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We know how difficult it is to choose between different VPN services for Colombia, there are many technical features, security and privacy issues to check, with more than 100 companies offering their VPN services. Virtual private networks (VPNs) are constantly growing, driven by the concern of users who use the Internet. This demand skyrocketed in 2020, when the pandemic accelerated the use of online services and encouraged remote working.

Worldwide, global interest in the search term “VPN” increased during September 2022, according to Google Trends. Interest in VPN as a search term is led in 2024 by South Sudan, Myanmar (Burma), Turkmenistan, Syria and China. These countries are known to have restrictions on internet access, censored media and exert heavy government surveillance.

vpn for colombia

Why use a VPN in Colombia?

In Colombia, having a VPN is essential for establishing a secure and reliable connection to the Internet. VPNs are especially useful for protecting users’ privacy and security, since in this country, as in many others, users are exposed to vulnerabilities in the network. Especially when accessing sites from public connections such as cafes, airports or libraries. The data encryption offered by VPNs protects private information and online activity from possible cyber-attacks.

In addition, many streaming platforms and websites impose geographical restrictions on their content. With a VPN, you can simulate a different virtual location to access exclusive content from other countries, such as Netflix in the United States or BBC iPlayer in the UK. This also allows you to bypass local censorship and access information that might be restricted in certain areas.

Another advantage is that, in a country with such a varied internet offer as Colombia, the quality of the connection can vary considerably depending on the location. VPNs can improve the speed and stability of the connection, thanks to their optimized servers, which is useful for working or accessing content in areas with poor networks.

Finally, those who work remotely or digital nomads who settle in Colombia find VPNs a key solution for maintaining secure communications, such as sending or receiving confidential information from international companies. A VPN ensures that these connections are secure.

Discover the best VPN for Colombia and travel the country as a digital nomad
Discover the best VPN for Colombia and travel the country as a digital nomad @pexels

What are VPN protocols?

VPN protocols are a set of instructions that enable communication between your device and the VPN server. These protocols define how devices are connected and how information is encrypted to ensure a secure and private connection.

How do VPN protocols work?

VPN protocols work in a variety of ways, but generally perform two basic functions, authentication and encryption. Authentication ensures that your device is communicating with a trusted VPN server and encryption makes the communication unreadable to third parties.

The protocols employ different standards and these authentication methods produce various levels of speed and security for VPN users. VPN protocols also have varying rules on how to handle potential errors, which affects stability and reliability.

Most common VPN protocol types

What is the best VPN protocol?

  • Lightway: It is very stable, secure and connects in a split second. It is designed for the movement of modern internet users, reconnecting immediately after changes or interruptions in the network. It also won’t drain your battery.
  • OpenVPN: It is fast, robust and secure. It works on all kinds of devices and platforms without any problems. The only disadvantage is that its manual configuration is tedious. We recommend using the OpenVPN protocol if Lightway is not available.
  • L2TP/IPsec: A multipurpose solution that is easy to configure and widely used in VPN ecosystems. It has more advanced security features than PPTP, but you may find it difficult to bypass firewalls.
  • IKEv2: Ideal for mobile devices, particularly if you use iOS and Android. It is stable, fast and secure. An excellent alternative to Lightway and OpenVPN.
  • PPTP: The oldest VPN protocol still in use today, but also the one with the poorest configuration. It offers high speeds but lax security and is easy to circumvent. PPTP is not compatible with ExpressVPN.
  • WireGuard: Is currently gaining more and more traction among consumers of VPN services. This protocol is still under active development and does not have the confidence that the OpenVPN package does.
  • SSTP: Only works on Microsoft devices. It is classified as fast and secure, but the fact that it is privately owned generates some friction.

ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol is the most balanced, offering security, speed and stability. If Lightway is not available, OpenVPN or IKEv2 are good alternatives. Lightway stands out for its ability to maintain stable connections even on unstable networks and for its protection against quantum computing.

best vpn protocols for colombia

VPN recommended for digital nomads and remote workers in Colombia

After analyzing several options, ExpressVPN is positioned as the best option for digital nomads and remote workers in Colombia, thanks to its key features that make it stand out in an environment increasingly dependent on security and connection speed.

