Best VPNs to unblock Snapchat in 2024

Snapchat might be super popular, but that doesn’t mean it’s universally accessible. Many schools, colleges, and workplaces block Snapchat to prevent students and employees from being distracted while working, and entire countries like China, Iran, and parts of the Middle East block the app completely. Luckily, there is a way to get around both forms of restrictions. You need to install a VPN to unblock Snapchat.

Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN connection masks your actual location by encrypting all the traffic flowing to and from your device and tunneling it via an intermediary server. Network administrators will not be able to determine your browsing activity. Hence, if you’re logged on to your college or school wifi or are connecting from a country where Snapchat is blocked, a VPN connection will help you unblock Snapchat by hiding your real IP address.

In this article, we’ll explain exactly how to access Snapchat from anywhere and list the best VPNs for the job. But if you’re short on time and can’t get into the details, here’s a summary of our recommendations:

The best VPNs for Snapchat:

1. NordVPN: Is our top VPN for Snapchat. It leads the pack with speed and reliability. It runs a vast network of reliable servers that work great with Snapchat and can unblock geo-restricted content. This VPN also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Snapchat.
2. Surfshark: Budget choice for unblocking Snapchat and most sites and content. Strong online security and allows unlimited VPN connections. Impressive connection speeds and works with other social media apps.
3. IPVanish: Easy to use and has great speeds. A reliable and safe option that allows unlimited connections and can unblock geo-blocked content, including Snapchat.
4. ExpressVPN: Has fast speeds and works well with Snapchat. Unblocks popular streaming content. Goes to great lengths to ensure user privacy and security, including 256-bit AES encryption.
5. CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly VPN can hide your real Snapchat location and encrypt your Snapchat messages. An extensive server network and excellent security.
6. PrivateVPN: A reliable Snapchat VPN that consistently bypasses Snapchat blocks. No-logs VPN with unlimited bandwidth and allows up to 10 simultaneous connections.
7. Private Internet Access: Trusty network with lots of support to get you started. A large server network and solid unblocking ability.
8. PureVPN: Can access Snapchat in places with strict online censorship. Delivers very high speeds and includes a string set of security tools.
9. ProtonVPN: A blazing-fast, zero-logs provider with plenty of powerful privacy features. Unblocks Snapchat and most other region-locked sites with ease.

How we selected the top Snapchat VPNs

Many VPNs are on the market, but they won’t all meet your needs. To save you the time and expense of searching through them, we compiled this list of the best VPNs for Snapchat based on a few non-negotiable criteria, such as the following:

• Speed and stability of service for uninterrupted snapping
• Fast connection speeds for streaming and downloading
• A large number of servers in locations where Snapchat is unrestricted
• Strong encryption parameters so your Snapchat location remains hidden
• Apps for Android and iOS
• Ease of use and customer service available if needed
• Good value for money, including a money-back guarantee

In our methodology section below, you can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend. For now, let’s look at the ones that made the cut. 

Best Snapchat VPNs: 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 Snapchat.

The best VPNs for Snapchat

The following reviews are based on our first-hand experiences using and testing each VPN.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for accessing Snapchat at school, at work, or while abroad.

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN is our first choice for a Snapchat VPN. It has been in the business for over a decade, and its seamless product is the main reason for its longevity. This VPN offers incredible internet speeds, reliable connections, ease of use, and strong encryption.

NordVPN understands the need for privacy and online security and, therefore, declines to store customer data. There are no traffic or session logs of any kind. All internet traffic is encrypted via 256-bit AES and 2,048-bit DH keys. A single subscription grants access to ten devices. An internet kill switch is also present.

Servers are optimized for speed, and there are more than 5,500 in 60 countries across the globe. Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS.

BEST VPN FOR SNAPCHAT:NordVPN is our top choice. Pegs the best connection speeds we’ve seen and is a real contender in all categories. Has strong security features and allows up to 6 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free deal.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a low-cost, privacy-focused VPN that doesn’t log user data. It’s excellent at unblocking popular sites such as Snapchat and YouTube and geo-restricted streaming services like Netflix.

Internet connections are secured by 256-bit encryption in conjunction with perfect forward secrecy. Features include a kill switch, protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, automatic Wi-Fi protection, and split tunneling. NoBorders mode will help you bypass government blocks like Snapchat in China.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The number of devices you can connect at a given time is unlimited.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark has apps for all the major operating systems and doesn’t impose connection limits, so you can access Snapchat anytime, anywhere. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish is another fast, reliable, and easy-to-use VPN provider that incorporates sturdy encryption and is committed to ensuring an impeccable user experience.

Your activity on IPVanish can never be traced back to you – the service keeps zero logs on customers, so even its employees won’t know who’s browsing the web and what they’re doing. An internet kill switch is included with your subscription – resulting in no loose data flow if the connection drops. You’ll remain secure.

