Published on: June 30, 2023 Updated 5 times since publishing
- 🥇 ExpressVPN : Reliably works with TikTok, maintains fast speeds across all servers, offers servers in 105 countries, works in restrictive countries and on restrictive networks (like at school), and has top-notch security features. It also comes with user-friendly apps and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all first-time purchases.
The best VPNs for TikTok have servers in places where the app is available, allowing you to maintain your presence there, regardless of local restrictions. They’re also highly secure, so nobody can tell you’re using TikTok, and offer good speeds for lag-free scrolling..
After weeks of testing dozens of VPNs, I found the best ones for TikTok. ExpressVPN is my top pick, as it consistently works with TikTok, has a massive server network, works in restrictive countries and on restrictive networks, maintains the fastest speeds on the market, and is very secure. That said, all of the options on my list provide great support for TikTok. Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Note: TikTok was almost banned in the US on January 19, 2025, over national security concerns involving its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, and access to user data. Service was restored after a 90-day extension was granted for negotiations. Despite this, future restrictions are possible. US users can use a VPN to securely access TikTok from anywhere.
Editor's Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Quick Summary of the Best VPNs for TikTok
Using a VPN to access apps in locations where they’re blocked comes with restrictions. The VPNs on this list have strict no-logging protocols to ensure they can’t monitor or observe your online activities. This means you’re responsible for how you choose to use a VPN, but please be sure to follow all applicable rules and regulations. We do not support using VPNs in any way that breaks the law.
Editor's Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for TikTok
Basic 12-Months plan: $3.99 / month
1-month plan: $12.99 / month
ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for TikTok. It can access TikTok 100% of the time thanks to a large server network in 105 countries, giving you plenty of options to find a server in a location where TikTok is available.
ExpressVPN protects and hides your TikTok activities with the following advanced security features:
- RAM-only servers. Erase data with every reboot, so nobody will know you’ve accessed TikTok.
- A verified no-logs policy. ExpressVPN doesn’t monitor or keep information about what you do on TikTok. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited and confirmed, which means it’ll have nothing to share about your TikTok activities, even if asked by authorities.
- Full leak protection. Protects you against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, which helps ensure your location remains anonymous when you’re scrolling on TikTok.
The VPN can access TikTok in restrictive countries, too, like India, which block TikTok and VPN traffic. ExpressVPN’s obfuscation, which is available across all servers, hides your VPN traffic, so the government can’t tell that you’re using a VPN. This also lets you use TikTok on restrictive networks that block the app (and VPNs), like at school or work. The best thing about ExpressVPN’s obfuscation is that it’s automatically enabled on all servers and protocols.
I like that ExpressVPN has a split-tunneling feature that lets you decide which apps are routed through the VPN tunnel and which use your local network. This way you can use the VPN to access TikTok without having to turn it off every time you want to access a site that blocks VPNs, like your bank site.
It also has some extras like ExpressVPN Keys, the VPN’s password manager. It stores all of your passwords and logins, helps you come up with super secure passwords, and enables one-click logins into your TikTok account(s). And there are dedicated IP addresses located in 20+ countries — these are IP addresses only used by you. Since the IP address doesn’t change, you’ll be more successful accessing TikTok in any region.
And, there’s a good ad blocker included with Advanced Protection that helps limit the amount of promoted ads you see while scrolling on TikTok. It also blocks malicious sites, which is helpful if you’re following any links from someone’s bio.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is my top choice for TikTok — it accesses TikTok from anywhere, including countries that block TikTok and VPNs, and it has strong security features for a secure TikTok experience. It also has the fastest speeds on the market and useful extra features like split-tunneling and dedicated IPs.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Excellent Privacy + Customizable Apps
6-month plan: $7.50 / month
1-month plan: $11.99 / month
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers great customization for TikTok users. The app lets you change your protocol (some protocols are faster than others) and level of encryption (lower encryption has slightly faster speeds) to optimize your TikTok experience. This can be helpful if you’re on public or shared Wi-Fi, like at a coffee shop, the airport, or a college dorm, where the network is typically weak and unstable.
PIA also has a large server network in 90 countries, so you have tons of choices if you can’t access TikTok in your location. In addition to normal servers, PIA also lets you purchase a dedicated IP from 10+ countries, which could help avoid account blocks since TikTok won’t see your IP location changing frequently.
