Best VPNs for Pandora: Unblock it from anywhere
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Miglė Vosyliūtė
Writer
Pandora is an extremely popular internet radio service, but it’s only available in the US. And even some US residents may also have trouble accessing it, as many workplaces and schools block the service. However, you can bypass these restrictions and access Pandora Radio anywhere with a VPN.
A reputable VPN will help you get a US IP address by connecting to a server located there. This way, you can mask your real IP address so that it seems as if you’re using the service from an approved location. Not only will foreigners be able to enjoy the content from abroad, but US residents will also be able to trick institutions and bypass work or school bans.
However, the market is full of VPNs, and not all of them can successfully unblock Pandora. That’s why we’ll walk you through the top 5 VPNs for Pandora based on their server options, security, features, and unblocking capabilities.
Top 5 best VPNs for Pandora Radio
- NordVPN – best VPN for Pandora overall
- Surfshark – affordable top-notch Pandora VPN
- IPVanish – Pandora VPN with fast connection speeds
- ExpressVPN – premium VPN for unblocking Pandora
- CyberGhost – VPN with a vast server network
How to choose Pandora VPN?
When you’re searching for the best VPN that ensures access to Pandora Radio from anywhere, it’s best to keep these factors in mind:
| Security: | AES-256 encryption, kill switch feature |
| Privacy: | Independently audited no-logs policy |
| Specialty servers: | Obfuscated |
| Compatibility: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
- Big server network. A large server fleet in the US and around the world will allow you to easily bypass geo-restrictions and access Pandora as well as other blocked content from wherever.
- Strong encryption. AES-256 is the industry standard and is considered to be one of the most secure ciphers around. It guarantees unbreakable security and privacy online.
- No-logs policy. An independently-verified no-logs policy ensures that your VPN doesn’t track or capitalize on your online activities. Look for the most anonymous VPNs available today.
- Obfuscated servers. Since Pandora Radio is often banned by workplaces and schools, only a VPN can help you trick the authorities and let you enjoy the radio. Yet, a VPN can also be restricted, so the VPN with obfuscated servers will help you mask the encrypted connection and enjoy all the perks.
- Fast speeds. Due to encryption and bad tunneling protocol management, the majority of VPNs leave a noticeable impact on initial connection speeds. Only the fastest VPNs will provide you with nearly untouched network speeds for a buffer-free Pandora experience.
The best VPNs for Pandora Radio – our detailed list:
To pick the best VPN for Pandora, we put dozens of providers to the test. All were vigorously tested and carefully considered regarding server networks, security, speed, content unblocking, and more. Let’s see what they have to offer.
1. NordVPN – our top VPN for Pandora Radio in 2024
| Servers/countries: | 6400+ servers in 111 countries |
| US servers: | 1970+ |
| Streaming sites: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| Current deal: | 🔥Get 74% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free🔥 |
NordVPN is the best VPN for Pandora Radio. Its biggest winning points include its huge server fleet, sophisticated security, outstanding speed, and functional features.
Servers. Making sure that you never run out of options, NordVPN has 1970+ servers in the US to unblock Pandora Radio. And, since its abundant servers are in 111 countries, you can seamlessly unblock other geo-restricted sites like various Netflix libraries and BBC iPlayer.
Security. This Pandora VPN’s security suite includes AES-256 for encryption and RAM-only servers that erase data after each reboot. Moreover, NordVPN’s audited no-logs policy ensures that your online activities are privy only to you.
Features. NordVPN has a long list of features, including a kill switch that acts as a safety net in case of a lost connection. Meanwhile, Threat Protection protects against malicious websites, ads, malware, and more. Other highlights include split tunneling, SmartPlay, and specialty servers, like obfuscated ones.
Speed. One of the fastest VPNs out there, NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx protocol ensures a buffer-free listening experience, maintaining around 84% of your initial speed.
Pricing. Plans start from $3.09/month and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. A NordVPN’s 7-day free trial is available through Android devices but further on can be used on other platforms too.
Discover more in our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark – advanced Pandora VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections
| Servers/countries: | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| US servers: | 600+ |
| Streaming sites: | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more |
| Current deal: | 🔥Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 4 months FREE🔥 |
Surfshark stands out as a Pandora VPN for offering a sprawling server network, comprehensive security framework, and abundant features at an insanely low price.
