The Best VPN for Boatlife: Online Protection for Sailors and Liveaboards
Staying connected to the internet is crucial for both part-time sailors and liveaboards. Whether it’s for navigation, communication, employment, or entertainment, having reliable and secure internet access is a must.
However, marina Wi-Fi networks carry risks, geo-blocking restricts internet access, ISP’s monitor your internet use and employers can track your location using your IP adress. This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes into play. A VPN not only protects your data from hackers but also allows you to access geo-restricted content, browse the web anonymously and hide your location.
Top 3 VPNs for Boatlife
NordVPN for Reliability
Surf Shark for Value
Speedify for Boosting Internet Speed
Living out of vans and boats for the last 6 years, we use our VPN daily to safely use public Wi-Fi connections, log in to geo-blocked streaming services, and occasionally torrent a movie or television show 😬. We have used a number of services, but we are currently using NordVPN after our existing service, Atlas VPN, was acquired by Nord. So far, we’ve been happy with the service with minor issues, including some buffering and occasional dropouts or trouble connecting to a particular server. When our current subscription runs out, we plan to try Speedify to boost internet speed and stability on the boat.
Helpful Resources We Trust and Use
Global Health Insurance – SafetyWing
Online Protection – NordVPN
Accommodation – Booking.com
Boat Rental – Yachting.com
Car Rental – Discover Cars
Ground Transport – Bookaway
Experiences – Get Your Guide
The best VPN for you will depend on your specific needs, so we’ll include several solutions that work for different purposes.
!! Most of these services have a free trial period, so you can try a few out before settling on the one that best suits you !!
Why Do You Need a VPN for Boatlife?
For those living on a boat, whether in a marina in your hometown, at anchor abroad, or even while crossing oceans, there are several reasons to use a VPN.
- Privacy Protection and Improved Online Security – When you’re docked at a marina or anchored near the shore, you’ll likely rely on public Wi-Fi networks for internet access. These networks are often unsecured, making it easy for hackers to intercept your data. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, ensuring that your personal information, such as passwords, emails, and financial transactions, remains private and secure.
- Access to Geo-Restricted Content -Sailing often means crossing borders, this can make accessing your favorite streaming services or websites challenging due to geo-restrictions. A VPN allows you to connect to servers in different countries, bypassing these restrictions and enabling you to enjoy content as if you were back home. Whether it’s Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or your online banking portal, a VPN ensures you stay connected to the services you need.
- Anonymity – Maintaining anonymity online is essential for protecting your privacy. A VPN hides your real IP address and assigns you a new one, making it difficult for websites and third parties to track your online behavior. This particularly benefits liveaboards who want to browse the web without leaving a digital footprint.
- Hide Your Location – For sailors and liveaboards who don’t necassarily want to bradcast where they are in the world, a VPN will effectively hide your location. This can be particularly beneficial for job opportunities, virtual meetings, or accessing region-specific services. By connecting to a server in a desired location, you can make it appear as though you are physically there. This can also be useful for employment, as some companies prefer or require their remote employees to be located in specific regions.
Key Features to Look for in a VPN
Depending on your needs, these are some of the features that you should look for when choosing a suitable VPN.
- Strong Encryption – The primary function of a VPN is to secure your data. Look for VPNs that offer strong encryption, such as 256-bit AES encryption, which is the industry standard. This ensures that your online activities are protected from hackers and cybercriminals.
- Global Server Network – A wide network of servers around the globe allows you to access content from different regions and ensures a stable connection regardless of your location. This is particularly important for sailors and liveaboards who travel frequently. Choose a VPN provider with servers in multiple countries to maximize your access to geo-restricted content and maintain connectivity.
- High Speed and Reliability – A high-speed and reliable VPN is essential for activities such as streaming, video calls, and online work. Some VPNs can slow down your internet connection due to the encryption process. Look for VPNs that are known for maintaining high speeds and have minimal impact on your connection performance.
- User-Friendly Interface – For those who may not be tech-savvy, a user-friendly interface is crucial. A VPN with an intuitive design and easy setup process ensures that you can start using it without any technical difficulties. Features like one-click connect and clear navigation make it easier to manage your VPN.
- Multiple Device Support – Sailors and liveaboards often use various devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. A good VPN should support multiple devices and allow simultaneous connections. This ensures that all your devices are protected without needing separate VPN subscriptions.
- No-Logs Policy – Privacy is a key reason for using a VPN, so it’s important to choose a provider that has a strict no-logs policy. This means the VPN provider does not keep records of your online activities, ensuring your privacy is maintained.
- VPNs Registered in Privacy-Friendly Jurisdictions – To ensure your data remains private and unseen by governments or other entities, it’s important to choose a VPN company registered in a country with strict privacy laws. Countries like Switzerland, Panama, and the British Virgin Islands are known for their strong privacy protections. VPN providers based in these jurisdictions are less likely to be subjected to government surveillance or data retention laws, providing an additional layer of privacy for users.
- Customer Support – Reliable customer support is essential, especially when you’re dealing with technical issues or need assistance with your VPN setup. Look for VPN providers that offer 24/7 customer support through various channels such as live chat, email, and phone.
Best VPNs for Sailing, Boatlife, and Liveaboards
Speedify: Best for Boosting Internet Speed
Speedify is not just a VPN, its primary function is to combine multiple Internet sources of different types (Wi-Fi, cellular, wired Ethernet, tethered phones, etc.) into one super-pipe for faster, more reliable and secure Internet connectivity.
Though the app is not purely a VPN, Speedify operates like a VPN, passing traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel.
