Looking for the simplest and cheapest way to unblock ChatGPT at school or work? A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be installed in under 10 minutes. Let's learn how!
Relying on AI tools, like ChatGPT, has become quite ordinary – they are brimming with useful information, easy to use, and (often) free of charge. The problem starts when you get used to your virtual assistants but they are restricted at certain locations or institutions, such as your work, school, etc. Luckily, at ProPrivacy, we are all about solutions.
We present you with the best ChatGPT VPNs that also work across a myriad of other services and apps at the same time. We also bring you step-by-step instructions on how to use these VPNs to activate ChatGPT anywhere in the blink of an eye.
How to unblock ChatGPT at school with a VPN
There are a few different ways to unblock ChatGPT in school, but a VPN is by far the easiest and most reliable one. Although they may sound like a complicated piece of tech, VPNs nowadays come with foolproof apps, much like any other app you're using for your day-to-day tasks.
They often include a prominent on/off button in the center of a screen, so all you need to do is toggle it according to your needs. Picking servers is also a piece of cake, with renowned VPN providers offering you thousands of them, so there's no risk you'll run out of options or encounter congestion.
The most difficult part, perhaps, is to pick the right service provider for yourself in the sea of big promises and similar offers. But, don't worry! We've got you covered.
Keep reading and you'll find the best VPN choices for ChatGPT, all in one place in this article. All you need to do is compare their benefits and prices and pick one that suits your needs the best. In any case, they all come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can't go wrong or spend money in vain.
You can activate ChatGPT at any school in five simple steps:
- Choose a strong VPN service – Any of the VPNs in this article will do an amazing job, however, we recommend ExpressVPN for its reliability and ease of use.
- Download and install the VPN app onto the device you're using at school – Use the links provided in this article or the VPN's official website. Follow the installation instructions, which should only take a couple of minutes.
- Sign up and log in – Create an account on the VPN webpage. Open the VPN app and log in using your credentials. This step sometimes comes before installing the app, but it doesn't make any difference.
- Connect to a server – Select a server location according to your needs. Choose a server outside your school’s region or in a city where VPN usage is unrestricted, but not too far, as the physical distance from the server may affect your internet speed.
- Access ChatGPT – That's pretty much it. After connecting to the VPN server, open and refresh your web browser or ChatGPT app. You should now be able to access it without any restrictions.
How does this work: The VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in a different location, masking your IP address and bypassing school network filters.
Best VPNs for unblocking ChatGPT at school
We've carefully selected the following VPNs as ideal tools for unblocking ChatGPT at school. They are all extremely easy to use, fast, private, and reliable, ensuring you can use ChatGPT without interruptions. Here are our top five picks:
- ExpressVPN - The best VPN for unblocking ChatGPT at school. Easy to use, with stealth features to bypass any blocks and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- NordVPN - The best buy VPN for using ChatGPT at school. Perfect for students who value fast speeds, large server networks, and lots of customizations.
- Surfshark - The most versatile VPN for unblocking ChatGPT. Ideal for those who cherish a variety of subscription options, a plethora of features, and unlimited connections.
- Private Internet Access - Private Internet Access (PIA) is the cheapest VPN for long-term subscribers. It unblocks ChatGPT from anywhere with a vast server network and unprecedented privacy.
- PrivateVPN - A beginner-friendly and private VPN for unblocking ChatGPT at school. It comes with intuitive apps and free trials for all your devices.
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Our main criteria for choosing the above VPNs were:
- Commitment to a no-logs policy – So your ChatGPT inquiries remain untraceable.
- Robust encryption with advanced VPN protocols – For both top-notch performance and security on school networks.
- Plenty of customizations – So you can tailor the VPN experience as you like.
- Chart-topping speeds – For seamless access to ChatGPT and other online resources.
- Broad server network – Providing access to content and services all around the globe.
- User-friendly interface and knowledgeable customer support – Enhancing usability and ensuring help is there whenever you need it.
