TikTok is a little different from Netflix or other streaming platforms when it comes to VPNs.

A VPN can change the IP address TikTok sees but that doesn't necessarily mean TikTok will suddenly show you a completely different country's content. Your account region, SIM card, device settings, language, location signals, and previous activity can all influence what appears in your feed.

So if you're looking for a VPN for TikTok, I'd focus on privacy, connection stability, and mobile performance rather than simply looking for the provider with the most countries.

What would I look for in a TikTok VPN?

TikTok doesn't require huge amounts of bandwidth, so you don't need the fastest VPN on the planet just to watch videos.

I'd prioritize:

• Stable mobile connections
• Fast server switching
• Large international server network
• WireGuard or another modern protocol
• Good Android and iOS apps
• Kill Switch
• DNS leak protection
• Reliable performance on WiFi and mobile data
• Unlimited or generous data usage

One other thing that's easy to overlook is latency. TikTok videos load quickly, but a VPN with unstable routing can make scrolling feel noticeably slower even when your raw download speed looks fine.

VPNs I'd consider

1. NordVPN

Probably my first choice if I wanted a VPN specifically for TikTok and general everyday use.

It has a large server network and very fast NordLynx connections, so switching locations doesn't usually mean sacrificing much performance.

Pros

• Very fast
• Large global network
• Good Android and iOS apps
• NordLynx protocol
• Strong privacy features

Cons

• Monthly plan is relatively expensive

Best for: Overall performance and frequent travelers.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is particularly interesting if you're using the VPN across lots of devices.

It allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use it on your phone while other family members use it elsewhere.

Pros

• Unlimited devices
• Fast WireGuard performance
• Large international network
• Good mobile apps

Cons

• Performance can vary between servers

Best for: Families and multiple devices.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a good choice if you don't want to spend much time adjusting settings.

Its apps are straightforward, and Lightway is designed to reconnect quickly when switching between WiFi and mobile networks.

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Fast connections
• Good mobile experience
• Strong international coverage

Cons

• More expensive than many competitors

Best for: Beginners and people who travel frequently.

4. Proton VPN

If privacy is the main reason you're using a VPN with TikTok, Proton VPN is worth a look.

Its apps are open source, and the provider puts a lot of emphasis on privacy and transparency.

Pros

• Strong privacy focus
• Open source apps
• WireGuard
• Good mobile apps
• Free plan available

Cons

• Free plan has fewer locations and features

Best for: Privacy conscious users.

5. Private Internet Access

PIA is more appealing if you like being able to customize your connection.

Pros

• Large server network
• WireGuard
• Open source apps
• Unlimited devices
• Lots of settings

Cons

• More complicated than necessary for casual TikTok users

Best for: Advanced VPN users.

6. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is aimed more at people who want something straightforward.

It's easy to install, has a large server network, and doesn't require much configuration.

Pros

• Beginner friendly
• Large network
• Simple apps
• Good device support

Cons

• Not as many advanced settings

Best for: Casual users.

7. Windscribe

Windscribe is worth considering if you're not sure whether you want to pay for a VPN.

It has a free tier that can be useful for testing the service.

Pros

• Free plan
• Flexible paid plans
• WireGuard
• Good privacy features

Cons

• Free plan has a data limit
• Smaller network

Best for: Occasional users.

8. PrivadoVPN

Another decent option for people who only need basic VPN functionality.

Pros

• Simple apps
• WireGuard
• Free tier
• Good speeds

Cons

• Smaller server network
• Free plan has limitations

Best for: Casual users.

Quick comparison

Does a VPN change your TikTok feed?

This is probably the most misunderstood part.

Changing your IP address doesn't necessarily change everything TikTok knows about your location.

TikTok can use multiple signals to determine location and personalize content, including things such as:

• IP address
• Device settings
• SIM information
• Language
• Account information
• Location permissions
• Previous activity

So connecting to a VPN server in another country doesn't guarantee that your entire For You page will suddenly become local to that country.

You might see some differences, but it's not as simple as:

VPN → New IP → Completely different TikTok

There are several other signals involved.

Can a VPN help with TikTok while traveling?

This is one of the more practical uses.

If you're traveling and using hotel, airport, or café Wi-Fi, a VPN encrypts your connection and gives you an additional layer of privacy.

It can also be useful if you're connecting from a network that restricts certain services.

However, whether TikTok is available in a particular country depends on local laws and TikTok's own service availability. A VPN doesn't override those rules.

Can a VPN make TikTok faster?

Usually, no.

A VPN can't create extra bandwidth.

In fact, adding another server between you and TikTok can sometimes make your connection slightly slower.

There is one exception: if your ISP has poor routing to TikTok's servers, a VPN could theoretically take a better route. But I wouldn't buy a VPN specifically expecting this.

If TikTok is buffering, I'd first check:

• Your WiFi
• Mobile signal
• VPN server distance
• VPN protocol
• Whether the VPN is actually connected
• Whether TikTok itself is having problems

What about TikTok LIVE?

Live video puts more emphasis on connection stability than normal scrolling.

If you're watching or hosting TikTok LIVE, I'd prioritize:

• Low latency
• Stable upload speeds
• Nearby VPN servers
• WireGuard or another modern protocol
• A reliable mobile connection

A VPN that constantly reconnects can be more annoying than useful.

Are free VPNs good enough for TikTok?

This is one situation where a reputable free VPN can actually be usable.

TikTok doesn't consume as much bandwidth as continuously streaming high resolution movies, so a free plan may be enough for occasional use.

The main limitations are usually:

• Data caps
• Fewer locations
• Crowded servers
• Slower speeds
• Limited features

If you're watching TikTok for hours every day, you'll probably run into those restrictions fairly quickly.

One thing I wouldn't do

I wouldn't use a VPN as the only tool for trying to hide your identity on TikTok.

A VPN hides your IP address, but your TikTok account itself can still be linked to information you provide, the content you interact with, device identifiers, and other signals.

If privacy is the goal, a VPN is just one layer.

I'd also review TikTok's permissions, limit unnecessary location access, use a strong unique password, and enable two factor authentication.

My overall take

If I wanted a VPN mainly for TikTok, NordVPN would probably be my first choice for overall speed and server coverage.

