Despite being one of the world’s most popular adult sites, Pornhub is completely inaccessible in Texas. Texans attempting to visit the site are instead greeted by a lengthy message laying out the company’s response to the state’s mandatory age-verification laws. However, it’s actually surprisingly simple to unblock Pornhub within Texas using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
These tools let you connect to a server in another location. In doing so, you’re assigned a different IP address, which makes websites think you’re somewhere else entirely. In this case, connecting to a VPN server in a US state outside Texas (as well as outside other US states with similar age verification laws) allows you to unblock Pornhub and access it as normal.
Here are the best VPNs for bypassing the Texas Pornhub ban:
- NordVPN: The best VPN for bypassing the Texas Pornhub ban. Roughly 2,000 servers in the US alone. Very fast speeds for lag-free streaming. Doesn’t keep logs of your activities.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Pornhub. - Surfshark: Best value VPN for bypassing the Texas Pornhub ban. High-speed servers and no simultaneous connection limit. Works with Pornhub and 30+ Netflix libraries.
- IPVanish: One of the fastest VPNs on the market, boasting 1,400+ servers in North America. Connect all of your devices simultaneously. Has an audited zero-logs policy.
- ExpressVPN: Servers covering 105 countries. Makes light work of Pornhub as well as Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Strong encryption, user-friendly apps, and excellent support.
- PureVPN: Excellent option for streaming Pornhub thanks to its large server network, fast speeds, and strong unblocking ability. Excellent value for money.
- CyberGhost: 2,000+ servers in the US to easily navigate the Texas Pornhub ban. Also works well with Netflix US. No-logs VPN provider with comprehensive security features.
- Proton VPN: Works with Pornhub and many other streaming sites. High-speed connections and has a strict no-logs policy. Pay anonymously in cash.
- PrivateVPN: A newcomer-friendly VPN capable of unblocking porn sites and most popular streaming platforms. Steady speeds and powerful security tools.
Many VPNs claim to protect your privacy and offer a fast, reliable connection but most (especially free VPNs) limit your connection speed or leak information.
We regularly test the top 70 VPNs for security and speed and this list only includes VPNs which are fast, reliable and are highly rated for privacy and security. Plus we only recommend VPNs which offer a full-money back guarantee allowing you to try them risk free.
How to bypass the Texas Pornhub ban
A VPN is the quickest and easiest way to bypass the Texas Pornhub ban, as well as restrictions surrounding other adult sites. To do this, follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Here’s how to bypass the Texas Pornhub ban with a VPN:
- First, sign up with a quality VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app that’s compatible with your device.
- Log in to NordVPN and connect to a server in a US state (or another country) that doesn’t have a porn ban.
- You can now go to Pornhub whose content should now be unblocked.
- Still blocked? Clear your browser’s cookies to make sure your previous IP address has been forgotten. Failing this, try connecting to a different server.
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How we chose the best VPNs for bypassing the ban
Not every VPN will get you around the Texas Pornhub ban. Not only do some VPNs fall short when it comes to unblocking, they may also be too slow for streaming and lack the security and privacy protection you need. We found the best VPNs for navigating the Texas Pornhub ban by looking for those that offer all of the following:
- Servers in the US and abroad that unblock Pornhub in Texas
- Fast, unthrottled connections for lag-free streaming (even in 4K resolution)
- Strong encryption so your data cannot be read by snoopers
- Doesn’t keep any logs that can be tied to your identity
- Provides apps for all major operating systems
- Allows multiple simultaneous connections per account
- Live chat and email support, preferably available 24/7
VPNs for watching porn in Texas compared
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 watching porn.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | PureVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN | PrivateVPN |
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | PureVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | ProtonVPN.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Porn | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Avg Speed (US) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | US Servers | 16 locations | 22 locations | 20 locations | 15 locations | 13 locations | 11 locations | 17 locations | 12 locations | Total number of servers | 7,425 | 3,200 | 2,400 | Undisclosed | 6,000+ | 8,000+ | 12,061 | 200+ | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Chromebook, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $3.09 Up to 77% off 2 year plans + 3 months free | $1.99 86% OFF + 3 months free | $6.49 Best MONTHLY deal | $4.99 SAVE: 61% + 4 months free on 2 year plans | $1.99 85% off the 5-yr standard plan | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free! | $3.59 SAVE 64% on a 2-year plan | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
Best VPNs to bypass the Texas Pornhub ban
Here are our full reviews of the best VPNs for bypassing the Texas Pornhub ban:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 9.4 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.6 / 10 |
Functionality: | 8.4 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
US speed: | 10.0 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.5 / 10 |
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is a highly reliable unblocker of geo-restricted content. This is helped by the fact that it has one of the largest server networks of any VPN. At the time of writing, it offers over 6,000 servers in 110+ countries. There’s no shortage of servers in the US either (these cover 15 cities in all). As such, you can not only bypass the Texas Pornhub ban, but access your favorite streaming services when traveling abroad, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video included.

