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Best VPN for Grindr: A Brief Overview

If you’re located in or traveling to a country where Grindr is banned for political, religious, or any other reasons, the best way to get access is with a VPN.

We tested 20+ VPNs to compile a ranking of the best VPNs for Grindr:

  1. NordVPN: Best all-around VPN for Grindr.
  2. Surfshark: Fast and user-friendly VPN with unlimited connections.
  3. CyberGhost: Enjoy a 45-day free trial for this Grindr VPN.
  4. ExpressVPN: A secure and well-known VPN that can unblock anything.
  5. Private Internet Access: Grindr VPN with the largest server network.

The #1 VPN for Grindr is NordVPN. With excellent security, fast speeds, and the ability to unblock Grindr, this is the best VPN for you.

Read our full article below to learn more about how a VPN can help you access Grindr from anywhere in the world.

Grindr logo small

Grindr is one of the most popular apps in the world for gay, bi, trans, and queer people. Unfortunately, due to political and religious censorship, Grindr is not available all around the world.

With a good VPN for Grindr, you can get access to the dating app no matter where you’re located. Moreover, no one wants scammers on a dating app: with a VPN, your data is encrypted and safe from hackers.

To give you the best of the best recommendations, we tested 20+ VPNs to see which ones are best for Grindr. Below, you can find our top five Grindr VPNs that you can install and use today!

NordVPN is our number one recommendation for Grindr. It has obfuscated servers that hide your personal data and the fact you are using a VPN and supports robust encryption protocols that keep your information secure. With NordVPN, you also get a free 30-day trial if you make use of their money-back guarantee.

Which VPN Is Best for Grindr?

Best VPN icon

With a VPN, you can use Grindr with more privacy and safety. But not all VPNs are the same. Some VPNs won’t have the power to unblock banned social media platforms and websites — or worse, they will leak your data. So, we tested several VPNs for Grindr to make sure you can make an informed decision!

Here are the best Grindr VPNs based on our extensive testing circuits:

FeatureNordVPNSurfsharkCyberGhostExpressVPNPIA
Number of servers5,400+3,200+7,000+3,000+33,000
Number of countries60100919484
Mobile app (iOS/Android)
Obfuscation
Simultaneous connections6unlimited7510
ProtocolsOpenVPN, IKEv2, WireguardOpenVPN, IKEv2, WireguardOpenVPN, IKEv2, WireguardOpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, LightwayOpenVPN, Wireguard, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP
PriceFrom $3.99/monthFrom $2.49/monthFrom $2.11/monthFrom $6.67/monthFrom $2.11/month
PurchaseGet NordVPNGet SurfsharkGet CyberGhostGet ExpressVPNGet PIA

Below, we highlight each VPN one by one.

1. NordVPN: Best VPN for Grindr today

Screenshot of NordVPN website homepage, with added logo in the corner, May 2023

What We Like

  • Great mobile app that unblocks Grindr
  • Obfuscated servers to bypass censorship
  • Extensive server network
  • NordLynx protocol offers the fastest connection speeds
  • Keeps no logs
  • Threat Protection feature

What We Don't Like

  • More expensive than Surfshark and CyberGhost
  • Requires extra verification and CAPTCHAs on some sites

NordVPN gave us access to the Grindr app, and other blocked LGBTQ+ services thanks to its excellent security features and unblocking capabilities. It had an easy-to-use mobile app that we were able to set up in a matter of minutes.

Thanks to its NordLynx protocol, NordVPN was one of the fastest VPNs we tested for Grindr. More importantly, NordVPN’s obfuscated servers are specifically designed to get you on the app in high-censorship regions. Since NordVPN is also a verified no-logs VPN, it doesn’t retain any of your information going through its servers.

For an extra layer of security, we even used Nord’s Double VPN feature, so we connected to Grindr via two VPN servers, and our data was encrypted twice. Moreover, we were pleased to see that NordVPN has a Threat Protection feature that prevents malicious links from ever reaching your device.

Be sure to check out our extensive NordVPN review for more information on our top-rated VPN provider.

