Updated on: June 2, 2026
- 🥇 ExpressVPN : Reliably spoofs your Zoom location with servers in 105 countries, and it can access Zoom on restrictive networks that typically block it, such as at school or work, and in censorship-heavy countries like China, Syria, and Ukraine. Its excellent speeds allow for lag-free calls without quality drops. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee for first-time users.
After weeks of testing and research, I found the best VPNs for Zoom. They have large server networks, allowing you to join meetings from any location, even if you’re in a restrictive country or on a restricted network. Plus, they improve your connections for video calls if your ISP (internet service provider) is throttling your Zoom speeds.
My No. 1 VPN for Zoom is ExpressVPN. It includes industry-leading security and privacy features, and it maintains the fastest speeds for buffer-free Zoom meetings (with and without using a webcam). Editor's Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Quick Summary of the Best VPNs for Zoom
Editor's Note: Intego ONE, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Zoom
Basic 12-Months plan: $3.99 / month
1-month plan: $12.99 / month
ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN to use with Zoom. Its extensive server network in 105 countries gives you plenty of options to virtually change your Zoom location. This can be helpful if you’re traveling but still working remotely.
The VPN can access Zoom in censorship-heavy countries where the service is blocked. This is possible thanks to its obfuscation, which masks your VPN traffic to resemble regular, unencrypted traffic. ExpressVPN’s obfuscation is available on all server locations, so you can connect to a nearby server and get the best speeds possible for your Zoom meetings. Obfuscation also allows you to bypass restricted networks, such as a school.
ExpressVPN also supports UDP traffic and TCP port 443, which Zoom recommends for optimizing traffic flow. This will reduce the chances of Zoom kicking you out of Zoom sessions or stopping you from joining a meeting.
When it comes to speed, ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN on the market. In my tests, I barely noticed I was connected to a VPN during my Zoom meetings. My video and audio never lagged or froze, and I didn’t have to deal with any significant reduction in image and audio quality.
ExpressVPN has split tunneling on Windows, macOS, and Android. This feature lets you route the Zoom app through the VPN while other apps use your regular internet connection. That way, you’ll have slightly better speeds because you’re not wasting your device’s processing power encrypting any traffic other than Zoom’s.
Finally, the VPN’s subscription includes access to ExpressVPN Keys, a simple but highly secure password manager that stores your Zoom account credentials and allows you to log into your account with a click. I find this very convenient when I have to join an impromptu Zoom meeting from a different device or browser, as I don’t have to scramble to copy and paste my very complex password.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Zoom, thanks to blazing-fast speeds for lag-free video calls and a large server network. It works in restrictive countries and on restrictive networks, has split tunneling for optimizing your Zoom connection, and offers useful extras like a secure password manager for your Zoom credentials for free.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Excellent VPN for Zoom on Mobile Devices
6-month plan: $7.50 / month
1-month plan: $11.95 / month
Private Internet Access (PIA) is great for securing your Zoom calls on mobile devices. You can configure it to automatically connect you to the VPN every time it detects an untrusted Wi-Fi network, which is very handy if you’re regularly joining Zoom meetings from cafés, hotel lobbies, or at the airport.
I also like that PIA lets you switch to 128-bit AES from the regular 265-bit AES encryption. The 128-bit AES encryption is still secure, but it has less overhead, so it’s faster — and it’s the better choice if you’re having Zoom calls on an older device.
PIA can access Zoom on restricted networks and in restrictive countries like China. It offers obfuscation on Android, Windows, and macOS devices through Shadowsocks proxy servers in 5+ countries, including the US, UK, and Canada. However, I prefer ExpressVPN because it obfuscates all server locations.
PIA also lets you route your traffic through TCP port 443 on the OpenVPN protocol, and you can choose to use UDP for better performance on the Zoom app and site.
PIA has a pretty useful Identity Guard feature, which you can use for Zoom. This tool monitors the internet for data breaches involving your personal information. If your Zoom login credentials appear in a leak, PIA alerts you right away, so you can immediately take steps to protect your identity and keep your Zoom chats private.
