6 Best VPNs for Instagram: Access Instagram from Anywhere (2024)

Instagram continues to grow in popularity with a billion people using the photo-sharing app at least once each month. Unfortunately, the service is blocked by network administrators in many schools and places of work. In addition, the governments of some countries (such as China) block access to the social network. The best way to evade restrictions on Instagram is by using a VPN. So, if you want your social media fix, you’ll need one of the best VPNs for Instagram.

Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN service hides your real location by encrypting all the traffic flowing to and from your device and tunneling it via an intermediary server location of your choice. As such, system administrators will be unable to determine what you’re doing online. A VPN can also make it appear that you’re in a different physical location, enabling access to geo-restricted services, such as select Netflix and Amazon Prime Video libraries.

We get into detail later about each of the VPNs that made our list for unblocking Instagram, but if you haven’t got time to read the whole thing, here are our top choices:

Best VPNs for Instagram

1. NordVPN: Our top pick for an Instagram VPN. Large network of extremely fast servers able to unblock Instagram and most other restricted content. Secure and private with easy-to-use apps. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIPIn our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Instagram.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN for Instagram. No-logs provider that unblocks most platforms and doesn’t impose a device limit.
3. ExpressVPN: Operates a vast network with secure and speedy server locations dotted around the globe. Tight online privacy and security, and works in China.
4. AtlasVPN: A speedy VPN for Instagram with servers in 40+ countries. Easily bypasses blocks and offers apps for all major platforms.
5. PrivateVPN: Secure and private VPN with great speeds. Unblocks sites from anywhere.
6. Private Internet Access: Easy-to-use apps, speedy servers in 80+ locations, and 24/7 support available when you need it.

The best VPNs for Instagram – At a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Instagram

Our criteria for the best Instagram VPNs

Each Instagram VPN on our list has been subject to vigorous testing by a team of experts. Some of the main criteria used include:

• Ability to unblock Instagram, even in different countries. All of the providers on our list work in China.
• Apps for mobile devices like iPhones and Androids
• Strong security and privacy features
• Reliable connections and impressive speeds
• A good selection of worldwide servers

Read more on our methodology and how we test VPNs after our reviews.

Best VPNs for Instagram

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Instagram:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is our top recommendation for an Instagram VPN. It has a huge network of servers with more than 5,000 in 60 countries. It pegs the fastest VPN speeds we’ve seen, and you can pick a server based on preferences such as P2P and double VPN. A large set of obfuscated servers workswell for bypassing VPN blocks such as those imposed by the Chinese government.

The company secures web traffic with 256-bit AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy. DNS leak protection is enabled, and there’s a kill switch in all apps except Android. NordVPN keeps no logs whatsoever and accepts payment in Bitcoin, which allows for anonymous payment if used with a mixing service. If you need help, know that NordVPN provides live chat and email support around the clock.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. A single subscription grants access to six devices.

BEST VPN FOR INSTAGRAM:NordVPN is our top pick. It’s super fast, works well to unblock Instagram from anywhere, and allows up to six simultaneous connections. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, making this a risk-free deal.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a great low-cost alternative adept at unblocking Instagram and a ton of other platforms. It has a broad network of servers with roughly 3,000 in 100 countries. This VPN is also known for offering particularly fast speeds, particularly since implementing the WireGuard protocol. Surfshark’s NoBorders mode is especially helpful for getting around network restrictions.

This is a true no-logs provider that backs its privacy focus with strong online security features. You can expect military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch on all platforms, and protection against leaks. It even offers extras such as a malware and tracker blocker and MultiHop servers for two layers of encryption.

A major selling point of Surfshark is that it imposes no limit on the number of devices you can connect at one time. Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is known for its unblocking abilities which are complemented with strong security and privacy features. This provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our in-depth review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN uses rugged encryption protocols, has fast internet speeds, and works reliably in China (with no special setup required). This VPN operates a vast server network comprising 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries. Apps include a ‘Smart Location’ feature, which selects the fastest connection based on your current location.

ExpressVPN’s encryption standards will keep you protected – this provider leverages 256-bit AES with perfect forward secrecy by default. A kill switch (dubbed a network lock) in the desktop apps will freeze web traffic if the connection drops, and leak protection is built into all apps. ExpressVPN also offers particularly good customer support which you can contact 24 hours a day via live chat as well as email.

A single subscription grants access to five devices simultaneously. There are apps for both Android and iOS as well as desktop clients for Windows, Linux, and MacOS.

UNBLOCK ANYTHING:ExpressVPN is a great unblocker. It enables access to restricted and censored services and has a vast network of servers optimized for speedy connections. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN is a solid pick for those looking for a VPN that’s Instagram-friendly. With a strict no-logs policy, your online activity stays private. Plus, you can connect unlimited devices, making it versatile for both desktop and mobile users.

AtlasVPN boasts 750+ servers in over 40 countries, ensuring fast and reliable connections. Security-wise, it’s got AES encryption and a built-in kill switch. Need advanced features? It offers split tunneling and multi-hop servers for added security and flexibility.

