It’s easy to forget that many of the services we use regularly don’t actually work in other countries. This can cause problems when, for instance, you go abroad on vacation and are unable to continue watching your favorite shows. There’s no need to worry, though: with the right VPN, getting an Italian IP address is child’s play.

A VPN will trick Italian channels like La7, RaiPlay, and Canale 5 into allowing you to watch from anywhere. Further, once connected to an Italian IP address, your traffic will be encrypted, keeping your activities hidden from ISP or anyone else monitoring your network.

How to get an Italian IP address abroad

Just follow these steps to get an Italian IP address. This not only helps keep your activities private, but will let you access your usual services from outside of Italy.

  • First, decide which of the services below you’d like to use (we recommend NordVPN).
  • Install the VPN app onto any device you use often. Most providers let you connect at least five at the same time, but the exact limit varies from one VPN to another.
  • Open the app and select a server in Italy — any will do.
  • Congratulations! As far as the sites you visit know, you’re now browsing from Italy. If you’re still seeing errors or sites are refusing to load properly, try clearing your cookies and cache, then refreshing the page. This ensures sites delete all old location data and try to find out where you are again.

If you’re in a hurry, just take a look below for a quick overview of the best VPNs. Alternatively, you can scroll down and find out a little more about each of them.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • NordVPN: Our #1 VPN for an Italian IP address. Works reliably with a huge range of Italian services and boasts one of the strongest security toolkits around. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: The best low-cost VPN for getting an IP address from Italy. A no-logs service with the ability to unblock securely access RaiPlay, Netflix Italy, and more. Secure any number of devices at once.
  • ExpressVPN: A high-speed VPN that works flawlessly with platforms like La7 and RaiPlay. Solid security and privacy features, plus a network spanning 94 countries.
  • CyberGhost: Dedicated servers for watching Italian TV abroad. Easy to use apps, a broad selection of security tools, and more than 200 general-use servers in Italy.
  • IPVanish: Lightweight and security-conscious, with no limit on the number of devices you can connect. Provides decent speeds and unblocking ability, plus a true no-logs policy.
  • PrivateVPN: This zero-logs VPN is known for its high speeds and powerful security features. Moreover, it’s able to unblock some of the most popular streaming services abroad.
  • Hotspot Shield: A great all-round service. Offers steady speeds, a good range of security tools, and the ability to stream RaiPlay and Netflix Italy from anywhere in the world.

Connecting to a VPN is the easy part; first, you’ll have to decide which one to use! If you’re looking to get an Italian IP address, it’s likely you’re interested in streaming, which introduces a few additional requirements. To make sure we’re only recommending the best VPNs on the market, we decided to only consider those meeting all of the criteria below:

  • Must have at least one server in Italy (though ideally more)
  • Has as small an impact on your speeds as possible
  • Can unblock Italian streaming services from abroad
  • Protects your privacy with uncrackable encryption and various other security tools
  • Doesn’t store any logs that could be used to identify you
  • Offers apps for a wide range of operating systems

The best VPN to get an IP address for Italy- 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 an Italian IP.

The best VPNs for getting an Italian IP address

Now, we’ll take a closer look at each of our recommended VPNs:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

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

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our first choice for an Italian IP address. It has around 60 servers in Italy (with more than 5,200 worldwide), and some of these are even optimized for P2P file-sharing. Streaming is no problem either; NordVPN is one of the fastest providers we’ve tested and works well with a wide range of services, including Canale 5, La7, and RaiPlay. Each account can connect a maximum of six devices at the same time.

It’s clear that this VPN takes user security seriously. Not only do its apps include an app-specific kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and leak protection, but newer versions even offer a WireGuard-based protocol named NordLynx. NordVPN claims to keep no logs and regularly backs this up with the help of independent auditors. If you’re having problems, the 24/7 support team can help you out over live chat or email.

