Proton VPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Surfshark: which VPN to choose in Switzerland for streaming, privacy and a secure connection.
Although Switzerland enjoys a solid reputation for data protection, a VPN remains essential for anyone who wants to secure their connection, access foreign streaming services or find RTS and SRF from abroad. And for good reason: the country that saw the birth of Proton VPN, one of the most respected services in the sector, also remains a prime location for international competition, which willingly installs servers there to attract customers who are particularly attentive to confidentiality. Here are the VPNs that really deliver on their promises.
Comparison of the best VPNs for Switzerland
|
VPN |
Origin |
Servers in Switzerland |
Streaming |
Simultaneous Connections |
|
Geneva, Switzerland |
Yes |
Good |
Generous |
|
|
Romania |
Yes (Zurich, Hünenberg) |
Good |
Generous |
|
|
The Netherlands |
Yes |
Good |
Unlimited |
|
Panama |
Yes |
Very good |
Generous |
|
|
British Virgin Islands |
Yes |
Excellent |
Correct |
ProtonVPN
Developed in Geneva, ProtonVPN remains the most consistent option for those who want a truly Swiss VPN. Its code is open source, its data non-retention policy has been audited several times by independent firms, and its Secure Core option passes traffic through reinforced Swiss servers before reaching the final destination, an architecture designed for the most exposed users such as journalists or lawyers. The service also offers a Tor over VPN function for the most sensitive uses. Strong point: transparency and Swiss legal anchoring, outside the major international surveillance alliances. Weak point: speeds sometimes lagging behind NordVPN or ExpressVPN, and a choice of Swiss server reserved for the paid offer.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost relies on a dense network in Switzerland, spread between Zurich and Hünenberg, with profiles dedicated to Swiss streaming, RTS and SRF included. Based in Romania, the service applies a policy of not retaining activity logs audited by an independent firm, with reports published regularly to reinforce user confidence. Strong point: a particularly long money-back guarantee, useful for testing the service without risk. Weak point: slightly lower performance compared to NordVPN on certain remote servers.
Surfshark
Surfshark stands out for its unlimited simultaneous connections, a real asset for equipping all the devices in a home, smartphones, computers, Smart TVs, even compatible consoles such as the Nintendo Switch or PlayStation via a router configured as a VPN. The service also offers a traffic camouflage function that is particularly effective on restrictive networks. Strong point: quality-price ratio among the best on the market for multi-device use. Weak point: Swiss server network more restricted than that of CyberGhost or NordVPN.
NordVPN
NordVPN remains one of the most complete services on the market, with a reliable network of Swiss servers to find RTS or SRF from abroad. The service offers Onion Over VPN to overlay the Tor network on the encrypted connection, as well as a Double VPN to multiply the layers of protection during particularly sensitive use. Strong point: connection speed and extensive compatibility, from PC to Smart TV, including certain compatible routers and consoles. Weak point: the absence of headquarters in Switzerland, even if its Panamanian jurisdiction remains favorable to private life.
ExpressVPN
Its in-house Lightway protocol makes ExpressVPN one of the fastest services for streaming, whether for Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video or Disney+. Its no-log policy has been audited by the KPMG firm, a guarantee of seriousness appreciated by the most demanding users in terms of data protection. Strong point: excellent speeds and interface designed for simplicity, even on compatible consoles and routers. Weak point: less advantageous value for money than Proton VPN or CyberGhost on long commitments.
Why use a VPN in Switzerland?
A VPN for Switzerland meets several very different needs depending on the user’s situation, whether they are a resident, a cross-border worker or a passing traveler. Here are the most common uses:
- Secure your internet connection on public Wi-Fi networks, particularly via Swisscom hotspots
- Access foreign catalogs like Netflix US, Disney+, Hulu or BBC iPlayer
- Find Swiss RTS, SRF or Amazon Prime Video from abroad thanks to a Swiss server
- Encrypt your data with a robust protocol like AES to strengthen your online protection
- Bypass content restrictions depending on the countries covered by each service
An opinion that puts things into perspective
On Trustpilot, the feedback regarding these VPN services often follows the same pattern: customer service considered responsive by chat, a majority of users satisfied with the daily stability, but recurring criticism of automatic subscription renewals, the price of which sometimes rises significantly once the initial commitment is over. For example, one subscriber mentioned having discovered a renewal price much higher than that paid in previous years, a situation which regularly comes up in comments left on the platform, all services combined. A point to watch out for before taking out your card for a subscription billed in CHF or euros, whatever the offer chosen.
Verdict
For an assumed Swiss anchorage and rare transparency on the market, Proton VPN remains the benchmark, particularly for sensitive uses. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are better suited to those who prioritize speed and intensive streaming, while CyberGhost appeals with its well-established network of Swiss servers and its long-term warranty. Surfshark, finally, remains unbeatable for equipping all the devices in a home with no limit of connections. The right choice depends above all on the priority use: confidentiality, streaming, or multi-device coverage. In any case, checking the independent audits published by each service remains the best way to distinguish a real policy of non-retention of data from a simple marketing argument.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a Swiss VPN to navigate safely in Switzerland?
No, a foreign VPN works just as well to secure your connection. The Swiss origin of a service like Proton VPN mainly concerns jurisdiction and data protection.
Does a VPN allow you to find RTS or SRF from abroad?
Yes, provided you connect to a server located in Switzerland, offered by most of the services listed here.
Do these VPNs work on all devices?
The majority offer apps on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux, with compatibility extended to certain routers, Smart TVs and consoles.
Which VPN offers the best value for money in Switzerland?
Surfshark and CyberGhost generally stand out on this point, with generous simultaneous connections for a low price.
Is Proton VPN really safer because it’s Swiss?
Switzerland offers a favorable legal framework for data protection, but real security depends above all on independent audits and the non-retention policy applied by the service.
Is a VPN enough for all your online protection?
No, a VPN encrypts the connection and hides the IP address, but it does not replace an antivirus or a password manager for complete protection.