NordVPN
Our choice
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From
$ 3.19
9.3
  • Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
  • Perfect for privacy and streaming
  • Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
Visit NordVPN

2. Surfshark: Excellent Grindr VPN for unlimited devices

Screenshot of Surfshark homepage

What We Like

  • Unblocks Grindr on unlimited devices
  • CleanWeb adblocker
  • Fast VPN that's easy to install and use
  • AES 256-bit encryption
  • Automatic kill switch
  • Camouflage Mode
  • No-logs VPN

What We Don't Like

  • Speeds can vary between servers
  • You can't manually select a server

Surfshark is one of our favorite VPN services to recommend! We were able to easily access Grindr with Surfshark, but you can also use Surfshark to unblock streaming services like Netflix or Hulu.

Moreover, when it came to unblocking Grindr, we used Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode to keep our VPN use hidden. We were very satisfied with how the Camouflage Mode worked overall. By using this feature, not only will you be able to access Grindr and other apps, but your internet service provider (ISP) or government also won’t even know you’re using a VPN.

Of course, Surfshark’s security is top-notch, with AES 256-bit encryption and an automatic kill switch that will cut your connection to the internet if the VPN malfunctions.

Surfshark VPN has an extensive server network that has the largest country coverage (100 countries!), so you’ll be able to access Gridr from pretty much anywhere in the world. During our Surfshark tests, this VPN provider performed very well with a wide range of servers.

Surfshark
Deal Save 82% + 2 Months free and pay only $2.30 a month
From
$ 2.30
9.0
  • Very user-friendly and works with Netflix and torrents
  • 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked!
  • Cheap with many extra options
Visit Surfshark

3. CyberGhost: Fantastic VPN for Grindr with a 45-day free trial

Screenshot of CyberGhost VPN website homepage with added logo in the corner

What We Like

  • 45-day money back guarantee
  • 7,000+ servers
  • Very secure and affordable VPN
  • Dedicated IP address
  • DNS leak protection
  • No-logs VPN

What We Don't Like

  • No obfuscated servers available
  • Pushy with ads

With 7,000+ servers in 90+ countries, you can unblock the Grindr app from many locations around the world. While CyberGhost doesn’t have obfuscated servers like its competitors NordVPN and Surfshark, you do have the option to request a dedicated IP address. This IP address is yours alone to use and will make it less likely that your VPN use is detected as such.

We made use of CyberGhost’s secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard and encrypted our online activity while experiencing fast connection speeds when accessing Grindr.

CyberGhost also has tons of great features to optimize your security, including split tunneling that let us decide whether Grindr should pass through the VPN or not and DNS leak protection that kept our browsing activities hidden.

For any questions we had, we got in touch with CyberGhost’s customer service, which is available 24/7 via live chat. We have reviewed CyberGhost extensively and definitely recommend this high-quality VPN to access Grindr.

CyberGhost
Deal Try CyberGhost for $2.19 per month!
From
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8.8
  • Very user-friendly
  • High quality for a low price
  • Torrents and Netflix possible
Visit CyberGhost

4. ExpressVPN: User-friendly and secure VPN for Grindr

Screenshot of ExpressVPN homepage website

What We Like

  • Very secure and reliable VPN with a great reputation
  • Uses "diskless servers" – no one can see your history
  • Robust encryption protocols
  • DNS leak protection
  • Obfuscated servers
  • No-logs VPN

What We Don't Like

  • More expensive than other VPNs
  • Doesn't notify you when kill switch is activated

If you’re somewhat familiar with the VPN industry, chances are you’ve heard of ExpressVPN. This secure and reputable VPN provider has made quite a name for itself over the years for its enhanced encryption features, excellent unblocking capabilities, and fast servers.

ExpressVPN has a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and obfuscation software. This zero-logs provider is compatible with all major operating systems and has an easy-to-use app that you’ll get used to in no time. When testing ExpressVPN, we easily gained access to Grindr and LGBTQ+ sites or apps that were blocked in our region.

The downside to ExpressVPN is definitely the price. At $6.67, this VPN is pricier than its competitors. On top of that, you can only use ExpressVPN on a maximum of five devices.

Luckily, ExpressVPN also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it with Grindr and request for a refund if it doesn’t suit your needs. However, we have tested ExpressVPN to review all of its features and were very pleased with what this VPN provider has to offer.

