Best VPN for Geo-Blocking in 2024

When accessing your favorite websites and services in other countries, you will likely encounter geo-blocks that restrict access. This is often due to licensing agreements, but many countries also impose censorship on content like news sites, social media, and games. Besides that, digital trackers can see your IP address, browsing history, and personal data. 

All these factors can make your online experience restrictive and potentially unsafe. With the best VPN for geo-blocking, you can bypass geo-restrictions and access your favorite content from anywhere. By hiding your IP and other data, a VPN enhances online freedom and fortifies digital safety, creating a secure and unrestricted browsing experience.

In this article, we’ll look at the top 5 VPNs to get around geo-blocking. Then we’ll guide you through the process of setting up a VPN, explain the importance of using one, and help you choose a VPN for your needs. We’ll also address FAQs to clarify any concerns you may have.

Best VPNs for Geo-Blocking - Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Geo-blocking
2. Surfshark – Best VPN to Get Around Geo-Blocking Restrictions
3. ExpressVPN – Geo-Spoofing VPN with Super-Fast Speeds
4. CyberGhost VPN – Budget-Friendly VPN for Unblocking Content 
5. Private Internet Access – VPN for Masking IP Addresses

How to Use a VPN to Get Around Geo-Blocking

To use a VPN to get around geo-blocking, register for a provider with an extensive server network spread across the globe. Here are the steps to establish a VPN to bypass geo-blocking:

1. Sign up for a VPN that can bypass geo-blocks (we recommend NordVPN)
2. Install the VPN on your smartphone, laptop, or preferred device. 
3. Log in to the VPN service.
4. Connect to a server location where your desired content is unrestricted.
5. That’s it! Now, you can access geo-restricted content easily and securely. 

The Best VPNs to Get Around Geo-Blocking

To find the best VPN to get around geo-blocking, consult the criteria we used for the best VPN overall. The VPN should have the ability to circumvent geo-blocking and access restricted content from anywhere in the world. Select a provider with a large server network in many countries. Next, an audited no-logs policy is important to ensure privacy and data security.

Choose a VPN with advanced security like WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. AES 256-bit encryption helps ensure data security, while obfuscated servers assist you in avoiding geo-restrictions. Plus, having a kill switch protects your identity if the VPN connection fails, and split-tunneling allows you to customize what traffic runs through the VPN.

Next, look for a VPN with quick speeds and reliable performance for a smooth browsing experience. It should allow multiple simultaneous connections and be compatible with a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. A generous refund policy and 24/7 customer service should also be available to resolve any issues.

Based on the above, here are the 5 best geo-spoofing VPNs:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Geo-Blocking

NordVPN is the best VPN for geo-blocking, offering a network of 6,000+ servers across 60 countries. This coverage ensures the ability to unblock geo-restricted and censored content worldwide. Its audited no-logs policy also assures user privacy by verifying that no record of online activities is kept, making it a top choice for secure, unrestricted Internet access.

With NordVPN, you can get past any kinds of restrictions securely. Its proprietary NordLynx protocol, along with IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN, enhances safety and speed. The AES 256-bit encryption adds security, shielding your online activities from prying eyes. As such, this service is a trustworthy option for browsing the Internet securely.

Thanks to its obfuscated servers, users can easily navigate digital borders. Its kill switch increases security by disconnecting the Internet if the VPN connection is lost. Furthermore, split tunneling allows you to choose whether or not to route data through the VPN. With fast speeds and stable performance, NordVPN offers access to worldwide content with ease.

This VPN allows for 6 concurrent connections so you can watch geo-blocked content on multiple devices, a variety of which it has native apps for, such as tablets, smartphones, and computers. It is committed to customer satisfaction and offers a 30-day refund policy plus a live chat service for customers, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

2. Surfshark – Best VPN to Get Around Geo-Blocking Restrictions

Surfshark is the next best VPN to get around geo-blocking. With a vast network of 3,200+ servers across 100 countries, it can easily bypass location-based restrictions. This global reach allows users to access content from anywhere in the world. Plus, its audited no-logs policy also upholds user privacy, making it a top choice for secure browsing.

Surfshark uses AES 256-bit and ChaCha20 encryption to ensure the safety of your online data. They form a formidable defense against potential cyber threats when combined with WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. This VPN is a reliable option for digital privacy because these features work together to provide excellent protection without sacrificing speed.

