Best VPNs for Instagram: Access Instagram from Anywhere

Instagram continues to grow in popularity with a billion people using the photo-sharing app at least once each month. Unfortunately, the service is blocked by network administrators in many schools and places of work. In addition, the governments of some countries (such as China) block access to the social network. The best way to evade restrictions on Instagram is by using a VPN. So, if you want your social media fix, you’ll need one of the best VPNs for Instagram.

Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN service hides your real location by encrypting all the traffic flowing to and from your device and tunneling it via an intermediary server location of your choice. As such, system administrators will be unable to determine what you’re doing online. A VPN can also make it appear that you’re in a different physical location, enabling access to geo-restricted services, such as select Netflix and Amazon Prime Video libraries.

We get into detail later about each of the VPNs that made our list for unblocking Instagram, but if you haven’t got time to read the whole thing, here are our top choices:

Best VPNs for Instagram

1. NordVPN: Our top pick for an Instagram VPN. Large network of extremely fast servers able to unblock Instagram and most other restricted content. Secure and private with easy-to-use apps. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Instagram.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN for Instagram. No-logs provider that unblocks most platforms and doesn’t impose a device limit.
3. IPVanish: Reliable, versatile and fast VPN capable of accessing Instagram from almost anywhere in the world. No connection limit and keeps no logs.
4. ExpressVPN: Operates a vast network with secure and speedy server locations dotted around the globe. Tight online privacy and security, and works in China.
5. PrivateVPN: Secure and private VPN with great speeds. Unblocks sites from anywhere.
6. Private Internet Access: Easy-to-use apps, speedy servers in 80+ locations, and 24/7 support available when you need it.
7. PureVPN: A simple but effective way to unblock Instagram in places like China. Incredible performance and a large network of reliable servers.
8. ProtonVPN: Privacy-first service with lots of advanced features. Doesn’t work in China but can help you securely access Instagram from anywhere else.

The best VPNs for Instagram – At a glance

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

Our criteria for the best Instagram VPNs

Each Instagram VPN on our list has been subject to vigorous testing by a team of experts. Some of the main criteria used include:

• Ability to unblock Instagram, even in different countries. All of the providers on our list work in China.
• Apps for mobile devices like iPhones and Androids
• Strong security and privacy features
• Reliable connections and impressive speeds
• A good selection of worldwide servers

Read more on our methodology and how we test VPNs after our reviews.

Best VPNs for Instagram

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Instagram:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN is our top recommendation for an Instagram VPN. It has a huge network of servers with more than 5,000 in 60 countries. It pegs the fastest VPN speeds we’ve seen, and you can pick a server based on preferences such as P2P and double VPN. A large set of obfuscated servers works well for bypassing VPN blocks such as those imposed by the Chinese government.

The company secures web traffic with 256-bit AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy. DNS leak protection is enabled, and there’s a kill switch in all apps except Android. NordVPN keeps no logs whatsoever and accepts payment in Bitcoin, which allows for anonymous payment if used with a mixing service. If you need help, know that NordVPN provides live chat and email support around the clock.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. A single subscription grants access to six devices.

BEST VPN FOR INSTAGRAM:NordVPN is our top pick. It’s super fast, works well to unblock Instagram from anywhere, and allows up to six simultaneous connections. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, making this a risk-free deal.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a great low-cost alternative adept at unblocking Instagram and a ton of other platforms. It has a broad network of servers with roughly 3,000 in 100 countries. This VPN is also known for offering particularly fast speeds, particularly since implementing the WireGuard protocol. Surfshark’s NoBorders mode is especially helpful for getting around network restrictions.

This is a true no-logs provider that backs its privacy focus with strong online security features. You can expect military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch on all platforms, and protection against leaks. It even offers extras such as a malware and tracker blocker and MultiHop servers for two layers of encryption.

A major selling point of Surfshark is that it imposes no limit on the number of devices you can connect at one time. Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is known for its unblocking abilities which are complemented with strong security and privacy features. This provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our in-depth review of Surfshark.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish owns and operates servers in dozens of countries, plus it excels at flying under the radar. In other words, it’s a great way to access Instagram securely, even in places where the site isn’t normally accessible. This service is extremely fast too, with average speeds of over 300 Mbps. Unless your base internet speeds are extremely slow, you’re unlikely to notice any performance issues, even when going live. If you do run into trouble, support staff are on hand 24 hours per day via live chat.

