best tiktok vpn

Best TikTok VPN to Use in 2025: TikTok Unblocked

Last update: January 20, 2025

Quick Summary: Best VPNs for TikTok

  1. NordVPN — Best VPN for TikTok
  2. Surfshark — Most Affordable TikTok VPN
  3. ExpressVPN — Best for Bypassing TikTok Censorship
  4. CyberGhost — Beginner-Friendly TikTok VPN
  5. Private Internet Access — Unlimited Simultaneous Device Connections
Overall Rating 9.3 / 10
Visit NordVPN

NordVPN is the best TikTok VPN. It offers fast speeds for buffer-free videos, reliable security and privacy, and dedicated IPs that help avoid shadowbans by always connecting from the same address. You can try a NordVPN subscription with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 2 billion users globally. However, not every country in the world is thrilled about TikTok’s ties with the Chinese government and its history of collecting data on users. Some countries have banned TikTok for all citizens, while other countries have banned the app on official government devices. 

If you live in one of these countries or plan to travel to one, you will need a TikTok VPN for browsing TikTok — or help you create an account in a different country and get the latest app updates from the Apple app store or Google Play store. The best VPNs can spoof your location by changing your IP address to bypass geoblocks.

Today, we’ll cover the five best VPNs for TikTok. If you’re looking for a quick answer, my top pick is NordVPN, and all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can make sure it works before committing to a long-term plan.

Overall Rating 9.3 / 10
Visit NordVPN
Overall Rating 9.2 / 10
Visit Surfshark
Overall Rating 9.1 / 10
Get 49% Off ExpressVPN
Overall Rating 7.5 / 10
Visit CyberGhost
Overall Rating 8.7 / 10
Visit Private Internet Access

Why Use a VPN for TikTok?

You can use a VPN for TikTok to change your location to a region without TikTok restrictions. This will let you continue to receive TikTok app updates directly from the app store and bypass TikTok’s block.

A VPN completely hides your real IP address and location from anyone with the means to monitor your online activities. This includes your internet service provider (ISP), which may be compelled to share your information with the government.

Where Is TikTok Banned?

CountryTikTok Ban Status
Australia, the U.K., Estonia, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Austria, Canada, Taiwan, New Zealand, France, Malta, Latvia, Ireland
Banned on government devices
Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, Nepal, Hong Kong, India, Jordan, North Korea, Senegal, Somalia, UzbekistanFully banned
RussiaUsers can access old content only
ChinaHas a different version called Douyin

United States
Banned on government devices; Potential full ban on Jan. 19, 2025

The US TikTok Ban

The U.S. government passed a law in 2024 for national security reasons that would effectively block TikTok for U.S. users unless ByteDance — the Chinese company that owns the social media platform — sells it. The law goes into effect on Jan. 19, 2025.

If ByteDance doesn’t sell TikTok to a U.S.-approved buyer and the ban takes effect, TikTok will be removed from U.S.-based internet browsers and app stores in the U.S. jurisdiction won’t list the TikTok app. This means you’ll still be able to use TikTok, but you won’t receive updates and, with time, it will stop working altogether. 

However, in retaliation to the ban, TikTok said it would stop offering the service to the 170 million American TikTok users. TikTok can tell where users are located based on your device’s IP address, the origin of your device’s SIM card, current language settings and more.

The situation is messy and changing hour to hour, especially because the ban goes into effect one day before incoming president Trump takes office; President Trump says he is considering reversing the ban.

No matter what happens, it’s best to be prepared: If TikTok is blocked in the United States, even temporarily, a VPN is a great tool to help get around a TikTok ban — though it might not be enough if ByteDance blocks any U.S. TikTok account based on SIM card.


How to Change Region on TikTok?

TikTok doesn’t provide an in-app setting for changing your location. The most effective way to change your location is to use a virtual private network.


What to Do When TikTok Is Not Working With VPN?

