5 Best VPNs for PokerStars in 2026

PokerStars is unavailable in some regions due to geo-restrictions and regulatory issues, preventing users from enjoying online poker. You can’t sign up from areas such as most US states and Australia. Moreover, even if you already have an account, you won’t be able to use PokerStars if you travel abroad.

Fortunately, you can solve this issue by using a VPN. This will change your virtual location and trick the online casino into thinking you’re elsewhere. You'll be able to access PokerStars from anywhere and unblock casino games available in specific regions, as well as protect your online privacy.

We’ll share the 5 best VPNs for PokerStars and explain how to gamble on the platform with a VPN. Then, we’ll discuss why you need a VPN and how to choose the best one. We’ll also reveal where PokerStars is legal and if you can use it in the US, explain safety guidelines, and wrap up with a round of FAQs.

Best VPN that is Compatible with PokerStars - Editor's list

1. NordVPN – Blazing-fast speeds, watertight security, and global servers make NordVPN our top choice for smooth, secure PokerStars gameplay in 2026.
2. Surfshark – Beginner-friendly with auto-connect, fast speeds, and unlimited devices—Surfshark is the easiest way to securely access PokerStars anywhere.
3. ExpressVPN – High-performance VPN with top-tier encryption, zero logs, and IP masking—ideal for PokerStars users who value speed and complete anonymity.
4. CyberGhost VPN – Use dedicated, speed-optimized servers tailored for PokerStars to ensure minimal lag, stable connections, and consistent gameplay from anywhere worldwide.
5. PIA VPN – Bypasses restrictions on PokerStars effortlessly with massive server coverage, customizable settings, and advanced privacy tools for serious poker players.

	NordVPN	Surfshark	ExpressVPN	CyberGhost	PIA
Unblocks PokerStars	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Canadian Servers (PokerStars Access)	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
UK Servers (PokerStars Access)	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Strong Encytpion and Protocols	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Fast Speed	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
Audited No-Logs policy	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Data Leak Protection (IP/DNS/WebRTC)	✅ No leaks detected	✅ No leaks detected	✅ No leaks detected	✅ No leaks detected	✅ No leaks detected
Router Support (overall protection)	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Obfuscation	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅
Kill Switch	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Simultaneous Connections	10 simultaneous connections	unlimited simultaneous connections	10-14 simultaneous connections	7 simultaneous connections	unlimited simultaneous connections
Device Compatibility	✅All Major Devices	✅All Major Devices	✅All Major Devices	✅All Major Devices	✅All Major Devices
Money-Back Guarantee	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Price	$3.09 per month (for a 24 months plan)	$1.99 per month (for a 24 months plan)	$2.44 per month (for a 24 months plan)	$2.03 per month (for a 24 months plan)	$2.03 per month (for a 24 months plan)

Best VPNs for Playing PokerStars Securely in 2026

PokerStars is one of the top online poker platforms, but it’s not available in every country. A trusted VPN can help you access PokerStars securely, even if it’s restricted in your region. Plus, it protects your personal data and hides your location while you play. Below are 5 best VPNs for playing PokerStars in 2026.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is the best VPN for accessing PokerStars, featuring a vast fleet with 8,900+ servers in 129 countries. Plus, thanks to its 300+ servers in 3 Canadian locations and 440+ UK servers in 4 cities, you can unblock PokerStars and other gambling sites, regardless of your location. 

As you can read in our detailed assessment of NordVPN, it comes with obfuscated servers that hide your VPN usage, a kill switch that prevents data leaks, AES-256-GCM, ChaCha20, and Post-Quantum Encryption (NordLynx Protocol) encryption, and robust VPN protocols like NordLynx (WireGuard-based), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordWhisper. To top it off, NordVPN has rolled out post-quantum encryption across all platforms, making it one of the most future-proof VPNs available. There is also an audited no-logs policy to verify the VPN doesn’t share your data with third parties. 

NordVPN also allows you to install the PokerStars app on any device. It has native apps for all popular devices, such as phones, tablets, and computers. Furthermore, a subscription to this VPN supports 10 simultaneous connections. Also, you can count on ultra-fast speeds and stable performance.

This VPN's subscription for 24 months is priced at $3.09 per month. You can test the provider for a while and make the right decision based on your personal experience due to the 30-day money-back guarantee that NordVPN covers its plans with. Ultimately, there is 24/7 customer support to guide you through any problem that may occur. 