It has pretty strong obfuscation through an open-source proxy called Shadowsocks. Your connection travels through the proxy before traveling to PIA’s server network. This means you can use TikTok from restrictive countries or on restrictive networks, such as a hospital or workplace that limits internet access. However, unlike ExpressVPN’s obfuscation, which is available on all servers, PIA has Shadowsocks servers in only 6 countries.
I’m also a big fan of PIA MACE, which is the best ad blocker out there — it protects you from any shady links you click to from someone’s TikTok bio and blocks ads. One other security feature I like for TikTok is the advanced kill switch, which prevents you from accessing TikTok without being connected to the VPN.
Bottom Line:
Private Internet Access comes with strong privacy features and customizable apps, which makes it an excellent pick for TikTokers who often use shared Wi-Fi and need more stable connections. It also has additional features like obfuscation and PIA MACE.
Read the full Private Internet Access review
Editor's Note: Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Great TikTok VPN for Beginners
6-month plan: $6.99 / month
1-month plan: $12.99 / month
CyberGhost VPN is ideal for TikTok users who’ve never used a VPN before. Its apps are easy to navigate — you can find and connect to any of its servers in 100 countries in a couple of clicks and access TikTok in seconds.
I also really like its Smart Rules feature, which is very useful if you want to access TikTok on a desktop. This feature lets you set up the VPN so that it automatically launches the TikTok app when you connect to a specific server, like a server where TikTok is available.
I’m also a big fan of its Wi-Fi protection feature that sends you alerts when it detects a new Wi-Fi network and automatically connects you to the VPN, so your data is always protected when you’re watching videos or chatting on TikTok.
Unfortunately, CyberGhost doesn’t have obfuscation. This means you won’t be able to access TikTok from a restrictive country and also won’t be able to use the app while connected to a restrictive network that blocks the platform.
The VPN has a pretty decent ad blocker called Content Blocker. While not as good as PIA MACE at blocking ads on TikTok, it’s trustworthy when it comes to malicious sites containing malware, such as if you’re clicking through any ads or visiting unknown links on TikTok.
CyberGhost also provides dedicated IPs for a small extra cost. They’re available in 10+ countries where TikTok is available.
Bottom Line:
CyberGhost VPN is the perfect choice for TikTok users who are VPN beginners. Its apps are very easy to navigate, it has a large server network, and you get extras like Content Blocker and dedicated IPs, but it’s missing obfuscation.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review
Editor's Note: CyberGhost and this site are in the same ownership group.
4. NordVPN — Large Server Network & Intuitive Obfuscation Tool
Plus 24-month plan: $3.59 / month
Complete 24-month plan: $4.99 / month
Prime 24-month plan: $6.99 / month
NordVPN offers servers in 137 countries for accessing TikTok from anywhere. This means you’ll be able to find a nearby server no matter your location, which will get you fast loading speeds for scrolling or uploading content on TikTok.
The VPN also has user-friendly obfuscation accessible through the Specialty Servers list. You can pick from 16 countries or let the VPN auto-connect you to the best one by using the Fastest Location option. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work in restrictive countries, but it is good for restrictive networks if you want to use TikTok while at school or work.
It also has app-based split-tunneling, so you’re able to only tunnel the TikTok app through the VPN while the rest of your traffic uses your normal network, which is helpful if you use online services to create and edit videos for TikTok.
There are some great privacy features, including an app-based kill switch, automatic Wi-Fi protection rules for any type of network that let you set up specific servers to connect to, and more. You can also get a dedicated IP in 18+ locations where TikTok is accessible for a small additional charge.
Bottom Line:
NordVPN has a large server network for using TikTok anywhere, plus obfuscated servers for bypassing network restrictions. The provider also has great privacy for keeping your TikTok activities secret and offers dedicated IPs.
5. Surfshark — Extra Feature to Hide Your Device GPS Data From TikTok
One 24-month plan: $2.49 / month
One+ 24-month plan: $4.19 / month
Surfshark is a great pick for hiding your location from TikTok thanks to its Override GPS feature. This tool matches your GPS data with the location of the VPN server you’re connected to, meaning TikTok won’t be able to figure out your location by checking your device’s IP address. However, this feature is only available on Android.
Surfshark has servers in 100 countries, so there’s a lot of options to choose for accessing TikTok, whether it’s a specific location or a nearby region for getting the best possible speeds. There are also dedicated IPs available in 10+ TikTok-friendly countries.