If you still can’t access TikTok when using a VPN, it might be because TikTok is blocking your country via your SIM card. You could try using an eSIM but try these troubleshooting tips first.


The Best VPNs for TikTok

Before we dive into our best VPNs for TikTok, here’s a quick summary of how they all compare across different key areas. 

VPN:Best PriceDedicated IPObfuscationSpeed DropDevices
NordVPN$3.29/month for 27 months$4.19/monthYes8%10
Surfshark$2.19/month for 27 months$3.75/monthYes6%Unlimited
ExpressVPN$4.99/month for 28 months$3.49/monthYes9%8
CyberGhost$2.03/month for 26 months$2.50/monthNo17%7
PIA$2.19/month for 26 months$2.50/monthYes12%Unlimited

How to Choose the Best VPN for TikTok

You can use free and premium VPNs to safely access TikTok. To find the right fit, consider these factors.


 1. NordVPN — Best VPN for TikTok

You can use NordVPN to bypass TikTok restrictions with over 7,000 servers.
  1. $2.99/month for 27 months
    Overall Rating 9.3 / 10
    Visit NordVPN
    Money-Back Guarantee
    30 Days
    Simultaneous Connections
    10
Pros
  • Fast NordLynx protocol
  • Obfuscated and double VPN servers
  • Dedicated IPs
Cons
  • Dedicated IPs cost extra

NordVPN has a large network of over 7,000 servers across 114 countries. This gives you plenty of TikTok unblocking options if you encounter restrictions on any network or region. However, what makes NordVPN the best TikTok VPN are the specialty servers.

There are obfuscated servers that bypass VPN blocks on networks and in regions that block virtual private networks. You can also use double VPN servers to route your TikTok traffic through two servers and make tracking even harder. This NordVPN review breaks down these features in more depth.

NordVPN speeds are very reliable thanks to the NordLynx protocol. It averaged 92 Mbps on our 100 Mbps network; incidentally, this is more than fast enough to get Netflix unblocked.

NordVPN also provides stellar security. As you’ll see in my security test results below, whether you’re using mobile data or accessing TikTok through public WiFi, no one can intercept your TikTok traffic — including your internet service provider.Plus, NordVPN offers dedicated IPs that are useful for avoiding TikTok shadowbans. However, to get this exclusive personal IP address, you have to pay an extra $4.19 per month on top of the regular VPN subscription.

My Experience With NordVPN: Hands-On Performance

NordVPN has a user-friendly interface across its Android, iOS, Windows and macOS apps. You can find any server by scrolling through the alphabetically arranged server list or using the search function.

NordVPN lists all its servers in alphabetical order for easy access.

To use obfuscated servers, you may have to switch to the OpenVPN protocol in the app settings first. In some cases, the option may not appear until you’ve switched to OpenVPN; in others, the app will prompt you to change your protocol when you select the obfuscated server.

NordVPN Test Results

I conducted a DNS leak test to see if NordVPN hides IP addresses as it claims. All I could see was the virtual server details instead of my actual IP address or the name of my ISP. This is proof that NordVPN masks your IP address.

NordVPN hides your IP address from external parties like your ISP.

NordVPN Pricing and Value

The cheapest NordVPN price option is NordVPN Basic, and it comes with three price plans. There’s a 24-month option going for $3.39 per month, a 12-month option for $4.99 per month, and a monthly plan that costs $12.99. All three plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Overall Rating 9.3 / 10
Visit NordVPN

2. Surfshark — Affordable VPN for TikTok

Surfshark is one of the most affordable TikTok VPNs, with over 3,200 servers.
  1. $1.99/month for 28 months
    Overall Rating 9.2 / 10
    Visit Surfshark
    Money-Back Guarantee
    30 Days
    Simultaneous Connections
    unlimited
Pros
  • Affordable long-term plans
  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • Dedicated IP option
Cons
  • Expensive monthly plan
  • Dedicated IP add-on costs extra

Surfshark has over 3,200 secure servers across 100 countries. You can access TikTok in most restricted regions without jeopardizing your identity or real location. These servers include MultiHop servers (double VPN), which give you an extra layer of protection in case one server fails.

