With a VPN for online dating, you can unblock sites like POF, MeetMe, OkCupid, Zoosk, Match, and more! Whether you are on restricted wifi, or if dating sites are blocked in your part of the world, a VPN for dating sites could be the answer.
But this isn't all they can be used for. A VPN also protects your privacy when online. The last thing you want is your personal information falling into the wrong hands if the service you're using ever gets hacked.
In this article, we take a look at the best VPNs for online dating and give you some tips for staying secure on dating apps.
What are the best VPNs for Dating Sites?
If you are wanting to get connected as soon as possible to stay safe in the dating world, here are our top picks for dating VPNs. Please keep scrolling if you want to know why we picked each provider.
- ExpressVPN - The best VPN for online dating. It's packed with features, enables seamles browsing, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- NordVPN - The most popular VPN for online dating sites – keeps your data private with affordable plans and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Private Internet Access - The most secure VPN for online dating – court-proven zero-logs policy, world-class encryption, customizable advanced privacy features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- PrivateVPN - An affordable VPN for dating sites with top-notch privacy features, competitive prices, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark - A great all-around VPN for dating sites. It offers thousands of fast servers, advanced features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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Before we recommend a VPN for online dating sites, we first make sure they can provide:
- Strong, well-implemented encryption
- Apps across all major platforms
- Good value for money
- Servers all over the world
- The ability to unblock major dating sites
Only services that provide all the above criteria are eligible to be included on our recommended VPNs for dating sites list. Now that you know what to look for, let's take a closer look at our top recommendations.
| TEST WINNER ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Private Internet Access | PrivateVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Private Internet Access | PrivateVPN | Surfshark |
| Ranking for Dating sites | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Performance | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 |
| Reliability | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| Free trial | |||||
| Total servers | 3000 | 6200 | 3386 | 200 | 3200 |
| Payment | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency |
| Unblocks: | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu |
| Supported platforms | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android |
The Best Dating Site VPNs | In-depth Analysis
Each VPN for dating needs to have a wealth of security features to protect you and keep you safe when talking to strangers. Your privacy is of the utmost importance, which is why each service has a kill switch, which effectively kills your internet connection just in case your VPN cuts out, meaning that your true IP address and data are never leaked.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for online dating sites. It has excellent security and privacy features combined with fast speeds, great unblocking capacity, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN Demo ExpressVPN is a stand-out service ideal for anyone about to enter the world of online dating. The VPN apps are sleek and intuitive, and basically install themselves on all major operating systems – so you won't need to be a rocket scientist to get the service up and running! With ExpressVPN, you'll get access to servers in 105 countries
worldwide, meaning you're guaranteed a fast, reliable connection regardless of where you are in the world (or where you want to pretend to be). Connecting to a server is super easy, thanks to a stylish UI and handy lists, and ExpressVPN can even recommend a server for you, based on your location and use case. These geo-hopping capabilities are particularly important for folks with dating profiles, as some sites automatically detect and display your location to other users. A VPN allows you to decide where you'd like to appear to be, however, and provides an additional layer of privacy. Being able to switch up your displayed location at will also comes in handy if you're planning to travel. You'll be able to organize dates before you fly, and start meeting people as soon as you arrive. It only takes a minute to sign up to a dating site and start chatting to people – but you'll want to make sure that your privacy is well-protected before you do, and a VPN is an ideal tool for the job. ExpressVPN in particular is stacked with security features, including tough 256-bit AES encryption and the battle-tested OpenVPN protocol, which will safeguard your identifiable information from even the most determined snoopers. Plus, the ExpressVPN kill-switch (called Network Lock) will cut your internet connection and prevent your original IP address from leaking if your VPN connection drops out. ExpressVPN cemented itself as a reliable, privacy-oriented provider with a no-logs policy that's been audited by an independent team. In addition, the service is based in the British Virgin Islands, so there are no mandatory data retention laws to worry about. The things you do whilst connected to an ExpressVPN server will always remain private and unlogged. If you like the sound of ExpressVPN so far, you'll be able to download stylish apps for just about any device – including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. ExpressVPN is adept at unblocking streaming services like Netflix, and subscribers get five simultaneous connections to play with, so you can secure a handful of devices in the home without paying any extra. Whilst the service