Best VPNs for Geo-Blocking (to Bypass Country Restrictions)
Geoblocking of content is an annoying problem that almost everyone has experienced at some point. It happens when some online content is limited to specific locations or countries. Websites and other web platforms do this by reading the IP address of everyone that tries to access their service. IP addresses carry certain information, including location. Therefore, IP addresses from locations that are not supported are blocked.
However, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to bypass geo-blocks. This article discusses the best VPNs you can use to bypass these restrictions.
Best VPN Services for Bypassing Geo-Blocks
The best VPNs that bypass geo-blocking are expected to have excellent unblocking abilities, fast internet connections, top-notch privacy, and security. There are many services to choose from in the VPN market, but our top recommendations include:
ExpressVPN
Overall score: 9.8
- Super-fast servers
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Supports private protocol, Lightway
- Money-back guarantee
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
ExpressVPN is a top pick and our first because of its efficiency. It can bypass geo-restrictions on many platforms such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and more. ExpressVPN can get past the toughest blocks you may encounter and gives you access regardless of your location.
The company’s headquarters is in the British Virgin Islands, which has great internet laws. It has about 3000 servers in over 90 countries. This wide server network provides multiple choices at your disposal.
ExpressVPN’s servers are perfect for streaming and torrenting platforms because they are lightning-fast and don’t have speed or bandwidth limits. This means that ExpressVPN would be a great choice to access streaming services such as Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and other platforms you may like to use.
ExpressVPN uses a kill switch to prevent any form of IP leak. This protects the users of this geo-blocking VPN from having their identities known by the authorities, advertisers, or even hackers. Also, your online activity is never sold or shared with anyone.
Furthermore, ExpressVPN is equipped with the best encryption protocol. So, you can access platforms that are normally blocked while connected to public or unknown wifi and not worry about compromising your privacy.
ExpressVPN is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. You can have up to five concurrent connections with only one subscription, and you also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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NordVPN
Overall score: 9.6
- Incredibly fast servers
- Great security features
- Verified no-logs policy
- Unblocks streaming platforms
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
NordVPN is another great choice against geo-blocking because of a couple of its key features such as high-speed connection, stringent privacy policies, no-log policy, multiple device connectivity, a large number of servers in different locations, and more.
The company’s headquarters is located in Panama, and it operates over 5000 servers in more than 60 countries. This expansive server network is one major reason NordVPN is a great choice to bypass any country’s restrictions. Also, it has a no-log policy. This means that your activities online are not recorded or monitored in any way, and you’re also protected with high levels of encryption. NordVPN lets you surf the web, torrent, and visit streaming sites restricted in your current location hassle-free.
Your activities online, details of your communication and connection will remain private on NordVPN at all times. The VPN is also known for its lightning-fast internet connection, ideal for streaming services such as Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, and even gaming sites. Also, there is no speed and bandwidth limit, so you are assured of an uninterrupted internet experience.
NordVPN ensures that you don’t have to deal with the usual geo-restrictions. Instead, all you need to do is connect to a server in a location that unblocks the website or platform you want to access, and you’re good to go.
The VPN is compatible with a lot of devices and is quite easy to set up. In addition, NordVPN allows you to have six simultaneous connections, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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Surfshark
Overall score: 9.5
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
- Integrates Stealth mode
- Multihop feature available
- 3,000+ servers
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Surfshark is another great lightweight VPN with reliable unblocking abilities. It is one of the newer VPN providers, but it is already in the top ranks because of its effectiveness.
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN option, and it is more affordable than other services on our list. It is a top choice to bypass country restrictions, even China’s Great Firewall.
The company’s headquarters is in the Netherlands, and it operates over 3000 servers in about 60 countries. This is an impressive server count if you’re looking to avoid geo-restrictions. You will have no trouble accessing sites that are normally restricted in your country, and you will be able to browse through the most in-demand torrent and streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, BBC iplayer, etc.