Surfshark also offers an “obfuscation” feature called Camouflage Mode for circumventing VPN blocks. Camouflage Mode is automatically activated when you switch to OpenVPN. Another useful feature is NoBorders Mode, which switches you to favorable servers when it detects restrictive networks. Read this Surfshark review for a more detailed explanation.

With Surfshark, you can get dedicated IPs giving you an exclusive location that’s less suspicious than server hopping. However, Surfshark’s dedicated IPs aren’t included in the regular subscription; you have to pay an extra $3.75 per month.

The speeds that Surfshark provides are among the fastest, which is ideal for quick TikTok uploads and livestreaming. The VPN service averaged 94 Mbps against our unprotected connection of 100 Mbps, making it the fastest TikTok VPN on this list.

My Experience With Surfshark: Hands-On Performance

Surfshark has a user-friendly app with a server list that includes a search function. From the clearly labeled “server” tab, you can switch from regular locations to MultiHop and Static IPs. Surfshark is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, with support for unlimited simultaneous device connections.

Surfshark has user-friendly mobile apps ideal for unblocking and securely using TikTok.

Surfshark Test Results

I connected to an Australian server and ran the encrypted traffic through IPleak.net. The results showed only the New South Wales IP address instead of my own. This suggests that as long as you’re connected to a Surfshark server, no one can see your connection location.

Surfshark encrypts your Safari browser, hiding your real IP.

Surfshark Pricing and Value

Surfshark is among the most affordable VPNs for TikTok. The cheapest price option is called Surfshark Starter, and it comes with three plans. The 27-month option costs $2.19 per month, followed by a 15-month option going for $3.19 per month. There’s also a monthly plan that will set you back $15.45. Each Surfshark plan is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Overall Rating 9.2 / 10
Visit Surfshark

3. ExpressVPN — Automatic Obfuscation for Bypassing TikTok Censorship

ExpressVPN has over 160 server locations for unblocking TikTok in restricted regions.
  1. $6.67/month for 15 months
    Overall Rating 9.1 / 10
    Get 49% Off ExpressVPN
    Money-Back Guarantee
    30 Days
    Simultaneous Connections
    8
Pros
  • Fast and automatic obfuscation
  • Dedicated IPs
  • 8 simultaneous device connections
Cons
  • Dedicated IP add-on is costly
  • Expensive plans

ExpressVPN has fast and automatic obfuscation. Unlike the other TikTok VPNs, you don’t need to switch protocols to use obfuscation, which means you can bypass blocks with the ultra-fast Lightway protocol. Each of its servers is fast enough for watching TikTok videos and livestreams without interruptions.

ExpressVPN also ranks among the most secure options. You can access TikTok on mobile data, home WiFi or public hotspots without the risk of traffic interception. ExpressVPN also offers a dedicated IP to avoid shadowbans, although that will cost you an extra $3.49 per month.

You get over 160 server locations distributed across the globe, including a combined total of nine locations in Africa and the Middle East. You’ll have plenty of server options to bypass TikTok restrictions or get better deals on cheaper TikTok shops from other countries.

Thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN is fast, as discussed in this ExpressVPN review. It averaged 91 Mbps against our unprotected speeds of 100 Mbps. With that kind of speed, you can watch videos and livestream non-stop without worrying about buffering.

My Experience With ExpressVPN: Hands-On Performance

ExpressVPN is compatible with all TikTok-supporting devices that run Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. You can connect up to eight devices simultaneously — not as many as Surfshark, but enough for you and a few of your friends.

Using ExpressVPN for TikTok is easy because all its apps are user-friendly. For example, the servers are grouped by continent to save you time. You can use the “help” button within the app to get in touch with customer support if you run into issues.

With ExpressVPN, you can unblock TikTok from almost every place on the globe.

