Best VPNs for TikTok in 2024: Beat the TikTok Ban
TikTok is a Chinese-owned video-sharing social networking service. Rated as one of the most used social apps in the world, TikTok has had an increasing number of downloads. It is primarily used to create short music videos, dance, comedy, and talent videos that span between 3 to 60 seconds.
Due to its popularity and growing fan base, several countries have opened an inquest into its use. Of particular note is India’s claim that the app is a threat to its national security, and this has caused its ban and restriction in many locations. As a result of this, several users have opted to use VPNs to access the app for gaining access from a restricted location or to protect their privacy and remain anonymous.
With a good VPN, you can continue to enjoy the app regardless of your location. A good VPN will allow you access to all the features of TikTok, as well as provide you with enough cover to prevent you from being tracked or blocked.
6 VPNs that Work with TikTok
TikTok is a mobile and web app, and that means that you have to be careful in choosing the right VPN. For the mobile app, you must be sure that the VPN works for it, while on the web app, the VPN must support whatever browser you intend to use.
Since TikTok is geo-restricted, you need to find a VPN that can protect your privacy and connect to a location where TikTok is allowed. You must also pay attention to the connection speed and how easy it is to set up. To make things easier for you, detailed below are the best VPNs for TikTok.
ExpressVPN
Features
- Number of servers: More than 3,000
- Speeds: Unlimited
- Server locations: 160 in 94 countries
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- 24 live chat: Yes
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Yes
Pros/Cons
- Fastest VPN out there
- Strict no logs policy
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Few discounts
When it comes to providing quality and reliable services, ExpressVPN remains the pick of the pack. With a reputation as positive as its reviews, you’ll hardly find a better VPN service on the internet.
ExpressVPN has a whopping 3000+ different servers from more than 90 different countries across the world. This leaves you with more than enough servers to choose from. What makes their services more endearing is that they give access to almost every geo-restricted content on the web. With ExpressVPN, you can be sure of a smooth TikTok experience. You can also gain access to streaming services such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO.
Additionally, ExpressVPN sells WiFi routers that have been pre-installed with the VPN service. This makes it very easy to connect to any device and enjoy maximum privacy without the stress of setting up a VPN every time.
ExpressVPN also has extensions available on browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. These extensions make it very easy for you to connect with just one click.
In terms of security, ExpressVPN makes use of the 4096-bit CA, AES-256-CBC encryption, and TLSv1.2 to secure user traffic. With this, you can get the best of TikTok without worries.
As exceptional as the service is, the pricing is quite fair. There are no free trials for new customers, but you’ll enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Pros: Fastest VPN out there; Strict no logs policy; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $6.67
NordVPN
Features
- Cryptocurrency accepted? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: 6
- Dedicated IP-addresses? Yes
- Servers: 5342 in 58 countries
Pros/Cons
- Lots of pricing options
- Netflix support kept up to date
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Slow app
With affordable pricing that is as low as $3.49 per month, NordVPN offers you one of the best VPN services for TikTok. This provider is in the lead when it comes to accessing sites and unblocking restricted content if you’re in a country where TikTok is unavailable. It also does a marvelous job of providing online privacy without the risk of your information getting into the wrong hands.
New users can bank on a 30-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee when they purchase a plan. This gives you the chance to test the speed, connection level, and server strength. NordVPN allows you to connect to five devices simultaneously at an excellent speed.
Known for its reputation as one of the best, NordVPN unblocks not only TikTok but also Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. It has mobile apps available on Android and iOS, as well as desktop apps for Mac, Windows, and Linux.
For encryption, NordVPN uses the military-grade AES-256 encryption standard. It combines this with OpenVPN and Internet Key Exchange v2/IPsec. Therefore, you can rest assured of optimal protection while you enjoy TikTok.
- Pros: Lots of pricing options; Netflix support kept up to date; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $3.71
Surfshark
Features
- Free trial? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Ad blocking? Yes
- Servers: 1000+ in 61 countries
Pros/Cons
- No footprints
- Allows torrenting
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Not the fastest
SurfShark is one of the most simple and yet efficiently reliable VPN services. With SurfShark, restriction to certain contents becomes a thing of the past. The VPN works well for TikTok, and it manages your online presence in a way that would make you invisible to cyber attacks.
