13 Fastest VPN Services in Canada 2022: Speed Test Winners Revealed!
ISPs imposing bandwidth throttling and data restrictions hinder the entire streaming, torrenting, and gaming experience for many individuals worldwide. This is where VPNs make their entry, allowing you to receive faster speeds.
All VPNs slow down your internet speed to some extent. It’s your sacrifice for a private and anonymous internet to watch your favorite show or movie.
A VPN routes your traffic across a remote server in another country which slows down your internet to a certain degree since your traffic has to travel some more than usual.
The difference experienced in your internet speed with and without a VPN connection is called “loss percentage” and the greater the loss percentage, the slower your internet will be while using a VPN.
However, the fastest VPN services in Canada will allow you to minimize the speed loss percentage so you can enjoy your favorite content without having to stare at a buffering screen.
So, I invested 80+ hours into researching speed-optimized providers, like ExpressVPN and twelve others, from a list of 180+ VPN services to help my audience and viewers in enjoying a smoother and faster online experience overall:
13 Fastest VPN Services in Canada 2022: Speed Test Winners Revealed (Quick Overview)
- ExpressVPN: Overall Fastest VPN Service in Canada. 3000+ Servers in 94+ Countries. 89.39 Mbps Average Download Speed on a 100 Mbps Connection. Best Deal: $6.67/mo (CA$9.00/mo).
- NordVPN: Fast & Secure VPN in Canada. 5600+ Servers in 59+ Countries. 84.69 Mbps Average Download Speed on a 100 Mbps Connection. Best Deal: [get_price id=”611″] (CA$5.38/mo).
- Surfshark: Unlimited Simultaneous Connections in Canada. 3200+ Servers in 65+ Countries. 83 Mbps Average Download Speed on a 100 Mbps Connection. Best Deal: $2.49/mo (CA$3.36/mo).
- CyberGhost: User-Friendly VPN in Canada. 6000+ Servers in 88 Countries. 76.61 Mbps Average Download Speed on a 100 Mbps Connection. Best Deal: $2.29/mo (CA$3.09/mo).
- PureVPN: Budget-Friendly VPN in Canada. 6500+ Servers in 78 Countries. 74.83 Mbps Average Download Speed on a 100 Mbps Connection. Best Deal: $1.99/mo (CA$2.68/mo).
- IPVanish: Best Value VPN in Canada. 2000+ Servers in 75 Countries. 71.09 Mbps Average Download Speed on a 100 Mbps Connection. Best Deal: $3.99/mo (CA$5.38/mo).
- PIA: Best P2P VPN in Canada. 3375 Servers in 84 Countries. 66.19 Mbps Average Download Speed on a 100 Mbps Connection. Best Deal: $2.03/mo (CA$2.74/mo).
- ProtonVPN: Free VPN with Unlimited Bandwidth in Canada. 1746 Servers in 64 Countries. 55.61 Mbps Average Download Speed on a 100 Mbps Connection. Best Deal: $4.99/mo (CA$6.73/mo).
- Ivacy: Cheap VPN with Fast Servers in Canada. 5700+ Servers in 75+ Countries. 54.56 Mbps Average Download Speed on a 100 Mbps Connection. Best Deal: $1.19/mo (CA$1.61/mo).
- TorGuard: Unlimited Speeds in Canada. 3000+ Servers in 50 Countries. 49.79 Mbps Average Download Speed on a 100 Mbps Connection. Best Deal: $3.90/mo (CA$5.26/mo).
- VyprVPN: Underrated Super-Fast VPN in Canada. 700+ Servers in 70 Countries. 47.54 Mbps Average Download Speed on a 100 Mbps Connection. Best Deal: $8.33/mo (CA$11.24/mo).
- TunnelBear: Free VPN with 500 MB Data Cap in Canada. 1800 Servers in 26 Countries. 44.21 Mbps Average Download Speed on a 100 Mbps Connection. Best Deal: $3.33/mo (CA$4.49/mo).
- Hotspot Shield: Free VPN with No Limits on Data in Canada. 1800 Servers in 80 Countries. 38.48 Mbps Average Download Speed on a 100 Mbps Connection. Best Deal: $7.99/mo (CA$10.78/mo).
13 Fastest VPN Services in Canada 2022: Speed Test Winners Revealed (Detailed Review)
Here are the 13 fastest VPN services in Canada described in detail, after comparing their costs, Trustpilot user ratings, and latency/upload/download performance tests:
1. ExpressVPN: Overall Fastest VPN Service in Canada
- Network of 3000+ Servers in 94+ Countries
- Best Price $6.67/mo (CA$9.00/mo).
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- 5 Simultaneous Connections
- Unblocks Netflix
- 89.39 Mbps Average Download Speed
- Trustpilot Rating: 4.7/5
- Editor’s Rating: 9.9/10
ExpressVPN is the overall fastest VPN service in Canada, offering an average speed of 89.39 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.
