After testing 70+ services, my team and I found the best VPNs for Costa Rica. These VPNs have servers worldwide, including Costa Rica, so you can disguise your IP address and bypass geo-restrictions. They also offer fast speeds for smooth streaming, torrenting, and browsing. Plus, advanced security features will keep your online activity and personal information safe from hackers and snoops. My top recommendation is ExpressVPN. Its superfast network of servers in 94 countries can easily bypass geoblocks while its security features keep your data private. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and can offer you a local IP address so you can try ExpressVPN for Costa Rica risk-free. Get the Best VPN for Costa Rica Now! Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free Today!
Best VPNs for Costa Rica — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)
My list of VPNs performed great in all my tests for Costa Rica, allowing you to easily unblock the websites and services you need at fast speeds. They also come with trustworthy money-back guarantees, so you can try each of them out before committing long-term.
1. ExpressVPN — Worldwide Server Network to Bypass Geoblocks in Costa Rica and Abroad
ExpressVPN has a vast global network of servers in 94 countries, including Costa Rica. So, you can access your home country’s online banking services and streaming platforms wherever you are. I had no problems unblocking my Netflix US account while in Costa Rica. ExpressVPN also offers you a Costa Rican IP address to watch local content (like Repretel) abroad. The VPN gives you superfast speeds. While testing ExpressVPN, I consistently recorded download speeds of more than 66 Mbps — more than double what you need for Ultra HD streaming. I watched shows on my Netflix US account without buffering by connecting to its US servers. The MediaStreamer feature enabled me to connect my PS4 (which isn’t usually compatible with VPNs), and I could stream without interruption. A wide selection of security features shields you while online. AES 256-bit encryption makes your data unreadable to any malicious entities that try to access it. I found the VPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol gave me excellent speeds while maintaining my privacy. Even though it never kicked in for me (I never lost VPN connection), its Network Lock kill switch automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN disconnects. That means your information becomes inaccessible if your protection drops. On top of that, ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology ensures your data is wiped with every reboot. Paired with a strict no-logs policy, ExpressVPN doesn’t store or share your private information. The higher price was the only issue I had with my subscription. However, ExpressVPN frequently offers great deals, and you can save as much as 49% when first signing up. I paid only $6.67/month for its 15-month plan. Each subscription includes the same features so, I recommend the year-long option for the best savings. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee, and I found the refund process easy. Email support is available, but I contacted customer service using its 24/7 live chat to see how straightforward making a claim really is. The customer service rep was friendly and helpful — I had my money back in my bank account in just 2 days. Try ExpressVPN Today!
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers to Easily Access the Content You Need From Costa Rica
CyberGhost’s optimized servers make accessing international content from Costa Rica easy. With servers labeled according to the service and country it best unblocks, you can find the best streaming, gaming, and torrenting server for your needs. While traveling, I had no problem watching shows on my Netflix US and ESPN+ accounts. The VPN has 12 servers located in San José, so you can also watch local content like Canal 7 from anywhere. I got excellent speeds too. I tested CyberGhost servers throughout its network and maintained an average of 50 Mbps. My connection was fast enough to stream in UHD on most platforms, including Netflix. Gaming and torrenting also worked great as my ping and upload speeds remained stable. Thanks to a range of privacy features, including AES 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy, I felt safe using public WiFi in Costa Rica. You’re also safeguarded from accidental data exposure with a kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. Plus, a built-in ad blocker prevents interruptions from annoying popups. One minor problem I found with CyberGhost is that monthly subscriptions are expensive. However, CyberGhost’s 2-year plan gives you the most savings at only $2.11/month. Long-term options also come with an extended 45-day money-back guarantee. You can use CyberGhost free during its refund period. I tested the VPN for an entire month, then used the 24/7 live chat to cancel. The refund process was straightforward, and my credit card was reimbursed just 5 days later. Try CyberGhost Today!
3. IPVanish — Unlimited Connections to Cover All Your Devices in Costa Rica
IPVanish allows Unlimited device connections simultaneously. I tried it out on all the tech my family, and I own (including various smartphones, tablets, and laptops.) While testing IPVanish servers in Costa Rica and abroad, I maintained consistently high speeds for lag-free gaming and streaming without buffering. So you can conveniently cover all your devices in Costa Rica without sacrificing performance. While the VPN can’t unblock Disney+ or Hulu, it has a global network of servers in 75 countries, including Costa Rica. So, I could still watch shows on my Canal 13 and HBO Max account. Your devices are protected by robust security features too. IPVanish is automatically enabled with AES 256-bit encryption (the highest level) for making my traffic unreadable to hackers and snoops. On top of that, I could choose between the fast Wireguard and more secure OpenVPN protocols depending on my needs. These security features mean you can browse online worry-free. New customers can sign up to IPVanish for as little as $2.49/month. Even though prices are generally reasonable and all options have the same features, I find its long-term plan offers the best value for money. With IPVanish’s money-back guarantee, you can test all its features risk-free for 30 days. I canceled my subscription without hassle using the VPN’s website and confirming via 24/7 live chat. The support staff were very helpful and approved my request in minutes. The money was returned to my PayPal within 3 days. Try IPVanish Today!