2. Surfshark

The next VPN we recommend is Surfshark. With a range of 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, Surfshark easily unblocks PokerStars and other gambling platforms. The main reason is that it has 120+ Canadian servers in 3 locations and 210+ UK servers in 4 cities. Therefore, if one of the servers doesn’t work, you can always switch to another one.

Surfshark also prioritizes your online security and safety. That’s why it has AES-256-GCM (OpenVPN and IKEv2), ChaCha20 (WireGuard), and Post-Quantum Encryption (WireGuard) encryption that makes your traffic undetectable, a kill switch that cuts your Internet if the VPN fails, and an audited no-logs policy. To boost user privacy, Surfshark is developing a unique encryption technique specifically designed to limit metadata leaks. Even better, it has automatic obfuscation on all its servers, and it employs industry-leading protocols such as WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. 

Playing PokerStars with VPN protection won’t be an issue if you use Surfshark. The provider has dedicated apps for different devices, like computers, tablets, and smartphones. It even goes one step further and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Surfshark also has fast speeds and reliable performance from anywhere.

This VPN is currently priced at only $1.99 per month for its plan lasting 24 months. Its 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to test it thoroughly. Lastly, its knowledgeable customer support will help you quickly solve any potential issue.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries, including servers in 4 Canadian locations and 5 UK locations. Due to this, you will be able to unblock PokerStars and other similar sites from any possible location. This VPN is truly known for its fantastic content-unblocking features.

Another way ExpressVPN stands out from other providers is security. You will receive military-grade encryption (AES-256 and ChaCha20/Poly1305), a kill switch, and VPN protocols like OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2. In a move to further upgrade, ExpressVPN enhances Lightway Turbo with improved speed and connection stability, ensuring a better online experience across devices.

Plus, it has a strictly audited no-logs policy. Aside from these features, your VPN usage will remain concealed due to automatic obfuscation on all its servers. ExpressVPN is pioneering Rust-based protocols and zero-knowledge architecture to reshape how digital privacy is delivered and maintained.

ExpressVPN allows you to download it on various devices, as it has native apps for phones, tablets, and computers. It even comes with 10-14 simultaneous connections, meaning you can use it on more devices at the same time. As our full analysis of ExpressVPN notes, you will also enjoy its ultra-fast speeds and steady performance, no matter how far away your chosen server is. AircoveOS v5.3 rolls out with enhanced router performance and stronger security, marking a solid step forward for ExpressVPN users.

The lowest you can pay for ExpressVPN is $2.44 per month (24 months). It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to get a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with the VPN’s services. Last but not least, there is reliable customer support that you can reach at any time and overcome any issue.

4. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost is another fantastic VPN that unblocks PokerStars smoothly, as well as other gambling platforms, thanks to plenty of Canadian servers in 3 locations and UK servers across 3 cities. Even better, CyberGhost employs an undisclosed number of servers in 100 countries.

CyberGhost has some impressive features, such as a strict no-logs policy; unique NoSpy servers; AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption that scrambles your data; and VPN protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard that ensure fast data transmission. While it has a reliable kill switch, it doesn’t offer obfuscation. 

You can install CyberGhost on various popular devices, such as phones, tablets, or computers, and enjoy its 7 simultaneous connections. CyberGhost is one of the easiest-to-use VPNs, so even first-time users should face no issues. Regarding speed, CyberGhost has medium connections and dependable performance - more than enough for online gambling. 

This VPN comes priced at only $2.03 per month (24 months) and has a 45-day money-back guarantee, which seems quite generous. Lastly, you can contact its 24/7 customer support, which helps you with any possible issue. Aside from that, you'll find email support, customer support tickets, various installation guides, and more.

5. PIA VPN

Private Internet Access (PIA) is another good option. This provider has one of the largest server networks on the market, with a undisclosed number of servers in 91 countries. Among them, it has servers in 4 Canadian locations and UK servers in 3 locations that help you access PokerStars and other gambling sites effortlessly. 

PIA comes with a broad range of security practices, such as VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec (IKEv2); military-grade encryption (AES-128-GCM, AES-256-GCM, AES-128-CBC, AES-256-CBC, and ChaCha20); obfuscation that doesn’t reveal you’re using a VPN; and an audited no-logs policy. It even has a kill switch that cuts your connections if the VPN fails. 