does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, an ExpressVPN subscription doesn't exactly come cheap, and other superb, wallet-friendly alternatives are out there. However, you're getting a long list of premium features for a premium price, and ExpressVPN is one of only a few services that well and truly lives up to its reputation. NordVPN is among the gold-standard of VPNs – stopping snoopers in their tracks! On top of that, it offers highly-customizable features and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Nord Demo NordVPN is a popular service based in Panama, and subscribers get access to servers in 60 countries dotted across the globe – and all for a price that won't burn a hole in your pocket. NordVPN is quick and easy to use, and will protect all your most important data no matter which dating sites you frequent or who you're talking to. When it comes to spoofing your location, NordVPN has you covered, with more than 6,200
servers in 111 countries
– so you'll be able to chat with folks all over the world and unblock any dating sites that might be restricted in your location. In fact, NordVPN can unblock all kinds of sites and apps; streaming services like Netflix, news outlets and blogs, and social media sites. So whether you're trying to keep in touch with friends and family or spark up a new romance, NordVPN ensures that you don't have to deal with any pesky restrictions! NordVPN also recognizes that online dating is no longer confined to the computer, and allows you to protect up to six devices simultaneously, across all major platforms. These apps can be installed in just a few clicks, and I frequently recommend NordVPN to VPN newbies given just how easy they are to use. I particularly like the service's Quick Connect button, which you can hit whenever you need help deciding which server to join. This feature is especially handy for mobile users who might be relying on public Wi-Fi, and uses an algorithm to determine which server will suit you best. The last thing you'll want to be worrying about when you're trying to connect with someone online is whether your privacy is at risk. ISPs, your government, and even romance scammers – they can all snoop on your browsing sessions if you're not taking steps to secure it. NordVPN comes fully equipped with OpenVPN encryption to prevent this, however, and an automatic kill-switch that'll keep your data safe in the event of a VPN dropout. I'd also suggest that all NordVPN users make good use of the service's multi-factor authentication, which makes it much more difficult for hackers to wrench control of your dating accounts! NordVPN further safeguards your activity and information by abiding by an audited no-logs policy. This is just what I like to see from today's most popular VPNs, and a huge part of why NordVPN claims a top spot in our list of recommendations. The provider is also based in Panama, which is great for privacy seeing as the country isn't part of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance, and no data retention laws are imposed. VPN newcomers and tech veterans alike will be able to use NordVPN with confidence. The VPN is compatible with routers, and you'll even be able to sit back and enjoy combing through international Netflix libraries directly on your smart TV, thanks to a built-in Smart DNS service. Plus, if you live somewhere where dating sites are often inaccessible, or if VPNs are banned where you are, NordVPN's obfuscated servers can come in handy, disguising your VPN traffic and masking your usage. Like all of our recommendations, NordVPN's customer service team is available 24/7 and can be contacted via email or live chat. And if you're not happy with any aspect of the service, you can get a full refund within 30-days by taking advantage of NordVPN's money-back guarantee. Private Internet Access is the most secure online dating VPN on our list. It offers top-notch security features to keep you safe while online dating and a 30-day money-back guarantee. PIA Demo Private Internet Access (PIA) has a strong commitment to online privacy, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to stay safe and secure whilst they search for the love of their life. And whilst that may not be an easy task, customizing PIA's apps to your specific needs is! I'm always astounded by how far-reaching PIA's server network is, with thousands of servers in 84 countries
across the globe. With this kind of choice at your fingertips, you'll be able to decide exactly where you'd like to appear on your dating site profiles, and meet people from all over the world. Plus, thanks to a "domestic focus" in the United States, PIA is particularly good at unblocking Netflix US! The sheer level of customizability offered by PIA may deter some users who are new to VPNs and less techy, and whilst it's true that veterans will enjoy tailoring the security options to their needs, newcomers won't have to. The PIA client downloads in an instant and only takes a few clicks to set up, and then can even suggest a server for you! There's very little know-how required if you're a casual user looking to protect your privacy whilst using dating sites. Unfortunately, you can't trust everyone you meet online – and that includes prospective romantic partners. Some people are out to dupe you and swipe your personal details, and that's exactly why I recommend using a VPN like PIA! PIA's AES 256-bit encryption keeps your traffic secure and unreadable to any would-be snoopers, and users can even take their pick of a number of protocols, though I'd suggest sticking with OpenVPN for optimal security. PIA also has its own kill-switch, which keeps your original IP address out of the hands of your ISP in the event your VPN connection drops. It's particularly cool to see that PIA's software is open-source. This means that you'll be able to comb through it yourself, if you're so inclined, to suggest improvements or check for vulnerabilities. PIA is also an audited no-logs