4. Private Internet Access — Fast Connections for Buffer-free UHD Streaming in Costa Rica
Private Internet Access (PIA) is great for streaming. You can even select WireGuard as your tunneling protocol for faster connections as it is designed to be extra lightweight. While testing PIA in San Jose, I enjoyed buffer-free UHD streaming on my Netflix US account. My speeds were even fast enough for uninterrupted gaming. Even though PIA doesn’t have servers in Costa Rica like ExpressVPN and IPVanish, there’s plenty close by in Mexico to access local content. I could easily watch shows on Canal 7 and Canal 13. The VPN’s 29,650+ server network is also spread globally, so you can unblock your home country’s Netflix library without problems. There are plenty of security features to keep you safe online in Costa Rica. AES 256-bit encryption ensures your information is unreadable to third parties, and I didn’t detect any leaks during my tests. The MACE feature even blocks annoying popup ads. The VPN also has a strict no-logs policy. That means it doesn’t collect any of your data, so there’s none to hand over. While all 3 subscription options are relatively affordable, PIA’s long-term plan saves you 82%. I got a 3-year subscription or just $2.03/month, plus 3 months of free service! If you want to test PIA for yourself, you can use its 30-day money-back guarantee and request a full refund if you’re not 100% satisfied. I canceled directly on the PIA website, confirming my refund request with 24/7 live chat. The entire process was easy and took me less than 5 minutes. I had my money back in my bank account the same week. Try PIA Today!
5. PrivateVPN — Beginner-Friendly Interface Provides a Hassle-Free Experience
PrivateVPN is easy to use with a user-friendly interface so that you can start streaming right away. Live chat support also connects you directly with the actual VPN developers. I contacted them with a question, and they were prompt and helpful. What’s more, they can remotely install the VPN for you free of charge. Although the VPN doesn’t have nearly as many servers as PIA, it is located all over the world in 63 countries, including Costa Rica. I was able to connect to Netflix US and Repretel without issue. My connection was fast and reliable too. While running PrivateVPN speed tests, I averaged 35 Mbps. That means you can stream, torrent, and even play games without any noticeable slowdowns. This VPN protects your information online using advanced security, including AES 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy. A selection of protocols are available (I chose OpenVPN for the best protection), and there’s a kill switch to cut off your internet connection if the VPN drops. That means your real location and browsing habits always remain private. Despite its user-friendly features, the VPN comes with a low subscription price. You can get PrivateVPN’s 2-year plan at only $2/month. All plans come with a money-back guarantee, meaning you can try PrivateVPN for 30 days without committing to a long-term contract. The refund process is simple; my money was back in my PayPal account after 7 days. Try PrivateVPN Today!
Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Costa Rica
All of my shortlisted VPNs can help you bypass geoblocks and browse securely in Costa Rica. However, if you’re interested in running your own tests, you can use the below as a checklist:
Global server network — Choose a VPN with a wide range of servers worldwide so that you can access the websites and services you need while living or traveling abroad. Local servers — You need a reliable VPN with servers in Costa Rica to provide you with a Costa Rican IP address to unblock local content. Fast speeds — For basically anything you do online, fast speeds are essential for a worthwhile experience. This is especially true for streaming, gaming, or torrenting. Choose a VPN that speed tests show at least an average of 25 Mbps. Strong security — Look for a VPN that comes with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy to keep your data protected. Trustworthy money-back guarantee — Sometimes, a VPN can cover all the previous points but just isn’t what you want. This is why a tried-and-tested money-back guarantee is so important.
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Why do I need a VPN for Costa Rica?
You need a VPN to access your streaming subscriptions while visiting Costa Rica or unblock local Costa Rican content abroad. A good VPN allows you to bypass geoblocks so you can access your accounts from anywhere. A VPN can also help maintain your online privacy. This is especially important if you use public WiFi in Costa Rica. Open hotspots are rarely secure, leaving you open to cyberattacks and monitoring. Using a VPN encrypts your traffic, so your online activity is protected.
Are VPNs legal in Costa Rica?
Yes, there are no laws against VPNs in Costa Rica. In fact, it’s a good idea to use a VPN to protect your data against snoops and hackers. Just remember that using a VPN for illegal activity is still against the law and is never condoned by myself or my team. Using a VPN to unblock content may also go against your streaming provider’s terms and conditions, so always check the latest rules and regulations to stay on the right side of the law.
Which is the best VPN for Android in Costa Rica?
ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for Android users planning to use a VPN in Costa Rica. It is compatible with all major Android devices (including Smart TVs). Plus, ExpressVPN has a global network of servers in and outside Costa Rica to access your favorite websites and apps from anywhere.
Can I use a free VPN for Costa Rica?
You can, but I don’t recommend it. It’s much safer and more affordable (in the long run) to use a premium VPN that comes with a money-back guarantee. So, you can choose which service works best for you. Free VPNs do not have the same advanced security features as paid VPNs, and most sell your data to third parties to make money.
What is the best VPN for Costa Rica to live stream international football games?
With lightning-fast servers worldwide (including Costa Rica), ExpressVPN is the best VPN to live-stream international football games without buffering. Plus, with its advanced security features, you can safely unblock any sports websites, even from public WiFi. Try ExpressVPN For Costa Rica Now!
The Bottom Line
If you’re in Costa Rica or traveling from there, you might find your favorite online services are blocked. A quality VPN with a worldwide network can get around these geo-restrictions without slowing you down. I found ExpressVPN to work the best for Costa Rica. A global network of international and Costa Rican servers lets you access your usual websites and streaming platforms anywhere. It also protects your data with advanced security features without compromising your speed. You can even try ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To summarize, here are the best VPNs for Costa Rica
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