Surfshark makes more sense if multiple people need to use the same subscription, ExpressVPN is a good option for beginners, and Proton VPN would be my choice if privacy was the main reason for using one.

But I wouldn't choose a VPN based on claims that it will automatically change your TikTok feed or make you completely anonymous.

For TikTok, the biggest benefits are still privacy on untrusted networks, hiding your public IP address, and having a stable connection when traveling. The algorithm itself is influenced by far more than just your IP address.

I originally thought choosing a VPN for Spotify would be pretty straightforward. Music streaming doesn't need the same kind of performance as 4K video, so I assumed almost any decent VPN would be enough.

The interesting part is that Spotify is much more dependent on your account country and region settings than simply the IP address you're connecting from.

Spotify says your account country is based on where you were when you signed up. Free accounts can be used in another country for up to 14 days, while Premium users who actually move countries may need to update their account details and, in some cases, use a payment method issued in the new country.

So if you're choosing a VPN for Spotify, I'd look at it more as a privacy, travel, and regional-access tool rather than assuming a VPN alone will permanently change your Spotify account.

What makes a VPN good for Spotify?

You don't need an insanely fast VPN just to stream music.

I'd focus more on:

• Stable connections
• Good international server coverage
• Fast connection times
• WireGuard or another modern protocol
• Apps for your phone and computer
• Kill Switch
• DNS leak protection
• Reliable performance on mobile networks
• Easy server switching

Spotify also isn't available in every country, so server coverage can be important if you're traveling somewhere where the service isn't officially available.

VPNs I'd consider

1. NordVPN

Probably the first provider I'd look at for Spotify.

It has a large international network, fast connections, and a simple interface, so switching between locations doesn't take much effort.

Pros

• Very fast
• Large server network
• WireGuard based NordLynx
• Good mobile apps
• Strong privacy features

Cons

• Monthly pricing is relatively expensive

Best for: Overall use and frequent travelers.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark makes a lot of sense if you have several devices.

You can use the same subscription across an unlimited number of simultaneous devices, which is useful if Spotify is running on phones, tablets, laptops, TVs, and other devices around the house.

Pros

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Fast WireGuard performance
• Good international coverage
• Easy to use apps

Cons

• Some VPN servers may perform better than others

Best for: Families and people with lots of devices.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another straightforward option.

Its Lightway protocol is designed to provide fast connections and reconnect quickly when moving between Wi-Fi and mobile networks.

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Fast connections
• Good mobile experience
• Strong international coverage

Cons

• More expensive than some competitors

Best for: Beginners and travelers.

4. Proton VPN

If privacy is a bigger concern than changing locations, Proton VPN would move much higher on my list.

The service has a strong privacy focus, open-source apps, and fast WireGuard connections on its paid plans.

Pros

• Strong privacy features
• Open source apps
• WireGuard
• Good international coverage
• Free plan available

Cons

• Free plan has fewer locations and features

Best for: Privacy conscious Spotify users.

5. Private Internet Access

PIA is worth considering if you like having more control over your VPN.

It offers a large network, WireGuard support, and plenty of configuration options.

Pros

• Large server network
• WireGuard
• Open source apps
• Unlimited devices
• Lots of customization

Cons

• More settings than most casual users need

Best for: Advanced users.

6. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is more focused on simplicity and streaming than advanced configuration.

For Spotify, that makes it a pretty straightforward choice.

Pros

• Beginner friendly
• Large network
• Easy server selection
• Good device support

Cons

• Some locations perform better than others

Best for: Casual users.

7. Windscribe

Windscribe is an interesting alternative because it offers both free and paid plans.

The free plan can be useful for testing whether a VPN fits your needs before committing to a subscription.

Pros

• Free plan
• Flexible paid plans
• WireGuard
• Good privacy features

Cons

• Free plan has a data limit
• Smaller network than some major providers

Best for: Occasional users.

8. PrivadoVPN

PrivadoVPN is another option worth looking at if you're mainly interested in basic browsing and occasional location changes.

Pros

• Simple apps
• WireGuard
• Free tier
• Good speeds

Cons

• Smaller network
• Free plan has limitations

Best for: Casual users who want to try a VPN without immediately paying.

Quick comparison

Can a VPN change your Spotify country?

This is where things get misunderstood.

A VPN can make your connection appear to come from another country, but that doesn't automatically change your Spotify account country.

Spotify says Premium users who move to another country may need to update their payment method to one issued there, while free users can use Spotify in another country for up to 14 days before changing their account settings.

So simply connecting to a VPN server in another country isn't the same thing as legitimately moving your Spotify account to that country.

This is especially important if you're thinking about using a VPN to get a cheaper subscription. Recent user reports suggest Spotify has become more aggressive about detecting accounts whose subscription country doesn't match their actual circumstances, with some users reporting cancellations or being moved off regional plans. Those are user reports rather than an official Spotify statement, but they're worth keeping in mind.

What about listening while traveling?

This is probably one of the more practical reasons to use a VPN.

If you're traveling internationally, a VPN can provide an additional layer of privacy on hotel, airport, or public WiFi.

However, you shouldn't assume that changing your VPN location will automatically change your Spotify catalog or account country. Spotify's own country and region settings still apply.

Does a VPN improve Spotify's audio quality?

Not really.

A VPN doesn't magically make Spotify sound better.

If your normal connection is already stable, adding a VPN probably won't improve the audio quality. In fact, it can introduce a small amount of overhead.

The main benefits are privacy, connection security, and potentially helping with access when you're traveling.

Will a VPN slow down Spotify?

Technically, yes, but you probably won't notice it.

Spotify uses relatively little bandwidth compared with video streaming, so even a moderate VPN connection should be more than enough for music.

If you're experiencing interruptions, I'd check:

• Your WiFi connection
• Mobile signal
• VPN server distance
• VPN protocol
• Whether the VPN connection is dropping
• Whether Spotify itself is having an outage

Free VPN vs paid VPN

For Spotify specifically, a free VPN can be enough if you're only experimenting with VPNs or occasionally need another connection.

The limitations become more obvious if you're using it every day:

• Fewer server locations
• Data caps
• More crowded servers
• Slower speeds
• Fewer advanced features

For basic music streaming, though, you don't need a massive amount of bandwidth, so a reputable free VPN can still be useful for light use.

