5 Best Military VPNs for Overseas Deployment in 2023

If you're deployed overseas, accessing sites and services from your home country can be challenging. Platforms such as Netflix and Hulu are geo-restricted. Some countries also block access to certain apps (like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype), so staying in touch with your family and friends might not be possible.

Plus, getting a secure internet connection is difficult when you’re constantly on the move. Using public WiFi networks leaves you vulnerable to hackers and snoops. Without proper privacy measures, they can get their hands on your sensitive information when you log in to your bank apps, or access your personal files and images.

A reliable VPN protects your data and allows you to unblock content easily, no matter where you are. I tested over 40 VPNs and found the best ones for military deployment. They all have robust security features to protect your online activity, global server networks for bypassing geoblocks, and fast speeds to stream without interruptions.

My top choice for overseas deployment is ExpressVPN. It protects your sensitive data with military-grade encryption and a no-logs policy. With a vast server network and blazing-fast speeds, the VPN lets you access YouTube and stream your favorite videos buffer-free anywhere. You can try ExpressVPN with confidence, as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Getting a full refund is easy if you’re not satisfied with the service.

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Best VPNs for Military Overseas — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)

All my shortlisted VPNs provide top-notch security features to keep your online activity safe while overseas. They also have fast speeds and global servers to unblock the content you need, and watch shows without buffering. The VPNs work on multiple devices simultaneously, too, and offer easy-to-use apps with professional live chat support.

Each one comes with a trustworthy money-back guarantee. So, getting a refund is hassle-free if you’re not fully satisfied with the service.

1. ExpressVPN — Military-Grade Encryption to Protect Your Private Data Anywhere in the World

ExpressVPN’s military-grade encryption makes your data practically unreadable to hackers and snoops. Plus, Perfect Forward Secrecy constantly alternates your encryption key for added safety. I didn’t notice any IP/DNS leaks during my ExpressVPN tests, meaning my actual location wasn’t revealed. You also get a Network Lock (kill switch) that terminates your connection if the VPN tunnel suddenly drops, but it didn’t happen during my tests.

Multiple security protocols, such as the proprietary Lightway secure your connection during military deployment. OpenVPN (UDP or TCP) is the industry standard for online safety, whereas Lightway brings faster speeds with lower resource requirements. It’s very secure as well. I use OpenVPN to safely log in to my banking apps and Lightway for lag-free gaming.

TrustedServer tech (RAM-only servers) wipes your data with every reboot, so the VPN can’t physically store any of your information. Besides, the service has a verified no-logs policy, meaning your private information can’t be collected or shared with third parties. ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances — intelligence-sharing pacts.

The VPN has ample servers in 94 countries for unblocking your home country content during army deployment. It let me binge-watch shows on my Netflix US subscription and watch NHL live on my ESPN+. ExpressVPN can also bypass strict firewalls like those of China. I had no problems accessing my accounts, such as YouTube, Twitter, and WhatsApp, from Shanghai. So you can easily contact your family when stationed in a restrictive country.

You get lightning-fast speeds to watch shows in 4K. I recorded an average download speed of 93.8 Mbps on the US and UK servers — just a 9.8% drop from my base 104 Mbps connection. Interruption-free UHD streaming requires only 25 Mbps.

There are P2P-friendly servers for reliable torrenting and unlimited bandwidth to download without limits. With split tunneling, you can choose which apps use the VPN and which apps don’t. I use the VPN connection with my torrent clients while looking up Google results using my regular IP.

MediaStreamer (SmartDNS service) allows you to bypass geoblocks on consoles or Smart TVs — ​​devices without native VPN support. I also set it up on my TP-Link router without a problem. The apps are easy-to-use and work across many operating systems. ExpressVPN lets you simultaneously connect 8 devices on a single account. Besides, customer support is available via the 24/7 live chat tool if you ever need help.

One minor inconvenience of the VPN is its expensive price — the most affordable subscription starts at $6.67/month. However, ExpressVPN’s generous discounts can save you money. I subscribed to a 12-month plan and got 49% off with 3 extra months of free service. Several purchase methods are available, including PayPal, Klarna (SOFORT), and cryptocurrency.

A tried-and-tested 30-day money-back guarantee means getting a refund is hassle-free. To cancel my subscription, I contacted customer support using live chat. I had to answer only a few questions about my experience with the VPN, and the refund was approved. The money was transferred back to my bank account within just 2 days.

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2. CyberGhost — Vast Server Network to Quickly Access Your Favorite Content Overseas

CyberGhost has a vast server network across 91 countries that lets you access your favorite content while deployed overseas. I unblocked my social media accounts like Twitter, YouTube Premium, and Instagram from China without issues. While testing CyberGhost, I also easily accessed my Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime subscriptions (purchased in the US) from Germany. Additionally, there are servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Thanks to the super-fast speeds, I watched movies in UHD interruption-free. My average download speed on the US servers was 81.6 Mbps. With unlimited bandwidth, you can watch shows back-to-back without being data capped. Plus, you get access to P2P servers for fast and reliable torrenting from your base.

