Paywalls – the scourge of the modern internet.
Every day, more content is hidden behind a premium upsell window. Written so just when you’re hooked, bham! You’ve reached some nonsense reading limit.
If you want to bypass never-ending paywalls quickly, a VPN is the best solution. You’ll also enjoy a tonne of other benefits (international Netflix, less tracking, no censorship, and more).
But not all VPNs are created equal, and some may struggle to bypass sophisticated paywalls.
We’ve spent 10+ years rigorously testing VPNs against various restrictions – often far more complex than a paywall. We confidently recommend five VPNs that consistently deliver exceptional results:
- ExpressVPN - The #1 VPN for bypassing paywalls on any device. Vast, fast, and dependable servers that provide stable connections globally.
- Surfshark - A powerful, budget-friendly VPN for bypassing paywalls, allowing unlimited device connections, and prioritizing privacy.
- NordVPN - Boasting an extensive global server network, top-notch security features, affordable plans, and enhanced privacy measures, you can bypass paywalls anywhere.
- CyberGhost VPN - Beginner-friendly VPN with exceptional connection speeds and user-friendly apps.
- IPVanish - A reliable VPN that offers unlimited device connections, fast speeds, and robust security.
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These VPNs represent a tiny fraction of the VPN market. That means the vast majority didn't meet our stringent criteria. So, why did we pick these five?
- Airtight privacy
- Access to content
- Speed
- Security
- Cost
- Ease of use
You can read more about our criteria in the testing methodology section found later in this article.
| TEST WINNER ExpressVPN | Surfshark | NordVPN | CyberGhost VPN | IPVanish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | NordVPN | CyberGhost VPN | IPVanish |
| Ranking for bypass paywalls | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Performance | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 7 |
| Reliability | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Free trial | |||||
| Total servers | 3000 | 3200 | 6200 | 11625 | 2000 |
| 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 |
Deep dive: The best VPNs to bypass paywalls in 2024
Every VPN on our list excels at bypassing paywalls, delivering exceptional speed, security, and privacy while you browse. For an in-depth analysis of each VPN, please refer to our comprehensive VPN reviews.
ExpressVPN is the #1 VPN for all your online needs, not just bypassing paywalls. It offers industry-leading security, privacy, speed, and easy-to-use mobile apps. Our team, spread across five continents, unanimously picked ExpressVPN as our #1 paywall-busting VPN for several reasons. First, ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN in the world. Regardless of each team member's location, we consistently experienced seamless browsing and streaming without lag or buffering. Even when connected to servers thousands of miles away, we effortlessly bypass paywalls on numerous websites. In terms of security, ExpressVPN leaves no room for compromise. It employs 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and other robust security measures to safeguard your location, identity, data, and online activity. Additionally, its patented Lightway VPN protocol ensures fast and stable connections by running all this advanced technology on lightweight code. Lastly, ExpressVPN is committed to your privacy. Headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, it operates outside the reach of government surveillance. ExpressVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, uses RAM-only servers for instant data wiping, and undergoes regular third-party audits to guarantee your data remains confidential. No one can force ExpressVPN to share your data because it doesn't store any. Read our comprehensive ExpressVPN review for more details. Plus, try it out risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee, Surfshark is the most budget-friendly VPN for bypassing paywalls, offering privacy features, fast and reliable connections, and unlimited simultaneous connections. With over 3,200 servers in 105+ countries, Surfshark effortlessly bypasses paywalls on news sites, online publications, and other restricted content, regardless of your location. Despite being based in the Netherlands, Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy. They utilize RAM-only servers that automatically wipe your data after each session, ensuring your online activities remain private. Regular independent audits further validate their commitment to protecting your privacy. Surfshark is also packed with additional privacy features missing from a lot of more expensive VPNs, such as: If you’re still unsure, check out our full Surfshark review. Or sign up with a 30-day money-back guarantee to try it yourself. NordVPN is a fast and reliable VPN that bypasses paywalls, allowing you to access restricted content securely and privately. NordVPN’s robust security measures make it ideal for circumventing paywall restrictions. The NordLynx protocol is one of the best available. It’s lightweight, fast, ultra-secure, and bypasses the most advanced VPN detection tools. Connecting between servers takes seconds, so you can easily switch to a new one every time you get blocked by a paywall. NordVPN has over 6,000 servers in 111+ countries as of 2024. So, wherever you are, you’ll enjoy lightning-fast connections. NordVPN uses strong 256-bit AES encryption and 2,048-bit DH keys to safeguard your online activities and ensure your privacy while accessing restricted content. Additional security features, such as an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, and IP leak protection, enhance your online safety while accessing restricted content. With a strict no-logs policy, NordVPN guarantees that your browsing history remains confidential and is never shared with third parties. New users can test NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee or read our NordVPN review to dig deeper. CyberGhost is the most user-friendly VPN on our list, perfect for beginners who