Everything Freelancers need to know about VPNs

Why freelancers benefit from a VPN

As a freelancer, your work often depends on secure internet connections, whether at home, in a coworking space, or in a café. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) helps you stay safe by encrypting your data, protecting sensitive client information, and giving you more privacy while browsing. It can also be useful for bypassing geo-restrictions, for example, if you need to access tools, platforms, or research material that are blocked in your region.

Speed

In our comparison, we measured both download and upload speeds as a percentage of our regular internet connection, 100% meaning no loss in speed. The fastest upload speed reached 95%, while the best download speed was around 61%, showing a more noticeable drop in performance. Despite this reduction, speeds still exceeded 100 Mbps in most cases, making every tested VPN completely suitable for remote work, large file transfers, and even streaming (if supported). All tests were repeated multiple times with the same server location to ensure consistency, and results naturally vary depending on your own location and server load at the time of connection.

To minimize slowdowns, many VPNs offer optimized servers for streaming or work-related tasks, and some even include built-in features like split tunneling, allowing you to route only specific apps through the VPN while keeping others at full speed. For freelancers who depend on stable video conferences and large data transfers, choosing a provider with a strong reputation for speed and reliability is essential.

Data Privacy and Security

One of the biggest promises of VPN services is improved privacy. For freelancers who regularly handle client data, strong privacy features are especially important.

• No-Log Policy: Reputable VPN providers commit to not storing browsing histories or connection data. This means there’s no record of what websites you visit or files you send, which is critical when dealing with sensitive client information.
• RAM-Only Servers: Some VPNs use RAM-based servers, which do not store data permanently. If a server is ever taken offline, all information disappears immediately. This is an additional safeguard against data leaks.
• Anonymous Sign-Up Options: A few providers even allow anonymous registration and payment, which adds another layer of privacy, though for most freelancers, this is less relevant than general encryption and no-logs.

Safer Connections in Public Wi-Fi

Freelancers often work on the go, whether in libraries, airports, or cafés. Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient, but also vulnerable to attacks. A VPN encrypts your traffic, making it much harder for hackers to steal sensitive information such as login credentials, financial details, or confidential project files.

For anyone sending contracts, invoices, or accessing client systems while traveling, a VPN is a valuable layer of protection.

Choosing the Right Provider Location

For freelancers in the EU, it can be an advantage to pick a provider that is subject to strict GDPR data protection laws. Countries like Switzerland and Iceland also have very strong privacy standards. This can give freelancers more confidence that their client-related data is handled responsibly.

However, freelancers working internationally should also consider server availability and speed worldwide. A VPN with a wide network of fast servers makes remote collaboration and accessing global platforms much smoother.

What to Look for in a VPN as a Freelancer

When choosing the best VPN for freelancing, focus on:

• Strong No-Log Policy (essential for client confidentiality)
• Reliable Speeds (important for video calls, large file transfers, and remote work tools)
• Easy-to-Use Apps (for switching servers quickly while traveling)
• Wide Server Coverage (so you can connect from different regions without issues)
• EU/Privacy-Friendly Jurisdiction (for strong legal protection)

Is a VPN Worth It for Freelancers?

A VPN shifts your trust from your internet provider to a service that promises not to store or share your data. For freelancers, this means:

• More privacy when handling client data
• Extra protection when working in public Wi-Fi
• Access to global platforms and content without restrictions

A VPN doesn’t guarantee 100% anonymity, but it significantly improves security and control over your online work environment. For freelancers, it’s a simple but effective investment in professional digital security.

What is the best VPN for freelancers?

For freelancers, VPN choice now comes down not only to privacy and features but also to performance, as low latency and strong speeds are essential for video calls, large file transfers, and remote work. ExpressVPN and Proton VPN stand out with excellent performance.

Mullvad is impressive for privacy (anonymous sign-up, cash payment, RAM-only servers) and offers one of the lowest pings and highest upload speed, making it a top choice for security-conscious freelancers who also want speed.

For cost-effectiveness, Surfshark, Private Internet Access (PIA), and IPVanish remain attractive, with Surfshark offering unlimited devices and solid performance for under €2.

NordVPN provides a large server network (164 countries) and good speeds, while CyberGhost offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee but slower downloads. IVPN offers strong privacy features but lags behind on performance and device limits.

• Best for Speed & Reliability: ExpressVPN, Proton VPN
• Best for Privacy: Mullvad (anonymous, RAM-only, cash)
• Best for Budget & Devices: Surfshark, PIA (unlimited devices)
• Best All-Rounder: NordVPN (huge network, solid balance of price and performance)