Best VPN to Unblock Websites in 2025
Technical guide to bypassing network blocks and filters with a VPN, without blindly fighting against corporate or school policies.
Jump to VPN picksFirewalls, DNS filters and SNI-based inspection are much more sophisticated than they were a decade ago. This guide focuses on how those systems work at a packet level and which VPN features — protocols, ports and obfuscation — tend to work best against them.
Security and VPN provider details change over time
VPN performance, pricing and security features evolve. Re-test your provider during the money-back period and review updated recommendations at least once a year.
Quick answer: best VPNs for Unblocking websites
Short answer: for unblocking sites in 2025, NordVPN, Surfshark, ProtonVPN and PrivadoVPN are strong choices. They offer multiple protocols (including stealth/obfuscated modes), a wide server fleet and good uptime, which is critical when filters adapt.
Why you need a VPN for Unblocking websites
Networks block sites in a few main ways:
- DNS filtering – returning fake or empty DNS answers for blocked domains.
- IP / subnet blocking – dropping traffic to specific IP ranges.
- Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) – inspecting SNI and TLS handshakes to identify and block certain services or VPNs.
A VPN defeats DNS and IP blocking by encapsulating everything inside an encrypted tunnel to a remote gateway, so local filters only see packets to the VPN server. Obfuscation modes try to make even that tunnel look like generic HTTPS to evade simple DPI.
How to use a VPN to unblock sites reliably
- If possible, avoid random free web proxies; install a reputable VPN client on your device instead.
- Start with a standard UDP-based protocol (WireGuard / NordLynx, OpenVPN UDP). If the network blocks this, switch to TCP 443 modes or obfuscated / stealth profiles in your VPN app.
- Enable your provider's DNS leak protection so local resolvers cannot interfere with domain lookups.
- Test access to a few blocked sites; if some still fail, try alternative VPN locations or stealth profiles that are specifically labelled for censorship or restrictive networks.
- On managed work or school devices, assume additional local monitoring (agents, endpoint DLP) may exist. A VPN does not disable those.
- Keep your use reasonable and aligned with local law; bypassing a firewall does not remove contractual obligations to your employer or school.
When sites are still blocked over VPN
VPN connects, but blocked sites still time out
Some filters block known VPN IP ranges. Switch to another city or country, or enable obfuscated/stealth servers if your provider offers them. In high-control environments you may be limited to TCP 443-based options that mimic regular HTTPS.
Best VPNs for Unblocking websites
NordVPN
Top speeds • Massive server network • Works with all streaming services
- 8,400+ servers in 126 countries
- NordLynx (WireGuard) protocol
- No-logs policy (audited)
- 24/7 customer support
✓ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Surfshark
Unlimited devices • Best value • Perfect for families
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- CleanWeb (ad & malware blocker)
- MultiHop (double VPN)
✓ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
ProtonVPN
Swiss privacy • Open-source • Secure Core protection
- 4,900+ servers in 91 countries
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Secure Core (multi-hop)
- No-logs policy (Swiss privacy)
✓ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
PrivadoVPN
Most affordable • Swiss privacy • Unlimited devices
- Servers in 50+ city locations
- Unlimited simultaneous devices
- WireGuard & OpenVPN protocols
- Ad blocker included
✓ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare prices, speeds, security features and logging policies.
| VPN Provider | Regular Price | Black Friday Price | Discount | Bonus | Rating | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | $11.99/mo | $2.99/mo | 72% OFF | +3 Months | ★ 4.7 | Get Deal → |
| | $15.45/mo | $1.99/mo | 87% OFF | +3 Months | ★ 4.6 | Get Deal → |
| | $9.99/mo | $2.49/mo | 75% OFF | - | ★ 4.6 | Get Deal → |
| | $10.99/mo | $1.11/mo | 90% OFF | +3 Months | ★ 4.2 | Get Deal → |
NordVPN
Regular Price
$11.99/mo
Black Friday
$2.99/mo
Discount
72% OFF
Rating
★ 4.7
+3 Bonus Months
Get NordVPN Deal → Surfshark
Regular Price
$15.45/mo
Black Friday
$1.99/mo
Discount
87% OFF
Rating
★ 4.6
+3 Bonus Months
Get Surfshark Deal → ProtonVPN
Regular Price
$9.99/mo
Black Friday
$2.49/mo
Discount
75% OFF
Rating
★ 4.6
PrivadoVPN
Regular Price
$10.99/mo
Black Friday
$1.11/mo
Discount
90% OFF
Rating
★ 4.2
+3 Bonus Months
Get PrivadoVPN Deal →Detailed Provider Reviews
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN services with top-tier security, blazing-fast speeds, and excellent streaming capabilities. Perfect for users who want reliable performance and robust privacy protection.
Pros
- Excellent speeds with NordLynx
- Massive server network
- Strong security features
- Works with Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer
Cons
- Desktop app can be slow to connect
- Limited to 10 devices
2. Surfshark
Surfshark offers incredible value with unlimited device connections and robust security features. Ideal for families or users with multiple devices who want premium VPN protection at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
- Best value - unlimited devices
- Strong security and privacy
- Works with major streaming platforms
- Very affordable pricing
Cons
- Smaller server network than competitors
- Speeds can vary on distant servers
3. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is built by the creators of ProtonMail with a strong focus on privacy and transparency. Perfect for privacy-conscious users who value open-source software and Swiss data protection laws.
Pros
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- Fully open-source and audited
- Secure Core architecture
- Strong commitment to privacy
Cons
- Smaller server network than top competitors
- Can be pricier without deals
4. PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN offers exceptional value as the most affordable premium VPN. Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws, it provides unlimited devices and solid streaming performance, making it perfect for budget-conscious users.
Pros
- Most affordable premium VPN ($1.11/mo)
- Unlimited device connections
- Swiss-based (strong privacy laws)
- No data retention requirements
- Great streaming performance
Cons
- Smaller server network than competitors
- No independent security audit yet
- Fewer advanced features
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Choose the Best VPN for Unblocking websites
Pick a VPN that balances security, speed and long-term privacy. All providers here include at least a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test them from your own network.
Frequently Asked Questions
On unmanaged personal devices, a VPN hides the contents of your traffic from the company network. On corporate-managed devices, endpoint monitoring agents can still see activity regardless of VPN. Always assume that company-owned hardware is monitored.