A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a helpful privacy and online security tool that is primarily used to access geo-restricted content, bypass ID checks to visit certain websites, or to mask a personal IP address when circumventing censorship or connecting to a public network.
People in various countries have different attitudes towards, and reasons for, using a VPN. Countries where access to certain sites is blocked, or those where internet censorship is prevalent usually see a spike in VPN downloads. However, people's tendencies to use this service depend on a lot of different factors.
Key takeaways:
- Among the top 20 countries for VPN use, 7 are in Europe, 10 are in Asia (including the Middle East), 1 is in North America (Canada), and 2 are in Oceania (Australia and Nauru).
- In Europe, 3 countries, including the Netherlands, the UK, and France, are in the top 10 list for VPN adoption. In contrast, the lowest 3 European countries for VPN adoption are Serbia, Montenegro, and Bulgaria.
- None of the South American or African countries are in the top 20 for VPN adoption rates.
- VPN downloads and adoption rates in the US have stabilized, growing between 2020 and 2024, but dipping in 2025. So far, the download peak was in 2022 (67.4M downloads, 19.75% adoption).
- While the first half of 2025 in the US saw 5 million more downloads than H1 of 2024, the year ended with 9 million fewer downloads than the previous year.
- Out of the top 10 countries with the highest global VPN adoption rates, more than a third are in the Arabian peninsula.
- According to the data, the No.1 country in the world for VPN adoption is the United Arab Emirates, with 71% average from 2020 to 2025.
VPN adoption in G7 countries
Out of seven countries, only France and the United Kingdom got into the global top 10 for average VPN adoption. Canada and Germany are in the top 20 global countries for VPN adoption, while the rest rank lower. Here’s a quick overview of G7 VPN adoption rates:
- The United States (global position – 21). VPN adoption peaked at 19.75% in 2022 and bottomed at 14.99% in 2021; it was 18.36% in 2024 and 16.20% in 2025. Download volume dropped just below India, with 63.4 million installs in 2024 and 54.1 million in 2025.
- The United Kingdom (global position – 7). The UK went up by 1 position at the start of 2026. Adoption climbed from 21.70% in 2022 to a high of 27.48% in 2025 – a continued rise from 24.08% in 2024.. The lowest year was 2021, with 15.80% adoption rate. Downloads reached 16.6 million in 2024 and 18.3 million in 2025.
- Canada (global position – 18). After dipping to 12.24% in 2021, adoption rose steadily to a 17.18% peak in 2024; 2025 saw a dip to 16.68%. Downloads totaled 6.8 million in 2024 and 6.4 million in 2025.
- Germany (global position – 15). Germany went up by 2 places since the middle of 2025. Adoption increased from 6.94% in 2020 to a 21.36% peak in 2024; 2025 saw a drop to 17.93%. Downloads hit 18.1 million in 2024 and 14 million in 2025.
- France (global position – 10). France saw the biggest increase in VPN adoption rates, going up by 12 positions. Adoption moved from 8.16% in 2020 to a 20.71% high in 2025 a 4% increase since 2024. Downloads were 11.1 million in 2024 and 13.1 million in 2025.
- Italy (global position – 61). While still quite low globally, Italy also increased its VPN download rates, going up by 12 positions. Adoption peaked at 7.48% in 2023, began to drop to 7.04% in 2024, and now stands at 6.60% in 2025. Downloads reached 4.2 million in 2024 and 3.7 million in 2025.
- Japan (global position – 81). While it did go up by 3 positions, adoption has stayed low, peaking at 4.63% in 2020; it measured 4.32% in 2024 and 4.08% in 2025. Downloads were 5.3 million in 2024 and 4.5 million in 2025.
Global VPN trends and statistics: glancing beyond the numbers
VPN adoption rates in 106 out of 126 analyzed countries seem to stay stable or reduce globally, even though there were some download fluctuations country-by-country. The top year for global VPN adoption rates was 2024, as 2025 did not see a global increase in download rates, despite a promising first half of the year.
Based on region, VPN adoption rates are the highest in the Middle East. Out of 9 countries in this region whose data were collected, 5 are in the top 10, and 9 are in the top 50. The lowest VPN adoption rates are in Africa, with neither of the 21 countries getting into the top 50, and 8 out 10 countries with the lowest adoption rates being African.
