The main benefit of a VPN is that it increases your online security. Normally, when you use the internet, your Internet Service Provider (ISP), network administrators, and possibly even the government can see exactly what you’re doing. However, VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, rendering it unreadable and allowing you to browse privately, without worrying about having your activities being traced back to you.

Most well-known streaming services are regionally restricted. This means that they detect your IP address and if it doesn’t come from a country within the allocated broadcast area, you’ll be prevented from using the service. VPNs enable you to connect via intermediary servers all over the world. In doing so, you’re automatically assigned a region-specific IP address, allowing you to access your usual services from abroad.

We get into a lot of detail on each of the VPNs we feature below, but if you only have time for a quick glance, here is our list of the best VPNs for getting a Swiss IP address:

  • NordVPN Our first choice for a Swiss IP address! Plenty of speedy servers in Switzerland, great at getting around geo-restrictions. Secure apps. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark Best budget option. A solid, privacy-focused VPN with excellent unblocking ability and high-speed Swiss servers.
  • ExpressVPN Operates fast servers in Switzerland that are secure and private.
  • CyberGhost Great for novices. Apps are easy to install and use which makes this a beginner-friendly choice.
  • IPVanish Works well with Android-based streaming devices like Kodi. Allows 10 connected devices.
  • PrivateVPN Smaller network but great at unblocking most streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu.

How to get a Swiss IP address

Even if you’ve never used a VPN, it’s fairly simple to bypass regional blocking and access whatever you like online:

  • Begin by choosing a suitable VPN provider (we recommend NordVPN).
  • Next, download and install the software, making sure you get the relevant app for your operating system.
  • Connect to one of your service’s Swiss location servers.
  • Try loading a geo-blocked Swiss website. If you still can’t access it, clear your browser’s cache and cookies before refreshing the page.

If you intend to watch a live event, we strongly recommend performing the steps above before it begins. This ensures that if you encounter any problems, you’ll still have time to get help from your VPN’s customer support team.

How to get a free VPN for a month

GET A PAID VPN FOR FREE: Only need short-term VPN coverage? Perhaps you’re going on vacation or just want to watch one specific event? In these situations, you can take advantage of NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee. Upfront payment is required, but you can cancel at any point within 30 days to claim a full refund, effectively giving you free VPN access.

The best VPN to get an IP address for Switzerland – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for getting a Swiss IP.

Best VPNs for getting an IP address from Switzerland

Choosing a VPN can be difficult. After all, there are hundreds of services out there, with more arriving all the time. To find the best services for getting a Swiss IP address, we looked for those meeting the criteria below:

  • Has servers in Switzerland
  • Provides consistent, high-speed connections
  • Uses powerful encryption and offers additional security features
  • Comes with apps for all the most popular operating systems
  • Doesn’t log any information that could identify you

Read on to see our top VPNs for obtaining Swiss local IP addresses:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

This VPN gives you the freedom to perfectly tailor your security setup. It features 256-bit AES encryption, a program-specific kill switch, an ad-blocker, malware-scanner, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, port forwarding, and DNS leaks. Further, it helps users easily access Tor over a VPN or use two VPNs at once. NordVPN does not log any information that could identify you, and accepts Bitcoin payments. Support staff are available to help 24/7 via live chat.

This provider offers apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It can be manually installed on select wireless routers.

BEST VPN FOR SWITZERLAND:NordVPN is our first choice. It’s versatile and fast, and offers enough advanced options to keep experienced users happy without isolating novices. Includes 30 day money-back guarantee for a risk-free deal.

Pros:

  • Plenty of options for advanced users
  • Superfast for HD streaming
  • Great at unblocking popular services
  • High number of Swiss servers
  • No logs kept at all
  • 24/7 support

Cons:

  • Server connection takes slightly longer than some of its rivals

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a budget provider that offers access to more than 1,700 servers in Switzerland and a further 60+ countries. This means it’s an excellent choice for unblocking geo-restricted platforms like Netflix US, RTS, and SRF abroad. With decent speeds and no connection limit, you can watch lag-free, in the highest possible quality, from anywhere, on any device you like.

This VPN puts major emphasis on user security. To keep your traffic safe from prying eyes, it uses 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, automatic ad-blocking and malware scanning, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. There’s also a strict no-logging policy so you don’t have to worry about your activities being traced back to you.

Privacy-focused users can pay in Bitcoin, Ripple, or Ethereum for added anonymity. If you need any help, you can contact support around the clock via live chat.