Bottom Line:
Private Internet Access is an excellent choice for having secure Zoom meetings on the go. It has adjustable encryption for faster speeds, works on restricted networks, has obfuscation for accessing Zoom in restrictive countries, and provides extra features like Identity Guard.
Read the full Private Internet Access review
Editor's Note: Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.
🥉3. NordVPN — Secure VPN for Zoom + Downloaded Files Scanner
Plus 24-month plan: $3.59 / month
Complete 24-month plan: $3.99 / month
Prime 24-month plan: $6.99 / month
NordVPN is a super secure VPN for Zoom, especially for downloading sensitive files — all thanks to its Threat Protection Pro feature. This tool scans any files you download from Zoom for malware and deletes them before they make it onto your device. This is great if you regularly join Zoom conferences and have to interact with participants you haven’t met before.
Threat Protection Pro also alerts you if your Zoom app has a known vulnerability that cybercriminals can exploit — and ensures you keep your Zoom app up to date.
NordVPN offers obfuscated servers in 15+ countries in its network, but they only work on restrictive networks (and not restrictive countries — for that, I recommend ExpressVPN). For restrictive networks that use advanced VPN-blocking techniques, I like its NordWhisper protocol — it blends your VPN traffic with regular traffic, so you can still access Zoom on public Wi-Fi networks with advanced VPN filters.
The VPN has a Dark Web Monitor tool, too, which scans through data leaks published on the dark web and alerts you promptly if it finds your Zoom login credentials. It’s a great way to proactively protect your Zoom account from being compromised.
Bottom Line:
NordVPN is a highly secure VPN for Zoom. It has a feature that scans files you download from Zoom for malware and can identify potential vulnerabilities in the Zoom app if it’s not up-to-date. It has obfuscation and a Dark Web Monitor that alerts you if your Zoom credentials are compromised.
4. CyberGhost VPN — Good Zoom VPN for Beginners with Great Customization
6-month plan: $6.99 / month
1-month plan: $12.99 / month
CyberGhost VPN is great for beginners who want a Zoom VPN that works in the background. It has a user-friendly feature called Smart Rules, which lets you define how your VPN behaves — so you don’t have to do much once you initially set it up.
For example, you can configure it so that it automatically connects to any server location (like your home location) when you start the Zoom app, so you won’t accidentally expose your IP address and join a meeting without connecting to the VPN first. You can also set CyberGhost to launch the Zoom app when you connect to a server.
CyberGhost has an Identity Guard feature that works similarly to Private Internet Access’s tool. It alerts you if your Zoom credentials have been compromised so you can react quickly.
However, CyberGhost can’t access Zoom from restricted countries, like China, as it lacks obfuscation. It can access the app or let you join a meeting on a network that blocks Zoom, but only if that network doesn’t block VPN traffic, too. If you need a VPN to access Zoom in a censorship-heavy country, I recommend ExpressVPN.
Bottom Line:
CyberGhost VPN offers excellent customization for Zoom users, making it a great pick for VPN beginners who just want to set the VPN up once and let it work in the background. It offers additional tools like Identity Guard, but it lacks obfuscation and doesn’t work in restrictive countries.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review
Editor's Note: CyberGhost and this site are in the same ownership group.
5. Surfshark — Feature-Rich Zoom VPN + Free Static IPs
One 24-month plan: $2.49 / month
One+ 24-month plan: $4.19 / month
Surfshark has lots of useful VPN extras for safe Zoom calls. One of my favorites is access to static VPN IP addresses, which help prevent your Zoom account from being blocked (constant IP address changes can raise red flags). This means there’s less chance you’ll be kicked out of a Zoom meeting mid-call.
If you often use Zoom for open conferences and want to keep your privacy, Surfshark has an Alternative ID feature that lets you create an online persona to protect your personal details. This includes an email address you can use to make your Zoom account and an alternative name to keep yourself as anonymous as possible.
