A secure VPN can help maintain your online privacy. They also let you safely access online sites and services while in the country. Global VPN servers can help you unblock international streaming sites, while servers near Cuba give you access to local content when you’re abroad. My team and I tested dozens of VPNs to find the best for online privacy and unrestricted internet in the country. ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for Cuba — it offers state-of-the-art security features and exceptional speeds to keep you safe online without slowing you down. You can even try ExpressVPN’s protection risk-free because it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. CyberGhost is a decent alternative with a 45-day money-back guarantee and solid privacy features. It’s not as fast as ExpressVPN over long distances, but if you connect to a local server, you’ll barely notice any slowdowns. Get the Best VPN for Cuba Now Important! There are restrictions on using a VPN in Cuba. The team at vpnMentor doesn’t condone any illegal activity. Please inform yourself of the latest laws and regulations regarding VPN use and website bans in Cuba so that you don’t accidentally break any rules. Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free Today
The Best VPNs for Cuba — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)
I’ve only shortlisted VPNs with powerful encryption and strict privacy measures to protect you online in Cuba. These services can also bypass geo-blocks in many locations and provide fast speeds for smooth streaming (Cuba has slower internet connections, so you don’t want a service that noticeably slows you down even further). Plus, all these VPNs have responsive customer care and support simultaneous device connections. Even better, they all come with trustworthy money-back guarantees.
1. ExpressVPN — Top Security Features to Maintain Your Privacy in Cuba
ExpressVPN keeps you safe with secure tunneling protocols, including its proprietary Lightway protocol (as well as OpenVPN). This delivers great online protection in Cuba, without compromising speeds. The VPN’s military-grade AES encryption (also used by the NSA in the US) scrambles all your data so even hackers can’t read your communications. Network Lock (a kill switch) also stops internet access if your VPN connection accidentally drops. That way, your real IP is never exposed. Moreover, ExpressVPN uses TrustedServer tech (RAM-only servers) that automatically erases data during each server reboot. This protective measure means your personal data is never stored — it’s almost impossible for any third party to access your private information. Fortunately, it’s based in the British Virgin Islands, outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance (intelligence sharing pacts) — it isn’t subject to any data retention laws. While testing ExpressVPN, my identity remained hidden thanks to the WebRTC and DNS/IPv6 leak protection. There’s a strict no-logs policy to boost privacy too, so the apps don’t log records of your online activity. The VPN’s vast network gives you access to geo-restricted content almost anywhere. In the US alone, there are servers in over 20+ locations, so you can use your streaming services back home while visiting Cuba. After connecting to a server in Miami, I easily accessed my Netflix US and Hulu accounts. There are also some servers near Cuba in places like Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama to assist with unblocking Mesa Redonda Internacional on your teleSUR account when you’re overseas. In terms of speed, the super-fast connections are also ideal for high-quality streaming and quick torrenting. I connected to the UK servers and seamlessly streamed 4K videos on my BBC iPlayer account (only 25 Mbps is needed for UHD, and I reached 47 Mbps). Plus, the Smart Location feature automatically picks the best server for your current location — giving you the fastest speeds while in Cuba. All the servers support P2P file sharing without limiting bandwidth, so you can download large files uninterrupted. The user-friendly apps are available for any popular operating system and support Spanish. It took me less than 5 minutes to install and activate the VPN on my Android phone. You can reach out to customer reps 24/7 on live chat if you need help. A minor drawback is that the plans are quite expensive; the lowest subscription is $6.67/month. However, ExpressVPN frequently offers discounts and giveaways too. I recommend the 12-month subscription — I got a 49% discount and 3 months for free when I subscribed. If the service doesn’t impress you, you can easily ask for a refund within 30 days of making a purchase. I tested this money-back guarantee when I canceled my subscription by speaking to a representative on live chat. The refund was immediately processed and reflected in my bank account within 2 days. Try ExpressVPN Today
2. CyberGhost — Superfast Servers for Bufferless Streaming In and Outside of Cuba
