How to bypass the 4chan IP ban with a VPN

4chan bans aren’t uncommon. While many bans are understandably deserved, others might not make much sense. It may be that you’re using a shared IP address with another person committing the bannable offense. Alternatively, you may live in a country in which ISPs are blocking access to 4chan. Whatever the case, you can bypass the 4chan ban by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel. This secures it from all outside observers, from hackers to your ISP. You’re also provided with a new, temporary IP address. This provides you with a fresh start on 4chan, meaning you won’t be associated with a banned IP address through no fault of your own. It also means you can browse 4chan content anonymously without fear of internet censorship.

In this article, we’ll list the best VPNs for bypassing the 4chan IP ban. You can find out more about them further below. However, here’s a quick summary of each in case you don’t have time to read the full article.

Best VPNs for 4chan:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for 4chan. 1,900+ servers in the US. Servers optimized for P2P. No-logs VPN with 24/7 support. Secure up to six devices at once. 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for 4chan. Connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. Works with 4chan as well as Netflix. Strict no-logs VPN with Double VPN servers for extra security.
3. ExpressVPN: Servers in 94 countries. Fast, reliable connections. Excellent, user-friendly apps and 24/7 support. Secure with encryption.
4. CyberGhost: Over 9,000 servers in 90+ countries for unblocking 4chan. Unlimited bandwidth for streaming and torrenting. Highly secure with a strict no-logs policy.
5. IPVanish: Use on all of your devices simultaneously. Over 40,000 IPs for bypassing the 4chan IP ban. No-logs VPN with very good speeds for browsing and streaming.
6. PrivateVPN: High-speed servers and strong unblocking ability. Works with 4chan and Netflix. Very easy-to-use apps and allows up to ten simultaneous connections.
7. Hotspot Shield: Servers in 27 US cities. Works with 4chan and offers good, consistent speeds. Secure with high-end encryption. Includes 24/7 live chat support.

How to bypass the 4chan ban with a VPN

If your IP address has been blocked by 4chan, don’t worry. You can bypass the 4chan ban by connecting to a VPN. Better still, this is surprisingly quick and easy to do.

Here’s how to bypass the 4chan (IP address) ban with a VPN:

1. The first step is to choose a VPN to sign up with. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Next, you’ll need to download and install the appropriate VPN app for your device.
3. Open the VPN app and connect to a server. Note that the closer the server is to your location, the faster the connection is likely to be.
4. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies before refreshing your browser.
5. Go to 4chan. It should now be unblocked. If not, simply connect to another server in case the IP address you’ve been provided has also been blacklisted.

Best VPNs for bypassing the 4chan IP ban – 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 4chan.

Best VPNs for unblocking 4chan

While there are plenty of VPNs to choose from, not all are good enough for bypassing 4chan’s IP bans. They may simply be too slow or lacking in security. To save you some time, we’ve found the best VPNs for 4chan by selecting those that meet the following criteria:

• Thousands of IP addresses for unblocking 4chan
• Fast servers for uninterrupted browsing and streaming
• High-end encryption to keep your data secure
• Strict no-logs policy that protects your privacy
• Money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for unblocking 4chan from anywhere:

1. NordVPN

Jun 2023 unblocks 4chanTested Jun 2023

NordVPN has a particularly large network of over 5,400 servers in 60+ countries. This includes over 1,900 servers in the United States. Some of these servers are optimized for P2P file-sharing while Double VPN servers offer you an extra layer of security. Aside from being able to bypass 4chan IP bans, you can use NordVPN to stream Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more. This VPN also lets you connect up to six devices simultaneously.

The NordVPN apps are particularly easy to use, allowing you to connect to a server in just one click. When connected, you’re secured with 256-bit AES encryption. There’s also DNS and IPv6 leak protection, plus a kill switch feature. NordVPN’s strict no-logs policy means it doesn’t collect any of your private data. This allows you to browse the web while maintaining your online anonymity. Last but not least, live chat support is available to you 24/7.

You can bypass the 4chan IP ban via NordVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Android TV. There’s also Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Use with compatible routers requires following manual setup instructions.