The VPN uses the military-grade 256-bit AES encryption method with advanced protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway, which is ExpressVPN’s custom protocol.
ExpressVPN boasts a network of 3000+ servers in 94+ countries covering 160 locations globally.
With the constant rotating servers of ExpressVPN, you can achieve the lowest ping rate while gaming or easily unblock geo-blocks on popular streaming sites such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and more.
The provider only offers a 7-day free trial on Android and iOS but you can hack into ExpressVPN’s money-back offer to use it free for 30 days.
ExpressVPN is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can cover all your personal devices with 5 simultaneous connections, but if you think it’s less, then you can use the dedicated router app to configure ExpressVPN on your router easily.
Speed Test Results of ExpressVPN
Download Speed | Upload Speed | |
United States | 93.45 | 90.12 |
United Kingdom | 90.43 | 87.42 |
Canada | 91.15 | 89.93 |
New Zealand | 87.95 | 85.92 |
Japan | 83.98 | 81.41 |
Average | 89.39 | 86.96 |
For more information, visit our dedicated ExpressVPN guide!
2. NordVPN: Fast & Secure VPN in Canada
- Network of 5600+ Servers in 59+ Countries
- Best Price $3.99/mo (CA$5.38/mo).
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- 6 Simultaneous Connections
- Unblocks Netflix
- 84.69 Mbps Average Download Speed
- Trustpilot Rating: 4.5/5
- Editor’s Rating: 9.7/10
Registered in the privacy-friendly region of Panama, where there are no data retention laws, NordVPN is one of the secure VPN providers which, on testing, offered an average download speed of 84.69 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.
The VPN uses the AES 256-bit encryption method with advanced protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx, which is Nord’s custom protocol working on WireGuard with NAT technology.
NordVPN boasts a network of 5600+ servers in 59+ countries, which can easily unblock major streaming sites including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and more.
The service is one of the best VPNs for gaming that offers low ping rates while playing popular games such as PUBG, Fortnite, Overwatch, and more.
NordVPN only offers a 7-day free trial on Android and iOS but you can hack into the money-back offer to use it free for 30 days.
The VPN works smoothly with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can cover all your personal devices with the 6 simultaneous connections it offers.
Speed Test Results of NordVPN
Download Speed | Upload Speed | |
United States | 90.53 | 88.41 |
United Kingdom | 87.52 | 85.55 |
Canada | 88.56 | 86.41 |
New Zealand | 81.58 | 79.55 |
Japan | 75.28 | 72.83 |
Average | 84.69 | 82.55 |
- Fast speed
- Strong security
- Zero logs policy
- Works in China
- Onion over VPN
- No dedicated router app
For more information, visit our dedicated NordVPN guide!
3. Surfshark: Unlimited Simultaneous Connections in Canada
- Network of 3200+ Servers in 65+ Countries
- Best Price $2.49/mo (CA$3.36/mo).
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
- Unblocks Netflix
- 83 Mbps Average Download Speed
- Trustpilot Rating: 4.5/5
- Editor’s Rating: 9.7/10
Surfshark VPN offers unlimited simultaneous connections which means you can connect as many devices as you want in Canada. The VPN has compatibility with all major operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Surfshark was previously based in the British Virgin Islands but it then relocated to the Netherlands in 2020 for business purposes. The region is one of the 14 Eyes members. However, Surfshark assures users that they don’t collect logs.
The provider has been independently audited by Cure53 and the servers 100% work on the RAM infrastructure.
Moreover, the VPN uses the military-grade 256-bit AES encryption method with advanced protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
You can easily unblock major streaming platforms including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+ with the massive network of Surfshark’s 3200+ servers in 65+ countries.
Speed Test Results of Surfshark
Download Speed | Upload Speed | |
United States | 87.58 | 83.38 |
United Kingdom | 85.25 | 81.52 |
Canada | 86.51 | 82.64 |
New Zealand | 79.72 | 77.42 |
Japan | 75.95 | 72.85 |
Average | 83.00 | 79.56 |
- Fast speed
- Budget-friendly
- No logs
- MultiHop
- Unlimited multi logins
- Headquartered in the Netherlands
For more information, visit our dedicated Surfshark guide!
4. CyberGhost: User-Friendly VPN in Canada
- Network of 6000+ Servers in 88 Countries
- Best Price $2.29/mo (CA$3.09/mo).
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- 7 Simultaneous Connections
- Unblocks Netflix
- 76.61 Mbps Average Download Speed
- Trustpilot Rating: 4.6/5
- Editor’s Rating: 9.5/10
CyberGhost is a user-friendly service best suited for VPN newbies in Canada. It offers easy-to-navigate apps for all platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
The provider is based in Bucharest, Romania, which is an unusual but safe jurisdiction since it is not a member of the 14 Eyes Alliance Group.
CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy. However, the VPN has not been audited for a decade now. But it has not been involved in past scandals about data logging or leaking.
The service guards your data with the AES 256-bit encryption method. The protocols you can use with CyberGhost are WireGuard, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2.
