Best VPN for Brazil

Each year, around six million visitors flock to Brazil to soak up the sun on its golden beaches, experience the cultural phenomenon that is the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, or simply to experience life in the so-called “o País do Futebol” (“the country of football”).

Unfortunately, politics look set to disrupt many aspects of life in Brazil and online freedoms have already been curtailed. What this means for visitors to Brazil is that, without a VPN, they could find certain apps and content are unavailable. Earlier this year Brazilian authorities demanded an online magazine remove a specific article in what the publishers are calling “an act of judicial intimidation”. Similarly, a few years ago, Brazilian authorities banned WhatsApp, although the current administration has embraced the social media platform as one of its main campaign outlets. Nevertheless, quite what Jair Bolsonaro and his cohorts will do next is anyone’s guess so make sure you’re protected by one of the best VPNs for Brazil before you set off.

For the fastest streaming in Brazil, Express VPN is one of the best VPNs avalible.

Top 4 VPNs for Brazil

#1 ExpressVPN – Unbeatable VPN for Brazil

Like Neymar, the Brazilian soccer player, ExpressVPN isn’t only at the top of its own game, it’s on top of the VPN world. With military-grade AES-256 encryption protecting your online activities from hackers and government surveillance, ExpressVPN offers the kind of cybersecurity you’ll embrace if you want to keep your options open and your device closed.

ExpressVPN has been around long enough to know how to deal with blocked content and has consistently proved itself to be more than a match for Netflix which has repeatedly tried to prevent VPN users from granting unlicensed access to geographically restricted content. Similarly, even countries with serious online censorship laws, like North Korea and China, can’t stop ExpressVPN users from accessing banned sites such as Facebook or Twitter.

In addition to giving its users anonymous access to any online content, ExpressVPN is also one of the fastest around, causing a minimal lag time and therefore making it ideal for those wanting to stream US content while overseas. With an extensive server network and servers in 94 different countries, you can be sure of getting a secure connection with ExpressVPN wherever you are in the world.

With very firm principles about each individual’s right to online freedom and anonymity, ExpressVPN has a watertight privacy policy and a proven no-logging policy, so you can browse, stream, or torrent in complete secrecy.

Although not the cheapest VPN around, ExpressVPN is seriously tough to beat. Whether you want anonymous browsing, throttle-free streaming, or secure online banking, ExpressVPN is the top cybersecurity solution so why waste time? Sign up with ExpressVPN today – they’re offering a SPECIAL DEAL to Secure Thoughts readers: 3 months free (49% savings) on their annual subscription plan.

#2 Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN started circling the cybersecurity scene just a couple of years ago but made a big impression for a little network. With just over 800 servers worldwide, Surfshark is more of a minnow when compared to the likes of CyberGhost or NordVPN. Nevertheless, it’s as fast and furious as its namesake suggests and is currently undercutting most of the opposition when it comes to price.

Like ExpressVPN, Surfshark has the benefit of being situated in the British Virgin Islands where there are no mandatory data retention laws. This means they don’t have to keep logs and therefore, quite simply, they don’t. Although Surfshark hasn’t really had the opportunity to prove its no-logging or privacy policies as yet, so far it seems to be protecting its users’ privacy with all the ferocity we’d expect of a mommy shark!

Versatile and capable of producing high-speed connections suitable for both P2P and streaming, Surfshark is nipping at the heels of some of the leading VPN lights and ExpressVPN is no doubt looking over its shoulder anxiously as this young upstart finds its feet (or fins!).

With additional features that offer multiple VPN connections for extra security, split-tunneling for a faster connection, and ad-blocking for a smoother and safer browsing experience, Surfshark VPN is a force to be reckoned with. It also works effectively at accessing Netflix from overseas and has two servers in Brazil for those needing a Brazilian IP address.

It may seem like small fry at the moment, but with unlimited simultaneous connections available, Surfshark looks set to take VPN giants by storm so why not beat the crowd and sign up today?

#3 CyberGhost VPN

With over 5,900 servers worldwide and 10 in Brazil alone, CyberGhost promises to keep globetrotters and jet setters connected and secure even from the depths of the Amazon Rainforest. As one of the most accessible and user-friendly forms of cybersecurity available, you can stream your favorite Netflix content from Brazil, or anywhere else in the world, with just the click of a couple of buttons.

CyberGhost has been providing cybersecurity solutions since 2004 so has had plenty of time to hone its operation. With top-class encryption and standard security protocols, CyberGhost is a reliable way of accessing blocked content and avoiding prying eyes.

