Best VPNs for YouTube in 2026
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YouTube is banned in many countries, including Ethiopia, Turkmenistan, North Korea, and China, by governments and Internet service providers (ISPs). At the same time, users from other regions are looking for a way to unblock geo-restricted content or remove YouTube ads.
Luckily, all of the mentioned restrictions can be simply bypassed with a high-class VPN that comes with an ad-blocking feature. Since a VPN changes your IP address, you can trick YouTube into thinking you’re from another country and bypass regional blocks.
We performed multiple tests to evaluate which VPN services are up for the task. We then ranked the best VPNs for YouTube taking into account their streaming and ad-blocking capabilities, performance, and more.
Top 5 best YouTube VPNs
- NordVPN – top VPN for YouTube overall
- Surfshark – YouTube VPN for multiple devices
- IPVanish – affordable YouTube VPN with an intuitive interface
- ExpressVPN – security-guaranteeing VPN for YouTube
- CyberGhost – fast and private VPN for YouTube
📢 LIMITED OFFER: Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free
How to choose a YouTube VPN?
Choosing the best VPN for Youtube depends on whether you want it to access the platform and its geo-restriction content, get rid of ads, or both. Whatever the case, here are the factors you should take into consideration when choosing a YouTube VPN:
| Unblocks: | Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, and more |
| Security features: | Ad blocker, kill switch, malware protection |
| Privacy features: | No-logs policy, independent audit |
| Encryption: | AES-256 |
| Fast tunneling protocols: | WireGuard or its modern variations (NordLynx or Lightway) |
| Servers: | Obfuscated, RAM-only |
- Streaming capabilities. You should pick YouTube VPNs that are specifically streaming VPNs. This way, you’ll be sure they’ll be capable of bypassing geo-blocks, including cases when the whole platform or just part of the content is blocked.
- Ad-blocking features. If you want an ad-free streaming experience, then you’ll need a VPN service that comes with ad-blocking features. Some VPNs work great as YouTube ad blockers.
- Performance. You don’t want to compromise speeds for the sake of streaming, so make sure you choose a fast VPN that uses the WireGuard protocol and retains a high percentage of speeds.
- Price. VPNs shouldn’t be overpriced, so evaluate what features you’re getting for what price and compare them to other services.
The best VPNs for YouTube – our detailed list:
We researched and tested dozens of VPNs and their YouTube unblocking as well as ad-blocking capabilities. We also ran speed tests and reviewed their features, server networks, and more. Continue reading to find our detailed results:
1. NordVPN – best VPN for YouTube unblocking and ad removal
| Based in: | Panama |
| Servers/countries: | 9,500+ servers in 149 countries |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| Coupons: | NordVPN coupon 75% OFF |
NordVPN is the best YouTube VPN due to its YouTube geo-restriction bypassing and ad-blocking features. It also has a huge server fleet and promises excellent speeds.
YouTube tests. Our tests proved that NordVPN unblocks YouTube and its geo-restricted content without issues. Plus, its Threat Protection feature effortlessly blocked all YouTube ads on different browsers and devices.
Servers. NordVPN has over 9,500 servers distributed across 149 countries. This means you can unblock content in many different countries. This includes the US as well, where NordVPN has over 1980 servers.
Features. This VPN uses a powerful AES-256 encryption cipher that’s unhackable and has a reliable kill switch to secure your data during accidental VPN drops. The Threat Protection feature is what’s most valuable for YouTube – it blocks ads as well as trackers, so you can enjoy a smooth streaming experience.
Speeds. NordVPN uses a proprietary NordLynx protocol. It’s no wonder it’s one of the fastest VPNs out there for streaming YouTube, retaining around 90% of initial connection speeds on average.
Price. You can get NordVPN starting from $3.49/month. There’s also a 3-day free trial for Android – you can set it up on other devices after signup. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available as well.
Find out more in our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark – YouTube VPN for the whole family
| Based in: | The Netherlands |
| Servers/countries: | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more |
| Coupons: | Surfshark coupon 85% OFF |
Surfshark is a great VPN for accessing geo-restricted YouTube content and removing annoying, minute-long ads for a very affordable price. Already one of the cheapest premium VPNs on the market, you can save even more with the Surfshark coupon code: OFFCN. The best part is that you can set the VPN up on as many devices as you want with one account.
