Best VPN for Snapchat: Free & Paid Providers for Home, School & Work in 2025

By Arthur Sabayi

Last update: July 25, 2025

Snapchat is often blocked on school and work networks to prevent distractions, free up bandwidth for work or school traffic, and block certain kinds of content. Restrictive countries like China and Iran also block social media apps for cultural and religious reasons. To circumvent these restrictions, you need a VPN for Snapchat.

The best VPN (virtual private network) bypasses these blocks by connecting you through a server in a location where Snapchat is allowed. A Snapchat VPN encrypts your traffic and prevents network administrators from seeing your specific online activities, though they can still detect VPN usage and monitor connection metadata.

If you want to keep accessing Snapchat to maintain your Snapchat streaks and stay in touch with your contacts, read on.

1. 

   Overall Rating 9.3 / 10

   Visit NordVPN
   Money-Back Guarantee

   30 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   Over 5,400+ servers in 59 countries
2. 

   Overall Rating 9.2 / 10

   Visit Surfshark
   Money-Back Guarantee

   30 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   1700+ Servers in 63 Countries
3. 

   Overall Rating 9.1 / 10

   Get 49% Off ExpressVPN
   Money-Back Guarantee

   30 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   Over 3,000 servers in 105 countries
4. 

   Overall Rating 7.5 / 10

   Visit CyberGhost
   Money-Back Guarantee

   45 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   7,300 Servers worldwide
5. 

   Overall Rating 8.4 / 10

   PrivadoVPN
   Money-Back Guarantee

   30 days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   76 in 44 countries

Why Use a Snapchat VPN? 

There are a few reasons to use a VPN for Snapchat. First, a VPN can unblock the app when school or work networks restrict Snapchat to minimize distractions. Second, restrictive countries like China by changing your IP address to a region where Snapchat is available.

Additionally, while Snapchat uses end-to-end encryption for messages, a VPN adds privacy by encrypting your entire connection. This helps protect your activity from network monitoring, which is especially useful on public WiFi.

Other benefits include reducing the risk of your account being flagged when logging in from different locations and potentially avoiding ISP throttling during peak hours to maintain smooth performance.

Can a VPN Change My Snapchat Location? 

Most VPNs can’t change your Snapchat location. Snapchat uses your device’s GPS, not an IP address, to determine your location. Even with an active VPN, your real physical location still appears on the Snapchat map. The only way to switch your location is through GPS spoofing, which very few VPN services provide.

How to Choose the Best VPN for Snapchat 

Choosing the best VPN provider for Snapchat is challenging due to the sheer number of VPN options available. To save yourself some time, take a look at this list of factors to keep in mind when making that choice:

• Ability to bypass firewalls and geo-restrictions: The best VPN for Snapchat should reliably unblock the app on school and work networks. It also needs to work in restrictive countries like Iran without detection. 
• Solid security: Snapchat is an app containing personal information and sensitive messages, which is why it has built-in end-to-end encryption. The ideal VPN needs to add another layer of security to make it harder for network administrators and government agencies to monitor your connection information.
• Reliable privacy: If you’re accessing Snapchat in a region with strict internet controls, privacy is critical. Look for a VPN with a verified no-logs policy and a history of independent audits to ensure your data stays private.
• Fast speeds: Sending snaps, loading stories and viewing videos require good connection speeds. A top VPN should offer fast, stable connections to avoid lag and delays. The best VPNs also offer unlimited bandwidth, though sometimes free plans have restrictions on this.
• Mobile compatibility: Since Snapchat is most frequently used on smartphones, your VPN app should work smoothly on both Android and iOS. Compatible apps with an intuitive interface and lightweight performance are best.  

The Top 5 Best VPNs for Snapchat

Before I dive into the 10 best VPNs for Snapchat, here’s a quick summary of the top five picks and the features that make them perfect for the job.

1. NordVPN — Best Snapchat VPN

1. 