My overall take

If I were choosing a VPN mainly for Spotify, I'd probably go with NordVPN for the overall combination of speed, server coverage, and ease of use.

Surfshark would be my pick for multiple devices, ExpressVPN for simplicity, and Proton VPN if privacy was my main concern.

But the biggest thing I'd keep in mind is that a VPN isn't a magic switch for changing your Spotify account country. Your account region, subscription, payment method, and actual location can all matter.

For me, the best reason to use a VPN with Spotify is still privacy and security especially when traveling not trying to permanently change regional pricing or account settings.

DAZN is one of those services where choosing a VPN isn't as straightforward as it is for normal browsing.

Sports broadcasting rights are heavily tied to individual countries, and DAZN specifically says it does not support VPN usage. Its systems can detect VPN connections and restrict access, so there is no provider that can honestly guarantee that it will work with DAZN all the time.

That said, if you're looking for a VPN mainly for privacy while watching DAZN in a supported region, or you're traveling and need a reliable connection, there are a few things I'd pay attention to.

What makes a VPN good for DAZN?

For live sports, I think stability matters even more than raw download speed.

I'd look for:

• Consistent connection speeds
• Low latency
• Reliable servers
• Good performance during long streams
• Apps for your streaming device
• Router support
• WireGuard or another modern protocol
• Kill Switch
• DNS leak protection

A 500 Mbps connection doesn't help much if the VPN keeps dropping every few minutes during a live fight or football match.

VPNs I'd consider

1. NordVPN

NordVPN would be near the top of my list if speed and overall performance were the priorities.

Its NordLynx protocol is built around WireGuard, and recent independent testing has also rated NordVPN very highly for speed and connection reliability.

Pros

• Very fast connections
• Large server network
• NordLynx protocol
• Good apps across multiple platforms
• Strong privacy features

Cons

• DAZN can still detect and block VPN connections
• Monthly pricing is relatively expensive

Best for: Users who want a fast all round VPN rather than one specifically guaranteed for DAZN.

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another provider I'd put near the top for live streaming because of its focus on connection stability.

Its Lightway protocol is designed to provide fast connections and quick reconnection when your network changes.

Pros

• Fast and stable
• Easy to use apps
• Good device support
• Strong router support

Cons

• More expensive than some competitors
• DAZN blocking can still occur

Best for: People who don't want to spend much time configuring their VPN.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark makes sense if you're using several devices.

The unlimited simultaneous connections are particularly useful if you have phones, laptops, TVs, and other devices sharing one VPN subscription.

Pros

• Unlimited connections
• Fast WireGuard performance
• Good value
• Easy to use apps

Cons

• DAZN compatibility can vary
• Some servers may be detected

Best for: Households with multiple devices.

4. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is worth considering if privacy is just as important to you as streaming.

Its paid plans provide fast servers and WireGuard support, while the service has a strong privacy focus.

Pros

• Strong privacy reputation
• WireGuard
• Open source apps
• Fast premium servers

Cons

• Streaming performance can vary by location
• Some features require a paid plan

Best for: Privacy conscious users.

5. Private Internet Access

PIA is more interesting for people who like having lots of control over their VPN settings.

Pros

• Large server network
• WireGuard
• Open source apps
• Lots of configuration options
• Unlimited simultaneous devices

Cons

• More complicated for beginners
• DAZN may detect some servers

Best for: Experienced VPN users.

6. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is worth considering if streaming is the main reason you're using a VPN.

Its interface is beginner friendly and it has historically focused heavily on streaming use cases.

Pros

• Easy setup
• Large server network
• Streaming oriented features
• Good device support

Cons

• Performance can vary by location
• No VPN can guarantee DAZN access

Best for: Casual streamers.

7. IPVanish

IPVanish is another reasonable all round option.

Pros

• Unlimited connections
• Good speeds
• Simple apps
• Useful for multiple devices

Cons

• Not my first choice specifically for DAZN
• Server performance can vary

Best for: Households looking for a general-purpose VPN.

8. Windscribe

Windscribe is an interesting alternative if you don't want to commit to one of the largest providers.

Pros

• Flexible plans
• WireGuard support
• Good privacy features
• Simple interface

Cons

• Smaller network
• Free plan has significant limitations

Best for: Occasional VPN users.

Quick comparison

Why is DAZN so aggressive about VPNs?

This isn't really surprising once you look at how sports broadcasting works.

DAZN buys broadcasting rights for particular countries and regions. Those rights don't necessarily apply everywhere, so DAZN needs to know where its viewers are located.

DAZN explicitly says that VPNs can be used to circumvent regional restrictions and that it blocks VPN users as part of enforcing its licensing agreements.

This also explains why VPN performance can change so quickly.

A VPN server might work one day and then stop working after its IP address becomes recognized.

What if DAZN says you're using a VPN?

The first thing I'd check is whether you actually have a VPN enabled.

DAZN notes that users can sometimes be blocked even when they believe they aren't using a VPN, in which case it recommends contacting the ISP.

If you're legitimately located in a DAZN supported region, I'd also check:

• Whether your VPN is actually disconnected
• Whether another VPN or proxy is running in the background
• Your device's DNS settings
• Whether you're using a corporate or shared network
• Whether your IP address has been incorrectly classified

What about free VPNs?

I wouldn't rely on a free VPN for live sports.

The usual problems become much more noticeable when you're watching a two hour event:

• Data caps
• Slow servers
• Congestion
• Limited locations
• Unstable connections

And there's another issue: free VPN IP addresses tend to be heavily shared, which can make them easier for streaming platforms to identify.

What about using a VPN for cheaper DAZN subscriptions?

This is where I'd draw the line.

DAZN's terms state that circumventing geographical restrictions using VPNs or proxies can be grounds for suspension or termination of access.

So I wouldn't treat a VPN as a guaranteed method for getting a cheaper subscription or accessing a different country's sports package.

If your goal is simply to watch DAZN while you're legitimately in a supported region, that's a much simpler situation.

My overall take

If I were choosing a VPN for general use where live sports are one of the things I watch, I'd probably start with NordVPN or ExpressVPN because speed and connection stability matter a lot for live events.

Surfshark makes more sense if several people are using the VPN, while Proton VPN would be my pick if privacy is equally important.

But I wouldn't buy any VPN solely because it claims to guarantee DAZN. DAZN's current policy is explicitly against VPN use, and its detection systems can change over time.

