Although internet access is becoming more prevalent in Cuba, citizens and visitors from abroad still have to contend with strict digital censorship. In fact, according to Freedom House’s latest report, it has the fourth lowest level of online freedom in the world after Iran, Myanmar, and China. The good news is that’s its relatively easy to beat online restrictions, stay in touch with family, and browse without anyone keeping tabs on your activities: just use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
These services encrypt your internet traffic, which stops it from being read by hotspot owners, hackers, and the government. Additionally, VPNs change your IP address, hiding your true location and letting you sidestep repressive online blocking. Not every VPN is a good choice for Cubans, though. Below, we’ll reveal the best VPNs for Cuba to help keep you safe during your travels.
Here’s are our top VPNs for Cuba. Remember, you can always scroll down to find out more about each.
- NordVPN: Our #1 choice for a Cuba VPN. Can unblock just about anything and doesn’t compromize on privacy. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: The best budget VPN for Cuba. Impressive speeds, powerful security tools, and no connection limit, plus servers in 100 countries.
- ExpressVPN: Another great choice for beating censorship. Quick, reliable, and novice-friendly, with apps for all major platforms.
- CyberGhost: No-logs provider with a huge network and servers specifically designed for popular tasks. Offers 24/7 live chat just in case you need it.
- IPVanish: Blazing-fast service capable of protecting every device you own. Boasts a proven no-logs policy and better streaming abilities than ever before.
- PrivateVPN: Ideal for anyone looking to maintain their anonymity in Cuba. Reliable performance, first-class unblocking ability, and a high device limit.
- Hotspot Shield: A fast, secure VPN that’s suitable for just about any activity. Good amount of privacy tools built-in as well as around-the-clock support.
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Best VPNs for Cuba
Deciding which VPN to use can be tricky. After all, there are hundreds to choose from and they all claim to be the best. Our team has years of combined experience testing these services, though, making us uniquely-suited to finding the best VPNs for the job at hand. When researching the top VPNs for Cuba, we made sure that they all offered:
- A wide network of servers across the world
- The ability to beat regional restrictions
- Fast speed and consistent connections
- Uncrackable encryption (and plenty of other privacy tools)
- A no-logs policy
- Apps for a wide range of devices
- Live chat-based customer support
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Cuba:
1. NordVPN
Sep 2023 Works in CubaTested Sep 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our first choice. To begin with, it excels at bypassing censorship, and remains one of the only major VPNs that works in countries like China, Cuba, and the UAE. There are more than 5,000 servers across 60 countries, with some even specially-configured for torrenting and accessing the dark web. Live chat is available 24/7 and we usually receive a reply in a matter of seconds.
So how secure is this service? Well, it keeps you safe with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection but that’s just the beginning. There’s also a feature that blocks ads and trackers automatically, as well as a Meshnet tool designed to help securely connect several of your devices together. Most importantly, NordVPN has a strict zero-logs policy and has been independently-audited multiple times.
Apps are available for Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and MacOS. You can also manually install it on most routers. Users can connect six devices at once.
Pros:
- Large network of servers
- Strong encryption and no logs
- Won’t be stopped by most regional-blocking
- Apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux and Android
- Friendly and knowledgable staff
Cons:
- Stores advertising IDs on mobile
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR CUBA:NordVPN is our #1 choice for Cuba thanks to its ultra-fast speeds, unparalleled unblocking ability and strong security. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is the best low-cost VPN for Cuba. Why? To begin with, it delivers speeds that many of its more-expensive rivals can only dream of. It’s more flexible too, with servers in 100 countries and no limit on the number of devices you can connect. As if that wasn’t enough, it works with nearly every geo-blocked service we’ve tested and can even help you browse anonymously in China (or Cuba).
Thanks to this VPN’s 256-bit encryption, no-logs policy, leak protection, and kill switch, there’s no need to worry about having your activities traced back to you. Surfshark has a couple of more advanced tools too, such as the ability to swap your IP address regularly, block trackers, and connect automatically when using public wifi. Support staff are on-hand day and night via live chat.
Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. There are also manual configuration instructions to get it running on your home router.