CyberGhost boasts a huge network of 6000+ servers in 88 countries which can easily unblock major streaming platforms such as Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more.
Speed Test Results of CyberGhost
Download Speed | Upload Speed | |
United States | 81.62 | 78.44 |
United Kingdom | 78.23 | 76.22 |
Canada | 79.41 | 77.65 |
New Zealand | 74.32 | 72.25 |
Japan | 69.51 | 66.82 |
Average | 76.61 | 74.27 |
- Fastest VPN
- Streaming servers
- Live chat 24/7
- No logs
- Offers in-house servers
- No third-party audits since 2012
For more information, visit our dedicated CyberGhost guide!
5. PureVPN: Budget-Friendly VPN in Canada
- Network of 6500+ Servers in 78 Countries
- Best Price $1.99/mo (CA$2.68/mo).
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- 10 Simultaneous Connections
- Unblocks Netflix
- 74.83 Mbps Average Download Speed
- Trustpilot Rating: 4.7/5
- Editor’s Rating: 9.4/10
PureVPN is a budget-friendly VPN offering a 2-year plan averaging just $1.99/mo (CA$2.68/mo) in Canada. with a total cost of $53.95 (CA$72.77) with 3 free months.
The provider is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is a safe jurisdiction away from the 14 Eyes Alliance. The VPN has also been audited by AltiusIT, an independent third-party firm.
PureVPN uses the AES 256-bit military-grade encryption mechanism with protocols such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2/IPSec to keep your online identity anonymous on all mediums.
Conducting the PureVPN speed test resulted in an average download speed of 74.83 Mbps and an average upload speed of 71.49 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.
PureVPN boasts a network of 6500+ servers in 78 countries, including streaming optimized servers that can unblock platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and more.
Speed Test Results of PureVPN
Download Speed | Upload Speed | |
United States | 79.01 | 73.82 |
United Kingdom | 75.22 | 73.65 |
Canada | 76.25 | 73.45 |
New Zealand | 73.32 | 70.85 |
Japan | 70.35 | 65.69 |
Average | 74.83 | 71.49 |
- Very fast
- Military-grade encryption
- Audited zero logs policy
- Streaming servers
- 10 simultaneous connections
- No free trials
For more information, visit our dedicated PureVPN guide!
6. IPVanish: Best Value VPN in Canada
- Network of 2000+ Servers in 75 Countries
- Best Price $3.99/mo (CA$5.38/mo).
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
- Unblocks Netflix
- 71.09 Mbps Average Download Speed
- Trustpilot Rating: 4.6/5
- Editor’s Rating: 9.2/10
The best value VPN, IPVanish, offers a generous 1-year plan that only costs $3.99/mo (CA$5.38/mo). with an upfront payment of $39.99 (CA$53.94) only in Canada.
The provider is based in the US, which is one of the founding members of the 14 Eyes Alliance Group. However, the VPN has been audited by a third-party called Leviathan and it has not been involved in data logs scandals.
IPVanish uses the AES 256-bit encryption and you can choose between various protocols such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPSec, and IKEv2.
Along with the anonymous VPN, you get a free SOCKS5 web proxy which can easily mask your IP address to give you access to popular streaming sites such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Disney+, and more.
There are no free trials available for IPVanish. However, you can take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee if you sign up for the 1-year plan.
Speed Test Results of IPVanish
Download Speed | Upload Speed | |
United States | 75.23 | 70.08 |
United Kingdom | 71.83 | 68.00 |
Canada | 72.74 | 71.32 |
New Zealand | 69.15 | 65.32 |
Japan | 66.52 | 61.92 |
Average | 71.09 | 67.32 |
- Fast servers
- 40K+ IP addresses
- Audited zero logs policy
- SOCKS5 proxy
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- No free trials
- US-based VPN
For more information, visit our dedicated IPVanish guide!
7. PIA: Best P2P VPN in Canada
- Network of 3375 Servers in 84 Countries
- Best Price $2.03/mo (CA$2.74/mo).
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- 10 Simultaneous Connections
- Unblocks Netflix
- 66.19 Mbps Average Download Speed
- Trustpilot Rating: 4.6/5
- Editor’s Rating: 9.0/10
Private Internet Access (PIA) is the best VPN for torrenting with P2P-optimized servers. The provider is based in the US, which is an unsafe jurisdiction as the country is one of the founding members of the 14 Eyes Alliance Group.
However, PIA doesn’t collect any logs, which can be evident by its independent audit performed by Deloitte, which is one of the big four accounting firms.
The VPN uses WireGuard and OpenVPN, the two most advanced protocols of the industry with the military-grade AES 256-bit encryption method.
It also offers state-of-the-art proxies, Shadowsocks and SOCKS5, so that you can take care of your P2P and torrenting activities like a champ.
PIA boasts a network of 3375 servers in 84 countries including streaming optimized servers for platforms like Netflix, Sling TV, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more.
