Want to use the internet privately and bypass blocks in Spain? Looking to watch Spanish TV services abroad? In this guide, we highlight the best VPNs for Spain.best vpn spain

Increasing concern over online privacy and access to restricted services is leading to a heightened interest in VPNs in Spain. Following events such as the Catalonian referendum in 2017, where censorship and surveillance became prominent issues, finding a reliable VPN has become paramount.

Due to the large number of VPNs available, picking the right one can be tricky. Many VPNs offer a substandard service, suffer from slow servers, have few features, or compromise user security by sharing data with third parties. It’s important for users in Spain to find a secure and trustworthy VPN with strong encryption, reliable apps, and a robust privacy policy.

To make finding a VPN for Spain easier, we tested numerous leading VPN providers and handpicked the best VPNs with servers in Spain that work to access popular services like Movistar+, RTVE Play, Atres Player, Mitele, and Filmin from abroad. Whether you prioritize privacy, speed, unlocking restricted content, or torrenting safely, you'll find the perfect VPN in this guide.

The quick list below provides a simple summary of the best VPNs for Spain. Keep scrolling for detailed summaries that will help you to pick between them.

Best VPNs for Spain:

  1. NordVPNBest overall VPN for Spain. Strong security and a wide choice of useful privacy features. Servers in Spain work with Atres, Mitele, RTVE, and more. Allows torrenting. Excellent value for money. 24/7 live chat support. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Surfshark: Best budget option. Lets you connect an unlimited number of devices. AES encryption and a no-logs policy. Super fast servers in 100+ countries, including Spain. Apps for all devices come with a kill switch and split tunneling.
  3. ExpressVPN: A fantastic all-rounder with fast speeds for streaming and torrenting. Servers in 105+ countries, including Spain, to access Mitele, Atres, and more. Reliable encryption, diskless servers, and has been fully audited. 
  4. CyberGhost VPN: Best VPN for beginners in Spain. Has fewer advanced features making it easier to learn and use. More than 10,000 servers in 100+ countries. Protects your privacy at home and on public WiFi. Works to access Spanish streaming services. Strict no-log policy.
  5. Proton VPN: A popular and reliable VPN launched by the developer of ProtonMail. Lots of advanced security and privacy features. Great for torrenting thanks to its port forwarding feature. Works with most streaming services, including Netflix. High-speed connections. 
  6. IPVanish: A US-based VPN with servers in 50+ countries, including Spain. Fast speeds for watching Spanish TV abroad. Allows unlimited connections with a single account. No logging policy and robust AES encryption. 
  7. Atlas VPN: A newer VPN with superb features and fast WireGuard connections. Easy to use. Comes with DNS-based ad blocking and malware filtering built in. Has a basic free plan. Lets you connect unlimited devices.

Summary Table

No value TEST WINNER No value No value No value No value No value No value
No value NordVPN NordVPN logowww.nordvpn.com Surfshark Surfshark logowww.surfshark.com ExpressVPN ExpressVPN logowww.expressvpn.com CyberGhost CyberGhost logowww.cyberghost.com Proton VPN Proton VPN logowww.protonvpn.com IPVanish IPVanish logowww.ipvanish.com Atlas VPN Atlas VPN logowww.atlasvpn.com
Ranking 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Streaming Services Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, ITV Hub Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, ITV Hub Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, ITV Hub Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, ITV Hub Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub Netflix, HBO Max Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer
Avg Speed (Europe) 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps
Popular sites Unblocked 95% 88% 86% 85% 87% 70% 93%
Simultaneous Connections 6 Unlimited 5 7 10 Unlimited Unlimited
Best deal (per month) $2.99
Up to 74% OFF + 3 months FREE!
$1.99
87% off 2yr starter plan + 4 months free!
$4.99
Save 82% + 6 mo FREE
$2.03
SAVE 83% 
$2.99
SAVE 70%
$2.19
SAVE 83% 
$1.83
SAVE 83%

Choosing just seven VPNs from the many providers available online can be extremely confusing. To help internet users in Spain for the perfect VPN for their needs, we narrowed down the options using strict criteria.  