China is an interesting case in itself. While it has the lowest VPN adoption rate out of 106 countries, Hong Kong, which is now officially part of China, is in the top 15 for VPN adoption. It might be related to their attitudes towards internet censorship and privacy. However, the inconsistencies could also be due to certain research limitations, like Chinese nationals potentially registering their accounts in foreign countries.
In some cases, VPN adoption could relate to political conflicts. For example, Ukraine’s VPN adoption rate in 2021 was 6.14%, while in 2022 it jumped to 18.92%, and it never dropped below 10% afterward.
Top 10 countries for VPN adoption rates
According to data from 2020 through 2025, the following countries have the highest VPN adoption rates:
- UAE – 71.04% average adoption rate from 2020 to 2025 (85.50% adoption in 2025)
- Qatar – 58.5% average adoption rate from 2020 to 2025 (58.47% adoption in 2025)
- Oman – 33.9% average adoption rate from 2020 to 2025 (54.06% adoption in 2025)
- Singapore – 41.66% average adoption rate from 2020 to 2025 (48.09% adoption in 2025)
- Nauru – 35.4% average adoption rate from 2020 to 2025 (33.01% adoption in 2025)
- Saudi Arabia – 30.6% average adoption rate from 2020 to 2025 (30% adoption in 2025)
- The United Kingdom (UK) – 21.63% average adoption rate from 2020 to 2025 (27.48% adoption in 2025)
- The Netherlands – 35.27% average adoption rate from 2020 to 2025 (26.13% adoption in 2025)
- Jordan – 18.18% average adoption rate from 2020 to 2025 (21.01% adoption in 2025
- France – 14.37% average adoption rate from 2020 to 2025 (20.71% adoption in 2025)
The bottom 10 countries for VPN adoption are: China, Malawi, Congo (DRC), Angola, Zambia, Cameroon, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Cote D’Ivoire, and Vanuatu.
The Persian Gulf nations are in the lead – but why?
A number of nations within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) demonstrate high rates of VPN adoption. This trend can correlate with several factors, including state-level internet regulation policies, digital monitoring practices, and restrictions on specific online services.
- The regulatory environment in this region involves extensive internet governance, which includes content filtering and access restriction. State authorities implement policies to block digital content categorized as politically sensitive, critical of government policy, or non-compliant with local socio-cultural norms. Commonly restricted content categories include, but are not limited to, gambling, adult material, and select political and human rights-related websites. Reports also indicate the use of advanced technologies for monitoring online communications and activities.
- A significant factor motivating VPN use is the widespread restriction of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services, such as those used by WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime. This policy is often analyzed as a measure to support the business models of state-owned telecommunications companies. For both national citizens and the substantial expatriate populations, VPNs serve as a technical method to enable communication with international contacts. Furthermore, VPNs are utilized to circumvent geo-blocking protocols, thereby allowing users to access media and streaming content from international libraries.
- The legal status of VPNs varies across the region and can be highly restrictive for individual users. While the use of VPNs for corporate and institutional purposes is often allowed, regulations governing personal use for circumventing internet policies are frequently ambiguous or prohibitive. For example, legislation in the UAE imposes penalties, such as substantial fines or incarceration, for the use of a VPN in the commission of an act that is considered illegal under national law. Similar legal restrictions and penalties on non-compliant VPN usage are in place in other jurisdictions, including Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Privacy priorities in Southeast Asia and Europe
High VPN adoption rates are also observed in several highly developed nations, particularly those with established democratic frameworks. In these contexts, the primary motivating factors for VPN usage are distinct from those in regions with extensive content filtering. Analysis suggests that key drivers might include concerns over data privacy, state surveillance programs, data retention mandates, and access to geo-restricted digital media.
- VPN usage in Singapore is associated with a multifaceted set of drivers. While some state-level internet content regulation exists, the primary motivations appear to be related to data privacy and security. The existence of data retention laws, coupled with public awareness of potential digital monitoring, correlates with user efforts to encrypt internet traffic. Additionally, circumventing geo-restrictions to access international media services is a common application for VPNs in the country.