A 7-day free trial is available for Android and iOS. Other than that, if you want to use PIA free for a longer duration, then take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Speed Test Results of PIA
Download Speed | Upload Speed | |
United States | 70.87 | 65.34 |
United Kingdom | 67.52 | 65.29 |
Canada | 69.58 | 66.62 |
New Zealand | 63.25 | 61.45 |
Japan | 59.73 | 56.92 |
Average | 66.19 | 63.12 |
- Streaming optimized fast servers
- Massive server network
- Zero logs policy audited by Deloitte
- SOCKS5 and Shadowsocks proxy
- 10 simultaneous connections
- US-based VPN
8. ProtonVPN: Free VPN with Unlimited Bandwidth in Canada
- Network of 1746 Servers in 64 Countries
- Best Price $4.99/mo (CA$6.73/mo).
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- 10 Simultaneous Connections
- Unblocks Netflix
- 55.61 Mbps Average Download Speed
- Trustpilot Rating: 2.4/5
- Editor’s Rating: 7/10
ProtonVPN qualifies as the best free VPN with unlimited bandwidth to cater all your browsing needs without worrying about a data cap to reach.
The provider is based in Switzerland, which is not a part of the 14 Eyes Alliance Group. It has also been audited by a cybersecurity and penetration testing firm called SEC Consult.
ProtonVPN uses the AES 256-bit or ChaCha20 encryption methods along with advanced protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 to secure your online presence.
Speed Test Results of ProtonVPN
Download Speed | Upload Speed | |
United States | 60.22 | 57.82 |
United Kingdom | 57.52 | 55.91 |
Canada | 58.54 | 57.61 |
New Zealand | 53.32 | 50.75 |
Japan | 48.49 | 45.35 |
Average | 55.61 | 53.48 |
- Decent speed
- Free version available
- Zero logs policy
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Connection drops
9. Ivacy: Cheap VPN with Fast Servers in Canada
- Network of 5700+ Servers in 75+ Countries
- Best Price $1.19/mo (CA$1.61/mo).
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- 5 Simultaneous Connections
- Unblocks Netflix
- 54.56 Mbps Average Download Speed
- Trustpilot Rating: 4.7/5
- Editor’s Rating: 8/10
Ivacy is the best cheap VPN offering a 5-year plan averaging $1.19/mo (CA$1.61/mo) in Canada. with a total cost $71.64 (CA$96.63). The provider is based in Singapore, which is a safe jurisdiction as it is not a member of the 14 Eyes Alliance Group.
The VPN uses the 256-bit AES encryption method and protocols, including IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, and OpenVPN.
Ivacy is one of the pioneers of Split Tunneling, which lets you use the private and public network simultaneously, bypassing your VPN connection without turning it off.
The service boasts a network of 5700+ servers in 75+ countries, which can easily unblock geo-blocks on major streaming platforms including Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and more.
Speed Test Results of Ivacy
Download Speed | Upload Speed | |
United States | 58.37 | 52.93 |
United Kingdom | 55.21 | 51.81 |
Canada | 57.18 | 54.75 |
New Zealand | 51.28 | 49.42 |
Japan | 50.78 | 47.79 |
Average | 54.56 | 51.34 |
- Good speed
- Split tunneling
- Zero logs policy
- 5 simultaneous connections
- No free trials
10. TorGuard: Anonymous VPN with Unlimited Speeds in Canada
- Network of 3000+ Servers in 50 Countries
- Best Price $3.90/mo (CA$5.26/mo).
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- 8 Simultaneous Connections
- Unblocks Netflix (with dedicated IPs)
- 49.79 Mbps Average Download Speed
- Trustpilot Rating: 4.4/5
- Editor’s Rating: 6/10
TorGuard is an anonymous VPN service in Canada that comes with the qualities of stealth and proxy. The VPN is based in Florida, US, which is an unsafe jurisdiction since US is a part of the 14 Eyes Alliance Group.
The VPN uses the AES 256-bit with SHA-512 alongside unique secure protocols such as Stunnel, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2.
Although TorGuard is a powerful VPN for anonymous browsing, the VPN struggles to unblock Netflix sometimes. However, the dedicated IPs can make things easy for you, but they require an additional cost.
The VPN is compatible with all the widely-used operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS. You can cover all your devices with the 8 simultaneous connections it offers.
There are no free trials but the VPN offers a 7-day money-back offer, so you can try the service risk-free.
Speed Test Results of TorGuard
Download Speed | Upload Speed | |
United States | 54.85 | 51.31 |
United Kingdom | 50.55 | 46.14 |
Canada | 52.15 | 49.16 |
New Zealand | 47.58 | 44.95 |
Japan | 43.83 | 41.69 |
Average | 49.79 | 46.65 |
- Good speed
- Stealth quality
- Audited zero logs policy
- 8 simultaneous connections
- Struggle to unblock Netflix
- US-based VPN
11. VyprVPN: Underrated Super-Fast VPN in Canada
- Network of 700+ Servers in 70 Countries
- Best Price $8.33/mo (CA$11.24/mo).