The VPN comes with a built-in ad blocker that stops unwanted ads and malware. AES 256-bit encryption scrambles your data to safeguard you from hackers and snoops. There’s also a kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection for secure browsing sessions. CyberGhost lets you use a dedicated IP address that’s only yours and stays the same every time you connect to the internet. It’s helpful for safe remote access to your business network.

Automatic WiFi protection immediately activates the VPN tunnel while connecting to a new hotspot — it can be enabled in the settings menu. Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost is headquartered outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances (in Romania). There’s a strict no-logs policy too, so your sensitive information isn’t stored or shared with any third party. Plus, for an extra fee, you can get CyberGhost Security Suite for Windows, which includes antivirus protection.

With easy-to-use apps, installing the VPN on my PC and smartphone took me only 5 minutes. It’s also possible to set up CyberGhost on devices like consoles and routers. There’s a 24/7 live chat with a multilingual support team if you need assistance with the VPN while deployed overseas.

One drawback is pricey monthly plans with a shorter money-back guarantee. However, long-term subscriptions start at just $2.19/month. I chose the 2-year plan which is the most budget-friendly deal and offers an extended refund period.

A trustworthy 45-day money-back guarantee means you can test CyberGhost for free. Getting your money back is very simple if you’re not 100% happy with the service. I disabled the auto-renewal feature and canceled my subscription. Then, I contacted customer support using the online web form and asked for a refund. The money was transferred back to my PayPal wallet after 3 days.

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3. Private Internet Access — Impressive Speeds for Streaming and Gaming Without Interruptions While Deployed Overseas

PIA offers high-speed connections for high-bandwidth activities while deployed overseas. I got an average speed of 74.3 Mbps with a 38 ms ping — great for streaming and gaming without interruptions. While testing PIA, I also played Rise of Empires: Ice and Fire without any lag. Besides, you can watch videos on your YouTube and Netflix US accounts in UHD buffer-free.

There are no data caps to torrent without limits. The VPN comes with split tunneling too, which lets you choose the encrypted tunnel apps. I used my torrent client with the VPN connection and the other apps with my regular IP.

Just like CyberGhost, PIA has servers optimized for streaming. Plus, the network spans 84 countries, so you can quickly bypass geoblocks from anywhere during your military service. I streamed Gentleman Jack on my BBC iPlayer account from abroad without facing geoblocks.

The apps are user-friendly, and a single subscription allows Unlimited simultaneous device connections. If you ever get stuck, there's 24/7 live chat support to answer all your questions. I asked how to set up the VPN on my Amazon Fire Stick and received an immediate response. Plus, the apps are open-source, meaning the code is publicly available. To quickly find the server you need, they’re organized by country and city.

You can tailor the VPN experience according to your needs. By customizing the encryption, PIA lets you choose between better security or improved speeds. I use AES 256-bit to safely log in to my banking apps and 128-bit for streaming. A built-in malware blocker (MACE) protects you from malicious websites. PIA also brings a kill switch, reliable leak protection, and a dedicated IP address to safeguard your traffic from accidental leaks.

I was disappointed to see that PIA is based in the non-privacy-friendly US (the heart of the 5 Eyes Alliance). However, your personal information is secured with a strict no-logs policy. This means that PIA doesn’t store or share your data with third parties, no matter where you’re deployed.

It’s possible to get a long-term plan for just $2.03/month. All subscriptions include the same features, so the 3-year plan gives you the best value for money.

Thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee, getting a refund is straightforward. I contacted support through email and got a response in less than 24 hours. The money was refunded to my credit card 4 days later.

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4. IPVanish — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Cover All Your Devices Worldwide

IPVanish allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices on a single subscription for your military deployment. The apps have a user-friendly interface, easily-customizable settings, and 24/7 live chat support. While testing IPVanish, all my connections remained stable even though I used the VPN on 8 devices simultaneously (like my MacBook, Windows PC, and iPad).

You also get fast speeds with uncapped bandwidth to stream and download without limits. So you can watch your favorite shows without interruptions from your military base. When testing the VPN for gaming, I got an average ping of 54 ms for seamless gaming sessions.

AES 256-bit encryption keeps your private information safe. Your data is safeguarded with a no-logs policy (audited by the Leviathan Security Group) and an automatic kill switch. Plus, split tunneling lets you choose the apps you want to run through the VPN tunnel. These features keep your personal information safe from hackers and prevent any accidental leaks during your army deployment.

One issue is that IPVanish doesn’t unblock all streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video. However, I had no problems accessing my other streaming accounts, such as YouTube TV and Netflix US, from abroad. The VPN has coverage in North America, Asia, and several European regions with server networks spread across 75 countries.

It’s possible to purchase the VPN with Paypal and major credit cards. Subscriptions start at only $2.49/month — I chose the yearly plan as it’s the most pocket-friendly.

With a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test IPVanish for free. I canceled my plan using the subscription settings. It was a hassle-free process — I logged in to my profile and clicked the “I wish to cancel my subscription” button. The refund was credited to my bank account after 5 days.