Surfshark apps are available for Android, Windows, MacOS, Linux, and iOS. If you’d prefer, it can also be manually installed on supported network routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark has no connection limit and various cutting-edge security features, so you can browse safely from any of your devices. It also boasts fantastic unblocking ability, decent speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Wide range of security and privacy features

  • Unblocks some of the most popular streaming platforms abroad

  • Accepts cryptocurrency payments

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

  • 24/7 live chat support

  • Has some slow speeds

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

It guarantees your online privacy with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (desktop versions only), perfect forward secrecy, and the best protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Security-conscious users will appreciate that they can pay with Bitcoin, but as ExpressVPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, there’s no risk of you being tracked either way. Need help? Customer support is available 24/7 over live chat.

ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. This VPN has custom firmware to simplify the process of installing it on a router.

GREAT UNBLOCKER:ExpressVPN is fast and secure, and great at unblocking geo-restricted services from abroad. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast, secure connections

  • Strong unblocking ability

  • Wide server network

  • Swiss local IP addresses

  • Slightly more expensive than other providers

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has more than 5,700 high-speed servers across 90 countries (including 150 data centers in Switzerland). It’s designed for novice users, and accordingly, is extremely simple to use: you can even see pertinent information about each server including its current load and which service it’s designed to unblock. With up to seven simultaneous connections allowed, CyberGhost lets you browse and stream safely from whichever device you prefer.

This service has an always-on kill switch designed to keep you safe at all times. It uses 256-bit encryption and IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and provides automatic ad and malware-blocking. CyberGhost doesn’t log any personally identifiable information but you can pay with Bitcoin for added anonymity. Live chat is available 24/7 in case of any problems.

CyberGhost offers apps for MacOS, Linux, Android, Windows, and iOS. It works on select network routers after manual configuration.

GOOD VALUE VPN:CyberGhost is another low-cost VPN that offers excellent connection speeds, strong unblocking capability, and a high number of simultaneous connections. Includes 45 day money-back guarantee.

  • Very fast

  • Minimal configuration required

  • Kill switch on every platform

  • Anonymous sign up possible

  • Doesn’t work in China or the UAE

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish has more than 1,300 servers worldwide, spanning over 75 locations in 60 countries, including 9 servers in Zurich, Switzerland. This is a VPN with a lot to offer: lightweight apps for the most popular platforms, speeds fast enough for uninterrupted HD streaming, and excellent data security. IPVanish even allows you to connect up to ten devices at once, whereas most other services allow between three and six.

This VPN uses 256-bit encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and a kill switch (in desktop apps) to keep your activities private at all times. It also offers more advanced security and privacy features such as local connection blocking, OpenVPN traffic obfuscation, and the option to regularly change your IP address at predetermined intervals. IPVanish doesn’t log any information that could identify you.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS, and Linux and some routers can be configured manually.

COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY:IPVanish is a fast, secure service that allows you to protect all of your household’s devices at once. 7 day money-back guarantee included

  • Very lightweight apps

  • High-speed connections

  • 10 connections allowed

  • Struggles to unblock platforms with stubborn geo-restriction

  • Users can’t register anonymously

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

This service includes 256-bit encryption and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks by default. It keeps no logs or data retention, but if you’d like extra peace of mind, you can sign up almost completely anonymously using Bitcoin and a throwaway email address. Although support is primarily given via email, the staff are very helpful and can even remotely install the software for you.

Mobile apps are available for Android and iOS, and desktop clients are provided for Windows and MacOS. Linux and some routers can be configured manually.

GREAT FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN is a versatile, reliable service with better-than-average speeds and a strong commitment to maintaining your online privacy. Includes 30 day money-back guarantee.

  • No logs kept or data retention

  • Very fast, reliable connections

  • Able to unblock many popular sites and services

  • Doesn’t offer support via live chat

  • Limited network size

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

Swiss IP VPN testing methodology

There are dozens of VPNs on the market and they are not all suitable for gaining high levels of online privacy and accessibility. To access Swiss services from abroad, you require a VPN that has servers in Switzerland. That said, you shouldn’t pay for a VPN unless it can also provide high levels of data security and privacy.

