How to bypass the 4chan IP ban with a VPN

4chan bans aren’t uncommon. While many bans are understandably deserved, others might not make much sense. It may be that you’re using a shared IP address with another person committing the bannable offense. Alternatively, you may live in a country in which ISPs are blocking access to 4chan. Whatever the case, we’ll explain how to bypass your 4chan ban by using a VPN.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) hide your real IP address and shield your online activities from snoopers, so they’re a great way to beat 4chan bans and gain an extra layer of security as you browse. Below, we’ll cover the best VPNs for bypassing the 4chan IP ban in more detail, we’ll explain how to use them and answer some common VPN questions. But in case you’re short on time, we’ll start with a quick summary.

Best VPNs for bypassing a 4chan ban:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for 4chan. Vast server network, excellent speeds and unblocking abilities, a proven zero-logs policy, and a wide range of privacy features. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can try it risk-free.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for 4chan.
2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for 4chan. Boasts lots of advanced security features, impressive speeds, servers in 100+ countries, and no connection limits.
3. IPVanish: No-logs VPN that easily beats bans on 4chan and other anonymous forums. Lightning-fast and permits any number of simultaneous connections.
4. ExpressVPN: An easy-to-use VPN with excellent security features and high-speed connections. Provides 24/7 support over live chat. Works well with 4chan.
5. CyberGhost: Novice-friendly provider with an extensive server network and outstanding average speeds. Highly secure with a strict no-logs policy.
   
6. PrivateVPN: This zero-logs service provides steady speeds and strong encryption, plus the ability to beat almost any online restrictions, including 4chan bans.
7. Hotspot Shield: Speedy VPN with a high level of security and solid speeds. Works almost anywhere, so it’s great for accessing 4chan abroad.
8. PureVPN: Fast and effective way to get around bans on 4chan and similar platforms. Delivers first-class performance and a high level of security. Excels at beating regional restrictions, too.
9. ProtonVPN: Freemium VPN with impressive speeds and tons of privacy features. Have to upgrade for the best experience but it’s well worth considering.

How to beat 4chan bans with a VPN

If your IP address has been blocked by 4chan, don’t worry. You can bypass the 4chan ban by connecting to a Virtual Private Network. Better still, this is surprisingly quick and easy to do. Just follow the simple steps below.

Here’s how to bypass the 4chan (IP address) ban with a VPN:

1. The first step is to choose a VPN (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Next, you’ll need to download and install the VPN on your device.
3. Open the VPN app and connect to a server. This hides your actual IP address and replaces it with one of your VPN provider’s. Remember, the closer the server is to your location, the faster the connection is likely to be.
4. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. In our experience, old cookies are responsible for most unblocking-related issues, so don’t skip this step.
5. Go to 4chan. You should now be able to use it as normal. If not, simply connect to another server in case the IP address you’ve been provided has also been blacklisted.

How we selected the top 4chan VPNs

While there are plenty of VPNs to choose from, not all are good enough for bypassing 4chan’s IP bans. Additionally, we’ve seen plenty that are underwhelming in terms of security or speeds. To save you some time, our team found the best VPNs for 4chan by selecting those that meet the following criteria:

• Thousands of IP addresses for unblocking 4chan
• Fast and reliable servers in multiple countries
• 256-bit encryption and lots of other online privacy features
• Strict no-logs policy that protects your privacy
• Apps for both desktop and mobile devices
• Money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free

This is just a summary, but you can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in the methodology section below.

Best VPNs for bypassing the 4chan IP ban: at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for 4chan.

Best VPNs for unblocking 4chan

At Comparitech, we use and rigorously test every VPN before recommending it to you. The following reviews are based on our firsthand experiences.

Here are the best VPNs for unblocking 4chan from anywhere:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 unblocks 4chanTested Nov 2024

NordVPN is our top VPN recommendation for beating 4chan bans. It has a large network, with over 6,000 servers in around 60 countries, and delivers far higher speeds than most of its rivals. Not only that, but it allows torrenting, works in China, and happily unblocks a huge range of streaming services, including Disney+ and BBC iPlayer. Users can secure up to six devices at a time, and 24/7 live chat is on hand, just in case.

This VPN keeps your internet connection secure using 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and an app-specific kill switch. Additional features include specialty servers (optimized for beating censorship, P2P traffic, and Tor over VPN), Meshnet (which connects devices on multiple networks), and a tool that can block ads for you. NordVPN is a no-logs provider and has proven this many times with third-party audits.

You can bypass the 4chan IP ban via NordVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Android TV. There are also Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. You can manually install this VPN on routers, which lets you bypass the simultaneous connection limit.

BEST VPN FOR 4CHAN:NordVPN is our top choice. Has 6,000 servers worldwide, with almost 2,000 in the US. Plenty of options for unblocking 4chan and similar platforms. Highly secure service with 24/7 live chat support. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

unblocks 4chanTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is the best low-cost VPN for evading a 4chan ban. Despite its low price, this service is exceptionally fast (averaging almost 200 Mbps in our latest tests), has 100 server locations to choose from, and has no simultaneous connection limit. In other words, it’s a solid choice for just about any day-to-day task. Best of all, this provider works well with stubborn platforms like Netflix and Hulu.