Plenty of VPNs claim to keep no logs but IPVanish has been audited, proving it beyond all doubt. It includes a wide range of security features, such as uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and automatic tracker blocking. If the network you’re using normally blocks VPN traffic, just activate the obfuscation tool – this hides any indicators that you’re using a VPN in the first place. While IPVanish works perfectly in places like the UAE, it’s not a reliable option for people in China. Additionally, the IPVanish website may be blocked depending on your location, so you’ll have to download and install the app before arriving.

IPVanish works with Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS platforms. It also provides manual configuration guides for most popular types of router.

KEEPS NO LOGS:IPVanish puts your privacy first by refusing to store any details of your activities. Effortlessly unblocks Instagram and similar sites without compromising on performance. Long-term subscribers can take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more with our comprehensive IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN uses rugged encryption protocols and works reliably in China (with no special setup required). This VPN operates a vast server network comprising 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries. Apps include a ‘Smart Location’ feature, which selects the fastest connection based on your current location.

ExpressVPN’s encryption standards will keep you protected – this provider leverages 256-bit AES with perfect forward secrecy by default. A kill switch (dubbed a network lock) in the desktop apps will freeze web traffic if the connection drops, and leak protection is built into all apps. ExpressVPN also offers particularly good customer support which you can contact 24 hours a day via live chat as well as email.

A single subscription grants access to five devices simultaneously. There are apps for both Android and iOS as well as desktop clients for Windows, Linux, and MacOS.

UNBLOCK ANYTHING:ExpressVPN is a great unblocker. It enables access to restricted and censored services and has a vast network of servers optimized for speedy connections. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our full review of ExpressVPN.

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5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is an even smaller provider but still a worthy contender as an Instagram VPN. It only operates around 200 servers in 60 countries but prioritizes providing access to blocked platforms and services. The VPN works well in China and other restrictive countries. Using the “Stealth VPN” mode will obfuscate your traffic to ensure it’s undetectable.

We’ve found PrivateVPN to offer good speeds for browsing, streaming, and torrenting. This provider employs 256-bit AES military-grade encryption along with perfect forward secrecy by default. Apps have built-in leak protection and the Windows client includes a kill switch. No logs are maintained at all. PrivateVPN stands out for providing free remote help and installation should you need it.

Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android, and desktop clients for Windows and macOS. You can connect up to six devices at a time.

MAINTAIN PRIVACY:PrivateVPN has a stealth mode to help you access all your favorite services. Plus it’s secure and private. Plans come with a 30-day refund policy.

Find out more details in our full PrivateVPN review.

6. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access and Instagram are an ideal match, with PIA effortlessly unblocking the social media platform from any of its servers in 80+ locations. PIA uses military-grade encryption to keep Instagram and other online activities safe from prying eyes like your ISP. Speeds are more than fast enough for streaming videos on Instagram thanks to PIA’s unlimited bandwidth and use of the WireGuard protocol.

PIA doesn’t monitor your activity and bolsters your privacy with ad blocking, malware blocking, a network kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Unfortunately, PIA is based in the United States, meaning it is a member of the Five Eyes Alliance. However, it is transparent in its privacy policy and has appeared in court where it’s been requested to provide logs of user data but hasn’t been able to provide such information.

Private Internet Access gives users a 10 simultaneous connection limit and provides support 24/7. Its apps are available on desktop and mobile. Try Private Internet Access for 30 days risk-free today.

MILITARY-GRADE ENCRYPTION:Private Internet Access has fast, reliable servers in 80+ locations. It offers 24/7 support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Private Internet Access.

7. PureVPN

PureVPN is a fantastic option for anyone hoping to use Instagram safely abroad. It boasts more than 6,000 servers in 65 countries as well as average speeds approaching 400 Mbps. This means you’re unlikely to experience stuttering or buffering, and should even be able to broadcast your own live streams without any issues. It’s not just Instagram either: this VPN works with platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Netflix, to name but a few services. There is a 10-connection limit and support staff are on-hand 24 hours per day over live chat.

Let’s talk about security. PureVPN uses industry-approved encryption and supports multiple connection protocols. It also offers safeguards like a kill switch (that stops sending data the moment your connection drops) and automatic leak protection. User traffic is obfuscated as needed and since there’s a strict no-logs policy in place, you don’t have to worry about anyone monitoring your activities. Be aware that while all versions of the app show a tracker-blocking feature, this is actually only available to Plus and Max subscribers.

