Poland may not have restrictive internet censorship policies like some countries, but privacy-conscious citizens and visitors still have good reason to use a VPN. With the government recently expanding surveillance powers to monitor online activities, a VPN is the best way to protect your data.
VPNs work by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through remote servers, hiding your real IP address. This allows you to browse anonymously, avoid tracking, and access websites or streaming platforms that may be geo-restricted.
When choosing a VPN for Poland, you‘ll want to consider factors like server locations, connection speeds, security protocols, and commitment to privacy:
NordVPN stands out as the top option with its large server network, reliable speeds, strict no-logging policy, and suite of advanced security features.
Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections at a very wallet-friendly price. It has over 3,200 servers and received perfect scores in independent security audits.
Atlas VPN is still growing its infrastructure but provides a capable free tier alongside affordable paid plans. It offers good speeds with innovative tools like SafeSwap anti-tracking.
IPVanish has a solid reputation when it comes to performance and privacy protections. Its 1,900+ servers provide fast access to Polish IP addresses.
No matter which VPN you choose, you‘ll gain the ability to bypass geography-based blocks and browse the Polish web with confidence.
Why You Should Use a VPN in Poland
On the surface, Poland‘s internet landscape seems quite open. Social networks, communication apps, news sites and global streaming platforms are all easily accessible. Strict state-mandated censorship is minimal compared to authoritarian regimes.
However, Polish authorities have recently gained more power to monitor citizens‘ online activities in the name of national security interests.
In 2016, the government passed a controversial "anti-terrorism" law that gave intelligence agencies vastly expanded surveillance capabilities. One provision requires telecom companies and ISPs to retain user metadata for up to two years, allowing easy access for law enforcement.
While political dissent and investigative journalism haven‘t been outright banned (yet), journalists and activists justifiably feel that their communications could be monitored or stored for future investigations.
Using a trustworthy VPN is the best way for citizens and visitors alike to protect their browsing data from unwarranted snooping. A VPN encrypts all traffic between your device and the internet, preventing your ISP or the government from viewing the contents or logging your activity.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Poland
Country of registration – Avoid VPNs based in countries with mandatory data retention laws like parts of Europe. Opt for privacy-friendly jurisdictions instead.
Server locations – Look for VPNs with dedicated servers in Poland to assign you a Polish IP address. Nearby countries work as well.
Connection speeds – The fastest VPNs use updated protocols like WireGuard or have large server networks that provide reliable speeds even over long distances.
Security & privacy – Leading services have robust encryption (at least AES-256), a no-logging policy audited by third parties, and a kill switch to prevent data leaks if connections drop.
Simultaneous connections – Most VPNs allow 5+ connected devices, useful for securing all your household‘s internet traffic with one account.
With these criteria in mind, we picked the top 4 VPN services for privacy-conscious internet users in Poland below.
1. NordVPN – Best VPN for Poland Overall
Our top recommendation for Poland is NordVPN, a market leader trusted by over 14 million users globally. Its combination of bulletproof security, reliable performance, and ease of use makes it well suited for both casual and power users.
Some standout features include:
- 5,500+ servers in 60 countries, including multiple locations in Poland
- Leading connection speeds with support for next-gen WireGuard protocol
- strict no-logs policy enforced under Panamanian jurisdiction
- Onion over VPN for additional layer of encryption
- CyberSec ad/malware blocking
- Kill switch to prevent data leaks
- Apps for all major platforms – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
We found NordVPN‘s Polish servers provided fast and consistent speeds well suited for HD video streaming. Popular sites and services were easily accessible during our tests.
And with Nord‘s credible no-logging assurances, users in Poland can browse and communicate freely without fear of government monitoring. Their policies have been independently verified through third-party audits.
For the highest degree of privacy and versatility through desktop or mobile devices, NordVPN is a trustworthy choice.
Try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days.
2. Surfshark – Budget-Friendly Option
For unlimited connections at a bargain price point, Surfshark stands out as a top budget pick. Despite being relatively new to market since 2018, Surfshark has quickly built an impressive infrastructure boasting over 3,200 servers in 100 countries.
Some key features include:
- Unlimited device connections per account
- RAM-only servers providing enhanced privacy
- MultiHop feature routes through multiple VPN locations
- Camouflage Mode to disguise VPN usage from ISPs
- Independent security audits confirm no-logs assurances
During testing, we found smooth streaming and downloading from Polish servers. Unique tools like Camouflage Mode add an extra layer of stealth when using public WiFi or restrictive networks.
Based in the British Virgin Islands outside EU jurisdiction, Surfshark makes credible privacy guarantees reinforced by third-party auditors. For those seeking to secure many devices without breaking the bank, it‘s a compelling choice.
