Best VPNs for unblocking Spotify in 2023

Spotify is a streaming service that offers music for everyone, which sounds like – if you’ll forgive our pun – music to our ears.

However, the truth is, as popular as Spotify is, tons of people can’t access it. Plus, even for those of us that can access Spotify, there are plenty of songs that are restricted or unavailable.

Luckily, there’s an easy fix for those of you wondering how to unblock songs on Spotify – using a VPN. With a VPN, you’ll be free from Spotify’s geo-restrictions as it helps to make it seem as if you’re based in a location where the streaming platform’s geo-blocking doesn’t apply.

In this article, we’ll guide you through how to unblock Spotify with a VPN and will include a list of the best VPNs for Spotify.

How to get Spotify unblocked from anywhere with VPN

1. Choose a reputable VPN. We recommend NordVPN for Spotify, currently with 63% OFF.
2. Download and install the VPN.
3. Connect to a server where Spotify isn’t restricted.
4. Open Spotify and blast your tunes.

Why do you need a VPN for Spotify?

Spotify is unavailable in over a dozen countries, including such countries as China, Ethiopia, Sudan, and others. Additionally, it has become common for schools and workplaces to block Spotify so children and employees wouldn’t use it there. This is where a VPN comes in handy – it helps enjoy Spotify without restrictions (and without your employer/teacher knowing).

Even if you do have access to the platform, you might find that some songs or albums are blocked on Spotify. This is also commonly referred to as greyed out. The reason the songs aren’t available in your area is because of licensing and copyright agreements.

You can use a Spotify VPN to bypass these restrictions and get access to every album and song (or podcast) that you want. It makes it seem as if you’re from a location where Spotify’s geo-blocking doesn’t apply.

So, all you need is a VPN with loads of servers and strong encryption. Our recommendation is the security and streaming-focused NordVPN. However, if you want your whole family to be able to access Spotify, Surfshark is the way to go.

While you should keep a VPN on at all times, you should also know that not all of them are the same. So, when you’re selecting a VPN for Spotify, take note of such criteria:

• Supported devices – check if the VPN supports mobile devices since most of us access Spotify through our smartphones.
• Speed – you want a fast VPN for a smooth like butter jam session free of buffering and interruptions.
• Security features – while you’re getting a VPN for accessing Spotify, you want to ensure your privacy, security, and confidentiality.

Best VPNs for Spotify

1. NordVPN – best VPN for Spotify in 2023 overall
2. Surfshark – affordable and fast Spotify VPN
3. Atlas VPN – premium VPN option for listening to music
4. ExpressVPN – fast Spotify VPN for accessing albums
5. CyberGhost– great VPN with an impressive server fleet

A VPN can make or break your Spotify streaming experience. This is exactly why it’s crucial to pick a high-quality VPN provider.

Generally, what you want to see is excellent speed, strong security and privacy measures, and extensive networks of servers.

To make things even easier for you, we’ve selected the 5 best VPNs for Spotify.

1. NordVPN – best Spotify VPN overall

Visit NordVPN

NordVPN is the best Spotify VPN for various reasons. First off, with over 5700 servers in 60 countries, the provider makes it effortless to bypass practically any geo-restrictions.

Additionally, thanks to NordVPN’s proprietary protocol NordLynx, the speeds of this service let you enjoy a buffering-free experience.

When it comes to security, your data will be protected with the advanced AES-256 encryption and a reliable kill switch. The latter secures your data from leaking even if your VPN connection drops.

You can also enjoy NordVPN on 6 of your devices, whether it’s Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS.

The prices of NordVPN start from $3.29/month. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To find out all of the benefits, visit our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – affordable VPN for unblocking Spotify songs

Visit Surfshark

Surfshark is a wallet-friendly VPN for Spotify that has over 3200 servers in 100 countries. That’s quite a range of options for when you need to bypass geo-blocking and a greyed out policy.

The WireGuard protocol will provide you with such great speeds that it won’t even feel like you’re using a VPN.

In terms of security, you’re getting yourself the unbreakable AES-256 encryption and a kill switch for data protection.

The best part is that you can use Surfshark on as many devices as you want. Not to mention that it also has apps for all – Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

With prices starting from $2.30/month, you can get Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To find out all of the benefits, visit our Surfshark review.

3. Atlas VPN – premium Spotify VPN

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Atlas VPN is another VPN that is able to access Spotify and all that it has to offer. You’re getting yourself 1000+ servers in 42 countries, so you’re covered globally.

In terms of performance, Atlas VPN uses the WireGuard protocol. The speeds are solid enough for you to have a smooth experience.

The AES-256 encryption and a reliable kill switch guarantees security of your files and no data leaking accidents.

Atlas VPN is available on Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. With prices starting from $1.82/month, you get to connect unlimited devices simultaneously.

And, as usual, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To find out all of the benefits, visit our Atlas VPN review.

4. ExpressVPN – fast and efficient Spotify VPN

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ExpressVPN combines great speed and advanced security features to unblock Spotify. The provider boasts thousands of servers in 94 countries guaranteeing quick access to the platform.