Below, we included some of the important features we looked for when picking the best VPNs for Spain:

  • Fast speeds to let you stream in HD, play games, torrent, or make video calls.
  • Provides strong encryption, along with a kill switch and protection against DNS leaks.
  • Doesn’t log any personally identifiable information and never shares data with third parties.
  • Offers users an extensive selection of locations to choose from.
  • Enables secure access to popular streaming services, including Spanish TV services from abroad.
  • Delivers high-quality customer support without any extra charges.
  • Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS platforms.
  • To be included in our top three positions, the VPN provider must operate a server network that runs entirely on RAM and have undergone audits conducted by a reputable third party.

To learn more about our criteria for VPNs in Spain, check out the methodology section under the summaries!

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?

NordVPN is offering a fully-featured  risk-free  30-day trial if you sign up at this page  . You can use the VPN rated #1 with no restrictions for a month - great if you want to binge your favorite show or are going on a short trip.

There are no hidden terms - just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund.   Start your NordVPN trial here .

Best VPNs for Spain

Here's our list of the best VPNs for Spain:

OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 7.5/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Streaming: 10/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 10/10
Customer Support: 10/10

NordVPN is our top choice for users in Spain seeking watertight online privacy, whether at home, at work, or using public WiFi. With its AES-256 encryption and an independently audited no-logging policy, NordVPN ensures exceptional security and transparency at all times.

In our most recent tests, NordVPN servers posted an average global download speed of 196 Mbps, which makes it a superb option to access Spanish language US TV or South American streaming services in Spain – as well as Spanish TV while on vacation. NordVPN easily bypasses detection from popular streaming platforms like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. 

NordVPN has over 6,000 RAM-based servers in 60+ countries, including servers optimized for streaming, torrenting, and even accessing the Tor network with added privacy. Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, and you can set it up manually on Linux and VPN-compatible routers.

Features include a kill switch, split tunneling to disable the VPN for specific apps, protection against DNS leaks, and a Threat Protection tool that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. NordVPN has undergone independent audits for its infrastructure and software, so you can completely trust all the VPN’s privacy and security claims.

NordVPN's Meshnet lets you remotely access another machine via the VPN and allows for VPN-protected long-distance LAN parties. It offers its own NordLynx protocol that combines WireGuard with a double NAT system for reliable privacy and fast speeds. Customer support is available 24/7 and you can try it risk-free using its 30-day money black guarantee.

Pros:

  • Plenty of advanced features
  • Strong AES encryption and a no-logs policy
  • Fully audited service
  • Has over 6,000 servers in 60+ countries
  • Diskless servers for added security

Cons:

  • Finland server suffered a breach in 2018 (leading to many upgrades and the company doing away with third-party servers)

BEST OVERALL VPN FOR SPAIN: NordVPN takes the top spot thanks to its versatility, ease of use, and consistently fast speeds. Allows torrenting throughout its network. Servers work to access Spanish sites like Mitele, Atres Player, Movistar+, and more. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee to test it yourself.

Read our full NordVPN review.

NordVPN Coupon
Up to 74% OFF + 3 months FREE!
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 7/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Streaming: 10/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 9.8/10
Customer Support: 10/10

Surfshark is an impressive, affordable option for users in Spain, that lets you install and use the VPN on an unlimited number of devices. You can even share your account with friends and family, making you the most popular person at every family function!

Although the monthly subscription cost is pretty average, or even a touch expensive, this VPN gets exceptionally cheap when you commit for two years, making it an absolute steal. Despite being low-cost, Surfshark manages to outperform pricier competitors in server choices, performance, and streaming capabilities. 