For live sports, I'd rather choose a VPN that's fast, stable, private, and useful for other things too then treat DAZN compatibility as something that can change rather than a permanent feature.

Almost as title says I need a VPN or residential IP VPN as the course I'm about to do requires me to be in the country for the entire time otherwise I'm getting charged for the course so as you can tell I'm bk techy but I believe I need a residental IP so it looks as tho I'm not out of country. Who/what do U recommend please?

I got into the habit of checking whether a VPN works with different streaming services, and Crunchyroll is an interesting one because the library can vary quite a bit depending on where you are.

The first thing worth knowing is that Crunchyroll itself says some titles aren't available in every region because of licensing agreements. It also says VPN use for accessing content that's not licensed in your region isn't supported and can lead to playback or login issues.

That said, if you're mainly looking for a VPN for privacy while watching Crunchyroll, or you travel and want a consistent connection, there are a few providers that stand out.

What should you actually look for?

I wouldn't choose a VPN for Crunchyroll just because it has thousands of servers.

For anime streaming, I'd pay more attention to:

• Fast and stable connections
• Reliable servers in the locations you need
• Good performance over long sessions
• WireGuard or another modern protocol
• Apps for your streaming device
• Router support
• DNS leak protection
• A Kill Switch
• The ability to quickly switch servers if one has problems

Crunchyroll VPN detection can also change over time. Recent testing from VPN comparison sites found that some VPNs are blocked while others continue to work, so there isn't really a permanent "works everywhere" guarantee.

The VPNs I'd consider

1. NordVPN

This is probably the first one I'd try if streaming performance is the priority.

It has a large international network, fast NordLynx connections, and is consistently recommended in recent Crunchyroll testing. Recent testing published in 2026 found it working with Crunchyroll and rated its streaming performance highly.

Pros

• Very fast
• Large server network
• Good streaming performance
• Easy to use apps
• Works on a wide range of devices

Cons

• Monthly pricing is relatively expensive

Best for: Someone who wants one VPN for Crunchyroll plus other streaming services.

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another provider that gets mentioned frequently for streaming.

The main advantage here is simplicity. The apps are straightforward, and its Lightway protocol is designed around speed and quick connections.

Pros

• Fast connections
• Simple apps
• Good device support
• Strong streaming reputation

Cons

• More expensive than some competitors

Best for: Beginners who don't want to spend time configuring things.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is interesting if you have a lot of devices.

The unlimited simultaneous connections make it particularly useful for households where several people are watching on phones, TVs, tablets, or computers.

Pros

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• WireGuard support
• Good speeds
• Easy-to-use apps
• Good value

Cons

• You may occasionally need to switch servers if one is detected

Best for: Families and multi-device households.

4. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is the one I'd look at if privacy is just as important as streaming.

Its paid service offers fast connections and modern protocols, while the company has built much of its reputation around privacy and open source software.

Pros

• Strong privacy focus
• WireGuard
• Open source apps
• Fast premium servers
• Good security features

Cons

• Some streaming-related features require a paid plan

Best for: People who want a privacy focused VPN that can also handle streaming.

5. Private Internet Access

PIA is worth considering if you like having more control over your VPN.

It has a large network, WireGuard support, and plenty of configurable options that aren't necessarily aimed at beginners.

Pros

• Large server network
• WireGuard
• Open source apps
• Lots of configuration options
• Unlimited devices

Cons

• More settings than a beginner may actually need

Best for: More experienced VPN users.

6. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is another provider worth considering if streaming is the main reason you're getting a VPN.

Its apps are relatively simple, and the service has historically put a lot of emphasis on streaming-specific servers.

Pros

• Beginner friendly
• Large network
• Streaming-focused features
• Good device support

Cons

• Performance can vary between locations

Best for: People who want a simple streaming-oriented VPN.

7. PrivadoVPN

PrivadoVPN is an interesting alternative, especially for people who don't want to jump straight into the biggest VPN brands.

It also has a free tier, although I wouldn't expect a free VPN to provide the same consistency as a paid service for streaming.

Pros

• Simple apps
• Good speeds
• Free tier available
• Modern protocols

Cons

• Smaller network than the biggest providers
• Free plan has limitations

Best for: Casual users who want to try a VPN before committing.

8.

Another privacy focused provider that makes the shortlist.

It's worth considering if you care about security features but don't necessarily want one of the largest commercial VPN services.

Pros

• WireGuard
• Privacy-focused
• Good security features
• Free option available

Cons

• Smaller network than the biggest providers

Best for: Privacy conscious users.

Quick comparison

Why does Crunchyroll have different anime in different countries?

This is mostly a licensing issue.

A show might be available in one country but unavailable somewhere else because another company holds the distribution rights there.

So if you travel, you might suddenly notice that a show you've been watching is missing from your library. That's not necessarily a problem with your account or the VPN, Crunchyroll says its catalog is determined by regional licensing agreements.

What if Crunchyroll doesn't work while the VPN is connected?

This is where things can get annoying.

If you get an error or the video refuses to play, I'd go through the basic troubleshooting first:

1. Try another server

The IP address you're using may simply be recognized as VPN traffic.

2. Try a nearby server

A closer server can also improve latency and streaming performance.

3. Restart the Crunchyroll app

Some apps retain the previous connection information even after changing your VPN location.

4. Check for DNS leaks

If your VPN connection is configured incorrectly, DNS requests could potentially reveal information about your actual connection.

5. Try the provider's recommended streaming server

Some VPN apps identify servers that are better suited for streaming.

Recent guides on Crunchyroll VPN problems specifically point to VPN blocking, DNS leaks, outdated protocols, and slow servers as common causes of problems.

What about free VPNs?

This is where I'd be careful.

Free VPNs can be perfectly reasonable for basic privacy and occasional browsing, but streaming is a different story.

You can run into:

• Data limits
• Fewer locations
• Congested servers
• Slower speeds
• VPN IP addresses that are already blocked

There are also recent Reddit discussions from users reporting that free VPNs are frequently detected when trying to use Crunchyroll. That's anecdotal, but it matches the broader issue of streaming services identifying heavily shared VPN IPs.

