TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms around the world. With over a billion users, it is a force to be reckoned with. However, the bad news is that it is banned in some countries, unfairly restricting people from hours of fun scrolling through entertaining clips. Who doesn’t like to spend their afternoon watching amusing dog compilation videos?
So, if you are looking to access TikTok in a banned country, then you may want to consider using a VPN. VPNs are a proven and secure method of bypassing geographical restrictions while also providing security benefits. By using a VPN, you’ll be able to access all of your favorite social media platforms worldwide, such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X), and Snapchat.
In this guide, I have reviewed the best VPNs for TikTok in detail below. However, if you’re in a rush, here’s a quick summary of each provider.
The best VPNs for TikTok:
- NordVPN: My number one choice for TikTok. Has a large server network with over 7,200 servers and has great unblocking capabilities. Fast connection speeds and strong security measures. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Great budget pick for unblocking TikTok. It has a decently sized server network and can access social media sites with ease. Offers an unlimited number of connections and strong security measures.
- IPVanish: A good option when it comes to security and unblocking ability. It is a solid option for both TikTok users and subscribers to streaming services.
- ExpressVPN: Allows you to watch videos on platforms such as TikTok with ease, offering fast streaming speeds and great unblocking ability.
- CyberGhost VPN: Gives users many different options for bypassing blocks, thanks to its very large server network and optimized servers.
- PrivateVPN: A smaller privacy-focused option that keeps you safe while you’re online. Strict no-logs policy and unblock TikTok.
- Private Internet Access: This is a lightweight, easy-to-use service with thousands of servers globally. Boasts the largest server network on this list.
While choosing the best VPNs for TikTok, I considered many different factors. I will cover these in more detail in the testing methodology section below. However, here’s a snippet of the most important factors I considered:
- Ability to access social media sites: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and more
- Large server network
- Fast connection speeds
- Extensive security and privacy features
- Ease of use
- Mobile apps available
- Value for money
Best VPNs for TikTok
With that being said, here are the best VPN options for TikTok. Make an informed choice about which VPN works best for you.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN’s global network of 7,200+ servers spans over 118 countries. This provider has fast connection speeds and can unblock many different social media sites reliably, including TikTok and Instagram. It can also unblock other services, such as online banking apps and major streaming platforms. This includes Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and HBO Max.
In addition, NordVPN has strong security features in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, an automatic ad-blocker, and protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. The provider also accepts cryptocurrency payments, which offer more anonymity than traditional credit card payments.
Apps are available on Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, and Linux. Some routers can have the service installed on them as well. In addition, users have the option of connecting 10 of their devices simultaneously and the customer support team is available 24/7 to help users with any issues.
Pros:
- Fast connection speeds
- Strong security measures
- No logs are stored
- Apps are available for many different platforms
- Access social media sites in heavily restricted countries
Cons:
- The desktop app can be slow at times
BEST VPN FOR UNBLOCKING TIKTOK:NordVPN is my first choice for accessing TikTok. It has a large server network that is capable of fast speeds and can unblock many different online services. Strong security measures and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is hard to beat when it comes to finding a VPN on a budget. This provider has over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, offering fast connection speeds and strong security features. Has no trouble unblocking services such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
The provider’s security measures are solid, with 256-bit AES encryption, protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, a strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch in place. There is also an option for traffic scrambling, which hides the fact that a user is using a VPN. This is important in places where VPNs may not be allowed.
Surfshark apps can be downloaded for macOS, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS. Some routers can also have this VPN manually installed on them. Users are allowed an unlimited number of connections and the customer service team is available 24/7 via the provided live chat. This makes it easy for customers from all time zones to get any technical help they may need.
Pros:
- Can unblock many different services
- Fast connection speeds
- Strong security measures
- Supports an unlimited number of connections
- Cryptocurrency payments accepted
Cons:
- Some servers are a little slow at times
BEST BUDGET VPN FOR TIKTOK:Surfshark is very competitive in terms of its pricing. On top of this, it can unblock many different services without hassle and offers unlimited simultaneous connections. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. IPVanish
IPVanish has a network of 2,400+ servers in more than 140 locations. It has been trusted by the Kodi community for several years, thanks to the robust nature of its VPN network; it’s fast and reliable.