ExpressVPN Test Results

I connected to a Swiss server and tested ExpressVPN for IP and DNS leaks. The test results displayed only the Swiss IP address. This is what someone would see if they tried to spy on where I’m using TikTok.

ExpressVPN doesn’t expose your IP address or ISP details to snoopers trying to track you.

ExpressVPN Pricing and Value

ExpressVPN isn’t a cheap VPN when compared to the rest of the providers on this list. You can choose from two price options. The 28-month plan goes for $4.99 per month, and the 15-month plan costs $6.67 per month. All ExpressVPN plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Overall Rating 9.1 / 10
Get 49% Off ExpressVPN

4. CyberGhost — Beginner-Friendly VPN for TikTok

CyberGhost VPN comes with thousands of servers for accessing TikTok in blocked regions and networks.
  1. $2.03/month for 26 months
    Overall Rating 7.5 / 10
    Visit CyberGhost
    Money-Back Guarantee
    45 Days
    Simultaneous Connections
    7
Pros
  • Dedicated IPs
  • User-friendly TikTok VPN
  • Dedicated streaming servers
Cons
  • No obfuscation

CyberGhost has thousands of servers that can get past TikTok restrictions on your school and work network, as well as in censored regions around the world. Another advantage of this huge server network is that you can simply hop onto another nearby server anytime the one you’re accessing gets blocked.

CyberGhost’s security also ensures that no one can pinpoint your location, be it the government, your ISP or TikTok itself. My tests below explain why I can say that with confidence. You can securely access TikTok on unsecured public WiFi without worrying about snoopers too, as we discuss in this CyberGhost review

However, the lack of obfuscation makes CyberGhost unreliable if you’re in highly censored regions that block VPNs. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about TikTok shadowbans because CyberGhost offers dedicated IPs you can use to maintain one exclusive location. The dedicated IPs cost extra, though.

The speeds that CyberGhost offers are fast enough to watch all types of videos on TikTok without interruptions. CyberGhost averaged 83 Mbps on our unprotected network of 100 Mbps. The VPN even comes with IKEv2, a protocol that performs faster for those accessing TikTok through mobile data.

My Experience With CyberGhost: Hands-On Performance

On mobile devices, which are the primary way to access TikTok, CyberGhost provides one of the smoothest user experiences. You can use a server search function to find the locations you want and quickly switch to another with very short delays in between.

CyberGhost VPN has a large number of servers worldwide for unblocking TikTok.

CyberGhost Test Results

My IP and DNS leak tests were successful for CyberGhost. The results showed only the virtual São Paulo IP address instead of my actual Kenyan IP address, proof that CyberGhost masks your entire traffic. 

CyberGhost passed the DNS leak test, completely hiding my IP address.

CyberGhost Pricing and Value

CyberGhost is a fairly affordable VPN with three price plans. It offers the best deal through a 26-month plan that costs $2.19 per month, followed by a six-month option going for $6.99 per month. These two CyberGhost plans are covered by a 45-day money-back guarantee, the longest on this list. The monthly plan comes with a 14-day refund period.

Overall Rating 7.5 / 10
Visit CyberGhost

5. Private Internet Access — Unlimited Simultaneous Device Connections

You can connect an unlimited number of TikTok devices on a single PIA account.
  1. $2.19 / month
    Overall Rating 8.7 / 10
    Visit Private Internet Access
    Money-Back Guarantee
    30 Days
    Simultaneous Connections
    Unlimited
Pros
  • Dedicated IPs
  • Budget-friendly plans
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons
  • Dedicated IPs cost extra

Wrapping up our list of the best VPNs for TikTok is Private Internet Access (PIA). It’s a very fast VPN, averaging 88 Mbps on our 100 Mbps unprotected network. With this, you can scroll through TikTok videos for hours without dealing with freezes. If you’re a TikTok content creator, these speeds are enough for quick video uploads.