A Surfshark subscription is a great value for money as you’ll be able to access a long list of sites and services. You are also sure of superfast performance. Surfshark’s servers ensure that you don’t have to deal with unnecessary and frustrating buffering and lagging. Surfshark also maintains a no-log policy which means your data traffic transmitted while connected to any VPN servers is not saved.
This VPN also provides top-notch security, so you don’t need to worry about being caught using a VPN or exposed to online threats. Surfshark comes with several security features, including AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, an adblocker, and so on.
Another great feature is Surfshark’s compatibility. It is compatible with all operating platforms, and you can also protect an unlimited number of devices with one account.
Best offer: $2.49/month (Save 85% + 2 months for free)
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CyberGhost
Overall score: 8.8
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- 7,000+ reliable servers
- Strict no-log policy
- Tough security features
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
CyberGhost is an excellent choice for VPN for beginners because it is user-friendly and low-cost. Also, it is secure, private, and effective at bypassing country restrictions.
It is a Romania-based VPN service with a broad server network of more than 6000 servers in about 80 countries. This provides you with more than enough options to bypass geo-restrictions and censorship to access sites that are normally blocked while providing extra security and privacy.
CyberGhost also provides lightning-fast internet speeds ideal for streaming in HD quality, gaming, and P2P sharing. Furthermore, you can use CyberGhost to explore tons of torrenting and streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO, BBC iPlayer, and more. Additionally, CyberGhost offers unlimited speed and bandwidth.
In terms of security, CyberGhost VPN protects your information on whatever site you visit with its AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, an ad blocker, and a couple of other security features. This VPN also helps you maintain privacy and anonymity as it maintains a strict no-log policy.
You can install CyberGhost on any Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS device. It allows for up to 7 simultaneous connections and also has a 45-day money-back policy.
Best offer: $1.9/month (Save 84%)
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ProtonVPN
Overall score: 9.0
- Free version available
- Strong security features
- Reliable no-logs policy
- Allows Perfect Forward Secrecy
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
ProtonVPN is another reliable VPN provider you could consider. The mid-tier service can unblock most content on the internet easily, regardless of your location. It also offers several VPN features that improve your browsing experience. One thing that makes ProtonVPN unique is that it offers a completely free version, which can bypass geo-restrictions.
ProtonVPN operates more than 1200 servers in 60 countries. These servers are optimized to bypass geo-restrictions, and they can let you connect to a platform without anyone detecting that you’re using a VPN connection. Additionally, ProtonVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and speed. So, you can say goodbye to a slow and restricted Internet.
Furthermore, ProtonVPN is secure like the other VPNs on our list. It uses the AES 256-bit encryption model, Secure Core, a kill switch, perfect forward secrecy, split tunneling, data leak protection, and many other features. In addition, ProtonVPN maintains a no-log policy.
ProtonVPN is available for all devices, which makes it easier to bypass geo-restrictions. You can also have ten simultaneous connections with one account. In terms of unblocking content, the free version is not quite as effective as the paid version. Unfortunately, you’re limited to fewer server locations, other VPN features.
Best offer: $4.99/month (Save 50%)
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HideMyAss
Overall score: 8.5
- Free service trial
- Strong security features
- 256-bit AES encryption
- $2.79/month (save 75%)
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Last and certainly not the least on our list is HideMyAss (HMA). This VPN has a long track record of bypassing geo-restrictions and providing stellar VPN services as well. Whether it’s a gaming, dating, torrenting, or streaming platform, HMA can unblock it in restricted areas.
HMA has a server network of more than 1000 servers in 200+ countries, including all the popular locations that might have content you want to unblock. So, if it’s Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, HBO, or other platforms you want to access in your country, HMA can bypass the geo-restrictions. HMA’s servers are also optimized for high-speed connections, and there’s no speed or bandwidth limit.
