If you’re using the internet in Malta or Gozo provided by Epic, Go or Melita, then, you enjoy a relatively unfettered internet experience. However, just like users in other parts of the world, your internet traffic is being sniffed and tracked by your internet service providers, larger corporations, ex Google, Facebook and Amazon, potentially hackers and others who could be listening into your local network traffic.
There is good news, however, as a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can solve all of these issues.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, keeping your online activities from being monitored. A VPN can also temporarily assign a new IP address to your device. This makes it appear to the rest of the internet as if you’re located in another area of the world, enabling access to geo-blocked content located in that region of the world.
In this article, we will be advising you about the best 5 VPNs for use while located on the Maltese islands.
How to Use a VPN To Protect Your Online Activities in Malta
To use a VPN while visiting or living in Malta, do the following:
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider (NordVPN is our recommendation).
- Install the VPN’s app(s) on your favorite device(s), install browser extensions on your computer, and set up your WiFi router to work with the service, if you so desire.
- Log in to the VPN service.
- Select a VPN server located outside of Malta, to protect your general online activities, or to access Maltese content while traveling or living abroad. Connect to a server located outside of Malta to gain access to geo-blocked content based in other countries.
- Enjoy your newly protected access to geo-blocked content!
Best VPNs for Malta
We tested VPN services long and hard, putting providers through rounds of tests before recommending them to our readers.
Once testing was complete, we found that the 5 VPN providers listed below provided the best VPN services for internet users in Malta:
- NordVPN: NordVPN is our top pick for the best VPN protection for use in Malta. The provider boasts a large global server network, fast download speeds, top-notch native app support, and comprehensive digital security and privacy protections.
- Surfshark: This provider offers budget-minded users an excellent option for comprehensive VPN service. The provider boasts an impressive global server network, which provides fast connections to geo-blocked content all around the globe. Unlimited simultaneous connections are available.
- ExpressVPN: While this provider is the high-priced option on this list, its premium VPN services are still of value to many users. ExpressVPN offers some of the most reliable access to geo-blocked content of any provider on this list thanks to fast connections and comprehensive app support.
- CyberGhost: Users who are new to the VPN scene, or those who prefer an easy-to-use yet powerful VPN, are advised to check out CyberGhost. The provider’s huge global server network provides fast and reliable access to geo-blocked content in most areas of the globe. Streaming- and downloading-enhanced servers are available.
- IPVanish: While this provider may come up a bit short in some VPN service categories, it excels in others. IPVanish adds an extra layer of privacy protection for users thanks to its self-owned and self-operated global server network.
The top 5 VPN providers for Malta were ranked according to the following features:
- Global server network (bonus for servers in Malta)
- Online security and privacy protections
- Connection speeds
- App support
- Customer support
The 5 best VPN services for Malta are:
1. NordVPN
Feb 2022
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Meltese and Gozitan residents and visitors are strongly urged to investigate the comprehensive VPN services that this top-ranked provider offers.
With over 5,200 servers stationed in 60 countries around the globe, NordVPN delivers excellent geo-blocked content access.
All of those servers deliver top-notch connection protection thanks to the provider’s use of government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill switch protection and IP/DNS leak prevention. NordVPN also offers ad and malware blocking features.
Your privacy is well protected thanks to an independently-audited no-server-logs-ever policy and a cryptocurrency subscription payment option.
The provider runs all server operations 100% from RAM, with no data of any kind being written to a physical hard drive. This means that all data is completely erased from NordVPN servers whenever they are rebooted.
The VPN is in the process of moving its servers from a leased service model to a completely self-owned and self-operated model. This will prevent third-party contractors from having access to NordVPN customers’ information.
NordVPN connections are impressive and can easily handle video streaming, gaming and file sharing. No bandwidth limitations or data caps spoil the online fun.
Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows users will find native apps for their favorite platforms. Meanwhile, Chrome and Firefox users can use the provider’s browser extensions. Top-notch support is available for numerous router makes and models.
Up to 6 devices can concurrently connect on a single account.
Always-available customer support includes 24/7 support chat, email support and an easily searchable support library.
