VPN for Sweden

Best VPN for Sweden

Maria Perinic Written by Marija Perinic
Last updated on May 6, 2021

Sweden might be known as one of the most liberal countries in the world, but when it comes to the internet you might be surprised how many new laws have been introduced limiting people’s internet experience. The best way you can protect yourself from falling into these traps is by using a virtual private network (VPN).

Sweden is a country that has strong beliefs about its citizens having great internet freedom, but even Sweden has its boundaries. The Swedish government has had a crackdown on those people infringing on copyright laws and as one of the countries with the most pirated content in the world has pushed authorities to take action against people torrenting or streaming illegally.

There have also been court rulings ordering Bahnhof, one of Sweden’s most popular ISP’s to hand over personal details of their users which have violated copyright laws.

So, if you’re living in Sweden, going there as an exchange student or traveler, an expat or a business traveler, the best thing you can do for yourself is to get a hold of a VPN, where your anonymity on the internet is guaranteed. Keep reading to find out the best VPNs for Sweden.

For the strongest encryption and the fastest connection in Sweden, get Express VPN right now.

In this article

The Best VPNs for Sweden

#1 ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has been one of the most popular choices for a VPN service for years now. They are our top choice of VPN for Sweden because they have no issues getting around geo-blocked content allowing you access to platforms such as Hulu, iPlayer, HBO, BBC Player, ESPN, Kodi, YouTube TV and the crowd favorite, Netflix. With over 2,000 servers in 94 countries and lightning fast speeds, you know that ExpressVPN will have your back in Sweden.

So, how do you know that your streaming or torrenting activities won’t fall into the wrong hands? ExpressVPN has its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands, meaning they are nowhere near the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14 eyes alliance. ExpressVPN will never log information like your real IP address, the IP address you connect to using your VPN, your browsing history, traffic destination or DNS queries.

This VPN is compatible with platforms such as Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, BlackBerry, Linux, and Chromebook. When purchasing ExpressVPN you have the possibility of using their services simultaneously on three devices, which is incredibly handy, especially if you’re traveling.

Setting up the service takes just a few minutes, and with one click you will be on your way to anonymous internet browsing. Should you fall upon some technical difficulties you can always contact the ExpressVPN customer service agents who are on call 24/7.

Here are some of the top reasons to choose ExpressVPN for Sweden:

  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Ultra-fast streaming speeds
  • Compatible with Android TV (Box) and Fire TV
  • Apps available for every device
  • Hides your streaming activity
  • 3 simultaneous connections
  • No connection logs
  • No activity logs
  • P2P possibility
  • Ping times that are minimally affected
  • ExpressVPN works extremely well in high censorship countries
  • Military-grade encryption
  • Large international server network
  • 30-day money back guarantee
  • Outstanding customer service
  • 99% uptime guarantee

ExpressVPN also offers a special deal, get 3 months free and 49% savings with their annual subscription plan!

Want to find out more? Check out the full review here

#2 Surfshark

Voted the best VPN newcomer for 2019, Surfshark has cemented its place coming in second for our top picks of VPNs for Sweden. They might be new on the block, but Surfshark has really shown its teeth to their competitors. Having fewer servers than ExpressVPN, 500 in 50 countries, has not slowed these guys in making waves in the VPN pool. With blazing speeds and complete anonymity, you know that your internet experience in Sweden will go down without a hitch.

Surfshark will keep your private data just that, private. They do not collect incoming or outgoing IP addresses, browsing activity, used bandwidth, downloads or purchasing information, VPN servers you use, session information or connection timestamps.

One feature that we love is MultiHop, that allows you to connect via multiple countries at once, taking your ID protection and footprint masking to a whole new level. Just in case your connection drops, there is a kill switch that will stop your internet activity altogether. The best part is probably the unlimited number of connections that you can have on the one subscription, keeping you and your family safe, always.

Here are some more reasons that got them to the top of our list:

  • Great download speeds
  • Zero logging
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Unlimited platform protection
  • Unlimited Server Switching
  • Some servers work with Netflix
  • Strong encryption
  • Torrenting allowed

Want to find out more? Check out the full review here

#3 CyberGhost

CyberGhost offers its customers a wide range of servers, having 5,900 around the world in 90 countries, meaning you can catch up with any of your favorite movies and TV shows with no issues at all. If you are moving to Sweden from the US for a shorter, or longer period, you can breathe easy because CyberGhost has as many as 701 servers in the US alone.

