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VPN for TikTok: which VPN can get around the US TikTok ban


TikTok has emerged as one of the leading social media platforms globally, allowing users to create and share a diverse range of short videos, as well as host live streams. However, as of January 19, 2025, the app faced a significant setback in the United States when it was temporarily shut down following the enactment of a federal law aimed at banning it due to national security concerns related to its Chinese ownership by ByteDance15.

Following recent legislation, TikTok has been removed from US app stores as part of a nationwide ban. While the app remains functional on devices where it was previously installed, it no longer receives updates and many users are experiencing access restrictions.

Fortunately, a reliable VPN can help bypass such restrictions. VPNs offer a secure way to access TikTok, allowing you to unlock geo-restricted content, expand your audience, and protect users from being tracked by Internet Service Providers (ISPs). When choosing a VPN for TikTok, it's crucial to select one that can effectively bypass these restrictions while maintaining good connection speeds and security.

Our tests focused on the effectiveness of these VPNs in bypassing TikTok bans in various restricted regions, including the current US situation. We evaluated their ability to provide consistent access to TikTok, along with their privacy and security features, performance, and pricing.

Note
If you’ve already deleted TikTok and can’t find it in your app store, don’t worry. Check out our guide on how to download TikTok after the ban for step-by-step instructions. While TikTok is accessible again, many users struggle to re-download it due to its removal from app stores in some regions.

My recommended VPNs for TikTok ban

Best VPNs for TikTok ban – detailed list

While NordVPN is my top choice TikTok VPN, other excellent options include Surfshark, IPVanish, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost. These VPNs not only bypass censorship in the US but also protect your privacy and security. We carefully selected these TikTok VPNs based on in-house testing of their speed, usability, features, and reliability for unblocking restricted content. If you're looking for the best VPN for TikTok, these five providers stand out with their exceptional performance and feature sets.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN to use TikTok in US in 2025

NordVPN banner
Speed retention:90%
Servers/countries:7200+ servers in 118 countries
Unblocks TikTok:✅ Yes

If you need to unblock TikTok right away, then NordVPN is here to help you. This tool offers 7200+ servers in 118 countries, with 300+ servers in Canada, so you’ll definitely find a country where the app works or the one you want to base your audience on.

Unblocking TikTok and other platforms. NordVPN’s large server network made it easy to access platforms like TikTok during past bans. Although TikTok isn’t currently banned, I tested NordVPN when restrictions were in place and had no trouble unblocking it. I even tried unlocking different streaming platforms. I could access BBC iPlayer, and UK Netflix library, among other websites, that are blocked outside of their origin country.

Privacy and security. Provider is based in Panama, which has no mandatory data retention laws. This means that no one, even the government, and ISPs, won't be able to see your activity online.

When testing NordVPN, I appreciated its dedication to security. The provider employs strong encryption for online safety, called AES 256-bit. Additionally, whether you are traveling or residing in a particular country, I liked that the NordVPN kill switch effectively shuts down your connection if the VPN fails for some reason. I performed several tests on ipleak.net, which showed no data leaks. This ensures that your personal information, like location and IP, remains undisclosed when using TikTok.

Performance. NordVPN's NordLynx protocol provides faster download speeds compared to ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. Together with the research team, I tested the provider’s speed in different countries, and the results were impressive. NordVPN had an average download speed retention rate of 93% and an upload rate of 84%. While I noticed slower speeds connecting to servers in Japan and South Africa, it's expected because of the distance. However, when connected to Spain or the US servers, I had no trouble uploading TikTok videos.

Pricing. NordVPN prices start at $3.39/month. Moreover, you can test this VPN risk-free with a 7-day free trial on mobile devices or use a money-back guarantee if you’re disappointed with the service.

2. Surfshark – cheap and reliable TikTok VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections

Surfshark banner
Speed retention:86%
Servers/countries:3200+ servers in 100 countries
Unblocks TikTok:✅ Yes

If you’re getting Surfshark, you’re getting a VPN for all of your devices. That’s because this VPN offers unlimited simultaneous connections. It’s suitable for TikTok, too. The tool offers 3200+ servers in 100 countries, so you won’t have to worry about overcrowded servers.

Unblocking TikTok and other platforms. When TikTok was banned in the US, I tested Surfshark and found it effortlessly bypassed these restrictions, letting me use the platform without issues. With servers in 100 countries, it’s also great for unblocking social media, gaming sites, and streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. I particularly liked its Camouflage Mode, which masks VPN traffic and helps navigate tough firewalls seamlessly – perfect for accessing TikTok or other restricted services from anywhere.