Another helpful feature you can use for TikTok is obfuscation through a Shadowsocks proxy. This hides traces of VPN usage from your traffic, making it easier to bypass VPN blocks. PIA’s obfuscation is a little different from other VPNs because it’s combined with multi-hop (double VPN), which does cause some occasional speed drops.

Additionally, to avoid being targeted with TikTok shadowbans, you can use PIA’s dedicated IP to access the platform exclusively from a fixed location. However, you’ll need to pay an extra $2.50 per month for a dedicated IP address add-on.

My Experience With Private Internet Access: Hands-On Performance

All the mobile Private Internet Access apps are easily navigable. There’s an “optimal location” feature that provides a list of the fastest servers, each displaying latencies. These values help you tell the fastest servers apart from the slow ones.

Like Surfshark, PIA supports unlimited connections, making it ideal for large groups of people. Read this Private Internet Access review to learn how to set that up.

Private Internet Access has user-friendly apps for accessing TikTok on mobile and PCs.

Private Internet Access Test Results

PIA is just as secure as the other TikTok VPNs we’ve reviewed so far. It passed the IP and DNS leak tests by hiding my real IP, displaying only the VPN IP address of the Norway server to which I was connected.

With PIA, sensitive details like your IP address and ISP name are completely masked.

Private Internet Access Pricing and Value

Private Internet Access has three price options. You can go with a 26-month plan that costs $2.19 per month, a six-month option that goes for $7.50 per month, or the monthly plan that costs $11.95. All PIA plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Overall Rating 8.7 / 10
Visit Private Internet Access

Should You Use a Free VPN for TikTok?

You can use free VPN services for TikTok if they provide free servers in the right locations and enough free data for your TikTok habits. Some reliable free VPNs, like PrivadoVPN — read our PrivadoVPN review — offer the same level of security as premium options at no cost. However, other free VPNs may sell your browsing data to third parties.

Overall Rating 8.4 / 10
PrivadoVPN

How to Use a TikTok VPN

Here’s a step-by-step guide for using a VPN for TikTok access.

1. Subscribe to a VPN of Your Choice

Start by choosing the right VPN that meets your needs and purchase a VPN plan that fits your budget. In my case, I went with the best TikTok VPN, which is NordVPN.

2. Download and Install the VPN

Open the VPN website to download a compatible VPN app for the device you usually use for TikTok. If you’re on a mobile device, download it from the app store.

3. Connect to a VPN Server

Choose and connect to a VPN server in a country without TikTok restrictions.

4. Update TikTok

With the VPN running, launch the app store and download TikTok updates as needed. Note that actually using the app before disconnecting the VPN may lead to a shadowban if TikTok detects that your IP address is different from your SIM card location.


How to Avoid Shadowbans on TikTok

A TikTok shadowban is when the app’s algorithm automatically protects users from copyright issues, spam, inappropriate content or threats by temporarily blocking the TikTok poster. The shadowban blocks your user account content from displaying on the “For You” page, resulting in fewer likes, views and comments. 

Here are some tips on how you can avoid a TikTok shadowban.

How Long Does TikTok Shadowban Last?

A TikTok shadowban could last from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the severity of the violation. Once you realize you’re shadowbanned, the best you can do is wait it out and avoid repeating the violations that may have put you in that position.


Conclusion

Social media platforms get banned all the time, and TikTok is facing increased scrutiny from worldwide governments due to online security and privacy concerns. If you’re in a country that has blocked TikTok, you need a reliable VPN to help you establish reliable connections to the app. 

NordVPN remains my top recommendation. It provides fast speeds and security, with extra options like double VPN, a kill switch and obfuscation. At an extra cost, you can grab yourself a dedicated IP address to avoid shadowbans. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can make sure it works for TikTok before committing.

Are you in the U.S. waiting to see how the impending TikTok ban unfolds? Have you decided on the VPN to use when that happens? Are you worried about the Chinese government monitoring user traffic and harvesting sensitive data? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below, and keep reading this blog for more helpful content. 


FAQ: Unblock TikTok

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