Don’t worry about not being sure which VPN to go for. If you choose CyberGhost, you have the option of getting your money back within 45 days if you opt for their three-year plan. It might not be the fastest VPN on the market, but with its headquarters in Romania, you can be sure that none of your information will be shared with your ISP or third parties. You can also use your CyberGhost subscription with seven devices simultaneously.

Here are some more reasons why we recommend CyberGhost for Sweden:

  • Strict No Logs Policy
  • High speeds
  • Automatic Kill Switch
  • Simultaneous connections on up to 7 devices
  • Easy to use
  • 256-bit AES Encryption
  • Unlimited bandwidth and traffic
  • OpenVPN, L2TP-IPsec and PPTP protocols
  • Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Routers

Want to find out more? Check out the full review here

#4 NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the most popular picks when it comes to VPNs for Sweden and with over 5,000 servers in more than 60 countries it is simple to see why this is so. Taking security very seriously, NordVPN has a special feature that sets them apart from the pack, called “DoubleVPN”. This means that when you select the server you wish to connect to, your web traffic will be encrypted twice. It should be noted that this special feature might slow down your connection though.

Another step to securing your anonymity, NordVPN state within their privacy policy that, “We do not store connection time stamps, session information, used bandwidth, traffic logs, IP addresses or other data. From the moment a NordVPN.com user turns on the NordVPN.com software, their internet data becomes encrypted. Any online traffic coming from their user’s device is no longer visible to ISP, third-party snoopers or cybercriminals.”

If you were thinking of purchasing your VPN service with PayPal, you will have to go with a different service provider as NordVPN doesn’t work with PayPal any longer, or choose a different payment method. In the past, it should also be noted that French Netflix hasn’t worked with NordVPN, so if that is a deal breaker you may want to look into another provider like ExpressVPN.

Here are some cool features NordVPN have on offer:

  • Over 5000 servers in 62 countries
  • IP Leak protection
  • Double VPN
  • CyberSec
  • Onion Over VPN
  • Simultaneous connections on up to 6 devices
  • Automatic Kill Switch
  • 30-day money back guarantee
  • Set-up and installation takes just minutes
  • 24-hour customer support

Want to find out more? Check out the full review here.

#5 TunnelBear

You may not have heard of TunnelBear, but this VPN option is certainly one to look into when looking for the right VPN for Sweden. With over 1,800 servers around the world in as many as 22 countries, it cannot compete when it comes to server numbers with VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, but it does hold its own when it comes to important factors like features and its privacy policy. There is great security enforced with military-grade encryption as well as GhostBear, an added security feature which can get you around some of the hardest obstacles like the great Firewall of China.

Privacy is key with this VPN provider which only collects meta-data in order to make their service as reliable as possible. Speeds are also above average in Europe so you will not have to worry about lag or streaming your favorite shows in HD quality. There is a freemium option available for TunnelBear customers that will allow you 500MB of free data, with an added 1GB if you post about them on Twitter.

Here are some more reasons why TunnelBear is a sound option for Sweden:

  • High-speed connection
  • Free plan available
  • Connects up to five devices simultaneously
  • Kill switch
  • Stealth mode
  • User-friendly
  • Visually appealing interface
  • Regular independent audits
  • RememBear feature
  • No DNS leaks detected
  • 5 simultaneous connections
  • AutoTunnel
  • Supports P2P and TOR

Want to find out more? Check out the full review here.

#6 ProtonVPN

Keeping your devices secure in Sweden will not be a problem with ProtonVPN which has as many as over 620 servers in 44 countries. As well as having military-grade protection, you will also be able to enjoy protocols like IKEV2 as well as IPSec and OpenVPN. Whilst ProtonVPN does keep an account of your timestamps there is a clear no-logging policy and because they use a third party for billing transactions this VPN company won’t even have your billing information on hand.

“ProtonVPN respects its users’ privacy and enforces a No Logs policy. This means your VPN connections remain private and we do not store information about your connections or the websites you visit.

For the purpose of securing your account and making sure it’s you who is signing in, we store a single timestamp of your account’s most recent login. Again, we do not store any information about where you signed in from or how long you were logged in.”

The Swiss-based VPN service is also behind the highly respected privacy mail service by the name of ProtonMail. Secure Core is another feature we love that works as a double VPN.

