When I landed in Hamburg for a recent work project, my plan was simple: rent a cozy apartment, bring my trusty MacBook, and run my meetings and projects as if I never left my own country. But here’s what no one tells you before you start “working from anywhere” – it’s not the coffee, the jet lag, or even the WiFi speed that will stress you out.
It’s that gnawing feeling that your data could be exposed the moment you hit “connect” in an Airbnb, café, or even the lobby of a fancy co-working space.
So why do I now refuse to work – at home, on the road, or anywhere in between – without a VPN? And which VPNs have actually saved me from headaches during my time working remotely in Germany, the UK, and beyond? Here’s my honest, hands-on breakdown.
Remote Work Has New Rules: Here’s Why VPNs Are Non-Negotiable
These days, remote work is everywhere. Whether you’re jumping into Zoom calls from your bedroom, updating files from a rented flat in Hamburg, or responding to clients over public Wi-Fi at an airport, the risk is real.
Modern hackers aren’t just lurking in dark alleys – they’re one click away on unsecured networks. Even your landlord’s old router or a poorly configured café Wi-Fi can expose your files, emails, and company secrets.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is now your digital seatbelt. It’s not just for techies; it’s for anyone who values their job, privacy, or sanity.
| My 7 Best VPN for Work | Offer + Discount | URL |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 77% off + 3 months free | Try NordVPN |
| ExpressVPN | 73% off + 6 months free | Try ExpressVPN |
| SurfShark | 87% off + 2 months free | Try SurfShark |
| CyberGhost | 83% off + 2 months free | Try CyberGhost |
| PIA VPN | 82% off + 2 months free | Try PIA VPN |
| Proton VPN | 55% off | Try ProtonVPN |
| IPVanish | 83% off | Try IPVanish |
7 VPNs That Have Proven Their Worth When Working Remotely (My Personal Picks)
I’ve lost count of the times I’ve switched VPNs – as of today, I’ve put 84 different services through real-world tests (yes, really). Most aren’t worth your time or your money.
But these seven? They’ve proven themselves – whether I was working late in a rented flat, joining calls from hotel Wi-Fi, or catching up on projects from a co-working space in a new city.
1. Surfshark – My “Swiss Army Knife” for Remote Work
What sets Surfshark apart is its unlimited devices and a feature set built for today’s remote lifestyle.
- CleanWeb blocks ads and malware before they reach you, so you’re not distracted or endangered.
- MultiHop (double VPN) routes your connection through two countries, adding another privacy layer when you’re sending sensitive reports.
- Whitelister lets you choose which apps run through the VPN (great for video calls).
- WireGuard protocol means lightning-fast speeds, even on hotel Wi-Fi or mobile hotspots.
I use Surfshark every time I’m working outside my home network or need to connect my phone, tablet, and laptop all at once.
2. NordVPN – Speed, Power, and Bulletproof Security
NordVPN is my go-to for big projects, large uploads, and moments when I can’t risk downtime.
- 8100+ servers in 126 countries, so I’m never far from a fast connection.
- NordLynx protocol (their WireGuard tech) delivers exceptional speed – even with HD video conferencing.
- Threat Protection blocks malicious sites and trackers.
- Double VPN encrypts traffic twice for those ultra-sensitive documents.
It’s the VPN I fire up when I’m sending contracts or logging into company admin panels from anywhere unfamiliar.
3. ExpressVPN – Reliability and Stability No Matter Where I Am
ExpressVPN is the definition of hassle-free.
- Lightway protocol makes switching Wi-Fi networks seamless (perfect for travel days).
- RAM-only servers mean your session details are never stored, ever.
- MediaStreamer works on TVs and devices that don’t support native VPN apps.
- max 14 simultaneous devices supported.
I trust ExpressVPN when joining video calls from airports or public networks, or when I want to stream safely in a new country.
4. CyberGhost – Effortless Protection for Everyone
CyberGhost takes the intimidation out of VPNs.
- One-click profiles: “Secure Wi-Fi,” “Streaming,” “Torrenting,” etc.
- Over 11,700 servers worldwide ensure fast, stable access.
- Built-in ad and malware blocking.
- User-friendly for beginners and non-techies.
I recommend CyberGhost for anyone who wants plug-and-play security – it’s what I install for friends and family who travel or work remotely.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA) – For Tweakers and Power Users
If you want to customize every detail, PIA is for you.
- Nearly 30,000 servers for maximum coverage.
- Open-source clients and configurable encryption.
- Advanced kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling.
- Works on older hardware and less common devices.
I reach for PIA when I’m setting up a dedicated work device or need granular control over my connection.
6. ProtonVPN – Swiss-Grade Privacy for Sensitive Projects
Privacy is the name of the game here.
- Secure Core routes data through ultra-secure Swiss servers.
- No-logs policy and open-source apps for total transparency.
- Top-tier encryption and regular independent audits.
- Perfect for journalists, lawyers, and anyone handling confidential material.
When working on sensitive documents or anything that can’t risk exposure, ProtonVPN is my digital vault.
7. IPVanish – Versatile and Device-Friendly for Life on the Go
IPVanish is my backup for situations where nothing else will do.
- Excellent support for smart TVs, routers, and mobile devices.
- Owns and operates its entire server network.
- SugarSync cloud backup included for easy file storage.
- Unlimited device connections.
Ideal for families or those who work on multiple platforms (I used IPVanish on my tablet and phone during a week of train rides across Germany).
Final Thoughts: The One Digital Habit You Need
If you’re working remotely – whether from home, a friend’s flat, a bustling city in Europe, or a beachside café – don’t risk your livelihood or peace of mind.
A VPN is no longer an optional extra. It’s the foundation for safe, stress-free, and truly global remote work.
Try one from this list. Secure your workspace, wherever that happens to be. Your boss, your clients, and your future self will thank you.