Encryption standards are equally tight. The VPN provider uses 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. That means that even if your account is compromised for some strange reason, hackers cannot decrypt past session data and uncover browsing history.

You can choose between 850 servers spread across 60 countries, making this a great VPN for travel.

IPVanish allows unlimited devices to connect at one time, making it an even cheaper option than Express if you decide to share with friends. There are apps for both Android and iOS.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish is a great family choice as it allows you to connect all your devices. Good for Snapchat, strong security and privacy features. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN combines military-grade encryption protocols with a minimalistic design that always works smoothly. It consistently provides fast, stable connections.

With over 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries—including a ‘smart location’ option that indicates what the service intuitively feels will best suit you—finding an adequate connection should not be a problem.

Encryption standards are equally resilient. ExpressVPN uses OpenVPN connections encrypted with 256-bit AES by default. 4,096-bit DHE-RSA keys are identified by a SHA-512 hashing algorithm. No user-identifying logs are kept, and the desktop apps have a kill switch.

A subscription allows for use on up to eight devices simultaneously. Apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS are available.

SECURE AND PRIVATE:ExpressVPN is a fast and reliable VPN that unblocks all major chat and streaming services. Provides strong security and privacy and keeps no identifying logs. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our review of ExpressVPN.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is registered in Romania and says it doesn’t store any data. However, it was recently acquired by an Israeli firm headquartered in the UK, so we’ll have to wait and see if the policy changes. It works great with Snapchat and other social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

However, its encryption standards are solid. The OpenVPN protocol uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is considered robust. With approximately 9,000 servers in 90 countries, there’s more than enough choice when it comes to hiding your location.

Access to seven devices on a single plan. The provider supports both Android and iOS.

9,000+ SERVERS:CyberGhost is great beginners' choice for accessing Snapchat from anywhere. Plenty of servers. Good on privacy. Streams HD video reliably. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a very strong unblocker of content, whether it’s Snapchat or streaming services. Although it offers a smaller network of around 200 servers, these servers are strategically located across over 60 countries. Plus, they have a reputation for excellent speeds and streaming abilities. PrivateVPN offers unlimited bandwidth, so it’s ideal for streaming and torrenting.

Thanks to PrivateVPN’s security features, you can use Snapchat securely, including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. PrivateVPN operates a strict no-logs policy and accepts Bitcoin, so it’s very much a VPN that respects your privacy. If you need any help, there’s live chat and email support and even free remote help and installation.

PrivateVPN provides apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. While you can use it with Linux and compatible wifi routers, this does require manual setup on your part.

RELIABLE UNBLOCKER:PrivateVPN easily bypasses Snapchat blocks and even works with popular streaming services like Netflix. Unlimited bandwidth and up to 10 simultaneous connections allowed. No-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) may deceive you with its ungainly looks, but it does its job very, very well. It scores high on efficiency and ease of use and offers access to Snapchat from anywhere. PIA has a network of more than 10,000 servers in 80+ countries. You can connect to servers in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many other locations. 

It’s a highly respected provider with a strong focus on privacy and security. PIA is a logless VPN service, which means your information isn’t stored or monitored. All internet traffic is encrypted with 256-bit AES encryption and 4,096-bit RSA keys. DNS leak protection and an automatic kill switch are enabled by default.

A single subscription allows you to use unlimited devices simultaneously. PIA also accepts Bitcoin as payment, adding an extra anonymity layer, and there are apps for both Android and iOS.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:Private Internet Access has great security. PIA stands tall among VPN providers for its many servers, rich security features, and great customer service. Works well with Snapchat, but speeds can be inconsistent for video streaming, torrenting, and downloading. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Private Internet Access.

8. PureVPN

PureVPN has an expansive network, with over 6,000 servers spread across 60 countries. With average speeds exceeding 400 Mbps, it’s one of the quickest providers we’ve seen and more than fast enough for streaming, browsing Snapchat, or playing online games. This VPN is almost anywhere – even in several regions where Snapchat isn’t ordinarily available. Users can connect up to 10 devices at a time, and support staff are on hand 24 hours per day over live chat (though they can take a few minutes to reply sometimes).

If you’re looking to secure your connection with minimal fuss, PureVPN is a great choice. By default, it keeps you safe using uncrackable encryption, DNs and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. Plus and Max subscribers also gain access to an automatic tracker-blocker, though we’d prefer if this was available to everyone. This VPN follows a true no-logs policy and has proven it via four independent audits.

PureVPN has its own iOS, MacOS, Android, Windows, and Linux apps. It also provides manual setup instructions in case you’d prefer to install it directly on your router.

USE SNAPCHAT ANYWHERE:PureVPN can help you access Snapchat anywhere, even in places like China. It’s absurdly fast, comes with a strong security toolkit, and has repeatedly proven that it doesn’t keep logs. Every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PureVPN review for more details.