- In the Netherlands and the UK, high VPN adoption is frequently linked to legislative frameworks concerning government surveillance and data retention. In the UK, the Investigatory Powers Act of 2016 mandates that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) retain user browsing data for a specified period and establishes protocols for government access to this information. In the Netherlands, a national data retention law was judicially annulled, and public debate around digital surveillance has played a visible and sustained role in shaping the legal and political environment concerning surveillance. Consequently, a primary application of VPNs in these nations is most likely to enhance user privacy and inhibit the collection of browsing/personal data by state agencies or commercial ISPs. VPN adoption rates in the UK are also projected to increase due to the Online Safety Act, which makes private internet use more difficult to achieve.
- In France, relatively high VPN use occurs alongside expansive surveillance and data‑retention powers that have repeatedly clashed with EU privacy safeguards. This pattern is often linked to a strong security and intelligence culture, reinforced by France’s history of state involvement in counter‑terrorism and public order. The widespread deployment of monitoring tools by state agencies and obligations on providers to retain and supply technical data likely normalize VPNs within businesses and among technically aware users. For individuals, VPN adoption is increasingly driven by a desire to shield browsing data from state and ISP collection, and by concern that new content‑regulation and age‑verification rules could erode private, anonymous access to online services.
The case of Nauru: small country, big numbers
The high rate of VPN adoption in Nauru, despite its small population, is correlated with documented instances of state-level internet regulation and information control. Analysis of the country's digital and media environment reveals several contributing factors.
- The government of Nauru has implemented internet content filtering policies. Official statements have confirmed the blocking of websites with specific content, such as pornography, citing justifications related to child protection and alignment with national values. Such actions establish a framework for state-level control over accessible online material.
- The information landscape in Nauru is characterized by significant state influence over media. Reports indicate that primary media outlets are state-owned, which affects editorial independence and can foster an environment of self-censorship. Furthermore, access for foreign journalists has historically been constrained through measures such as high visa application fees. This regulatory environment limits the availability of independent domestic and international reporting, potentially motivating citizens to use tools like VPNs to access a wider range of uncensored information sources.
- Beyond bypassing content restrictions, other factors likely contribute to VPN use in Nauru. These include accessing geo-restricted global content and services not otherwise available, such as streaming services. Additionally, VPNs may be utilized to enhance the security and privacy of online communications, a common practice in environments with a centralized internet infrastructure and known governmental oversight.
YoY breakdown of VPN adoption rates
Despite showing consistent growth, VPN adoption rates were not on a stable rise during the entire four-and-a-half year period. Below is the YoY (year-over-year) adoption rate data for the top 10 VPN countries.
| Country | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The UAE | 70.02% | 49.80% | 63.94% | 73.48% | 83.52% | 85.50% |
| Qatar | 56.51% | 47.65% | 61.82% | 63.42% | 63.48% | 58.47% |
| Oman | 22.24% | 17.82% | 37.45% | 33.54% | 38.44% | 54.06% |
| Singapore | 24.35% | 32.18% | 48.17% | 46.96% | 50.26% | 48.09% |
| Nauru | 8.12% | 17.73% | 55.05% | 48.69% | 50.14% | 33.01% |
| Saudi Arabia | 28.14% | 23.50% | 31.78% | 33.59% | 36.82% | 19.75% |
| The United Kingdom | 17.65% | 15.80% | 21.70% | 23.16% | 24.08% | 27.48% |
| The Netherlands | 14.18% | 16.45% | 28.37% | 27.46% | 28.52% | 26.13% |
| Jordan | 6.06% | 4.36% | 11.24% | 40.44% | 25.98% | 21.01% |
| France | 8.16% | 9.58% | 15.03% | 16.15% | 16.64% | 20.71% |
Global VPN download and adoption statistics
Below are the Cybernews research team's full dataset of global VPN downloads and VPN adoption rates.
Based on the data from 106 countries, the global average VPN adoption rate grew from approximately 6.95% in 2020 to 12.04% in 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 11.61%.
Below are the total global yearly VPN downloads.
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downloads | 284,591,457 | 295,722,780 | 487,049,573 | 404,248,986 | 464,021,602 | 412,465,748 |
Overall global VPN downloads have been steadily growing, with minor dips in 2023, and, for certain countries, 2025. The first half of 2025 reached almost the same number of downloads as the whole year 2020, however, due to lower interest in the second half of the year the VPN downloads did not surpass 2024 results.