   Overall Rating 9.3 / 10

   Visit NordVPN

NordVPN is the best VPN for Snapchat because it can smoothly unblock the app on most restricted networks and in many restrictive countries. It has more than 7,000 servers in 118 countries, so you can likely find a nearby connection to unblock Snapchat. Plus, NordVPN has obfuscated servers, so you can bypass firewalls that block regular VPN connections.

AES 256-bit encryption ensures your connections remain private and safe even on public WiFi. You also get Threat Protection, which blocks malicious links. Our NordVPN review has more details.

My Experience With NordVPN: Hands-On Performance

NordVPN is compatible with Snapchat devices like Android and iPhone, and you can connect up to 10 devices at the same time. This makes NordVPN a convenient option if you normally use Snapchat on multiple devices.

I use an Android phone, and my favorite NordVPN feature is split tunneling. It allows me to route only my Snapchat traffic through the VPN and leave out apps that I don’t need to encrypt. This improves connection speeds since fewer data packets travel through the VPN tunnel.

NordVPN Speed Test Results

NordVPN is fast thanks to the proprietary NordLynx protocol, which is built on WireGuard. I connected to the recommended fastest server, which was London, and ran a speed test on my unprotected network of 275 Mbps. NordVPN gave me 265 Mbps, a 3.6% speed drop. That was fast enough to not even notice the VPN was on when watching Snapchat videos.

NordVPN Pricing and Value

NordVPN has four price tiers: Basic, Plus, Complete and Prime. For Snapchat, the Basic plan is more than enough for Snapchat access, and it is the most affordable. It comes with three subscription options: a 24-month plan for $3.39 per month, a 12-month plan for $4.99 per month and a monthly plan for $12.99. All NordVPN plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Overall Rating 9.3 / 10

Visit NordVPN

$3.01 per month (two-year plan + three months)

2. Surfshark — Best Budget Snapchat VPN

Overall Rating 9.2 / 10

Visit Surfshark

If you’re on a tight budget and need to access Snapchat, I recommend Surfshark. The VPN has more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries, with server locations in Snapchat-friendly countries like the U.S to bypass regional and school network restrictions.

You can use “camouflage mode” (obfuscation) to make your VPN traffic look like regular traffic to avoid VPN detection and blocks. This allows you to use Snapchat without drawing attention to yourself on networks that are constantly monitored. Check out our Surfshark review for more information.

My Experience With Surfshark: Hands-On Performance

Surfshark lets you change your Snapchat location through the VPN app’s GPS override feature. This helps match your GPS location with the VPN server you’re connected to, making Snapchat think you’re actually in that location. However, this feature is available only on Android.

Activate GPS override by going to “settings” > “VPN settings” > “advanced settings” > “override GPS location.” I tested the GPS override feature by connecting to a New York server. My Snapchat map instantly switched from London to Broadway Street, as you can see below.

You can use Surfshark to access Snapchat on both Android and iOS. Additionally, Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous connections, which is useful if you use Snapchat on multiple devices or want to share your VPN with friends or family.

Surfshark Speed Test Results

Surfshark has a quick connect feature that finds the fastest available server. I tapped on it once and connected to a South African server, which I used for the speed test. Surfshark registered 264 Mbps on my unprotected network of 275 Mbps, equating to a 4% speed drop. Though slower than NordVPN, it was still fast enough for browsing Snapchat videos.

Surfshark Pricing and Value

Surfshark has three price tiers: Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One and Surfshark One+. The most affordable tier is Surfshark Starter, which comes with three price plans. The 27-month plan costs $2.19 per month, the 15-month plan goes for $3.19 per month and the monthly plan costs $15.45. All Surfshark plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Overall Rating 9.2 / 10

Visit Surfshark

$2.69 per month (two-year plan + three months)

3. ExpressVPN — Best User-Friendly Snapchat VPN

Overall Rating 9.1 / 10

Get 49% Off ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers in 105 countries, so you can find a local connection to get around network restrictions at school or work, and circumvent geoblocks in regions that have banned Snapchat. Automatic obfuscation on all VPN server options hides your VPN traffic so it isn’t flagged if the network you’re using blocks VPNs. 

