If you’re reading this, that means you’re making plans (or at least considering) to head to Mexico.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, or you’re dying for some turquoise waves and a cold mojito under the sun, you’ll use at least a bit of internet during your stay in Mexico.
Either way, you’re reading this because you want to find the Best VPN for Mexico.
Summary of the Best VPNs for Mexico
ExpressVPN | Best for Beginners |
NordVPN | Best VPN for Mexico Overall |
Surfshark | Best for Families or Numerous Devices |
Private Internet Access | Most Mexican Servers |
CyberGhost | Best for Zoom Meetings & Bandwidth |
If you’re like I used to be, the term “VPN” is honestly just an acronym that has something to do with computers and the internet.
It’s possible that you never even heard of VPNs until that techy, crypto-trading, privacy-paranoid friend of yours mentioned it to you. (I hope my friends aren’t reading this…)
Anyhow, before I finally caved into getting a VPN, I’ll admit, I brushed it off and didn’t see it as anything that crucial. Then, I started traveling and even relocated abroad. My stubborn, avoidant tendencies finally ‘cracked,’ and for a surprising, even embarrassing reason that we’ll get to later.
In the end, I got a VPN. Nowadays, I wish I’d gotten one way sooner.
Why You Need a VPN in Mexico.
First, let’s start with what V-P-N stands for: Virtual Private Network. (“What do I need a virtual private network for? I’m not hiding anything!”)
Open Access to Content
Well, beyond just guarding your personal information against hackers and surveillance, a virtual private network (VPN) allows you to connect to servers in other countries (ones you aren’t in, maybe have never even been to).
In other words, you can use some WIFI in country ‘A’ but use a server from country ‘B,’ for example. Ever wanted to watch a show on Netflix or Prime that was available exclusively in a different country? Now you know what really made me get a VPN.
I wasn’t about to let licensing restrictions get in the way of my favorite shows, websites, and even banking, from back home.
Thanks to a VPN, we can stream all the Japanese dramas you want while we sip Margaritas in Mexico.
Your Privacy
Surveillance & Logs
I’m not about to get into the nitty-gritty of the privacy conspiracy theories; however, it’s no conspiracy that our privacy has slipped away from us.
Every time you Google something, visit a website, compare blenders on Amazon, or send your mom funny cat videos, that information is tracked and used to manipulate your consumer decisions. For example, if you look up Karate lessons in your area, you’ll almost always get martial arts advertisements on your social media feeds— often just minutes afterward.
A VPN helps to prevent this invasive, if not annoying, reality. The encryption from the VPN prevents the sites from tracking you and your browsing habits.
Also, the VPNs we’ve included have no-log policies (meaning they don’t log your habits). That means that even if the government had a warrant for someone’s online activity, these VPNs don’t store it in the first place, and therefore can’t hand that information over to them.
To stay “off the grid,” a VPN is essential.
Hacker & Identity Theft:
Hackers love to tap into public WIFI spots, such as cafes and hotels (yes, including the spots with WIFI passwords). If you’re logged onto these without a VPN, then you’ve risked hackers stealing and selling your banking / financial, social media, and generally any personal information.
Did you know that many people get their credit card information stolen this way?
You should know that this isn’t the only way to prevent credit card theft, but a good VPN helps prevent your banking and credit card information from getting hacked from your computer network.
Better Deals
Also, with a VPN, you can get access to different prices on things like flights, hotels, and even physical items.
Did you know that most sites already know your location, demographic, and even how much your laptop costs? Well, they do. They take that information and assume what you can afford and price their service or product accordingly.
Anytime I book a flight, I experiment with different VPN locations and usually find a lower deal from another IP address location.
How to Use a VPN— 4 Important Steps
- First, you’ll need to choose your VPN. (For this step, we’ve got two things to help you do that— a buyer’s guide on the quality of a VPN and some in-depth descriptions of the best VPNs for Mexico.)
- Second, once you’ve chosen a VPN, you’ll need to get the VPN working. For that, you have two main options— a.) install the application onto your computer; or b.) set up your own VPN configuration.
Let’s talk about option b. This option is for those who want extra security with their privacy, and a solid VPN provider will give instructions on doing it this way.
The only thing is— you might not get all the features that you would in the app, and this could get more complex for other devices.
- You’ll need to set it up on all your devices (the ones you connect to the internet, anyways).
The VPN service is often in the form of a subscription, either monthly or paid in a lump sum. Most offer the service on multiple devices with their subscriptions, sometimes a maximum and sometimes unlimited.
You’ll have to choose which devices on which you want/need to have a VPN service. Depending on whether you used the application or manual configuration method, you’ll either receive a license code or a login.