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9. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN recently expanded its network and now offers access to 4,000 servers in over 90 countries. This means that no matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to get a secure, speedy connection. As well as Snapchat, this VPN works with platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, so you’ll never be short of something to do. If you run into any problems, don’t panic; support staff are ready to help, day or night over live chat.

Few providers have as many security features as ProtonVPN. For starters, there’s unbreakable encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, as well as an independently-audited no-logs policy. Additionally, this service offers split tunneling and port forwarding functionality plus Secure Core servers designed to be as safe as possible from third-party interference. It even blocks ads and trackers automatically! Looking for an even greater level of privacy? No problem: just pay in Bitcoin or cash so that you don’t have to provide any identifiable info during registration.

ProtonVPN has apps for Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. It can also be manually configured to work with most home routers (setup guides are available from the website’s help section).

FIRST-CLASS SPEED:ProtonVPN is one of the fastest providers around. Not only that, it’s packed with advanced security features and effortlessly unblocks Snapchat (plus plenty of other sites). Offers a limited free plan and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all paid subscriptions.

Take a look at our in-depth ProtonVPN review.

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How we found the best VPNs for Snapchat: our methodology

There are hundreds of VPNs on the market, both free and paid. This makes finding the best VPNs for Snapchat all the more challenging. Our methodology helps us narrow down the options and involves looking for the following in each VPN we recommend:

• Servers worldwide: Having access to servers worldwide allows you to access Snapchat and plenty of other geo-blocked websites and services. It also increases your chances of finding a fast server closer to your physical location. The VPNs we’ve covered offer thousands of servers across dozens of countries.
• Speed: Whether you’re using Snapchat or Facebook, streaming Netflix, or torrenting large files, you’ll want a VPN that offers high-speed connections as well as unlimited bandwidth. The best VPNs for Snapchat tick both boxes. Indeed, our speed tests show that they’re among the fastest VPNs around, so you’re unlikely to encounter performance issues.
• Unblocking: Access to Snapchat may be restricted in your country, school, or office network. Each VPN included in this post can bypass those restrictions, but we also tested each VPN against a wide range of other online content, including popular streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.
• Security: While Snapchat encrypts Snaps (a picture or video sent through the app), text messages and group chat interactions are not. Many websites and services offer even less security, while security threats are ever-present regardless of your location. A quality VPN encrypts your data and protects you from leaks so you can stay safe online.
• Privacy: Depending on your country, your ISP may be keeping logs of your browsing data. This may then be shared with the government on request. To prevent this, look for a VPN that encrypts your data and operates a no-logs policy. We’ve looked at 140 VPN logging policies to find those that don’t keep any logs by which you can be identified.
• Ease of use: A VPN needn’t be complicated to use. Setup should only take a minute or two, while connecting to a server can be done in seconds. Our hands-on testing has helped us find the most beginner-friendly apps available. Better still, all of the best VPNs for Snapchat even include live chat and email support, available 24 hours a day.
• Value for money: The longer the VPN subscription you opt for, the more you can potentially save. However, you can get an even better deal thanks to our VPN discount coupons (available for all of the best VPNs for Snapchat). Keep in mind that each VPN also includes a money-back guarantee of at least 30 days, so you can try it risk-free.

Want to know more? Check out our article detailing our scientific VPN testing methodology.

How to access Snapchat using a VPN

Don’t worry if you’ve never used a VPN before; they’re very user-friendly. Follow the steps below, and you’ll be up and running in no time.

Here’s how to use a VPN to access Snapchat anywhere:

1. Pick a VPN that’s best suited for you. (We recommend NordVPN)
2. Download the companion app for your phone, either Android or iOS
3. Open the VPN app, log in, and select a server in a country where Snapchat is available. For example, a server in the US or the UK.
4. Once the VPN connection is established, open the Snapchat app and use it like you normally would.
5. That’s it! You can now use Snapchat on any network in any country.

Free VPNs that can unblock Snapchat

The majority of Snapchat’s users are teenagers, which means they’re not exactly flush with cash to splurge on a paid VPN. It’s tempting to opt for a free service in this case.

But our recommendation is to invest in a VPN. That’s because free versions are inferior. They’ll throttle your bandwidth, offer very limited server choices (usually only one or two), enforce data caps, and could also make you wait in line if there’s network congestion.

Additionally, such services aren’t free in the proper use of the term. They’re monetizing somehow – after all, they’re companies that have overheads such as staff costs and server maintenance – with the most obvious product being yourself.

As a user, your browsing habits are a potential goldmine for pesky advertisers. Free VPN providers have been caught inserting tracking cookies in their users’ devices and mining that data to sell to the highest bidder. That’s completely unethical.

Even if this doesn’t happen to you, you’re definitely going to get a ton of invasive advertisements that’ll induce a migraine. Best to avoid.

Unblocking Snapchat with a VPN: FAQs