NordVPN has its own iOS, MacOS, Android, Windows, and Linux apps. Users looking to secure every device on their network can follow manual setup instructions to install this service on a wide array of supported routers.

BEST VPN FOR A ITALIAN IP ADDRESS:NordVPN is our #1 choice. With dozens of Italian servers to choose from, a top-tier security offering, and outstanding unblocking capabilities, it’s perfect for almost any task. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Pros:

  • More than 60 high-speed Italian servers
  • Excellent unblocking ability
  • Goes above and beyond on security
  • Verified no-logs policy

Cons:

  • Desktop apps take two clicks to disconnect

Our score:

Read our comprehensive NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is our top budget option, but it’s more than capable of competing with more expensive providers. Not only does Surfshark regularly rank highly in our speed tests, but it’s one of the few major VPNs that lets you connect as many devices as you like. Better still, it’s able to reliably stream services like Netflix Italia, RaiPlay, and Now TV from anywhere.

Security-conscious users will find plenty to like here too. To begin with, there’s 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, an ad-blocker, and protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. Surfshark also offers a NoBorders mode for bypassing country-wide VPN-detection systems in countries like China. This VPN keeps no logs at all and its support staff are on-hand 24/7, so you’re never more than a few minutes away from getting help.

Surfshark apps are available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. Newer versions of the app have full M1 chip support too, meaning lower battery usage and improved stability on MacOS systems. Alternatively, it’s possible to manually install this service on your home router (provided it’s running Tomato, DD-WRT, or Asus firmware).

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is our top budget option. Has a very low impact on speed but doesn’t compromise on security. Works well with Italian streaming platforms and lets you connect an unlimited number of devices. This VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Capable of delivering very high speeds (connection permitting)

  • No issues accessing Netflix Italy or Rai Play abroad

  • Strong record on security and privacy

  • Connect as many devices as you like

  • Some features require Surfshark One, an optional paid addon

Take a look at our full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is a quick and reliable VPN that does a great job of securely accessing Italian streaming services. We had no issues accessing La7, RaiPlay, or Netflix Italy from abroad, and suffice it to say, it works just as well with region-locked platforms from other countries. This service has a very low impact on your connection speeds and doesn’t limit your bandwidth in any way. Users can connect up to five devices at the same time.

This VPN protects you from snoopers by preventing DNS and IPv6 leaks, shielding your data with 256-bit encryption, and using a kill switch to ensure you never browse unprotected. It’s possible to let certain apps through the VPN too, in case you’d like to prioritize speeds or access services from two regions simultaneously. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any identifiable data but if you’d like even greater privacy, you can always pay in Bitcoin. Having problems? Live chat-based support is available around the clock.

ExpressVPN provides apps for MacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux. It’s also the only service in this list with its own router firmware. This actually saw a substantial upgrade recently, and is now faster, more stable, and easier to use than ever before.

GREAT PERFORMANCE:ExpressVPN blends speed, security, and unblocking ability to provide a service that seems custom-designed for travelers. Not only does it work flawlessly with popular Italian streaming services, but it even provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Unblocks RaiPlay, Mediaset, and more

  • Performed well in our latest speed test

  • Hard to beat on privacy and security

  • Pay anonymously with Bitcoin

  • Not the cheapest choice on this list

For more details, check out the complete ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

The apps require minimal setup since its security tools come pre-configured. These include 256-bit encryption, leak protection, an ad-blocker, and an always-on kill switch. CyberGhost refuses to log any personally identifiable data, and it recently released standalone password manager, security checkup, and antivirus apps, showing it has a real commitment to security. The customer support help desk can be reached, day or night, over live chat and email.

CyberGhost offers Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, and Linux apps. Not only that, but it can be manually installed on a wide range of wireless routers.

