Not all YouTube content is accessible worldwide because of censorship laws or copyright restrictions. If you are traveling to a country where YouTube is restricted you’ll need a YouTube VPN.
A VPN can change your IP address (which discloses your location) and allow you to unblock the YouTube content you want.
After extensively testing 15+ VPNs, here’s our top five best VPNs for YouTube:
- NordVPN: The overall best VPN for YouTube
- Surfshark: YouTube VPN for unlimited devices
- ExpressVPN: VPN with fast speeds for streaming YouTube videos
- CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly VPN for YouTube with dedicated streaming servers
- Private Internet Access: Powerful YouTube TV VPN with affordable price plans
We recommend NordVPN as the best YouTube VPN. NordVPN has great unblocking capabilities, robust encryption protocols, and enhanced security features that can safeguard your data online.
Read our in-depth article below to find out more about the features of some of the best VPNs for YouTube and choose the right one for you.
YouTube is by far the largest video-sharing platform in the world. However, it’s blocked in several countries, including China and Iran. Furthermore, due to distribution rights and contracts with creators, many videos are country-locked.
To bypass YouTube censorship and the geo-restrictions on specific videos, we recommend using a VPN. By connecting to a server in a country where a YouTube video is available, users can bypass the restrictions and access the video they want.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the best VPN for YouTube and which providers offer you maximum privacy and the most robust unblocking features.
Which VPN Is Best for YouTube?
Based on our tests, NordVPN stood out as the best VPN for YouTube thanks to its user-friendliness, obfuscated servers that avoid VPN detection, and extensive server network.
However, there are several other VPN providers that are capable of unblocking YouTube videos and keeping your data private. We have outlined our five best YouTube VPN providers and their key features in the table below.
| Feature | #1 NordVPN | #2 Surfshark | #3 ExpressVPN | #4 CyberGhost | #5 PIA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of servers | 5,000+ | 3,200+ | 3,000+ | 9,000+ | 33,000+ |
| Number of countries (locations) | 60 | 100 | 94 | 91 | 84 |
| Works with YouTube | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dedicated streaming servers | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Connection speed | 95% of the normal speed | 92% of the normal speed | 93% of the normal speed | 29% of the normal speed | 60% of the normal speed |
| Simultaneous connections | 6 | Unlimited | 8 | 7 | Unlimited |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordLynx | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, Lightway | OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP |
| No-logs policy | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 45 days | 30 days |
| Price | $3.49/month | $2.30/month | $6.67/month | $2.11/month | $2.03/month |
| Purchase | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get ExpressVPN | Get CyberGhost | Get PIA |
Keep reading as we delve into each VPN provider and their benefits regarding privacy and their ability to unblock YouTube TV and YouTube content.
1. NordVPN: The overall best VPN for YouTube
Features:
- Beginner-friendly
- 5,600+ servers in 60+ countries
- Blazing-fast streaming speeds
- Obfuscated servers
- Strict no-logs policy
- Compatible with Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iPhone
We tested 15+ VPNs and concluded NordVPN is the best YouTube VPN. Why? It has over 5,600+ servers scattered across 60 worldwide locations. Such diverse servers ensure you avoid problems bypassing online censorship and also being able to easily access the majority of country-locked content on YouTube.
We fired up NordVPN and watched various YouTube videos to test NordVPN’s streaming speeds. The streaming and quality when watching YouTube videos were both superb, and we experienced no hiccups. We especially liked how easy it is to use the VPN app. It only took us one click to connect to the nearest, most optimal server for YouTube.
To bypass censorship, NordVPN has obfuscated servers that hide the fact you’re using a VPN. This means users can use a VPN even in highly censored countries where YouTube and VPNs are blocked. The obfuscated servers also allow you to bypass geo-restrictions on other streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, to name a few.
During our extensive NordVPN review, we discovered that the provider has an app for all your favorite devices, such as Windows, Linux, Android, and iPhone, to watch YouTube wherever you are. To sweeten the deal, this VPN allows you to connect up to six devices under one subscription. Additionally, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, so it does not retain any of your data.
If you’re on the fence, you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee that gives you ample time to test it and make a decision. Otherwise, hit the button below and claim the limited NordVPN discount.