With over 3,200 servers across 100+ countries, including servers with static IP addresses and double encryption (MultiHop), Surfshark lets you torrent or stream securely. It works to watch popular major streaming sites like Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, as well as South American TV services like Claro Video, Blim, and Movistar+. You can also use it to watch Spanish TV platforms like Mitele, Netflix Spain, and Atres while traveling abroad via Spanish servers.

The custom Surfshark app provides leak protection, a kill switch, split tunneling, obfuscation (Camouflage mode), and solid AES-256 encryption. It offers IP address rotation and blocks malware, trackers, and ads. It even works in places like China and the UAE thanks to its NoBorders mode – perfect if you have to travel for work.

The privacy policy is transparent and has been verified by an independent third party, which means you can trust it to gain privacy on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux (for which it has a full GUI app). Customer support is available via 24/7 live chat, and you can try it yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Lets you connect unlimited devices
  • Price can go as low as $2.30 per month
  • Audited no logs policy and robust AES encryption
  • RAM-only servers for added security
  • Spanish and Latin American servers to watch regional services abroad

Cons:

  • Monthly subscription could be cheaper 

BEST CHEAP VPN FOR SPAIN: Surfshark offers impressive speeds, strong encryption, and excellent accessibility at an unbeatable price. Servers are available in 100+ countries, including Spain to access home services abroad. Apps are excellent and easy to use. Includes a 30-day money-back policy.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

Surfshark Coupon
Get 4 Months FREE with a 2-year plan
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 6/10
Value for Money: 6/10
Streaming: 9/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 9.5/10
Customer Support: 6/10

ExpressVPN is widely recognized as one of the best VPNs money can buy and has gained popularity among users in Spain. Thanks to its Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN consistently delivers speeds exceeding 170 Mbps, making it one of the fastest VPNs available. It’s an excellent choice for Spanish users who want to play games, torrent, or make video calls.

ExpressVPN can access Spanish TV services from abroad, allowing users to watch their favorite programs on vacation. It provides access to Latin American TV services and Spanish-language content from around the world, including RTVE.es, Atres Player, Movistar+, and Telemundo.

With ExpressVPN, users can enjoy secure and private internet access safe from surveillance and hackers on public WiFi. The apps boast advanced security features such as DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN with native obfuscation, and a reliable kill switch.

ExpressVPN is compatible with all popular devices, allowing Spanish users to install it on tablets, smartphones, laptops, desktops, and routers. In case of any questions or issues, ExpressVPN provides 24/7 customer support via live chat and it has superb FAQs and resources on its website.

Considering its impressive features, fast speeds, and ability to access Spanish and Latin American streaming services, ExpressVPN remains a standout choice for users in Spain. The only caveat? It is a touch expensive compared to our other top choices.

Pros:

  • Numerous servers in 105+ countries, including Spain
  • Audited no-log policy
  • Diskless infrastructure, great connection speeds
  • Kill switch, obfuscation, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling
  • 24/7 live chat support

Cons:

  • Pretty expensive
  • Lacks port forwarding 

GREAT ALL ROUNDER: ExpressVPN is a solid choice for anyone who wants an impressive VPN with excellent performance and an impeccable reputation. A touch expensive, but you do get what you pay for. Fast Lightway protocol and servers in 105+ countries that work to access Spanish language streaming services from around the world. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN Coupon
SAVE: 82% on the 2 year plan + 6 months free!
Get Deal >
Coupon applied automatically

OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Money Back Guarantee: 45 days
Speed: 9/10
Value for Money: 10/10
Streaming: 8/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 9/10
Customer Support: 9/10

CyberGhost VPN was launched in 2004. Its simplicity makes it perfect for users in Spain who are new to VPNs. The service benefits from being based in Romania, a country that lacks invasive government surveillance and mandatory data retention directives.

The VPN maintains a strict no-logging policy, which ensures it has no records of what its users do while connected to its servers. It makes user-friendly apps for Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac, allowing seamless installation and usage across multiple devices. You'll find an automatic kill switch, helping to boost online security. 