Our experts tested all the VPNs in this guide using a precise VPN testing methodology. Below, we have included all the important features we looked for when testing VPNs with a Swiss IP:

  • Global server network – We check that each VPN has a reliable network of servers located globally. Including IPs in Switzerland. This ensures that you can use the VPN to gain access to a wide range of international services, including Swiss TV and Swiss banking services from abroad. We also check the VPN works with Netflix and other popular services.
  • Apps for all platforms – For a VPN to be useful, it must have apps that you can install on all of your devices. Our recommendations have VPN apps for Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. This ensures that you can get a Swiss IP address on any of your devices, no matter where you are.
  • Robust no logs policy – What a VPN does with your data is highly important, which is why it is important to understand the privacy policy. We check each VPN’s policy to ensure the VPN never retains any records of what you do while connected to ensure that your online habits remain completely private, both now and in the future.
  • Strong security features – We test each VPN for DNS leak protection to ensure the VPN is completely preventing our ISP from tracking your web visits. We also check for strong AES encryption, reliable VPN protocols such as OpenVPN and Wireguard, and a killswitch to prevent you from leaking data outside of the VPN tunnel.
  • Advanced features – A versatile VPN has a wide choice of features to let you gain high levels of online privacy and freedom. We look for things like obfuscation, split tunneling, port forwarding, malware protection, ad blocking, Smart DNS, and SOCKS5 proxy and recommend services that offer as many useful features as possible.
  • Value for money – The cost of a VPN does not always reflect the level of service it provides. In this guide, we have recommended services that provide high levels of reliability and a superb feature set at the best possible cost.
  • Outstanding custom care – Whether you are a long-time VPN user or a beginner, it is useful to communicate with your VPN provider. We have recommended services that provide both email and live chat support to allow you to get help with installing and using the VPN at any time of day.

Can I get a Swiss IP with a free VPN?

While free VPNs can be appealing at first glance, we advise against using one. These services tend to have fairly small server networks, yet more users than most paid VPNs. As a result, you’re likely to experience very slow speeds, long buffering times, frequent pauses, and perhaps even disconnection from the VPN. Further, streaming platforms regularly improve their geo-restriction measures, and whereas paid services usually have the resources to find a workaround shortly after, free VPNs typically don’t.

Like any other business, a free VPN is designed to make money, even though the user doesn’t pay upfront. Most of the time, you’ll notice ads have been inserted into the pages you visit, which is nothing new. The problem is that these ones are often very large, distracting, and obnoxious. Additionally, some services use tracking cookies to collect information about your internet activity. This can then be compiled into a consumer profile and sold to third parties later without your knowledge.

Unfortunately, hackers are tailoring their approaches to capitalize on your desire to stay safe. In fact, a 2016 survey of 283 free VPN apps showed that 37% contained malware. Equally troubling is the fact that 18% of the uninfected apps never used any encryption, essentially leaving you no better off than browsing unprotected. Even well-known free VPNs come with risks, as we found out when Hola was caught facilitating a botnet with idle user bandwidth.

We recommend using a reputable VPN with a proven record of protecting its users’ privacy instead.

See also: Best VPNs for Switzerland

Can I watch Swiss TV online with a VPN?

When you connect to a Swiss server, for all intents and purposes, you can use the internet as though you’re actually in Switzerland. This means that you’ll be able to fully access various streaming sites including Netflix, Netzkino, Watchbox, and Hollystar from anywhere.

However, unless you already have an account, you will still have to sign up, which can present some problems. For instance, if you currently live outside Switzerland and the service only accepts Swiss payment methods or requires you to enter a Swiss address, you may not be able to register.

Why else might I need an IP address from Switzerland?

Have you ever received an email warning you that your account has been accessed from a different country? All kinds of services use these automated alerts to warn you when they believe your account has been accessed without your knowledge. The problem is that if you log in to your online banking service when on vacation, for instance, you could find yourself unable to move funds until you’ve verified that you are who you claim to be.

On the other hand, if you normally live in Switzerland and use a Swiss IP when logging in to these services, they likely won’t notice that you’re abroad.

When traveling, you’ll likely use public wifi from time to time. These networks often block specific websites, and may expose your activities to monitoring by hackers or other snoopers. By using a VPN, you can reap the benefits of publicly accessible networks while keeping your privacy intact.

Which sites are blocked in Switzerland?

Switzerland doesn’t actually block much online content. That said, in June 2018, the public voted to block full access to gambling and gaming sites that are based outside of Switzerland. The value of this blanket restriction is questionable at best, considering the ease with which VPNs can bypass country-specific blocking and widespread access to privacy tools such as Tor.

It might also be worth asking yourself if you really need a Swiss bank account. Times have changed, after all, and these are no longer untouchable havens for your money. In fact, banks are legally required to monitor accounts for signs of shady transactions or money laundering.

Other services will give you a static IP address, which means that your IP address will stay the same every time you connect to the VPN.

Our recommendation for most of our readers is a dynamic IP address because streaming and other content providers often block static IP address ranges.

Regardless, you can visit our IP Address Check tool or a similar option such as whatismyip.com. In both cases, you’ll see your current IP address and its estimated location. If you’re connected to a server in Switzerland, the location displayed should match that.