Let’s talk about performance. Even if your VPN can unblock Pornhub, that won’t help if it’s not fast enough to actually stream anything. We tested NordVPN’s US servers at multiple times of day on a 250 Mbps connection to see what it’s really capable of:
NordVPN was the only provider we tested that delivered speeds of over 200 Mbps. In fact, it never dropped below 210, leading to an average of 215.26 Mbps. This means you won’t have to worry about lag, stuttering, or other playback issues, even during peak times.
You can expect a high level of security when you use it, thanks to high-end encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. NordVPN offers a number of extras too. This includes specialty Double VPN servers for an extra layer of security. It doesn’t keep identifying logs and its no-logs policy has been independently audited by Deloitte.
NordVPN now allows up to 10 simultaneous connections per account. Connect to its servers via the apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions are also available. Manual setup is required in the case of routers.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want the fastest speeds for streaming adult content
- You want access to over 2,000+ servers in 15 US cities outside Texas
- You value a no-logs policy that has been independently audited
- You want Double VPN servers for extra privacy when accessing adult content
- You need a VPN that can consistently bypass geographic restrictions
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You prefer a VPN with a Linux GUI app
BEST VPN FOR BEATING TEXAS PORNHUB BAN:NordVPN is our top choice. It has a very generous server network with servers covering over a dozen US cities. High-speed connections for lag-free streaming of Pornhub. MultiHop servers and an independently audited no-logs policy. Try NordVPN risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 9 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 8.9 / 10 |
Functionality: | 8.7 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
US speed: | 8.3 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.7 / 10 |
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark has little trouble bypassing content restrictions and the Texas Pornhub ban is no exception. Its network consists of over 3,000 servers in 100+ countries. When it comes to the US, you’ll have the choice of some 600 servers in over two dozen cities. It’s not just great for accessing porn websites either; this VPN can also reliably access platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Surfshark has a reputation as an inexpensive service that punches well above its weight on speed. To test this, we checked its speeds throughout the day (once in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon), looking at consistency as well as raw performance. Take a look at our findings in the chart below:
With an average speed of 185.76 Mbps, Surfshark was actually the second-quickest service of any in this list. You shouldn’t have any problems streaming 4K video, even if you’re torrenting and doing other things at the same time. With around 12 Mbps of difference between its highest and lowest results, it’s also one of the most reliable options on the market.
This is a great option if you have a lot of devices to secure or want to share your subscription with others at home. That’s because Surfshark has an unlimited simultaneous connection allowance. Every device can benefit from its use of military-grade encryption. The VPN also protects you from DNS and IPV6 leaks. Aside from this, Surfshark has a kill switch, MultiHop servers, and an ad, tracker, and malware blocker. It operates under a no-logs policy.