Obfuscation is a good way to improve your online privacy, and Surfshark has it on all its servers. The kill switch provides additional security by disconnecting your device from the Internet if the VPN fails. Split tunneling allows you to route your traffic selectively. Also, its impressive speeds are accompanied by consistent performance for seamless browsing or streaming.

Surfshark provides exceptional flexibility by allowing for unlimited concurrent connections on devices such as computers and mobile phones. If dissatisfied, you have 30 days to request a full refund. Furthermore, with their 24-hour customer service, you will never be left stranded. 

3. ExpressVPN – Geo-Spoofing VPN with Super-Fast Speeds

ExpressVPN is an excellent geo-spoofing VPN. With 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, it offers a vast user network. Known to remove geo-blocking restrictions easily, it's a popular choice among users seeking online freedom. In addition, privacy is well-guarded thanks to its strict audited no-logs policy, offering peace of mind to its users.

This VPN stands out in terms of privacy and security, providing top-tier protection. It employs reliable protocols such as OpenVPN, Lightway, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2 to safeguard your data. AES 256-bit encryption, a leading security standard, adds another layer of protection, fortifying your online activities against potential threats.

ExpressVPN offers obfuscated servers and a superior kill switch, known as Network Lock, for foolproof security. With its split tunneling feature, you can choose which data can bypass the VPN. It delivers dependable performance with blazing-fast speeds, making it a reliable choice for your VPN needs.

It also stands out for its ability to support 8 device connections simultaneously. This means you can secure devices like phones and computers at the same time without compromising on speed. With 24/7 customer service, you can get assistance anytime you need. Plus, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day refund period, allowing new users to test the service risk free.

4. CyberGhost VPN – Budget-Friendly VPN for Unblocking Content

CyberGhost is a secure VPN for geo-blocking that can get around censorship and geo-restrictions to access any content worldwide. It boasts over 10,000 servers across 100 countries, ensuring vast coverage. The company adheres to a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited, guaranteeing that user activities remain private.

This VPN delivers robust security by utilizing cutting-edge protocols such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. It encrypts user data with AES 256-bit keys, allowing users to navigate digital spaces privately and circumvent constraints imposed by regional restrictions.

For users seeking unrestricted browsing, CyberGhost delivers reliable performance and medium-fast speeds. While it does not provide obfuscated servers, it includes a kill switch and split tunneling, which improve security and control over Internet traffic. These allow for seamless access to content across multiple regions while maintaining privacy and connection stability.

CyberGhost provides its users with round-the-clock live chat support, ensuring that help is always available. It gives a generous 45-day refund period and the ability to connect 7 devices at once, including computers and smartphones. This gives users an uninterrupted experience, allowing them to enjoy content across multiple devices without interruption.

5. Private Internet Access – VPN for Masking IP Addresses

With its extensive network of thousands of servers in 91 countries, Private Internet Access (PIA) is the best VPN for geo-spoofing. Capable of easily unblocking geo-restrictions, the service is dedicated to user privacy and has a strict no-logs policy audited by a third party. This ensures your activities are kept private when watching geo-blocked content.

To maintain secure connections, PIA employs industry-leading protocols such as WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN. Combined with AES 256-bit encryption, it protects users' online activities from prying eyes. These advanced security measures ensure the security of digital communications and data.

PIA provides dependable connections with generally stable performance but slower speeds than some competitors. It includes obfuscation to help conceal VPN use, improving user privacy. There is also a kill switch to prevent data leaks and split tunneling to allow users to route some traffic outside the VPN, optimizing security and network performance.

This VPN offers live chat available 24/7 for immediate user support, ensuring that assistance is always available. It backs up its service with a 30-day refund policy for new users who want to try it out. Furthermore, it provides the convenience of unlimited concurrent connections, allowing it to accommodate a diverse range of devices, such as mobiles and PCs, all at once.

How to Choose the Best VPN for Geo-Blocking?