PROS:
- Supports most popular devices
- Excellent download bandwidth
- Servers in 60 countries
- No data written to physical hard drives
- Comprehensive online security and privacy
CONS:
- No streaming servers labeled in its apps
BEST VPN FOR MALTA:NordVPN is our top pick for Malta-based internet users. The provider boasts an impressive global server network, providing reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe. NordVPN’s fast, well-encrypted connections protect all of your online activities from observation. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark keeps costs low while still providing excellent online security and privacy.
The provider boasts an impressive global server network, measuring in at 3,200+ servers in 65 countries around the globe (with servers inside Malta).
The provider says it offers access to 30+ Netflix libraries around the world.
Well-encrypted connections are the rule here, as the provider uses military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and IPv6/DNS leak protection to keep things incognito. The provider’s “Multi-Hop” server option provides a way for users to route their internet connection through a duo of VPN servers for increased anonymity and online protection.
A strict “no server connection logs ever” policy keeps your online activities unrecorded, while a Bitcoin payment option helps keep things private on the payment end of things.
Those connections are not only well-protected, they offer the fastest speeds available from any VPN, easily providing more than enough speed for your favorite internet activities. You get unlimited bandwidth and data with your subscription.
Native app support here includes options for the Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows and Amazon Fire device platforms. (Native support for Apple’s new M1-powered Mac is now available.)
Chrome and Firefox browser extensions protect your browser-based activities, while comprehensive router support protects all of your connected devices through a single point of access.
I’d venture to say that most of you have multiple connected devices. If so, you’ll be pleased to learn of the provider’s unlimited concurrent connections policy.
Customer support is available around the clock thanks to Surfshark’s 24/7 support chat, a contact form and a searchable support library.
PROS:
- Budget-friendly VPN option
- “Multi-Hop” server option adds anonymity and encryption
- Connect as many devices as you’d like at once
- Comprehensive native app support
CONS:
- Single-month subscription price is expensive
BEST VPN FOR USERS ON A BUDGET:Surfshark’s budget-priced VPN service offers an excellent opportunity to more frugal users. The provider allows unlimited simultaneous connections to its impressively large global server network. Blazingly-fast and well-protected connections, along with comprehensive app support, all add up to an attractive value. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
3. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
It’s a fact that ExpressVPN is the most expensive VPN on this list of 5. It’s also a fact that the provider offers premium VPN protection and enhancement.
This provider’s global server network provides optimal global coverage, with 3,000+ servers located in nearly 95 countries, Malta included. The network provides reliable access to streaming services around the globe.
Government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch option and IP/DNS leak prevention provide optimal online security, while the provider’s new, proprietary Lightway protocol is optimized for improved speed, security and reliability.
A strict no-server-logs policy is enforced on ExpressVPN servers, while the company’s “TrustedServer” technology ensures that all server operations are run only from RAM, ensuring that no data whatsoever is written to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data is completely erased from the server when it is rebooted.
ExpressVPN’s connection speeds are some of the fastest in the industry, providing more than enough bandwidth for streaming video, downloading files and gaming. Unlimited bandwidth and data are included as a part of the deal.
Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Chromebook, Linux and Windows device owners will enjoy the provider’s support for their devices. Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser users benefit from the provider’s extensions, while excellent router firmware (which was recently updated and offers an improved user interface) protects all of your connected devices.
Up to 5 devices can connect at once on a single set of login credentials.
The provider’s customer support offerings include around-the-clock live support chat, a trouble ticket system, email support and a searchable knowledge base.
PROS:
- Speedy downloads
- Improved router support
- Comprehensive security and privacy protections
- Impressive global server network
CONS:
- High-priced option on this list of 5
- Limited to 5 concurrent connections
RELIABLE VPN FOR INSIDE MALTA:Meltese that are willing to pay a few more euros for premium, reliable VPN service will appreciate ExpressVPN. The provider delivers fast connections, well protected by comprehensive digital security and privacy protections, and offers reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe. A 30-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.
