on this list that doesn’t accept payment in any cryptocurrency. You’ll have to choose between credit/debit card or PayPal. That said, it’s risk-free to try IPVanish for crypto trading for yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee. You don’t even need to contact anyone to get a refund — simply log in to your account on the website and initiate the refund process. I tested this and was immediately approved, and received the money back in my account within a week. Secure your crypto trades with IPVanish IPVanish works with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, routers, and more.
Comparison Table: 2023’s Best VPNs for Crypto Ranked
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How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Crypto
These are the criteria I check for when finding the best VPNs for crypto:
Server choice — Having access to dependable local servers and a large global network with multiple countries provides you with balanced crypto access and performance. Crypto platform compatibility — All VPNs must provide reliable access to multiple crypto exchanges, including Binance, Kucoin, Huobi, Coinbase, Bisq, and more. Highly secure — Military-grade encryption and leak protection to keep your identifiable details hidden while interacting with crypto exchanges and protocols. Strict zero-logs policy — None of your crypto activity is ever stored on a VPN server. Fast and reliable servers — Crypto is lightning-fast and 24/7, so your VPN has to be too. Mobile app — There’s a good chance you trade crypto on your mobile as well as computer, so your VPN needs to offer a solid mobile app. Generally, the best VPNs have user-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Linux, and more. Great customer service — The VPN offers fast, friendly service with varying options like live chat, email, and a solid knowledgebase. Verified money-back guarantee — Getting a refund should be simple if you’re not completely satisfied.
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Detailed Guide: How to Buy a VPN With Bitcoin in 2023
If you want to pay for your VPN with Bitcoin, you’ll need to ensure you have a wallet with the appropriate amount of BTC in it. Once you have that in place, you need to follow these steps: Secure your crypto trades with ExpressVPN
Do I really need a VPN for crypto trading and mining?
Yes, using a VPN is necessary to keep a degree of separation between your cryptocurrency activity and real identity. Although centralized exchanges likely already know who you are due to KYC requirements, even a private wallet that isn’t directly tied to you is vulnerable to numerous exploits. To prevent your ISP or other interested parties from linking your private wallets, VPNs provide you with an encrypted tunnel and temporary IP address to hide your traffic and maintain privacy. Although crypto is becoming increasingly mainstream, it’s still best to avoid being profiled by your government, especially if they’re not particularly crypto-friendly. Even if security isn’t a concern to you, a VPN can help you get access to your crypto accounts while traveling outside of your home country if they’re subject to geoblocks.
Can I use a free VPN for cryptocurrency transactions?
Although there are some great free VPNs available, I wouldn’t recommend any for crypto transactions. The main issue is that almost all free VPNs have limited bandwidth, speeds, and server choice. This makes maintaining a reliable connection extremely difficult and can interfere with your trading. It’s also an issue if anonymity is your main concern, since your original IP and DNS address will be exposed when the limited bandwidth runs out. If you’re using an exchange that’s blocking the region you’re in at the time, your account could be suspended. I recommend you try CyberGhost for cryptocurrency transactions instead, as its generous 45-day money-back guarantee can be used like a free trial. This way, you can try out its unlimited bandwidth and high speeds without risk and never be left unprotected when you most need it.
Is buying crypto with a VPN illegal?
It depends on where you live. Some countries have made crypto trading illegal, such as China and Egypt. My team and I don’t condone any illegal activity, so I strongly encourage you to check your local laws before buying crypto. However, simply using a VPN for added online security isn’t banned on most exchanges. Although exchanges like Binance block specific geographical regions due to local regulations. If you’re actively circumventing a local block like this, there’s a chance Binance may ban you for breaking its Terms of Use. If you still want to use a VPN knowing the risks, ExpressVPN is the best VPN for buying crypto. It offers a highly-secure server network and fast speeds to ensure you can trade worry-free. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not happy with your purchase.
Can I mine Bitcoins with a VPN?
Yes, you can mine Bitcoin (or other cryptocurrencies) while connected to a VPN. In fact, in some cases it’s necessary. For instance, if you’re part of a mining pool, there’s a chance your ISP will block your connection — a VPN fixes this. Additionally, if you prefer nobody knowing that you’re mining cryptocurrency, a top-tier VPN adds a protective layer around your digital identity. It does this by hiding your publicly-exposed IP address and encrypting your connection. If you do use a VPN, you should ensure you’re connected to the closest server available. If you use a VPN server with high latency, there’s a chance this can add to the number of stale shares sent out which will lower your profits.
Can I pay for a VPN with Bitcoin?
Yes, the top VPNs on this list all support Bitcoin payments. However, you should keep in mind that there are some trade-offs. First of all, if you use a private wallet to send the payment along with the rest of your personal details, this essentially de-anonymizes your wallet. If you plan to do this, I recommend setting up a fresh wallet and transferring crypto to it from an exchange to avoid a direct connection between your existing wallets. It’s also worth creating a new email address while signing up to avoid handing over sensitive personal data. If you’d rather not commit to a service long term, you can always make use of a premium VPN’s cheaper monthly plans. This way, you can get full access to a VPN’s features without having to pay a large upfront cost.
How anonymous is cryptocurrency and Bitcoin?
Bitcoin and several other cryptocurrencies are pseudonymous, rather than fully anonymous (even if you use a VPN for crypto trading. This means your crypto wallet can be used without directly revealing any identifying information (and acting as your digital pseudonym). However, if one of these transactions can be linked to you, your cover and entire transaction history is blown. Fortunately, there are some cryptocurrencies like Monero (XMR) that were designed to be anonymous from the ground-up. It uses advanced techniques such as ring signatures and stealth addresses to conceal both the identity of the sender and receiver and even the transaction amount.
What are the best crypto trading platforms?
Coinbase, Binance, and Bisq are popular options. Coinbase is overall the most user-friendly, Binance has the largest selection of altcoins and lowest fees, and Bisq has a focus on user privacy and full decentralization. However, it really depends on what you’re looking for. Each crypto platform differs depending on which cryptocurrencies it offers, how much liquidity is available to traders, how safe it are, and whether the fees are competitive. No matter which crypto trading platform you choose, I strongly recommend you always connect to a VPN beforehand. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, keeping your trades secure and anonymous from anyone who might be watching. Secure your crypto trades with ExpressVPN
Access Your Favorite Crypto Exchanges and Protocols From Anywhere
The cryptosphere is full of potential pitfalls, from giving up identifying data to being locked out of your exchange account while traveling. Thankfully, a quality VPN can help you stay connected to your trades and maintain anonymity at the same time. All of the best VPNs for crypto trading offer various features to ensure a seamless and reliable experience on all your devices. The #1 VPN for crypto trading is ExpressVPN due to its high speeds, large network, and secure server infrastructure. I recommend you try ExpressVPN with your favorite crypto exchange for yourself to test out its features. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund with the 30-day money-back guarantee. When I asked for my own refund as part of this review, it only took a few minutes to approve over 24/7 live chat and the money returned to my account in just 5 days. Secure your crypto trades with ExpressVPN
