When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
5 Best VPNs for Dating Sites and Apps in 2024
Our experts have reviewed 53 VPN providers, which were put through extensive rounds of testing. To learn more about that process, here’s how we review VPNs, where we explain our criteria and our policy of being fully transparent.
Despite its popularity, online dating is still scrutinized in many parts of the world. That's one of the reasons why most dating apps are geo-restricted and available in select countries only. In other words, you'll encounter geo-blocked dating apps when traveling, as they need to limit their features based on each country's legal requirements.
Also, there's the issue of privacy, as dating apps collect and display a lot of personal information, and that includes your real-time location. Speaking of location, dating apps allow you to tap into a limited dating pool, as not all of them let you change your location manually.
If you want unrestricted access to apps like Tinder, Facebook Dating, OKCupid, Match, Bumble, eHarmony, or Plenty of Fish, you need to use a VPN. A VPN will help you unblock dating apps while also ensuring your privacy is protected. You'll also get to unblock dating apps while traveling and even change your virtual location to find more matches.
In this guide, we'll discuss the best VPN for dating sites and apps, show you how to unblock dating sites, and pick a VPN that meets your needs. We'll also explain why you need a VPN, as well as answer some commonly asked questions.
How to Unblock Dating Sites with a VPN
You need to connect to a VPN server in any country/region where your chosen dating site/app works. These are the exact steps you need to take:
- Subscribe to a VPN that unblocks dating sites (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the VPN on the device(s) you’ll use for online dating.
- Open the VPN app and log in to your account to reach the VPN’s home screen.
- Pick a VPN server in a country where dating sites are widely available.
- You can now proceed to use your favorite dating sites and apps.
If you want to use an app not available in your country, you also need to change your location on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. More precisely, change your Google or Apple account country, download the restricted app, and then connect to a VPN server.
The Best VPNs for Dating Sites in 2024
Your chosen VPN should meet certain criteria, like being able to unblock dating sites and apps. Related to that, the best VPNs all come with as many servers as possible in as many locations as possible. Based on which apps you wish to unblock, find a VPN provider with a group of servers in the countries where those apps are freely available.
Next, you'll want your VPN to offer fast and reliable performance. Then, you'll want obfuscated servers, which make your VPN traffic look like regular traffic. There should also be a no-logs policy, as well as a kill switch, protecting you against data leaks. Of course, the basics should be there, including strong protocols and reliable encryption.
Don't forget that you'll want a VPN with a competitive price and plenty of value overall. You'll also want enough simultaneous connections and apps for all your devices. Lastly, you'll want generous money-back guarantees and 24/7 live chat support, which is always the best way to resolve any issue.
During our search, our team tested 53 VPN providers so far. Based on those hands-on tests, these are the 5 best VPNs for dating sites:
1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN to Unblock Dating Sites
NordVPN is the most comprehensive VPN right now, allowing you to unblock dating sites and apps like Bumble, Tinder, Plenty of Fish, Facebook Dating, Badoo, Grindr, or OKCupid. It offers 6,400+ servers in 111 countries, which means that NordVPN will give you unrestricted access to any dating app or site.
Aside from that, this Panama-based VPN is among the fastest VPNs available right now, known for its ultra-fast speeds. Also, it gives you access to a group of obfuscated servers, hiding your VPN data from your Internet provider and anyone else on the Web. There's also a kill switch across all its apps, hiding your IP address and preventing leaks when (or if) your VPN connection drops.
Thanks to numerous independent audits of this VPN done in the past, we trust in its bulletproof no-logs policy. In fact, NordVPN is among the most transparent VPNs available. You also won't have to worry about your security, as NordVPN comes powered by protocols like OpenVPN, NordLynx, and IKEv2/IPsec, coupled with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption.
You'll be pleasantly surprised at how much you'll need to pay, as NordVPN's 2-year plan starts at $3.09 per month. On top of that, you get 10 simultaneous connections and modern-looking apps for iOS and Android, which you can easily couple with any dating app. And if you use dating sites, you'll get to install NordVPN on Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Lastly, this VPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. In case of any issues or questions, you can turn to NordVPN's 24/7 live chat support. Other support resources are also available, like support tickets, installation guides, FAQs, tutorials, and more.
Visit our NordVPN review to learn more about this capable provider.
PROS
- Unblocks any dating app.
- Over 6,400 servers worldwide.