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- 10 Simultaneous Connections
- Unblocks Netflix
- 47.54 Mbps Average Download Speed
- Trustpilot Rating: 4.4/5
- Editor’s Rating: 7.5/10
VyprVPN is a super-fast service averaging a download speed of 47.54 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection. The provider is headquartered in Switzerland, which is known for strong privacy laws.
The VPN boasts a network of 700+ servers in 70 countries which are all owned by the provider since it doesn’t use rented data centres.
VyprVPN uses the AES 256-bit encryption method in combination with protocols such as WireGuard, Chameleon, OpenVPN, and IPSec.
The server are optimized enough for torrenting, browsing, and streaming on major platforms including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more.
Speed Test Results of VyprVPN
Download Speed | Upload Speed | |
United States | 51.67 | 49.37 |
United Kingdom | 47.65 | 46.73 |
Canada | 49.58 | 46.26 |
New Zealand | 45.95 | 43.15 |
Japan | 42.85 | 40.42 |
Average | 47.54 | 45.18 |
- Fast speed connections
- Chameleon protocol
- Strict no logs policy
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Anonymous payment method not available
12. TunnelBear: Free VPN with 500 MB Data Cap in Canada
- Network of 1800 Servers in 26 Countries
- Best Price $3.33/mo (CA$4.49/mo).
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- 5 Simultaneous Connections
- Unblocks Netflix with Paid Version
- 44.21 Mbps Average Download Speed
- Trustpilot Rating: 2.9/5
- Editor’s Rating: 7/10
TunnelBear VPN offers a free version with a data limit of 500 MB in Canada. However, you can extend this limit up to 1.5 GB if you tweet about the company.
The provider is based in Toronto, Canada, which is one of the members of the 14 Eyes Alliance Group. However, the service is annually audited and has a strict policy that assures users that their data is safe.
TunnelBear uses the AES 256-bit encryption with SHA-256 for data authentication and the 2048, 3072, or 4096-bit DH group for handshake.
Speed Test Results of TunnelBear
Download Speed | Upload Speed | |
United States | 48.26 | 45.72 |
United Kingdom | 45.95 | 42.25 |
Canada | 46.85 | 44.47 |
New Zealand | 42.12 | 40.78 |
Japan | 37.89 | 33.49 |
Average | 44.21 | 41.34 |
- Decent speed connection
- Free version available
- Strict no logs policy
- 5 simultaneous connections
- Free version doesn’t unblock Netflix
For more information, visit our detailed TunnelBear guide!
13. Hotspot Shield: Free VPN with No Data Caps in Canada
- Network of 1800 Servers in 80 Countries
- Best Price $7.99/mo (CA$10.78/mo).
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- 5 Simultaneous Connections
- Unblocks Netflix with Paid Version
- 38.48 Mbps Average Download Speed
- Trustpilot Rating: 4.8/5
- Editor’s Rating: 6/10
Hotspot Shield offers a free service with no data limits and a decent connection averaging at 38.48 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.
The provider is based in the US, which is one of the founding members of the 14 Eyes Alliance. However, it has a strict no logs policy which has been audited by AV-Test, a security and performance auditor.
With the free version, you get access to 800+ fast VPN servers. However, you can only connect to 1 virtual location, which is the US.
You can have 5 simultaneous connections with the paid version but the free version only allows one device. Similarly, you cannot bypass geo-blocks on major streaming platforms with the free version but the paid version works fine.
Speed Test Results of Hotspot Shield
Download Speed | Upload Speed | |
United States | 42.62 | 40.58 |
United Kingdom | 39.25 | 37.98 |
Canada | 40.46 | 38.92 |
New Zealand | 36.26 | 32.85 |
Japan | 33.85 | 28.45 |
Average | 38.48 | 35.75 |
- Good speed
- Free version available
- Audited zero logs policy
- 5 simultaneous connections
- Only 1 location server with the free version
Fastest VPN Services in Canada: Speed-Testing of Different VPN Providers in 2022!
I have put a great deal of effort into testing 13 different providers in Canada, known for their “great performance”. You can see the results plotted in graphs below.
For each provider, I performed a latency, upload, and download speed analysis. This involved connecting to different servers and then coming up with an average speed.
All tests were performed on my 100Mbps connection via multiple tools like the Ookla Speed Test, Xfinity, and Fast.com to gain an accurate representation.
The tests conducted include a cumulative analysis on all platforms, be it Windows, Mac, iPhone (iOS), or Android.
VPN Latency Tests in Canada
The latency of different servers is probably the most underrated factor in testing a VPN for performance. Not many realize that latency plays a huge role in speeds.
If the ping time is too high, you will face connectivity issues. Gamers will know more about this. High latency = more lagging/buffering.
As you can see from the results below, out of the 13 providers, ExpressVPN has the lowest latency. It manages to achieve a ping rate of 133 ms.