PureVPN has its own Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux apps. Further, it supports a wide range of routers, though you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions for these.

FASTER THAN MOST:PureVPN is one of the quickest services we’ve tested and works flawlessly with Instagram. Not only that, but you’ll be able to stream, use public Wifi, and torrent safely too.

Check out our PureVPN review.

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8. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN has an extensive network, with roughly 3,800 servers throughout 85 countries. In other words, there’ll almost always be a high-speed server nearby. On that note, this provider is extremely fast, averaging roughly 330 Mbps – that’s quick enough for streaming live 4K video, never mind Instagram reels. Users can reliably access all manner of geo-blocked platforms including Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus, though at the time of writing, this service does not work in China. If you run into any problems, support staff are available 24 hours per day.

One of the great things about ProtonVPN is its versatility. You can choose to allow certain apps to bypass the VPN entirely, set up port forwarding, or block ads and trackers automatically. There are also Secure Core servers that route your data through multiple countries for a second layer of protection. ProtonVPN uses industry-approved encryption and follows a strict no-logs policy (a fact verified by independent auditors). Looking for even greater anonymity? In that case, consider paying via cash or Bitcoin.

Proton VPN has apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Alternatively, you can follow manual setup instructions to get it running on most home routers.

DOESN’T KEEP LOGS:ProtonVPN is a solid choice for anyone hoping to use Instagram while traveling. Boasts exceptionally high speeds, a no-logging policy, and a wide variety of security features.

Read our full ProtonVPN review.

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How to access Instagram with a VPN

Getting started with a VPN is really very simple, just follow the step-by-step guide below.

Here’s how to use a VPN for Instagram so you can get access anywhere:

1. Select a VPN that’s best suited for you and submit payment. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the relevant app for your device.
3. Log in and connect to a server in a location of your choice.
4. Once the connection is established, open Instagram and use it normally.
5. If you’re still unable to access Instagram try clearing your browser’s cookies and reloading the app.

If you run into any issues, contact your VPN provider for help with troubleshooting.

Finding the best VPNs for Instagram: our methodology

In deciding the best VPNs for Instagram, there are several factors to take into account. Aside from the ability to unblock the social media platform, a VPN should offer good speeds and strong security. Below, we outline our methodology, which led us to the VPNs as listed in this post.

• Servers worldwide: Having access to servers worldwide makes it much easier to unblock Instagram and find a fast server close to your physical location. All of the VPNs we’ve covered offer large server networks, some with thousands of servers across dozens of countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and Japan.
• Speed: Server speed is particularly important if you’re streaming content on Instagram. VPNs offering fast connections and unlimited bandwidth (such as those listed in this post) allow you to watch without issues such as lag and buffering. Our speed tests helped us find the fastest VPNs for use with Instagram.
• Unblocking: Instagram is blocked in China and many schools and workplaces. We’ve found the VPNs that are most reliable when it comes to bypassing restrictions. This was achieved by testing each VPN against various region-locked websites and services, Instagram included.
• Security: In order to browse Instagram securely, you need a VPN that offers the following: high-end encryption (256-bit AES), protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch. It may be that you’d like an extra layer of security in which case, you may wish to consider NordVPN and Surfshark, both of which offer Double VPN servers.
• Privacy: Without a VPN, your ISP (and possibly your government) can see your online work. If you’d like your Instagram and other browsing activity to remain private, you need a VPN which encrypts your data and operates a no-logs policy. We’ve looked at more than 140 VPN logging policies in order to find the very best.
• Ease of use: In looking for the above, we are able to try out VPN apps and find those that are particularly user-friendly. All of them make it easy to get started while 24/7 live chat and email support is at hand should you need it. Most of the VPNs also offer the option of browser extensions for even quicker access to servers.
• Value for money: We feel that the best VPNs for Instagram offer excellent value for money. Aside from these VPNs frequently running special deals, you can save even more on the subscription price with the VPN discount coupons provided in this post. Remember, all of the VPNs listed come with a risk-free money-back guarantee.
• Mobile apps: Most of us use Instagram on our phones, and so naturally, a VPN for Instagram has to work great on mobile devices. We test each provider on IOS and Android phones to ensure a smooth experience.

Of course, we don’t just look for the above features. To determine if a VPN offers the above (and to what extent), we need to try it out for ourselves as part of our VPN testing methodology.

Instagram VPN FAQs