Surfshark apps are available for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. If you only want to secure your browser traffic, then Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available. Within manual configuration, Surfshark can be used with wifi routers.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want to share your VPN across unlimited devices
- You’re budget-conscious but still want excellent performance
- You need access to 600+ servers across two dozen US cities
- You want a VPN that works with 30+ Netflix libraries in addition to adult content
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You prefer a VPN with perfect feature parity across all platforms
BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark has fast servers in some two dozen US cities (and 100 countries globally). Easily unblocks Pornhub and other blocked porn sites. High level of security with extras including MultiHop servers. Unlimited connections. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review.
3. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8.9 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.4 / 10 |
Functionality: | 8.3 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
US speed: | 8.2 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.6 / 10 |
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish has a server network that covers dozens of countries but its North America server count (1,400+ in two dozen cities) is particularly impressive. It has improved significantly when it comes to server speed, now ranking among the fastest VPNs available. It uses the lightweight WireGuard protocol, so your streaming should be free from buffering and lag. IPVanish doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect at the same time either.

So, is IPVanish fast enough to provide a stable streaming experience? We put its American servers to the test to find out. Note that we used a 250 Mbps connection since that’s the average US household broadband speed, so if your base connection is slower, your actual speeds while connected will be too. Here are our results:
Following a full day of testing, IPVanish delivered an average speed of 183.71 Mbps. This is quick enough to download a 1GB file in less than a minute and is more than 10x faster than the speeds required to stream 4K video. In other words, this provider can handle Pornhub, gaming, torrenting, or anything else you throw at it without breaking a sweat.
You can browse and stream anonymously when you use IPVanish. Not only does it secure your data with 256-bit encryption, you’re also protected from DNS and IP leaks. Its apps come with a kill switch which cuts your traffic in the event that the VPN connection drops. IPVanish operates a zero-logs policy and now has a Threat Protection feature (available on most of its apps) which protects your devices from ads, trackers, and malicious websites.
IPVanish apps can be downloaded for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. It doesn’t offer any browser extensions however. It can be manually set up to work with Linux as well as compatible routers.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need unlimited simultaneous connections for all your devices
- You want access to a massive North American server network
- You need consistently high speeds with the WireGuard protocol
- You want a VPN that blocks ads and trackers
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re concerned about privacy implications of a US-based VPN
EXTRA PROTECTION:IPVanish has a lot of servers in the US and Canada (1,400+) and is more than fast enough for streaming Pornhub in high resolution. Secure all of your devices at the same time. Security includes a new ad and tracker blocker. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full IPVanish review.
4. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8.1 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.3 / 10 |
Functionality: | 8.8 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.2 / 10 |
US speed: | 5.0 / 10 |
Value for money: | 8.4 / 10 |
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is a very strong all-rounder with servers in a dozen US cities including Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York. You’ll be able to use it to navigate the Texas Pornhub ban as well as access streaming services including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Overall, ExpressVPN’s servers cover 105 countries and it offers very good speeds so you can stream, torrent, and play games without restriction. You can use it on up to 8 devices at the same time.

Speed is a crucial factor for any VPN, but especially if your goal is to stream. Our expert reviewers performed several speed tests on ExpressVPN’s US servers, tracking its performance and reliability throughout a typical day. Take a look at our findings in the chart below:
Overall, there was just 10 Mbps of difference between its highest and lowest results, which is actually quite impressive. ExpressVPN’s average speed was 130.01 Mbps. That’s not the fastest we’ve seen but it’s definately competitive and significantly more than you’ll need for uninterrupted streaming, even at 4K resolution.
This VPN has particularly good customer support. Available 24/7 via live chat and email, it provides very fast and knowledgeable replies. When you add to this ExpressVPN’s excellent, user-friendly apps, you have a VPN that’s ideal for first time VPN users. All of your internet traffic is secured with 256-bit encryption so nobody can see what you’re doing online. ExpressVPN is a no-logs service that also offers a kill switch and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection.
