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The best Instagram VPN services – Unblock Instagram anywhere

If Instagram is blocked in your location you need a VPN. By using a VPN service you can spoof your location and unblock Instagram by pretending to be somewhere else. VPNs also provide encryption, which will keep you secure on public Wi-Fi networks and stop anybody from knowing what you are up to online.

In this article, we list the best Instagram VPN services and show you to access Instagram from anywhere.

What are the Best VPNs for Instagram?

We have listed the best Instagram VPNs below. Scroll below the list for an in-depth look at each service.

  1. ExpressVPN - The best Instagram VPN. It's lightning-fast, it unblocks Instagram from anywhere, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. TIP

    In our testing we checked that all ExpressVPN plans work for Netflix. The one year plan is the best value: three months free and a 30 day risk-free trial.

  3. NordVPN - A very popular Instagram VPN that's well-known for its advanced privacy features and super fast servers worldwide. You can put to the test risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
  4. CyberGhost VPN - CyberGhost is an easy to use Instagram VPN. It unblocks popular websites with ease and offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.
  5. Private Internet Access - A secure VPN for Instagram – highly-customizable apps, court-proven zero-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  6. Surfshark - A cheap Instagram VPN, but one packed with features. It has fast servers, unblocks plenty, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To ensure you get the most out of your Instagram VPN, we have chosen services with the following features:

Top 5 VPNs for unblocking Instagram

We take a closer look at the best Instagram VPN services below. All of these have the features you need to unblock Instagram, but if you need more information about the services below, check out our VPN reviews.

1. ExpressVPN
Editor's Choice | March 2024

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Instagram. It's consistently one of the fastest VPNs we test, has servers in over 94 countries, and unblocks plenty, all with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Pricing

    • 12 months + 3 months FREE + Backblaze backup: $6.67/mth
      49% OFF
    • 6 months: $9.99/mth
    • 1 month: $12.95/mth
  • Pros

    • Super fast service, ideal for Instagram and more demanding tasks
    • Sleek apps for all your devices
    • Thousands of servers across the globe
    • Audited zero-logs policy
    • Strong OpenVPN encryption
  • Cons

    • IPv6 WebRTC leaks (fixed by browser extension)
    • More expensive than VPNs bellow, but top-notch service
    • No port-forwarding, not great for torrenting
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

ExpressVPN Demo

ExpressVPN Demo ExpressVPN Demo


ExpressVPN is a no-logs VPN, which means it never stores any records about its users. Add to this ExpressVPN's secure apps for all platforms, and you can see why this VPN is perfect for gaining watertight privacy while using any restricted or censored services like Instagram.


ExpressVPN has servers in 104 countries ; including servers in 17 cities across the US. This makes it ideal for bypassing local restrictions imposed by schools, workplaces; or other hotspots. And, having such a wide range of international servers means you can unblock Instagram from any country and still connect to a server that is close - to get better speeds.


ExpressVPN is one of the few providers that consistently provides access to popular international services like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Netflix US, and BBC iPlayer. And, with ExpressVPN you get apps for all platforms that come with strong OpenVPN encryption, a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, ad obfuscation. This prevents your ISP from monitoring your web visits on behalf of the government.


We also love that this VPN has a 24/7 live chat to help you at any time of day. And that it is consistently one of the fastest VPNs in the world.  A superb service that you can install on up to 5 devices simultaneously. Plus, you can test risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

NordVPN is a large brand with great value and affordable plans. It comes with highly-customizable privacy features, so you can browse Instagram privately from every country. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included in the price too.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 3 months FREE: $3.69/mth
      70% OFF
    • 12 months: $4.99/mth
      59% OFF
    • 1 month: $11.99/mth
  • Pros

    • Based in Panama (a country that respects your privacy)
    • Unblocks Instagram but also Netflix and iPlayer with ease
    • Over 5,300 super fast servers worldwide
    • Audited zero-logs policy
  • Cons

    • IPv6 leak in macOS IKEv2 app
    • More expensive than Surfshark and PIA
    • Only 6 simultaneous connections
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

Nord Demo

Nord Demo Nord Demo


Panamanian provider NordVPN is renowned for its incredibly tough stance on security, making it a great pick for the more privacy-conscious Instagram users out there. Among its stellar security measures is a strict no logs policy, being based in a country with lax privacy laws, and solid encryption.


You may think that all these privacy measures would put a strain on NordVPN’s speed, making for an unpleasant social media experience, but the provider actually fares decently in our speed tests. It’s not the fastest provider out there by any means, but you shouldn’t experience any lag while using Instagram. Have I piqued your curiosity? Sign up for NordVPN via the blue button below and give it a go for yourself.