ExpressVPN
Deal Get the annual subscription for only $6.67 per month!
From
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8.9
  • Very easy-to-use VPN
  • Perfect for anonymous browsing, downloading, and streaming (i.e., Netflix)
  • 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
Visit ExpressVPN

5. Private Internet Access: VPN with a large international server network

Screenshot of PIA website

What We Like

  • Largest VPN server network: 33,000 servers
  • 10 simultaneous connections
  • Dedicated IPs available
  • Split-tunneling feature
  • No-logs VPN
  • Built-in kill switch
  • Ad-blocking software (MACE)

What We Don't Like

  • Located in the United States (5 Eyes)
  • No live customer service

Private Internet Access makes a fantastic VPN for Grindr, thanks to its strong focus on security and privacy. While this VPN might be developed and located in the United States – part of the 5 Eyes coalition – they’ve got an airtight zero-logs policy and have proven not to obtain any user data in court multiple times.

PIA also has ad-blocking software called MACE to prevent your device from getting infected with trackers and malware like spyware, for example. During our PIA tests for Grindr’s free version, we found this feature quite useful as this version includes quite a few ads.

We love PIA, as it has the largest server network in the entire world, earning its place in our best VPN for Grindr ranking! This means you never have to worry about not being able to unblock Grindr, as there are many servers to choose from. In our PIA test, we also consistently got great speeds, as the VPN simply ran in the background.

Ready to try this competitively priced and secure VPN to unblock Grindr today? You’re just a click away!

Private Internet Access (PIA)
Deal Grab PIA for only $2.19 per month with 2 months free
From
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8.6
  • Strong focus on privacy and security
  • Good price
  • Fast and stable servers
Visit Private Internet Access (PIA)

How We Picked the Best VPNs for Grindr

The Grindr app has 12 million monthly active users and connects people from all over the world with each other. No wonder we want to make sure you can access the app wherever you are!

When selecting the best VPNs to unblock Grindr for you, we kept the following characteristics in mind:

Infographic showing how we picked the best VPNs for Grindr
  1. Mobile application: Your Grindr VPN must have a good mobile application for Android or iOS. Ideally, the app is straightforward (no pun intended) and easy to use. You want to be able to connect with a couple of clicks and for the app to run in the background of your device without causing any lagging.
  2. Security: For Grindr users in regions where the app is banned, it’s important that the VPN offers top-notch encryption and doesn’t keep any logs. We’ve also paid special attention to the availability of obfuscation, a must in regions where LGBTQ+ apps and websites are illegal.
  3. Large server network: The larger your VPN provider’s server network, the more options you’ll have to find IP addresses that unblock Grindr. Also, with a wide network, servers won’t get overcrowded and slowed down easily.
  4. Speed: The best VPN for Grindr will cause minimal speed loss. Ideally, you won’t even notice you’re using a VPN.

If you’re curious to see what else our top five VPNs for Grindr can offer you, have a look at our comparison of the best VPNs of the moment.

Can I Use a Free VPN for Grindr?

While there are certainly great free VPNs that can be useful from time to time, we don’t recommend using a free VPN for Grindr.

Note:

While it’s perfectly legal to use a VPN in most places, there are certain countries where using a VPN is forbidden by law. Always make sure to stay within legal bounds when using a VPN to access Grindr.

When your country has Grindr blocked, chances are it’s for religious or political reasons. Most of the time, accessing LGBTQ+ websites and services can get you in a lot of trouble if you’re not careful. Even if you take privacy on Grindr very seriously, the truth is that a free VPN is not going to keep you safe.

Free VPN icon with question mark

Some additional limitations of free VPNs include the following:

  • Limited data: Most of the time, free VPN providers will place data caps on their services. This means you won’t get unlimited access but rather a monthly data limit of 5GB or 10GB.
  • Security vulnerabilities: Free VPNs are often less secure than premium ones. This can put your private data at risk! In some cases, free VPNs even sell off your information to third parties.
  • Poor speeds: Usually, free VPNs are not very fast. This can be an annoying distraction when you want to use Grindr without your connection being disrupted in any way.
  • Small server network: Free VPN providers don’t tend to offer many options when it comes to servers. This means you won’t be able to get around geo-restrictions as easily.