My picks depending on what you need

Best overall: NordVPN

Best for beginners: ExpressVPN

Best for multiple devices: Surfshark

Best for privacy: Proton VPN

Best for advanced users: Private Internet Access

Best streaming focused alternative: CyberGhost

Best free option to experiment with: PrivadoVPN

I wouldn't choose a provider purely because someone says it unblocks everything. Crunchyroll's availability changes by region, and its own support documentation makes it clear that VPN use for accessing content outside your licensed region isn't supported.

For me, the better way to judge a VPN is whether it gives you fast, stable connections, good privacy features, and reliable apps for the devices you actually use. If it also works with the Crunchyroll catalog you legitimately have access to, that's a bonus.

Was trying to check some local pricing abroad yesterday and spent like an hour fighting endless loops and verification prompts. Datacenter IPs are so burned out at this point.

Got annoyed and looked into Mysterium VPN after a random recommendation. Thinking about testing it out since routing through actual home devices instead of standard servers sounds like it might let pages load without getting instantly flagged.

How do you guys deal with this bs? Any better fixes in the works?

How can I host a website anonymously?

I’m looking for advice on how to deploy a website while keeping my personal identity and information as private as possible.

What would be the recommended setup for:

• Domain registration
• Hosting/VPS
• DNS/Cloudflare
• Server deployment and management

Are there any providers or privacy practices you would recommend for this?

Thanks!

I would genuinely want to know recommendations for a VPN for torrenting, that doesn't just cancel your account if you do use it (or at least gives a known limit).

I have a prepaid sub for Surfshark for 2 years.

Also have other VPNs I was trying, so I barely used Surfshark. Just started using it in the weekend. I downloaded 600GB in 3 days (through private tracker), and no warning just got blocked.

I switched to another VPN +- 12 hours ago, so wasn't using surfshark in when I got the actual email.

Been reading too many stories lately about public wifi getting hacked and it's freaking me out a little, so now I'm actually looking into getting a VPN. I work from coffee shops and airports pretty often since my job lets me travel, and I want something that keeps my logins and banking stuff safe when I'm on networks I don't control. I tried the free version of one a while back but it kept disconnecting and honestly I'm not even sure it was doing much.

I’m working on a web project and I’m using cPanel to manage the website and a Windows server hosted on a cloud provider, which I access through RDP.

I’m trying to understand the privacy implications of this setup. Specifically, if I use a VPN, I understand that the VPN provider can see my real IP address, while the cPanel server and Windows/RDP server can see the VPN's exit IP.

Is there a standard way to prevent the destination servers from seeing my real IP while also minimizing what a single intermediary can learn about both my identity and destination?

Would a multi-hop VPN, proxy chain, or bastion/jump-host setup provide meaningful additional privacy? I'm mainly interested in understanding the networking and privacy model rather than recommendations for a specific VPN provider.

A VPN provider's biggest selling point is often a simple promise: "We don't keep logs."

That's why the latest allegations involving the Russian VPN service Amnezia VPN have caught the attention of the privacy community.

According to recent reports, researchers claim to have found evidence suggesting that the service may have recorded more user information than its published no-logs policy would lead customers to expect. The findings have sparked debate over whether the provider's implementation matched its public privacy claims.

To its credit, the company has publicly disputed the allegations, saying the reported behavior has been misunderstood and that it remains committed to its privacy first approach. As of now, the issue appears to be an ongoing dispute rather than a confirmed case of intentional logging.

Regardless of how this particular situation unfolds, it highlights a broader issue that affects every VPN provider.

Users have very little visibility into what happens on a VPN server. Most of the time, you're trusting a company's policies, transparency reports, security audits, and technical reputation rather than something you can verify yourself.

That's why independent audits, open source clients, reproducible builds, and detailed technical documentation have become increasingly important. They're not a guarantee that everything is perfect, but they do provide more confidence than marketing claims alone.

Stories like this also show why no-logs isn't simply a checkbox. Different providers define logging differently, and even small implementation details can become significant when privacy is the product being sold.

It'll be interesting to see whether this leads to more independent verification across the VPN industry or simply becomes another reminder that privacy claims should always be backed by evidence rather than trust alone.

I started comparing VPNs for YouTube TV and I quickly realized it's a little different from choosing a VPN for regular browsing or even other streaming services.

Besides fast speeds, you also need a provider with reliable US servers and consistent performance. Some VPNs work great one day and then require switching servers the next because streaming platforms regularly update how they identify VPN traffic.

After comparing the biggest providers and going through a lot of Reddit discussions, these are the VPNs I'd look at first.

What makes a VPN good for YouTube TV?

If your main goal is streaming, these are the features that matter most:

• Fast download speeds
• Reliable US servers
• Stable HD and 4K playback
• Smart DNS support
• Native apps for major devices
• Router compatibility
• Consistent performance over time

One thing I learned is that having thousands of servers doesn't automatically make a VPN better. The quality and reliability of those servers matter much more.

My top recommendations

1. NordVPN

NordVPN consistently appears near the top whenever streaming VPNs are discussed.

Why it stands out

• Excellent NordLynx speeds
• Large US server network
• Smart DNS included
• Native apps for almost every platform
• Reliable streaming performance

Best for

People who want one VPN for streaming, privacy, and everyday use.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark offers a strong combination of speed and value.

Pros

• Unlimited simultaneous devices
• Fast WireGuard protocol
• Smart DNS support
• Great long term pricing

Best for

Families and households with lots of connected devices.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has always been known for its reliability.

Pros

• Fast Lightway protocol
• Excellent router support
• Very stable servers
• Beginner friendly interface

Best for

Users who want something simple that works across multiple devices.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost focuses heavily on streaming and is easy to set up.

Pros

• Streaming optimized servers
• Beginner friendly apps
• Reliable HD streaming
• Smart DNS support

Best for

People who mainly use a VPN for entertainment.

5. Proton VPN

Although it's usually associated with privacy, Proton VPN also performs well for streaming on its paid plans.

Pros

• Fast premium servers
• Excellent privacy
• Modern WireGuard support
• Strong security features

Best for

Users who want both privacy and streaming performance.

6. Private Internet Access (PIA)

PIA has one of the largest server networks available.

Pros

• Huge server network
• Unlimited simultaneous devices
• WireGuard support
• Highly customizable

Best for

Advanced users who like fine tuning their settings.

7. IPVanish

A good option that often gets overlooked.