Privacy and security. Surfshark operates from the Netherlands, known for its privacy-friendly laws, but being under the 9-Eyes jurisdiction means it could share customer data if needed, unlike NordVPN.

However, Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption to enhance privacy, and its privacy policy is independently audited to keep no logs. Additionally, all of its servers are RAM-only, meaning they automatically delete all your data when rebooted. If you want to hide your online activities from ISP, Android users benefit from Surfshark's unique GPS override feature, which not only alters GPS location but also disguises it, reducing tracking from multiple apps.

Performance. NordVPN and Surfshark are both fast VPNs, but NordVPN is slightly faster. Surfshark uses the quick WireGuard protocol, while NordVPN uses its own version called NordLynx. With WireGuard, the provider kept 93% of the original download speed, but the average upload speed retention was only 64%. Speed is crucial for apps like TikTok, and both VPNs performed well during my tests, even with live video streaming showing no buffering issues.

Pricing. When getting Surfshark, you can pay a monthly price as low as $2.19/month. There’s also a 7-day free trial or 30-day money-back guarantee for those who change their mind.

3. IPVanish – secure VPN to use for accessing TikTok

IPVanish banner
Speed retention:80%
Servers/countries:2400+ servers in 100 countries
Unblocks TikTok:✅ Yes

IPVanish is a great VPN for TikTok. It has 2400+ servers in 100 countries, so there’s always a suitable region waiting for you whether you’re accessing TikTok from US or any other country.

Unblocking TikTok and other platforms. During my tests, IPVanish worked reliably for unblocking TikTok in the US, where the app has faced restrictions. It also performed well for accessing other social media platforms. However, I did notice occasional connection drops during peak hours, which could disrupt the experience briefly.

Privacy and security. IPVanish is based in the US, which is part of the 5-Eyes Alliance. However, its no-logs policy was independently audited and certified by Leviathan Security Group in 2022. IPVanish provides AES-256 data encryption, a strong kill switch, and secure tunneling protocols. I tested it for IP and DNS leaks on ipleak.net with the IPVanish internet kill switch and DNS Leak Protection features activated. The connection remained reliable without any leaks when switching servers.

Performance. IPVanish can provide you with excellent download speeds thanks to the implementation of the speedy WireGuard tunneling protocol. That means you can scroll through TikTok buffer-free. However, keep in mind that the upload speeds can be a bit slower occasionally. During testing, IPVanish maintained an average download speed retention of about 91%, but the upload speed dropped to 58%.

Pricing. IPVanish is an affordable VPN option, the subscription price starts at $2.19/month and covers unlimited simultaneous connections. More so, you can test this provider out with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. ExpressVPN – versatile VPN for accessing TikTok from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN banner
Speed retention:77%
Servers/countries:3000+ servers in 105 countries
Unblocks TikTok:✅ Yes

ExpressVPN is another reliable VPN for TikTok. This provider has more than 3000 servers in 105 countries, so you’ll easily pick the best server location for you, especially if the app is unavailable in your country.

Unblocking TikTok and other platforms. ExpressVPN has a vast server network spanning 105 countries, ensuring plenty of options in TikTok-friendly countries, so you'll always find a reliable server no matter where you are. ExpressVPN not only unlocks TikTok but also other social media like Snapchat, Spotify, WhatsApp, Instagram, Skype, Pandora, and more. It's also great for streaming, letting you access popular sites like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and others.

That said, I did experience occasional connection drops when using highly popular servers during peak hours. Reconnecting to less crowded servers usually resolved the issue, but it added an extra step to the process.

Privacy and security. ExpressVPN service is based in the British Virgin Islands, known for its privacy-friendly environment. Moreover, your anonymity is taken care of because ExpressVPN encrypts your data with a strong AES-256 method. A strict no-logs policy means that your data is inaccessible to third parties. Additionally, a reliable kill switch prevents accidental IP leaks. To check this, I switched servers with the kill switch (Network Lock). Each time I changed the server, my browser warned of a temporary disconnection, but the IP address remained hidden according to the leak test results.

Performance. ExpressVPN's Lightway and OpenVPN protocols perform well, with only minor speed drops in nearby countries like the US or UK. The latest speed tests for In-house ExpressVPN showed 91% download speed retention and 84% upload speed retention. Although not the fastest, I didn't notice significant speed decreases during testing, making it easy to watch TikTok videos without buffering.