This Snapchat VPN is also backed by a strict no-logs policy, so it doesn’t store records of the IPs you connect to or any of your activity while connected. Check out our ExpressVPN review for more.

My Experience With ExpressVPN: Hands-On Performance

ExpressVPN has GPS spoofing only on browser extensions, and it works very well. That’s not of much use for mobile users, though — unless you use Snapchat for web, which has limited functionality.

I made use of the split tunneling feature to route Snapchat exclusively through the VPN so I could continue using other apps through the regular internet. This was also helpful for conserving bandwidth and reducing potential slowdowns on apps that don’t need a VPN connection.

ExpressVPN Speed Test Results

I had speeds of 262 Mbps on my unprotected network of 275 Mbps when connected to the London server — a 4.72% speed drop. This was similar to the speeds with NordVPN and Surfshark. I didn’t have any trouble browsing through Snapchat videos with ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN Pricing and Value

ExpressVPN doesn’t offer as good of deals as the other Snapchat VPNs on our list, but the pricing isn’t outrageous. You can choose from a 28-month option that costs $4.99 per month or a 15-month plan that costs $6.67 per month. All ExpressVPN plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Overall Rating 9.1 / 10

Get 49% Off ExpressVPN

$4.99 per month (two-year plan + four months)

4. CyberGhost — Best for Unblocking Snapchat

Overall Rating 7.5 / 10

Visit CyberGhost

CyberGhost has a large server network with a rich selection of IP addresses to help you bypass Snapchat network blocks on school networks and in restricted regions. However, the lack of obfuscation means if you encounter VPN firewalls in places like China, CyberGhost may not function as intended.

On the bright side, CyberGhost tilts the scales with its unique NoSpy servers. CyberGhost owns and hosts these servers in its Romanian headquarters for better privacy. NoSpy servers eliminate the usual risks associated with third-party data centers, ensuring your Snapchat history remains private. Our CyberGhost review goes into more detail.

My Experience With CyberGhost: Hands-On Performance

CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN whether you’re using Android or iOS to access Snapchat. WiFi protection is a standout feature — you can configure it to automatically connect you to the best available server when you join an unrecognized network.

Split tunneling is also handy. By routing only Snapchat through the VPN tunnel, I enjoyed better speeds for watching videos and live streams.

CyberGhost Speed Test Results

CyberGhost averaged 189 Mbps on my unprotected speed of 275 Mbps. This was slower than the first three VPNs, equating to a significant 31.3% speed drop. However, 189 Mbps still provided enough juice for Snapchat.

CyberGhost Pricing and Value

CyberGhost offers three price plans: a 26-month option for $2.19 per month, a six-month option that costs $6.99 per month and a monthly plan for $12.99. The two long-term plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee, while the monthly option offers a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Overall Rating 7.5 / 10

Visit CyberGhost

$2.19 per month (two-year plan + two months)

5. PrivadoVPN — Best Free VPN for Snapchat

Overall Rating 8.4 / 10

PrivadoVPN

PrivadoVPN’s reliable free plan provides unlimited data, though only 10GB of high-speed data each month — more than enough for messaging, sending snaps and browsing stories on school or work networks. Your Snapchat activity stays private with a strict zero-logs policy and strong encryption, too. You can find out more in our PrivadoVPN review.

However, the free plan comes with limitations — you have only 13 locations to choose from, and once you’ve used 10GB of data you can no longer select a server manually. You’ll also notice slower speeds after you’ve used your 10GB of high-speed data, as PrivadoVPN throttles connections in an attempt to encourage you to upgrade.

You can secure only one device for free users, while the paid plans allow up to 10 simultaneous device connections.

My Experience With PrivadoVPN: Hands-On Performance

I found PrivadoVPN easy to set up on Android and iPhone, and my connection speeds were consistently fast for use with Snapchat. I especially like that the app shows how much data you have left, so you can manage your data use effectively.

The free plan is surprisingly feature-rich, with Scramble obfuscation via OpenVPN, split tunneling and two kinds of kill switch — one general and one for specific apps. I’d like to see PrivadoVPN offer app-based split tunneling for Android and iPhone, as this would help minimize data use while on Snapchat.