There are also many security measures in place, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. A traffic scrambling option is included and no logs are stored.
IPVanish apps are available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. In addition, this service can be manually installed on some routers and Linux. It supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections and live chat support is available 24/7.
Pros:
- Fast connection speeds
- Great option for torrenters and Kodi users
- No logs stored
- Unlimited number of connections
Cons:
- Some servers don’t work with Netflix
- Apps don’t work in China
UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is secure and offers fast streaming speeds. It also has no trouble unblocking TikTok in countries where it is banned and users can enjoy an unlimited number of connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included.
4. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is an excellent option for streaming, whether that’s videos on TikTok, TV shows on Netflix, or live sports on ESPN. It has over 3,000 fast servers in 105+ countries, which makes it a good option for users who wish to unblock geographically restricted services. It is easy to use too, making it a pick for beginners.
The provider has strong security measures in place, including 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. In addition to the regular ExpressVPN site, this provider also has a .onion site in place that can only be accessed via the anonymous TOR network. The TOR network protects identities by routing connections to websites through a series of encrypted nodes.
ExpressVPN has apps available for a number of different operating systems, including Android, Windows, Linux, iOS, and macOS. It can also be installed on some supported routers. The customer support team is available 24/7 via the provided live chat and eight simultaneous connections are allowed.
Pros:
- Fast connection speeds
- Can unblock top-tier streaming services
- .onion site and acceptance of cryptocurrency
- Strong security measures
Cons:
- More expensive than some other options
- Limit on the amount of simultaneous connections
GREAT STREAMING VPN:ExpressVPN is one of the best options for TikTok and leading streaming platforms. Has fast servers and has strong security and privacy measures in place. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN has a large number of servers, with over 11,500 in 100+ countries. It can unblock many different services (such as TikTok) without hassle and has servers optimized for activities such as streaming and gaming.
Strong security measures include 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch. This service also doesn’t store any logs and accepts cryptocurrency payments, which are more anonymous than credit cards.
CyberGhost apps can be downloaded for macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS, and some routers can be manually configured to work with this service. The customer service team is available 24/7 and seven simultaneous connections are supported.
Pros:
- Apps are easy to use
- 24/7 customer support
- Huge network spread across a large number of countries
- Strong security and privacy measures
Cons:
- Blocked in the UAE and China
- Torrenting and P2P may not work on all servers
LARGE SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost has plenty of servers to choose from, located all around the world. Apps can be downloaded for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
6. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is a smaller provider, with just over 200 servers spread across 60+ countries. Despite these smaller figures, it’s still a reliable option for unblocking TikTok. It provides fast streaming and connection speeds for all your favorite online activities.
PrivateVPN has strong security measures in place, such as 256-bit AES encryption, protection from IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, and a no-logs policy. On top of that, this provider accepts cryptocurrency payments.
Apps are provided for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. Plus, Linux devices and routers can be manually configured to work with this service. One thing to note is that customer service agents can only be reached during regular business hours. However, the quality of customer service is excellent and 10 devices can be connected on a single subscription simultaneously.
Pros:
- Unblocks all major social media platforms
- Fast speeds
- No logs are stored
- Works in China
Cons:
- Small server network
- Customer support isn’t available 24/7
PRIVACY-FOCUSED VPN:PrivateVPN is a privacy-focused VPN that offers strong security features to keep you safe online. Provides access to a wide range of geo-blocked services, including TikTok. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
7. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a lightweight, easy-to-use provider that is light on system resources. It can unblock services such as TikTok with ease and has 35,000 servers in 91+ countries.
Strong security is offered by this provider. AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling are offered to keep users safe while online. Note that this service stores no logs.
Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. PIA’s customer service is available via their 24/7 live chat and an unlimited number of device connections are supported.
Pros:
- Strong security measures
- Wireguard VPN protocol supported (faster, more efficient protocol)
- Several customization options
Cons:
- Doesn’t work reliably in China
- App design is lacking in some ways
LIGHTWEIGHT AND EFFECTIVE:PIA is a lightweight provider that can provide users with secure access to many social media and streaming services. Has several customization options and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Testing methodology: How I chose the best VPNs for TikTok
In the process of finding the best VPNs for TikTok, I researched many different providers. This is because not all VPNs are created equally.