Its excellent unblocking ability sets it apart – perfect for bypassing geo-restrictions on Instagram. And if you’re hesitant, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee to ease your mind.

SPEEDY SERVERS:AtlasVPN includes an unlimited device limit, split tunneling, and boasts impressive unblocking abilities.

Read our full review ofAtlasVPN.

5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is an even smaller provider but still a worthy contender as an Instagram VPN. It only operates around 200 servers in 60 countries but prioritizes providing access to blocked platforms and services. The VPN works well in China and other restrictive countries. Using the “Stealth VPN” mode will obfuscate your traffic to ensure it’s undetectable.

We’ve found PrivateVPN to offer good speeds for browsing, streaming, and torrenting. This provider employs 256-bit AES military-grade encryption along with perfect forward secrecy by default. Apps have built-in leak protection and the Windows client includes a kill switch. No logs are maintained at all. PrivateVPN stands out for providing free remote help and installation should you need it.

Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android, and desktop clients for Windows and macOS. You can connect up to six devices at a time.

MAINTAIN PRIVACY:PrivateVPN has a stealth mode to help you access all your favorite services. Plus it’s secure and private. Plans come with a 30-day refund policy.

Find out more details in our full PrivateVPN review.

6. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access and Instagram are an ideal match, with PIA effortlessly unblocking the social media platform from any of its servers in 80+ locations. PIA uses military-grade encryption to keep Instagram and other online activities safe from prying eyes like your ISP. Speeds are more than fast enough for streaming videos on Instagram thanks to PIA’s unlimited bandwidth and use of the WireGuard protocol.

PIA doesn’t monitor your activity and bolsters your privacy with ad blocking, malware blocking, a network kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Unfortunately, PIA is based in the United States, meaning it is a member of the Five Eyes Alliance. However, it is transparent in its privacy policy and hasappeared in courtwhere it’s been requested to provide logs of user data but hasn’t been able to provide such information.

Private Internet Access gives users a 10 simultaneous connection limit and provides support 24/7. Its apps are available on desktop and mobile. Try Private Internet Access for 30 days risk-free today.

MILITARY-GRADE ENCRYPTION: Private Internet Access has fast, reliable servers in 80+ locations. It offers 24/7 support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Private Internet Access.

How to access Instagram with a VPN

Getting started with a VPN is really very simple, just follow the step-by-step guide below.

Here’s how to use a VPN for Instagram so you can get access anywhere:

1. Select a VPN that’s best suited for you and submit payment. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the relevant app for your device.
3. Log in and connect to a server in a location of your choice.
4. Once the connection is established, open Instagram and use it normally.
5. If you’re still unable to access Instagram try clearing your browser’s cookies and reloading the app.

If you run into any issues, contact your VPN provider for help with troubleshooting.

Finding the best VPNs for Instagram: our methodology

In deciding the best VPNs for Instagram, there are several factors to take into account. Aside from the ability to unblock the social media platform, a VPN should offer good speeds and strong security. Below, we outline our methodology, which led us to the VPNs as listed in this post.

• Servers worldwide: Having access to servers worldwide makes it much easier to unblock Instagram and find a fast server close to your physical location. All of the VPNs we’ve covered offer large server networks, some with thousands of servers across dozens of countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and Japan.
• Speed: Server speed is particularly important if you’re streaming content on Instagram. VPNs offering fast connections and unlimited bandwidth (such as those listed in this post) allow you to watch without issues such as lag and buffering. Our speed tests helped us find the fastest VPNs for use with Instagram.
• Unblocking: Instagram is blocked in China and many schools and workplaces. We’ve found the VPNs that are most reliable when it comes to bypassing restrictions. This was achieved by testing each VPN against various region-locked websites and services, Instagram included.
• Security: In order to browse Instagram securely, you need a VPN that offers the following: high-end encryption (256-bit AES), protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch. It may be that you’d like an extra layer of security in which case, you may wish to consider NordVPN and Surfshark, both of which offer Double VPN servers.
• Privacy: Without a VPN, your ISP (and possibly your government) can see your online work. If you’d like your Instagram and other browsing activity to remain private, you need a VPN which encrypts your data and operates a no-logs policy. We’ve looked at more than 140 VPN logging policies in order to find the very best.
• Ease of use: In looking for the above, we are able to try out VPN apps and find those that are particularly user-friendly. All of them make it easy to get started while 24/7 live chat and email support is at hand should you need it. Most of the VPNs also offer the option of browser extensions for even quicker access to servers.
• Value for money: We feel that the best VPNs for Instagram offer excellent value for money. Aside from these VPNs frequently running special deals, you can save even more on the subscription price with the VPN discount coupons provided in this post. Remember, all of the VPNs listed come with a risk-free money-back guarantee.
• Mobile apps: Most of us use Instagram on our phones, and so naturally, a VPN for Instagram has to work great on mobile devices. We test each provider on IOS and Android phones to ensure a smooth experience.

Of course, we don’t just look for the above features. To determine if a VPN offers the above (and to what extent), we need to try it out for ourselves as part of our VPN testing methodology.

Instagram VPN FAQs