  • Large network with around 200 servers in Italy

  • Has specific servers for streaming Italian TV

  • All security features enabled by default

  • Offers 24/7 live chat

  • Great for beginners but might not be flexible enough for experienced users

Read our complete CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish has roughly 25 servers in Italy, and more than 1,900 more in another 60+ countries. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to live stream Italian TV abroad since it unblocks La7 and Canale 5 and is generally pretty fast (with recent infrastructure upgrades boosting speeds even further). What’s more, this VPN lets you secure any number of devices, making it ideal for family vacations.

There’s real depth to this service’s security as well. It uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, but also offers a true zero-logs policy. Not only that, but there’s a feature that’ll obfuscate your OpenVPN traffic, potentially allowing you to access services that usually block VPNs outright. IPVanish hopes to introduce WireGuard support in the near future, which would be even better. If you run into any issues, you can reach support staff at any time over live chat.

IPVanish comes with its own iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows apps. If you’d prefer, you can manually install it on supported routers and Linux distributions instead.

COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION:IPVanish is packed full of security features and lets you connect every device you own. Further, its speedy Italian servers make it easy to watch Italian TV abroad. This provider includes a 30-day money-back guarantee on its annual plan.

  • Works well with Italian services like Mediaset

  • Provides several advanced security features

  • No connection limit

  • No Linux app

Questions? You’ll find answers in the full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN only has one server in Italy, and around 200 globally. Still, it’s a strong contender for travelers hoping to watch Italian TV abroad. That’s because it owns and hosts these itself, offers consistently high speeds, and consistently works with services like Netflix Italy, Now TV, and DAZN Italia abroad. Additionally, it lets you connect up to six10 devices at a time, giving you the freedom to watch wherever you like.

It also has an impressive security offering, with WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leak protection, a customizable kill switch, and a zero-logs policy. PrivateVPN lets users choose between 128-bit and 256-bit encryption and provides a stealth mode that’s capable of bypassing even the strictest online censorship. Those looking for an added layer of anonymity can pay in Bitcoin. Customer support isn’t quite available 24/7 but is only offline for a few hours per day.

PrivateVPN has Android, MacOS, iOS, and Windows apps. Linux systems and certain routers are supported too, but you’ll have to configure the service manually for these.

KEEPS NO LOGS:PrivateVPN, as you may have guessed, doesn’t compromise on privacy. Further, it’s exceptional at bypassing regional restrictions. Whether you’re looking to stream Mediaset or torrent safely, it’s a fantastic choice. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Repeatedly performed well in our speed tests

  • Works with almost all geo-restricted streaming content that we’ve tested

  • Strong commitment to privacy

  • Has a single Italian server

  • Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat

Take a look at our in-depth review of PrivateVPN.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

                    Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

Hotspot Shield has around 1,800 servers in 80+ countries including Italy. This makes it an excellent choice, whether you’re looking to access streaming platforms or simply keep your activities hidden while on public wifi. We found its connections quick and stable, and had no issues with Netflix Italia, La7, or Canale 5 outside of Italy. Users can connect up to five devices simultaneously.

As well as a proprietary protocol named Catapult Hydra, this service offers 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. The latest version of the apps also include support for IKEv2 connections and the ability to connect automatically if you begin browsing on an unsecured network. Hotspot Shield deletes all identifiable data once your session ends. If you have any questions, feel free to contact customer support; this is available 24/7 over email and live chat.

Hotspot Shield offers apps for MacOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux devices. Select routers are supported too, but you’ll have to follow manual installation instructions.

EASY TO USE:Hotspot Shield is a user-friendly VPN with 24/7 support and the ability to stream all kinds of services including Netflix Italy. Solid security credentials and generally decent speeds. This provider even has a 45-day money-back guarantee!

  • Quick and reliable Italian servers

  • Ideal for streaming

  • Plenty of powerful security features built-in

  • Doesn’t accept Bitcoin

  • Some past privacy concerns

Why not read our complete Hotspot Shield review?

Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for an Italy IP address

Technically, all that’s needed to get an Italian IP address is an Italian VPN server. In practice, though, there are several other things you’ll have to pay attention to, especially if you’re hoping to stream Italian TV from abroad. To ensure you get the best possible service for your needs, we evaluated every potential recommendation against the standards set out below:

  • Italian servers: More Italian servers means a more reliable connection (due to lower overall load), plus the ability to connect while some are undergoing maintenance.
  • Speeds: Every VPN will slow your connection to some degree. Still, we prioritize those that have as small an impact as possible. Needless to say, all of the VPNs above are suitable for live streaming HD video (provided your base connection is fast enough).
  • Streaming services: Different people might want to watch different channels. We test our recommendations against a wide range of geo-blocked streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, and Now TV to see just how strong their unblocking abilities really are.
  • Privacy and security: A VPN that doesn’t keep you safe online is no good at all. Our recommendations must have a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a no-logs policy, and 256-bit encryption at least. Ideally, they’d go even further.
  • Value for money: We don’t want you to pay more than you have to. Part of our testing involves evaluating the features a service offers and comparing its price to rivals with a similar set of tools. If we don’t think it’s priced competitively, it just doesn’t make the list.
  • User-friendliness: Everyone should be able to use the services we recommend, regardless of whether they’re a seasoned pro or completely new to VPNs. Bonus points if a service offers 24/7 live chat, allows unlimited connections, or streaming-optimized servers.

This is actually just one small part of how we VPNs through their paces. Want to learn more? You might find our detailed testing methodology post interesting.

Can I unblock Italian services with a free VPN?

We don’t recommend using a free VPN to get an Italian IP address. For starters, free providers tend to have smaller networks. This means that more users are sharing the same servers, which can result in extremely slow speeds. Further, these services often have low monthly bandwidth caps, which limits the amount of time you’ll be able to stream even further.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, free VPNs often come riddled with security problems. Some fail to encrypt user traffic at all, while others rely entirely on obfuscation (which is far less secure) instead. We’ve even seen free providers outright lie to their users about the logs they keep. These reasons are why we strongly advise you take factors other than price into account when deciding which VPN to use. We recommend looking into a service’s security features, reputation, and privacy policy to begin with.

Why is Netflix Italy blocked from abroad?

It can be quite frustrating to move to a new country, only to find out that your favorite streaming service is blocked. That’s what many Italians are facing right now, as Netflix Italy is currently blocked from abroad.

One reason could be due to licensing agreements. Netflix licenses its content from production studios and networks around the world. They then make this content available in different regions, depending on the rights they’ve acquired. However using a VPN can get you streaming Italian movies and shows, even if your outside Italy.

Obviously, if you’re unsure of the law in your current location, we strongly recommend researching this before attempting to use a VPN.

Additionally, many online banking services will temporarily restrict access to your account if they detect a foreign login attempt. The problem is that these automated systems usually can’t tell the difference between a hacking attempt and a user trying to log in while on vacation. If you connect to a VPN server in your home country first, though, it’s unlikely your banking app will even notice you’re elsewhere in the world.

When you connect to a secure VPN that keeps no logs, there is no way to trace what you do online back to you. What’s more, our VPN recommendations primarily provide shared IPs. This further increases your privacy by adding your browsing habits to a pool, further obfuscating what you are doing online and making it harder to trace any single user’s habits back to them. 

That said, certain online services may be able to detect that you are using a VPN and attempt to either block you or that specific VPN server from accessing its services. Under these circumstances, the VPN server you are using may fail to provide access to that specific website or online service. This is why it is vital to stick to recommended VPNs that do not regularly suffer blocks.

Our tool allows you to check the location of the IP address you are using, so that you can be certain it is actually in the location you selected. This is a great way to put your mind at rest, before accessing online services that require you to be in Italy.

Now, some websites have VPN-detection tools built-in, so you may have to try a few Italian servers before you find one that works. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. If you’re having trouble accessing a specific site, you can always ask your VPN’s support team for advice.