The VPN is powered with an in-house-built Lightway tunneling protocol. It is designed to achieve excellent speed without compromising security or draining your device's battery.

Speaking of security, ExpressVPN does not disappoint. The provider delivers advanced AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption cipher, a solid kill switch, as well as RAM-only servers. These features are guaranteed to keep your connection and personal data secure in any situation.

With ExpressVPN, you can unblock Spotify on any device. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, as well as Android and iOS systems.

The pricing plans start at $6.67/month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To find out all of the benefits, visit our ExpressVPN review.

5. CyberGhost – efficient VPN with a solid number of global servers

Visit CyberGhost VPN

With over 9000+ servers in 91 countries at hand, CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs for Spotify. It's a fast, privacy-friendly, and easy-to-use VPN when you need to bypass restrictions.

CyberGhost comes with an advanced WireGuard protocol. Known as the industry's fastest and most reliable protocol, it will protect your privacy while maintaining top-notch performance.

On top of that, CyberGhost ensures high-level encryption — AES-256. Paired with a reliable kill switch and NoSpy servers, which are fully managed by CyberGhost, the provider ensures well-rounded security. So you don’t have to worry about data leaks. The provider is based in Romania, which doesn't support data retention laws. As a result, CyberGhost implemented a strict no-logs policy.

With great compatibility, CyberGhost is a completely cross-platform VPN. Get it for $2.19/month to access Spotify on any device, whether it runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, or iOS.

To find out all of the benefits, visit our CyberGhost review.

4. IPVanish – Spotify VPN for the whole family

Visit IPVanish

IPVanish is a great VPN for Spotify. For starters, it has over 2000 servers in 50 countries, enough to help you access virtually any Spotify album or podcast.

As for speeds, IPVanish uses the WireGuard protocol which you can set for the fastest speeds that this VPN can offer.

In terms of encryption, you’re getting the usual but very strong 256-bit encryption. And what’s a VPN without a kill switch? It’s definitely a part of IPVanish’s package.

Whether you’re a Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS user – IPVanish is for everyone.

IPVanish prices start from $3.33/month, which is a bit expensive for what it offers. Try it out – if you’re not going to like it, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To find out all of the benefits, visit our IPVanish review.

5. PureVPN – solid VPN for unblocking Spotify

Visit PureVPN

PureVPN is a fast and reliable Spotify VPN, letting anyone seamlessly listen to music and podcasts on all of your devices.

This provider offers over 6500 servers, spread across 78 countries, giving you a chance to find the region where your favorite sounds are not greyed out. Plus, the solid speeds are a guarantee because of the WireGuard protocol

As for security, the market-standard AES-256 encryption and a kill switch are guaranteed, so your data will be visible to your eyes only.

Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS – you name it, PureVPN has apps for them all, with prices starting from $2.08/month.

And if you're not satisfied, a 30-day money-back guarantee is always available.

To find out all of the benefits, visit our PureVPN review.

Why might Spotify be blocked?

There are many reasons why Spotify might be blocked for you. Here’s a look at some of the main ones:

• Geo-restrictions

Since Spotify isn’t available in every country, your area might be subjected to geo-blocking to restrict your access. Spotify’s system determines your location based on your IP address. If you’re from a country where the platform isn’t available, you’ll be denied access to it. This is exactly why you need to change your location with a VPN.

• Intentional blocking

Sometimes organizations might have purposely blocked Spotify for a variety of reasons. For instance, schools tend to block Spotify because they’re under the impression that it’s distracting for students or violates their administrative policies.

Meanwhile, offices might restrict access to Spotify because it’s against their policies to use the platform on their computer. These places might even block VPNs! In that case, you’d need to know how to bypass VPN blocks.

• Firewalls and antivirus software

It’s common to find Spotify blocked by a firewall as well. A firewall – which protects against malicious malware and the like – sometimes wrongly categorizes Spotify as a threat to your computer or device and blocks the platform.

The same goes for installed antivirus software, where it may wrongly identify Spotify as a virus or malicious intrusion.

• Licensing, copyright, and distribution rights

Spotify might have a different content library based on your location. Thus, some tracks might be greyed out and unavailable to you. More often than not, this is due to copyright and licensing agreements with music labels and other invested parties.

How to change region on Spotify?

Whether you’re looking to bypass Spotify’s geo-restrictions or traveling abroad for an extended period while on Spotify’s free plan, you’ll need a VPN to change your region on Spotify.

To install a VPN, you’ll need to:

1. Choose a VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN, 63% OFF!
2. Download the VPN to your computer or device.
3. Change the VPN’s server location to one that’s Spotify-friendly.

Then, it’s time to change the region on your Spotify. For Premium plan:

1. Go to the “Account” section on your Spotify settings.
2. Scroll down to “Your Plan,” and click “Update.”
3. Scroll down to “Change country” and click on your choice.
4. Change your payment method to one that supports the country you chose.

It’s important to remember that this country swap will only take effect by the next billing date. So, this process won’t be instantaneous, as well as you’ll need to get hold of a different payment method.

If you want to listen to music instantly, the best option is to make a new free Spotify account.