With a wide range of high-speed servers dispersed efficiently across many countries, Surfshark users can unblock content in almost any location. Additionally, users are allowed to connect to unlimited devices at the same time without a noticeable lag in connection speed. This means you can enjoy TikTok on any of your devices without having to sign out of one device to use it on another.
Like other providers, the pricing on SurfShark varies and depends on the user’s preference. You can go for the monthly subscription, the annual subscription or the biannual one. Surfshark’s pricing is one of the most affordable on the VPN market, with a rate of about $2 per month on long-term subscriptions.
- Pros: No footprints; Allows torrenting; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest Price: $2.49
Private Internet Access
Features
- IP cloaking? Yes
- Access to US domains? Yes
- Devices supported: Over 30 (including iOS and Android)
- Firewalls? Yes
- Servers: 3000+ in over 25 countries
Pros/Cons
- Military grade encryption
- Firewall
- Completely private browsing
- Lesser known provider
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a decade-old VPN service that gives you excellent value for your money. It’s one of the cheapest VPN services online, but this does not negate its efficiency in any way.
PIA offers online privacy for TikTok users who fear that their information might get into the wrong hands. PIA users have 2600+ servers from 47 countries to choose from, and what’s really mind-blowing is that you can connect up to ten different devices simultaneously.
The desktop app is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, while the mobile app is available on Android and iOS. You can also get browser extensions for Chrome, Opera, and Firefox.
PIA uses state-of-the-art encryption protocols to protect customer privacy. With as little as $4 per month, you can enjoy unrestricted access to TikTok and other favorite contents without fear.
- Pros: Military grade encryption; Firewall; Completely private browsing;
- Lowest price: €2.50
CyberGhost
Features
- Connected devices at once: 7
- Automatic kill switch? Yes
- One click connect: Yes
- Servers: 5900 worldwide
Pros/Cons
- No logs policy
- 24/7 live chat
- Apps for mobile devices and routers
- No free option
CyberGhost is a VPN provider that is undeniably excellent for gaining online privacy and accessing restricted content online. Like many others, the VPN has a no-logs policy, which means it will never have or keep records about your activities online. This makes it ideal for TikTok and other services such as Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, etc.
CyberGhost VPN has apps for most platforms, including mobile and web. These apps come with a kill switch, OpenVPN protocol, and DNS leak protection. This makes it great to gain online privacy when you are at home or connected to a public WiFi.
CyberGhost is very fast, which means you will never have trouble streaming on multiple devices simultaneously. The VPN also permits torrenting, which makes it more endearing to its users.
CyberGhost has thousands of servers across 100+ countries. Its encryption is based on SSL, works with 256 bits, and is generated on your PC so that no third party can intercept your information.
Unlike most providers that offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, CyberGhost goes one step further by offering a whopping 45-day money-back guarantee. This assures you of the VPN’s confidence in its ability to provide a seamless service.
- Pros: No logs policy; 24/7 live chat; Apps for mobile devices and routers;
- Lowest price: €2
Trust.Zone
Features
- Complete anonymity? Yes
- Unblocking of all websites? Yes
- Pricing options: 4
- Servers: 164 in 80+ zones
- Free trial: Yes
Pros/Cons
- Military grade encryption
- Bitcoin accepted
- App for mobile devices
- Lesser known provider
Trust.Zone gives you everything you need in a VPN in a simple, unique way. Everything about the service makes it one of the most recommended VPN services for TikTok. The setup is quite easy and straightforward, making it easy for new users to find their way around.
The pricing on Trust.Zone makes it pocket-friendly, and it’s ideal for those who want to access TikTok privately and securely. It’s generally suitable for anyone who wants their online activities kept private and away from the government’s prying eyes.
The service uses the OpenVPN and L2TP encryption to protect its users. It is supported on Android, IOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. New users are treated to a 3-day free trial to understand the basics of the service and test its features.
- Pros: Military grade encryption; Bitcoin accepted; App for mobile devices;
- Lowest price: €3
Quick Guide
Below is a brief introduction to the selected VPNs that work well with TikTok. This quick guide will give you an honest one-sentence assessment of each VPN.
- ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN is a popular and reliable VPN that provides you with maximum online privacy while also giving you access to lots of restricted content.
- NordVPN. The go-to option for a reliable and affordable VPN service, especially for those who are more interested in surfing the web anonymously.
- SurfShark. SurfShark comes with a decent, easy-to-navigate user interface coupled with fair pricing and good internet speed.
