5 Best VPNs for Cuba — Tested and Working in 2025
Most VPNs get instantly blocked on Cuban networks, leaving you unable to safely access basic services or protect yourself on public WiFi. With ETECSA's strict monitoring and the country's widespread surveillance, connecting to the internet without protection puts your personal data at risk.
We tested over 45 VPNs to find ones that work consistently in Cuba. Only a handful had the right combination of nearby servers in Miami and the Bahamas, obfuscation features, and security tools needed for Cuban networks. These VPNs let you browse safely on public WiFi and stay connected with family abroad.
ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for Cuba because its virtual location technology maintains stable connections even on restrictive networks. Its proprietary Lightway protocol gave us fast speeds on nearby and even faraway connections, so we could browse and stream without interruptions. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 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.
Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Cuba in 2025
- Editor's ChoiceExpressVPN
Virtual Cuba servers with the fastest speeds on ETECSA networks, plus advanced security.Checked out by 7000+ users last month - CyberGhost
Activity-specific optimized servers for safe and reliable connections in Cuba. - Private Internet Access
A wealth of customizable features to keep your connections in Cuba protected. - NordVPN
Built-in Threat Protection blocks malware and ads on sites while you browse from Cuba. - Surfshark
Budget-friendly with unlimited connections to cover all your devices in 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.
Best VPNs for Cuba — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)
1. ExpressVPN — Fastest Speeds With Virtual Cuba Servers
![Small assortment of technological devices compatible with ExpressVPN.](/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/expressvpn-autoresized86X.png)
Tested February 2025 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Best Feature | Virtual Cuba servers deliver optimal speeds on restrictive networks |
Nearby Locations | Bahamas, Costa Rica, Mexico, Tampa, Miami (x2), and more |
Security | Automatic WiFi protection, IP/DNS leak prevention, Network Lock kill switch |
Works With | Netflix, Max, Hulu, Disney+, Snapchat, Facebook, WhatsApp, and more |
ExpressVPN’s virtual Cuba servers provide fast speeds on Cuban networks. We only lost 8% of our speeds while testing its virtual Cuba server, leaving us with 196.12Mbps. Even with faraway locations, we never lost more than 30% of our speeds. This is exceptional, considering most VPNs cause slowdowns between 50–80%. Plus, its proprietary Lightway protocol is specifically optimized to work on restrictive networks like ETECSA.
![Screenshot of the ExpressVPN app connected to a Cuba server over a Cuban website](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/best-vpns-for-cuba-1-expressvpn-en-autoresized86X.png?timestamp=1738840858)
You get automatic obfuscation on all servers, which is crucial for Cuba since regular VPN traffic often gets blocked. This feature disguises your VPN connection as normal web traffic, letting you browse safely on public WiFi without detection. I tested this on several networks and never had issues connecting, while other VPNs frequently got blocked.
These servers are reliable, too. With 3,000 servers in 105 locations, including several nearby connections, it provides safe access to popular sites and content from anywhere. In fact, ExpressVPN worked with every streaming site and social media platform we tested it with.
The short-term plans are relatively expensive. However, ExpressVPN regularly offers significant discounts on longer subscriptions, making it much more affordable. You can try it risk-free since it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested this for myself using 24/7 live chat, and it was quick and easy.
Useful Features
- ShuffleIP. This built-in automatic feature bolsters security by assigning a different IP address for each website you visit without requiring you to manually change your server location.
- Advanced Protection. This set of features blocks ads, malicious websites, and trackers that could compromise your data on Cuban networks. This is especially important given the rise in cybercrime targeting tourists on public WiFi.
- Based in the British Virgin Islands. This privacy-friendly jurisdiction outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance means ExpressVPN isn't required to store or share your data with authorities, giving you true online privacy in Cuba.
- Browser extensions. Lightweight extensions for Chrome and Firefox let you quickly protect your browser traffic without launching the full app, perfect for quick connections on public WiFi.
