5 Best VPNs for Cuba — Tested and Still Working in 2024

Cuba is beautiful, but the country's online surveillance level is concerning. The government can snoop on every message you send to family abroad and every photo you upload. Cybercrime is also very common because many people use public WiFi. So, you need a VPN with strong security features to protect you and keep your personal information private.

The truth is that it’s hard to find a good VPN for Cuba. Some are too slow, and others may leak your IP address, which negates the whole purpose of a VPN. My team and I tested 50+ VPNs and found the best ones for Cuba. These have robust security features like AES 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy to protect your data and privacy from prying eyes.

My top choice for Cuba is ExpressVPN. It has fast speeds, military-grade encryption, and virtual servers for Cuba. It’s even backed by a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it without any risk. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Cuba in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Best VPNs for Cuba — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Fast and Secure to Reliably Use Your Cuban Accounts Without Risking Your Privacy

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested November 2024

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

Thanks to its proprietary protocol, Lighway, ExpressVPN is the fastest and most reliable VPN we tried for Cuba. We tested its virtual Cuba servers (located in the US) from Nairobi and London, and our average speeds never dropped by more than 10%. It’s normal for a VPN to drop your speeds by about 20–40% over long distances, so this was really impressive.

My UK colleague video called their friends in Cuba, and the connection never dropped

While VPNs aren’t exactly illegal in Cuba, they may arouse suspicion when detected, even though you’re using them for legitimate purposes. ExpressVPN offers an essential extra safety net through automatic obfuscation, which disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic to make it undetectable. Plus, all its servers support streaming, meaning it’s possible to access popular streaming platforms securely from anywhere.

It also has a built-in kill switch, Network Lock, that prevents your data from leaking even if your connection drops unexpectedly. I tested this feature by randomly switching between servers, and the app paused my internet connection until I was reconnected to the new server. ExpressVPN passed every leak test I threw its way, too.

On the downside, ExpressVPN’s subscriptions are expensive, starting at $4.99/month. Still, you can use its generous year-round discounts to make your plan more budget-friendly. Plus, plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without financial risk. I tested this out, and 5 days later, my money was back in my account.

Useful Features

• Threat Manager. ExpressVPN protects you by blocking ads, trackers, and malware sites to prevent third parties from harvesting your data. This helps keep your online activities private in Cuba.
• Cuban IP servers. ExpressVPN offers servers with Cuban IP addresses, making it possible to access Cuban sites from abroad. As these servers are virtual, there are no privacy concerns to worry about.
• Split tunneling. This feature allows you to choose which apps use the VPN and which don't. For instance, you can play online games with your international friends through the VPN while accessing your local Cuban bank account via your regular connection.
• Browser extensions. It offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Vivaldi, and Opera. They allow you to connect to the VPN and securely browse the web in Cuba without having to open and adjust the full app.
• Perfect forward secrecy. ExpressVPN provides you with a new encryption key each time you connect, which limits how much data hackers could access if they somehow compromise a key. Given the rise of cybercrime in Cuba, this is an essential safety feature to help protect your privacy.

2. CyberGhost — Torrenting-Optimized Servers to Reliably Download Files in Cuba

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost's network of P2P-optimized servers makes it easy to download large copyright-free files in Cuba. Its team continually tests these to ensure the servers can handle high-bandwidth traffic efficiently. While testing from Nairobi, I could download files without delays on these torrenting-optimized servers. I downloaded Dementia 13 (1963), which was 1.2GB, in about 15 minutes with CyberGhost’s torrenting server in Kenya.

Click the star icon to "favorite" your most used server so you don't have to search each time

Although not as fast as ExpressVPN, CyberGhost’s connection speeds are consistently good. I tested my local servers in Kenya and only lost 8% of my speeds. However, the server in Japan dropped my speeds by 45% — this was expected since Japan is about 11,000km away. Always connect to a server closest to you in Cuba for reliable speeds.

The app’s intuitive design makes it a good choice if you’re new to VPNs. You simply need to pick a server nearby to Cuba and click the big power button. Plus, If you don’t have a preferred location, the Best server location feature can automatically connect you to the fastest available server.

A minor con is that its monthly plan only has a 14-day refund period. However, long-term plans are more affordable and have a generous 45-day money-back guarantee (longer than the industry standard of 30 days).

Useful Features

• NoSpy servers. Its NoSpy servers are in Romania, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, meaning they aren’t required to share your data with governments. This is especially beneficial in Cuba, where privacy is a major concern due to strict governmental internet controls.
• Streaming-optimized servers. CyberGhost offers dedicated streaming servers that can securely access popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ from anywhere.
• WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. These protocols ensure fast and secure internet connections in Cuba, where internet speed and safety can be an issue. WireGuard offers speed and simplicity, while OpenVPN provides reliability and security.
• App rules. You can customize how CyberGhost works with specific apps. For instance, you can set it to automatically connect to a server in the Bahamas when you open Chrome. This means you can securely browse the internet without exposing your data to third parties in Cuba.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — A Large Network to Avoid Server Congestion in Cuba

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix

Disney+ APV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA has 29,650 servers in 91 countries, including the Bahamas, Florida, and Mexico, so you don’t have to deal with the slow speeds that come with server overcrowding. Reliable connections are crucial in Cuba, where base speeds are usually slow. While testing from Nairobi, I didn’t experience any major slowdowns on PIA’s servers, which let me browse and use apps like Snapchat without buffering.