2. Surfshark: YouTube VPN for unlimited devices
Features:
- 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
- Connect unlimited devices
- NoBorders Mode and kill switch
- Secure protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard
- Compatible with Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iPhone
Surfshark is one of the VPN services that packs a punch when it comes to offering users a great deal. You get to protect unlimited devices like your PC, smartphone, and others under one super affordable subscription.
The vast network of servers consisting of 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries gives you ample options to bypass the “This video is unavailable” YouTube error.
It’s packed with features such as NoBorders Mode that presented us with a selection of servers with the best performance when we encountered heavy censorship regions, such as China. It also has a kill switch that protects your data from being exposed if your VPN connection suddenly terminates.
In our Surfshark tests, the VPN only lost 3% of our base speeds which is sufficient for streaming YouTube videos in 4K and HD. It’s loaded with secure protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN that ensure fast speeds and that your VPN connection is stable and secure while browsing YouTube. These are also some of the main reasons we have included Surfshark in our best VPN for YouTube list.
Surfshark also has a 30-day money-back guarantee you can utilize to test the VPN on YouTube, Netflix, and other streaming platforms.
3. ExpressVPN: YouTube premium VPN with fast speeds for streaming
Features:
- 3,400+ servers in 94 countries
- Super-fast speeds
- MediaStreamer for dedicated streaming
- AES-256 encryption
- Easy to install on routers
- Compatible with Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iPhone, and more
In our tests, ExpressVPN stood out as the best VPN for YouTube thanks to its blazing-fast streaming speeds. In our in-depth ExpressVPN review, there was no noticeable change in our speed during daily use. The same applied when we tried to unblock YouTube videos when we ran tests for this article.
ExpressVPN boasts features such as MediaStreamer that is incredibly useful for streaming, as you can use it on devices that normally don’t accommodate VPNs, such as gaming consoles, Apple TV, and Android TV. ExpressVPN is also easy to install on routers and offers unified protection to all your devices when streaming YouTube and Amazon Prime Video and browsing online.
Moreover, when using ExpressVPN’s obfuscated servers, we were able to stream the 2023 Wanda Diamond League London highlights on YouTube and were not blocked by online restrictions. We were nothing short of impressed with the seamless stream and HD quality. It was as if we didn’t have a VPN on.
For beginners, ExpressVPN has an appealing and intuitive interface that makes using the VPN easy. Furthermore, it protects your privacy by operating an independently audited no-logs policy. It also encrypts your data with the advanced AES-256 encryption that keeps your information safe from snoopers such as Google and internet service providers.
ExpressVPN is quality for money, making it a bit pricey. So it’s understandable if you’d like to try out all its high-quality features through its 30-day money-back guarantee before committing.
4. CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly VPN for YouTube with dedicated streaming servers
Features:
- User-friendly and intuitive
- 9,000+ servers spread across 91 countries
- Dedicated streaming servers
- No-logs policy and AES-256 encryption
- Compatible with Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iPhone, and more
CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs for YouTube, thanks to its dedicated streaming servers. The 9,000+ servers are spread out across 91 countries. The speeds and ample servers around the globe are sufficient for bypassing censorship to access YouTube.
The user interface is aesthetically pleasing, which makes it easy to use this premium VPN provider. Furthermore, it has apps for all your favorite devices, such as Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, and more. You’ll be pleased to know CyberGhost accommodates up to six devices per subscription.
In our CyberGhost speed tests compiled in our CyberGhost review, we reached speeds of 86 Mbps on a 91 Mbps connection. With such speeds, you can accomplish almost everything on YouTube – stream movies, listen to music, watch YouTube TV, and more. This is also one of the reasons CyberGhost is a strong contender in our best VPN for YouTube list.
The no-logs policy and AES-256 encryption ensure your privacy. While the OpenVPN, IKEv2, and the newly implemented WireGuard protocol ensure security for your data online.
5. Private Internet Access: Powerful YouTube VPN with the most affordable subscription plans
Features:
- 33,000 servers in over 84 countries
- Unlimited device connections
- RAM-only servers and built-in kill switch
- Shadowsocks (obfuscation technology)
- Compatible with Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iPhone, and more
PIA is consistently improving its service, making it a great YouTube VPN in our eyes. For instance, they now allow unlimited simultaneous connections per subscription, up from the previous 10 connections they allowed before. Moreover, PIA’s Shadowsocks feature provides obfuscation and helps you access YouTube wherever you are.