Servers. Surfshark has 600+ servers in the US to unblock Pandora Radio. Additionally, its extensive server coverage in 100 countries also means easy access to many other geo-blocked sites like Netflix, Viu, and more.
Security. A security-first VPN, Surfshark provides all the necessary measures, including 256-bit AES encryption, RAM-only servers, and an independently-audited no-logs policy.
Features. Surfshark has all the basic features, like a kill switch and split tunneling. But, not stopping there, it also offers high-tech features like obfuscated servers to bypass VPN bans, multi-hop, Smart DNS for unlimited streaming, and GPS spoofing.
Speed. Since Surfshark uses the incredibly fast WireGuard protocol, you can expect a lag-free experience always. In fact, it retains 85% of your actual connection speed.
Pricing. Prices begin from as little as $1.99/month and include unlimited simultaneous connections per account. A 7-day Surfshark free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee are available, too.
Find out more in our Surfshark review.
3. IPVanish – efficient and reliable VPN for Pandora Radio
| Servers/countries: | 2400+ servers in 55 countries |
| US servers: | 1106 |
| Streaming sites: | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and more |
| Current deal: | 🔥Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish + 3 months FREE🔥 |
IPVanish is a speedy Pandora VPN. With its tight security, a sizable server network, ample features, and unlimited connections, you get all the chances of enjoying the radio anywhere.
Servers. IPVanish’s server fleet is relatively modest, but over half of them are in the US. So, you’ll have plenty of choices to unblock Pandora and other geo-blocked US sites like HBO Max, Peacock, Hulu, and Paramount+.
Security. IPVanish uses the industry-standard AES-256 in tandem with SHA-512 hash functions for encryption. Plus, its audited and verified no-logs policy is a great assurance of its commitment to privacy.
Features: The feature-laden IPVanish packed its plans with features like a kill switch, split tunneling, obfuscation, secure cloud storage, and SOCKS5 proxy. The VPN is a great match for all online needs.
Speed: Whether you’re jamming to your favorite song, streaming, or browsing, IPVanish promises top speed with the WireGuard protocol. It delivers over 90% of the initial connection speed.
Pricing: Prices start from as low as $2.19/month for unlimited devices. Thanks to the IPVanish free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee you can test the service risk-free.
Read further in our IPVanish review.
4. ExpressVPN – premium security-focused Pandora VPN
| Servers/countries: | 3000+ servers in 105 countries |
| US servers: | 1106 |
| Streaming sites: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| Current deal: | 🔥Now up to 48% OFF ExpressVPN + 3 months FREE🔥 |
ExpressVPN is a popular option for unblocking geo-restricted content, including Pandora Radio. Thanks to its exceptional security, big server fleet, and streaming features, the VPN didn't disappoint us once.
Servers. ExpressVPN doesn’t disclose its exact number of servers, but what we do know is that it has servers in 105 countries and 17 US cities. So, whether you’re looking for a US server for Pandora or a global one for other geo-blocked content, you’ll have plenty of options.
Security. Security is a clinch here since ExpressVPN uses either AES 256-GCM or ChaCha20/Poly1305 for encryption, depending on your protocol. In any case, the encryption is complemented by other measures like RAM-only servers and a verified no-logs policy.
Features. You can expect to get both basic and advanced features like a kill switch, split tunneling, Threat Managers, and obfuscated servers. While the MediaStreamer will help you stream on non-VPN devices.
Speed. Enjoy your tunes lag and buffer-free since ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol is known for its great speeds. The VPN doesn’t go lower than 80% of your actual connection speed.
Pricing. Prices start from $6.67/month. A 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day ExpressVPN free trial for select mobile devices are available.
Discover more about the features in our ExpressVPN review.
5. CyberGhost – feature-packed VPN for Pandora Radio
| Servers/countries: | 11500+ servers in 100 countries | |
| US servers: | In more than a dozen cities | |
| Streaming sites: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ | |
| Current deal: | 🔥Get 83% OFF CyberGhost + 2 months FREE🔥 |
CyberGhost VPN is the most geographically diverse Pandora Radio VPN. Other than that, the provider excels in protection, streaming, and delivers an excellent price-to-quality ratio.
Servers. Boasting an impressive 11500+ servers in 100 countries, CyberGhost has more servers and covers more ground than most VPNs. It also means that you’ll never run out of server options whether you’re looking to unblock Pandora, stream shows, or play games.