want to bypass paywalls across multiple devices. With a vast network of over 11,500 servers worldwide, CyberGhost ensures complete privacy and makes tracking your online activity virtually impossible. Whether you're simply looking to access restricted articles or concerned about online censorship and surveillance, CyberGhost has you covered. Its easy-to-use apps are consistent across all devices, simplifying setup and configuration. Once you've set it up on one device, your settings automatically apply to all others, saving you time and effort. CyberGhost's installation wizard will guide you through every step, even if you're new to VPNs. While less advanced than ExpressVPN or Surfshark, CyberGhost delivers a reliable and secure VPN experience at an affordable price. For a detailed comparison with other top VPNs, check out our comprehensive CyberGhost VPN review. You can also try CyberGhost with its generous 45-day money-back guarantee. IPVanish is a reliable VPN offering unlimited simultaneous connections, fast speeds, robust security, and airtight privacy. IPVanish offers unlimited device connections and a suite of features that enhance your online experience by allowing you to access content restricted by paywalls. In our tests, IPVanish's servers consistently bypassed paywalls on various websites without significantly impacting internet connection speed, ensuring a seamless browsing experience. IPVanish prioritizes security, employing robust measures such as 256-bit AES encryption, a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange, and SHA512 authentication to safeguard your data, location, and browsing activity. Furthermore, their strict no-logs policy and regular independent audits demonstrate a solid commitment to user privacy. While IPVanish is headquartered in the US, a member of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance, their policies prioritize user privacy. However, it's worth noting that other VPNs on this list are based in locations with more robust privacy protections. For a detailed breakdown of IPVanish's pricing, features, and performance, consult our comprehensive IPVanish review. You can also try IPVanish with their 30-day money-back guarantee. 1. ExpressVPN
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Methodology: how we tested the best VPNs against common paywalls
Choosing the right VPN can be overwhelming, with 100s of VPNs claiming security, unrestricted internet access, and anonymity.
So, besides bypassing paywalls, what factors should you consider when selecting a VPN? Here's a quick overview:
- Military-grade encryption: Opt for VPNs that employ 256-bit AES encryption, the gold standard for security used by militaries, governments, and financial institutions.
- Additional security: Choose a VPN with features like automatic kill-switches, DNS/IP leak protection, and other advanced security measures to ensure your online activities remain private and secure.
- Super-fast connections: Prioritize VPNs that offer fast and reliable connections, allowing you to browse, stream, and download without frustrating slowdowns.
- Global server network: A vast network of servers in various locations ensures you can easily bypass paywalls and access content from anywhere in the world.
- Built-in privacy tools: Look for VPNs with integrated ad blockers, anti-tracking features, and other privacy-enhancing tools to protect your online activities further.
- Easy-to-use apps: VPNs should be user-friendly, even for those with limited technical expertise. Prioritize VPNs with intuitive apps that are easy to set up and navigate.
- Good value: Choose VPNs that offer affordable plans with transparent pricing and generous money-back guarantees so you can try them risk-free.
Read our complete VPN review process to see how we independently evaluate each of these VPNs.
How to bypass paywalls using VPNs
Bypassing paywalls with a VPN is simple. Follow these easy steps:
- Select a VPN with a global server network: We recommend ExpressVPN or Surfshark.
- Install and launch the VPN on your device.
- Connect to a server in a different country and try accessing the paywalled content.
- Clear your browser cookies if the content is still blocked.
- Repeat the process by connecting to servers in various countries to see if the paywall is lifted.
- Access the content using the server location that successfully bypasses the paywall.
Can I use a free VPN to bypass paywalls?
While using a free VPN to bypass paywalls might seem tempting, it's often ineffective and potentially harmful.
Free VPNs are slow, offer limited privacy features, and restrict you to a handful of overcrowded servers. This makes them unreliable for bypassing paywalls and accessing restricted content, especially during peak usage times.
Furthermore, the business model of free VPNs often involves questionable practices that compromise your privacy and security. To sustain their operations, they usually resort to questionable or harmful practices, such as:
- Invasive advertising: Bombarding you with ads often embedded directly into your browser and apps, some of which may contain malware.
- Data harvesting: Selling your browsing data to third-party brokers, advertisers, or malicious actors.
- Compromised security: Some free VPNs have been found to open their networks to hackers or government surveillance, putting your privacy and protection at risk.
Given these risks, investing in a cheap VPN is a far wiser choice. While it might require a small monthly fee, it guarantees a faster, more private, and secure experience, with reliable access to your desired content.
Paywall VPN FAQs
Bypass any paywall in 2024 and beyond!
Choosing the right VPN doesn’t just unlock paywalled content; it enhances your online experience by boosting security, privacy, and access to information.
With a VPN, you can browse confidently, knowing you have unrestricted access to the internet and your online activities remain private.
While ExpressVPN is our #1, you can explore all the VPNs we’ve suggested for yourself. Each VPN offers a risk-free trial period with their money-back guarantees, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your needs.