Surfshark works on restrictive networks, too, thanks to its NoBorders and Camouflage Mode feature. NoBorders gives you a list of recommended servers when it detects a restrictive network, like a public Wi-Fi that blocks Zoom. Camouflage Mode is Surfshark’s obfuscation tool that hides your VPN traffic from ISPs, but it won’t work in restrictive places like ExpressVPN does.
Bottom Line:
Surfshark is great for stable Zoom connections. It offers static IP addresses, works on restricted networks thanks to its NoBorders, and offers obfuscation via its Camouflage Mode.
Read the full Surfshark review
Quick Comparison Table
Editor's Note: Intego ONE, 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 Zoom, I followed the tried-and-true SafetyDetectives VPN testing methodology. I looked for features that are important for using Zoom, such as connection speeds and security. I evaluated and ranked the VPNs on my list in line with the following criteria:
- I checked if it works for Zoom calls. I only recommended VPNs that work with Zoom 100% of the time and work on restricted networks, like at work or school. Most of the VPNs on the list also offer obfuscation, which is useful if you’re on a network that blocks VPNs specifically.
- I measured the VPNs’ speeds. All VPNs reduce your connection speed somewhat, because of the encryption process keeping your traffic safe. Out of all the VPNs I tested, ExpressVPN was the fastest.
- I tested the VPNs’ security features. All the VPNs I recommend here have industry-standard security features, such as 256-bit AES (used by banks worldwide), perfect forward secrecy (the VPN refreshes your encryption key often), or a kill switch (shuts down your internet if the VPN connection drops). The VPNs on my list also have IP leak protection, which means your actual IP address won’t be visible while you’re on Zoom.
- I picked out VPNs that are easy to use. The VPNs on my list make it super simple to find the server you want to connect to for Zoom. They all let you connect in 1 click, so you can join Zoom calls as soon as possible.
- I evaluated each VPN’s value for money. The VPNs I discuss here all offer good value for their monthly price, and maintain a money-back guarantee. Most of them have a wide array of extra features, such as split-tunneling, breach monitors, or malware protection.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- TunnelBear. TunnelBear is a beginner-friendly VPN that works well with Zoom, but it has a much smaller server network than the servers on my list.
- PrivateVPN. PrivateVPN has excellent obfuscation and can access Zoom in restrictive countries, but its server network is smaller than that of the VPNs I recommend. It’s also not as fast as these VPNs for lag-free Zoom meetings.
- Mullvad VPN. Mullvad VPN is great for privacy and has strong security features, but most of its servers are in Europe, so worldwide users won’t typically get speeds good enough for Zoom calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will using a VPN reduce my Zoom call quality?
It depends on a few factors. If your ISP is throttling your speeds because you’re using Zoom (they sometimes do this to manage network congestions), then it’s very likely that the VPN will make your Zoom calls smoother.
If that’s not the case, a VPN can slow down your regular speeds. This is because it needs a bit of extra time to route your traffic to its server, in addition to adding the encryption layer for privacy. The further the VPN server is from your actual location, the slower the connection speed.
The good news is the VPNs I recommend are very fast. My favorite, ExpressVPN, has super-fast speeds, even on distant servers — I didn’t have to deal with any lag or freezing in my Zoom calls when connected to it.
Can I use a free VPN for Zoom?
Yes, but I don’t recommend it. Many free VPNs are unsuitable for use with VoIP services, Zoom included, because of slow speeds or data caps that run out quickly with video calls. Also, free VPNs often lack essential security features that could lead to your Zoom sessions being compromised.
You’re much better off with a premium-quality VPN, like ExpressVPN. It has excellent speeds on all its servers and strong security features to keep your Zoom sessions private.
Is it legal to use a VPN with Zoom?
Yes, in most countries, it’s perfectly legal to use a VPN. While countries like China and the UAE block Zoom, VPNs with a high-quality obfuscation feature, like ExpressVPN, can access the app from restricted countries.
Where is Zoom blocked?
Zoom is blocked in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and some regions in Ukraine. With a high-quality VPN that offers good obfuscation, you can access Zoom from virtually any location.
Editor's Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