Ranking second in terms of latency is NordVPN, which stands at 141 ms. For the third, you have Surfshark, which achieved a ping rate of 155 ms.
Providers like CyberGhost, PureVPN, IPVanish, PIA fall within the 160-200 ms, whereas providers including ProtonVPN, Ivacy, TorGuard, VyprVPN, TunnelBear, and Hotspot Shield managed to achieve a ping rate ranging between the 200-300 ms scale.
Download Speed Tests in Canada
After ranking first in the latency tests, ExpressVPN managed to score a huge win in download speeds. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost achieved blazing fast download speeds ranging in the 80-100 Mbps scale.
Moreover, PureVPN, IPVanish, PIA, and ProtonVPN achieved download speeds ranging in the 60-80 Mbps scale.
And at last, Ivacy, TorGuard, VyprVPN, TunnelBear, and Hotspot Shield achieved download speeds ranging in the 40-60 Mbps scale.
Upload Speed Tests in Canada
Let me tell you guys something. If your ISP is reducing uploads, they are not delivering on their promises and probably cheating you.
For instance, if you buy a 50Mbps connection. Both download and upload results should be showing the same. If you do not, there is something fishy going on.
Nevertheless, getting back to the topic. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark achieved upload speeds ranging in the 80-100 Mbps scale.
CyberGhost, PureVPN, IPVanish, and PIA achieved upload speeds ranging in the 60-80 Mbps scale. And at last, ProtonVPN, Ivacy, TorGuard, VyprVPN, TunnelBear, and Hotspot Shield achieved upload speeds ranging in the 40-60 Mbps scale.
Fastest Overall VPN in Canada
For 2022, ExpressVPN is clearly the fastest VPN service available in Canada. This is not my personal opinion, but the end-analysis from the tests I conducted.
Though the latency could be better, the Panama-based provider offers the best download/upload speeds. Surfshark and CyberGhost manage to do quite well too.
Here is the detailed chart:
VPN Provider | Latency/Ping (ms) | Download Speed (Mbps) | Upload Speed Mbps |
ExpressVPN | 133 ms | 93 Mbps | 90 Mbps |
NordVPN | 141 ms | 90 Mbps | 88 Mbps |
Surfshark | 155 ms | 87 Mbps | 83 Mbps |
CyberGhost | 163 ms | 81 Mbps | 78 Mbps |
PureVPN | 171 ms | 79 Mbps | 73 Mbps |
IPVanish | 184 ms | 75 Mbps | 70 Mbps |
PIA | 193 ms | 70 Mbps | 65 Mbps |
ProtonVPN | 235 ms | 60 Mbps | 57 Mbps |
Ivacy | 247 ms | 58 Mbps | 52 Mbps |
TorGuard | 259 ms | 54 Mbps | 51 Mbps |
VyprVPN | 263 ms | 51 Mbps | 49 Mbps |
TunnelBear | 279 ms | 48 Mbps | 45 Mbps |
Hotspot Shield | 293 ms | 42 Mbps | 40 Mbps |
13 Fastest VPN Services in Canada 2022: Quick Comparison Table!
Here are the 13 providers with a quick speed test VPN comparison in Canada followed by other features.
VPN Provider | Speed in US | Servers | Unblocks | Multi Logins | Money-Back Guarantee | Supports P2P |
ExpressVPN | 93.45 Mbps | 3000+ | Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more | 5 | 30 Days | Yes |
NordVPN | 90.53 Mbps | 5600+ | Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more | 6 | 30 Days | Yes |
Surfshark | 87.58 Mbps | 3200+ | Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more | Unlimited | 30 Days | Yes |
CyberGhost | 81.62 Mbps | 6000+ | Netflix, Prime Video, and more | 7 | 45 Days | Yes |
PureVPN | 79.01 Mbps | 6500+ | Netflix, Hulu, and more | 10 | 31 Days | Yes |
IPVanish | 75.23 Mbps | 2000+ | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and more | Unlimited | 30 Days | Yes |
PIA | 70.87 Mbps | 3375 | Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV, and more | 10 | 30 Days | Yes |
ProtonVPN | 60.22 Mbps | 1746 | Netflix, Disney+, and more | Unlimited | 30 Days | Yes |
Ivacy | 58.37 Mbps | 5700+ | Netflix, Disney+, and more | 5 | 30 Days | Yes |
TorGuard | 54.85 Mbps | 3000+ | Disney+, HBO Max, and more | 8 | 7 Days | Yes |
VyprVPN | 51.67 Mbps | 700+ | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | 10 | 30 Days | Yes |
TunnelBear | 48.26 Mbps | 1800 | Netflix, Voot, Hulu, and more | 5 | – | Yes |
Hotspot Shield | 42.62 Mbps | 1800 | Netflix, HBO Go, Prime Video, and more | 5 | 45 Days | Yes |
Fastest VPN Services in Canada Methodology To Help You Find Adrenaline-Pumped VPNs in 2022
If you are in search for a performance-focused VPN, it is imperative to be aware of certain factors. I’ve described them in detail below to ease the process:
1. Server Load
If a VPN server is crowded with many users, then you can obviously expect a reduction in the speeds. Imagine 100 people sharing a one Gigabit network.