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4. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.CyberGhost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
First-time VPN users, or those looking for uncomplicated access to online protection, will appreciate CyberGhost’s services.
This provider boasts the best raw server numbers on this list, with 7,400+ servers in more than 90 countries, including Malta. Many of the provider’s servers are optimized for both streaming and downloading.
CyberGhost protects your online activities from being exposed to the world thanks to the provider’s use of government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, IPv6/DNS leak protection and an automatic kill switch. Ad and tracker blocking also make the scene.
The provider recently began offering antivirus protection, a password manager, and an app that scans for outdated and vulnerable apps. An “ID Guard” feature alerts you if your email address was found in a data breach.
CyberGhost’s no-server-connection-logs policy, along with a private cryptocurrency subscription payment option, protect your privacy.
CyberGhost connections provide plenty of bandwidth for gaming, streaming and file sharing. Never any bandwidth throttling or data caps to be found here.
The provider offers an easy-to-use app lineup that includes native support for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux and Windows devices. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is comprehensive router support.
Up to 7 devices can be connected simultaneously on a single account.
24/7 customer support offerings include live support chat, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system and a support library.
PROS:
- Speedy downloads
- Easy-to-use, powerful apps
- Huge global server network
- Comprehensive online protection
CONS:
- Doesn’t work in some overly-restrictive countries
- Can’t unblock some popular streaming sites
GREAT ROOKIE VPN OPTION:Users who are new to VPNs, or who are simply looking for an easy-to-use VPN, will appreciate CyberGhost’s offerings. A massive global server network provides fast, well-protected connections to geo-blocked content. A 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.
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5. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
While IPVanish may lack the massive server networks that other providers on this list boast, it provides excellent online protection, while offering an additional layer of privacy protection.
The provider’s global server network includes 1,900+ servers located in 55+ countries around the globe (Malta not included). The provider promises to expand its network in the near future.
The entire IPVanish server network is owned and operated by the provider, adding an extra layer of privacy by keeping third parties away from customers’ personal information.
The service’s connections are protected by banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and a “scramble” feature that disguises your VPN activity, making it appear as normal browser activity. A WireGuard connection protocol option is also on the way.
No cryptocurrency subscription payment option is to be found. However, the provider does follow a strict no-server-connection-logs policy.
IPVanish connections can easily handle file sharing, online gaming and streaming video. No data caps or bandwidth throttling are anywhere to be seen.
IPVanish offers app support for the Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS and Amazon Fire device platforms. The provider can be manually set up on Linux computers.
No Chrome or Firefox browser extensions are to be found. However, plenty of router support is available.
The provider has no limits when it comes to how many devices users can concurrently connect on a single account.
IPVanish’s 24/7 customer support includes a live support chat option, a searchable support library and email support.
PROS:
- Outside contractors kept away from customers’ personal data
- 24-hour customer support
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
CONS:
- Lacks browser extensions
- Struggles with some streaming sites
UNLIMITED, EXTRA PRIVACY PROTECTION:IPVanish’s top-notch privacy protections include a proprietary global server network, keeping third-party contractors away from customer data. The VPN service provider’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance means you’ll never run out of VPN protection. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Malta
While Meltese internet users don’t have to deal with filtering or blocking of online content by their government, that doesn’t mean that a VPN isn’t required. Several factors need to be carefully mulled over before deciding on a VPN service provider.
Below, you’ll find the factors that I carefully considered when putting together this list of VPNs for use while living in or visiting Malta:
- Connection Speed: A fast internet connection helps to make all of your online activities more enjoyable. (Okay, maybe not paying bills, but at least maybe you can finish faster?) All of the VPNs I include on my list provide above-average connection speeds.
- Server Network: A large global server network equals access to more geo-blocked content in other countries. Also, the more servers there are in an individual country, the less chance a server’s performance will take a hit from serving too many users.
- Value: When calculating a VPN provider’s value, you compare the VPN’s asking price to the features it offers. All VPNs that I include on my list offer an excellent return on investment.
- Ease of Use: A VPN should offer easy-to-use apps for as many popular device platforms as is possible. Each VPN service provider that I included on my list offers easy-to-use apps for the most popular device platforms.