- Works on any device or platform.
- Audited no-logs policy.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- Pricey month-to-month plans.
2. Surfshark – Speedy VPN for Dating Sites with Tons of Locations
Surfshark is a brilliantly designed VPN, based in the Netherlands, suitable even for those encountering VPNs for the first time. It can unblock Tinder, Grindr, eHarmony, Badoo, Plenty of Fish, Hinge, and dozens of other dating apps. Also, this provider comes with 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, featuring one of the most extensive networks out there.
We'll also note that Surfshark brings really fast speeds and stable performance. And, if you care about obfuscation, know that Surfshark has made that feature optional. Using 'Camouflage Mode,' you can instruct the VPN to use smaller data packets, letting you access restricted apps and sites. There's also a kill switch across many devices, ensuring your actual IP address doesn't surface on the Web.
Next, Surfshark is powered by OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec, coupled with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption. No matter which one you pick, you'll end up with a leak-free data tunnel. This VPN has also been audited many times over, so its no-logs policy is true and valid.
All of that comes priced at only $2.19 per month for Surfshark's 2-year subscription plan, which means that Surfshark offers plenty of value overall. You also get unlimited simultaneous connections, as well as user-friendly VPN apps for iOS, iPadOS, and Android. Of course, there are also apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux, which you can easily pair with your favorite Web browsers and dating sites.
Each Surfshark subscription comes backed by a 30-day money-back policy. We'll also mention that Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support, with helpful support agents waiting around the clock. There are also installation guides, tutorials, FAQs, e-mail support, and more.
Our Surfshark review explains more about this VPN's features, performance, and more.
PROS
- Can unblock any dating site/app.
- Servers in 100 countries.
- Optional data obfuscation.
- Suitable even for beginners.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- Can take a few moments to connect.
3. ExpressVPN – High-End Dating Sites VPN for Privacy Protection
ExpressVPN brings high-end privacy protection to online dating while allowing you to unblock new content on the Web. It can unblock Badoo, Tinder, Hinge, Bamble, Plenty of Fish, and more, without any issue. That's possible due to ExpressVPN's server network of thousands of servers in 105 countries, covering all of the popular VPN locations.
This British Virgin Islands-based VPN has always been known for its performance, so it's no surprise that you can expect fast connections to nearby and remote servers. Also, all ExpressVPN servers are obfuscated, and this feature is set to work in the background. There's also a kill switch, which is called 'Network Lock' in the case of this VPN, so your data will be invisible online, and you'll be protected against data leaks.
Next, ExpressVPN is powered by OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2/IPsec. While OpenVPN is widely used across VPNs, Lightway is this VPN's proprietary protocol. No matter which protocol you pick, this VPN will help you stop digital trackers, eliminate ads, and avoid dangerous sites. Of course, a no-logs policy is also there.
You can start using ExpressVPN for $6.67 per month for its 1-year plan. For that price, you get 8 simultaneous connections, as well as polished apps for mobile devices, including iOS, iPadOS, and Android. And if you access dating apps on your PC, you can use ExpressVPN's apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Lastly, your subscription to this excellent VPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. We'll also praise ExpressVPN's customer support. You'll find tons of useful guides, tutorials, and FAQs. Of course, 24/7 live chat support is also there.
Need more information on this VPN? Don't forget to check our ExpressVPN review.
PROS
- Servers in 105 countries.
- Obfuscation on all servers.
- Unblocks any dating site or app.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- On the pricier side.
4. CyberGhost VPN – Unblocks Dating Apps and Sites in 100 Countries
CyberGhost is equipped to unblock any app or site with ease, which means you'll gain access to Bumble, Tinder, eHarmony, Match, OKCupid, and more - on any device and whenever you want. It offers thousands of servers in 100 countries, and many of its servers are specialized for certain online activities.
We'll also mention that CyberGhost delivers medium-fast performance. Also, it uses sophisticated technologies to unblock the Web. However, obfuscation is not present. Still, CyberGhost isn't any less secure than other VPNs. That means you'll get a kill switch across all its apps, ensuring your IP address doesn't leak on the Web.
We'll also add that CyberGhost is a verified no-logs VPN provider from Romania. It offers OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec, paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20. No matter which device you use, this VPN will always default to the most powerful protocol available, making it suitable even for beginners.