PrivadoVPN Speed Test Results

I connected to a U.K. server on the free plan and ran a speed test on my Android device while streaming a Snapchat video. PrivadoVPN maintained speeds of 244 Mbps on my 275 Mbps network, a 11% speed drop. This makes it a reliably fast VPN for Snapchat.

PrivadoVPN Pricing and Value

Besides the free plan, PrivadoVPN offers three price plans that are quite affordable. The 24-month option goes for $1.99 per month, the 12-month option costs $2.99 per month and the monthly option is $10.99. All three plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Overall Rating 8.4 / 10

PrivadoVPN

$1.11 per month (two-year plan + three months)

Honorable Mentions: More Reliable Snapchat VPNs

Some alternative VPNs are worth trying if the five Snapchat VPNs I’ve covered above don’t meet your needs. 

6. Proton VPN

Overall Rating 8.8 / 10

Visit Proton VPN

Proton VPN’s biggest flex is that the free version has no monthly data caps. This is great for students who may not have extra money to spare for a premium VPN. The free version comes with servers in the Netherlands, the U.S., Romania, Japan and Poland, all Snapchat-friendly countries.

If the free version doesn’t meet your needs, you can upgrade to the premium option, which features more than 13,000 servers in 122 countries. This includes Secure Core servers that route your traffic through privacy-friendly countries like Sweden. It’s also one of the few VPNs to offer port forwarding. We go into more detail in our Proton VPN review.

7. Private Internet Access

Overall Rating 8.7 / 10

Visit Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) has one of the largest server networks, alongside CyberGhost and Proton VPN. That gives you enough firepower to bypass Snapchat restrictions in censored regions and on school and work networks. Plus, the fast obfuscated servers can help you bypass VPN firewalls in countries like Iran.

PIA also has user-friendly apps for Android and iOS, and supports unlimited simultaneous device connections. Combined with the affordable price plans, this makes PIA one of the most cost-effective Snapchat VPNs for people on a budget, such as students. Check out our PIA review for more details.

8. VyprVPN

Overall Rating 9.2 / 10

Visit VyprVPN

VyprVPN holds a special position on this list of honorable mentions for being one of the few options that work in China with relatively high success rates. You can access Snapchat more easily if you’re in mainland China using VyprVPN’s more than 700 servers in more than 70 locations.

Plus, the Chameleon protocol provides reliable obfuscation to bypass VPN blocks. This works on school and workplace networks that usually restrict the use of VPNs to prevent access to Snapchat and other social networks. Read our VyprVPN review for more.

9. Windscribe

Overall Rating 8.7 / 10

Visit Windscribe VPN

Windscribe is another option that offers a free version that you can use for Snapchat. It’s also useful for dealing with VPN censorship because even the free version is equipped with obfuscation, a first among free VPNs. The free servers are available in locations like the U.S., where Snapchat is available.

Furthermore, through WireGuard and IKEv2, Windscribe provides speeds fast enough to handle Snapchat live streams and upload heavy videos quickly. However, the free version comes with a 10GB monthly data cap. Our Windscribe review has more info.

10. Mullvad VPN

Overall Rating 8.4 / 10

Visit Mullvad

Last on our list of honorable mentions for the best Snapchat VPNs is Mullvad. Like VyprVPN, it has a proven record of working in China, so you can use it to access Snapchat even when traveling to the Far East nation. It may not have a large server network like CyberGhost, but it features reliable obfuscation through Shadowsocks.

Mullvad is also the only Snapchat VPN on this list with a fixed monthly price (5 euros per month, or $5.71) no matter how long you use it for — a month, a year or even a decade. Plus, you don’t need to provide your email when signing up. Mullvad simply generates an account number that you use to pay and sign in. Learn more in our Mullvad VPN review.