We’ll list a couple of VPNs to avoid for you so you don’t accidentally get stuck with a risky service!

VPNs to Avoid

Below, you can see an overview of VPNs to avoid when unblocking or using the Grindr dating app. When accessing Grindr, skip out on these if you can.

VPN ProviderWhy You Should Avoid It
Beet VPNKeeps way too many logs on user data
Speedify VPNTerrible speeds (ironic for a VPN with this name), as well as a bad logging policy
Hola VPNLogs all your data and doesn’t actually work as a real VPN
Google One VPNExpensive and connected to Google (from a privacy point of view, undesirable)

For your own safety and enjoyment, it’s better to choose a reliable VPN from the top five recommended in this article, such as NordVPN or Surfshark.

But once you’ve selected the best VPN for Grindr, how do you set it up?

How to Unblock Grindr With a VPN: NordVPN

NordVPN Logo Business

You can unblock Grindr with a reputable VPN service in these four easy steps. We will use NordVPN, the best VPN for Grindr, as an example, but the steps are the same for any VPN.

1. Subscribe to NordVPN

The first thing you need to do is create a NordVPN account. On the official NordVPN website, you can select a plan and submit an email and password to set up your account.

You can do this on a desktop, but it’s also possible to sign up on your phone, which is what we recommend for Grindr users.

2. Download NordVPN on your phone

If you’re looking to access Grindr, the easiest thing is to have NordVPN installed directly on your phone. Just navigate to the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store and look for NordVPN.

Screenshot of NordVPN welcome screen, mobile

You will be asked to sign up or log in. If you’ve created an account in Step 1, you can use it to log in.

Screenshot of NordVPN Account Login page, mobile

3. Connect to a NordVPN server

Now that you’ve got the right VPN for Grindr installed, it’s time to actually unblock Grindr.

All you need to do is connect to a server in a country where Grindr is available, for example, the United States. For optimal speeds, choose a VPN location that’s close to your real location. That way, your VPN traffic won’t affect your online activity.

In the NordVPN app, find the location you want and click “Connect.”

Screenshot of NordVPN, connected to US server

4. Head over to Grindr

All that’s left to do once you’ve connected to a VPN server in a different location is head over to Grindr and get back on the app with your Grindr account. It’s that easy!

Screenshot of Grindr Login page, mobile

Do you happen to be banned from Grindr at the moment? A VPN can also help you get unbanned from Grindr so you can use your account again.

Play It Safe: Use a VPN for Grindr

VPN shield icon with thumbs up around it, representing advantages of a VPN

If Grindr is banned where you live, using a good VPN will help you unblock your favorite dating app for the LGBTQ+ community in no time!

The best VPNs for the Grindr dating app must be able to mask your true location and keep your personal data safe with top-notch encryption. Moreover, they should be effective when bypassing geo-restrictions and censorship and allow you to access Grindr easily. Ad-blocking features are also something to consider if you are using Grindr’s free version.

If you want to learn more about the best VPN providers for different apps and services, check out the articles below:

Best VPN for Grindr: Frequently Asked Questions

Wondering which VPN you should use for Grindr? Check out our frequently asked questions below for some quick answers.

Which VPN works best with Grindr?

The best VPN for Grindr is NordVPN. This provider will easily unblock the app for you and has great security features to keep your data safe from prying eyes. With special servers that can be used for obfuscation, NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for Grindr.

What is the best free VPN for Grindr?

At the moment, we don’t recommend using a free VPN for Grindr, because it’s not entirely safe. There are some good free VPNs out there, but if you live in a country where using Grindr is illegal, you’re best off with a paid VPN.

Can you use a VPN with Grindr?

Yes, you can use a VPN with Grindr! Your data will be more protected, you won’t have to be worried about adware or malicious spam, and a good VPN won’t even slow down your speed. Based on our extensive tests of NordVPN, we recommend this VPN provider for Grindr.

Does a VPN unblock Grindr?

Yes, a VPN can unblock Grindr for you if you’re located in a country where the app is banned. This is because a VPN changes your IP address (your virtual location). All you need to do to access Grindr is connect to a VPN server in a country where the Grindr app is not blocked.

You can also use a VPN to get unbanned from Grindr if your account has been blocked.

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