ExpressVPN servers can be accessed with its apps for desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS). It also has an app for Amazon Fire TV, as well as Chrome, Firefox, and edge extensions. ExpressVPN even offers custom router firmware.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need servers in unique US locations that other VPNs don’t offer
- You want excellent 24/7 customer support
- You need highly consistent speeds throughout the day
- You want a user-friendly interface that’s ideal for VPN beginners
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need to connect more than eight devices simultaneously
- You’re on a tight budget
SPEED AND SECURITY:ExpressVPN is strong in all areas, making it ideal for secure browsing and streaming. Servers in 105 countries and offers unlimited bandwidth. Works with Pornhuhb in Texas and is compatible with the likes of Netflix. Excellent support. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
5. PureVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
Functionality: | 7.4 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.7 / 10 |
US speed: | 6.7 / 10 |
Value for money: | 8.1 / 10 |
Website: www.PureVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS
PureVPN is a VPN that continues to make great strides in all areas. Its generous server network consists of over 6,000 servers in 65 countries. This includes more than a dozen US cities including Los Angeles and New York. It had no trouble navigating the Texas Pornhub ban or accessing streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.

PureVPN is known for its strong performance so we had high hopes for it going into our speed testing. After three tests (at different times of day), its US servers provided an average speed of 158.67 Mbps. Not bad at all, and definately more than you’ll need for a smooth viewing experience. In fact, you should be fine even if other people are using the internet at the same time.
With PureVPN, you’ll be able to connect up to 10 of your devices at once. Depending on the VPN protocol you use, your devices will be secured with 256-bit AES or ChaCha20 encryption. Of course, there’s also DNS leak protection and a kill switch. If you opt for either PureVPN’s Plus or Max plan, you’ll even have access to a password manager and end-to-end file encryption. PureVPN operates a no-logs policy.
You can find PureVPN apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. With manual setup, you can use PureVPN with compatible routers.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want additional security features like a password manager
- You need good speeds for streaming adult content
- You want a large global server network
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You require port forwarding without paying extra
- You want a clean, uncluttered interface
VASTLY IMPROVED:PureVPN is now one of the stronger options in the VPN market, providing plenty of servers as well as high-speed connections for streaming Pornhub. Use it on up to 10 devices at once. No-logs VPN with a 31-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PureVPN review.
6. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
Functionality: | 6.8 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
US speed: | 5.8 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.5 / 10 |
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost provides plenty of servers for you to access Pornhub in Texas. Whether you want to connect to a server in the US (2,000+ servers in 11 cities) or somewhere else in the world (CyberGhost’s network covers 100 countries), you’ll enjoy a fast, unthrottled connection. Its speeds are such that it’s perfect for streaming. This is thanks to the fact that it uses the WireGuard protocol. We found it worked well with the likes of Netflix US, Hulu, and Prime Video.

When it comes to speed, CyberGhost is definately competitive. We performed three tests at different times of day and came away with an average US download speed of 142.59 Mbps. For context, that’ll let you download a gigabyte of data in less than a minute or queue up around 10 4K videos before you start to see any slowdown.
This is a VPN that protects user privacy. Not only does it not keep logs by which you can be identified, its no-logs policy has been independently audited to prove it. Security consists of 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch feature, and DNS leak protection. You can also find some extras including CyberGhost’s Windows security suite, complete with an antivirus. If you need help, CyberGhost has 24-hour support which is reachable by live chat and email.
Secure seven devices at once with CyberGhost’s Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV apps. You’ll find Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Use with routers requires you to manually configure the connection.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want access to the largest US server network
- You prefer a VPN with a longer money-back guarantee
- You need a VPN with specialized servers for streaming
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN that works in China
- You’re concerned about the collection of some non-identifying logs
2,000+ US SERVERS:CyberGhost has more US servers than any other VPN on this list. Easily access Pornhub from anywhere. Good speeds for streaming lag-free. Use it on seven devices at once. No-logs VPN with a high level of security. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
7. Proton VPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 7.6 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 8.8 / 10 |
Functionality: | 6.9 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.3 / 10 |
US speed: | 5.8 / 10 |
Value for money: | 7.4 / 10 |
Website: www.ProtonVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Proton VPN has thousands of servers in some 110 countries so it’s well positioned to bypass a variety of geographic restrictions, Pornhub included. There are more than 1,000 servers in the US in over a dozen cities. It’s also a great choice for accessing popular streaming platforms since it goes undetected by services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.