Pros:
- Unlimited devices
- Great unblocking ability
- Affordable pricing
- Fast, secure connections
- No logs whatsoever
Cons:
- Some features require a Surfshark One plan, which costs extra
Our score:
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is our top budget service. Doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect, values your privacy, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN has been around for over a decade and over that time, has garnered a reputation for being speedy, secure, and versatile. It can reliably access major streaming platforms like Netflix, allows torrenting, and offers servers in 94 countries — well more than the industry standard of 60. What’s more, it recently increased its connection limit from five to eight (10 on long-term plans), making it better value than ever before. Need help? Just send staff a message using the 24/7 live chat service.
This VPN takes the stress out of staying safe online. By default, it uses uncrackable encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. It’s also constantly keeping an eye out for shady websites and trackers in the background, and will automatically activate encryption when it realizes you’re in a country with strict digital censorship like Cuba. ExpressVPN has been audited several times, and in each case, has proven that it doesn’t log any identifiable information.
This provider offers user-friendly apps for Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and MacOS. There’s even custom firmware in case you’d like to protect a whole network.
Pros:
- Large network of servers
- Strong security and privacy
- Ideal for novice users
- Browse safely anywhere
Cons:
- Connection limit depends on the length of your plan
Our score:
VERSATILE SERVICE:ExpressVPN is a solid choice. Very user-friendly, with high-speed servers, a no-logging policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost has one of the largest networks we’ve seen, with more than 9,000 servers spread across 90 countries. Many of these are specially-optimized for tasks like streaming or browsing anonymously, and with average speeds of nearly 300 Mbps, you’re unlikely to notice any performance issues. Users can connect up to seven devices at once, and while this is a very beginner-friendly VPN, it offers 24/7 support over email and live chat.
CyberGhost guards your traffic with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. Crucially, it doesn’t log any personally identifiable information. Looking for a little more control? There are options to connect via a random port, let certain apps pass through the VPN unencrypted, or have the VPN activate automatically under specific circumstances.
This service has apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and MacOS. To get it running routers, you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions.
Pros:
- Task-specific servers simplify things as much as possible
- Strong encryption and no logs
- Far higher speeds than most other providers
Cons:
- Works in Cuba but not places like the UAE or China
Our score:
GREAT VALUE:CyberGhost has thousands of servers worldwide, highly-customizable security, and works flawlessly in Cuba. Offers a 45-day money back guarantee.
Read our full user review of CyberGhost.
5. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is a popular provider with more than 2,200 servers spread across roughly 60 countries. It’s really worked on its unblocking ability lately, and now works with platforms that previously stumped it, like Prime Video. Additionally, this VPN is lightning-quick, and lets you protect as many devices as you like. In other words, whether you’re hoping to stream, torrent, or just stay safe online, it’s a great choice.
Thanks to IPVanish’s 256-bit encryption, kill switch, and strict zero-logs policy, your online activities will remain hidden from anyone who might be watching. In fact, this VPN owns its network outright to make sure that no other company every has access to your traffic. You can even obfuscate your data, which might help you beat some forms of VPN-blocking systems.
Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS. Linux systems and routers have to be configured manually.
Pros:
- Great speeds
- No connection or bandwidth limits
- Prioritizes your privacy
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a Linux app
Our score:
SOLID PRIVACY:IPVanish is known for its strong security, reliable performance, and total lack of connection limits. Annual plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of IPVanish.
6. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN focuses on quality over quantity. Its 200 servers span 63 countries and deliver steady speeds, even during peak times. What’s more, they’re able to reliably access streaming platforms that block most VPNs outright. There’s a generous 10-connection limit and live chat is available at most times of day should you need it.
PrivateVPN allows torrenting, offers unlimited bandwidth, and doesn’t store any logs at all. You can switch between 128- and 256-bit encryption depending on whether you want quicker speeds or higher security, and naturally, there’s a kill switch and leak protection built-in too. This service has a toggleable stealth mode that obfuscates your data, letting you evade censorship in Cuba or anywhere else.
This provider offers apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Linux and routers are supported as well but must be set up manually.
Pros:
- Strict no-logs policy
- Unblocks plenty of streaming sites
- Impressive speeds
Cons:
- Fairly small network
- Live chat goes offline for a few hours every day
Our score:
STRONG UNBLOCKER:PrivateVPN has fast servers and great unblocking ability, as well as many of the security features you get from larger providers. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our review of PrivateVPN.
7. Hotspot Shield
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Hotspotshield.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.
Editor’s note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.
Hotspot Shield is another strong contender as a Cuba VPN. It has a network of more than than 1,800 servers in over 80 countries and some of these are optimized for tasks like streaming and gaming. With impressive speeds and the ability to securely access major platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, it’s a great choice, however you plan to use the internet in Cuba.