- Private Internet Access. This VPN service allows you to connect to several servers easily via its user-friendly interface.
- CyberGhost. CyberGhost is notable for its fast internet connection and fair pricing.
- Trust.Zone. One of the cheapest VPN services out there with a good network and a fantastic customer service.
Do VPNs Really Unblock Access to TikTok?
Yes, they do. However, you must be sure that your selected VPN has a secure server in a country where TikTok is not banned. As stated earlier, users in India must look for stable servers from countries like the United Kingdom or Canada. While you can also gain access by connecting to a server from the United States, it’s important to note that the US government is planning to ban TikTok too due to privacy issues.
How to Set Up a VPN for TikTok
If you’re a mobile user, you can download any VPN you choose on the App Store or the Play Store, depending on your device. When you’re done downloading, open the app, get a preferred subscription, and connect to your chosen server. When you’re connected, you can check your current location through websites like whoer.net.
For PC users, you can either download the app to your PC or install a browser extension. Once you choose your preferred subscription, all you have to do is connect to your preferred server, and you’re good to go.
Why is TikTok Illegal in Some Countries?
Several governments banned TikTok for different reasons. For example, the US accused the Chinese app of funneling users’ data back to servers in China. Therefore, there were moves to ban the app to restrict the Chinese government’s access to such data. However, the TikTok ban has been shelved by the current Biden administration.
Using TikTok is also illegal in some countries because its makers have been accused of planting surveillance tech in their apps. Pakistan and India are two other countries that have successfully banned TikTok. For Indian users, TikTok became illegal following a skirmish between Indian and Chinese troops in June 2020.
India banned many other Chinese apps because of this conflict. Conversely, Pakistan banned the app for moral reasons. TikTok’s content was described as indecent, immoral, and unethical. As a conservative country, the TikTok videos often offend their culture and beliefs.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best VPNs for Tiktok
Is it legal to unblock TikTok with a VPN?
No, it’s generally not unlawful to unblock TikTok with a VPN. Countries institute Tiktok bans. Consequently, ISPs and app stores were to comply with the new regulations. So determining the legality of bypassing TikTok geo-restrictions could be challenging. However, if VPN usage was previously legal in a country, a TikTok ban doesn’t make using VPNs unlawful. However, it’ll help to check your country’s laws on this issue properly.
Are free VPNs good for TikTok?
No, accessing TikTok with a free VPN is a terrible idea. Indeed, unblocking TikTok with a free VPN sure looks attractive. However, there are many pitfalls to such a decision. For example, free VPNs are notorious for selling users’ data to third parties, including governments. It’s thus very likely that your TikTok connection data would get into the hands of unfavorable third parties. Furthermore, enjoying TikTok videos with a free VPN may also make you susceptible to security threats if the VPN doesn’t have solid encryption.
Will a VPN slow down my TikTok video uploads?
Yes, a TikTok VPN can slow down your TikTok uploads. However, this upload lag would only be for a few seconds. This would be the case if you used any of the excellent VPNs above. Furthermore, there’s a valid reason for these slow uploads. It’s that a VPN has to route your TikTok traffic through its encrypted servers. This process is what slows down your internet connection. However, choosing a VPN server that’s close to your location can reduce this delay.
What if I want to use a VPN for only TikTok?
Some TikTok users may only want a VPN for unblocking TikTok. Fortunately, a good VPN can allow you to make this choice. You just need a VPN that has the split-tunneling feature. Split tunneling allows you to route particular internet traffic through a VPN. Then, your other device apps can directly access the internet. Notably, though, only your TikTok app would enjoy your VPN’s secure encrypted connection.
What if my VPN doesn’t unblock TikTok?
Suppose your VPN doesn’t grant you Tiktok access; it could be that you aren’t using a solid option. Therefore, you’ll need to switch to any of the better VPNs above. Even with these, unblocking TikTok may still be difficult. You’ll thus need to check some settings on your phone. For instance, you can check your phone’s location settings. If it contradicts your new VPN location, unblocking TikTok would be impossible. Finally, you may need to clear your device’s browser caches.
Conclusion
Getting a good VPN for TikTok can be challenging, but thanks to the reviews above, you can now choose from at least seven different VPNs. TikTok is a social media rave with enjoyable features, and geo-restrictions can make you feel left out from the rest of the world. By choosing one of these VPNs, however, there can be no more worries about getting access to the app and protecting your information while doing so.