- You’ll need to read the instructions carefully so you know how to turn the VPN on and off for daily use.
Sometimes even the best VPNs turn off or lose connectivity. You need to know how to know when it’s connected or not, as well as how to connect it.
My favorites are the ones with the option to automatically connect and that let you know when you’ve connected/disconnected.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Decide on a VPN
First Things First— The Problem With a Free VPN Services
First, we need to talk about why you should buy a VPN instead of installing/downloading a free VPN.
The problem with a free VPN is this: It’s not free!
Sure, you may not have paid money directly for it, but they often sell your information (site visits, products searched for, etc.) to other entities so they can make money.
Then, you have the free but limited/restricted ones. I don’t know about you, but last time I checked, aren’t “limited” and “restricted” both antonyms for “free”? Regardless of which free VPN you go with, they’re both fishy in their own ways.
For the price of (in the case of many great VPN providers) just two lattes a month, you can avoid these “free” VPNs which honestly defeat the whole purpose.
What Features to Look for
If the VPN you’re looking at doesn’t have at least MOST of these features, we think you should reconsider.
Here, we’re sharing our criteria for how we chose our top VPNs for Mexico.
Servers in Mexico:
This one might seem obvious, but many of us forget to make sure the VPN has a server in Mexico.
At some point, you’ll likely need a Mexican IP address (and will want one without turning off your VPN) to use Mexican-specific sites (local websites, local banking sites, etc.).
Privacy:
If it’s a paid VPN, it ought to have privacy policies— or else you shouldn’t buy it! Your VPN service should come with a no-log policy and leak protection. These keep your private information (web browsing, demographic, etc.) hidden.
Universal Network:
The best VPNs have servers all over the globe. With a global network, you can access content (Netflix, Prime, etc.) from anywhere, regardless of geographical license restrictions / geo-restrictions.
Speed:
You don’t want a VPN slowing down your computer. However, we’ll share more on how to maximize your computer and internet speed while using a VPN.
User-Friendly Interface & Features:
You’ll want a VPN that’s no-nonsense, no-hassle to use.
Multiple Devices Included:
If you have a laptop, tablet, and smartphone that will all use the internet, then you shouldn’t have to pay for multiple VPN subscriptions. Make sure the VPN subscription can be used on multiple devices.
Customer Service and Refund Policies:
Watch out for service providers who don’t have a money-back guarantee. Also, in the event, something happens or you need help with configuration, connectivity, and other issues, customer support is a must!
In short, just make sure the VPN will actually fulfill all the purposes you’re getting one for, as well as be pleasant and simple to use.
The Best VPN for Mexico
Best for Beginners: ExpressVPN
Pros of ExpressVPN
- 3,000 global servers
- Mexico servers
- Risk-free / money-back guarantee
- Best for streaming services & Downloading
- Can use on multiple devices simultaneously
- The efficient app, available on Pc, IOS, MAC, Android & Linux
- 24/7 support team
- Military-grade encryption
- No-logs policy (doesn’t track your browsing habits)
Cons of ExpressVPN
- A bit more pricey than the competitors
- Only 1 VPN server in Mexico
- Only 5 devices can connect per subscription plan
In detail
Let’s start with its global servers. Express VPN has servers in 90 countries, and one of those includes Mexico.
Because of its servers’ wide reach, you don’t have to worry about Geo-restrictions. Not only can you watch the same Netflix and Prime shows you did back home; even when you are home or wherever you can watch shows available to almost any region.
One thing you should know is that VPN speed depends on the service quality and the server you’re connected to. ExpressVPN not only has a fast overall speed, but it seems to have chosen its servers strategically.
That doesn’t mean you won’t have faster servers than others. When I use this service, I tend to have faster speed on a server that’s closer to where I am.
For instance, when I’m in the Republic of Georgia, I usually have faster service on a British server versus an American one. However, that’s just me and my case. Now, let’s talk about what ExpressVPN does for your two most important things: Privacy and Money.
For your privacy, it has AES 256-bit encryption, which is military-grade and trusted by the NSA.
It protects your sensitive data from hackers (which are everywhere these days). It does this by making hackers unable to read your data. If the server you’re connected to crashes or you get disconnected, ExpressVPN has a “killswitch.”
This “killswitch” works by shutting down the whole internet connection to protect you until you can reconnect to a trusted server. This is great in cases you’re using cafe or hotel WIFI, as you may not even realize you’ve disconnected your VPN. They also have IPv6 and DNS leak protection to keep you calmer.
My favorite quality— is their no-logs policy. They won’t log or track your information (like your browsing history, demographic, etc.) and sell it.