CyberGhost comes priced at $2.19/month for its 2-year subscription, which seems quite fair. That price includes 7 simultaneous connections and easy-to-use apps for iOS, iPadOS, and Android, making it easy to pair with any dating app or site. It also has apps for desktop platforms, so you'll find it easy to use on your computer.
A unique perk is that you get a 45-day money-back guarantee if you pick a long-term plan. And, like any capable VPN provider, this one also has 24/7 live chat support. Of course, that's aside from various other customer support channels.
Take a look behind-the-scenes at this provider by reading our CyberGhost VPN review.
PROS
- Servers in 100 countries in total.
- Unblocks dating apps with ease.
- Takes proper care of your privacy.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 45-day money-back policy.
CONS
- Obfuscation isn't present.
- Medium-fast connection speeds.
5. PIA VPN - Advanced VPN Provider for More Demanding Users
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a highly sophisticated VPN provider that gives you access to Hinge, Bumble, Tinder, Grindr, Her, Feeld, OKCupid, and more. It has thousands of servers in 90+ countries. What's unique here is that every single US state is covered, which is something no other VPNs offer.
Out of the box, PIA offers medium-fast speeds. However, this US-based VPN has tons of options to fine-tune your VPN connection and improve its performance. It has obfuscation as an optional feature, and there are also several types of kill switches, allowing you to set how the VPN behaves if something unexpected happens. You can use a system-level kill switch or an app-specific kill switch.
Next, there are protocols such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec, with AES-256 and ChaCha20. You can also choose a custom level of encryption, which is a unique feature that makes PIA suitable for those with a slower Web connection. PIA also comes with a court-proven no-logs policy.
For only $2.19 per month (for PIA's 2-year subscription), you gain access to everything listed above, and that also includes unlimited simultaneous connections. You can also count on using PIA on practically any device. If you use a dating app, you can install PIA on iOS, iPadOS, and Android devices. And if you use dating sites on a computer, go with PIA's apps for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Lastly, if you subscribe to this VPN, you'll be protected by its 30-day money-back policy. Should you ever encounter any technical issue, you'll rely on PIA's 24/7 live chat support. Aside from that, you'll find a knowledge base, FAQs, and installation guides. There are also support tickets and e-mail support.
Our in-depth Private Internet Access review will tell you more about what to expect from this VPN.
PROS
- Servers in all 50 US states.
- Can access any dating site/app.
- In-depth customization.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- Medium-fast performance.
- Best-suited for advanced users.
Comparing the Best VPNs for Dating Sites
How We Rank the Best VPN for Dating Sites?
We ranked the best options based on a series of strict criteria. First, we focused on VPNs' ability to unblock dating sites/apps, prioritizing those with high-end security. That's why our recommendations come with capable protocols, strong encryption, and data leak protection. We also gave extra points for a wide server network that covers plenty of locations.
Next, we connected to nearby and remote servers to check each VPN's performance, which helped us find those with superb speeds. We also went in-depth to check how each VPN works on a range of desktop and mobile platforms, as you're most likely to use those for online dating. Lastly, we also highlighted the inclusion of obfuscation and GPS spoofing.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Online Dating?
You need a VPN if you want to protect or preserve your privacy and if dating sites are blocked by your Internet provider. Here's more information:
- Unblock Dating Sites/Apps: If you're in a country with limited access to dating apps, all you need is a VPN to bypass digital geo-blocks. A VPN will help replace your IP address, giving you full access to Tinder, Badoo, Bumble, Hinge, Plenty of Fish, Facebook Dating, Grindr, and more.
- Find More Matches from Different Locations: Since a VPN helps you change your virtual location, that means you'll trick dating apps into thinking you're elsewhere. As a result, you'll get to check out a wider dating pool and find more matches without paying for a dating app subscription.
- Browse Dating Sites/Apps While Traveling: When traveling abroad, you'll see that your access to dating sites/apps will change. Some apps will lock your account, while others will prevent your access, which is what a VPN can bypass with ease.
- Hide Your Browsing History: Did you know that your Internet provider sees everything you do online, including which websites you visit? If you wish to regain privacy on the Web, a VPN is the only way to hide your data securely from your ISP.
- Hide Your IP Address: Internet trackers use your IP address to see your physical location, which is how geo-blocks work on the Web. In fact, pretty much anyone can see your location through your IP unless you use a VPN to obtain an IP from elsewhere.