Pricing. ExpressVPN isn’t the cheapest VPN provider. It costs $4.99/month and covers 8 devices with one subscription. In addition, you can test this VPN with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. CyberGhost – speedy and secure VPN for unblocking TikTok

CyberGhost VPN banner
Speed retention:86%
Servers/countries:11500+ servers in 100 countries
Unblocks TikTok:
✅ Yes

CyberGhost is another contender as a secure and great VPN for TikTok. Further, there’s a vast list of servers – more than 11500 servers in 100 countries. So, you’re certain to find the best connection point for your needs, whether it’s because the app is unavailable in your country or you’re targeting a specific audience.

Unblocking TikTok and other platforms. CyberGhost effortlessly unlocks TikTok in the US, where ISPs block it. Plus, it offers dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming, all of which work well in our tests without any problems.

Privacy and security. CyberGhost is dedicated to a no-logs policy, meaning your personal info won't be recorded, stored, or shared with anyone. Plus, it's based in Romania, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, so it's not required to share your data with any government authority. Although this provider doesn’t offer many features, this VPN ensures your data security with strong data encryption, a variety of secure tunneling protocols, and an automatic kill switch, so your data won’t accidentally leak.

Performance. You can pick from various security protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 to suit your needs. IKEv2 is fastest and ideal for mobiles, OpenVPN is top for security but may be slower, while WireGuard offers a good balance of speed and safety. Our recent speed tests showed CyberGhost better in download speeds, with 91% of the original speed maintained. In my tests, browsing TikTok videos was fastest with WireGuard. However, users should be aware that the actual experience may vary based on server load and geographic location.

Pricing. One CyberGhost subscription covers up to 7 devices, and this provider supports all of the popular OS. CyberGhost pricing starts at $2.19/month, with the extra long risk-free 45-day money-back guarantee.

Comparison of the best TikTok VPNs

Check out the comparison table below to see the key features of the top 5 TikTok VPNs. Explore their benefits and differences to help you make the right choice when picking a VPN service.

BrandPricing
Free versionUnblocks TikTokCountries countServer countCountry of jurisdictionMoney-back guaranteeDevice connections
NordVPN
$3.39/month
✅Free 7-day trial✅Yes118 7200Panama 30-day10
Surfshark
$2.19/month
✅Free 7-day trial✅Yes1003200The Netherlands (part of 9-Eyes)30-dayUnlimited
IPVanish$2.19/month✅Free 7-day trial✅Yes1002400United States (part of 5-Eyes)30-dayUnlimited
ExpressVPN
$4.99/month
✅Free 7-day trial for mobile devices ✅Yes1053000British Virgin Islands30-day8
CyberGhost
$2.19/month
✅Free 1-day trial on a desktop, 3-day on Android, and 7-day on iOS✅Yes100 11500Romania 45-day7

How we tested and ranked TikTok VPNs

Not all VPNs work with TikTok equally well. That’s why I had to do some research, testing each VPN’s capability to unblock TikTok. So, here’s how I reviewed and compiled the list of the best VPNs for TikTok:

  1. I checked each VPN for IP and DNS leaks on ipleak.net so that your real location wouldn’t be exposed. TikTok is unavailable in other countries US, such as India, Pakistan, and China, because ISPs are blocking access to it. The app will instantly stop working if ISPs detect you coming from a banned country. That’s why I tried switching through servers with VPN features like kill switch and DNS leak protection on and off, to check for any leaks and to pick reliable VPNs for TikTok.
  2. I carefully tested all VPN security features to put it on our list. I checked for strong encryption like AES-256 and reviewed privacy policies to ensure no activity logs are kept. I also looked for VPNs based in privacy-friendly countries for added security, especially for bypassing geo-restrictions. Additionally, I tested extra features like NordVPN's Threat Protection and Surfshark's CleanWeb to see if they're truly effective and add value for users.
  3. I reviewed providers' server locations to have a wide selection of countries so that you could choose the one that meets your needs. Whether you want videos from a specific country or a viewership from a particular location. The more server locations there are, the more different content you can access.
  4. I conducted in-house VPN speed tests using various tunneling protocols to see which ones work best. Additionally, I tested each VPN with the TikTok app to ensure videos play smoothly without glitches or buffering.
  5. Recognizing discussions about potential VPN bans in the US, I focused on providers offering obfuscation features like stealth modes or obfuscated servers. These tools help make VPN traffic indistinguishable from regular traffic, ensuring continued access even under stricter regulations.

I compiled the results by thoroughly testing each VPN's performance, security features, and speed. Based on these assessments, I compared the VPNs accordingly to provide you with the most reliable and effective options.

Why the US banned the TikTok?

The United States has banned TikTok primarily due to national security and data privacy concerns. The main issues center around TikTok's ownership by ByteDance, a China-based company, and the potential risks this presents to American users' data.