Comparatively, here are the yearly global VPN adoption rates:
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPN adoption rates (%) | 6.95 | 6.84 | 10.06 | 10.90 | 12.35 | 12.04 |
Even with periodical decreases, like in 2021 or 2025, global VPN adoption rates continue to grow. Even with lower global average, year-to-year changes show a steady 1.02% annual growth. As there were dips in interest before, significant rises in countries like France and Japan, show that there are still chances for the market to grow.
Countries with the most severe decline in 2025
| Country | 2024 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myanmar | 29.19% | 9.83% | –19.36 %pt |
| Nauru | 50.14% | 33.01% | –17.13 %pt |
| Russia | 23.06% | 10.78% | –12.28 %pt |
| Luxembourg | 21.03% | 11.61% | –9.42 %pt |
| Belarus | 18.80% | 9.95% | –8.85 %pt |
Northern and Western Europe are growing
Nordics and Western Europe show consistent growth:
- Norway, Denmark, France, UK
- The Baltic states are increasing steadily
- Czech Republic saw a jump in VPN usage too
The rapid growth of global VPN adoption leveled off in 2025, with usage falling slightly to 11.16%. Growth is now concentrated in Europe, likely influenced by new age-check regulations in countries like the UK. Meanwhile, restrictive nations are seeing unstable or declining usage, although heavy internet censorship in countries like China and Russia makes it difficult to track exact data.
Final takeaways: why, where, and what does it mean
VPN usage has stabilized globally, driven by diverse motivations ranging from internet censorship to personal privacy concerns. Based on Google Play and App Store data across 126 countries, our research found that VPN adoption is highest in regions with strong state-level internet restrictions – particularly in the Middle East, where the UAE leads with a 85.50% adoption rate.
While the Persian Gulf region shows high usage due to government-imposed content restrictions and VoIP bans, countries like the UK, the Netherlands, France, and Singapore report strong adoption due to privacy, data retention laws, and surveillance concerns. Unique outliers like Nauru also stand out, where internet controls and limited media freedom push citizens to seek unrestricted online access.
Overall, whether it’s to regain access to blocked services or shield browsing habits from monitoring, VPNs have become essential digital tools worldwide.
Research information and limitations
Our research team used Worldometers.info and the United Nations statistics to determine countries’ annual population from 2020 to 2025. It was then compared to Google Play Store and Apple App Store data regarding VPN downloads during the same period. Two metrics were then compared to calculate yearly percentile VPN adoption rate. However, some limitations applied:
- Population statistics for Kosovo are sourced from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics, as a separate entry for the country is not available on Worldometers.info. This is likely due to Kosovo's contested international status since 2008 and its lack of full UN membership, as Worldometers primarily relies on UN and EU data. For transparency, it should be noted that it is unclear whether Kosovo's population is included in Serbia's population count on the platform. To avoid making an unsubstantiated adjustment, Kosovo's population figures were not subtracted from Serbia's, acknowledging a potential margin of error.
- The dataset is exclusively composed of download statistics from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. This scope inherently excludes other significant distribution channels, such as desktop-based software installations, side-loaded Android application packages (APKs), and direct downloads from provider websites.
- The primary metric is the number of download events, which may not directly equate to the number of unique users. A single user may contribute multiple downloads through device changes, reinstallations, or updates, potentially inflating adoption estimates. As such, the data reflects the volume of download activity rather than the size of the active user base.
- Geographic data is based on the user's app store region setting, which may not correspond to their physical location. This discrepancy is particularly noteworthy in regions with internet restrictions (for example, China, Russia, and Iran), where users may register their accounts in foreign countries to circumvent censorship and access VPN services.
- The analysis identifies temporal and geographic trends but does not formally model the causal factors driving them. While external events like policy shifts, censorship incidents, or geopolitical crises are likely to correlate with fluctuations in VPN downloads, their specific impact is not isolated or quantified within the study's framework.
- Adoption rates are derived by normalizing downloads against the total population of each country. This method does not control country-specific variables that influence technology adoption, such as internet penetration rates, smartphone ownership, or demographic distributions. Therefore, direct comparisons of per capita adoption rates between countries with different technological infrastructures should be made with caution.
- The study's sample is limited to 50 pre-selected VPN providers. This introduces a potential selection bias, as the dataset does not account for downloads from smaller, niche, or region-specific providers that constitute a portion of the overall market.
Reviewed by Asim BN.
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