As explained in our extensive Private Internet Access review, you can use one of PIA’s apps for tablets, computers, and phones. Moreover, you can protect as many of them as you want because PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Unfortunately, it only has medium speeds, but it does have stable performance. 

Right now, it's priced at $2.03 per month (for ). PIA also has a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to test it and make an informed decision. To wrap it up, it provides you with knowledgeable customer support that will assist you if you need to overcome an issue that arises. 

How to Safely and Legally Access PokerStars Using a VPN: Even in US

You need to find a reliable provider that works with the gambling platform and has servers where it is available. Then, download and install it on your device. Here are step-by-step instructions:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that works with PokerStars (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on the device you’ll use. 
3. Open the VPN and log in or create an account.
4. Connect to a server where PokerStars is available (Canada or the UK, for example). 
5. Download the PokerStars app on your preferred device. 
6. Log in or create an account and deposit money into it. 
7. That’s it! You can now join a poker table from anywhere and enjoy playing.

In terms of the VPN locations for Pokerstars, we recommend picking a server in the UK or Canada (Ontario). Those locations will give you unlimited access in addition to a wide range of casino games that you can enjoy.

Is a VPN Required for PokerStars? Here's Why It Often Is

Aside from protecting your privacy and ensuring you're not tracked online, a VPN is necessary for PokerStars to unblock the platform and use it while traveling.

Here is what you’ll encounter if you try to access it from an unsupported region: “Unfortunately this site is not available in your region.”

Let’s review all the ways a VPN will help you:

• Access PokerStars from Anywhere – VPN providers let you change your location to a country where PokerStars works and get full access. 
• Avoid Gambling Licensing Issues – Specific "Real Money" games are available in certain markets only, meaning a VPN helps you access a wider variety of games.
• Unblock PokerStars While Traveling – Even if you can access and play PokerStars at home if you travel to an unsupported region, your access will be blocked unless you use a VPN.
• Secure Your Deposits and Withdrawals - Thanks to their encryption, VPNs allow you to transact your money without fearing that someone will steal your payment data.
• Use PokerStars Even on Public Wi-Fi – Gambling sites usually require sensitive data input, so if you want to gamble on public Wi-Fi, you need a VPN to encrypt your traffic. 
• Access a Wider Variety of Gambling Sites – By using a VPN, you can change your location and access any gambling site. 
• Protect Your Personal Privacy and Finances – Because you must provide transactional details when gambling, utilize a VPN that will prevent unauthorized access. 
• Get Around Bandwidth Throttling - ISPs can slow down those who download or upload a lot of data. You need a VPN to bypass throttling and unleash the full speed of your connection.
• Conceal Your Browsing Activity – ISPs, governments, and hackers often track your online activities. Fortunately, a VPN will allow you to hide from them. 

A Complete Guide to Finding the Best VPN for PokerStars Players

Finding the best option requires you to ensure it fulfills some essential criteria, like the ability to unblock PokerStars, a large server network, and strong security - letting you unblock access to PokerStars while ensuring no one follows you on the Web. Here’s a deeper look:

• Ability to Unblock PokerStars – The most important criterion is that your VPN must unblock PokerStars from anywhere and bypass the site's strong region-based blocks.
• Server Network Size and Spread – To unblock the platform, you'll need a VPN with a huge server fleet, including servers in regions where PokerStars works. 
• Obfuscated Servers – Obfuscation helps you hide your VPN usage by letting you switch to smaller data packets, preventing blocks by the platform. 
• Kill Switch – To use PokerStars with VPN protection, ensure the provider has a kill switch to prevent data leaks. A kill switch shuts down your connection if something unexpected happens.
• Verified No-Logs Policy – You need a VPN with an independently audited no-logs policy that will guarantee your data won’t be shared with third parties. 
• Robust Protocols and Encryption – Having a VPN with robust encryption and VPN protocols is a must. Go for OpenVPN or WireGuard paired with AES-256 or ChaCha20.
• Simultaneous Connections and Supported Devices – To use the VPN on multiple devices at the same time, it needs to have numerous simultaneous connections and native apps for devices like phones, computers, and tablets. 
• High-End Performance and Speed – If you want to avoid interruptions while gambling, choose a VPN with fast speeds and consistent performance across the board. 
• Wallet-Friendly Pricing - We recommend getting a long-term subscription, as that's how you'll save the most in the long run. You might get some bonuses or extras.
• Liberal Money-Back Guarantee – A solid refund policy will allow you to test the provider and get your money back if unsatisfied with its services. 
• Responsive Customer Support – Your chosen provider should have 24/7 customer support so that you can overcome any potential issue quickly. 