This provider offers plenty of security features including its own custom censorship-busting Catapult Hydra protocol, uncrackable encryption, kill switch, and leak protection. Extras include automatic wifi protection and split tunneling. Hotspot Shield doesn’t log any user-identifying data and has been audited to prove it.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can connect up to 10 devices at a given time.
Pros:
- No issues with popular geo-blocked sites
- Excellent security
- Offers around-the-clock support
Cons:
- Doesn’t accept Bitcoin
- Could offer a few more advanced features
Our score:
FAST AND SECURE:Hotspot Shield operates a large network of servers and boasts speedy, reliable connections. This provider offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our in-depth Hotspot Shield review.
Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Cuba
Surprisingly few VPNs have the speed or security you’ll need to use the internet safely on a daily basis. Fewer still have what it takes to beat Cuban censorship. Before deciding which were the best VPNs for Cuba, our team created a minimum baseline for inclusion, as laid out below:
- Server locations: The further away your VPN server, the slower your connection. We looked for providers with plenty of locations to choose from, and especially those with servers in nearby regions like Colombia or Florida.
- Performance: Research shows the average Cuban internet speed is under 4 Mbps, so we need a VPN with as little impact as possible. We ran hundreds of speed tests to make sure only the quickest earned a spot in this list.
- Unblocking: The government has previously blocked social media during times of unrest, leaving international travelers in a precarious situation. Our top VPNs had to be able to beat this type of censorship and access popular geo-blocked services like Disney Plus and Peacock in Cuba.
- Security and privacy: We required VPNs to offer uncrackable encryption, no-logging policies, and safeguards like kill switches. Ideally, there’d be more advanced tools like stealth modes or tracker-blocking too.
- User-friendliness: Services must be easy enough for total beginners to use. Further, we looked for quality-of-life features like 24/7 live chat, a lack of connection limits, and apps for all major platforms.
- Price: We’ll never recommend services that are unfairly-priced. When possible, we strive to let you know about long-term discounts, money-back guarantees, or free trials so that the cost stays as low as possible.
This is just one part of our process. To learn more, check out our VPN testing methodology post which breaks things down even further.
How to use a VPN in Cuba
Does a VPN sound a bit complicated? Not to worry; getting started is quick and simple. Below are the basic steps.
Here’s how to use a VPN in Cuba:
- Choose a VPN provider and sign up. We recommend NordVPN.
- Download and install the VPN apps on the devices you use most often.
- Log in and connect to a server in the country of your choice. For example, if you simply want the fastest speeds, connect to server in a nearby country.
- Now you can browse the web securely and without censorship.
If you run into any issues, for example, geo-restricted content is still blocked, try clearing your cache and reloading the page. If you’re still having problems, you might need to contact your VPN customer support team for help.
Cuba VPN FAQs
Which websites are blocked in Cuba?
The Cuban government doesn’t restrict access to as many sites as China or Saudi Arabia, though if you’re looking for unbiased news, you’ll have a tough time. That’s because reporters who speak unfavorably about the ruling party are frequently jailed, with entire news organizations having their websites blocked as a result.
Additionally, Cuba has previously blocked access to popular social media sites and messaging apps like Telegram during major protests. This is dangerous, firstly because if a government does it once, they’ll likely do it again. Additionally, it leaves tourists without a way to contact people back home in a time of political upheaval.
Are VPNs legal in Cuba?
At the time of writing, there are no laws against using a VPN in Cuba (or in most of the world). However, the government has been tightening its grip lately, expanding the scope of its power to essentially arrest users for any online activity it doesn’t like.
Disclaimer: Although we’ve spent hours researching this topic, we are not legal experts. As such, nothing we’ve said above should be taken as legal advice. We encourage you to consult local laws or perhaps even seek a professional’s opinion before attempting to use a VPN in Cuba.
How is the internet in Cuba?
Cuban internet is way behind the rest of the world. That shouldn’t be a surprise, given that it only became legal to have wifi at home in 2019 (and even then, only with a permit). Public wifi networks aren’t free to use, internet speeds are very slow, and uploading large files is extremely time-consuming. Still, you shouldn’t have any problems checking your emails or making video calls during your visit.
L’article The 7 Best VPNs for Cuba – Tested for Privacy, Speed & Unblocking est apparu en premier sur Comparitech.
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