Customer service and reliability: With a 4.3-star rating on Trustpilot and over 20,000 reviews, ExpressVPN is recognized for its excellent 24/7 customer service, which is essential for quickly resolving any technical issues, especially if you depend on a stable connection to work.

High speed: ExpressVPN is known for offering one of the fastest connections on the market, which is fundamental for those who work remotely and need a stable connection for video conferencing, file transfers or handling several online tasks simultaneously. Even on remote servers, the loss of speed is minimal, something that not all VPNs can guarantee.

Top-level security: The VPN uses military-grade AES-256 encryption, which ensures that your data is always protected, even when accessing public or compromised networks. The kill switch cuts off the Internet connection if the VPN stops working, preventing accidental exposure of your data. This is ideal for those working in sectors where data protection is key.

Extensive server network: ExpressVPN offers a robust network with over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, allowing you to access restricted content in different regions and maintain a seamless connection as you move around different geographic locations. For digital nomads who move frequently, the ability to change locations without compromising speed or security is a great benefit.

Ease of use: This VPN has a user-friendly interface and is available on multiple devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux and Smart TVs. This means you can use it no matter what device you are working from, ensuring a smooth and fairly efficient experience.

ExpressVPN reviews on the Trustpilot website.
ExpressVPN reviews on the Trustpilot website.

Comparing the best VPNs for Colombia

VPNChange of locationSimultaneous connectionsImpact on the reduction of the original speedSupported protocolsPrice in dollars
ExpressVPN105 countries85%Lighway, OpenVPN, IKEv212.95/month
NordVPN50 countries1010%NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv212.99/month
Surfshark100 countriesUnlimited8%OpenVPN, IKEv2 y WireGuard15.45/month
CyberGhost100 countries712%OpenVPN, WireGuard12.99/month
PrivateVPN63 countries107%OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, PPTP9.90/month
Comparative table of VPNs available for Colombia, updated October 2024.

ExpressVPN is the best option in terms of coverage and speed, ideal for those who require a reliable and fast service. NordVPN is a good option if you are looking for superior performance through an advanced protocol, although at the cost of a slight reduction in speed. Surfshark is excellent for users who need multiple connections, but at a higher cost, which may not be justifiable for everyone. CyberGhost and PrivateVPN offer good cost options, but with different compromises in terms of speed and location.

They each offer different benefits depending on coverage, speed and price requirements.

Here are the details of 5 VPNs to use in Colombia

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the most reliable and fastest VPNs on the market. It offers more than 3,000 servers in 105 countries, allowing you to access global content without restrictions. Its Lightway protocol, exclusive to ExpressVPN, is designed to offer a faster and more stable connection, ideal for digital nomads.

It is renowned for its high speed, even when connecting to distant servers. The impact on speed is minimal, making it excellent for HD streaming, fast downloads and video conferencing.

It uses military-grade AES-256 encryption and offers additional features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Its no-logs policy has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in 2020.

ExpressVPN is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, routers, PlayStation, Xbox. Its user-friendly and easy-to-use interface makes it ideal for both beginners and advanced users.

  • Monthly price: $12.95/month
  • Free trial: 30-day money back guarantee
AdvantagesDisadvantages
Exceptional speed on all serversMid-range price compared to other VPNs
Non-logging policy audited by external auditorsAllows only seven simultaneous connections
24/7 customer support

2. Surfshark

Surfshark stands out for offering unlimited simultaneous connections and excellent value for money. It has more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries, making it a solid choice for accessing restricted content and working from anywhere.

While not the fastest on the list, Surfshark still offers consistent speeds for streaming, downloading and browsing. The impact on speed is minimal and becomes very insignificant if the server is nearby.

Surfshark uses AES-256-GCM encryption, which guarantees the protection of your data. In addition, it includes an ad and malware blocker (CleanWeb) and has a no-logs policy.

It is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Smart TVs and video game consoles. Its interface is easy to use, making it accessible to all types of users.