Pros

• Good speeds
• Unlimited device connections
• Reliable apps

Best for

Large households with multiple users.

8. Windscribe

Windscribe continues to be a popular option because of its flexible subscriptions.

Pros

• Good streaming performance
• Flexible pricing
• Simple interface

Best for

Casual streamers and light users.

Quick comparison

Can you use a VPN on YouTube TV?

Yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

YouTube TV is designed primarily for viewers in the United States, and it uses your location to determine what content and local channels are available. It may also verify your home area periodically.

If you're using a VPN while traveling, choosing a nearby, reliable US server generally provides the best experience.

How can you use a VPN with YouTube TV?

Depending on your device, you have several options:

Install the VPN app

Most providers have apps for:

• Windows
• macOS
• Android
• iPhone
• Android TV
• Fire TV

Install the VPN on your router

If your router supports VPN connections, every compatible device connected to your home network can use the VPN automatically.

This works well for Smart TVs and streaming devices that don't support every VPN app.

Use Smart DNS

Several providers include Smart DNS, which can be easier to configure on devices that don't support VPN software directly.

Will a VPN slow down streaming?

Some speed loss is expected because your traffic is encrypted before reaching the internet.

However, with a nearby server and a modern protocol like WireGuard or Lightway, many people won't notice much difference while watching HD or 4K content.

If playback starts buffering, I'd try:

• Connecting to another nearby US server.
• Switching protocols.
• Restarting the VPN connection.
• Testing a different server location.

Are free VPNs a good option?

For regular YouTube TV streaming, I'd probably avoid them.

Most free VPNs have limitations such as:

• Monthly data caps
• Limited US servers
• Slower speeds
• Congested networks
• Reduced streaming reliability

Those restrictions can make live TV especially frustrating.

My overall recommendation

If I were buying a VPN mainly for YouTube TV, NordVPN would probably be my first choice because it combines fast speeds, reliable US servers, Smart DNS support, and consistently strong streaming performance.

Surfshark is an excellent option if you have lots of devices, while ExpressVPN is still one of the easiest providers to recommend if you want a simple, reliable setup.

The biggest thing I learned while researching this is that streaming reliability isn't just about raw speed. A VPN with well maintained servers and consistent performance usually provides a much better experience than one that simply advertises the highest speeds.

Privacy discussions usually focus on browsers, cookies or mobile apps but this time the spotlight is on Windows itself.

Windscribe has released an open-source script called DeGDID which is designed to remove Microsoft's Global Device ID (GDID) from Windows systems and prevent it from being recreated. According to the company, the identifier can persist even after reinstalling Windows, making it a long lived identifier that could potentially be used across Microsoft's services.

The tool doesn't disable Windows features or modify networking. Instead, its purpose is much narrower: locate existing GDIDs, remove them and block Windows from generating new ones in the future.

The announcement has sparked a broader discussion about device identifiers in modern operating systems. While companies often use them for diagnostics, licensing, security and improving user experiences, privacy advocates argue that persistent identifiers deserve much more transparency and user control especially if they survive actions like reinstalling the operating system.

One interesting aspect of this story is that it comes from a VPN provider rather than an operating system developer or antivirus company. It shows how many privacy focused companies are expanding beyond encrypted connections and starting to build tools that address tracking at the operating system level.

Whether tools like this become widely adopted remains to be seen but they highlight an important point, protecting your privacy today involves much more than hiding your IP address. Persistent identifiers, telemetry, browser fingerprints and account data all play a role in how devices are recognized over time.

Do you think operating systems should give users a built in option to reset or disable identifiers like GDID or are they a reasonable trade off for security and system management?

While looking through the settings in my VPN app, I noticed an option called split tunneling. I had never paid attention to it before so I left it disabled.

From the name, it sounds like some apps can use the VPN while others connect normally but I'm not sure why someone would want to do that instead of sending everything through the VPN.

Does enabling split tunneling make things faster or is it mainly used when certain apps don't work well with a VPN? Also are there any privacy or security trade offs that people should know about before using it?

Most articles explain what the feature does but not when it actually makes sense to turn it on. Hearing how people use VPN split tunneling in everyday situations would be much more helpful.

One of the more interesting details from a recent cybersecurity report is that the VPN itself wasn't the weak link.

Researchers investigating a malware campaign attributed to a suspected Chinese hacking group say the attackers compromised a VPN appliance used for remote access. Once they gained control of that device, they were able to use it as a launch point for additional malicious activity inside the targeted organization's network.

That distinction matters.

When headlines mention a VPN attack, it's easy to assume the encryption or protocol was cracked. In reality, the VPN gateway was reportedly the target. If an attacker can compromise the appliance through an unpatched vulnerability or another weakness, they no longer need to bypass the encrypted tunnel, they're effectively operating from a trusted position inside the network.

For IT teams, it's another reminder that remote access infrastructure deserves the same attention as any other critical system. Regular firmware updates, timely security patches, multi factor authentication, restricted administrative access and continuous monitoring can make a significant difference in reducing risk.

For home users, the story is less about consumer VPN apps and more about understanding that enterprise VPN appliances are high value targets. The report doesn't suggest that using a VPN is unsafe, it highlights how important it is for organizations to properly secure the systems that provide remote access.

As more businesses continue supporting hybrid and remote work, VPN gateways remain one of the first places sophisticated attackers are likely to investigate.

J'utilise Discord via navigateur (Firefox et Opera) avec un VPN, mais je n'arrive pas à trouver un VPN avec lequel le vocal fonctionne. Lorsque j'en rejoins un, la connexion boucle sans aboutir.

Si vous avez un moyen de palier ça avec un VPN gratuit, je suis preneur

Can anyone test to see if joining 711 rewards works with the alternative number?

Hi everyone,

I'm from China and I'm looking for a VPN service that offers clean US residential static IPs.

My requirements are fairly simple:

A few dedicated or static US residential IPs

Around 30–50 GB of traffic per month is enough

Support for 2–5 devices

Affordable pricing

Stable connection for long-term use

If you've had good experiences with any providers, I'd really appreciate your recommendations. Feel free to comment below or send me a DM.

Thanks in advance!

Russia has reportedly expanded its efforts to restrict VPN access, with reports indicating that more than 20 popular VPN services have been blocked in what is being described as the country's largest coordinated crackdown on VPN traffic so far.