I used a few different criteria to find the top VPNs. Here are some of my main considerations:
- Unblocking ability: Not all VPNs are capable of unblocking geo-restricted services. This is because some services can detect and block VPNs. However, the VPNs reviewed here are capable of bypassing these blocks, so you can access all your favorite social media sites and streaming platforms.
- Fast connection speeds: TikTok is a video-sharing platform, so fast connection speeds are necessary for ensuring users can stream without buffering or lag.
- Security and privacy: Using a VPN helps to ensure that your connection is safe, which is especially important on open WiFi networks. All of the VPNs in this list offer excellent security and privacy features, including encryption, no leaks, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy.
- Ease of use: Many people who want to access TikTok with a VPN will be newbies. That’s why all the VPNs on this list are easy to use and make it simple to access TikTok in countries where the service is banned.
- Strong server network: Having a wide range of servers to choose from gives users as many options as possible for choosing a country for bypassing TikTok and other geo-blocked websites.
- Mobile apps available: Users will mostly be using TikTok on phones or other mobile devices. This means that the VPNs used must have mobile apps available.
- Value for money: Good VPNs will cater to people of all budgets, including discounted rates, free trials, and money-back guarantees.
You can find more about my testing methodology in my full VPN testing process guide.
How to unblock TikTok with a VPN
Ready to get started and access TikTok in any location around the world? Follow these instructions if you’re looking to unblock TikTok with a VPN:
- First, you will need to download a top-tier VPN that is capable of unblocking services such as TikTok with ease. I recommend using NordVPN since it is great at accessing geo-restricted services and offers fast streaming speeds.
- Download and install the VPN you choose onto the device you will be using TikTok on.
- Select a server in a country where TikTok isn’t banned. For example, you can select a server in the UK.
- Open the TikTok app and you should have access without issues.
Struggling to get TikTok working? Try clearing your cache and cookies or get in touch with a member of your VPN’s customer support team.
How to change your app store country
While you can use a VPN to access TikTok in a country where it is banned, you might have to change your app store location to download the TikTok app in the first place if you don’t already have it.
Below, I will describe how you can download the TikTok app even in a country where the service isn’t available.
How to change your country on the Google Play Store
If you have an Android device, you can switch your country by following these steps:
- Connect to your VPN app on your Android device.
- Open the Google Play app.
- Go to Menu > Account.
- Now, under Country and profiles, you will see the Switch option. This allows you to switch to the country you have chosen with your VPN. Note that you will need a local form of payment for the country you have chosen. If you don’t have one, getting a prepaid payment option from the country you have chosen is an option.
- Your country change will be completed within 24 hours.
Note: You can only change your Google Play country once per year. Completing this change may cause you to lose access to your account balance and previous purchases.
How to change your Apple App Store country
For the Apple App Store, you can change the country by following these steps:
- Open your VPN app on your iOS device and connect to a country where TikTok isn’t banned.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap your name and then iTunes & App Store.
- Tap your Apple ID and you can View Apple ID. You may have to sign in.
- Select Country/Region> Change Country or Region.
- Choose the country that you chose on your VPN.
- Agree to the terms and conditions.
- Select a local payment method. You can choose a prepaid method if you don’t already have one.
Note: You may lose existing store credit if you switch countries.
Best VPNs for TikTok FAQs
Is using TikTok safe?
In general, TikTok carries about the same risk as other social media networks, such as location tracking and privacy issues.
Is it illegal to access TikTok in a country where it is banned?
It is probably not illegal since the bans in place typically apply to app stores and internet service providers, but not to individual users. However, don’t take anything in this article as legal advice.
Can I just use a free VPN?
No, I don’t recommend using a free VPN. Free VPNs typically don’t have the same infrastructure in place as top-tier paid options. This means fewer servers, less bandwidth, buffering, and lag.
Free VPNs also don’t offer the same security measures as paid options. This can compromise user security. Some free VPNs are also incapable of unblocking services such as TikTok.
Are VPNs safe?
Yes, in general, it is safer to use a VPN than not to use one. This is thanks to the encryption offered by VPNs, which means that users’ privacy is protected, even on open WiFi networks.
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