- Superb cross-platform compatibility – So you can use ChatGPT on all your devices.
- Good value for money – VPNs that simply work at an affordable price.
| TEST WINNER ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | Private Internet Access | PrivateVPN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | Private Internet Access | PrivateVPN |
| Ranking for ChatGBT | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Performance | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 |
| Reliability | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Free trial | |||||
| Total servers | 3000 | 6200 | 3200 | 3386 | 200 |
| 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 |
In-depth analysis of the best VPNs for using ChatGPT at school
If you're the type of student who always likes to learn more, this section is for you. Here, you can read about each of the above VPNs in more detail to make a more informed decision when choosing your own VPN favorite. So, let's start!
ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN for unblocking ChatGPT. It regularly outperforms all our criteria, both privacy and performance-wise. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, for those who like to try before they buy. ExpressVPN Demo ExpressVPN, a renowned industry veteran, offers a superb blend of security, performance, and ease of use, making it one of the best choices for accessing ChatGPT at school. Its expansive server network includes more than 3,000
servers in over 105 countries
across the globe, providing a broad array of options for using ChatGPT and other online resources seamlessly. With advanced features such as a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, and obfuscation, students can rest assured that their online activities are hidden and protected, even on public or restricted school networks. The kill-switch automatically disconnects all your internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, preventing any data from leaking. And, DNS leak protection ensures that DNS requests are routed through the VPN, maintaining anonymity. Additionally, obfuscation technology helps mask VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, effectively circumventing even the network restrictions that might block VPN usage. The VPN's proprietary Lightway protocol combines the fastest speeds with top-notch privacy, essential for maintaining an uninterrupted and carefree user experience. Still, if you prefer a battle-tested VPN protocol to secure your activities online, OpenVPN is also available, along with other seasoned protocols like IKEv2 and L2TP. On top of that, ExpressVPN includes innovative TrustedServer technology – not only is your data heavily encrypted, but gets wiped out regularly from all servers – making this VPN a perfect choice for students who prioritize privacy and data protection. We appreciate that ExpressVPN comes at a higher cost compared to other VPN services on this list, however, we believe that the value it offers justifies the investment. If you can afford it, of course. If you prefer a cheaper service, keep scrolling. Keep in mind, though, that ExpressVPN also provides stellar 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring users can resolve any issues promptly and try the service risk-free. Try it for yourself! NordVPN has over 6,000 speedy servers all around the globe, ideal for unblocking ChatGPT from nearly any school. Nord Demo NordVPN is another privacy VPN titan with an impressive server network. However, it offers more customizable subscription plans compared to ExpressVPN – making it more affordable for some (long-term) users. Its intuitive apps come with a visual server map, simplifying the process of selecting the best server for your needs. For instance, if you're trying to unblock ChatGPT at school, you can quickly locate and connect to the optimal server with minimal hassle. Operating under the jurisdiction of Panama, a country with no mandatory data retention laws, NordVPN ensures your online activities remain private and secure. One of NordVPN's standout features is the CyberSec option, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware. It is particularly beneficial in a school environment, where network security can be a concern. So, not only do you get enhanced browsing speeds, as there are no ads to pester you, but also protection from potential cyber threats. Another valuable feature is the Meshnet, which allows secure and direct file sharing between devices, particularly beneficial for students and teachers collaborating on group projects. NordVPN comes with over 6,200
servers across 111 countries
worldwide, providing a vast network that guarantees quick access to ChatGPT whenever and wherever you need it. Apps with a user-friendly interface are available on all major platforms, making it easy to set up and navigate even for beginners (no GUI interface for Linux users, though). But don't take me for my word, see it for yourself with NordVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark is an all-around VPN that will unblock ChatGPT instantly with chart-topping speeds and plenty of advanced privacy options. Surfshark Demo Surfshark, a Netherlands-based VPN provider, offers an affordable and comprehensive VPN service. It boasts extensive global coverage and advanced VPN technology that ensures fast and stable connections from nearly any location in the world. This makes it particularly effective for students who need consistent access to online resources, such as ChatGPT and other AI services, which may be blocked on school networks. With servers in over 100 countries