If you don't have a preferred server, always connect to a server with the lowest latency

I also like that PIA offers highly customizable features so you can design your protection according to your needs. I had the option to choose between 2 levels of encryption with the OpenVPN protocol. Although 128-bit encryption is faster, 256-bit provides better security. This makes it easier to boost your VPN speeds while you’re on the slower networks in Cuba.

One slight concern is that it’s based in the US, at the heart of the 5 Eyes Alliance — a group of countries that share intelligence and surveillance data. However, it uses an audited no-logs policy and RAM-only servers, so none of your data will be stored in the first place.

You can test PIA without risk with a money-back guarantee. If it’s not exactly what you wanted, you’ve got 30 days to claim a full refund.

Useful Features

• Unlimited device connections. Protect all your devices on a single account so you never have to log out when you’re online in Cuba.
• Multi-Hop servers. This sends your data through a SOCKS5 or Shadowsocks proxy before it reaches the VPN server. It boosts your security in Cuba by making it harder to trace your original IP address.

4. NordVPN — Threat Protection to Block Malicious Websites While Browsing the Web in Cuba

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN’s Threat Protection guards you against malicious sites, phishing scams, and trackers while you’re browsing in Cuba. It works even when you aren’t connected to a VPN server, so you’ll still get some protection if you’re like me and you forget to turn your VPN on. Plus, this may improve your browsing speed because you don’t need to wait for ads to load.

It also blocked all ads when I tested it on uTorrent

Plus, NordVPN’s speeds don’t disappoint. Our UK-based speed tester had a 9% drop when connecting to servers in France, which is roughly twice the distance from Cuba to a nearby server in Miami. They were able to watch videos on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and other social media sites with no lag.

My only concern is that NordVPN states in its privacy policy that it’s willing to comply with government requests for user information. However, there’s no need to worry since its servers are RAM-based, and it doesn’t collect or store any identifiable information. Plus, it has a verified no-logs policy.

NordVPN’s plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it for yourself risk-free. If you find you’d prefer a different VPN for Cuba, then claiming a refund is simple.

Useful Features

• Auto-connect. Choose a safe location to connect automatically when you enter a WiFi hotspot in Cuba.
• Meshnet. Connect remotely to any of your devices when you’re in Cuba. With this, you could securely share photos with friends and family or simply grab a file from your home computer while you’re in the office.

5. Surfshark — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Safeguard All Your Devices in Cuba

Works With:

ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+ Netflix

Disney+ APV More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark offers unlimited connections with just one subscription, making it a great value if you want to protect your entire family’s privacy in Cuba. During my tests, I connected my desktop, laptop, and 2 smartphones simultaneously and didn’t notice any more slowdowns — from Nairobi, my speeds on local servers stayed stable at a 7% drop on average.

You also get MultiHop locations for extra protection that move your traffic through 2 VPN servers. There are 12 pre-made configurations, but you can choose your own — this impressed me as most VPNs restrict you only to pre-set pairings. It’s a great extra safety net to have in Cuba, particularly if you’re sending sensitive information.

Click MultiHop to see the full list of pre-made connections

I like that Surfshark has a built-in speed testing tool, but it’s slightly annoying that you can't use it while connected. However, it's not a big issue because it only takes a few seconds to re-connect.

You can try Surfshark in Cuba for free for 30 days with a money-back guarantee. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, claiming a full refund within this period is straightforward.

Useful Features

• GPS spoofing. Surfshark's Android app uses GPS spoofing to hide your real location. This is important in places with a lot of surveillance, like Cuba. It keeps your exact location private and stops others from tracking you.
• Static IP. A drawback of VPNs is that your IP address changes every time you connect, meaning you often have to solve annoying CAPTCHA tests. A static IP ensures your browsing in Cuba is CAPTCHA-free.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Cuba

I conducted extensive tests and only picked the most trustworthy VPN for Cuba. The VPNs on my list can protect you against hackers and snoops, don’t log your data, and maintain fast speeds for browsing, streaming, gaming, and more.

If you still wish to conduct your own VPN assessments, you can use this as a guideline.