  • Monthly price: $15.45/month
  • Free trial: 30-day money back guarantee
AdvantagesDisadvantages
Unlimited simultaneous connectionsNot as fast as ExpressVPN
Ad and malware blocker includedExpensive price
Excellent value for money

3. NordVPN

NordVPN is known for its strong focus on security and privacy, with more than 5,400 servers in 50 countries. NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard.

NordVPN offers high speeds. It is ideal for streaming, video calls and fast downloads.

NordVPN offers double encryption and ad and malware blockers. Its no-logs policy was audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in 2018 and 2020.

It is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, Smart TVs. It also offers extensions for Chrome and Firefox browsers.

  • Monthly price: $12.99/month
  • Free trial: 30-day money back guarantee.
AdvantagesDisadvantages
Advanced security features (Double VPN)Speed impact on distant servers
Non-logging policy audited by external auditors
Excellent for users who prioritize security

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is ideal for beginners due to its intuitive interface. It has 7,000 servers in 100 countries, which offers good coverage for accessing restricted content worldwide.

CyberGhost offers consistent speeds, although it can be slower on distant servers. It is perfect for browsing and streaming in medium-high quality.

It offers AES-256 encryption and has a strict no-logging policy, audited by Deloitte in 2022. It also includes a kill switch for added security.

CyberGhost is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs and video game consoles. Its simplicity makes it one of the easiest VPNs to use.

  • Monthly price: $12.99/month
  • Free trial: 45-day money back guarantee
AdvantagesDisadvantages
Very easy to useVariable speed on distant servers
Excellent choice for beginnersFewer advanced security features
Has a free trial without using a credit card
Longer money back guarantee (45 days)

5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is known for being an affordable option with 200 servers in 63 countries. Although it has a smaller number of servers compared to other VPNs, it offers a solid experience for those looking for security and privacy at a low cost.

PrivateVPN offers adequate speeds, but not as fast as ExpressVPN or NordVPN. It is suitable for streaming, but may have problems on more distant servers.

It employs AES-256 encryption and maintains a no-logs policy, but third parties have not audited it. It includes a kill switch.

It is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS. Its interface is simple, making it easy to use.

  • Monthly price: $9.90/month
  • Free trial: 30-day money back guarantee
AdvantagesDisadvantages
Excellent priceFewer servers
Easy to useNot audited by external auditors

Frequently asked questions about the best VPNs to use and work with in Colombia

What is the fastest VPN for Colombia?

ExpressVPN stands out as the fastest VPN for Colombia, thanks to its optimized servers and advanced protocols such as Lightway.

Is it legal to use a VPN in Colombia?

Yes, using a VPN in Colombia is legal. Many professionals, including digital nomads and remote workers, use them to protect their privacy and access restricted content. A VPN becomes illegal only when someone uses it to commit or facilitate a crime.

Can I use a free VPN in Colombia?

Although free VPNs are attractive to users on a budget, their performance is not always reliable or secure. In 2022, around 52% of free VPN users experienced at least one problem, such as slow internet speed, problems with advertising (too many ads or ad glitches) or difficulty streaming/torrenting.

What is the best VPN for accessing US Netflix in Colombia?

ExpressVPN and NordVPN are the best options for accessing US Netflix content from Colombia as they offer fast and reliable connections for high-quality streaming.

What is the most secure VPN for Colombia?

Users highly rate ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN for their focus on security and privacy, as they implement strict no-logging policies and military-grade encryption.

What is the cheapest option among the recommended VPNs?

Among the options highlighted, PrivateVPN is the cheapest, with a monthly cost of $9.90. It offers good security features and up to ten simultaneous connections, making it an excellent option for those looking for an affordable VPN solution without sacrificing much in performance and privacy.

Which VPN is best for protecting my privacy on public networks?

Surfshark is ideal for protecting your privacy on public networks, due to features such as Kill Switch and AES-256 encryption.

Can I use a VPN to make secure online payments in Colombia?

Yes, all recommended VPNs, such as CyberGhost and PrivateVPN, secure your data during online transactions, protecting you from hackers.

What is the best VPN for unrestricted streaming in Colombia?

ExpressVPN is the most reliable for accessing platforms such as Netflix or Disney+ from Colombia without geo-blocking problems.