Considering how affordable Private Internet Access is, this is fantastic news for YouTube TV fans who would like to stream videos on multiple devices. You can also share your subscription with family and friends at no extra cost.
With this secure YouTube TV VPN, you don’t have to worry about anyone gaining access to your personal information. PIA has RAM-only servers, which discard all your data every time they are rebooted. Moreover, its automatic kill switch prevents data leaks if the VPN stops working.
In our PIA tests, we streamed YouTube Live, and the results were fantastic. We didn’t experience any buffering or lag. We also streamed the trailer for Extraction 2, and we got the same result, seamless streaming, and high quality.
PIA has 33,000 servers worldwide, so you will have no problem unblocking YouTube content in any region you want.
How We Chose the Best VPNs for YouTube
When choosing the best VPN for YouTube, you must consider factors such as streaming capabilities, obfuscated servers, size of the server network, VPN protocols, and whether there is a no-logs policy that protects your data from being collected and sold to the highest bidder. Here are some important factors we considered when choosing the best YouTube VPN:
- User-friendliness: VPNs can be nerdy and complicated. In our tests, we went with VPNs that have an intuitive interface and make it easy to connect to the best YouTube server for you.
- Vast server network: YouTube uploaders reserve the right to region-lock their content. The VPNs listed here have servers spread out across the world to bypass almost any geo-locked content.
- Fast speeds: VPNs tend to slow down your internet speeds. For this reason, in our list, we included the fastest VPNs that only lost a small (almost negligible) fraction of our raw speeds during our tests.
- Optimized for YouTube streaming: The best VPN for YouTube will have servers in locations where YouTube is available to give you access to the content from that region.
- Obfuscated servers: YouTube and other streaming platforms like Netflix are cracking down on VPNs. In our tests, we ensured the VPNs had obfuscated servers or other features that evade VPN detection and also bypass censorship in countries that have blocked YouTube.
- No-logs policy: YouTube relies on ads to earn revenue. For this reason, the platform collects troves of user data directly and through third parties like certain VPNs. To avoid this, we went with the best no-log VPNs that maintain a strict policy against collecting user data and have been audited by independent companies.
- Ad blocker: A good VPN for YouTube will also have ad blocking features to block the many YouTube ads the platform includes in its videos and protect you from potentially harmful software if you happen to click on an ad.
- Security: The YouTube VPNs listed here employ cutting-edge encryption like AES-256 and secure protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and others.
- Price: We picked VPNs that are affordable and also offer 30-day money-back guarantees (or 45 days for CyberGhost) for you to use temporarily or test them out before committing long-term.
- Privacy: The whole point of a VPN is to provide you with bulletproof privacy. In our tests, we uncovered VPNs that have features like a kill switch, Smart DNS to mask your true location, and WebRTC leak prevention to stop your IP from being exposed.
How to Use a VPN for YouTube
If you’re a beginner, you may get caught up with all the VPN server and privacy options. But fret not. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to access YouTube using a VPN.
- Visit NordVPN and sign up for a subscription. In our tests, we found it to be the best VPN for YouTube TV because of its fast streaming speeds and top-notch security.
- Download and install the app. NordVPN has an app for all major devices.
- Log in with your credentials from Step 1.
- Click “Quick Connect.”
Now, you’re ready to access YouTube anonymously. You can also connect to a specific country’s server to view geo-locked content from that country.
Why You Need a VPN for YouTube
If you live or traveling to a country where some or all YouTube content is restricted because of copyright laws or censorship, you will need a VPN to access YouTube. More specifically, you need a YouTube VPN because of:
- Content partnerships: YouTube has partnerships with media companies and creators that may restrict content to the countries specified by the creators.
- Legal and regulatory reasons: Certain videos might contain content that is deemed inappropriate or illegal in specific countries.
- Licensing and copyright: Content creators and copyright holders may choose to restrict access to their videos based on licensing agreements or copyright restrictions.
- YouTube Premium subscription: By using the best VPN for YouTube, you can get YouTube Premium for a lower price by connecting to a server based in a country where the subscription price is less than in your country, such as Ukraine, Turkey, or Argentina.