Security. CyberGhost encrypts with AES-256 to keep your data safe. Meanwhile, its verified no-logs policy and RAM-only servers ensure that your data remains solely your own.
Features: The VPN covers all the bases with features like an automatic kill switch, DNS, and IP leak protection. As extra perks, dedicated IP, ad-blocker, and Smart rules to automate certain tasks are included, too. Moreover, it also has specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
Speed. CyberGhost uses WireGuard tunneling protocol so that you can enjoy your tracks without worrying about interruptions. The connection speed doesn’t go lower than 84% of the initial one.
Pricing. Prices begin from as little as $2.19/month and come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Learn more in our CyberGhost review.
How we picked and tested these VPNs
Here’s how we picked and tested the VPNs in our search for the best VPN for Pandora:
- Number of US servers. Since Pandora is exclusively available in the US, the VPN must have servers within the country to issue a US IP address. All of our handpicked VPNs have plenty of servers in the US and even around the world.
- Unblocking capabilities. A top-of-the-line VPN should be able to unblock most – if not all – services, and not just Pandora. Therefore, we picked only the ones that can unblock a wide range of sites, such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.
- Security. Whether you’re grooving to a song or absorbed in a podcast, we made sure that all of the chosen Pandora VPNs have comprehensive security measures. This includes AES-256 encryption, RAM-only servers, a verified no-logs policy, and a kill switch.
- Average speed. Fast speed is a must-have for a smooth listening session on Pandora as well as for other online activities like streaming and gaming. All selected VPNs offer the lightning-fast WireGuard protocol or a next-gen version of it like NordLynx.
- Supported devices. We include only the Pandora VPNs that support all the major operating systems so that you aren’t left hanging because of incompatibility.
- Number of simultaneous connections. All the VPNs we recommended support multiple simultaneous connections, with some even allowing unlimited devices. This is to ensure that all of your devices are covered and protected.
- Pricing. The best Pandora VPN shouldn’t burn a hole in your pocket. That’s why looked for providers with a fair price-to-quality ratio.
Best Pandora VPNs compared
Want a quick rundown? Here’s a bird’s-eye view of all the above VPNs compared:
| Brand | Rating | Servers | US servers | Streaming | Verified no-logs policy | Obfuscated servers | Price (lowest price per month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 6400+ servers in 111 countries | 1970+ | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Verified thrice by PwC and Deloitte | Yes | $3.09/month | |
| Surfshark | 3200+ servers in 100 countries | 600+ | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more | Verified by Deloitte | Yes | $1.99/month | |
| IPVanish | 2400+ servers in 55 countries | 1106 | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and more | Verified by Leviathan | Yes | $2.19/month | |
| ExpressVPN | 3000+ servers in 105 countries | Not disclosed | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Verified by PwC | Yes | $6.67/month | |
| CyberGhost | 11500+ servers in 100 countries | 1362 | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ | Verified by Deloitte | No | $2.19/month |
What is Pandora Radio, and why is it so popular?
Pandora Radio is a highly-popular internet radio service. It has garnered many fans and much love thanks to its Music Genome Project – a proprietary system to classify and recommend songs by analyzing musical traits. Additionally, users also find Pandora accessible since it’s free but has the option to upgrade to a premium ad-free subscription.
However, Pandora’s biggest drawback is that it’s only available in the US. This has been the case since 2007 – except for its brief stints in Australia and New Zealand between 2012 and 2017. Since then, Pandora has blocked users from all countries except for the US due to global radio operation laws and copyright issues.
Fortunately, there are a few workarounds to still access Pandora from outside the US. The easiest and best way is to use a VPN. However, using Pandora with a VPN has a catch.
This is because, just like most streaming services, Pandora can detect VPNs and will swiftly block their IP addresses. To overcome this, you need a capable VPN like NordVPN that can consistently bypass Pandora’s blocks.
How to unblock Pandora with a VPN?
Whether you’re outside of the US or blocked by your institution, you’ll need a VPN to unblock Pandora. Here’s how you go about it:
- Pick a capable VPN with plenty of servers in the US. We recommend NordVPN.
- Download and install the VPN on your device.
- Pick a US server and connect.
- Head over to Pandora’s website or app and sign in or register for an account.
- You’re done and now have full access to all your favorite songs, playlists, and podcasts!
Why you need a VPN with Pandora?