On average, a person would only receive 10 Mbps per person. This is why some users opt for dedicated IPs, as they can afford more server bandwidth.
This is why I tell my readers to always go for a VPN that offers a huge listing of servers in varied countries. ExpressVPN, for instance, offers 3000+ servers.
As such, you rarely ever encounter any server load issues and able to leverage fast speeds. Users will be equally distributed across varied locations!
2. Proximity
When connecting to a VPN, always try finding a server nearby your country. Speeds will always be faster in nearby places and deteriorate over distance.
For instance, where you get 95 Mbps on a server that is closer, you will only get around 5 to 10 Mbps on a server located on another side of the world.
Sure, you may want to connect to a specific server in a different country. However, if you are just using a VPN for gaining privacy, go for something close to home.
I do the same. Connect to nearby locations when I want to just browse the internet, but use specific servers when I want to unblock VoDs, or engage in torrenting.
3. Encryption
When VPNs first came into being, PPTP connections were quite famous. They allowed for instant unblocking of geo-restrictions, but sadly, they lacked in offering good security.
Later, when new protocols came out with stronger encryption, there was a reduction in speeds. This is because encryption adds extra data to the incoming/outgoing traffic.
However, this does not mean you should expect poor speeds for leveraging good anonymity online. Look for providers that offer excellent encryption with lesser speed loss!
4. VPN Protocol
The choice of protocols also affects the performance of a VPN provider. For instance, the TCP protocol in OpenVPN is generally slower, in comparison to the infamous UDP.
This is because it has to verify the receipt of all data packets and resend lost packets. UDP protocol tends to be more efficient in the same process.
So, protocols do indeed have an impact on speed and latency. Make sure you find a provider that supports high-speed protocols like the OpenVPN (UDP).
5. Ping Rate
Latency issues often trace back to bandwidth throttling from your local ISP. In some cases, petty problems with the router or LAN cables.
However, if you connect to a server with an already high ping rate, the speeds you receive will reduce drastically. This is because a VPN adds additional latency to your connection.
This is why I advise users to invest in a VPN with a STRONG and high-speed network. I will be sharing some examples of fast VPNs, later on in the blog.
6. Download/Upload Speed
Different servers will have varied download/upload speeds, based on all the above factors. If you want to receive high-speeds, make sure to test different servers out.
This involves analyzing their performance when streaming and downloading torrents. VPNs with high-speed losses should be avoided.
I have created a detailed graph below for VPNs with the best download/upload speeds. Make sure to check it out to ease the decision-making process.
7. Local ISP Speed
It does not matter how fast of a VPN you use if you do not have a high-speed internet connection. The slower speed you receive from your ISP, the slower your VPN will work.
You cannot expect to leverage 50 Mbps speeds on a 10 Mbps connection. Remember that speed loss is always more noticeable in systems that have poor speeds, to begin with.
How to Boost the Speed of Your VPN in Canada?
I mentioned this earlier, but to reiterate, VPNs encrypt every packet of data sent/received. This slightly affects the speed of your internet connection.
However, this is not an excuse for receiving poor speeds when connected to a VPN. The max speed loss a VPN should deliver is below 5%.
Anything higher than that is not worthy of your time or money. Is there any way to turbocharge VPN speeds though? Oh most certainly, there is!
If you want to boost the speed of your VPN, follow the below tips:
1. Switch to a Newer Device
Old devices may deliver slower speeds because of the complex encryption of VPN services that impairs processing speed. This is why it is important to upgrade to the latest devices.
They come equipped with a faster processor, more RAM, and better connectivity hardware. As such, you will notice a significant difference when using a VPN service.
2. Tinker with protocol settings
As mentioned earlier, the UDP protocol tends to be the fastest and most secure, among all VPN protocols. Switch the protocol to UDP for a faster connection.
However, do be prepared for a little instability, as UDP servers often have disconnection issues. This may vary from provider to provider though!
3. Ditch the Wireless Connection
If you use a VPN on your PC, it might be time to ditch the wireless connection. They may offer greater freedom for mobile devices, but for faster speeds, cable is the right way to go.
Wi-Fi may have multiple users connected at a single time. As such, they may be consuming bandwidth, which could be better put to use.
Wired connections also have lesser latency issues, as compared to Wi-Fi. So, using a VPN on a cable connection may improve the tools’ performance.
4. Restart Your Router/Modem
After getting the internet set up at your home, I can guarantee not many of us have ever switched off the router even once. This results in massive memory leaks, affecting VPN speeds.
Restarting your router is a great solution to fixing the memory leaks issue. You can also consider getting a new DD-WRT router with a pre-configured VPN from Flash Routers.