How to Get a Cheap YouTube Premium Subscription With a VPN
You can get a YouTube Premium subscription for as low as $1.61 from anywhere in the world using a VPN. Here’s how:
- Get a VPN subscription. We recommend NordVPN for its obfuscated servers, high streaming speeds, and user-friendliness.
- Download and install the VPN software on your device.
- Run the app and search for a server in a country where a YouTube subscription is cheap (like Turkey).
- Click the small arrow facing down to reveal the search box.
- Visit YouTube Premium.
- Enter your credit card details to purchase the YouTube Premium subscription.
Now, you can enjoy YouTube free of ads and play videos in the background.
Is Using a VPN for YouTube Legal?
Yes, using a VPN for YouTube is legal. YouTube does not restrict the use of VPNs in its terms and conditions like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other streaming platforms. However, in countries such as Russia and Iran, using a VPN is a restricted and punishable offense.
Hence, if you are in a country where using a VPN is regulated by law, you should get updated with that country’s regulations. Moreover, don’t forget that legislation can frequently change.
Nonetheless, if you are in a region where using a VPN is not prohibited but you still cannot access YouTube, we wholeheartedly recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for YouTube to ensure you have a smooth and uninterrupted streaming experience.
Countries That Have Blocked YouTube
If you’re in one of the countries below, you should know you won’t be able to access YouTube without a VPN. Here’s the list of countries where YouTube is blocked:
- China: YouTube has been blocked by the Great Firewall of China since 2009 hence why you need one of the best VPN providers for China.
- Iran: Due to several controversies, YouTube has been permanently censored in Iran since 2012.
- Eritrea: It’s unclear whether YouTube is blocked in Eritrea or its inaccessibility is caused by low bandwidth. Either way, it’s inaccessible in this authoritarian state.
- North Korea: YouTube has been blocked since 2016 under the country’s internet laws.
- Turkmenistan: Here, the streaming provider has been blocked since 2009, citing security reasons.
It’s crucial to note YouTube is not only blocked by authoritarian states but also by certain schools, corporations, establishments, and more.
VPNs to Avoid for YouTube
There are several VPNs you should avoid when wanting to access YouTube in a restricted region. These include free VPNs that may lack robust security features and have data caps and some paid VPN providers that may have questionable logging practices and blocked IPs.
In the table below, we include a few VPN services you should steer clear of:
| VPN Provider | Why You Should Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Hotspot Shield | Known to collect and share user data |
| Hola VPN | Outdated and insecure security protocols that might compromise your online security |
| Radmin VPN | It doesn’t have unblocking and streaming features that are required for YouTube |
Conclusion: Best VPN for YouTube
Due to distribution rights and agreements with creators, users around the world are blocked from accessing all the content available on YouTube. This is why you should use the best VPN for YouTube, so you can bypass censorship and geo-restrictions on the platform and access whatever content you like from anywhere.
In addition, YouTube is riddled with ads that increase in frequency all the time. By using a premium VPN provider that comes with ad blocking features, you will both secure your online data and prevent malicious actors from accessing your device and installing harmful software.
We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for YouTube thanks to its user-friendliness, blazing-fast streaming speeds, strong encryption for protecting your data online, and obfuscated servers that bypass censorship and geo-blocks.
If you want to know more about how to access different streaming platforms with a VPN, check out our articles below:
- The Best VPN for HBO Max: Watch Max From Anywhere
- Best Hulu VPN: Our Best Tested VPNs for Hulu
- The Best VPN for Netflix: Our Top Picks
Do you have a specific question about the best VPNs for YouTube or how to access this great streaming service in blocked countries? Check out the FAQs below to see if we’ve answered your question.
Yes, you can use a VPN with YouTube TV. If you want to watch YouTube TV while you are traveling and the service is not available to you all you have to do is subscribe to a good VPN service and select a VPN server location where YouTube TV is not blocked. For more information, check out our article on the best VPNs for YouTube.
Absolutely! You can access other streaming services with a YouTube VPN as a VPN provider can bypass geo-restrictions by changing your IP (virtual location). So, you make any streaming service think you are in the location of the VPN server you have chosen.
YouTube may not work with a VPN because of several reasons:
- The IP address of the server you are using may be blocked
- YouTube has accessed your cookies which can show your real location
- The specific VPN protocol your provider is using may no longer match with YouTube’s requirements
However, if you choose a premium VPN provider, you should have no problems at all getting your VPN to work with YouTube.
