5 Best VPNs for Geo-Blocking in 2024: How to Remove Geo-Blocking?

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

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

In this article, we’ll examine the 5 best VPNs for geo-blocking. We'll also show you how to remove geo-blocking, explain the importance of using a VPN, and assist you in choosing the best one. Then, we'll explain the basics of geo-blocking and why those restrictions exist. In the end, we'll wrap up with a round of FAQs.

How to Get Around Geo-Blocking Using a VPN?

Your first step is to sign up for a capable and reputable VPN provider. You'll then download its app, log in, and connect to a suitable server. Just go through these steps:

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 using your credentials.
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 for Geo-Blocking in 2024

To help you pinpoint the most capable options, we followed the criteria established in our central guide to the top VPN providers. That said, aim for a VPN with the ability to circumvent geo-blocking and access restricted content from anywhere in the world. You'll also want 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 protocols and powerful data encryption. Obfuscated servers will assist you in avoiding geo-restrictions. Plus, 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. Lastly, you'll want a good price, 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 VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions:

1. NordVPN – Our Best-Rated VPN for Geo-Blocking in 2024

NordVPN is a hugely capable VPN provider, offering a network of 6,400+ servers across 111 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 kind of restrictions. Its proprietary NordLynx protocol, along with IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN, enhances safety and speed. The AES 256-bit and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers add security, shielding your online activities from prying eyes. As such, this VPN is a trustworthy option for browsing the Internet securely, as explained in our full NordVPN analysis.

Thanks to its obfuscated servers, users can easily circumvent 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 10 concurrent connections, so you can watch geo-blocked content on multiple devices. It has native apps for various devices, such as tablets, smartphones, and computers.

All that comes priced at $3.39/month (2-year plan). Finally, NordVPN 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 – Effective VPN for Geo-Blocking with Plenty of Servers

Surfshark features a vast network of 3,200+ servers across 100 countries, meaning that 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/IPsec 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. It also supports tablets, streaming devices, routers, and more.

Right now, Surfshark is priced at $2.19/month (2-year plan). 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 – Privacy-First VPN for Bypassing Geo-Blocking with Ease

ExpressVPN delivers thousands of servers in 105 countries, offering one of the biggest networks out there. It's a popular choice among users seeking online freedom, as it can remove geo-restrictions with ease. 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, and IKEv2/IPsec to safeguard your data. AES 256-bit and WolfSSL encryption, leading security standards, add 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.

The lowest you can pay is $6.67/month (annual plan). Plus, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day refund period, allowing new users to test the service risk-free. With 24/7 customer service, you can get assistance anytime you need.

4. CyberGhost VPN – VPN for Removing Geo-Restrictions via Specialized Servers

CyberGhost is a secure and reputable provider that can get around censorship and geo-restrictions to access any content worldwide. It boasts thousands of 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. As said in our complete assessment of CyberGhost, it encrypts user data with AES 256-bit and ChaCha20 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. Lastly, you'll get to pay only $2.03/month (2-year plan).

5. Private Internet Access – Advanced VPN Provider for Spoofing Geo-Locations

With its extensive network of thousands of servers in 90+ countries, Private Internet Access (PIA) helps you change your virtual location with ease. 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 128/256-bit and ChaCha20 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 and medium-fast speeds. 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.

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. It's priced at $2.03/month (2-year plan) and offers live chat available 24/7. It backs up its service with a 30-day refund policy for new users who want to try it out.

How to Find the Best Geo-Blocking VPN?

You need to look for a VPN service provider with an extensive global server network and the ability to unblock your favorite content easily. Other features to consider include:

• Ability to Access 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 online media.
• Number and Distribution of Servers – A large server network means more options to bypass geo-restrictions, giving you better chances to find a server that unblocks your desired content.
• Verified No-Logs Policy – Opt for a VPN that adheres to a no-logs policy to protect your privacy and shield your digital footprint.
• Proven Protocols and Encryption – Look for VPN protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard paired with solid encryption like AES 256-bit or ChaCha20 to maintain security.
• Strong Performance – Select a VPN that offers solid performance and high speeds to ensure streaming and browsing are smooth and buffer-free.
• Support for Obfuscation – 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, 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.
• Wallet-Friendly Price - You'll want a VPN with an affordable long-term plan. Also, such plans typically come with extras, like a couple of months added to your first billing period.
• Liberal Money-Back Guarantees – A VPN offering a money-back guarantee provides a risk-free opportunity to test the service.
• Helpful 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 that 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. In addition, some digital services can also rely on GPS data to determine your location more precisely. This option is typically used on mobile devices, where GPS comes enabled by default.

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 geo-blocked content.
• 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 Using a VPN to Bypass Geo-Blocking 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 illegal to see if VPNs can be used in your area.

Is It Safe to Use a Free VPN for Geo-Blocking?

Even though you can try using free VPN services for geo-blocking, they're generally not safe, and we don't recommend them. Free VPNs often have limited server options, and they 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. We've also seen malicious free VPNs bundling malware.

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 top VPN options 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 prevent you from watching your favorite shows or visiting certain websites. That said, using a VPN to access geo-blocked content allows you to overcome these barriers and open up your access to the Web

More precisely, NordVPN is your best bet right now. This VPN, which has over 6,400 servers in 111 countries, provides a perfect answer on how to remove geo-blocking with ease. Furthermore, its AES 256-bit/ChaCha20 encryption and stringent security measures ensure a safe online experience.

That’s all for our guide on geo-blocks and using a VPN to open up your Web access. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!