Best VPNs to bypass geo-blocks to unlock worldwide content

Many streaming services restrict their content to specific geographic regions. This is usually due to restrictions imposed on the services because of the broadcast rights that they have for the content. These broadcast rights dictate that content can only be broadcast in specified geographic regions, and this is known as geo-blocking. Some countries also impose restrictions on a national basis because of censorship laws, such as China and the UAE. A VPN is a legitimate and effective way of bypassing these restrictions.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) works by rerouting your internet traffic through a secure third-party server that is located in a different country, giving you an IP address that corresponds to the location of the server. VPN users can then use this change of IP address to access content that they aren’t usually allowed to access. In addition to being able to overcome geo-blocks, a VPN masks your presence online.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how to effectively access streaming services that are restricted in your country. If you’re in a rush, here’s a quick summary of my top choices.

The best VPNs for bypassing geo-blocks:

1. NordVPN: My top VPN for bypassing geo-blocks. NordVPN has thousands of servers so that you can access streaming platforms and services without any issues. Also comes with 256-bit encryption and other privacy tools. New subscribers can also benefit from a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for geo-blocks. Surfshark has considerable discounts for long-term subscriptions and also supports unlimited simultaneous device connections.
3. ExpressVPN: Has some of the fastest speeds on the market, making it perfect for streaming, downloading, and gaming.
4. CyberGhost: Has the largest network of servers at 9,000+. This makes it a perfect choice for beating geo-restrictions on streaming services.
5. IPVanish: Tight security and privacy measures designed to keep you safe online. There are apps for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and others.
6. PrivateVPN: Lives up to its name and keeps your online activity completely private. Easily overcomes geo-blocks.
7. Private Internet Access: A lightweight option with a host of excellent security features. Connect an unlimited amount of devices at once.
8. Atlas VPN: Has 256-bit encryption, a network kill switch, and many other features for safe streaming and browsing.

I carefully researched many VPN services in my quest to find the ones that are most effective at bypassing geo-blocks. I picked VPNs that met the following criteria:

• Can provide secure access to many different streaming services including major platforms like Netflix and Hulu
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures
• Works in a large selection of countries

For more information about the criteria I used, check out the testing methodology section later in this article.

Best VPNs for bypassing geo-blocks

Here is my list of best VPNs for bypassing geo-blocks:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is a high performer when it comes to speed and security. It is also an effective option for accessing streaming services such as BBC iPlayer and Disney+. In addition, NordVPN has over 5,000 servers. This combination makes it a great choice for bypassing geo-restrictions.

Security has been prioritized by this provider as well. NordVPN comes with security features which include 256-bit AES encryption, an app-specific kill switch, protection against IPv6, DNS, and Web RTC leaks, and other features such as an automatic ad-blocker, and a malware scanner. These security features ensure you are protected at all times when browsing online. NordVPN doesn’t store logs either which is great from a privacy standpoint. This ensures that your internet activity is kept as private as possible.

You can download apps for this service for Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android. Even routers can be manually configured to work with it. It supports six simultaneous connections and the customer support team is available 24/7 via the provided live chat.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds that make streaming content easy
• Can provide safe access to services such as Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu
• No logs are stored
• Apps can be downloaded for many operating systems
• The customer support team is available 24/7

Cons:

• The desktop app can be slow sometimes

BEST VPN FOR BYPASSING GEO-BLOCKS:NordVPN is my number one choice for bypassing geo-blocks. It has a large server network which makes it easy to access servers in many different countries, making it easier to get the IP addresses necessary for bypassing geo-blocks in the first place. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a great deal for those looking to browse the internet privately with a VPN on a budget. This service offers great value for money without compromising on quality, speed, or security. While it doesn’t have as many servers as NordVPN, with 3,200+ servers in more than 95 countries, you will have lots of options when you’re trying to access services. It is able to bypass geo-blocks put in place by services such as BBC iPlayer and Hulu and can even provide secure access to Netflix.