YouTube tests. Surfshark unblocked YouTube and its restricted content without any issues. And in terms of ad blocking, its CleanWeb feature effortlessly removed all video interruptions on both mobile and desktop apps and browsers. However, the Windows app started removing ads only a few videos later.
Servers. Surfshark boasts over 4,500 servers in 100 countries. This massive choice allows you to watch YouTube content from many different countries while maintaining excellent speeds.
Features. This VPN uses the advanced 256-bit encryption cipher for powerful security. There’s also a kill switch to prevent data leaks if the VPN drops. You also get the CleanWeb feature that removes ads, consent pop-ups, trackers, and even malicious content.
Speeds. With this VPN, you get to use the famous WireGuard protocol. That’s part of the reason why Surfshark retains around 86% of initial connection speeds on average. So you’ll be able to watch YouTube buffering-free.
Price. You can get Surfshark starting from $2.49/month. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee that you can make use of. Not to mention the 7-day free trial for macOS, Android, and iOS devices.
You can learn more in our Surfshark review.
3. IPVanish – an easy to use VPN alternative for YouTube
| Based in: | United States |
| Servers/countries: | 3,400+ servers in 112 countries |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and more |
| Coupons: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
IPVanish is another top pick for bypassing geo-restrictions on YouTube. All plans include Threat Protection, which blocks trackers and ads.
YouTube tests. IPVanish managed to bypass YouTube blocks without much effort. Plus, Threat Protection managed to block some YouTube ads as soon as it was enabled. It worked well on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices as well as different browsers.
Servers. With a modest network of over 3,400 servers in 112 countries, IPVanish will still help you access the platform from many different locations.
Features. IPVanish employs the industry standard AES-256 encryption algorithm to secure your data. Some notable features include a reliable kill switch, split tunneling, and traffic obfuscation. Threat Protection is included in all plans. Aside from removing ads, it blocks trackers and malicious content.
Speeds. Just like Surfshark, IPVniah adopts the WireGuard protocol. So the high average speed retention rate of 80% isn’t that surprising – a great result for lag free YouTube streaming.
Price. IPVanish prices start from just $2.19/month. A standard 30-day money-back guarantee is applicable as well.
4. ExpressVPN – security-focused YouTube VPN
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers/countries: | Undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| Coupons: | ExpressVPN coupon 80% OFF |
If you want a YouTube VPN for security, ExpressVPN is the way to go. Aside from unblocking YouTube, it can also let you stream content seamlessly as well as keep you private from prying eyes.
YouTube tests. ExpressVPN can help access YouTube without any issues no matter where you are. While it doesn’t remove YouTube ads, you can watch geo-restricted videos from anywhere.
Servers. This VPN boasts a network of servers in 105 countries. Even though ExpressVPN doesn't publicly state how many servers it has, you'll still be able to find servers with optimal speeds.
Features. With this service, you can expect a reliable kill switch feature and a strong AES-256 encryption cipher. There’s also the Threat Manager feature for blocking malicious sites and apps from tracking you or infecting your device with malware.
Speeds. ExpressVPN uses a more modern variation of WireGuard called Lightway. In terms of speeds, it’s one of the fastest VPNs out there. It retains 77% of initial connection speeds on average.
Price. The prices of ExpressVPN begin at $2.49/month and you can connect up to 14 devices to your account. You also get to enjoy a 3-day free trial on Android and iOS and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Learn more in our ExpressVPN review.
5. CyberGhost – fast streaming YouTube VPN
| Based in: | Romania |
| Servers/countries: | Undisclosed number of servers in 100 countries |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ |
| Coupons: | CyberGhost coupon 88% OFF |
If fast streaming on YouTube is what you’re looking for, CyberGhost is just what you need. It’s excellent at bypassing restrictions and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to buffering-free content watching.
YouTube tests. CyberGhost is great at both – unblocking YouTube and its content as well as getting rid of annoying ads. So a seamless YouTube experience with this VPN is a given.