CyberGhost is Instagram VPN that's suitable for beginners. It's great value for money, cheap yet very secure. CyberGhost also offers a very generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 3 months FREE: $2.11/mth
      83% OFF
    • 6 months: $6.99/mth
      42% OFF
    • 1 month: $11.99/mth
  • Pros

    • Generous 45-day money-back guarantee
    • Blocks malware, ads, and trackers
    • Unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and more
  • Cons

    • It's last public audit was in 2012
    • OpenVPN speeds can feel slow
    • No obfuscation (stealth servers), not suitable for countries like China
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

CyberGhost Demo

CyberGhost Demo CyberGhost Demo


CyberGhost is an excellent VPN for unblocking Instagram and it's fantastic value for money. It has servers in 100 countries and many of those are in locations where Instagram is available. Plus this VPN is lightning fast, which means you can stream in HD from Instagram – or go live – without any problems for your audience. 


CyberGhost provides robust encryption and a solid zero-logs policy. It also has a kill-switch to ensure you never leak what you are doing online to your ISP or the government. The VPN has live chat support, and it is a service with apps for all platforms that are extremely easy to use. This makes the VPN perfect for beginners.


We find CyberGhost to be great value for money because you can install it onto 7 devices simultaneously.  Secure on all platforms and perfect for unblocking Instagram, CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee so you can test the service risk-free.

Private Internet Access is a secure VPN for Instagram. It has proven in court that it doesn't keep logs, it offers customizable privacy features and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 2 months FREE: $2.19/mth
      82% OFF
    • 6 months: $7.5/mth
      38% OFF
    • 1 month: $11.95/mth
  • Pros

    • Court-proven zero-logs policy
    • Tens of thousands servers worldwide
    • The cheapest VPN on this list
  • Cons

    • No public security audit (yet)
    • US-based VPN
    • Lacks multi-hop VPN feature
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

PIA Demo

PIA Demo PIA Demo


Private Internet Access (PIA) is a US-based service that is ideal for unblocking Instagram or any other social media service. It has apps for all platforms that are easy to use and can be installed on laptops, iOS devices, and Android phones or tablets.


PIA is a no-logs VPN, which is the best VPN privacy policy available on the market. This means it never stores records about what you do online. And, PIA also has a kill-switch to prevent you from accidentally leaking your unprotected web browsing to your ISP. This ensures your privacy at all times.


In addition to strong privacy features, this VPN is fantastic for unblocking US content, restricted apps, and censored web domains. You can use it to unblock Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, restricted YouTube videos, or streaming services like Hulu, Prime Video, and Netflix US. With PIA you get fast connection speeds to stream shows in HD without annoying buffering. And you can also make video calls or go live on Instagram without any lag.


We think that PIA provides excellent value for money, and it has a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service risk-free.

Surfshark is a cheap yet very private VPN for Instagram. It has advanced features such as an adblocker, Smart DNS, and anti-malware, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 2 months FREE: $2.3/mth
      83% OFF
    • 12 months: $3.99/mth
      70% OFF
    • 1 month: $12.95/mth
  • Pros

    • Unlimited simultaneous connections
    • Beginner friendly, easy setup and sleak apps
    • Independently audited zero-logs policy
  • Cons

    • Limited number of P2P servers
    • No dedicated IPs
    • One-month plan quite pricey
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

Surfshark Demo

Surfshark Demo Surfshark Demo


Surfshark is a VPN provider that has risen to be one of the most sought after VPN services on earth; currently ranked by consumers with 4.3 stars out of 5 on Trustpilot.


The VPN has servers in over 100 countries that can help you unblock anything, including Instagram. It is also fantastic at unblocking TV streams and VoD services like Netflix US, US TV, BBC iPlayer, and anything else you can think of. This makes it a great all-rounder. Surfshark VPN has a zero-logs policy and strong encryption to ensure that your data always remains private. This means you can use it to access Instagram without being monitored – or for using restricted VoIP services or torrenting.


When it comes to features and unblocking this VPN is very hard to beat, especially considering the low price. And, amazingly, this provider lets you use the VPN on an unlimited number of devices – for easy use at home and on public WiFi. Well worth testing on any platform using its 30-day money-back guarantee. A great option if you are low on cash. 

How to use an Instagram VPN

We have given you a number of great VPN services to choose from that can unblock Instagram. Now what? Just follow the instructions below to get your Instagram VPN setup.

  1. Sign up for your VPN provider of choice.
  2. Download and set up the client software on your device.
  3. Choose a location (where is up to you) and connect.
  4. Open Instagram on your device, or download it if you haven't already.
  5. Enjoy your newly unblocked Instagram account!

There is really nothing else to it!

Why are these the best Instagram VPNs?

There are literally hundreds of consumer-facing VPNs, and not all of those VPNs were created equally. Many VPNs have slow servers, unreliable apps, badly implemented encryption, concerning privacy policies, and even critical data leaks that destroy your privacy.