- Security and Privacy: Any VPN worth considering should, at a minimum, protect its users’ connections with banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. A strict no-logs policy is also a must, ensuring that the VPN doesn’t save any evidence of your online antics.
- Streaming: Reliable access to streaming sites is an important feature for any VPN. Each VPN I include on my list offers reliable access to popular streaming sites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and others.
Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.
Will a Free VPN Work in Malta?
I won’t lie to you, it’s quite possible that you can use a free VPN while inside Meltese borders. However, you will lack true privacy while also settling for less-than-optimal convenience and performance.
You won’t have true privacy when using a free VPN. Freebie providers earn money by tracking their users’ online travels, selling it to anyone willing to pay a fee (or comes to their door, subpoena in hand).
Plus, some VPNs have been caught inserting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browsing sessions. Those tracking cookies hang around, continuing to track your online travels, even after you’ve disconnected from the free VPN servers.
Remember, if an internet service is free, YOU are the product they’re really selling. ::COUGH!:: FREE VPNs! GOOGLE! FACEBOOK! ::COUGH!::
Free VPNs also come up lacking in the convenience and performance departments.
Some free VPN service providers may make you wait before either being automatically connected to a server of the VPN’s choosing or being allowed to connect to a limited number of free VPN servers.
Once you’re finally connected, you’ll likely see your connection speeds drop like a rock. Free VPN providers throttle free users’ connection speeds to preserve bandwidth for their paying customers. You’ll also be subject to daily or monthly data caps.
You’ll be happier if you pay a few euros per month for quality VPN service.
What Can a VPN Do For Me?
A quality Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides comprehensive protection and enhancement for all of your online activities.
A VPN encrypts your internet connection, creating a virtual tunnel that hides your online travels from those that would like to monitor them.
Hackers are looking to monitor your activities so they can steal your personal or business information. Your ISP likes to track you so it can sell your online usage information to advertisers, and the government tries to monitor your online travels because, well, they’re the government.
Luckily, a VPN’s encryption prevents any person or group from spying on you or from stealing your personal information.
A VPN also protects you while using an unencrypted public WiFi hotspot, such as the ones found in hotels, coffee shops, airports and other public places.
The unencrypted nature of public WiFi hotspots makes it easier to connect, but it also makes it easier for hackers to monitor other users’ online travels. A VPN encrypts your connection, blocking the bad guys from following you.
ISPs have also been caught blocking or throttling your connection for engaging in “unapproved” activities, such as streaming from some streaming services or sharing files via BitTorrent. A VPN’s encrypted protection hides your online antics from your ISP.
A VPN also has the ability to unblock geo-blocked content restricted to users in other countries thanks to its ability to temporarily assign a fresh IP address from another country to your device.
Conclusion
Meltese and Gozitan residents and visitors can protect and enhance their online travels with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). NordVPN is our #1 choice for comprehensive online protection and enhancement in Malta (and everywhere else around the globe).
NordVPN’s impressive global server network provides comprehensive access to geo-blocked content in most countries around the globe. Fast and well-protected connections keep your online activities secret from hackers and other nosy folks. NordVPN delivers excellent protection for most popular devices, excellent router compatibility and 24/7 customer support.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.
VPN in Malta FAQs
Is VPN Use Legal in Malta?
It is completely legal to use a VPN in Malta. However, let me remind you that a VPN is a privacy tool. It should never be used to facilitate illegal online acts.
Why Use a VPN in Malta?
While online users face few restrictions when it comes to Malta, there are still good reasons to use a VPN while inside the country. A VPN protects your online activities from prying eyes. It does this while you’re on your home or business network and while using public WiFi hotspots.
A VPN also provides access to geo-blocked content located in other countries. VPNs with servers based in Malta provide access to Maltese content when you’re in another country.
What’s Available on Maltese Online TV?
There are numerous Maltese TV channels that make their content available online, both as livestreams and on-demand. Online content is available from:
- One Play
- Smash TV
- Flivin
- Net TV
- TVM