Best VPN NZ 2023

A VPN is the best tool for anyone in need of keeping their data private and identity anonymous while surfing the web. Short for virtual private network, VPN services are more popular than ever before due to the rise of cybercriminals stealing sensitive information from unsuspecting victims. Still, there are many of us that will ask “what is a VPN?”

Think of it as a cloak of invisibility. When using a VPN, instead of your real IP address showing up when browsing the internet so your internet service provider (ISP) can identify you, the internet will only see the VPN server’s IP address and location. This makes you anonymous, and better yet, a VPN server can be placed anywhere in the world.

Even if you are in New Zealand, any app or website will believe you’re a resident of any country around the globe. Neat, eh?

By keeping your online activity encrypted and your identity anonymous, VPN services provide the best protection for high-level cybersecurity analysts and the common user alike. Sure, a VPN can let you endlessly browse through country-specific shows on different streaming services — from Netflix to Amazon Prime Video — but its perks go well beyond entertainment. From boosting your internet speeds to bypassing geo-restricted content, there are many reasons why a VPN comes in handy.

Best VPN for NZ (November 2023)

Why you (might) need to use a VPN in New Zealand

Anonymity is a key benefit, but a VPN service can help you unlock an ocean of new content, too.

New Zealand’s Netflix library is short by 1,000 TV shows and films when compared to Japan, the USA, and the UK.

If you’ve binged your way through Friends one too many times, it’s time to take your viewing abroad. Plus, the best VPNs can provide you with a New Zealand IP address, meaning kiwis outside the region can stream shows on TVNZ, Newshub and Māori Television. 

How do we test VPNs?

1. We test how secure the VPN is: We do this by running it through DNS leak tests. If the VPN has a DNS leak issue, it has an issue with its security, as internet service providers (ISPs) can still potentially see your online data. The best VPNs don’t come across these sorts of issues.
2. The number of servers: The best VPNs have thousands of servers around the world. The more servers, the better. Lesser VPNs, especially free VPNs, don’t have many servers meaning there’s less opportunity for you to surf the web anonymously.
3. Speed: We measure the speed of a VPN by doing speed tests for multiple servers worldwide. We then compare this to our base internet speed with a VPN turned off.
4. Compatibility with streaming services: A critical use case for VPNs is the ability to access geo-blocked streaming services. Unfortunately, these services try and prevent VPNs from accessing their platforms. The best VPNs have measures in place to get around these blocks. When testing a VPN, we try it with several geo-blocked streaming services. The best VPNs will allow you to watch all the leading streaming services worldwide.
5. Price: Based on our research, the average cost of the top 20 VPNs is $4.33/month. We use this as a comparison when looking for the best-value VPNs.
6. Devices: VPNs are usually compatible with more than one device simultaneously. Obviously, the more the better.

What to look for in a VPN: VPN buyer’s guide

There are countless VPNs to pick from, so it can be hard to know which one is the best for you.

If you’re looking to buy a VPN, here’s what you should keep in mind.

Price

The price for a VPN service varies. Some are free of charge while others cost up to $30 per month.

Our tests have shown that if you want a VPN service that is both reliable and fast, then you’ll need to pay for it.

Free VPNs might not be as secure or reliable as you think, often implementing data caps and speed limits. Even worse, some free VPN services collect and store your data.

The best VPNs, on average cost less than the price of a coffee at $4.33/month.

VPNs typically use subscription models that give you the freedom to choose how long you want to commit. For example, terms can be as short as one month or as long as five years. Of course, longer subscriptions usually require an initial investment, and there’s also no guarantee the VPN will still exist for the entirety of your time commitment.

Servers

For the best VPN experience, it’s recommended that you look for a provider with servers in multiple locations around the world.

When you have access to more servers, your chances of staying private increase. Also, it’s beneficial to look for a VPN with servers in multiple countries. This way, you can make it appear as though your internet connection is coming from even more places.

The best VPNs will usually boast upwards of 2,500 servers around the world.

Protocols

The VPN protocol you choose will affect how your data is packaged and sent over the VPN’s private network.

There are different encryptions for data connection, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some protocols offer less encryption which makes your connection more vulnerable; however, this also allows your data to travel faster.

Though other protocols ensure high levels of encryption for security, they tend to be slower.

Many VPNs support multiple protocols, so try to look for one that serves all of your needs.

Money back guarantee

Most premium VPNs come with a money-back guarantee. 

This means you can try a VPN, and if it isn’t for you, you can get your money back. 

Always have a look to see if a VPN supports this, as it makes the investment less impactful if it’s not for you.

Chat support

For the majority of people, VPNs are overly complicated and difficult to understand.

Don’t worry. The online chat support of most premium VPNs will be more than happy to assist you with any questions or problems you may have.

If you lack confidence or technical skills, make sure to pick a VPN with chat support so that you can take advantage of everything your VPN has to offer.

What is a VPN?

A VPN is a Virtual Private Network. To understand what that means, you need to understand what a private network is.

A private network is a private connection between two computers, “private” because it’s isolated from all other connections. This means no one else can see what’s happening on the network or access it.

A VPN is the same thing, except instead of the network being connected physically, it’s connected over the internet.

A VPN uses data encryption and private servers to make your connection inaccessible to outsiders. It’s essentially a private network but on a much larger scale.

What does a VPN do?

A VPN does two things.

First, it encrypts your online data. This means it turns your data into an unreadable code. If someone tries to figure out what you’re doing online or where you’re going, they won’t be able to read the code, so your online presence will be anonymous.

Second, a VPN reroutes this encrypted traffic through their VPN server. This will make it appear like you’re connecting from the location of your chosen server.

To wrap up, a VPN allows you to surf the internet anonymously, and it allows you to spoof the location where you’re connecting to the internet from.

How do VPNs work?

A VPN uses three main processes to allow you to surf the internet anonymously and spoof your location.

Before your online data gets sent across the web, a VPN will encrypt your online information into an unreadable code. It does this in case the info gets intercepted, in which case it will be unreadable. No one can tell where the information is going or came from.

This encrypted information is then sent to a VPN server via a network of tunnels. These tunnels don’t allow anyone outside to see what’s travelling through them. Turning on your VPN will split your online data into packages and send them through these tunnels. Again, keeping your online information anonymous and hidden.

All this data is sent (via the VPN’s tunnels) to a server in your chosen country. This acts like a layover point. It makes it look like your connection is coming from this server instead of your computer, phone or tablet. This again helps with maintaining an anonymous internet connection, and additionally, it makes it look like you’re connecting to the internet from the country the server is in.

Is using a VPN legal?

Yes, using a VPN is legal. VPNs are used to improve privacy and security, and they’re legal in 99% of countries around the world. 

Some countries don’t play nice with VPNs though. Countries like China and Russia control VPNs, forcing users to turn over data, defeating the purpose of a VPN in the first place. And others like Belarus, Iraq and North Korea ban VPNs completely.

Why do I need a VPN?

Most of the Western world’s internet is relatively free and unrestricted. You can visit the vast majority of websites without fear of prosecution and be served the same content as users in other countries – for no extra cost. 

Unfortunately, your internet freedom does not travel with your passport (and laptop). Travel to India for example, and you’re subject to Indian internet laws meaning you’ll only have access to restricted content.

Also, some services such as Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer will be geo-blocked, meaning you’ll be served smaller libraries than you’re used to at home or worse, you won’t be able to access the streaming service at all. 

A VPN offers you a way around location-based internet. But that’s not all. A VPN also allows you to surf the web anonymously so corporations and governments can’t see or track your online activity.