Where Is PokerStars Legal?

PokerStars is legal in numerous countries all over the world. Although the platform is geo-restricted, you can still play for real money from many countries. However, gambling regulations change often, so here is a detailed list of all the legal countries as of this article’s publishing:

Is PokerStars Legal in the US?

Yes, PokerStars is legal in the US - but in a handful of states only. More precisely, you can access its real-money games only in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. In other states where gambling is allowed, you can access PokerStars' free casino games.

In 2023, PokerStars MI and PokerStars NJ merged into a multi-state network, which means that players in both states can play together. PokerStars PA is still a separate network, which means that it has different tournament schedules, cash game limits, and game formats.

Essential Safety Guidelines for Using a VPN to Play PokerStars from Restricted Regions

Sticking to certain safety guidelines will enhance your overall privacy, such as connecting to the VPN at the right time, enabling the kill switch, and using obfuscated servers. So, let’s get into more details and explore all the tips thoroughly:

• Connect to the VPN on Time – Connecting to a suitable VPN server before opening PokerStars is one of the most important steps during the VPN setup. This way, you will prevent PokerStars from detecting that you’re trying to access it from an unsupported region, and you will enjoy unrestricted gambling. 
• Withdraw Your Winnings Frequently – Even the best gambling platforms can freeze your winnings and prevent you from claiming them, especially if you try to withdraw larger amounts all at once. That’s why it’s crucial to withdraw your wins more often. On top of that, this will help you avoid triggering Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, which will reveal your actual location.
• Enable the Kill Switch – The kill switch feature will prevent data leaks by cutting your Internet if it notices a VPN connection failure. As a result, your real IP address will remain hidden, and you will continue to enjoy your favorite poker games.
• Use Obfuscated Servers – By going for a VPN provider with obfuscated servers, you will ensure that your VPN usage remains hidden. Therefore, PokerStars won’t be able to see that you’re bypassing restrictions, so you won’t face any VPN blocks. Of course, you'll need a VPN with obfuscation on servers in the right locations, which is what NordVPN offers.

Is It Safe to Use a Free VPN for PokerStars? Here's What You Should Know

No, it's not safe to use a free VPN for PokerStars, and we can't recommend using them. Metioned below are the reasons why we don't recommend it.

	Free VPNs	Paid VPNs
Can Unblock PokerStars	❌	✅
Fast & Reliable Speeds	❌	✅
Large Server Network	❌	✅
High Data Allowance	❌ (Strict limits)	✅ (Unlimited)
Audited No Logs Policy	❌	✅
Safe from Malware	❌	✅
Doesn’t Sell Your Data	❌	✅

What you can do is try a premium VPN for free. For example, you can start a NordVPN trial on Android and use it for 7 days. You also get a 30-day money-back policy on other devices. Once you're ready to make your pick, check our overview of the top-rated VPNs.

If you're set on sticking to a free option, give Proton VPN a try. It's one of the rare free VPNs to feature unlimited bandwidth, but your speed and server selection will be limited.

Final Thoughts

PokerStars is a popular gambling platform for poker lovers. Still, it is restricted in many countries due to different gambling regulations and geo-restrictions. For example, you won't be able to sign up for the platform in most US states or countries like Australia. Even if you can use it at home, you will not have access to it when traveling to unsupported regions.

That’s why you should play PokerStars with a VPN to unblock it, ensure you're protected, and gain access to region-specific games. A VPN will hide your real IP and location, replacing it with that of the server you connect to. Plus, it protects your sensitive financial data.

Your #1 option right now is NordVPN as it has a huge server fleet with coverage where PokerStars is available. You will be able to unblock the gambling platform from anywhere while enjoying incredible speeds and top-notch security. This is the best VPN for PokerStars because it's among the easiest to use and works on any platform imaginable.

If you're not set on NordVPN, the other providers we mentioned are great options, too. Surfshark is super secure and offers unlimited simultaneous connections. ExpressVPN has impressive speeds and top-notch security. And if you're looking for a large server network, CyberGhost and PIA have got you covered. PIA even has servers in every US state, which will come in handy for unblocking PokerStars.

That’s all for our guide on choosing the best VPN for Pokerstars in 2026. If you have any questions, please let us know via the comment section below. Thank you for reading!