• Strong security features. I only chose VPNs with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and secure protocols like OpenVPN. I’ve also highlighted VPNs that offer obfuscation, which means that third parties won’t be able to see that you’re using a VPN.
• Plenty of servers near Cuba. I only settled on VPNs with many servers in or near Cuba. Nearby servers are usually faster than far-away servers, so you won’t have to deal with any huge slowdowns if your base speeds in Cuba are already slower.
• Fast speeds. I only picked VPNs that don’t significantly slow down your speeds when connected to nearby and faraway servers from Cuba. This way, you can securely play games and browse the internet without slowdowns.
• Smooth streaming. Choose a VPN that offers reliable streaming support. The VPNs on this list can easily access popular streaming services in HD from anywhere.
• No-logs policy. Every VPN on this list has a no-logs policy that’s been verified by third-party auditors. This means that even if the Cuban government or any other organization requests your internet history, there’s no identifiable data available for them to see.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee. I ensured that all the VPNs on my list have a reliable money-back guarantee so you can try the service risk-free while in Cuba.

Travel Info: Internet Freedom and Civil Rights in Cuba

In Cuba, the government tightly controls the internet and suppresses dissenting voices. Cuba has one of the world's lowest levels of freedom of speech.

Decree-Law 370/2018 restricts the sharing of information that doesn't align with what the government considers socially acceptable. This means that those in roles such as journalists, whistleblowers, and digital activists are at an increased risk of receiving fines, detention, or jail time.

While in the country, you can only get online via a Cuban SIM card or an ETECSA internet card. You will have to give your name and address before you can log in. The Cuban government closely monitors all web traffic in the country, and the requirement to use these documents can make tracking internet traffic back to you easier.

Digital rights in Cuba are also under severe threat. As part of Decree-Law 35, the government can label various forms of online content, such as government criticism and "fake news," as cybersecurity threats. This could lead to widespread censorship, surveillance, and targeted internet restrictions against critics and dissidents.

In Cuba, you'll mainly rely on government-approved WiFi hotspots for internet access, but these are not secure and could expose you to cyber threats like man-in-the-middle attacks.

Plus, Cuba blocks various websites and services, including well-known social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, encrypted messaging apps like Telegram, and global news sites like the BBC. So, if you’re visiting Cuba, you’ll need to use other apps to chat with family and friends back home or keep up with the news.

FAQs on Using a VPN for Cuba

Is it legal to use a VPN in Cuba?

It’s complicated. VPNs aren’t explicitly illegal, but Cuban law prohibits “anonymizing and encryption tools” unless the government approves them. Despite this, VPNs are now very popular in Cuba for protecting data and privacy. I recommend using a VPN with robust encryption and a kill switch to keep you safe in Cuba.

As always, my team and I don’t condone illegal activity. Please inform yourself of the latest laws and regulations regarding VPN use and website bans in Cuba so you don’t accidentally break any rules.

Are there VPNs that work in Cuba?

Yes, various premium VPN services work effectively in Cuba. In this article, I’ve only recommended premium VPNs that offer virtual servers in or near Cuba to ensure a fast and stable connection. Plus, these VPNs come with robust security and privacy features to keep your data safe while browsing the web from Cuba.

Is there a VPN with Cuba servers?

The Cuban government has strict controls on which entities can set up internet services in the country. This means that VPN providers can’t set up servers in Cuba without obtaining permission. However, our top-rated VPN offers secure virtual servers for Cuba. While the hardware is physically located in the US, these servers can give you a local IP address.

Can I get a VPN for Cuba on my mobile device?

Yes. Every VPN on this list works seamlessly on iOS and Android devices, making it simple and easy to set up and use a VPN on your mobile. Some even come with extra security features that automatically connect to the VPN if the app detects you’ve signed onto public WiFi, helping to keep the data on your mobile device secure.

Is it possible to use a free VPN for Cuba?

Yes, but I strongly advise against it. Instead, you can try one of our recommended premium VPNs with its money-back guarantee to ensure your online privacy and security in Cuba. Free VPN services often have few server locations and impose bandwidth and data caps.

They can also pose significant risks to your online privacy and security, which you don’t want anywhere — least of all in Cuba. Plus, many free VPNs have been caught engaging in shady practices like logging user data and selling it to third parties.

Can I use Snapchat with my Cuba VPN?

Hypothetically, yes. However, because Snapchat (and other social media apps) are banned in Cuba, using a VPN to access them is against the law, so you could get into trouble. The vpnMentor team does not encourage using a VPN for illegal activities, so be sure to read up on your local laws and always use a VPN responsibly.

Get the Best VPN for Cuba

Not all VPNs can keep you secure in Cuba. Some don’t have servers in Cuba or nearby, and others aren’t fast enough to avoid dropping your speeds significantly. The team and I tested 50+ VPNs and found only a handful that offered robust security, fast speeds, and plenty of local and international servers to choose from.

My top recommendation for Cuba is ExpressVPN. It offers fast speeds and a large server network (including servers in Cuba), making it possible to access local and international sites without slowdowns. Plus, it has automatic obfuscation on every server, which will protect you from snoops within Cuba. You can even try ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for Cuba...

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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