It’s great for sailors relying on any combination of mobile, satellite, and marina Wi-Fi, as this software can combine different sources to provide fast, stable internet.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| + Unique feature of combining connections for better speed and stability. + Easy to use. + Good for streaming and reliable connections. | – Based in the US, which has data retention laws. – Can be more expensive than some other options. |
Features:
- Secure Encryption (256-bit AES encryption).
- Servers in over 50 countries.
- Combines multiple internet connections for increased speed and reliability.
- User-friendly interface with easy setup.
- Supports up to 5 devices simultaneously.
- No-logs policy and based in the United States.
Pricing:
- Monthly: $9.99
- Annual Plan: $5.99/month
- Family Plan: $14.95/month (up to 5 users)
NordVPN: Best for Security and Privacy
Nord is one of the biggest VPN services in the world and for good reason. The service is reliable, fast, and secure, all at a reasonable price point. Drawbacks are occasionally slow or dropped connections and a slightly less user friendly interface then some.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| + Strong security features and no-logs policy. + Variety of servers for different needs (e.g., streaming, P2P). + Competitive pricing for longer-term plans. | – Can be slower on some servers. – Advanced features may be overwhelming for beginners. |
Features:
- Secure Encryption (256-bit AES encryption).
- Servers in 59 countries.
- High-speed connections with specialized servers for streaming and security.
- Easy-to-use interface with advanced features for tech-savvy users.
- Supports up to 6 devices simultaneously.
- No-logs policy and based in Panama.
Pricing:
- Monthly: $11.95
- 1-Year Plan: $4.92/month
- 2-Year Plan: $3.71/month
Surfshark: Best Budget VPN for Multiple Devices
Surfshark is a smaller provider with fewer servers available, but it offers great bang for your buck. Its unlimited devices provide plenty of protection for the whole family for a reasonable price.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| + Unlimited devices on a single subscription. + Affordable pricing. + Strong focus on security and privacy. | – Newer provider with a smaller server network – Speeds not as reliable |
Features:
- Secure Encryption (256-bit AES encryption).
- Servers in 65 countries.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- User-friendly interface.
- No-logs policy and based in the British Virgin Islands.
Pricing:
- Monthly: $12.95
- 1-Year Plan: $4.98/month
- 2-Year Plan: $2.49/month
ExpressVPN: Best for Speed and Coverage
ExpressVPN does what it says on the tin: It delivers fast speeds. However, it is slightly more costly and has a five-device limit.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| + Excellent speed and performance. + Wide server network for better connectivity. + Strong focus on privacy and security. | – More expensive than other options. – Limited to 5 devices per subscription.. |
Features:
- Secure Encryption (256-bit AES encryption).
- Large network of servers in 94 countries.
- High-speed connections ideal for streaming and video calls.
- User-friendly interface with one-click connect.
- Supports up to 5 devices simultaneously.
- No-logs policy and based in the British Virgin Islands.
Pricing:
- Monthly: $12.95
- 6-Month Plan: $9.99/month
- Annual Plan: $8.32/month
CyberGhost Best VPN for Streaming and P2P
CyberGhost is geared toward streaming and P2P activities, offering high-speed connections and a wide network of servers in 90 countries. It also offers high privacy for users with a no-logs policy and is based in privacy-friendly Romania.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| + Wide server network and high speeds. + Specialized servers for different uses. + Affordable long-term plan | – Can be slow on some servers. – Interface not the best. |
Features:
- Secure Encryption (256-bit AES encryption).
- Servers in 90 countries.
- High-speed connections with specialized servers for streaming and P2P.
- User-friendly interface with one-click connect.
- Supports up to 7 devices simultaneously.
- No-logs policy and based in Romania.
Pricing:
- Monthly: $12.99
- 1-Year Plan: $3.99/month
- 2-Year Plan: $3.49/month
Private Internet Access (PIA) Best for VPN Customization
PIA provides extensive customization options, making it ideal for users who want control over their VPN settings. It supports up to 10 devices simultaneously and provides solid connection speeds, though its US-based location may be a concern for those seeking maximum privacy.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| + Affordable pricing. + Strong security features and customization options. + Supports many devices. | – Based in the US, which has data retention laws. – Interface can be complex for beginners. |
Features:
- Secure Encryption (256-bit AES encryption).
- Servers in 78 countries.
- High-speed connections with P2P support.
- User-friendly interface with advanced features.
- Supports up to 10 devices simultaneously.
- No-logs policy and based in the United States.
Pricing:
- Monthly: $9.95
- 1-Year Plan: $3.33/month
- 3-Year Plan: $2.03/month
ProtonVPN Best Free VPN
ProtonVPN, based in privacy-friendly Switzerland, offers strong security and privacy features with a no-logs policy. Its free version provides basic functionality with servers in three countries, making it a budget-friendly option for those seeking enhanced privacy without cost, although it supports only one device and has slower speeds compared to premium plans.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| + Free version available. + Strong focus on privacy and security. + Based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. | – Limited servers and slower speeds in free version. – Only 1 device supported in free version. |
Features:
- Secure Encryption (256-bit AES encryption).
- Servers in 3 countries (Free version).
- Moderate speed connections.
- User-friendly interface.
- Supports 1 device (Free version).
- No-logs policy and based in Switzerland.
Pricing:
- Free: $0/month
- Basic Plan: $4/month
- Plus Plan: $8/month
- Visionary Plan: $24/month
Hopefully, we’ve helped shed a little light on some of the better VPN products available for boatlife. If you have a question or think we might have missed a good VPN, let us know in the comments below!