provider that has proven the claim repeatedly in court – which is particularly reassuring, considering that the service is based in the notoriously privacy unfriendly nation of the US. In addition to unblocking sites and services and shoring up your security, PIA comes jam-packed with features that'll make your browsing experience that much smoother. The ad blocker, PIA MACE, is especially handy, and banishes annoying pop ups, trackers, and malware, which can be a problem on some dating sites. Similarly, PIA's split tunneling feature will allow you to decide which apps or programs route through the VPN server and which don't, so you can access local content at the same time as geo-hopping across the globe. PIA is compatible with just about any device you'd have in the home, including VPN routers, and supports a generous ten simultaneous connections! You can reach out to support staff 24/7, and try the service for yourself without risking a cent thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee. PrivateVPN is one of the cheapest VPN for online dates around but still one of the most reliable to keep your data hidden! It also comes with a a 30-day money-back guarantee. PrivateVPN Demo PrivateVPN lives up to its name with a strong suite of security features and apps that are quick to install, easy to use, and look good, too! Admittedly, PrivateVPN is one of the smaller services in our top five, but it still packs a punch, being able to unblock virtually any site you throw at it despite a smaller pool of servers – including dating services that might have been banned in your region. If you're about to enter the dating pool and want control over where in the world you'll appear to be, you'll be able to do so with PrivateVPN. The service has a network of 200
servers in 63 countries
– and because PrivateVPN is still growing, I expect these numbers to steadily tick up as time goes by! All of PrivateVPN's servers are remarkably fast, and more than hold their own when compared against the servers of other, more expensive, VPNs. This means you'll have no trouble streaming HD content, gaming online, or talking to the folks you meet on VoIP calls. And speaking of streaming, PrivateVPN is renowned for its ability to unblock a whole heap of international Netflix catalogs, as well as other in-demand services, and even YouTube videos that aren't available in your country. And, if you're more of a torrenter, you'll be glad to know that PrivateVPN supports P2P activity and even recommends its Swedish servers for the job! As you'd expect from a service called PrivateVPN, it comes jam-packed with security features all designed to keep you safe against the worst of the web's threats. Whether it's spying ISPs, websites trying to keep tabs on you, or hackers after your details or your finances, PrivateVPN's AES 256-bit encryption thwarts them all. This lets you get back to chatting with other singles without any worries! I like that PrivateVPN allows users to select from a list of battle-tested protocols, including super secure OpenVPN and speedy IKEv2. Port forwarding is also a must-have for anyone looking to do some torrenting. PrivateVPN's kill-switch will safeguard your original IP if your connection drops, too, and works nicely with an auto-connect feature which will have you back up and running in a blink. PrivateVPN is based in Sweden, which isn't a privacy safe haven, thanks to some disappointing data retention laws. However, PrivateVPN does abide by a no-logs policy, ensuring that there's simply no data to hand over to any authorities who come knocking. PrivateVPN is one of my favorite services because, frankly, it's a joy to use. You can get the VPN set up in less than a minute, and a superb team of in-house developers is ready to field your questions or concerns 24/7, via live chat or email. PrivateVPN makes VPN technology readily accessible to anyone, regardless of their familiarity, and doesn't cost the earth, either. A PrivateVPN subscription will bag you six simultaneous connections, and you'll be able to install the app on any Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or Linux device. If you fancy taking the service for a test drive before committing to a longer subscription, simply use the 30-day money-back guarantee to do so, safely. A 7-day free trial is also available to those folks who prefer not to spend a single penny! Surfshark is one of the cheapest VPN for PoF and other dating sites, but it scores major points with online daters thanks to its excellent features and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark Demo Surfshark is a newer VPN provider that's already taken a huge bite out of the industry. The provider offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you'll be able to keep track of your love life across every device that you own without any restrictions. A Surfshark subscription is also excellent value for money considering the long list of features you'll have access to – so you'll have more money left over to impress your date when the time comes to take them out! When it comes to unblocking sites and services, Surfshark excels. You'll have no trouble unblocking dating sites that have been made inaccessible in your region, and even be able to browse through the international catalogs of the world's most in-demand streaming services. Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime; Surfshark can access them all, and then some, so you'll never run out of boxsets or movies to binge whilst you perfect your dating profile. Plus, Surfshark is more than fast enough to handle HD streaming, as well as any VoIP chats you might hop into. Surfshark's server network is also impressively expansive. There are more than 3,200
servers in 100 countries