Data privacy concerns
The primary concern is that ByteDance could be compelled by the Chinese government to share American users' data. This data includes user information, browsing habits, and potentially sensitive personal details. The US government believes this creates a significant national security risk, as this data could be used for surveillance or influence operations.

Legislative action
In April 2024, legislation was passed requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese owner or face a ban in the United States. When ByteDance failed to meet these requirements, the app was removed from US app stores, and existing users began experiencing access restrictions.

Impact on users
The ban has directly affected millions of American TikTok users in several ways:

  • The app has been removed from US app stores
  • Existing installations no longer receive updates
  • Users are experiencing access restrictions
  • Many users see error messages when trying to access the platform

Current status
As of January 22, 2025, TikTok's status in the United States has undergone significant changes. The app is currently operational and accessible to users, following a brief shutdown on January 19. This comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 21, 2025, pausing the enforcement of the ban for 75 days.

Is a free VPN for TikTok a good option

If you’re looking to use TikTok with a free VPN, there are some reliable options available that can provide basic online security. While free VPNs come with certain limitations, they can still be suitable for occasional users who prioritize saving money over speed and additional features. Here are two free VPNs to consider:

  • ProtonVPN. ProtonVPN is a privacy-focused service that offers a free version with strong security features. The free version provides access to servers in three countries (the United States, Netherlands, and Japan) and uses strong encryption with a no-logs policy to ensure your privacy. It also has the advantage of unlimited data usage, which is rare for free VPNs. However, users may experience slower speeds compared to the premium version, and the limited server selection may impact the overall performance, especially when using apps like TikTok. Additionally, the free version only supports one device connection.
  • TunnelBear. TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN that’s simple to set up and offers good security with 256-bit AES encryption. Its free version allows access to servers in over 20 countries, providing decent global coverage. The service is particularly easy to use, making it ideal for beginners. However, the free version comes with a data limit of just 500MB per month, which can be restrictive for frequent TikTok use. Moreover, it lacks some of the advanced features available in the premium version, such as more server locations and enhanced security settings.

How to choose a VPN for TikTok

Choosing the best TikTok VPN involves considering different factors like speed and server locations. There are a few things you can check for yourself when choosing a reliable provider:

  • Check if the VPN has servers in countries where TikTok is available. You can easily find this information on the official websites of providers.
  • Ensure the VPN supports your devices to access TikTok, whether a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Usually, this information is found in the additional information section of the App Store or Google Play Store (or the official provider website).
  • When choosing a VPN, make sure it has strong security features. Look for AES-256 encryption or other modern encryption methods. Also, check for features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling, as they add an extra layer of advanced security.
  • Check the VPN country of jurisdiction, as some of them can belong to 5-Eyes, 9-Eyes, or 14-Eyes alliances, which are not so privacy-friendly as they have mandatory data retention laws.

How to use TikTok with a VPN

As the US markets don’t have TikTok available, you’ll need to use a VPN with the TikTok app. Here’s how you do it:

  1. Download and set up a VPN. I recommend NordPVN as it has a wide server network, including countries where TikTok is available. It also has robust security features, lightning-fast speeds, and simple-to-use apps
  2. Connect to a VPN server. For faster speeds, pick a server in Canada since it has excellent internet infrastructures. Alternatively, you can select any server within a country where TikTok is accessible
  3. Log in or register for a TikTok account. You can now scroll through TikTok videos freely

There’s one more additional step you might need to take if you can’t find TikTok with a VPN – you may have to change your region in the settings of your preferred application store. Other than this, setting up a VPN with TikTok would be the same whether you’re using App Store or Google Play. You need to install and set up the VPN, then search for TikTok on the App Store or Google Play and install it.

If you are using iOS, to change region in the Apple App Store you need to go to Settings, tap your name, and then go to Media & Purchases. Afterward, click View Account, find the Country/Region, then tap it and change the country.

Those who use Google Play should click on the user’s logo and press Settings. After that, go to General, then – Account and device preferences. There, you should be able to change the country.

Conclusion

Using a VPN with TikTok is a good idea. No matter if you live in the US and simply want to access the app or just want to protect your personal information from third parties. A good TikTok VPN will help you immediately unblock geo-restricted content and hide your traffic from ISP throttling while safeguarding your information from threat actors. A VPN is helpful for people in the US and those traveling to other countries like India where TikTok is blocked.

So, why wait? Simply download a quality VPN service like NordVPN, connect to the country of your choice, and indulge in TikToks. Whether you want to watch animal videos, funny skits, or silly TikTok dances, a VPN will help you do that.

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