Strong security measures are in place with this provider as seen by its support for AES 256-bit encryption, protection against DNS, IPv6 and Web RTC leaks, and a kill switch. This service doesn’t store logs either and allows customers to pay for their subscriptions with cryptocurrency. This means that your name isn’t stored when you pay for your subscription like it is when you pay with a credit card, making for more anonymity.

Surfshark has apps available for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android. Surfshark can be manually configured to work on routers too. Customer service can be reached 24/7 via live chat with this service and it supports an unlimited number of connections.

Pros:

• Can access major services such as Disney+ and Netflix
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures offered
• Supports an unlimited number of connections

Cons:

• Customer service could be better

GREAT BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is cost-effective and fast enough to stream with. It is capable of bypassing the geo-blocks imposed by many major services and is also a secure platform. Supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a fast option when it comes to streaming. It has a network of over 3,000 servers in 94+ countries that can bypass geo-blocks in a range of different countries. It is capable of bypassing geo-blocks put in place by many streaming services such as BBC iPlayer and HBO. In addition, it can provide secure access to Netflix.

As well as being fast, ExpressVPN has strong security measures in place such as 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks, and a kill switch to keep you secure while you browse online. A .onion site is available as well which lets you access information about the service securely. You can sign up for a subscription through this site or the normal site. In addition, users can choose to make payments with cryptocurrency which is better in terms of anonymity.

ExpressVPN provides apps for many operating systems. These include Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. It can also be installed on supported routers. Eight simultaneous connections are supported and there is also a live chat that is offered by ExpressVPN’s customer support team 24/7.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Able to unblock many different services
• .onion site and cryptocurrency available for increased anonymity
• 24/7 customer support

Cons:

• More expensive than other options
• Not easily customizable

SOLID STREAMING OPTIONS:ExpressVPN is both fast and secure. It is great for streaming because of these two qualities. In addition, it can effectively access many different services. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has the largest number of servers on this list. It offers more than 9,000 servers globally. Many of these servers are optimized for streaming content. In addition to this, CyberGhost can successfully bypass geo-blocks from services such as Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer.

CyberGhost has security features in place such as 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and a kill switch. In addition to the kill switch, this provider doesn’t store any personally identifiable information.

Apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android are available for users to download. This service supports seven simultaneous connections and live chat representatives are available 24/7 to assist with any queries you might have.

Pros:

• The largest selection of servers
• Strong security features
• Incredible speeds
• 24/7 customer support

Cons:

• Doesn’t work reliably in China
• Has fewer advanced features

THOUSANDS OF SERVERS:CyberGhost has almost 9,000 server options, making it a great option for those who may need to unblock services in different countries. Offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

5. IPVanish

IPVanish is a well-known option among Kodi users. This is because it is a great option for users who stream a lot and is fast and secure. While it doesn’t have as many servers as CyberGhost and, NordVPN, at over 2,000 servers, it has enough to successfully unblock services in many different countries.

The provider doesn’t slack off in the security department either. Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. There is also an option for traffic scrambling and the provider stores no logs.

IPVanish apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire Stick, and Amazon Fire TV. This VPN can even be set up on some routers and Linux. It supports an unlimited number of connections as well and live chat support is provided 24/7 by the customer support team.

Pros:

• Can unblock many different services
• Unlimited simultaneous connections allowed
• No logs are stored
• Great option for streaming

Cons:

• Some servers don’t work with Netflix
• IPVanish’s apps don’t work in China

SOLID STREAMING OPTION:IPVanish is great for streaming especially for Kodi streamers. It’s fast and secure. In addition, it supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections and is suitable for those who want to bypass geo-blocks. 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a relatively small VPN provider that has just over 200 servers. While the server count is small, they are located in over 60 countries globally, meaning users still have plenty of options for bypassing services across the world. Speeds are fast and this service accesses services including Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.

The provider has strong security measures in place such as 256-bit AES encryption, protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, and it also stores no logs. Customers have the option of making payments with cryptocurrency for increased anonymity.