Their servers only run on RAM, meaning they don’t put any of your data on a physical hard drive anywhere.
Overall Best for Mexico: NordVPN
Pros of NordVPN
- Has the most servers— 5000, in 60 different countries
- Has 10 servers in Mexico
- Unblocks geo-restricted content
- Risk-free purchase
- Available on PC, IOS, Linux, Mac, Android, & FireTV
- Customizable service plans & lots of options
- Zero-logs policy
- 256-bit encryption
- OpenVPN protocol
- Internet kill switch
- DNS leak protection
- 24/7 customer service/support
- Can connect 6 devices simultaneously
- A low fee of $3.71 a month for a 3-year contract
Cons of NordVPN
- The desktop version is in need of an update; not the most user-friendly, streamlined
- Inconsistent torrenting
- Sometimes slow when connecting to a server
- Doesn’t alternate the IP address
In Detail
What I love about NordVPN is its massive network of services. It’s almost twice as many as the lead competitors, and it has not just one vpn server but 10 in Mexico.
This is good news if you ever need to get on the Mexican servers, as you can jump around to a different Mexican IP address while still getting access to Mexico-only content.
In terms of its privacy protection, it has a high-quality encryption and zeroes logs policy as ExpressVPN does; also similarly, it has the DNS leak protection and a “kill switch” like Expressvpn. However, it does this for a lower price, and it lets you select different options and packages for customization.
Best— you’ll get to use it on not only 5 devices but 6 devices simultaneously. If you ever have some issues, they have a strong and present support team that’s available 24/7 via live chat.
Now, we need to address the cons. We don’t think they outweigh the pros in the case of NordVPN; however, we’d be doing a disservice if we kept its flaws from you.
Remember how they have over 6000 servers? Well, with all those servers, connecting to some of them can be slower than with ExpressVPN.
So, this provider isn’t exactly the fastest out there. The multitude of servers (and especially those 10 in Mexico) might outweigh this slight annoyance, though. Another thing is torrenting (a type of file sharing, if you’re not familiar). Many users report that the quality and availability is rather inconsistent.
Torrenting isn’t something most of us do on a daily basis (maybe not ever), so this is relevant only if you plan to torrent.
Lastly, it has a couple more annoyances: It doesn’t always alternate the IP address, and its desktop app could definitely use an update.
Best for Small Budget: Surfshark
Pros of Surfshark
- Low price & great value for what you receive
- Available for PC, IOS, Linux, Mac, & Android
- Risk-free purchase
- Good download speeds
- Removes geo-restrictions
- Global servers
- No log / keeps your info private
- Strong encryption & security
- Has ad-blockers
- Unlimited Devices
Cons of Surfshark
- Only 1000 servers, so a smaller network than the competition
- Not always a fast connection, depending on the server
- As of now, has just 1 VPN server in Mexico
In Detail
If you just need something Basic, then Surfshark provides a solid service for a small price of less than $3 a month with its 2-year + 2 months plan.
As far as the global networks, you will be limited to just a portion of what ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer. Luckily, Mexico is covered within its 1000 servers.
However, this is something you aren’t limited on with Surfshark— devices! You can use your subscription on an unlimited number of devices. The unlimited devices feature is great for someone running a small online business or with a family on the go.
Like the others, they have a no-logs policy, so your information won’t be sold by Surfshark, either. Their encryption meets the same standards as ExpressVPN and NordVPN for a fraction of the cost, too.
If you get annoyed by advertisements and pop-ups, this provider has an ad blocker.
Overall, if you want to save money and need the basics, this service has a better deal in terms of dollars.
Private Internet Access VPN
Pros of Private Internet Access
- Very strict about their no-logging policy
- Changes their IP addresses
- 127 servers in Mexico
- 84 countries and 29,650 servers in total
- Contains P2P-optimized servers for downloads
- Anonymous payment (Third-party gift cards or cryptocurrency options)
- As of 2022, 10 devices simultaneously
- Exclusive IPA address
- Encryption & antivirus
- Extremely low discount available with 3-year contract
- Risk-free / money-back guarantee
- Ad-blocking
- Kill switch
Cons of Private Internet Access
- Very mediocre customer support, although 24/7
- 5 Eyes Alliance country, although has a no-log policy
In Detail
For starters, I personally like a VPN that doesn’t slow down my downloads and uploads.
This one has P2P-optimized servers available. These optimized servers have unlimited bandwidth, which means you can download more at a better speed.
In addition, this well-encrypted VPN provider gives you almost 30,000 servers in over 80 countries.