- Perfect forward secrecy. This regularly changes encryption keys to prevent anyone from decrypting your past traffic, even if they somehow capture your current session key.
- One of the fastest VPNs
- Works with top streaming sites
- A proven no-logs policy
- Limited customization
- Smart Location isn't always the fastest
2. CyberGhost — Activity-Specific Servers for Reliable Connections in Cuba
Best Feature | Specialized servers for privacy, torrenting, streaming, and gaming |
Nearby Locations | Miami, Bahamas, Mexico |
Security | Exceptions split tunneling, App rules automation |
Works With | Netflix, Max, Hulu, Disney+, Snapchat, Facebook, WhatsApp, and more |
CyberGhost makes it easy to select the right server for your tasks in and outside Cuba. It offers servers designed for fast and stable connections for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. For a small additional fee, you get access to NoSpy servers, which are owned and operated exclusively by CyberGhost in Romania. These provide an extra layer of privacy from Cuban surveillance. Although there are no Cuba IP servers, there are plenty of nearby locations.
![Screenshot of the streaming servers on the CyberGhost app](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/best-vpns-for-cuba-2-cyberghost-en-autoresized86X.png?timestamp=1738842990)
The app automatically protects you when connecting to public WiFi networks, which is crucial in Cuba, where many people rely on public hotspots. I tested this feature at several locations, and it activated instantly when joining new networks, keeping my data secure from potential threats that often target tourists and visitors.
Its simple interface makes it perfect for first-time VPN users. You don't need to adjust any settings — just click the power button and CyberGhost automatically connects you to the best available server. You can also save your go-to connections by clicking the star icon, which will save it under Favorites.
The monthly subscription is a bit pricey and only comes with a 14-day refund period. However, long-term plans offer much better value and include a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. This gives you plenty of time to test it for free on Cuban networks.
Useful Features
- Fast nearby connections. We lost around 20–30% on nearby to mid-distance connections which left us with an average of 156.55Mbps. However, it couldn’t keep up with ExpressVPN — especially on long-distance servers, where we saw more significant drops around 50%.
- WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. Choose between fast performance with WireGuard or maximum security with OpenVPN, depending on your needs in Cuba.
- Block content. Built-in malware blocker helps protect your devices on public WiFi hotspots in Cuba.
- 7 simultaneous device connections. Protect various devices while traveling in Cuba without juggling different accounts.
- Secure access to streaming
- Military-level security
- Designed for ease of use
- Slower long-distance servers
- Doesn't work in China
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Security for All Use Cases in Cuba
Best Feature | Adjustable security features for fine-tuning your security in Cuba |
Nearby Locations | Florida, Mexico, Bahamas |
Security | Adjustable kill switch, dedicated IPs |
Works With | Netflix, Max, Hulu, Disney+, Snapchat, Facebook, WhatsApp, and more |
With PIA, there are tons of customization options to optimize your connections in Cuba. For instance, the Connection Automation feature provides robust protection on Cuban public WiFi networks. You can create rules for how the VPN behaves when it connects to open and protected WiFi networks. I set it to automatically connect whenever I use an open WiFi network, so I know I’m always covered.
Enabling its MACE feature blocks malicious ads and trackers, which helped preserve my mobile data. Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN. During testing, I routed PayPal through the encrypted tunnel while letting less sensitive traffic (like Cuban news apps) use my regular connection. You can also adjust the encryption level via OpenVPN connections.
![Screenshot of the PIA app](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/best-vpns-for-cuba-3-pia-en-autoresized86X.png?timestamp=1738844915)
It’s also a budget-friendly VPN that covers an unlimited amount of devices under one plan. This makes it a great option if you have a lot of gadgets to protect in Cuba or a large household. Long-term plans start at just $2.19/month.
The interface can be overwhelming with its many customization options, which might intimidate VPN beginners. However, it comes pre-configured for optimal performance in Cuba, so you don't need to adjust any settings to get started. You can try PIA for free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Useful Features
- Fast speeds. In our PIA tests, we got great speeds that averaged 166.78Mbps on nearby servers, which allowed us to browse smoothly and stream content in HD.
