Every crypto trader, in general, and those using DeFi should focus on security and privacy to deprive hackers of assets. 

A VPN—a Virtual Private Network—is a simple but very effective asset safety tool. It encrypts your data, routes it through secure channels, and hides your IP address, making hacking your online activities much more difficult.

Why Crypto Traders Need VPNs

According to Cryptopolitan, the crypto market lost around $2 billion in the first half of this year to hacking and phishing, among other crimes. The losses were mostly attributed to private key exploits, where hackers gain access to your most sensitive information, thus causing asset loss. VPNs can easily cloak your connection to prevent such attacks.

Also, you might find a country that you need to access but can’t because of its heavy internet restrictions. However, with a VPN, one bypasses those restrictions and can access websites or their services.

In addition, most VPN services come with a “kill switch,” which automatically cuts off your internet connection should it be disrupted. This is important because your real IP will be exposed during a blackout.

How to Select the Best VPNs? 

Not all VPNs are created equal, especially for crypto trading. The very things you need to consider in choosing the right kind of VPN that will safeguard your assets are as follows:

1. Privacy and Security

First and foremost, you would want a VPN service that keeps your identity private and secure. It should have good encryption mechanisms and provide privacy features like a no-logs policy, which ensures that the VPN service provider does not record your browsing activities, and leak protection to prevent any accidental exposure of your IP address.

Be aware of where the VPN provider is located. Countries with pretty strict data protection laws and minimal governmental surveillance—like Switzerland or Panama—are often quite good places for privacy-oriented VPNs.

2. Speed

Fast internet speeds are like a lifeline to crypto trading, especially in fast markets where timing can make all the difference. The best VPNs should not decrease your connection speed too much so you can trade faster and quicken access to relevant platforms. Compare speed performance between different VPNs to choose those with unlimited bandwidth and minimal latency.

3. Crypto Payment Support

It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s nice if your VPN service accepts crypto payment. This can further add a layer of privacy since you do not have to attach a more traditional payment method, such as a credit card, to your account.

4. Value

Free VPNs might look super attractive; however, they often lag behind in terms of security features, speed, and the number of servers. In all honesty, a premium VPN service is worth every dollar if one takes crypto assets seriously. However, the first consideration would be whether the price is worth the value of the offerings.

5. Reputation and Reviews

Finally, always check your VPN provider’s reputation and reviews. You can often read user reviews at app stores or VPN-specific forums, where real users share their experiences, taking into account both the positive and potential negative sides.

5 Best VPNs for Crypto Trading

With all this in mind, here is a roundup of the best VPNs for crypto trading, ranked according to their features, privacy, speed, and overall value.

1. NordVPN – Most Secure and User-Friendly

NordVPN is among the best options for crypto traders since it uses advanced encryption and top-notch security features. They ensure your data is very well protected with military-grade AES-256 encryption. It also uses both the OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, so you can opt for whichever is most important: security or speed – or both. The service also maintains a no-logs policy and a kill switch for additional security. 

2. Surfshark VPN – Best Budget-Friendly Option

Although not ideal for beginners, Surfshark is great for those looking for an affordable option. It boasts a robust security combination of AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy verified through independent audits. 

3. ExpressVPN – Top Choice for Accessibility around the World

ExpressVPN boasts the most extensive server locations. This makes it one of the best options for users who need to access places where geo-blocking may be an issue in trading or denies access to particular content. For instance, ExpressVPN, based in the British Virgin Islands, provides strong privacy protection and a strict no-logs policy. 

Additionally, it is one of the few VPNs that rotate IP addresses often to make hacking even harder for hackers. High speed and consistent performance provide excellent reasons why serious crypto traders should consider using ExpressVPN.

4. Proton VPN – High-Speed and Privacy-Focused

The next good option is Proton VPN, especially for privacy-conscious traders. The company is registered in Switzerland, follows a tough no-logs policy, and uses advanced encryption standards to protect users’ data. Also, Proton VPN is one of the few open-source VPNs; anyone can check its code for transparency. 

5. CyberGhost VPN – Best for Beginners

If you are a beginner in VPNs and need some easy software, CyberGhost is the way to go. It has a user-friendly interface and quick setup, which takes minutes and gets started right then. CyberGhost is also noted for its robust security features, such as a no-log policy, AES-256 encryption, and servers in over 90 countries. This service also accompanies a kill switch and DNS leak protection to augment security.

If you need anonymity and speed, even on a budget, the VPNs mentioned above are among the top choices for crypto traders. Invest in one that suits your needs and finally have peace of mind regarding securing your cryptocurrency portfolio from cyber threats.