The apps have fewer advanced settings than our other recommendations, which makes it easy to learn how to use the VPN to gain privacy wherever you connect. If you have any trouble installing or using the VPN, you can ask questions via the 24/7 live chat.

Despite being relatively simple, CyberGhost VPN still provides a kill switch, strong encryption, and access to servers in 100+ countries. Users can choose between OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, ensuring strong security and fast speeds for streaming and torrenting.

Servers are available in Spain, and download speeds averaged 296 Mbps, making it great for accessing Spanish game servers and TV platforms like Mitele and Atres. Plus, it works to access international services like Netflix US, YouTube TV, Hulu, and HBO Max.

We will note that it doesn't have true app-based split tunneling, port forwarding, or obfuscation. So, if you need any of these features, you may prefer something else. You can try it out risk-free using its generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Fast speeds for HD content, streaming, and gaming
  • Easy for beginners to use
  • Secure VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard
  • Allows seven simultaneous connections

Cons:

  • The kill switch cannot be disabled on Mac, Android, or iOS
  • Causes Captchas in Google search

PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS: CyberGhost VPN is easy to learn and has all the features you need to prevent online tracking. Provides protection against hackers on public WiFi. Servers in 100+ countries are super fast and work to stream popular Spanish TV services on vacation. Works with Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and other popular services. Has a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

CyberGhost Coupon
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 4 months Free!
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 9/10
Value for Money: 7/10
Streaming: 8/10
Ease of use: 6/10
Privacy: 10/10
Customer Support: 7/10

Proton VPN is a leading service highly popular with privacy advocates for being developed by the makers of ProtonMail. It is based in Switzerland, maintains a solid no-logging policy, and is protected by strong privacy laws. ProtonVPN can’t be compelled to hand over usage logs to the authorities.

With servers in 71+ countries, the VPN is suitable for Spanish users who want to access Spanish-language streaming services from the US, Latin America, or mainland Spain. The VPN provides high levels of privacy, allowing users to safely access websites at work or in school.

A limited free plan is available, with servers in the United States, Netherlands, and Japan. This makes the free plan unsuitable for getting an IP address in Spain. However, it is still useful for anybody who needs to gain online privacy by encrypting their data, whether at home or using public WiFi.

The paid plan is quite expensive compared to some of our other recommendations. You get access to many advanced VPN features, including port forwarding, split tunneling, and the popular WireGuard protocol, which is great for streaming and torrenting.

The "VPN Accelerator" claims to make Proton up to 400% faster by utilizing multiple processor cores. However, a fitting question would be 400+ faster than what!? Despite the slightly ludicrous claim, we found the VPN to provide global averages of 303 Mbps, which is plenty fast enough for gaming and HD streaming.

When we tested it, Proton VPN accessed Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and many other popular services. It’s suitable for accessing international content while in Spain; great if you are on vacation there.  

In terms of security, Proton VPN has AES-256 encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and MultiHop servers known as "Secure Core." DNS-based malware and tracker blocking automatically prevents online threats from reaching your device.

Pros:

  • Free plan is trustworthy, secure, and reliable
  • Lots of advanced privacy and security features
  • Decent speeds and good streaming access for international platforms
  • No-logs policy

Cons:

  • Harder for beginners to understand due to its many advanced features
  • Live chat is for paid users only (and hard to find)

BEST FREE VPN FOR SPAIN: Proton VPN has a free tier that you can use on an unlimited basis. Access servers in three countries for free. Premium version has servers in Spain to watch Spanish TV abroad. Strong privacy and security features make it a good VPN for torrenting. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

ProtonVPN Coupon
SAVE 70% on a two-year plan
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 8/10
Value for Money: 8/10
Streaming: 6/10
Ease of use: 9.5/10
Privacy: 8/10
Customer Support: 6/10

IPVanish is a US-based VPN with an average speed of over 268 Mbps, making it one of the fastest VPNs available. Users can access US and South American streaming services, as well as watch Spanish TV while on vacation.