This provider is known for its security, but how does its performance hold up against the competition? To find out, our experts testing its American servers at various points during the day and recorded the results. Let’s take a look:
Despite having some room for improvement where consistency is concerned, ProtonVPN nevertheless managed an impressive 142.56 Mbps. Whether you’re hoping to watch adult content, download large files, or play games with friends, this VPN is more than up to the task.
This is a particularly privacy-friendly VPN in that it operates a true (and independently audited) no-logs policy and even lets you pay for your VPN subscription in cash (which is rare for a VPN). It also has a reputation for offering uncompromising security. This includes 256-bit AES encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch. Proton VPN also offers an ad blocker and Secure Core (Double VPN) servers.
Access Proton VPN server via its apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Or if you prefer, you can use its browser extension for Chrome or Firefox. It can also be manually set up to work with select routers.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want maximum privacy with the option to pay in cash
- You need Secure Core (Double VPN) servers for additional security
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want the most affordable option
- You need consistent speeds throughout the day
PRIVACY-FRIENDLY:Proton VPN has over 1,000 US servers, works well with Pornhub (and many popular streaming platforms), and includes many security features. Independently audited no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Proton VPN review.
8. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 6.1 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 8.6 / 10 |
Functionality: | 4.1 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.6 / 10 |
US speed: | 1.0 / 10 |
Value for money: | 8.2 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is a smaller VPN provider with just over 200 servers, albeit in more than 60 countries. Its network covers a dozen US cities so you’re sure to find a fast, low load server for accessing Pornhub. PrivateVPN offers unlimited bandwidth so there’s no limit to how much streaming you can do.

This VPN’s speeds aren’t quite as fast as the other VPNs covered in this post but are still more than adequate for streaming as well as torrenting. Following our three tests on its US servers, we noted an average speed of 51.20 Mbps. That’s plenty for anyone looking to access Pornhub and better still, there was very little fluctuation throughout the day.
Unlike many VPNs which keep some connection logs, PrivateVPN doesn’t keep any logs whatsoever. Aside from a comprehensive no-logs policy, this VPN provider has all of the essential security features we look for: 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Although PrivateVPN doesn’t provide 24-hour live chat support, it’s still of high quality. You’ll likely receive a quick and helpful reply. Remote help and installation is available.
PrivateVPN offers the following apps: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. You can use it with Linux and select routers but this has to be set up manually.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a simple, well-organized interface that’s easy to navigate
- You want a VPN that displays ping information to find the fastest server
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need the fastest possible speeds
- You want 24/7 live chat support
FREE REMOTE HELP:PrivateVPN offers servers in a dozen US cities. Strong unblocking and makes light work of Pornhub. Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections per account. True no-logs policy and excellent support with free remote help. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
VPN testing methodology: Finding the best VPNs for bypassing the Texas Pornhub ban
There are a lot of VPNs that are unable to bypass the Texas Pornhub ban. You can also find other VPNs that succeed yet fall short in other areas such as server speeds for streaming. Below, we explain our methodology which helped us identify the best VPNs to use:
Speed
Streaming is a fairly data-intensive task, so you’ll need a VPN that can keep up. If it can’t, you’re much more likely to run into playback issues such as stuttering, buffering, and videos that flat out refuse to play. Note that our speed tests were run on a 250 Mbps connection, since that’s the average US household broadband speed and should more accurately reflect the speeds you can actually expect.
Our testing process is quite straightforward. We tested each VPN’s US servers (making sure to avoid any in Texas, for obvious reasons) in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon, then recorded the average of the three results. This average was then normalized, providing us with a score out of 10 for each service.