- Multi-Hop. This feature routes your traffic through a proxy plus a VPN server for enhanced privacy from surveillance. It also helps PIA work on more restrictive networks in Cuba.
- Many servers to choose from
- Customizable security settings
- Solid choice for torrenting
- Hit-or-miss customer support
- Tricky to navigate
4. NordVPN — Enhanced Security Features for Protection Against Cuban Cyber Threats
Best Feature | Advanced suite of security tools for safe connections in Cuba |
Nearby Locations | Miami, Costa Rica, Mexico |
Security | Dedicated IPs, Tor over VPN servers |
Works With | Netflix, Max, Hulu, Disney+, Snapchat, Facebook, WhatsApp, and more |
NordVPN’s Threat Protection safeguards you from the rising cybercrime in Cuba. While testing this, it blocked malicious websites and prevented malware downloads — the Pro version can even do so when the VPN isn’t connected. This extra layer of security is particularly valuable when using unsecured public WiFi networks, where cyber threats are common.
![Screenshot of the Threat Protection Pro settings on the NordVPN app](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/best-vpns-for-cuba-4-nordvpn-en-autoresized86X.png?timestamp=1738845361)
Its Dark Web Monitor feature added another crucial security layer by scanning for data breaches involving my email address. Combined with Double VPN servers that route traffic through two locations, these features create a robust shield against surveillance and cybercrime in Cuba or anywhere in the world.
Meshnet technology lets you create secure connections between your devices, which can be useful for remote work or if you’re just traveling to Cuba. I used this feature to safely access files on my home computer and share photos with family, maintaining privacy even on monitored networks.
While it can be slow to establish initial connections, NordVPN maintains stable speeds once connected. In our tests, we got a respectable 169.60Mbps from nearby servers. You can try all its features for free with the 30-day money-back guarantee that’s available for all plans.
Useful Features
- Proprietary NordLynx protocol. Built on WireGuard technology but with enhanced privacy features specifically designed for restrictive networks like those in Cuba.
- Auto-connect. Automatically establishes a VPN connection when you join unknown WiFi networks, preventing any accidental exposure of your data.
- Strong security and privacy
- Fast local and faraway servers
- Great for streaming
- Some long connection times
- High renewal prices
5. Surfshark — Multi-Device Protection Safeguards All Your Connections in Cuba
Best Feature | Connect unlimited devices simultaneously under one affordable subscription |
Nearby Locations | Miami, Mexico, Bahamas |
Security | CleanWeb ad blocker, customizable MultiHop connections |
Works With | Netflix, Max, Hulu, Disney+, Snapchat, Facebook, WhatsApp, and more |
Surfshark lets you protect unlimited devices on a single affordable subscription, making it perfect for large households in Cuba. During our tests, we connected 12 different devices simultaneously — from laptops to smartphones. While speeds decreased slightly, the connection remained stable enough for basic browsing and messaging.
The Rotating IP feature adds an extra layer of privacy by periodically changing your IP address without disconnecting from the VPN, making it harder for network administrators to track your online activity. The seamless rotation didn't interrupt my Surfshark browsing sessions.
![Screenshot of the Rotating IP option on the Surfshark settings menu](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/best-vpns-for-cuba-5-surfshark-en-autoresized86X.png?timestamp=1738846805)
Bypasser split tunneling helped optimize connection speeds by letting me route only essential apps through the VPN. I configured banking apps to use my regular connection while keeping social media and messaging services encrypted. This saves mobile data and improves overall performance on slower Cuban networks.
Being based in the Netherlands (a 9-Eyes jurisdiction) raises some privacy concerns. However, Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy and uses RAM-only servers that wipe all data on reboot. You can try Surfshark for free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Useful Features
- Camouflage mode. This disguises your data as regular HTTPS traffic to avoid surveillance. To activate, simply select the OpenVPN protocol.