If you have a Surfshark account, you’ll have access to 24/7 live chat and email support. You’ll also be able to connect to this VPN’s MultiHop (Double VPN) servers which effectively encrypt your internet traffic twice for extra security. Speaking of, Surfshark keeps you safe using 256-bit encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch. It’s worth noting that this VPN can swap your IP address regularly, and keeps no logs (something verified by its most recent audit results).

Surfshark has beginner-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. There are also browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. You’ll need to follow manual setup instructions to use it with routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is an affordable no-logs VPN with servers in 100+ countries and two dozen US cities. Works with 4chan and Netflix. Unlimited simultaneous connections and 24/7 support. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

unblocks 4chanTested Nov 2024

IPVanish is a rare find: a beginner-friendly VPN service with no simultaneous connection limit, unlimited bandwidth, and speedy, reliable servers in around 60 countries. Better still, it’s recently improved its streaming abilities and now works with platforms that used to trouble it, like Netflix and ABC. Live chat is available around the clock in the unlikely event that you run into any difficulty.

This VPN operates a no-logging policy and includes all of the essential security features that you’ll need to browse the web anonymously. These include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. Users can also block local traffic and obfuscate their data (though this only works with OpenVPN connections at the moment).

You can secure your devices via the IPVanish apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. It’s also possible to use this VPN with Linux and routers but manual configuration is required.

SECURE EVERY DEVICE:IPVanish works well with 4chan, has no connection cap, and is better at streaming than ever before. Zero-logs VPN with easy-to-use apps and 24/7 live chat support. Annual plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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4. ExpressVPN

unblocks 4chanTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN has servers in 100+ countries, providing thousands of IP addresses capable of unblocking 4chan. It’s one of the fastest VPNs on the market and offers unlimited bandwidth. As such, it’s a strong choice for browsing 4chan, torrenting, gaming, or streaming Netflix. ExpressVPN can bypass even the toughest online censorship and works flawlessly in China, with no manual configuration required. We’ve always found support staff to be knowledgeable and quick to reply via the 24/7 live chat service.

This provider doesn’t offer as many advanced security features as its competitors, but it nails the basics. There’s 256-bit encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and automatic protection against malicious websites and trackers. What’s more, ExpressVPN has its own protocol, Lightway, that can keep you safe even when switching from mobile data to wifi or vice versa. It has a strict no-logging policy in place and has been repeatedly audited to prove it.

ExpressVPN apps are available for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. There’s also custom firmware for routers and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

HIGHLY SECURE:ExpressVPN is a privacy-conscious provider. Quick and reliable servers in 100+ countries, allowing you to bypass the 4chan IP ban with ease. 24/7 support and a 30-day money-back guarantee with every subscription.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

unblocks 4chanTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost has plenty to offer. For starters, it has one of the largest networks around, with over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries. It also boasts outstanding speeds (296 Mbps as of our most recent testing), unlimited bandwidth, and task-specific servers for things like streaming, enhancing your privacy, or torrenting. Up to seven devices can be secured at the same time, and support staff are on hand 24/7.

This VPN is packed with security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and leak protection, plus a smart rules tab that lets you choose exactly when the service should connect. There are even multi-hop servers for anyone looking for an extra layer of security. CyberGhost has a no-logging policy, has been audited multiple times, and is one of the only major providers to publish regular transparency reports.

CyberGhost has apps for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also download browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Manual configuration is required for use with routers.

10,000+ SERVERS:CyberGhost makes it easy to bypass the 4chan IP ban and is a solid choice for just about any task. Lots of security features, including a strict no-logs policy and encryption. Includes a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. PrivateVPN

unblocks 4chanTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN is a smaller VPN provider that offers roughly 200 servers in 60+ countries. This might not sound like much, but we’ve never had any reliability or performance issues, and this provider is able to securely access platforms that many of its rivals can’t. In fact, it even works in China, making it a strong choice for anyone looking to beat repressive online censorship. As if that wasn’t enough, PrivateVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and a generous 10-device limit.

While the apps are simple to navigate, live chat support and remote help and installation are available just in case. There’s also strong security, in part thanks to this VPN’s strict zero-logs policy. Your data and identity are further safeguarded by 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. For maximum anonymity, you can sign up for a PrivateVPN account by using a throwaway email address and paying in Bitcoin.

Unblock 4chan from anywhere via the PrivateVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. You can also use this VPN with Linux and routers but this requires manual setup.

STRESS-FREE STREAMING:PrivateVPN offers fast speeds and servers in 60+ countries worldwide. Use it with 4chan, Netflix, and more. Beginner-friendly apps and live chat support. Protects your privacy with encryption and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

unblocks 4chanTested Nov 2024

Disclaimer: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

Hotspot Shield has a growing network of more than 1,800 servers, which you can find in 80+ countries around the world. In particular, it has lots of servers in the US  and Canada. As such, you’ll be able to use this VPN to access 4chan as well as stream Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Should you have any questions about Hotspot Shield, live chat support is available to you, 24/7.