5. Change Server Location
I have mentioned this earlier. Choosing a server that is distant from your actual location will result in slow VPN speeds. Try connecting to a nearby location for the best results.
This will also decrease the latency you receive while improving your download/upload speeds. Fiddle around to see which server works best for you.
6. Check Your Internet Speed
If your local ISP connection is slow, you can forget about receiving good speeds from a VPN. Invest in a fast internet connection and notice the difference.
I always advise my users to at least get a 50-100Mbps connection. We are living in 2020 and its high time everyone gets an upgrade.
7. Turn Off Firewall and Local Security Software
I am strictly against this method for boosting VPN speeds, hence why I’ve added it in the last. You may receive better speeds, but your security may be at risk.
To check if your firewall or security software is fiddling with speeds, consider disabling them and performing a speed test from Oakla.
Fastest VPN Services in Canada: FAQs
Since users can face plenty of issues or have concerns about using fast VPNs to unblock and stream at high speeds, I decided to create an FAQ of all the common questions I receive below:
What are the fastest free VPN services ?
ProtonVPN adopts a freemium model, which means they have both: paid and free plans available. As such, its free version can be considered to be one of the fastest free VPN services.
What is the fastest VPN services in Canada 2022?
Following are the fastest VPNs of 2022:
- ExpressVPN – the fastest VPN in Canada we tested
- NordVPN – fast and secure VPN service in Canada
- Surfshark – budget-friendly fast speed VPN in Canada
- CyberGhost – user-friendly VPN with fast connections in Canada
- PureVPN – reasonable VPN with blazing fast speed in Canada
Are fast VPNs worth it in Canada?
Yes, using a fast VPN is definitely worth the try, as they not only meet all demands for privacy/security – but they also go the extra mile in boosting performance.
Does a VPN increase speed in Canada?
If your ISP is throttling bandwidth, connecting to any of the VPNs impose will allow you to bypass it. In such circumstances, you can say a VPN increases your online speed.
Does a VPN slow down your speed in Canada?
Upon connecting to a VPN, the web traffic routes from your computer to an encrypted tunnel via a server from the VPN provider, hiding all your incoming/outgoing traffic from local ISPs.
This extra layer of encryption that adds to your connection, in reality, degrades the internet speed, as the physical distance to the equation increases.
However, different sites/services may work faster on varied servers from a myriad of VPN providers! Test them out to see which one works for you.
Which is faster, NordVPN or ExpressVPN in Canada?
ExpressVPN is faster than NordVPN if speed is your main concern. However, if the price is your main concern, then NordVPN is the cheaper option.
Why are certain VPNs so sluggish?
When there are too many users connected to one server, the VPN connection speed drops. That’s why it is always recommended to choose a VPN service that offers a massive server network. It will not let the servers get crowded easily and you’ll always find a flashy connection.
How can I find the quickest gaming server in Canada?
If you’re a gamer who uses a VPN to access servers of other regions because of DDoS protection or simply because your IP got banned then use a VPN that offers low ping rate or latency. The ping time is the factor between your PC and game server that determines how much lag you’ll experience.
How can I perform ping tests when using a VPN for gaming in Canada?
Although most games display your ping in real-time, you can still perform a ping test if it doesn’t. You’ll need to know the domain or IP address of the game server you’ll be playing on.
Most games do not publicize their IP address so you probably will need to do some digging.
Once you find the IP address or domain for the server, open Command Prompt on your Windows or Mac computer and enter the following command:
ping [IP address here]
Now connect to a VPN and rerun the same command. Note down the difference in ping.
Does buffering get better with a VPN in Canada?
A VPN can help with buffering with the specific case if your ISP is throttling your internet. In most cases, ISPs limit the bandwidth limit of users, which results in buffering while video streaming.
A VPN hides your online traffic, which will make the ISP unable to discriminate between your streaming traffic and hence, the ISP will not throttle your connection anymore.
However, a VPN will not magically cure buffering if you just have a slow internet connection.
“Speed boosters” are they safe in Canada?
There are many speed booster apps available for Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows, claiming to enhance your VPN connection speed. Avoid such kinds of apps at all costs, as there is no possibility that a third-party app can boost your VPN connection speed. All they’ll do is collect your private information and bug you with intrusive ads.
Which VPN for streaming is the fastest in Canada?
ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN for streaming in Canada. The provider boasts a network of 3000+ servers in 94+ countries with highly optimized servers of streaming that can easily unblock major streaming sites such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and more.
Fastest VPN Services in Canada: Wrapping Things Up
After assessing all speed-related factors, ExpressVPN definitely wins the category for the fastest VPN in Canada 2022, offering an average download speed of 89.39 Mbps and average upload speed of 86.96 Mbps.
Nonetheless, NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost have also qualified as the fastest VPN service in Canada of all time, achieving blazing fast speeds ranging in the 80-100 Mbps scale.
If you encounter any issues/problems or have suggestions to give, do not hesitate on dropping a comment below. I will respond personally and try providing as much assistance as possible.