PrivateVPN has apps available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Users with Linux devices can manually configure them. Routers can also be manually configured. The customer service team can only be reached during regular business hours. However, this is balanced out by a comprehensive knowledge base.

In addition, the customer service team is helpful and they can even remotely access your machine to help you with the setup of the service if you permit them to do so. A single subscription is allowed 10 simultaneous subscriptions.

Pros:

• Accesses Netflix and many other streaming sites
• Fast speeds
• No logs are stored
• Works in China

Cons:

• Small server network
• Customer support isn’t available 24/7

SMALL BUT QUALITY VPN:While PrivateVPN doesn't have a lot of servers, they are high quality and work with many different streaming services. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a lightweight option that allows users to customize the interface of the application. It has servers in over 80 countries and can unblock streaming services such as YouTube TV and BBC iPlayer along with access to region-locked IPTV services. This VPN also supports the fast and efficient WireGuard VPN protocol.

Strong security is offered by this provider as well, with features such as a kill switch and split tunneling. This service also doesn’t store any logs.

PIA apps can be downloaded for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS as well. Customer service can be reached via their 24/7 live chat and an unlimited number of device connections are allowed.

Pros:

• Can provide access to many different services
• Strong security features are in place
• The WireGuard VPN protocol is supported (it is faster and more efficient)
• Several customization options are available

Cons:

• Doesn’t work reliably in China
• App design could be improved

LIGHTWEIGHT AND EFFECTIVE OPTION:PIA is a lightweight option that provides users with access to many different restricted services. It has several customization options as well and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

8. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN has over 750 servers in 40+ locations. It isn’t the largest network but it is fast and can provide secure streaming access to services like Netflix without lag/buffering.

It has strong security features in place too. It comes with a kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. No logs are stored with this service and it provides users with MultiHop servers that can encrypt your data twice for increased security.

Atlas VPN has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It also provides an unlimited number of connections.

Pros:

• Can unblock many different streaming services
• Fast connection speeds
• MultiHop servers encrypt data twice

Cons:

• Doesn’t work in China
• Customer service could be improved

FAST STREAMING AND STRONG SECURITY:Atlas VPN has a smaller network, but also provides high-quality streaming, allowing users to securely access streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. 30-day money-back guarantee.

VPN for geo-blocks testing: Our methodology

There are many different options when it comes to VPNs. Some of them aren’t worth their salt, however. That’s why I took the trouble of testing a lot of different VPNs to find the best ones for bypassing geo-blocks. I used a meticulous testing methodology to determine the best ones and to make the list on this page.  Here are some of the things I considered when putting together this list:

• Servers: The more servers the better. This makes it easier for users to access services in as many countries as possible.
• Ability to unblock many different services: Some VPNs have a hard time accessing major streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video since these services have more resources to put into blocking VPN access. I made sure to pick only VPNs that can unblock many major streaming services.
• Security: In addition to bypassing services, a VPN service needs to protect its users from threats such as hackers on open WiFi networks. VPNs should also protect your privacy and shouldn’t store logs. The VPNs on this list have several different security features such as strong 256-bit AES encryption and store no personally-identifiable information.
• Speed: Many of the services that users wish to access are streaming platforms. Fast speeds are needed to enjoy these services without encountering lags or buffering. All of the VPNs on this list are fast enough to facilitate smooth streaming.

How to bypass geo-blocks with a VPN

Here’s how to bypass geo-blocks with a VPN:

1. Sign up for a top-quality VPN that can easily beat geo-restrictions. I particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. After signing up for the service, download the app for the device you will be using to access the streaming service.
3. Now, connect to a VPN server in a country where the service you want to access is viewable. For example, if you want to watch content from Australia, you will need to connect to a server in the country to get an Australian IP address.
4. After connecting to the right server, you can try logging in to the service you are trying to access and playing a video.
5. If you encounter any issues, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies.

Geo-block VPN FAQs