around the globe, Surfshark allows users to easily bypass geographic restrictions – be it for research, browsing, or even gaming and streaming (during your breaks or at home). In addition to its robust AES-256-bit encryption, Surfshark's Camouflage Mode, which conceals VPN usage to prevent detection by network administrators, is a crucial advantage for students in restrictive environments. So, students working on sensitive research projects can confidently use Surfshark to access information without worrying about being tracked or infected with malware. One of Surfshark's top-selling points is that it also offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you get to secure all your devices at the price of one VPN subscription – and an affordable one. Your parents, siblings, and even roommates can all use the VPN on their devices at the same time as you, without deterioration in performance. Lastly, Surfshark's round-the-clock customer support and 30-day money-back guarantee provide users with peace of mind, so you can also try it before you buy. The cheapest among the best VPNs for unblocking ChatGPT at school. You get a vast network of servers, private connections, and unlimited usage. PIA Demo Private Internet Access (PIA) offers advanced VPN protocols and a wealth of features at a super cheap price (for long-term subscribers), so we gladly recommend it for privacy-oriented students on a budget. With plans starting at just over $2 per month, PIA provides excellent value without compromising on the quality of the VPN's performance and security. The VPN boasts an impressive global network with tens of thousands of servers all around the globe, especially in the US – ensuring reliable access to a variety of geo-restricted research and entertainment platforms. For example, aside from accessing ChatGPT, a student studying abroad can use PIA to access their home country's other academic resources that are blocked or restricted in their current location. Tech-savvy students will be glad to hear that PIA uses entirely open-sourced software (open for inspection), which promotes transparency and builds user trust. By allowing users to examine its code, PIA ensures that there are no hidden backdoors or vulnerabilities that could compromise their privacy. Overall, PIA's combination of affordability, extensive server network, and open-source transparency makes it an excellent choice for students seeking a reliable and secure VPN service. PrivateVPN is a great option for VPN newbies who are looking to unblock ChatGPT without too much hustle. Your online privacy will be protected at a reasonable cost. PrivateVPN Demo PrivateVPN, while offering a somewhat smaller network than the above VPNs, works seamlessly with a plethora of services and platforms, making it another great option for students. Its robust OpenVPN encryption ensures your data remains secure and protected from various online threats and spies. Its obfuscation (stealth VPN feature) effectively fights censorship and internet restrictions, which can be particularly useful in countries with strict political regimes. PrivateVPN comes with other advanced security features comparable to those offered by larger VPNs – military-grade encryption, DNS and IP leak protection, and a kill-switch for all your devices. The company's smaller size in no way compromises user safety. In fact, I regularly test its security features, and they consistently perform well, so you can rest assured you'll get secure and uninterrupted access to ChatGPT. Finally, PrivateVPN's ease of use makes it an excellent choice for students, especially those new to VPNs. Its user-friendly interface and straightforward setup process ensure that even those with limited technical knowledge can easily navigate and benefit from this VPN. The cost-effectiveness of PrivateVPN also makes it accessible to students on a budget, offering reliable and secure VPN services without making a significant financial investment. Its 24/7 customer support, consisting of in-house developers, is readily available even for non-subscribers. So, should you have any further questions, you can always contact them. 1. ExpressVPN
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The best VPNs for ChatGPT – Our testing methodology
With so many VPNs on the market, it's difficult to find a perfect match, especially if you have no previous experience with the technology. Our team of experts has spent thousands of hours meticulously testing and comparing the world-leading VPNs (and some less renowned ones) to help you familiarize yourself with the best options quickly and effectively.
Selecting the best VPNs for accessing ChatGPT involved comprehensive testing in the most relevant aspects of this specific usage. Our methodology covered all key criteria, from the ability to bypass school restrictions easily to privacy and value for money.