Servers. With CyberGhost, you get over 9,800 servers in 100 countries – plenty to watch YouTube uninterrupted and with the best speeds.
Features. Like all of the VPNs on this list, CyberGhost offers the AES-256 encryption cipher and a kill switch to secure your data from leaks. As for its ad blocker feature – it blocks ads and keeps you safe from malicious content that’s distributed through them.
Speeds. This VPN adopts the WireGuard protocol, promising exceptional speeds. During our tests, it retained an average of 86% initial connection speeds.
Price. You can get this provider starting from $1.59/month. Instead of the standard money-back guarantee of 30 days, there’s a 45-day refund policy!
Learn more about this VPN in our CyberGhost review.
How we picked and tested the best Youtube VPNs
We tested 32 VPN services and evaluated them according to various criteria that make them worthy YouTube VPN services. So here are the factors we took into account:
- YouTube unblocking. We made sure that the providers we include can bypass YouTube’s geo-restrictions. This includes geo-blocked content and platform restrictions.
- Ad-blocking capabilities. We included many VPNs that offer ad-blocking features. Our tests on various devices revealed which features can block YouTube ads specifically.
- Security features. We made sure each of our ranked VPN comes with the unbreakable AES encryption cipher and a kill switch. The latter helps prevent accidental leaks in case your VPN connection drops.
- Speeds. Our test results revealed which VPNs are the fastest and won’t compromise performance for the sake of unrestricted streaming.
- Value for your money. VPNs shouldn’t be overpriced; that’s why we chose services that give you your money’s worth.
Best YouTube VPNs compared
| Brand | Free trial | Unblocks YouTube | Blocks YouTube ads | Price starting from | Servers | Streaming | Simultaneous connections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Yes,
3-day | ✅ | ✅ | $3.49/month | 9,500 servers in 149 countries | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | 10 |
| Surfshark | Yes, 7-day | ✅ | ✅ | $2.49/month | 4,500 servers in 100 countries | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more | Unlimited |
| IPVanish | Yes, 7-day | ✅ | ❌ | $2.19/month | 3,400+ servers in 112 countries | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and more | Unlimited |
| ExpressVPN | Yes, 7-day for mobile devices | ✅ | ❌ | $2.49/month | Undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | 14 |
| Cyberghost | Yes, 1-day on a desktop, 3-day on Android, and 7-day on iOS | ✅ | ✅ | $1.59/month | Undisclosed number of servers in 100 countries | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ | 7 |
Why do you need a VPN for YouTube?
VPNs for YouTube can be useful for quite a few reasons. Here’s how a VPN can benefit you:
- Access YouTube in any country. If you live in countries such as Ethiopia, Turkmenistan, North Korea, or China, where social media and YouTube are banned, a VPN can unblock it.
- Access YouTube in school. Some schools tend to block YouTube to make sure students aren’t distracted during studying hours. However, YouTube is a great source for learning, and a VPN can help access it even in school.
- Unblock geo-restricted content. If you tend to see errors stating that the video you’re trying to watch isn’t available in your country, a VPN will be useful for watching unrestricted content.
- Remove video ads. A VPN that comes with an ad blocker is much cheaper than getting YouTube Premium. So it’s a less expensive option to remove ads completely.
- Improve your cybersecurity posture. A VPN is also great for improving general security and privacy online. This way, no one, not even your ISP, can know what you’re up to online.
Can YouTube detect VPNs?
YouTube can detect but doesn’t usually block VPNs like some other streaming services tend to. That being said, if you use a lower-quality VPN, including a free one, you may not be able to bypass geo-restrictions. That’s because free VPNs have very few servers, and usually, streaming services have already detected them.
For extra peace of mind, you can choose a VPN, such as NordVPN, with a traffic obfuscation feature that hides the fact that you’re using a VPN in the first place. This way, your traffic will appear regular, and your VPN is less likely to be detected by YouTube.
How to use a VPN with YouTube
Whether you want to access YouTube from anywhere or simply remove ads from the platform, using a VPN to do it is an effortless task. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Choose a reliable YouTube VPN. We recommend NordVPN, now 75% OFF!