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5. PrivateVPN — P2P-Friendly Network for Reliable Torrenting Overseas

PrivateVPN allows network-wide P2P file sharing, meaning you can torrent easily no matter where you are. The app also has decent speeds for gaming and streaming. During my PrivateVPN tests, port forwarding on specific servers. It makes transfers way safer and faster. Plus, with unrestricted bandwidth, you don’t have to worry about speed drops, even with large file downloads.

There’s DNS/IP leak protection, so your sensitive data isn’t revealed while browsing overseas. AES-256 encryption and an automatic kill switch keep your connection secure too. Besides, with a zero-logs policy, your information isn’t recorded or sold to third parties.

The app has a simple interface for VPN beginners. You can also contact customer support (actual developers) via 24/7 live chat if you get stuck. They even offer free remote installation for your desktop devices when stationed abroad.

One downside is the VPN’s smaller server network. However, with servers across 63 countries, I unblocked my streaming platforms trouble-free (such as Netflix US, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer). Everything worked without hiccups, and I watched The Flight Attendant on my HBO Max account from abroad without being geoblocked.

You can get PrivateVPN for $2/month. I recommend getting the 3-year subscription for the best value for your money.

A 30-day money-back guarantee lets you conveniently get a refund. I contacted customer support using live chat and answered a few questions about my experience. The request was quickly approved, and my PayPal wallet was reimbursed 6 days later.

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Quick Comparison Table: Military VPN Features

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Military Deployment

To find the best VPNs for overseas deployment, I used the criteria listed below. If you wish to make your own research, you can use this checklist and choose the right VPN for your needs:

• Strong security and privacy features — Pick a VPN with advanced security tools such as AES 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch to keep your data protected.
• Global server network — A global network lets you unblock geo-restricted content while you’re deployed overseas. So, get a VPN with ample worldwide servers to access your Instagram, Netflix, and YouTube accounts, even from restrictive locations.
• Fast speeds — Choose a VPN with fast connection speeds for interruption-free streaming, gaming, and torrenting. A VPN shouldn’t drop your base speed by over 50%.
• Easy-to-use apps — Go for a service with user-friendly apps and live chat support. Also, ensure it’s compatible with all your devices.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee — Check if your chosen VPN makes it hassle-free to get a refund if you’re not impressed with the service.

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FAQs on Using a Military VPN for Overseas Deployment

Is using a VPN for deployment legal?

Yes, using a VPN for military deployment is legal in most countries. In fact, it’s recommended to use a VPN to stay protected online and freely access your favorite services. Just use a VPN with robust security, fast speeds, and worldwide servers.

Bear in mind that some countries (like Russia and China) restrict VPN use. So it’s recommended to stay up to date on the current rules about using VPNs while deployed. On the other hand, some of the safest countries to use a VPN are Switzerland and Iceland — they have strong user privacy laws.

Why do I need a VPN while deployed?

A VPN lets you safeguard your online data from cyber threats like packet sniffing (spying on unencrypted traffic). Military members are advised to use a secure network to protect their sensitive information from data theft. A reliable VPN with AES 256-bit encryption helps you stay safe online. It’s the best level of encryption currently available — used by the NSA. A DoD VPN is only needed if your unit requires it for remote access.

Plus, VPNs offer multiple servers that allow you to unblock the content you want. This is especially useful if you’re stationed abroad and want to access local shows from your home country or contact family and friends using social media apps from restrictive locations.

What can I do if my military VPN is not working?

You can disconnect and try another server to get an army VPN working again. Most VPNs also provide automatic kill switches, which can interfere with your network. So, toggle the feature off and try again. Then, connect to a server that unblocks the content you need. However, if your VPN is still not working, try reinstalling it.

How can I get an ExpressVPN military discount?

ExpressVPN doesn't offer a military discount, but you can get 49% off by choosing the 12-month plan and 3 extra months of use for free. Simply subscribe and download the ExpressVPN app to activate the deal.

Can I use a free military VPN?

Using a free VPN can put your data at risk. Most of them don’t provide the same security and privacy features as premium services. It’s a safer alternative to choose a trustworthy VPN with a reliable money-back guarantee. Some free services have also been known to sell your personal information for a profit.

Even if you find a free VPN that doesn't leak your data, you may face plenty of restrictions. They usually come with bandwidth limits and small server networks. So, you can’t use them for streaming or downloading either. Plus, free services constantly force you to upgrade to a paid plan.

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Get the Best VPN for Overseas Deployment Today

When deployed abroad, utilizing a VPN enables you to protect your online data from hackers and unauthorized access. Premium VPN services offer strong security and privacy features, along with extensive server networks worldwide, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions effortlessly and access content from your home country with ease.

My top military VPN is ExpressVPN. It offers military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy. Plus, this service has lightning-fast speeds and an extensive server network to access your favorite content without buffering. You can try ExpressVPN without risk, since it’s backed by a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is convenient if you’re not 100% happy with it.

To summarize, here are the best military VPNs for overseas deployment