- Static IP. Use a fixed IP address that stays constant, reducing CAPTCHAs and maintaining reliable, safe access to sensitive services while in Cuba.
- Easy to use
- Military-grade security
- Fast speeds
- Clunky torrenting support
- Based in a 9-Eyes country
- Might not work in China
Quick Comparison Table: Cuba VPN Features
Here's a comparison of key features for VPNs that work reliably in Cuba. I focused on essential aspects like server networks, speeds, and simultaneous connection limits that are most relevant, whether you’re visiting or living in 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.
Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Cuba
In our tests, we took note of how reliably each VPN performs on restrictive networks. We also evaluated connection stability on public WiFi hotspots. Plus, we thoroughly assessed security features like automatic WiFi protection and obfuscation capabilities since these are crucial for maintaining privacy in Cuba. Lastly, we tested each VPN’s speeds to ensure they could provide smooth connections for browsing, streaming, and more.
For a detailed breakdown of our comprehensive VPN testing processes, visit our methodology page. There, you'll find exactly how our international team evaluates each VPN's performance. Feel free to use it as the basis for your own tests.
Quick Guide: How to Get a VPN for Cuba in 3 Easy Steps
- Download a VPN before you travel. I recommend ExpressVPN for its proven Cuban network compatibility and the fastest speeds we’ve tested.
- Connect to a server. Select a nearby location like Miami or the Bahamas for optimal speeds on Cuban networks. I recommend turning on the kill switch and automatic WiFi protection, especially if you’re using public networks.
- Go online. Now you’re protected and ready for all your online activities in Cuba.
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.
FAQs on VPNs for Cuba
Is it legal to use a VPN in Cuba?
There’s no law that explicitly states VPNs are illegal. In fact, many residents and visitors rely on VPNs for private connections and data protection on public networks. Still, it’s in a bit of a grey area, as Cuban law restricts unauthorized encryption tools, which may include some VPNs. Also, what you do while connected to a VPN can still be considered illegal. So it’s best to familiarize yourself with the local law and use a VPN responsibly.
What websites are blocked in Cuba?
Cuba restricts access to numerous social media platforms and news websites, including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and many independent news outlets. The government also blocks various messaging apps and VoIP services. The restrictions often change without notice. While certain platforms and services are banned and illegal (like Snapchat), others are simply blocked (like Facebook and WhatsApp) and can still be safely accessed with a reliable VPN with servers in nearby locations.
Is there a VPN with Cuba servers?
It’s rare, but we found that our #1 VPN recommendation, ExpressVPN, offers a virtual Cuba server. The server is physically based in Miami, but it gives you a Cuba IP, meaning you get better privacy. Government regulations make it impossible for many VPN companies to maintain hardware within the country.
What's the best Cuba VPN for iOS and mobile?
ExpressVPN offers the most reliable mobile experience in Cuba. Its iOS app includes automatic WiFi protection and quick server selection for nearby locations. The Lightway protocol helps maintain stable connections on mobile networks, while the intuitive interface makes it simple to switch servers when moving between locations.
Can I get a free VPN for Cuba?
Free VPNs are not recommended for use in Cuba. They lack essential security features needed for Cuban networks and often fail to work reliably with ETECSA’s infrastructure. Plus, many free VPNs are riddled with malware and can put your data and device at risk. Instead, I recommend that you try a premium VPN with a money-back guarantee — this lets you test the service risk-free while getting proper security features.
Get the Best VPN for Cuba
Staying secure on Cuban networks requires careful VPN selection. Most providers lack essential features like server obfuscation and reliable speeds on ETECSA’s infrastructure. After testing dozens of VPNs, we found only a few that consistently work within Cuba's restrictive online environment.
ExpressVPN stands out as the ideal choice for Cuba. It offers fast speeds on its virtual Cuba servers, so you get smooth and private connections within the country. Plus, you’re safeguarded by robust security features and public WiFi protection. You can test all its features risk-free since 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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