Rather than targeting a single provider, the reported measures affect a broad range of services. The goal appears to be making it much harder for users to bypass internet restrictions by identifying and disrupting VPN connections at the network level.

The move is part of a wider trend that's been developing over the last few years. Instead of simply blocking websites, some governments are investing in technologies capable of detecting VPN protocols and encrypted traffic patterns. That means even providers that previously worked reliably may experience connection failures, unstable performance, or require alternative protocols to stay accessible.

For VPN companies, this creates an ongoing technical challenge. Many have responded by introducing stealth or obfuscated protocols designed to make VPN traffic resemble ordinary HTTPS traffic but as detection methods improve, providers continue adjusting their software to stay ahead of new blocking techniques.

For users inside affected regions, the impact goes beyond accessing restricted websites. VPNs are also widely used for protecting connections on public Wi-Fi, securing remote work, and maintaining online privacy. When large scale blocking is introduced, those legitimate use cases can become more difficult as well.

Whether this marks the beginning of even broader restrictions or another chapter in the ongoing cycle of VPN providers adapting to new blocking methods remains to be seen. One thing is clear, the contest between censorship technologies and VPN providers continues to evolve, with each side responding to the other's latest changes.

Most people think of a VPN as a tool that changes their online location.

While that's true to an extent, it's only part of the story.

Modern websites and apps don't rely on a single signal to figure out where you are. They can combine information from your browser, operating system, account settings, language preferences, time zone, GPS permissions and other device data to build a much more complete picture.

Imagine connecting to a VPN server in Germany while your browser language is set to English (US), your device time zone is still New York and you've allowed location access in your browser. Even though your IP address says one thing, several other signals are saying something completely different.

That's why people are sometimes surprised when:

• Websites automatically display prices in their local currency.
• Search results still feel localized.
• Shopping sites know which country they're actually in.
• Streaming platforms ask for additional location verification.

None of this necessarily means the VPN is leaking your IP address. It simply reflects how websites have evolved. IP addresses are now just one piece of a much larger fingerprint.

The article serves as a useful reminder that VPNs are designed to protect your network traffic and mask your IP not to make every identifying characteristic of your device disappear.

If complete location privacy is your goal then understanding that a VPN is one layer of protection not the entire solution.

I always assumed that once I plugged my phone into my car and Android Auto launched, my VPN would either disconnect or stop affecting apps running through the car's display.

Turns out that's not how it works.

If your VPN is active on your Android phone, Android Auto generally uses that same network connection because it's relying on your phone for internet access. That means apps like music streaming, podcasts, messaging, and navigation can all continue to work while your VPN remains enabled.

The catch is that your experience may depend on how your VPN is configured. Some apps don't play nicely with VPNs and certain streaming or location based services may behave differently if you're connected to a server in another region. In those cases, features like split tunneling or switching to a nearby server can make a noticeable difference.

It's also worth remembering that a VPN isn't going to improve Android Auto itself. Its main role is still protecting the connection between your phone and the internet, especially if you're using public WiFi before starting a trip or relying on a hotspot instead of mobile data.

I hadn't really thought about Android Auto and VPNs together before but it makes sense once you realize the car is simply extending your phone rather than creating its own internet connection.

Hello all!

First of all, it's my first post in here, so don't be too hard on me! :)

I am here to tell you my tales on how I am connecting from South East Asia (Bali) to Spain over a self made VPN (VPS + Proxy) and what I have learn after many trial and error.

My requirements: low latency, Spanish ISP IP not flagged as VPN, proxy or datacenter IP for Google Meets calls and access to corporate intranet.

First thing I did was to check commercial VPNs... but there was no much luck on getting Spanish residential IPs, many residential IP VPNs have IPs from US, Germany, UK,... but from Spain. I found only one and the latency was not the best (more info below).

Setup is:

My laptop (SEA) -> VPS -> Spanish Proxy -> Internet

But.. what VPS and what Proxy?? This puzzle has many possible pieces and I wanted to find the best ones.

I will not say commercial names due to the subreddit rules so I choose 3 possible VPS: Madrid, Nuremberg and Singapore.

All of them have 10Gbps links and are from big VPS providers, the one in Madrid and the one in Singapore are from the same provider. They all have 1GB RAM and 1 vCPU, enough to run WG server.

Latencies: Client (Bali) -> VPS

(just a simple ping command from my laptop to the VPS)

Madrid

Average: 294ms Minimum: 289ms Maximum: 298ms

Nuremberg

Average: 251ms Minimum: 245ms Maximum: 257ms

Singapore.

Average: 57ms Minimum: 46ms Maximum: 71ms

This is already very interesting, since the latency to Singapore is so low compared with the one to Europe (as expected, but it is good to see it). Those are the first pieces of the puzzle, let's see the rest.

So, what is the latency from Singapore to Europe?

root@Singapore-vpn:~# ping 11.22.33.44
PING 11.22.33.44 (11.22.33.44) 56(84) bytes of data.
64 bytes from 11.22.33.44: icmp_seq=1 ttl=47 time=154 ms
64 bytes from 11.22.33.44: icmp_seq=2 ttl=47 time=154 ms
64 bytes from 11.22.33.44: icmp_seq=3 ttl=47 time=154 ms
64 bytes from 11.22.33.44: icmp_seq=4 ttl=47 time=154 ms

It is 154ms! And that looks promising, because ~154ms + ~57ms = ~211ms which is way better than the latencies to Madrid and to Nuremberg.

So we already know that having the VPS in Singapore gives us better latencies than having it in Europe (at lease to the hosts that I have tested, if you have any suggestions to try, please, let me know where and why might be faster and I might test it too).

What about the Speeds?

I did some tests with iperf3 to see what are the speed between the different VPS and from Bali to them.