It’ll also block those annoying ads and even protect your computer from viruses. While they used to have a 5-device limit, they’ve now opened it up to 10 and are really rising to the competition.
For those heading to Mexico, its 127 Mexican servers is a major bonus. That’s certainly a way to change your Mexican IP address.
If you want to try this service for a month or so (or just don’t want to commit for a year), you will pay closer to $12 a month. However, if you commit to one or three years, they’ve made some steep discounts. For a three-year contract, you’ll pay just over $2 a month. Speaking of dollars and payment, you can pay in cryptocurrency or, alternatively, pay with a Starbucks or other third-party gift card.
Something this VPN provider could improve on is its customer service. While they’re 24/7, many report their services to be mediocre and not as available as they sound.
In fact, many users who had to reach out to customer service thought they got a bot instead of a human. However, they do seem to have started improving on this.
CyberGhost
Pros of CyberGhost
- Good for torrenting
- 29 servers in Mexico
- Military-grade encryption
- Not a member of 5 Eyes Alliance
- Ideal of PCs
- Split Tunneling
- Automatic kill switch
- Ideal for gamers & large online meetings
- High download & uploading speeds
- Unlimited bandwidth & traffic
- Low price
Cons of CyberGhost
- Not the best for watching Netflix
- Not ideal of Macs
- Logs your IP address
- Gives only 1 IP address
In Detail
This VPN provider is really a mixed bag. On one hand, it has some rare features; although, on the other hand, it has some annoyances.
If you don’t know what split tunneling is, this means connecting to two servers at once. This is particularly great for digital nomads or anyone who works remotely.
Due to its unlimited bandwidth, this VPN service would suit an online teacher or anyone who has to hold zoom meetings with 30 or more people at once. Say, you’re wanting to video time for an online class but you want to download a movie from your home country to watch later. Split tunneling lets you use both servers at once on these occasions.
For those who torrent, this CyberGhost has features such as the torrenting button and Smart Access, which take you to uTorrent and help with the downloads.
This also helps protect your computer, as it ensures that your VPN stays on while you torrent. On the downside, it hasn’t seemed to overcome the Geo-restrictions for Netflix content. In other words, you may struggle to watch shows exclusive to a whole other country, such as Japan.
Also, many mac users have been disappointed with the configuration and app for macs. You’ll have to take this into consideration if you have a MacBook.
Lastly, while this service does not log online activity, it has been reported to log IP addresses that it provides for you.
Comparison Table
Express VPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | Private Internet Access | CyberGhost | |
Encryption | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
Speed | Fast | Slow server connections | Sometimes slow servers | Fast | Fast |
Torrenting | Good | Inconsistent | Good | Good | Excellent |
Zero Logging | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Logs IP Address |
Global Servers | 3,000 | 5,000 | 1,000 | 29,650 | 7,600 |
Mexican Servers | 1 | 10 | 1 | 127 | 29 |
Kill Switch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Gets Around Netflix Geo-Restrictions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Good for Mac / IOS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Simultaneous Devices | 5 | 6 | Unlimited | 10 | 7 |
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is VPN legal in Mexico?
Yes, a VPN service is perfectly legal in Mexico. In fact, since the Mexican government’s server tracks and stores data like in the US, an encrypted VPN is recommended for privacy.
In what country are VPNs illegal?
Because VPNs make users virtually “untraceable” online, some countries have banned the use of VPNs. This list includes countries such as China, Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Uganda, Iraq, UAE, and others.
For more information, visit this site.
How do I get a US IP address while in Mexico?
Can I use a VPN to watch my favorite Netflix shows while I’m abroad?
Yes, in most cases you can. You need to make sure that the VPN is compatible with Netflix and can successfully get around the Geo-restrictions.
If you don’t know— geo-restrictions are basically geographical borders for online content. That refers to the licenses and agreements that shows have with different countries.
With some VPNs, you can watch country-exclusive content while you’re in a different country.
Does a VPN slow down my internet speed?
This usually depends on the bandwidth and VPN quality, and it can even vary from server to server.
Some VPN providers have optimized servers that are equipped with extra download and uploading speed, ideal for streaming and video calls.
Is it safe to log into banking when I’m in Mexico?
Rather than risk your information getting hacked, we recommend getting an encrypted VPN to protect your finances.
Will a VPN give me a Mexican IP address?
Whether or not you get a VPN address depends on the server you connect to with your VPN. If your VPN service has Mexican VPN servers, then you can get a Mexican IP address while still using an encrypted server.
With a VPN connection, you have country servers with different IP addresses for those countries. That means that whether you’re in that country or not, your VPN connection makes it look like you’re there (because of the IP address it gives you).