- Bypass Censorship: If you're in a country with access limitations to websites and apps, know that a VPN is the best way to bypass that type of block. That's especially true for VPNs with obfuscation, as they can also hide your censorship-fighting attempts.
- Bypass School/Office Restrictions: School (college) and office Internet networks typically employ firewalls to block access to certain sites, including dating sites. Since a VPN hides your data, you'll fight against those firewalls with great success.
- Bypass Bandwidth Throttling: It's not uncommon for Internet providers to throttle their users' bandwidth based on whether they resort to high-bandwidth activities. Your VPN can actually reverse that, as your ISP won't see the types of data you download.
- Connect Safely on Public Wi-Fi: Any capable VPN will help you access any type of Web connection without worrying about vulnerabilities. So, even if you use open Wi-Fi networks, you'll prevent others from spying on you.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Unblocking Dating Sites & Apps?
You need to look for a sizable server network and the ability to unblock any site/app. Your chosen VPN should also provide strong privacy protection as well, including obfuscated servers and a no-logs policy. Here's everything you need to keep in mind:
- Ability to Unblock Dating Sites: Your chosen VPN should be able to unblock your favorite dating apps/sites with ease on any device you own and anytime you want.
- Sizable Server Network: Bigger server networks typically bring faster performance. Also, having more servers will increase your chances of unblocking dating apps.
- Speed and Performance: There's no reason to allow your VPN to slow you down, but keep in mind that most VPNs will introduce some throttling, so do your research before buying.
- Obfuscated Servers: Obfuscation is a special technique that allows you to use smaller data packets, which have more success at evading anti-VPN systems and unblocking apps.
- Strong Protocols and Encryption: You can make dating sites unblocked only using protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. Also, go for AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption.
- No-Logs Policy: There's no need to allow anyone to see what you do online, including your VPN as well. That's why we recommend getting one with a no-logs policy.
- Simultaneous Connections: Most VPNs give you 5-10 simultaneous connections. If you have more devices at home, find a VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Supported Devices: Dating apps are present on various systems and devices. So, find a VPN that works on mobile and desktop devices.
- Pricing: Today's VPNs come with competitive prices, so there's no reason to overpay. To save the most, you need to pay close attention to their long-term plans.
- Customer Support: Even the most capable VPNs can sometimes encounter an issue. In that case, you'll be happy to have access to 24/7 live chat support.
- Money-Back Guarantees: You can eliminate any risk of buying a VPN by getting one with a generous money-back policy. Most VPNs give you 30 days to change your mind.
Popular Dating Sites & Apps in 2024
While most people tend to stick to Tinder, Bumble, and eHarmony, there are dozens of popular dating apps and sites worldwide. Let's show you some of the most popular dating sites and apps in 2024:
Can You Use a Free VPN to Unblock Dating Sites?
Yes, you can use a free VPN to unblock dating sites, but there are many reasons why we recommend against it. Overall, they are are unreliable, slow, and quite limiting to be used for anything more than a very quick Web browsing session.
More precisely, free providers come with limited bandwidth, giving you a daily or monthly allowance that you quickly go through. They can be terribly slow, imposing massive throttling as their servers are often overcrowded. On top of that, they come with tiny server networks, so unblocking dating sites and apps will be hardly achievable.
Most importantly, they can take advantage of your privacy. Their business model revolves around collecting your sensitive information, including your Web browsing history. That information is then sold to the highest bidder.
That said, nothing can replace a trustworthy premium VPN service. Capable ones can unblock dating sites and apps with ease while also ensuring your privacy is well protected. You can use any of our recommendations from above, or you can learn more about the best VPN services.
Final Thoughts
When using dating apps/sites, you need to take your privacy and security very seriously. Aside from that, you'll deal with blocked apps and perhaps a limited dating pool. As you know by now, a VPN can help eliminate all those issues. However, not every VPN is the same, which is why our team gave its best to offer reliable, capable, fast-performing, and trustworthy providers.
Speaking of VPNs that check all the right boxes, NordVPN doesn't have a match. Thanks to its server network and high-end features that can unblock dating sites and preserve your privacy, NordVPN is miles ahead of its competitors. It's the best VPN for online dating, giving you access to Tinder, Bumble, Grindr, Match, and more while being able to expand your location and find more matches.
That would be all for this guide. Feel free to use the comments section below if you have any questions for us. And also, thanks for reading!