Using Hotspot Shield couldn’t be easier, making it a particularly suitable choice if you’re using a VPN for the first time. Indeed, you can connect to a server in a single click. Online anonymity is possible thanks to Hotspot Shield’s security features. There’s 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. It doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified as a user. Furthermore, you can secure as many as 5 devices at once.

Hotspot Shield provides apps for the following: Linux, Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. You’ll have to manually install it on routers, though.

SERVERS IN 27 US CITIES:Hotspot Shield has a large server network for accessing 4chan. Beginner-friendly VPN service with 24/7 live chat support. Keeps your data secure with high-end encryption. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

8. PureVPN

PureVPN operates thousands of servers across 60+ countries, and as a result, getting an IP address that 4chan hasn’t banned is nice and simple. Further, this provider is an equally strong choice for users hoping to stream, torrent, or play online games thanks to its exceptionally high speeds. There’s a 10-device limit, and unlike most of its rivals, this VPN even works in places like China. While the apps are very beginner-friendly and easy to use, customer support is available 24 hours per day, just in case you need it.

More importantly, can PureVPN keep you safe? In a word, yes. It supports multiple protocols, uses powerful encryption, and follows a true zero-logs policy. There are plenty of safeguards built-in too, such as a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a tracker-blocker (though this last feature only works if you have a Plus or Max subscription). We’d prefer if there was at least one anonymous payment method, but that’s not a deal-breaker, especially if you’re just trying to beat a wrongful ban.

PureVPN has its own Android, Windows, Linux, MacOS, and iOS apps. Alternatively, you can follow manual setup instructions to get it running on just about any router.

GREAT EVERYDAY VPN:PureVPN is speedy, reliable, and great at beating online limitations. A solid choice for streaming, beating 4chan IP bans, or evading censorship. Every subscription includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and access to 24/7 customer support.

Check out our in-depth review of PureVPN.

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9. Proton VPN

Proton VPN operates servers in more than 90 countries and excels at beating regional restrictions. You can beat 4chan bans using the free plan, but to access streaming platforms abroad, you’ll have to upgrade. Doing so boosts your speeds significantly, lets you secure 10 devices at once, provides access to 24/7 customer support, and lets you choose a server location rather than being assigned one randomly, so we’d say it’s worth thinking about.

Security is one of ProtonVPN’s biggest strengths. For starters, it boasts uncrackable encryption and an independently verified zero-logs policy. There’s also DNS and IPv6 leak protection, automatic ad and tracker-blocking, and a kill switch that stops sending data if you disconnect unexpectedly. For even greater anonymity, you can connect to its Secure Core servers – these route your traffic through multiple countries and are kept in underground data centers, far from the reach of oppressive governments. Finally, ProtonVPN accepts multiple cryptocurrencies as well as cash, which makes it nice and easy to pay anonymously.

ProtonVPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Also supports a wide range of routers although you’ll have to follow manual configuration instructions.

SPEEDY, RELIABLE SERVERS:Proton VPN delivers top-tier speeds and the ability to access just about any site. Makes it as easy as possible to sidestep a wrongful 4chan ban. Powerful security features and a 30-day money-back guarantee with every paid subscription.

Read our full ProtonVPN review for more details.

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Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs to beat 4chan bans

Every VPN is different, and while this means that there’s a service for every situation, it also makes it tricky for newcomers to decide which one to use. Most VPNs should be able to beat a 4chan ban, but some aren’t quick enough for streaming, and others are unable to beat online censorship. Below, you’ll find the criteria we used to separate the best from the rest:

• Server locations: In general, the closer your chosen server is, the better your speeds will be. A network that covers more countries increases the likelihood of you having a suitable server nearby.
• Server count: The more servers your VPN has in your location, the less likely one of them has already been IP banned. Large networks also ensure a more stable performance during peak times, or when some servers are down for maintenance.
• Speed: 4chan is an image board, so you don’t necessarily need the fastest VPN. Still, nobody wants to switch tabs and be unable to play videos. That’s why we only recommend services that perform well in our periodic speed testing. 
• Security toolkit: A huge part of 4chan’s appeal is that you can communicate anonymously. With this in mind, we decided that only services offering uncrackable encryption protocols, a kill switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy qualify for a spot on our list. Naturally, we prefer providers with even more advanced security and privacy features.
• Price: We see a lot of VPNs, so it’s extremely easy to tell if a service is charging more than is really justified. As well as only recommending those that are priced fairly, we’ll give you all the details on their free trials, money-back guarantees and discounts to help cut the cost even more.

Interested in finding out more? Why not check out our post explaining our in-depth VPN testing process?

Beating a 4chan ban with a VPN: FAQs

See also: Overall best VPN providers