Bypassing restrictions
For this particular guide, we picked the VPNs that specialized in unblocking ChatGPT in nearly all regions across the globe. We then tested and compared each VPN's ability to bypass geo-blocks and censorship in a variety of restrictive environments, including schools and other educational institutions. Finally, we checked the effectiveness of obfuscation (stealth) features in disguising VPN traffic and the consistency of providing access to ChatGPT without lags or interruptions.
Security and privacy
ProPrivacy recommends only VPNs that offer robust security and privacy features. Each of the service providers in this guide comes with military-grade (AES-256) encryption, a verified no-logs policy, and essential security features like a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, and stealth mode. These measures ensure your data remains private and protected, even in weak and restrictive networks.
Speed and performance
Needless to say, a VPN performance can make or break your ChatGPT experience. Our methodology verifies the span and effectiveness of the server network, speed across various servers, and the efficiency of different VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Lightway. This ensures optimal performance of a VPN at your school, with minimal lag and no buffering during use.
Usability and accessibility
A good VPN should be easy to use across multiple devices. We regularly test the VPN apps on all popular platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, for their responsiveness and intuitiveness. Additionally, we ensure compatibility with a wide range of supporting devices, such as smart TVs, routers, and gaming consoles, and assess the helpfulness of customer support, regarding live chat and email support.
Value for money
When it comes to VPN pricing, our rule is simple – we don't recommend the most expensive nor the cheapest VPNs, we recommend those who offer value for money. In other words, we evaluate the cost of the VPN in relation to the performance, privacy, and features offered.
Our evaluation includes the pricing of subscription plans and the features included, the number of simultaneous connections allowed, and the presence of a money-back guarantee. This ensures that the recommended VPNs offer not only excellent value for money but also a risk-free opportunity for users to test them for themselves.
Can I use a free VPN to unblock ChatGPT at school?
Hypothetically speaking, you could use a free VPN to access ChatGPT at school – that's, at least, what free service providers promise. However, there are some important things to keep in mind in that case.
First of all, it's the 21st century in a highly digitalized and commercialized world, and no service is truly free of charge, no matter what they say. Free VPN owners also have to earn their bread and if they are not charging you directly, it means they earn from you indirectly – by tracking and selling your data or distributing ads/malware.
On the other hand, a few trustworthy free VPN providers out there come with other limitations, such as data caps, slower speeds, and a limited number of server locations, which can affect your overall experience. That's because they sell their unlimited service packages, and the free (limited) plans serve just as a sample, a way of promoting the former ones. So, you're either choosing between a free VPN you can trust, but it's not fully functional, or an unlimited free service that could potentially expose you.
Not to mention that most free VPNs get immediately blocked by the schools' networks (due to their security limitations and lack of IP address diversity), becoming entirely ineffective for accessing restricted content.
To unblock ChatGPT effectively and securely, we recommend you use a reputable paid VPN service like those listed above. Paid VPNs typically offer secure access to restricted content in schools, more server options, faster speeds, and robust privacy and security features. If, as a student, your budget is limited – which is entirely understandable – you always have an option of choosing among the cheap reliable VPNs. Many of these have promotions and free trial periods that allow you to test their services before committing. This is a much better option than choosing a supposedly free VPN.
Conclusion
Unblocking ChatGPT at school is easy with a reliable VPN service at your disposal. By selecting a VPN that prioritizes efficiency, privacy, and user-friendliness, you can bypass school network restrictions in a few easy steps and access ChatGPT without compromising your privacy.
While free VPNs might seem appealing, they usually come with limitations that can compromise or entirely ruin your experience. Investing in a reputable paid VPN can provide a more reliable and secure solution, ensuring you have uninterrupted access to ChatGPT for your educational needs and your quality break time.
How to unblock ChatGPT at school – FAQs
This section covers some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about using ChatGPT at school.