To choose the best VPN for geo-blocking, look for a service provider with an extensive global server network and the ability to unblock your favorite content easily. Other features to consider include:

• Ability to Unblock Censored/Geo-Blocked Content – Choose a VPN known for its ability to get around geo-blocking and censored content, ensuring access to a broader range of media from various regions.
• Server Network Size – A large server network means more options to bypass geo-restrictions, giving you better chances to find a server that unblocks your desired content.
• No-Logs Policy – Opt for a VPN that adheres to a no-logs policy to protect your privacy and shield your digital footprint. Even better if it’s independently audited.
• VPN Protocols and Encryption – Look for robust VPN protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard paired with solid encryption like AES 256-bit keys to maintain security and privacy.
• Performance and Speed – Select a VPN that offers solid performance and high speeds to ensure streaming and browsing are smooth and buffer-free.
• Obfuscated Servers – Obfuscation masks your VPN use by making your traffic look like normal HTTPS traffic. This enables successful connections in restricted areas.
• Kill Switch and Split Tunneling – A kill switch protects data from leaking if the VPN connection drops, while split tunneling allows for specific traffic to bypass the VPN. This can help optimize your VPN bandwidth use.
• Simultaneous Connections and Supported Devices – Ensure the VPN allows for multiple simultaneous connections and supports a wide range of devices for flexibility in usage.
• Money-Back Guarantees – A VPN offering a money-back guarantee provides a risk-free opportunity to test the service and determine if it meets your needs.
• Customer Support – Reliable customer support, such as 24/7 live chat, is crucial for troubleshooting and assistance.

What is Geo-Blocking?

Geo-blocking is a technology companies and governments use to restrict access to Internet content based on a user's geographical location. It often involves blocking IP addresses that are known to originate from regions where the content is not licensed or allowed.

This form of geo-restriction works by analyzing the user's IP address to determine their location. If the IP falls within a blocked region, access to certain services, websites, or content is denied. This is a common practice among streaming services, gambling platforms, online games, and even some news sites to comply with licensing agreements or local regulations.

Why Do Geo-Restrictions Exist?

Geo-restrictions exist because content providers and authorities need to control and regulate the availability of digital content across different regions of the world. Geo-blocking often enforces these restrictions to comply with legal requirements or commercial strategies. Other reasons include:

• Censorship – Governments may impose geo-restrictions to control the information their citizens can access, often for political, cultural, or moral reasons. This leads to a form of geo-blocking that reflects local regulations. North Korea, for instance, severely restricts Internet access and information, maintaining strict control over external media. 
• Licensing Agreements and Copyrighted Content – Content creators and distributors enforce geo-restrictions to adhere to regional licensing agreements, ensuring they only provide content where they have the legal right to do so. Netflix exemplifies this by providing distinct libraries of shows and films that vary by country, in accordance with local licensing contracts.
• Region-Based Pricing – Companies use geo-restrictions to implement different pricing strategies across various markets, taking advantage of each region's economic conditions and consumer purchasing power. For example, airlines may charge more for flights booked in some countries than others.

Is Bypassing Geo-Blocking with a VPN Illegal?

No, it's not illegal to bypass geo-blocking with a VPN in most countries. However, it may violate the content provider's terms of service. While using a VPN to remove geo-blocking is generally not against the law, the legality can vary based on the country's VPN regulations and the specific actions taken while using one.

VPNs are prohibited in some countries, and circumventing geo-restrictions to access content may be illegal in them, too. In countries with strict Internet censorship, for example, the use of VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions may be closely monitored or even prohibited.

On the other hand, in more liberal jurisdictions, there are no explicit laws forbidding the use of VPNs to access geo-blocked content. Users should be aware of their local laws and service agreements of the platforms they are accessing to understand the potential implications fully. Check out our guide on where VPNs are legal to see if VPNs are legal in your area.

Can You Use a Free VPN for Geo-Blocking?

Yes, you can use free VPN for geo-blocking, but it's not recommended. Free VPNs often have limited server options, hindering their ability to bypass geo-restrictions effectively. Additionally, they usually don’t provide the same level of security and privacy as paid services.

A free VPN uses less advanced encryption, making it easier to detect, so it fails to circumvent geo-blocks reliably. Many free services have been known to track user data, which compromises your privacy. 

Furthermore, free VPNs frequently display a large number of ads, which can be annoying and intrusive. They may also restrict the amount of data you can use each month, which is inconvenient if you're streaming shows or movies. For consistent performance and security, investing in one of the best VPN providers is usually the wiser choice.

Final Thoughts

Navigating geo-blocks and maintaining your online privacy can be challenging. Geo-blocking limits what content you can access online, which might keep you from watching your favorite shows or visiting certain websites. However, using a VPN to circumvent geo-restrictions allows you to overcome these barriers and access content globally.

We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for geo-blocking. This VPN, which has over 6,000 servers in over 60 countries, makes it simple to get past geo-blocking. Furthermore, its strong AES 256-bit encryption and stringent security measures ensure a safe online experience.

That’s all for our guide on the best VPN for geo-blocking. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!