To enjoy unblocking and using Instagram with a VPN, you need a service that has very specific features. Our experts have ensured that all of our recommendations have these vital features. However, for transparency we have explained exactly what features a good Instagram VPN needs below:

Why you need a VPN to unblock Instagram?

Countries that block Instagram

Instagram (along with every other popular social media platform) is banned in North Korea and China. Both countries are renowned for their heavily censored Internet and blocking of Western websites and content.

While we have yet to see a VPN service try to penetrate the stronghold that is North Korea, ProPrivacy.com does have a constantly-updated list of the best VPNs for China, should you be looking to breach the Great Firewall for reasons other than unblocking Instagram. That said, our top two VPNs in this article do work in China.

Unblock Instagram at school and work with a VPN

Due to the distracting nature of social media, Instagram, its parent company Facebook, and other types of social media are blocked at many schools and workplaces. While these blocks are usually placed with the best of intentions – teachers want students to pay attention, and bosses don’t want their employees wasting working hours playing around on Snapchat – it’s annoying when you have a break and want to check your Instagram only to walk into a restriction.

By using a VPN with your mobile or laptop, you can work around these bans by changing your geo-location to appear in a different city or country – far away from your school or workplace’s IP address! Once your new location is set, you can browse Instagram to your heart’s content.

Can I use a free VPN for Instagram?

There are many free VPN services on the market, but the vast majority of those services are unreliable services that harvest their users' data in order to sell it to third parties. These kinds of cowboy VPNs entice in users by offering a service for free. However, they have weak encryption, apps that suffer from critical IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks, and even contain adware and spyware. These kinds of free services must be avoided if you want to ensure that you are gaining strong privacy levels while unblocking Instagram.

The good news is that there are some free plans available that will give you high levels of security. Only a few free services of this kind exist, and you can use them if you wish to. Check out our best free VPN services page for more information about these services.

However, please remember that trustworthy VPNs only provide a free plan in order to give potential subscribers an opportunity to trial their service. For this reason, free plans that don't have massive privacy issues will have the following restrictions:

  • Few server locations to pick from
  • Bandwidth restrictions that make the VPN slower than the premium version
  • Download limits so that you can only use the VPN a little each month.

If you want to trial an unlimited VPN for Instagram, we recommend that you try one of the VPNs in this guide, by making use of their risk-free money-back guarantees or a VPNs free trial. This will allow you to compare a (secure) free VPN to a premium VPN service to see what the difference is. There are also many cheap VPN services that will allow you to unblock content whilst keeping you secure and private online.

How can an Instagram VPN keep you secure?

VPNs are primarily designed to give you privacy and data security. They achieve this by encrypting all the data that comes and goes from your devices.

This encryption ensures that local network admins such as schools, employers, or landlords, are unable to see what you are doing online. It also hides your activity from your ISP and the government from being able to track your online habits – including your Instagram use.

The VPN also prevents the online services you use from detecting your real IP address. This removes one layer of corporate tracking from those services, and further improves your privacy. 

An Instagram VPN can also keep you secure when you use public Wi-Fi by preventing hotspot providers from being able to monitor what you do online. This again adds another layer of privacy to your activities.

How to delete Instagram?

If you are fed up of doom scrolling and would like to use that wasted time doing something productive, then why not leave the platform? Check out our how to delete Instagram page for details on how you can permanently and temporarily delete your account.

Instagram VPN Conclusion

Instagram is one of the most popular apps on the planet. The photo and video-sharing social media platform is highly addictive, with many people snapping and sharing media throughout the day. 

If Instagram is banned at your school or workplace, you can get around the block by accessing Instagram via a VPN service, thereby allowing you to post, scroll and tap as much as you’d like. 

In addition, if you’re in a country with a repressive government such as China and want to use Instagram, you can also use a VPN to bypass censors. Whatever your reason for needing to unblock Instagram, we are sure this list will help you find the perfect VPN to access the social media giant!

  1. ExpressVPN - The best Instagram VPN. It's lightning-fast, it unblocks Instagram from anywhere, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. TIP

    In our testing we checked that all ExpressVPN plans work for Netflix. The one year plan is the best value: three months free and a 30 day risk-free trial.

  3. NordVPN - A very popular Instagram VPN that's well-known for its advanced privacy features and super fast servers worldwide. You can put to the test risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
  4. CyberGhost VPN - CyberGhost is an easy to use Instagram VPN. It unblocks popular websites with ease and offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.
  5. Private Internet Access - A secure VPN for Instagram – highly-customizable apps, court-proven zero-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  6. Surfshark - A cheap Instagram VPN, but one packed with features. It has fast servers, unblocks plenty, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

This post available in: Russian English

Written by: Ray Walsh

Digital privacy expert with 5 years experience testing and reviewing VPNs. He's been quoted in The Express, The Times, The Washington Post, The Register, CNET & many more. 

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