CyberGhost’s impressive server speeds let you stream UHD videos buffer-free from Cuba. The servers do not restrict bandwidth, which means you can download or view as much content as you like. When I tested CyberGhost, even servers far away in the UK smoothly loaded videos on BBC iPlayer. I averaged as high as 42 Mbps while connected. Like ExpressVPN, a “Best Server Location” feature can also pick the fastest server based on your location. The VPN also has a reliable network with optimized servers for streaming and torrenting. I used these dedicated servers to watch Ozark on my Netflix US account. If you also want to watch Cuban shows on teleSUR, the servers in Mexico or Venezuela can quickly help you unblock this and other local platforms. AES 256-bit encryption provides high-end protection against snoops and data theft. Advanced security protocols like OpenVPN and the super-fast WireGuard provide secure tunneling for your traffic. Enabling CyberGhost’s “WiFi Auto-Protect” feature (in the “WiFi" section on the Settings menu) gives you automatic protection while you’re roaming on public networks. Additionally, a kill switch is in place to block your internet connection and prevent data leaks if the server connection accidentally fails. Your data is never shared with third parties because CyberGhost follows a zero-logs policy. Also, it’s based in privacy-friendly Romania, so even authorities can’t demand activity logs from the company. DNS/IP leak protection further helps to secure your identity online. You can also subscribe to the service using Bitcoin for even more privacy. Moreover, the intuitive design of CyberGhost’s apps makes it easy to locate essential features. All the apps are available in Spanish and you can contact its support staff 24/7 on live chat for assistance. Monthly subscriptions are a bit pricey. However, long-term plans are super-affordable, starting from just $2.11/month. I recommend the 3 or 2-year subscriptions because they’re very cost effective. You can test CyberGhost for Cuba free since it is covered by a 45-day money-back guarantee. The process of claiming a refund is straightforward. I submitted my request via the “Contact Us” form on the support page and was reimbursed to my PayPal account after 3 days. Try CyberGhost Today
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — A Vast Server Network to Unblock Global Content in Cuba
The VPN was also fast enough (35+ Mbps) for high-quality streaming during my tests. Videos didn’t buffer despite me watching in UHD mode. Even servers in the Bahamas enabled me to play StarCraft 2 lag-free. The VPN also supports P2P traffic across its network, with features like the SOCKS5 proxy and port forwarding to increase download speeds. While setting up PIA, I had the option to choose between 2 levels of encryption — 128-bit and 256-bit. Though the default 128-bit encryption is faster, 256-bit provides unbeatable safety. Alongside these are also security protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2, plus a kill switch. That means you can tailor the VPN depending on what you prioritize most. There’s also a zero-logs policy and IPv6/DNS leak protection for added privacy. You can even enable its MACE feature to block trackers, adware, and phishing malware while browsing. If you’re new to VPNs, the multiple settings can be a little confusing. However, the apps come already configured and optimized, so you don’t need to tweak anything unless you want to. Also, 24/7 live chat and email support are provided if you encounter any challenges. All the apps support Spanish, too. You can get PIA for as low as $2.03/month. Compared to the monthly plan, the 3-year subscription is the most pocket-friendly. The short-term plans don’t offer any extra features despite having higher prices. There’s a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee backing the service. When I submitted a ticket about canceling my subscription via the support page, the request was approved the same day. I got the money back on my credit card after 5 days. Try PIA Today
4. NordVPN — Servers Optimized for Different Activities to Protect You Online in Cuba
I like that NordVPN offers plenty of specialty servers you can use in Cuba, including P2P, Double VPN, and Obfuscated. The P2P ones are optimized for fast torrenting in safe locations. Double VPN servers move your traffic through 2 locations, which gives you an additional layer of protection. The Obfuscated servers are designed to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN, which is convenient when you’re connected to restrictive networks. It protects your data with AES 256-bit encryption and secure protocols, including its proprietary NordLynx and OpenVPN. To make sure that your private online activities and IP in Cuba don’t leak, it comes with a kill switch. This feature disconnects you from the internet in case the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, which is rare, and I didn’t experience it. During testing, the VPN easily accessed many of the popular streaming services with ease. Some of these include Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Plus, I had really good speed results when I tried some of its servers near Cuba. So you won’t have to worry about it slowing you down by a lot, even if you have lower base speeds. I averaged around 45 Mbps, which was more than enough for HD streaming without interruptions. NordVPN is based in Panama, which isn’t a member of any surveillance alliance. This is a big plus since it would never be required to share any of its user data with authorities. In addition, it has an audited no-logs policy, meaning it’s been proven that it doesn’t collect and store your data. The only thing that bothered me a bit was the fact that its Windows app took more than half a minute to launch each time I tried to open it. However, once connected, the performance was smooth. And, I didn’t experience long loading times when using its mobile apps. Long-term subscription prices start from $3.29/month. Plus, for a small additional fee, you can get a dedicated IP that only you can use. This is great if you don’t want to use a different IP every time you connect to the VPN in Cuba. NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out at no risk in Cuba. If you decide it’s not for you, getting a refund is easy. I contacted customer service through the 24/7 live chat. We had a short conversation, after which my request was approved. I got all my money back in 5 days. Try NordVPN Today