IPVanish boasts a network of approximately 2,000 self-owned servers in 75+ locations, enabling secure access to major streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, NBC, and prominent Latin American TV platforms such as Televisa, TV Globo, and Telemundo.

In terms of security, IPVanish ensures privacy through 256-bit AES encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, a kill switch, a SOCKS5 proxy, and obfuscation. It offers a variety of connection options, such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, SSTP, L2TP, and IKEv2. But it lacks features like tracker-blocking, ad blocking, port forwarding, and MultiHop servers.

In 2018, IPVanish helped the Department of Homeland Security carry out a targeted attack on a user suspected of child molestation. This was a highly targeted attack that did not affect the privacy of other users. IPVanish is now under new management and has undergone an independent audit to verify its no-logs policy, which is watertight.

IPVanish offers user-friendly apps for major platforms, allowing Spanish users to secure their devices and enjoy unrestricted access to any websites or services that are blocked by ISPs, the Spanish government, or local networks (such as at work). Spanish users can get help at any time of day via live chat and try the VPN using its 30-day trial.

Pros:

  • Superb speeds for gaming and streaming
  • Works with Netflix US, uninterrupted streaming access via Spanish platforms
  • Allows unlimited connections with a single account
  • Severs in Spain and Latin America

Cons:

  • Based in the US
  • Not as good as our top recommendations for accessing streams

ALLOWS UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS: IPVanish has fast servers in 50+ countries, including Spain. Strong encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Perfect to share your account with friends and family. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

IPVanish Coupon
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 8/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Streaming: 9/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 8.6/10
Customer Support: 8/10

Atlas VPN is a relatively new service that delivers impressive speeds, averaging over 250 Mbps in our recent tests. This makes it an excellent choice for Spanish users seeking to access American or Latin American streaming services from Spain, and to watch Spanish TV on vacation.

Atlas VPN offers a free plan with a monthly 10 GB data cap and restricted access to servers in just two countries. Unfortunately, this does not include a free server in Spain. Despite this, the free plan is a good way to gain privacy when using public WiFi, for example.

Premium subscribers get a completely unrestricted version of the VPN with streaming-optimized servers, protection for unlimited devices, and access to a network that spans 45+ countries, which is great for traveling abroad. Premium users also enjoy unlimited bandwidth.

With support for WireGuard (with ChaCha20 encryption) and IKEv2 (with AES-256), Atlas VPN ensures secure connections. OpenVPN is not included, which might put some users off, but the protocols it provides are perfectly secure.

AtlasVPN has a solid no-logs policy, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, automatic connection, tracker blocking, and a breach monitor that scans leaked databases for compromised credentials. You get SafeSwap servers with periodic IP address changes and MultiHop+ servers to bounce your data through two locations for added protection.

24/7 live chat support is available, but only for paying subscribers. Free users have to make do with support via email and a searchable knowledge base. You can try the free plan or use the premium version risk-free for 30 days thanks to its money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Speedy servers in 40+ countries, including Spain
  • Reliable general-purpose VPN
  • Fast Wireguard protocol
  • Reliable access to streaming services, including Netflix USA

Cons:

  • Does not work with routers
  • Kill switch leaks during reconnection
  • Free plan is very limited

BEST NEW VPN: Atlas VPN has room for improvement, but it shows great potential and is already on par with more established services in terms of security. Works to access Spanish services abroad. Includes malware filtering and ad blocking. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Atlas VPN.

Atlas VPN Coupon
SAVE 83% on a 3 year plan + 3 months FREE
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

Methodology: How we test the best VPNs for Spain

More than 100 different consumer-facing VPNs are available on the market, and they often differ enormously. 

At Bleeping Computer, we want to recommend VPNs that offer a wide choice of server locations and a variety of useful features, such as the ability to access popular streaming services.

Although we understand that most people want to use a VPN to access content, we still prioritize user privacy over other aspects of a VPN. This is why we only recommend VPNs that are completely reliable in terms of security (in addition to being good for other things).