How I Tested the Best VPNs to Unblock Snapchat

To ensure you’d get a list of only the best VPNs that work, I tested more than 20 options and narrowed them down based on the following criteria:

• Features: I looked at the size of the server network and how fast the servers unblock Snapchat on restricted networks. I also looked at the availability of GPS spoofing for changing locations, obfuscation for bypassing firewalls and WiFi protection. 
• User-Friendliness: Snapchat works mostly on smartphones and tablets (the web version doesn’t do much). Therefore, I focused on VPNs that offer user-friendly mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. I tested how easy it was to sign up and find the right server, and checked for the availability of a quick connect button.
• Speed: I tested all of the VPNs and chose only the fastest ones. Any VPN will slow your internet connection speed even slightly, but the best VPNs won’t affect it much. Speed is very important for scrolling through videos and streaming live videos on Snapchat without buffering.
• Security: The best VPNs for Snapchat should prevent network admins, your ISP or agencies that enforce restrictions from monitoring your connection. I prioritized VPNs with strong encryption, a kill switch and DNS leak protection to ensure no identifying data can escape the encrypted tunnel.
• Privacy: I chose VPNs with a strict no-logs policy, which means the provider never stores or logs data related to your browsing activity.
• Pricing & Money-Back Guarantees: While affordability is important, I mostly focused on overall value. I looked at VPNs that offer more value for less money, with full access to premium features at no additional cost. The availability and length of the money-back guarantee were also important.

Is It Safe to Use a Free VPN With Snapchat?

It’s usually safe to use a free VPN with Snapchat, but it depends on the VPN and the circumstances. First, it’s important to note that not all VPNs are good, and it’s important to learn how to spot a bad VPN — many free VPNs fall into this category.

Otherwise, a free VPN is safe for accessing Snapchat on a restricted network without VPN firewalls, like in schools and at work. PrivadoVPN is an excellent free service that works well with Snapchat, offering strong security, decent speeds and no data limits on its free plan.

However, when it comes to highly censored regions like China, a free VPN lacks the necessary features to work. For example, you’ll need obfuscation to get around well-designed VPN firewalls, which is a feature that most free VPNs don’t offer.

How to Access Snapchat with a VPN

Accessing Snapchat with a VPN is easy. I used NordVPN in this example, but the steps are similar for other VPNs.

1. Subscribe to a VPN

Purchase a VPN subscription that provides all the necessary features required to access Snapchat.

2. Install the VPN

Open the app store for the device you’re using. In my case, I went to the Google Play store on my Android smartphone to download the NordVPN app.

3. Sign In

Log in to your VPN account using your username and password. 

4. Connect to a Server and Access Snapchat

Choose a server in a location where Snapchat is available and you should have no problems accessing the social media app.

Conclusion

Getting around Snapchat restrictions isn’t hard. Whether you’re trying to access the app at school, at work or in a restrictive country, you just need a reliable VPN — and NordVPN is the best option. It has a large server network, including specialty servers for obfuscation. You also get fast speeds for uploading and watching videos without delays.

Alternatives you can try include Surfshark, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost and PrivadoVPN. Choose the VPN provider that fits your budget and needs, and start browsing through videos on Snapchat on any network.

Have you ever encountered Snapchat blocks on networks you’ve used before? Did you use a VPN to get around them? How quickly were you able to do so? Tell us everything in the comments below, and keep reading PrivacyJournal for more informative content.

FAQ: Snapchat Unblocked With a VPN 

• Can I Use a VPN on Snapchat?

  Yes, you can use a VPN on Snapchat. A VPN helps you get around Snapchat restrictions on some networks, like at work, at school or in countries like Iran that block social media.

• Does a VPN Bypass Snapchat Bans?

  A VPN can’t bypass a Snapchat ban. If your Snapchat account is banned, you’ll need to create a new one. A VPN simply changes your real IP address, making it possible to circumvent networks that block Snapchat.

• What VPN Is Best for Snapchat?

  NordVPN is the best VPN for Snapchat. It has more than 7,000 servers for unblocking the social media app, offers obfuscation, provides fast speeds through the NordLynx protocol and is user-friendly.

• Can You Use Snapchat Internationally? 

  Yes, you can use Snapchat internationally in regions where the social media app is allowed. However, you may encounter problems in censored countries like China, Iran and Russia, where Snapchat and other social media platforms are banned.