NordVPN was the fastest overall, earning a perfect score in this category. Surfshark and IPVanish delivered exceptional results as well. PrivateVPN had the lowest score but that doesn’t mean it’s unsuitable for accessing adult content — it just means that you might notice some performance issues when lots of people are using your internet at the same time.
Functionality
Next, we considered the overall functionality of each potential recommendation. This involved looking at how many US server locations they had, how large their network was (both in server count and supported countries), and how reliably they worked with major streaming services. These scores were added together and averaged, giving us a final rating out of 10 for each VPN. Let’s take a look:
ExpressVPN had the top score here, an impressive 8.8 points. Our team appreciated the ease with which is could access tricky streaming sites and the fact that it offered more American server locations than any other provider really helped it.
Security and privacy
The primary goal of a VPN is to keep your online activities private. We have a strict set of criteria designed to eliminate any services that don’t meet industry standards. For instance, to be eligible for a place in our list, VPNs must offer uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a no-logs policy (ideally one that’s been independently-verified). All in all, we consider the following 16 factors when assigning scores:
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | PureVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs |
IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs |
Encryption | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher |
Authentication | SHA-384 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-256 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 |
Keys | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 2048-bit | 2048-bit |
Perfect Forward Secrecy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
DNS leak protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
IPv6 leak protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Private DNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Torrenting allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Kill switch | All platforms | Mobile app-level | All platforms | Mobile app-level | Some platforms | All platforms | All platforms | Some platforms |
HQ outside 9 eyes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Obfuscation | Stealth | Stealth | Stealth | Automatic | Automatic | Stealth | Stealth | Stealth |
Supported protocols | Own protocol | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Own protocol | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only |
Anonymous payment options | Multiple | Multiple | None | Multiple | One | Multiple | One | One |
Additional security features | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Providers initially begin with a perfect score and we deduct points for every area where there could be improvement. You can see how our top VPNs compared, security-wise, in the chart below:
NordVPN and Surfshark both scored 9.5 points, putting them at the front of the pack. We were impressed by how many advanced security tools they offered and the fact that they’re able to beat censorship in places like China was a huge advantage. Still, given our lowest scorer still earned 8.6 points, you’re safe regardless which of our recommendations you decide to use.
Ease of use
The easier your VPN is to use, the better. We consider several key characteristics of each service to determine which go the extra mile to reduce friction during day to day usage. For instance, do they have a reasonable connection limit? Are there servers designed for specific tasks? If something goes wrong, is it quick and easy to speak with customer support? You’ll find all of our judging criteria in the table below:
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | PureVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apps for all major platforms | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Novice-friendly design | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ease of signup (reviewer to score) | 5 (easy) | 4 | 5 (easy) | 5 (easy) | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Router support | Standard | Standard | Standard | App | App | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Unblocking consistency | Great | Great | Great | Generally works | Great | Great | Great | Generally works |
Task specific servers | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Network | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries |
Ease of cancellation | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy |
Interface | Well-organised | A little cluttered | Well-organised | Well-organised | A little cluttered | A little cluttered | Takes some getting used to | Well-organised |
Feature parity | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | All features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions |
NordVPN took the top spot again with a fantastic 9.6 points. This service is streamlined and novice-friendly yet still manages to provide a ton of advanced functionality in a way that won’t alienate beginners. IPVanish did well too, thanks to its strong streaming ability, simple interface, and 24/7 support.