HMA’s servers use AES 256-bit encryption to ensure that your data traffic remains private. It maintains a strict no-log policy which means that your data traffic isn’t recorded and sold to third parties. HMA also has a kill switch, data leak protection, an adblocker, and so on.
You can use HMA on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It supports up to ten simultaneous connections, depending on your subscription plan. Also, HMA has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Best offer: $2.79/month (Save 75%)
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Tips for Choosing The Best VPN Service for Geo-Blocks
Here are a few tips that will help you decide the best VPN service to subscribe to:
Multiple Servers
Before you finally choose the VPN you want to use, ensure they have multiple servers. The more servers they have, the better. You can connect to more content faster with more servers making more geo-restricted sites available at your fingertips. If you want to access geo-specific content, just ensure you choose a VPN with a server in the location you want to unblock.
Fast Speeds
A VPN provider with good speed means you’ll hardly experience buffering. You’ll enjoy fast connections to access videos and torrents that are geo-restricted without experiencing lag.
User-Friendly Interface
You need to make sure that your VPN of interest is compatible with your device. The best VPN options should have apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, DD-WRT routers, and Tomato routers.
How To Set Up a VPN to Bypass Geo-Restrictions
Below are simple steps on how to set up a VPN for geo-blocking
1. Select a VPN and Subscribe
In this article, we’ve listed the best VPNs you can use to bypass country restrictions in the VPN market. So, you can choose one of the options listed above, visit the VPN provider’s website and pay for a subscription plan.
2. Download and Install the VPN
After obtaining your subscription plan with the VPN provider of your choice, you can download and install the app from the VPN provider’s website, or you can check your device’s app store. Don’t download VPN apps from third-party websites because they could be swarmed with spyware or malware.
3. Connect to a VPN Server
The next step is to choose a VPN server from the server list and connect to it. You’ll be able to access the sites you’re interested in with your desired region once you’re connected. VPN apps can automatically choose the best server for you in most cases, but you can always check for a location you’re enthusiastic about.
4. Check Your VPN Connection
You could run an IP check just to ensure you’re connected to a VPN server. This IP check would reveal if you are now using a new IP address or not. Your connection wasn’t established if the results reveal your real IP address. If it shows the new one you chose, then the connection has been established.
Related: Best VPNs for ChatGPT
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Best VPNs for Geo-Blocking
What is geoblocking?
This is the process of limiting access to some online content because of a user’s physical location. Websites, media companies, and the likes use geoblocking to protect copyrighted materials. A website can detect the location of its users and hinder them from using the site if they’re from a country that they don’t want to access their services.
Can Disney+ ban you from using a VPN?
No – Disney+ doesn’t ban accounts for VPN use, although it goes against their Terms of Service. However, there’s a possibility that this policy might change in the future. So, keep an eye out for their terms of service.
Should I buy a VPN for just geoblocking?
Yes, you should. A lot of people around the world purchase VPN subscriptions because many interesting content is restricted, and only a premium VPN is sure to help unblock them. Although there are free VPN services in the market, it’s not advisable to use them because they might compromise your privacy, and they have several limitations.
Also, free VPNs cannot guarantee you access to geo-restricted platforms because they are usually easily detectable. So, your best bet is to pay for the best VPN provider for great value.
Is it illegal to use a VPN for geo-blocking?
No, it is not. Using VPN is legal. Although, some countries have imposed restrictions on the use of VPN. Countries like Russia, Iran, China, and Oman have government-approved VPNs that citizens can use. However, countries like Iraq, Belarus, Turkey, and North Korea have complete bans on using VPNs. Violators caught could get into serious trouble.
In most countries, though, VPNs are legal but what you do with them might not.
Conclusion
VPNs are a fast and secure way of accessing restricted content. We have listed the best VPNs that can bypass geo-restrictions in the article. They are safe, affordable, reliable, and easy to use. Now, you can stream your videos, play games from platforms such as Steam, Geforce NOW or Gameloop, and enjoy exclusive geo-blocked content.