worldwide, which should give you plenty of scope when deciding where to digitally base yourself. All of these servers are RAM-only, too, which is great for your security, seeing as they'll all be fully wiped whenever they're turned off. Traversing the web and looking for love isn't always straight-forward, and sometimes you can stumble across risks to your digital security, or meet unsavory individuals trying to dupe you out of your details. Surfshark can safeguard against these realities, however, with strong AES 256-bit encryption that prevents your ISP from keeping tabs on you, and negates hacking attempts from petty cybercriminals lurking on public Wi-Fi hotspots. I'm glad to see Surfshark is compatible with the OpenVPN protocol, as well as the up-and-coming WireGuard alternative, and a kill-switch is another nice bonus – though you'll need to head into your settings and switch it on manually. Surfshark's MultiHop Double VPN feature allows you to further protect your privacy, by connecting via two different servers and making you even more difficult for your ISP or government to track. An ad-blocker cleans up pop ups and trackers, too, and Surfshark scores even more points by being based in the British Virgin Islands, away from the reaches of the Five Eyes spying alliance. It's also encouraging to see that the provider has had its no-logs policy independently audited. As I mentioned earlier, Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning that you can secure all the devices in your home and even share the love with friends and family. The VPN has stylish apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, and customer service support is available 24/7 if you need help deciding which server to connect to. As always, you can try Surfshark for yourself in your own time by taking advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, if you're an Android, iOS, or Mac user, a 7-day free trial is available at no cost at all! 1. ExpressVPN
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Try before you buy
Why Use a VPN for Online Dating apps?
The two main considerations for using a VPN with dating sites are controlling access to your personal information and getting access to sites that you are blocked from.
Since you are looking for someone to date or marry on an online dating site, you might wonder why you would want to use a VPN. It might seem that hiding information this way would make you seem more like a stalker than a potential partner. But most people who use online dating sites realize that there are creeps out there who might misuse your information.
People choose to use aliases and phony addresses, as well as take other steps to make sure they are not totally exposed to just anyone. The only time you should really be sharing your true information is when you meet someone you actually trust. A dating site VPN fits into this theme by hiding your connection information, making you even more secure.
Using a high-quality VPN with dating apps, like the ones we list here, can protect important and sensitive details about you. This makes things much more difficult for creeps trying to use your information for their own nefarious purposes. It's extremely important to take the necessary precautions when taking the plunge into the world of online dating.
Unblocking Online Dating Sites
As well as keeping you secure, a VPN can also enable you to unblock dating apps like POF, Match, Bumble, Badoo, and other dating sites that are blocked in your country for whatever the reason may be.
Some governments or other groups block access to dating sites for various reasons and using such a site might even be illegal where you are. If you still want access to dating sites in places like that, you need to exercise extreme care. Using a VPN for dating site access is the best way to protect yourself. A super-secure VPN that can find its way around blocks or makes it appear like you are located somewhere else can get you the access you want.
How to unblock a dating site with a VPN
To access a dating site if it's blocked, all you have to do is follow the steps below.
- Choose a VPN service from the top providers listed above. We recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN for online dating.
- Install the software and sign in.
- Pick a VPN server in a country that doesn't block the service you want (The US or UK is often a safe choice).
- Navigate to your chosen dating website.
That's it! Provided you are properly connected and the server isn't located in a country that blocks access to dating sites, you should be able to connect.
Can you get a free VPN for online dating?
You might be tempted to try to save some money using one of the free VPNs out there, but we advise against it. Free VPN services have a reputation for using low-quality encryption, and "leaking" user data directly to the internet in certain cases. Some of them will even sell your data! If you really want to protect yourself, one of our best VPNs for dating sites is definitely the way to go.
Conclusion
Internet dating sites can be a great way to find romance. But as with all other online activities, you need to take steps to protect yourself. Whether you are protecting your privacy from busybodies on the site, hackers trying to steal information, or a government that doesn't want its subjects finding love in cyberspace, you will be safer with a dating site VPN.
- ExpressVPN - The best VPN for online dating. It's packed with features, enables seamles browsing, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- NordVPN - The most popular VPN for online dating sites – keeps your data private with affordable plans and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Private Internet Access - The most secure VPN for online dating – court-proven zero-logs policy, world-class encryption, customizable advanced privacy features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- PrivateVPN - An affordable VPN for dating sites with top-notch privacy features, competitive prices, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark - A great all-around VPN for dating sites. It offers thousands of fast servers, advanced features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.