Here are some of the best reasons to invest in ProtonVPN for Sweden:

  • Strong encryption
  • Forward secrecy
  • All major platforms covered
  • Strong protocols
  • Swiss Based
  • Strict no-logs policy
  • DNS leak protection
  • Kill switch
  • Tor over VPN
  • Easy to use
  • Professional support
  • P2P support
  • Up to ten devices covered
  • Quick country selector
  • Quick connect

Want to find out more? Check out the full review here.

Privacy Laws and Regulations in Sweden

Your first thoughts associated with Sweden might be something along the lines of freedom of speech and liberal views in general, but you shouldn’t let that fool you when it comes to internet laws. As discussed earlier, Sweden has come a long way and changed many laws within their countries, especially when it comes to their internet freedom.

Something called the Spridningskollen initiative has come into play which works on behalf of Atlantic, Noble Entertainment and Crystalis Entertainment. Basically, it allows them to access your personal data without needing to get a court summons. Using special software they check whether you are downloading copyright materials and if you are, there is a chance you will get fined up to $250 for each violation. That value can add up to serious sums if you’re not careful.

Hate speech is something that is not tolerated within Sweden and in recent years have brought about new laws protecting citizens from such behavior, including comments based on race, national origin, ethnic origin, color, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs.

Just last year the constitution was changed by the Swedish parliament in order to include transgender people, protecting and strengthening their rights as individuals. So if you are found to be guilty of hate speech you could face up to four years in jail.

Surveillance in Sweden

Although not by its own will, Sweden now collects and logs internet data from all its citizens. It was announced in 2006 by the EU that national ISPs were to hold data of their customers for a minimum of six months in case individuals needed to be prosecuted or investigated. However, the Swedish government wanted nothing to do with this and by 2010 had still not implemented the new rules.

After paying a massive fine of over 3 million euros, Sweden finally implemented the directive and even though it was abolished in 2014, you can see how Sweden is ready to fight for the rights of its citizens. You should note that in 2009 an Act on Signal Surveillance for Defense Intelligence Activities was passed which approved surveillance of internet traffic by state authorities. They will only be able to retain your data with a court authorization, but even that will be impossible if you have a VPN.

Streaming in Sweden

Channels such as Netflix Sweden, Viaplay, C More, HBO Nordic, SF Anytime and Dreamfilm are available in Sweden, so if you are out of the country and want to watch your favorite Swedish shows, a VPN will be the only way to do it seamlessly. On the other hand, if you are staying or living in Sweden for a specific amount of time and feel homesick, you should know that the Netflix media library in Sweden is nothing like the US one, lacking many of the big name titles.

It is important to know that websites used for streaming like Pirate Bay and Swefilm are blocked in this country and torrenting is not allowed either. Sweden will fight against copyright infringement without any hesitation so it is best to cover your tracks just in case. To do so, a reliable VPN provider is your safest option.

You might be tempted to get your hands on a free VPN for Sweden, as there are numerous options out there. Know that this is usually a ploy to get ahold of your personal data and when you download the software of this so-called “free” VPN you will be paying for it with your sensitive information, which is counterproductive to having a VPN in the first place.

The Bottom Line

Living, working, studying or traveling in Sweden might be one of the best experiences of your life. Do not let things take a bad turn and have your amazing experience turn into a huge life lesson. Sweden, a country known for its freedoms, has taken on reforms in the past few years, cracking down on internet usage.

Copyright infringement is something that the authorities in Sweden take very seriously, as they have proven, ordering one of their biggest ISPs in the country to hand over user data in order to find out whether copyright laws have been breached.

Sweden has been one of the few countries to accept Syrian refugees and with the new political climate, new censorship laws curbing hate speech have come into place which can land you in jail for up to four years. Hate speech shouldn’t be tolerated in any case, with this we agree, but there are other laws out there which you may not be aware of that can land you in hot water.

Keep yourself and your family protected next time you head over to Sweden and invest in a trusted VPN. Choose one with a wide server network, allowing great speeds and secure locations. Also, consider a VPN that gives you unlimited traffic as well as bandwidth and no speed caps or throttling.

A zero logging policy is vital to protect your identity so your personal data never gets handed over to the government, even if your ISP is obligated to do so, your VPN should not be under the same obligation. Remember that a quality VPN will use military grade 256-bit AES encryption to make sure your data remains safe.

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