By using no-log servers and managing its network independently, CyberGhost cuts out the middleman and cuts down on the possibility of DNS leaks and other security threats. CyberGhost also allows for seven devices to be connected at any one time, which is considerably more generous than ExpressVPN’s three. While its speeds may not be quite up to the standard set by ExpressVPN, they’re certainly fast enough that you can perform your usual online activities without any noticeable lag or interference.

CyberGhost VPN is a no-logging service with a strict yet simple privacy policy that verifies just how little data it stores, saying it doesn’t know which server a user was connected to at any point nor their original IP address.

With an intuitive interface, CyberGhost has gained a huge following so why not join the thousands already enjoying anonymous browsing and sign up with CyberGhost VPN today? Alternatively, you could give it a trial run for 24 hours before making a commitment.

#4 NordVPN

NordVPN is a well-established, reliable VPN that boasts an enormous server network of over 5,000 servers and some of the best encryption in the business. In an effort to clean up its act after the Tesonet logging rumors broke last year, NordVPN arranged an independent audit to prove its no-logging policy.

Despite its Scandinavian-sounding name, NordVPN is based in Panama, far from intelligence sharing alliances and prying eyes. Its name, according to its marketing team, comes from the company’s desire to emulate “Nordic ideals of freedom, human rights, and trust”.

In keeping with those ideals, NordVPN offers emergency VPN security for those who need and discounted subscriptions for non-profit organizations. When it comes to its actual modus operandi, NordVPN is simple to navigate thanks to its graphic map showing the location of all its servers.

NordVPN also prides itself on offering some of the best cybersecurity protection around, with additional features such as Double VPN and Onion Over VPN available for those who need an extra layer of defense.

Although NordVPN doesn’t always produce the fastest speeds, most of its servers are more than capable of keeping you connected and even performing data-heavy tasks like torrenting or streaming. Certainly, with 26 servers in Brazil itself, it’s one of the best ways of streaming Latin American music and movies from outside the country.

With some tempting discounts on its long-term subscriptions, NordVPN offers good value for money and reliable online security so why not sign up today, or find out more by checking out our full review.

#5 TunnelBear

TunnelBear may be one of the newest options on the VPN market, but it sure packs a punch. Having around 1,800 servers in 22 countries means that getting a decent connection will never be a problem, even in Brazil. It comes with all the basic features every VPN should have as well as a few extra features. Even though there aren’t as many server locations offered as with ExpressVPN, the network functions quickly and the privacy policy will keep your mind at ease at all times.

Another cool thing is that TunnelBear has taken over social media with the brand being very active on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. There is also a freemium version of the VPN available for customers which will give you 500MB of data as well as having an extra 1GB of data if you share lovely things about them on Twitter.

There is a kill switch to keep you secure in Brazil which will block traffic up until the moment that you get your secure VPN connection back. There is a ticketing service in terms of support which will see customer service agents helping you out if you need any help. Assistance should be available within 48 hours of you contacting the TunnelBear support team.

Although it has had issues in the past with streaming services like Netflix, TunnelBear works with US Netflix without any issues. The security protocols put in place by the VPN will also allow you to bypass serious censorship like the great firewall of China.

If you want to dip your toes into the VPN pool, but don’t have a clue where to start, it can quite frankly be somewhat difficult to get the ball rolling. This doesn’t have to be the case with TunnelBear as its one of the easiest VPNs to navigate.

Want to find out more? Check out our full review for more information about TunnelBear.

#6 ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN will keep your internet movements anonymous and private by encrypting your connection and rerouting your web traffic so that it is invisible to your ISP, data collection spies as well as aggressive advertisers. There are four plans to choose from including Free, Basic, Plus and Visionary, with the most popular of the four being ProtonVPN Plus.

Subscribing to this service will allow you access to over 620 servers in 44 locations in the world. The Swiss-based VPN service is full of features that will make your VPN that much easier and safer. This includes one of their best features, Secure Core.

“ProtonVPN’s Secure Core architecture gives our secure VPN service the unique ability to defend against network-based attacks. Secure Core protects your connection by routing your traffic through multiple servers before leaving our network. This means an advanced adversary who can monitor the network traffic at the exit server will not be able to discover the true IP address of ProtonVPN users, nor match browsing activity to that IP.

Secure core servers are located in hardened data centers in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden, protected by strong privacy laws, and operated on our own dedicated networks.”

Whilst around 7% of VPNs sell your online data and over 30% of all VPNs have questionable privacy pšolicies, ProtonVPN does well in protecting your privacy by having a strict no-logs policy. The company will keep your timestamps, but that’s about it.

