Residents of Belgium and visitors to the nation may benefit from a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection. VPNs establish an encrypted tunnel and route all internet traffic to and from your device via a chosen intermediate server. Therefore, if you choose a server in Belgium, your current IP address gets swapped with a Belgian one. All websites and applications to which you connect will think you are in the selected location and will display local content.
When traveling overseas, a VPN for Belgium enables you to watch local television networks such as Sport10, Focus TV, Comedy Central, and Euronews. Additionally, it will provide access to online banking services from AXA Bank, Argenta Bank, and Keytrade Bank, among others. Because a VPN encrypts your communication, it also protects you from hackers and snoopers.
While VPNs are readily available on the internet, lumping them all together would be a mistake. The best VPN for Belgium is based on the following criteria:
- Provides a plethora of server alternatives, including a diverse selection in many significant nations. Bonus points for Belgian alternatives.
- Consistent ability to unblock many geo-restricted streaming services.
- Provides lightning-fast performance with minimal to no downtime.
- Utilizes industry-leading encryption and security measures to ensure that your digital trace is never disclosed.
- Allows for numerous concurrent connections.
- Customer service that is polite, competent, and responsive.
Best VPN for Belgium
NordVPN
NordVPN is a superb value-for-money option for consumers on a tight budget. This tenacious provider maintains a network of over 5,000 servers, 70+ of which are located in Belgium. Because it is based in Panama, it is exempt from the required data retention rules.
NordVPN’s customizability and the flexibility to pick servers for particular applications such as streaming, double VPN, and Tor over VPN make it a favorite among power users. Additionally, you may check your current server loads to see if the servers have a comparatively low number of connections.
NordVPN enables you to access a variety of streaming services from anywhere around the globe, including U.S. Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, and Sky. Additionally, the desktop version includes extensive instructions on how to unblock a particular service, so you can rest assured.
All accounts are encrypted using the OpenVPN protocol using 256-bit keys. Additionally, a kill switch for the internet and DNS leak prevention are included.
NordVPN is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. Additionally, Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available. A regular package supports multiple devices concurrently, and customer service is accessible 24 hours a day.
Is it necessary to use a free VPN in Belgium?
Free VPN services are frequently marketed over the internet, and given the absence of an upfront purchase, they may seem to be an intriguing alternative. However, free services place a lower premium on user privacy and speed; you’re unlikely to get top-of-the-line encryption or features like 24/7 live chat. This means that tasks such as watching Netflix or properly connecting to public wifi are not complicated.
Free VPNs must generate revenue to cover company expenses such as office space, employee wages, and server upkeep. As a result, they may bombard you with intrusive acts such as advertising, pop-ups, and other frequent disruptions to get you to upgrade to a premium plan. Prepare for a very restricted selection of servers (with no certainty of a Belgian location), constrained bandwidth, and data limitations.
Certain free VPN providers have willfully infected consumer devices with viruses. Others have taken this a step further by using idle user bandwidth to create botnet armies. This violates fundamental VPN concepts such as data confidentiality, privacy, and security.
To summarize, if you want to keep your online activity secret and safe to stream geo-restricted media services, connect to public wifi, or access blocked websites, free VPNs are not a good choice. For a few bucks each month, a premium VPN provides you with peace of mind.
How are the internet freedoms in Belgium?
Belgium ranks well in the press, media, and internet freedoms as a pluralistic Western democracy. Its constitution protects freedom of speech, the right to knowledge, and journalist protection. However, torrenting is one area in which Belgium falls behind.
In a lawsuit brought by the Belgian Anti-Piracy Foundation, a municipal court in Antwerp ruled that the country’s internet service providers (ISPs) ban access to the prominent torrenting site The Pirate Bay. This is despite a European Court of Justice finding that any effort by ISPs to filter traffic violates users’ privacy and their right to receive and impart information.
If you want to download torrents in Belgium, it is recommended that you first connect to a VPN. This will protect your connection from being throttled or blocked by your ISP.
DISCLAIMER: PrivacyExplore does not advocate the use of a VPN to illegally access or download anything. Please examine local legislation in advance if you are unsure of the implications and get professional guidance from a local lawyer.
How to use a virtual private network (VPN) in Belgium
Whether you’re a resident of Belgium, a visitor, or considering relocating there shortly, using a VPN can significantly improve your entire internet experience.
- The first thing you should do is choose a service that will adhere to your specifications. While we suggest NordVPN, the other options on this page are fantastic alternatives.
- Then proceed to complete the registration process with your credit card. Certain services also accept payments using PayPal, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies.
- Following the payment confirmation, you will receive an email from the VPN service of your choosing with an introduction. Continue by downloading the appropriate applications for your smartphone from official app stores; avoid third-party websites.
- Once the installation is complete, clear your browser’s cache and cookies and restart your device.
- Access the service by logging in. Connect to a server in Belgium to get a Belgian IP address, or to a server located outside the nation to obtain a different IP address.
- Congratulations! Now that your internet connection is encrypted and confidential, you may view any information you like.
Accessing Netflix libraries in Belgium
If you connect to Netflix using a Belgian IP address, you’ll be presented with content from the country’s local library. This is true regardless of the country in which the account was registered. If you want to browse a different library, such as one in the United States, you must first connect to a VPN server.
If you choose a server in the United States, you’ll be assigned a local IP address and appear to be in the nation. Take note that certain providers have dedicated servers for Netflix, so contact customer service if you have any trouble.
Utilization of banking and financial services when traveling
Due to the frequency of fraud and the sensitivity of data, banking and financial services firms are very cautious about incoming traffic. As a result, attempting to access your online Belgian bank account from a non-Belgian IP address may raise compliance with red lights. Due to security audits, your account may have been flagged as having been the victim of a fraud attempt.
To circumvent this issue, you may connect to a VPN and reroute your IP address to Belgium. This will assist you in avoiding security concerns and locking yourself out of your account whether on a business or vacation trip.