You can read our testing methodology guide to find out exactly how we test and recommend VPNs. Below, we have included a list of features we looked for when recommending the best VPNs for Spain:

  • Privacy first: We only recommend VPN services that prioritize digital privacy, with strict no-logs policies and strong encryption. Extra points for obfuscation, MultiHop connections, and other useful privacy features.
  • No noticeable speed impact: VPNs must not significantly slow down internet speeds to be considered for our list of recommendations. Our recommendations are great for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
  • Reliable support: We prefer VPNs with responsive customer support, including live chat or email support.
  • Superb accessibility: Reliable VPN connections should go undetected by websites, allowing you to get unrestricted access to a wide choice of global services. It must be able to give the user a Spanish IP address to access Spanish content from abroad. 
  • Inclusive and fair pricing: We favor VPNs that offer free subscriptions in censorship-heavy regions and support a wide range of devices. We also prefer VPNs that don’t overcharge, represent good value for money, and let you share your account with your entire household.
  • Third-party audits: Our top three recommendations must have undergone infrastructure audits by reputable third parties and have had their logging policies verified as well.
  • Diskless infrastructure: VPNs with servers that run in RAM instead of traditional servers are only included in our top three recommendations.

Best Spain VPN: FAQs

Can I use a free VPN in Spain?

While there are free VPNs available, most are not recommended for use in Spain. Free VPNs often lack security and do not provide online privacy, which makes using them a risk to the health of your data and device security. Free VPNs have been found to have invasive privacy policies, to suffer from leaks, have server and app vulnerabilities, and even hide spyware in their apps.

A few reliable VPN providers, like AtlasVPN and ProtonVPN, offer a limited free plan. This allows netizens around the world to gain VPN access in critical situations, such as during government-imposed restrictions on news or social media services. 

Although free plans are useful in times of need (or for people who really can’t afford a premium VPN but desperately need privacy and security),  it is important to remember that free plans have serious limitations. For example, they have fewer server options, and we know of no trustworthy free VPNs that allow you to get an IP address in Spain.

In addition, free VPNs tend to have slower speeds, enforce download limits, and do not work with streaming services like Netflix. Their usefulness is much more limited compared to a premium VPN.

If you require advanced features and unlimited VPN use, we suggest trying our recommended VPNs using their money-back guarantees. This allows you to enjoy an unrestricted VPN plan in Spain for at least 30 days. You’ll be able to access streaming platforms on vacation or from Latin America, the US, or anywhere else in the world.

Do I need a VPN to prevent government surveillance in Spain?

The Spanish government uses regulations to enforce online censorship and surveillance of citizens. In Spain, ISPs are subjected to mandatory data retention directives that force them to retain customer metadata, such as IP addresses, timestamps, and communication logs, for 12 months. It’s essential to use a VPN to prevent ISPs from constantly monitoring and tracking you on behalf of the government.

The primary legislation that permits internet surveillance in Spain is the Criminal Procedure Law. This gives Spanish authorities the power to intercept online communications. 

The organizations responsible for surveillance and censorship include the National Intelligence Center (CNI) and the National Police. These agencies can monitor and intercept communications in cases involving national security or the investigations of serious crimes. Critics point out concerns that the government may use its powers to engage in widespread surveillance under the guise of national security.

In addition to engaging in online surveillance, the government has the power to censor the web. For example, in 2017, a court ordered the blocking of several websites related to the Catalan independence referendum, citing potential violations of the law. 

At that time, ISPs blocked sites that provided information about where to vote in the referendum. ISPs were required to enforce these dubious and overreaching blocks.

There have also been instances of online platforms and services being temporarily blocked or restricted. For instance, during elections, certain content or platforms may be subject to restrictions to ensure compliance with electoral regulations. Many consider this censorship to be undemocratic and overreaching.