Value for money
Even if a VPN has everything we’re looking for, we’re not going to recommend it if it’s overpriced. Our experts carefully compare each service to similarly-priced rivals to make sure you’re really getting your money’s worth. We also look for ways to cut the cost even further, for instance by taking advantage of student discounts or signing up for longer periods of time upfront. Every VPN we recommend must have a money-back guarantee so you can try it without risking your hard-earned cash.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | PureVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Money-back guarantee | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Connection limit | 6+ | Unlimited | Unlimited | 6+ | 6+ | 6+ | 6+ | 6+ |
Subscription terms | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ |
Sale frequency | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals |
Monthly pricing | <$13 | <$10 | <$13 | $15+ | <$13 | <$13 | <$10 | <$10 |
Lowest price | <$5 | <$5 | <$5 | $5+ | <$5 | <$5 | $5+ | <$5 |
Free trial available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Student discount | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Surfshark had the highest score here, closely followed by IPVanish. Both of these services boast impressive speeds and the ability to access most geo-blocked platforms, plus they allow you to connect every device you own. ProtonVPN had the lowest score in this category but it also has a free plan that you can use indefinately.
The above is just an overview of our methodology which helped us identify the right VPNs for bypassing the Texas Pornhub ban. To find you more about our process, head over to our VPN testing methodology post.
Why is Pornhub blocked in Texas?
Pornhub is no longer accessible in Texas after the state passed a controversial age verification law in 2023. The Lone Star State claims it wants to protect children from adult content. However, Pornhub argues that the law is ineffective and puts user privacy at risk. After a Texas appeals court recently upheld the bill, Pornhub pulled out of the state in protest.
The result of this fallout is that when opening Pornhub in Texas, the site displays a message explaining the situation and its stance on it. You won’t be able to enter Pornhub and view its content. If you’re concerned about providing your personal information and revealing your online activities, you can bypass the Texas Pornhub ban with the help of a VPN.
Can I use a free VPN to access Pornhub?
It’s not a good idea to use a free VPN to access Pornhub. For starters, many free VPNs simply won’t be able to get around the restrictions. Free VPNs tend to offer only a small number of servers, locations, and IP addresses. This proves limiting when it comes to unblocking geo-restricted websites and services. They usually throttle bandwidth too, so even if you did unblock Pornhub from Texas, chances are the speeds would be too slow for streaming.
There are also security and privacy-related concerns with using free VPNs. You can’t be sure that your data will be properly encrypted, potentially leaving it vulnerable to hackers and snoopers alike. This could allow your ISP to continue to see the sites you’re visiting. Some free VPNs are known to log user data as well. This data, which includes browsing activity, is often sold to third parties, potentially compromising your privacy. Free VPNs just pose too many risks.
VPNs for Pornhub: FAQs
Which other US states have a porn ban?
Texas isn’t the only state to have taken action against adult sites such as Pornhub. Indeed, the following US states require you to verify your age to watch porn:
- Louisiana
- Arkansas
- South Dakota
- Virginia
- Utah
- Montana
- Texas
- North Carolina
- Indiana
- Idaho
- Florida
- Kentucky
- Nebraska
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Kansas
- Oklahoma
- Mississippi
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
Is it legal to use a VPN to bypass the Texas Pornhub ban?
VPNs are legal in the US and are used not only to secure your connection, but to bypass restrictions on content such as Pornhub. The adult site hasn’t agreed to Texas’ requirement for users to verify their age so users in Texas don’t have a choice to provide this even if they wanted to. The only way to access the site is to do so from outside Texas or by connecting to a VPN server that’s located outside Texas. As yet, there’s no law against using a VPN to do this.
Note: We are not lawyers and nothing in this article should be taken as legal advice.
Will my ISP be able to tell that I’m using a VPN?
Your ISP can detect a VPN is being used. There are a number of telltale signs including encrypted traffic to a single IP address and the use of certain VPN protocols. Fortunately, this is the extent of what your ISP can see. Due to the fact that a VPN encrypts your data, your ISP can’t see which websites you’re accessing, Pornhub included. This allows you to browse and stream freely and anonymously regardless of where you’re located.
Will a VPN slow my internet connection?
Yes, a VPN will usually slow your connection. This is caused by the encryption and data re-routing process that takes place. The good news however is that you won’t necessarily notice a difference in your connection speed, particularly if you use a fast VPN and connect to a server near your location. Some VPNs are much faster than others, and are more suitable for more bandwidth-heavy tasks such as streaming, torrenting, and online gaming.