5. Surfshark — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Safeguard All Your Devices in Cuba
Surfshark gives you great value for money since it allows any number of devices to be connected with just one subscription in Cuba. I tested it on 4 of my devices and didn’t notice slowdowns — the performance was almost the same as if only one device was connected. The speeds averaged 44 Mbps, which was impressive. You won’t have to worry about long loading times, no matter how many devices you’re using it on. It has 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including some near Cuba, like Mexico and Venezuela. All of them are P2P friendly, and you also have MultiHop locations for extra protection — they move your VPN traffic through 2 VPN servers instead of 1. Plus, having nearby servers is great for getting the fastest speeds possible due to the shorter distance your data goes through. Each location I tested was stable and reliable. Surfshark has a unique feature called NoBorders that allows you to use it on restrictive networks worldwide, including in Cuba. It automatically gives you a list of the best servers to use under those circumstances. There’s also a Camouflage mode that works in the background designed to obfuscate your VPN traffic and make it undetectable. That way, you’ll be able to use it on any network in your country. Additionally, with its Bypasser (split tunneling), you can choose what apps you don’t want to connect to the VPN. I set my banking apps to use my normal connection so that I use my real IP to avoid flagging my account for connecting from different locations each time. One small drawback is that Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is a member of the 9 Eyes Alliance that share intelligence data between them. However, the VPN has a strict no-logs policy, so you don’t have to worry about your personal information being collected, stored, or shared with third parties in our outside of Cuba. Surfshark is fairly-priced — you can get a long-term subscription for just $2.30/month. For an extra cost, I also got its One bundle, which includes its Antivirus, private Search engine, and Alert to notify you of any breaches related to your data. All its plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, which gives enough time to test it out in Cuba. I contacted customer support through the 24/7 live chat, and they were polite throughout the process. All my money was refunded within a week. Try Surfshark Today
Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Cuba
I used rigorous testing criteria to shortlist reliable VPNs for Cuba and all my recommended services have these specs. You can also use this checklist if you prefer performing your own VPN tests.
Strong security and privacy features — Pick a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, safe tunneling protocols (like OpenVPN), and a no-logs policy. That way, you get enhanced online privacy while browsing in or outside Cuba. Global (and regional) server network — This allows you to access geo-blocked content and services in many locations. Servers near Cuba can also help with unblocking local content from abroad. Fast speeds — Find a VPN that doesn’t noticeably compromise speeds. That way, you get buffer-free streaming, quick torrenting, and smooth online gaming. Easy to use — The apps provided should be simple for anyone to use. Live chat support (at least 20 hours a day) is also important so you can get timely assistance. Trustworthy money-back guarantee — There should be a way to test the service risk-free and get refunded quickly if it isn’t satisfactory.
Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free Today
Is it legal to use a VPN in Cuba?
Yes, you can use a VPN for legitimate purposes while in Cuba. In fact, VPNs are very popular when connecting to public WiFi to protect your data and privacy. A VPN with robust security can give you online safety while accessing sites in Cuba or anywhere.
Why should I use a VPN for Cuba?
The internet in Cuba is subject to cyber threats and invasions of privacy. Also, you can only access the internet in Cuba via government-approved WiFi hotspots. Routing your traffic through a VPN first helps keep your online activities private from hackers and snoops. While visiting Cuba for work or leisure, geo-restrictions may also block access to some essential services you’ve subscribed to back at home. A VPN can help to bypass geo-blocks on your accounts, including streaming and messaging apps.
Can I use a free VPN in Cuba?
Some free VPNs might work in Cuba, but they can be dangerous and unreliable. Most free VPNs compromise your online safety. Only premium VPNs with high-end encryption and transparent privacy policies provide reliable security online. Some free services have been known to collect and sell customer data. Even if you find a safe free VPN, unpaid services restrict everything from your speeds and server access to your bandwidth and usage. So they’re not fast enough or reliable enough for most online activities. Try ExpressVPN for Cuba Now
The Bottom Line
Online snoops and cyber threats are rampant in Cuba. You need a VPN with robust privacy features to protect you. Accessing geo-restricted streaming services and apps also becomes easy if you have a VPN with servers in many locations. I highly recommend ExpressVPN for Cuba. It offers military-grade protection and has excellent unblocking capabilities. You can even try out ExpressVPN with confidence since it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To summarize, here are the best VPNs for Cuba
The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.
Visit ExpressVPN