Spain generally respects freedom of expression and access to information. But a growing number of cases used censorship to protect national security, public order, or other purportedly legitimate reasons. A VPN is an important tool for maintaining freedom of access and privacy in Spain.

Can I watch Spanish TV with a VPN?

Yes. By connecting to a VPN server in Spain, you will get a valid IP address in the country. This makes you appear to be in Spain, which means that you can use the internet as if you were back home. As a result, you can watch any of the services listed below on vacation:

  • Netflix España
  • Amazon Prime Video España
  • HBO España
  • Movistar+
  • Atresplayer
  • Mitele
  • RTVE A la carta
  • Disney+
  • Filmin
  • Rakuten TV
  • Fubo TV España
  • Sky España
  • Starzplay España
  • Apple TV+
  • YouTube Premium
  • Orange TV
  • Vodafone TV Online
  • El Corte Inglés TV
  • Flooxer
  • TVE Internacional
  • Fox Play España
  • Canal+ Series
  • AXN España

You can use a VPN to access any of those services from within Spain. For example, if your workplace, school, or public WiFi hotspot has blocked a streaming service (or anything else) you can bypass those blocks by connecting to a VPN server in Spain.

Using a VPN in this way bypasses local blocks imposed by the local network administrator. The VPN also provides encryption, so that nobody will know you have bypassed local restrictions to watch TV, play games, or access social media.

Can I play Spanish game servers with a VPN?

Yes. When you connect to a VPN server in Spain, you get a valid IP address there. You can play on local game servers to match with other players in the region. You can also connect to VPN servers in Latin America to use game servers hosted there and find matches with other Spanish-speaking players in the region.

By connecting to a VPN server in Latin America, you may be able to purchase games in a regional version of your favorite game store. This isn’t guaranteed to work, but because of fluctuating prices and exchange rates, it is sometimes possible to pick up a bargain by connecting to a server in Brazil or elsewhere in Latin America.

What is a VPN and why do I need one in Spain?

A VPN is an online service that provides an encrypted connection between your device and the internet. Using a VPN in Spain allows you to browse the internet privately, gain privacy from public WiFi hotspots, and stop local networks and ISPs from being able to track your web visits. A VPN also lets you get an IP address in a remote location to bypass blocks and access region-locked services. 

Below we have included a list of reasons why you should use a VPN in Spain:

  1. Privacy and security: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic to prevent ISPs, government agencies, WiFi network providers, hackers, and other eavesdroppers from intercepting your web traffic. This protects your sensitive personal information and helps to protect your digital footprint no matter where you connect to the internet in Spain. It also helps to protect you against Evil Twin hotspots.
  2. Bypass geo-restrictions: A VPN lets you bypass censorship and access websites or services that are blocked abroad. This means you can access Spanish services abroad or foreign services while in Spain. For example, a VPN works to access streaming services, social media platforms, or restricted VoIP services in countries like the UAE. 
  3. Internet freedom and censorship circumvention: By using a VPN, you can mask your real IP address and access the internet without restrictions. And a VPN works to bypass blocks whether they are imposed by the government or the Spanish WiFi networks you connect to.
  4. Secure public WiFi: Public WiFi networks, such as those found in cafes, airports, or hotels, are often set up incorrectly and could lack the protection you need to stay safe against malicious users and cybercriminals. By using a VPN on public WiFi, you can keep your online activities encrypted, which safeguards your sensitive information against eavesdroppers.
  5. Private browsing: A VPN conceals your IP address from the websites you visit and helps to protect you against tracking and online profiling. This makes it more difficult for websites, advertisers, or other third parties to harvest information about your preferences and browsing habits.
Question mark icon

Did you know

The following information is available to any site you visit:

Your IP Address:

 

Your Location:

 

Your Internet Provider:

 

BLEEPINGCOMPUTER RECOMMENDS:

Using a VPN will hide these details and protect your privacy. We recommend using NordVPN - #1 VPN in our tests. It offers outstanding privacy features and is currently available with three months extra free.