A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is useful for a wide variety of purposes. Whether you’re using it to securely download torrents, view your favorite movies and television programs, escape government monitoring, or visit prohibited websites, it’s an excellent solution for keeping your online activity encrypted and secret in general.
The VPN service discussed in this article gives an extensive selection of server locations. This implies that you may get an Austrian IP address even if you are presently living in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Canada, India, China, Hong Kong, France, Sweden, Norway, or Japan.
Best VPN for Austria
There are several VPN services available, but not all of them are similar.
Our suggestion is based on the following criteria:
- Maintains a large network of servers located across the globe, including in Austria.
- Unblock geo-restricted streaming services.
- Provides a quick and dependable connection.
- Maintains tight encryption standards to ensure that your location is never revealed.
- Allows for simultaneous connection of several devices.
NordVPN
Due to its zero-logs policy, fast speeds, usage of the OpenVPN protocol, and a wide global network of servers, NordVPN ticks all the boxes for a contemporary, well-engineered VPN. Austria has 30+ servers.
Because the provider is based in Panama, it is outside the reach of Western government agencies such as the NSA. The basic package has a slew of useful features, like double VPN, Tor over VPN, anti-DDoS protection, and servers tuned for fast streaming.
NordVPN makes it simple to unblock a variety of geo-restricted websites, including US Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, Sky, and Sling TV. Additionally, a knowledge base on the company’s website assists in choosing the optimal servers to employ for this purpose.
All communication is secured using 256-bit encryption, and additional security features include a kill button for the internet and DNS leak prevention. A single membership allows you to have multiple concurrent connections and supports Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
How do virtual private networks work?
VPN software establishes an encrypted, virtual tunnel via which all internet traffic from your device is routed to another server. This masks your true IP address (as issued by your internet service provider) and creates the illusion that you are in a different place. That is how you will get access to streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. Additionally, the encryption feature stops sleuths from tracking your internet traces.
Is it necessary to use a free VPN in Austria?
Free VPNs are not advised due to their insufficient encryption standards, restricted IP addresses, and shady data theft and pilferage tactics. They are aggressively marketed over the internet, and you will be flooded with enticing calls to action that constantly emphasize the fact that you may sign up without using a credit card. However, as the proverb goes, when the product is free, you become the product.
Free VPN services are not non-profit organizations and must earn a profit. They often do this by bombarding you with adverts and, in some instances, unethically placing tracking cookies to harvest and sell your data to third parties. One of the primary reasons you’re signing up for a VPN is to ensure your online privacy and confidentiality are protected, yet some companies are in the business of doing the exact opposite.
Investing a few bucks per month in a premium VPN service will go a long way toward assuring an uninterrupted experience.
Suggestions for using a VPN in Austria
Using a VPN in Austria significantly improves your entire online experience. Here are some tips on how to get started.
- The first choice you must make is which provider best appeals to you. The mini-reviews above provide an overview, but feel free to read the in-depth evaluations at the conclusion for further information.
- Once you’ve chosen a service, just sign up using your credit card and other personal information.
- Proceed to download the appropriate applications straight from the provider’s website. Never rely on third-party websites.
- When the installation is complete, reboot.
- Log in and connect to a VPN server in Austria or another location of your choosing.
- Now that your internet connection is encrypted and confidential, you will get a new IP address from the country of your choice.
How to use Netflix in Austria
If you go onto your Netflix account while in Austria and are not using a VPN, you will see the Austrian Netflix catalog. Certain individuals incorrectly believe that just because an account was initially created in another nation, such as Canada or the United States, they would immediately be offered that roster of content. That is not true. To switch Netflix libraries, you must first establish a VPN connection. For instance, if you want to access US Netflix, you must first connect to a US VPN server before using the Netflix app.
As part of its licensing agreements with its media partners, Netflix prohibits VPNs. This has no effect on Netflix’s original productions; they make up the company’s intellectual property and may therefore be aired everywhere. However, many television shows, such as The Office, are exclusively available in certain regions. That is because Netflix has paid for the streaming rights and is required to adhere to the contract’s restrictions.
Not all VPNs (particularly free VPNs) are currently compatible with Netflix. We’ve highlighted the ones that were mentioned in our mini-reviews, but you can always contact customer care if you have any questions.
Watching Austrian television and using Austrian financial services while traveling
Austrian nationals who live or travel regularly abroad may use a VPN to access local television from abroad as well as securely connect into their bank accounts. Austrian television offers a diverse spectrum of content, including news, entertainment, and sports. ATV, ATV2, and Prosieben Austria are just a few of the popular stations. Certain providers may geo-restrict access, allowing you to watch live broadcasts only if you have an Austrian IP address. That’s bad news for aficionados who reside in other areas of the globe; but, by utilizing a VPN, you can regain access.
Regarding banking services, using a VPN is particularly critical if you often use the internet over public wifi networks, such as those available in hotels. Because hackers lurk on such networks, you should always install an additional layer of encryption before connecting to a hotspot.
While banks and non-bank financial firms may not limit their services geographically, most of them will have strong compliance procedures in place. This implies that inbound requests from remote regions of the globe may be detected and denied. If you attempt to access Austrian bank accounts online from anywhere on the globe, you run the risk of having your account blocked. As a result, it’s a good idea to set up a VPN first, as the host entity (in this example, your bank) would presume you’re in Austria if you connect to an Austrian server first.
Is downloading torrents legal in Austria?
Austrian copyright rules are quite strict. While torrenting is usually lawful, if you are discovered downloading content protected by intellectual property or copyright laws, you may be in violation of the law.
In 2016, Austrian judges removed a ban on The Pirate Bay, holding that although ISPs cannot prohibit a supporting medium, copyright rules remain in effect. Although it is unknown if any arrests have been made under these laws, it is nevertheless advisable to operate prudently. VPN usage protects your online identity.