VPNs for Crypto

What a VPN does for crypto users, and what it doesn’t

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic between your device and the VPN’s servers and hides your IP address from the sites you visit. That can help on public Wi-Fi, for example in a hotel or airport, where other people on the network could otherwise snoop on your connection.

A VPN does not:

• protect you from phishing sites, fake apps or malware;
• make your crypto transactions anonymous (blockchains are public);
• replace a hardware wallet, a password manager or two-factor authentication.

Don’t use a VPN to get around the rules of an exchange or a country. It can break the service’s terms and lead to frozen accounts.

At a glance

*Prices as reported by Security.org in July and September 2026, not today’s prices. Check the vendor’s page before buying.

NordVPN

Good for: people who want a full-featured paid VPN with a long money-back window.

• Strengths: a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans; a default kill switch that blocks traffic if the connection drops; NordLynx, a fast WireGuard-based protocol; thousands of servers worldwide; up to 10 devices at once.
• Weaknesses: not the cheapest option; the 10-device limit may be too few for a big household; the double-VPN feature slowed connections a lot in Security.org’s testing; no guarantee it works in strictly censored countries; the review notes past security incidents that the company says it has addressed. The review also says the no-logs claim was verified by a third party but doesn’t name who did it.

Get NordVPN
(affiliate link)

Proton VPN

Good for: people who value open-source apps, Swiss privacy law, or want a real free tier to try first.

• Strengths: a free plan with unlimited data and no ads; open-source apps; a no-logs policy it says is independently audited; Proton publishes transparency reports; a customizable kill switch; 10 devices on paid plans.
• Weaknesses: the free plan is limited to five countries and one device, with no streaming or torrenting; long-term plans cost more than some competitors; the 30-day refund is prorated (you get back only the unused time); live chat has limited hours; Secure Core connections were noticeably slower in testing; performance in restrictive countries is uncertain. The review also does not name the auditor of the no-logs claim.

Get Proton VPN
(affiliate link)

How to choose

• Want to try before paying: Proton VPN’s free plan.
• Want a money-back guarantee with no proration: NordVPN.
• Want open-source apps: Proton VPN.

Before you buy

• Check the current price and renewal price. Long-term plans are often cheaper to start and cost more when they renew.
• Read the provider’s no-logs policy and look for the name and date of the latest audit.
• Turn on the kill switch and test it once.
• Don’t use a VPN to access a service in a place where you are not allowed to use it.

FAQ

Do I need a VPN to use a hardware wallet?
No. A hardware wallet protects your keys on its own. A VPN only protects your internet connection, for example on public Wi-Fi.

Can a VPN make my crypto transactions private?
No. Blockchain transactions are public. A VPN hides your IP address from the websites you visit, but not what is recorded on the blockchain.

Are free VPNs safe?
It depends on the provider. Some free VPNs pay their bills by selling data or showing ads. Proton VPN’s free plan has no ads and unlimited data, but it has fewer locations and one device.

Sources (checked October 2026)

• Security.org: NordVPN review (updated July 2026)
• Security.org: Proton VPN review (updated September 2026)
• Vendor sites for current prices: nordvpn.com, protonvpn.com

Education only, not financial, legal or tax advice. Last checked October 2026.