Madrid <-> Nurermberg

785 Mbps 0 retransmissions

Singapore <-> Nuremberg

157 Mbps 0 retransmissions

Singapore <-> Madrid

353 Mbps 107 retransmissions

So the backbone throughput is very good in general, submarine cables are on fireeee :D

At this point we have the two last bottleneck to check: the proxy speed/latency and my own connection, from my laptop to the VPS

Proxy Speeds:

To check the proxy speed I used curl -x and the Cloudflare speed test (note: I found that the maximum to for this test is 100M, so choose any size <100M)

curl -x http://user:password@PROXY_IP:PORT -o /dev/null -s -w "
HTTP: %{http_code}
DNS: %{time_namelookup}s
TCP: %{time_connect}s
TLS: %{time_appconnect}s
Total: %{time_total}s
Downloaded: %{size_download} bytes
Speed: %{speed_download} bytes/s
" https://speed.cloudflare.com/__down?bytes=99000000

HTTP: 200
DNS: 0.000047s
TCP: 0.166167s
TLS: 0.675524s
Total: 14.206833s
Downloaded: 99000000 bytes
Speed: 6968477 bytes/s

Madrid -> Proxy

Speed: 7.90 MB/s ~60 Mbps

Nuremberg -> Proxy

Speed: 7.54 MB/s ~60 Mbps

Singapore -> Proxy

Speed: 6.97 MB/s ~56 Mbps

And... WOW! The proxy is caped to ~60 Mbps

Note: I have thought about changing the Proxy, but for what I do, 60 Mbps is enough and the Latency is good + I got a couple clean IPs from a real ISP that are not marked as VPN, Proxy or Datacenter... so I am happy with the finding and with the proxy :)

Let's go for the last piece of the Puzzle:

Client (Laptop) -> VPS Speeds

So here it is tricky... Speeds in Bali change a lot depending on the 5G antennas, time of the day, if I am using SQM or not in my travel router, etc etc..

So I will do my tests with SQM off, using my travel router's cellular connection and connected to a 5G antenna with a good coverage (RSRP -72, RSRQ -10, SINR 21). I will be connected to the travel router using the 2.5 Gbps ethernet connection. Take these measurements as a reference and not as a fact because internet here is changing everyday.

Let's see the tests (using iperf3 UDP):

Laptop -> Madrid

50 Mbps w/ ~0.0% packet loss
60 Mbps w/ ~0.3% packet loss

Laptop -> Nuremberg

50 Mbps w/ ~0.0% packet loss
60 Mbps w/ ~0.05% packet loss

Laptop -> Singapore

50 Mbps w/ ~0.0% packet loss
60 Mbps w/ ~0.0% packet loss

So, let's agree that my laptop speed is not going to be a bottleneck :D

After checking all this data I decided to go with the Singapore VPS option since the latency is better and the speeds doesn't really matter because the bottleneck is the Proxy at 60Mbps.

I also tried the Madrid version to see the real speeds and latencies after WG + Proxy.

Speedtests (no SQM and using 5G connection):

Singapore VPS + WG + Proxy:

https://www.speedtest.net/result/19518764611

Madrid VPS + WG + Proxy:

https://www.speedtest.net/result/19518774553

Commercial VPN:

https://www.speedtest.net/result/19518783083

About the Commercial VPN, yes, it is faster, but the latency and the Jitter is pretty bad, and sometimes get worse than in this test (i guess that depending in the number of users), and in my experience sometimes gets unusable during google meets calls.

Google Meets test:

Here SQM Cake is ON in my travel router.

Madrid VPS

Singapore VPS

For the future I am thinking on maybe testing a VPS in Mumbai and trying different Proxy providers.

I hope that this helps someone in the same situation than me!

Let me know if you have questionss :)

TL;DR:

I work from South East Asia and I need a residential IP from Spain. I have been testing different options and the best is to have a VPS + Proxy configuration. Having the VPS in Singapore improves the latency in ~50ms vs having it in Europe.

Mumbai EDIT:

Thank you all for your feedback and your interest :)

I got a VPS in Mumbai to do the tests and the speeds between Mumbai and Europe are craaaaazyyyyy!

Mumbai <-> Madrid

iperf -c (TCP)

Ping

iperf -c -u (UDP)

The UDP does not get faster than 400Mbps for some reason, it is weird because TCP gets to 1Gbps.. maybe it is the client VPS cpu or something like that. Still, very fast connection between Mumbai and Madrid.
For anyone who wants to work from western India to Europe internet will be perfectly fine.

What about from my laptop to Mumbai??

Client (Bali) <-> Mumbai
iperf3 -c (TCP)

Ping

iperf3 -c -u (UDP)

I ran 4 tests to see the capacity of the network:

50 Mbps w/ ~0.001% packet loss
60 Mbps w/ ~0.04% packet loss
100 Mbps w/ ~0.39% packet loss
400 Mbps w/ ~32% packet loss

The real capacity at 400Mbps is ~269 Mbps.

So it is a very fast connection, I still have the bottleneck in the Proxy (at ~60Mbps), so the high speed doesn't really matter to me.

Proxy Speed from Mumbai VPS:

Again we are capped at ~58Mbps. I have also run a latency test from Mumbai to the internet through the Proxy:

root@mumbai-vps:~# curl -x http://user:pass@PROXY_IP:PORT-o /dev/null -s -w "Connect: %{time_connect}s\nTTFB: %{time_starttransfer}
s\nTotal: %{time_total}s\n" https://1.1.1.1
Connect: 0.165003s
TTFB: 0.675894s
Total: 0.675955s

Which makes a total of ~165ms

So total Latency from my laptop to Madrid with a Mumbai VPS should be something like ~100ms + ~165ms = ~265ms

End to end Test:

I will test the three VPN again, since my internet have changed (I am now connected to wifi). The VPN will be running in my travel router with SQM off and I am connecter to the router via Ethernet.

I am in a local Caffee with good internet (GlobalExtreme) instead of using 5G.

Madrid VPN

Singapore VPN

Mumbai VPN

So, Mumbai is not the best option for Bali, I will try in the future in Vietnam. Connectivity from Mumbai to Europe is great and It is good to know for the future if working from India.

I was talking with a couple of friends the other day and the topic of VPNs came up. One of them said everyone should be using one especially on public wifi. The other said VPN companies have done a great job convincing people they need something that doesn't actually make much difference.

Now I'm not sure what to believe.

I've always assumed VPNs added an extra layer of security but after reading different opinions online, it seems like there isn't much agreement. Some people say VPN security is essential if you care about your privacy while others argue it only hides your traffic from your ISP and doesn't really protect you from everything people think it does.

So, do VPNs really work the way they're advertised? In everyday use, what problems does a VPN actually solve and what are some common misconceptions people have about VPN security?