Even when you’re paying for this service by credit card or PayPal, there is a third party in charge of transactions, so ProtonVPN won’t have access to your billing information. On top of that, you can even use Bitcoin as a form of payment, which is not something every VPN service allows.

All in all, ProtonVPN offers a solid service and a thirty-day money-back guarantee, so there’s nothing to lose. Sign up today and make sure to read our full review.

Issues Affecting Online Freedom in Brazil

Thanks to fake news, many of us, including the likes of Donald Trump, have a fairly loose handle on the truth and, when it comes to democracy, the Brazilian government is in much the same situation. According to Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro, “democracy and liberty only exist when your armed forces want them to”. Certainly not the kind of democracy we’re accustomed to!

Unfortunately, the current situation doesn’t look particularly promising when it comes to human rights or online freedom in Brazil. Not only did the government blatantly spread fake news prior to its election, but it has also been rumored that it also approached and bribed organizations to repeat and disseminate that fake news.

Clearly, the Brazilian government is all too well aware of the capacity of social chat platforms, like Whatsapp, to spread both news and lies, which is possibly why it’s clamping down on both free speech and online privacy.

Like many other countries, Brazil is using anti-terrorism legislation to restrict online freedoms and steal away individuals’ rights to private browsing. At the end of 2017, the Brazilian government, then under the leadership of Michael Temer, passed a law that would enable them to force social media sites into removing any anonymous content that was critical of their administration.

For some, this is the beginning of the end and the Electronic Freedom Forum has been vocal in its concerns about two proposed piece of legislation that could see online freedoms restricted even further. According to the EFF, if these bills are passed, “a tweet in favor of hacking, or actions connected to protests or strikes, could lead to long jail sentences”.

Things certainly aren’t smelling of roses in Brazil’s cyberspace and it would be inadvisable to head over there without one of the best VPNs for Brazil as protection, especially if you want to avoid the crushing blow of Brazil’s exorbitant ICMS tax!

How to Access Brazil’s Top Streaming Sites from Overseas

Despite having only a small percentage of the content that US Netflix viewers enjoy, Netflix remains one of the most popular streaming sites in Brazil. Of course, the content isn’t the same as you’d get in the US so if you want to watch Latin American dramas or catch up with Netflix’s latest Argentine and Colombian drama series, you’ll need a VPN.

With so much uncertainty surrounding the future of online freedom, it’s little wonder Brazilian broadcasters are reluctant to invest the kind of money Disney is throwing at its OTT service. As a result, however, digital TV is struggling to gain momentum.

That’s not to say that there are no streaming services in Brazil and sites like Rede Bandeirantes will give you access to home-grown talent and popular Brazilian reality TV shows like Busão do Brasil and Exathlon Brasil. Rede Globo is another well-liked streaming service, along with its sister channel, Globo Sports. In fact, these services are so well-liked, they’re even included in some US OTT packages, like DirecTV and SlingTV. TeleUp is another Brazilian favorite, although you won’t need a VPN to access it.

While much of the Netflix content available in Brazil is also available in the US, if you want to get a taste of Brazilian streaming services, you’ll need to use a VPN to create a Brazilian IP address. With one of the best VPNs for Brazil, this is simple enough – locate a server in Brazil that has limited traffic and therefore faster speeds, connect, and away you go.

Once connected to a Brazilian IP address, you’ll not only be able to watch Rede Bandeirantes but also streaming services including:

Rede Brasil – reality TV, sport and entertainment

Rede TVT – latest national news

TV Litoral Sul – religion and current affairs

One of the best things about Brazilian streaming services is that most of them don’t require any kind of account or subscription so, once you have a reliable VPN with servers inside Brazil, the rest is as cheap and cheerful as child’s play.

Conclusion

Whether you’re heading to Brazil to soak up the sun, watch a game of football or explore the Amazon Rainforest while it’s still standing, make sure to sign up for one of the best VPNs for Brazil before you go.

With the capacity to hide your online activities, negotiate the most complex of geoblocks, access restricted content and fake your geographical location, cybersecurity services like those offered by ExpressVPN will make sure you have unlimited access to all your favorite content while ensuring no government authorities or cybercriminals can intercept your personal communications.

As Brazil struggles to hold onto its democracy and right to individual privacy, so the need for a reliable VPN becomes increasingly vital to tourists and business travelers alike. After banning access to Whatsapp a few years ago, there’s no guarantee Brazilian authorities won’t pull another similar stunt, especially under the leadership of right-wing president Bolsonaro.

If you want a VPN that’s going to give you a fast connection in Brazil, go with the best – use Express VPN.