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Download the app and follow the installation instructions.
- Open the app and sign up or log in.
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Enable the ad-blocking feature, such as Threat Protection, in the VPN settings.
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Connect to a server in a country where YouTube is available. If you simply want to remove ads, you can connect to the server closest to you.
- Watch YouTube without limitations!
Should I use a free VPN for YouTube?
No, we advise against using a free YouTube VPN because of security reasons. Many free services are unreliable due to wrongful data collection practices. Some are even known to be malware disguised as VPNs.
Alternatively, you can try out freemium VPNs – free plans of premium VPNs. They’re trustworthy, ensuring both security and privacy online. However, their lack of servers, limited speeds, and features won’t help you access YouTube or remove ads from it.
Your best bet is getting a premium VPN that’s capable of bypassing geo-restrictions. To try them out, you can use their free trials and money-back guarantees.
- NordVPN – enjoy a smooth and ad-free YouTube streaming experience with a 3-day free trial on Android devices (and other devices after setup) and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark – buffering-free YouTube streaming without ads. Try it with a free 7-day trial on macOS, Android, and iOS devices, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Why does YouTube not work with a VPN?
If you’ve connected to a VPN and it’s still not working with YouTube, don’t give up just yet. Here are a few solutions to fix your VPN connection:
- Clear your cookies and cache. Clear your browser history, cache, and cookies, then reconnect your VPN, and try accessing YouTube once again.
- Update your device. Check your device settings to make sure there are no latest system updates. If there are, update your device and try connecting to a VPN again.
- Pick another server. VPNs usually have more than one server in a specific location. Try switching between servers to see if they work with YouTube.
- Contact customer service. If nothing you tried worked so far, contact the VPN’s customer support agents to see what the issue is.
- Get a better VPN for YouTube. Not all VPNs work with YouTube, so make sure you choose a VPN that is capable of bypassing geo-restrictions or getting rid of ads, such as NordVPN.
Final thoughts
A YouTube VPN is a great way to bypass restrictions in countries where the platform is banned, including Ethiopia, Turkmenistan, China, and North Korea. With the right VPN, you can also completely remove YouTube ads or bypass regional content restrictions.
The best YouTube VPN is NordVPN. It can do it all – from bypassing geo-blocks to getting rid of ads completely. It guarantees excellent speeds as well as unmatched streaming capabilities.
A VPN is also useful for improving general security online. Whether you’re streaming or simply surfing the net, a VPN hides your real IP address, ensuring your data is unreadable to third parties.
FAQ
Can I use a VPN for YouTube?
Yes, using a VPN, such as NordVPN, for YouTube can help you unblock the platform in countries where it’s banned, access geo-restricted content, and even block video ads. Not to mention that it’s also a great security and privacy tool.
Can I get banned on YouTube for using VPN?
No, YouTube doesn’t block VPN usage like some other streaming platforms. However, you have to make sure that your chosen service is a VPN suitable for YouTube.
How do I download VPN for YouTube?
You can download a VPN for YouTube from the official website of your chosen service. NordVPN is the best VPN choice for YouTube due to its unblocking capabilities, speeds, and vast server network.
Can I use YouTube Premium with a VPN?
Yes, you can use a VPN with YouTube Premium if you want to change your account region. All you have to do is connect to a VPN server in your preferred country and create a YouTube Premium account.
Does VPN slow down YouTube?
Naturally, VPNs slightly slow down your connection, but it shouldn’t be visible. So if you want to have a smooth and buffering-free YouTube experience with a VPN, opt for some of the fastest solutions, such as NordVPN.
Does a free VPN work on YouTube?
Yes, a free VPN works with YouTube but it won’t unblock the platform nor will it help get rid of ads. Free VPNs that are reliable will only be beneficial for basic security and privacy while streaming.
What VPN is used by PewDiePie?
PewDiePie uses NordVPN to ensure extra security while browsing and complete privacy in cyberspace. NordVPN is considered one of the best VPNs on the market, guaranteeing excellent speeds and streaming capabilities as well as unbreakable security.