There are many reasons why you would need to use a VPN with Pandora. Here are some of them:
- Bypass geo-block. Pandora is only available in the US because of licensing and copyright issues. To access the service from outside of the US, you need to use a VPN to connect to a US server. This way, you’ll get a fresh US IP address to freely access Pandora.
- Circumvent institutional blocks. It’s increasingly common for schools and workplaces to block streaming sites like Pandora due to institutional policies or to reduce distractions. However, if you need your playlist to focus, you can use a VPN to unblock Pandora.
- Privacy protection. When you’re on streaming sites like Pandora, your listening habits and preferences can be tracked. By using a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and online activities, it’d be extremely difficult for anyone to spy on you while online.
- Stay safe on public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi networks are usually not encrypted. So, if you’re using a public Wi-Fi network to access Pandora, you could be opening yourself up to cyber threats like man-in-the-middle attacks, malware, and rogue networks. With a VPN, you can both mask your actual IP address and encrypt your internet traffic to minimize these threats.
Should I use a free VPN for Pandora?
Yes, you can certainly try to use a free VPN for Pandora, but it’s highly unlikely to be successful. We also advise against it as even the best free VPNs struggle to bypass geo-blocks successfully.
Additionally, their lack of functional features might cause you poor online protection, there may also be data caps and limited connection speed due to the limited provider’s budget.
A significantly more feasible and practical alternative is to pick a good quality VPN that offers a competitive price. Make full use of its free trial and money-back guarantee:
- NordVPN – a top-notch Pandora VPN that offers a 7-day free trial for Android devices. Paid plans start from $3.09/month and include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark – a cheap and fast VPN for Pandora that has a free 7-day trial for select devices. Prices start from $1.99/month and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pandora not working with VPN
If Pandora is still not working even with a VPN, there are a few likely causes:
- You’ve connected to a server outside of the USA
- The VPN isn’t working or can’t bypass geo-blocks
- Your actual IP address could be leaking
- Your VPN has been identified and blacklisted
There are easy remedies to solve these issues:
- Check that you’ve connected to a server in the US
- Switch to a different server
- Use a different browser
- Clear cache and cookies
- Reach out to your VPN’s customer support
Additionally, there have been cases where users in the US can’t access Pandora because they’ve connected to a server in another country. In this case, the most straightforward solution is to switch to a US server. Alternatively, some VPNs offer split tunneling that lets you make an exception for Pandora by connecting to it directly. So, your traffic to and from Pandora will bypass the VPN tunnel entirely.
Final thoughts
Much to the disappointment of music lovers elsewhere, Pandora is only available in the US. Fortunately, a capable VPN is all you need to access the streaming service from outside of the US. In addition to unblocking Pandora, the VPN also masks your IP address and encrypts your data for better protection.
Our top pick for the best VPN for Pandora is NordVPN. With 6400+ servers in 111 countries (1970+ of them in the US alone), you can smoothly unblock Pandora and other geo-restricted sites. Plus, its advanced security, rich features, and great speed are a huge appeal, too.
FAQ
Does Pandora work in Mexico?
Yes, Pandora works in Mexico if you use a VPN. With a VPN, you can connect to a server in the US to get a local IP address. This will make it appear as if you’re streaming from within the US. You’ll then get full access to Pandora, even in Mexico.
Can a VPN unblock Pandora Radio?
Yes, a VPN can unblock Pandora Radio if it’s capable of bypassing the service’s geo-blocks. All you need to do is to connect to a US server to obtain a US IP address. The only caveat here is that you need a high-quality VPN like NordVPN.
Is using a VPN to unblock Pandora legal?
Yes, using a VPN to unblock Pandora is completely legal, even though it might violate the streaming service’s Terms of Service. The only exception to this is if you’re in a country where VPN usage is illegal. For instance, North Korea, Belarus, and Iraq.
Can I use a VPN to unblock Pandora on my mobile device?
Yes, you can use a VPN to unblock Pandora on your mobile device. All of our recommended VPNs, like NordVPN, are compatible with all the common operating systems, including Android and iOS.
Will using a VPN affect my Pandora streaming quality?
No, using a VPN shouldn’t affect your Pandora streaming quality if you have a first-rate VPN like NordVPN. However, a subpar VPN with slow speeds and crowded servers might cause buffering or lower your Pandora streaming quality.
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