Surfshark also has obfuscation, called Camouflage Mode, that only sometimes works in restrictive countries (it’s not 100% guaranteed like ExpressVPN). It’s automatically enabled when you use the OpenVPN protocol, which means it applies to every server. This may let you access TikTok from a restrictive country or on a restrictive network in any location. Its No Borders feature obfuscates your traffic on restrictive networks at school or work.
Bottom Line:
Surfshark has a large server network for accessing TikTok. It has servers in 100 countries, giving you plenty of options for finding the fastest server for TikTok. The VPN also has pretty good obfuscation, dedicated IPs, and user-friendly apps.
Read the full Surfshark review
Quick Comparison Table
Editor's Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
To find the best VPNs for TikTok, I followed our proven testing methodology. Every VPN on my list met or exceeded my expectations in all categories. Here are the exact criteria I considered when making my list:
- I only chose VPNs that work with TikTok. All the VPNs on this list can access TikTok 100% of the time.
- I selected VPNs that have an extensive server network. I exclusively recommend VPNs with large server networks, providing you with numerous server choices and enabling you to access TikTok from any location where it isn’t prohibited.
- I ran numerous speed tests. All VPNs slow down your speeds because they encrypt your traffic and route it through their servers, but top VPNs minimize the latency. ExpressVPN had the fastest speeds — I barely even noticed I was connected to a VPN when I tested it, including when uploading videos to TikTok.
- I looked for strong security and privacy features. Each VPN on this list comes with industry-standard security features like 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch that disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection fails to prevent traffic leaks, and DNS leak protection.
- I prioritized ease of use. All good VPNs have apps that make it easy to find and connect to any server they offer. Many of my picks also include explanations for all features.
- I opted for VPNs that offer good value. Every VPN I recommend allows multiple simultaneous connections, offers affordable plans and deals, and has generous money-back guarantees.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- Proton VPN. Proton VPN is fast and has great privacy and security for accessing TikTok. However, it’s slower than all of the VPNs on my list.
- TunnelBear. TunnelBear is a beginner-friendly VPN that’s very fun to use. However, it lacks some advanced security features, and it only has servers in 47 countries.
- VyprVPN. VyprVPN is an excellent choice if you want to use a VPN to securely access the internet, but it’s not quite as fast as the VPNs I recommend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best VPN for TikTok?
ExpressVPN is my top choice for TikTok, as it reliably works with the platform and has the fastest speeds on the market, which is particularly useful if you’re a content creator on the platform and need good uploading speeds. I also like that it has excellent security and privacy features, works in restrictive countries, and comes with extra features, like split-tunneling.
Can I use a free VPN for TikTok?
Maybe, but I don’t recommend it. Most free VPNs have slow speeds, which means a lot of buffering when you’re scrolling on TikTok, and put limits on how much data you can use, so you won’t be able to access TikTok for as long as you might want to.
Instead, I recommend getting a premium VPN, like ExpressVPN. It consistently works with TikTok, has industry-leading speeds, and user-friendly apps.
How do I use a VPN with TikTok?
To use a VPN with TikTok, you need to follow these steps:
- Step 1: Choose a VPN service that works with TikTok. I recommend ExpressVPN, as it can always access TikTok and has the fastest speeds on the market.
- Step 2: Download and install the VPN app on your device. The installation process takes about 1–2 minutes.
- Step 3: Choose a server. Connect to a server location where TikTok is available. If possible, pick a server that’s close to your actual location — this way, you’ll get the fastest speeds possible.
- Step 4: Open the TikTok app on your device. That’s it! You can now securely scroll on TikTok.
Why do I need a VPN for TikTok?
VPNs are a great way to protect your online security and privacy on TikTok. They encrypt your traffic, so nobody can see what you’re doing online, and hide your IP address, so your location remains private.
My favorite VPN for TikTok is ExpressVPN. It’s very secure, has excellent privacy features, and offers really fast speeds, so you won’t have to deal with any buffering or slowdowns when connected to it. It’s also easy to use, which is great for anyone that’s new to VPNs.
Will using a VPN with TikTok get my account locked?
Not necessarily. TikTok will lock your account if it sees that your IP address is far away from your usual location. It does this to protect your account in case a malicious actor is trying to gain unauthorized access.
If you always choose a new country to connect to with the VPN, your account may get locked. But, if you stick with one country, or choose one of my top picks with a dedicated IP address (an IP that doesn’t change), your account is unlikely to be locked.
Editor's Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