Here’s how to change your Spotify region by making a new free account:

1. Make sure you’re connected to a VPN server in a country of your choice.
2. Visit Spotify’s page and sign up. Use an email address: not your Apple or Google logins.
3. Go to open.spotify.com and login using your credentials.
4. That’s it! Now you can access a different country’s Spotify library.

How to download Spotify app in restricted countries?

If Spotify is restricted in your country, you’re not going to be able to simply find its app on either Apple’s App Store or Google’s Play Store. However, that doesn’t mean that you can kiss streaming songs goodbye.

Instead, you just need some know-how. If you want to learn how to listen to Spotify on an iPhone, you’ll first need to change your Apple app store country to one that offers Spotify.

Meanwhile, Android users will need to search for Spotify’s APK file and download it on their device.

Play Spotify songs in other countries

Sometimes, you might come across a song that’s greyed out on Spotify. What this means is that the track simply isn’t available in your country. This could be because of an expired licensing agreement or Spotify’s geo-restriction.

There’s a quick and easy fix for the latter: a VPN. With a Spotify VPN, your Internet connection is redirected to a server in another region. You’re then issued a new IP address from the said server.

This helps to trick Spotify into thinking that you’re based in another country. Hence, it allows you access to the previously greyed out songs.

Not quite sure how to use a VPN? Well, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to go about it:

1. Choose a reputable VPN provider such as NordVPN. Download the VPN to your computer or device.
2. Change the VPN’s server location to one that’s Spotify-approved.
3. Create a new Spotify account using your email address.
4. Open your Spotify app and get ready for rock and roll.

Listen to Spotify at school or work

Alas, Spotify blocked at work and school is a common problem for many. Many institutions tend to do so to minimize distractions or on policy grounds. No doubt, this restriction is annoying when you need your jam to focus.

Fret not, there are still some ways for you to access Spotify. The best solution is to use a VPN to unblock Spotify.

Here’s all you need to do:

1. Download and sign up for a VPN. Our top suggestion is NordVPN – now 63% OFF!
2. Connect to a server location where Spotify isn’t blocked.
3. Open Spotify and groove along to your playlist.

Whether you’re trying to figure out how to listen to Spotify on mobile, iPad, or other devices, the steps are the same. Besides that, you can use Spotify Web Player, too. This is the basic version of the platform, where you don’t have administrator access but will still get the same experience. Plus, you don’t have to download the Spotify file on your computer.

However, it’s possible that your school or office has anticipated this and blocked Spotify Web Player as well. In that case, you’ll still need to utilize a good VPN to access Spotify.

Spotify VPN not working: here’s how to fix it

It might sometimes happen that you run into issues when trying to access Spotify with VPN services. There are many reasons that it could’ve happened. Here’s a few fixes that can help:

• Make sure you’re connected to a server in a location where Spotify is available
• Try using a different web browser
• Clear your browser cache and cookies
• Contact your VPN’s customer support

If nothing helps, you might have a VPN that is incapable of accessing geo-restricted content. Make sure you get a high-quality, premium Spotify VPN, such as NordVPN.

Unblock Spotify songs with NordVPN

NordVPN is a time-checked, first-class VPN service that’s capable of effortlessly accessing Spotify. With countless servers and blazing-fast speeds, you’re getting yourself one of the best VPN solutions.

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Can I unblock Spotify with a free VPN?

There are plenty of providers that offer a free VPN for Spotify, but we don’t recommend using it. There are a few reasons why using free services can turn out to be a bad idea.

First off, free VPNs can sell your data which defeats the purpose of having a VPN in the first place. Second, since they’re free, such VPNs usually have a limited number of servers to choose from. Also, they’re most likely going to be overcrowded. This can result in major speed reductions.

If you’re on a budget and are looking for unlimited free services that are reliable, we’d recommend looking into freemium VPN options. Such services as Atlas VPN have completely free versions that you can use to bypass restrictions. Just keep in mind that there are certain limitations, such as data caps and a limited number of servers.

However, the best option is using a reputable premium VPN service. Even the best ones cost only a couple bucks per month, plus they come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can test it out before committing long term.

Here’s how much the best Spotify VPNs cost and their perks:

1. NordVPN – excellent performance, over 5700 servers in 60 countries, and advanced security features – unblock Spotify for $3.29/month with a month-long money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark – with over 3200 servers in 100 countries, you’ll be able to access Spotify from virtually any corner of the world for only $2.30/month. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. IPVanish – great Spotify premium VPN with solid speeds for $3.33/month. Try it out for free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Conclusion

Spotify is a faithful companion, providing us with a stream of songs and content as we navigate through life. However, it’s a shame that many aren’t able to access the platform due to various restrictions including geo-blocking and administrative policies.

Luckily, you can easily get around these restrictions with the help of a trusted VPN, such as NordVPN. Not only does it have thousands of servers to choose from, it also has features for streaming, offers phenomenal speeds, and 6 simultaneous connections.

With a Spotify VPN, your Internet connection is rerouted and connected to a server in a Spotify-friendly region – allowing you access to the beloved platform and tracks.

Additionally, the added security that comes with the installation of a VPN makes it much more attractive when you’re streaming your favorite tracks on Spotify.

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