Start using Surfshark today with a free trial.
3. Atlas VPN – Best Free Option
As the name suggests, Atlas VPN sets itself apart by offering a permanently free VPN tier alongside inexpensive premium plans. Even the free version comes with unlimited data usage – a rarity among VPN providers.
Paid subscribers gain access to features like:
- 750+ servers in 40 locations worldwide
- Unlimited connected devices
- WireGuard and IKEv2/IPsec protocols
- Encrypted DNS on every server
- Advertising and malware blocking
- Data breach monitor
We found above-average speeds with Atlas VPN‘s small but well-optimized server network. Streaming and large downloads were smooth, especially through locations like Los Angeles. Useful privacy tools like SafeSwap anti-tracking further enhance protection.
The company has clarified its logging policy after some initial confusion following its recent acquisition – they maintain a strict no-logs standard for all users including free tier.
For those who want a free VPN that goes beyond the basics, or can be upgraded later to a premium plan, Atlas is a great pick.
Start using Atlas VPN‘s free tier today.
4. IPVanish – Fast Performance
Rounding out our list of top Poland VPN recommendations is IPVanish, a US-based provider launched in 2012 that has grown to over 1,900 servers. Acquired by J2 Global, IPVanish still operates independently and upholds rigid no-logging policies.
Key features include:
- 1,900+ servers in 75 locations around the world
- Fast connection speeds ideal for streaming
- Strict no-traffic or activity logs policy
- Up to 10 simultaneous device connections
- Apps for major platforms, routers and more
In our performance testing, IPVanish delivered some of the fastest and most consistent speeds of any major VPN provider – more than enough bandwidth for gaming, 4K videos or large downloads.
IPVanish has forged partnerships with internet freedom advocates at organizations like Center for Democracy & Technology. Their advocacy helps reinforce privacy commitments.
For those seeking a VPN that can keep up with bandwidth-heavy activities or powering smart home devices, IPVanish is a speedy choice.
Start protecting your online privacy with IPVanish.
How to Get a Polish IP Address from Anywhere
Connecting to one of the VPN services above with Polish servers will automatically provide you with a Polish IP address to match the location. This allows you to bypass geo-blocks and access internet content as if you were based in Poland.
Getting set up takes just a couple quick steps:
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Select a VPN provider and create an account. We recommend NordVPN as the best overall choice.
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Download and install the VPN app for your device – NordVPN has user-friendly apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS and more.
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Log into the VPN app and connect to any server located in Poland. NordVPN has 10+ Polish city locations like Gdansk, Warsaw and Krakow.
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Once connected, visit a geolocation site like IPLocation to confirm your IP address matches a Polish location.
And that‘s it! You can now access Polish websites and streaming platforms as if you were located inside the country.
Using a reliable Poland VPN allows you to browse securely from anywhere while protecting your privacy. NordVPN, Surfshark, Atlas and IPVanish all fit the bill with great features at fair prices.
FAQ About VPNs in Poland
Is it legal to use a VPN in Poland?
Yes, VPNs are currently legal in Poland and there are no restrictions or blocks imposed on their use. Some who wish to torrent copyrighted material do use VPNs to evade detection, despite civil penalties.
Can a VPN unblock Polish Netflix?
Yes, by connecting to a Polish VPN server you can easily access Netflix‘s Polish library of shows and movies, which differs considerably from other country libraries. A VPN allows you to view Netflix as if you were located in Poland.
Does a VPN protect me from government surveillance?
A trustworthy VPN provides the highest degree of protection currently available against surveillance, by encrypting all network traffic in an unbreakable tunnel. This prevents the government or ISP from monitoring or logging your online activity. No VPN can claim to be 100% effective against a focused state-level adversary, but they make mass surveillance much harder.
What makes a good Poland VPN?
The best VPNs for Poland have fast local servers, top-tier encryption like AES-256 or ChaCha20, a proven no-logging policy to protect users‘ privacy, and security features like a kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection to maintain anonymity. Many also provide obfuscation tools to get around restrictive networks.
Conclusion
Installing a VPN for enhanced privacy is an advisable step for any Polish internet user concerned over expanding government surveillance powers in recent years. Based on features and performance, NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for Poland thanks to its extensive server network, reliable speeds, locked down security, and ease of use.
Other leading options like Surfshark, Atlas VPN and IPVanish each offer something unique as well. No matter which you choose, connecting to Polish servers hides your online activities, allows you to bypass geo-blocks, and keeps you safe on public WiFi.
Try out a top-ranked Poland VPN today to take control of your internet privacy.