BEST VPN FOR 4CHAN:NordVPN is our top choice. Has 5,400 servers in total and 1,900 in the US. Plenty of options for unblocking 4chan. Also works with Netflix. Highly secure service with 24/7 live chat support. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

unblocks 4chanTested Jun 2023

Surfshark lets you connect an unlimited number of devices at once. Its network consists of approximately 3,200 servers in 100+ countries. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that Surfshark has servers in two dozen US cities. This includes Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. This VPN service lets you bypass any 4chan bans while it also offers more than enough speed for lag-free streaming of Netflix and similar services.

If you have a Surfshark account, you’ll have access to 24/7 live chat and email support. You’ll also be able to connect to this VPN’s MultiHop (Double VPN) servers which effectively encrypt your internet traffic twice for extra security. Speaking of, Surfshark keeps you safe using 256-bit AES encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch feature. It’s worth noting that this is a no-logs service which means it doesn’t collect details such as your IP address or browsing history.

Surfshark’s beginner-friendly apps are offered for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. There are also browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. You’ll need to follow manual setup instructions for use with routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is an affordable no-logs VPN with servers in 100+ countries and two dozen US cities. Works with 4chan and Netflix. Unlimited simultaneous connections and 24/7 support. No-logs policy and Double VPN servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

unblocks 4chanTested Jun 2023

ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries, providing plenty of options for unblocking 4chan. This is one of the faster VPNs available, and it also offers unlimited bandwidth. This means that it’s more than fast enough for browsing 4chan while it’s also highly suitable for streaming, be it on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. Overall, ExpressVPN has very strong streaming potential and is able to bypass even the toughest online censorship.

You can use this VPN to connect as many as five devices simultaneously. 24/7 live chat and email support is also included as part of your subscription. If you’re looking to browse 4chan while maintaining your online anonymity, ExpressVPN is a solid choice. Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, protection from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, and a kill switch. Headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN isn’t subject to data retention laws and doesn’t keep any personally identifiable logs of its users.

ExpressVPN apps are available for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. There’s also custom firmware for routers and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

HIGHLY SECURE:ExpressVPN is a privacy-conscious provider. Servers in 94 countries as well as fast, consistent speeds. Bypass the 4chan IP ban with ease. 24/7 support and strong security with encryption. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

unblocks 4chanTested Jun 2023

CyberGhost is a fast and highly secure VPN service that’s well worth considering. It has some 9,000 servers in 90+ countries at the time of writing. As such, you can not only use it to unblock 4chan but many other region-locked websites and services worldwide. Unlimited bandwidth and no throttling means you can expect uninterrupted browsing and streaming free from lag and buffering.

One particularly interesting feature of CyberGhost is the option to have a dedicated IP address. The advantage of this is that you can’t get blacklisted for another person’s actions. There’s plenty of security features too, with 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection. It’s also worth knowing that CyberGhost operates a strict no-logs policy and lets you secure up to seven devices via a single account.

Signing up with CyberGhost allows you access to the apps for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also download browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Manual configuration is required for use with routers.

6,000+ SERVERS:CyberGhost makes it easy to bypass the 4chan IP ban with 9,000 servers in 90 countries. High-speed servers and unlimited bandwidth for streaming. Lots of security features, including a strict no-logs policy and encryption. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

unblocks 4chanTested Jun 2023

IPVanish may be of interest if you have a lot of devices to secure. That’s because it allows any number of simultaneous connections per account. This VPN has around 2,000 servers in total and 40,000 IP addresses. Needless to say, this means you’ll easily be able to bypass the 4chan IP ban. IPVanish offers exceptionally fast speeds with no throttling, making it a strong choice for everyday browsing and streaming. Furthermore, it works with Netflix US.

This VPN operates a zero-logs policy and includes all of the essential security features that you’ll need to browse the web anonymously. These include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. The IPVanish apps are easy to use and offer the time-saving option of connecting to the best available city and server. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email.

You can secure your devices via the IPVanish apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. It’s also possible to use this VPN with Linux and routers but manual configuration is required.

SECURE EVERY DEVICE:IPVanish offers 40,000 IPs for accessing 4chan from anywhere. Good speeds for streaming and works with Netflix US. Zero-logs VPN with easy-to-use apps and 24/7 live chat support. Allows any number of connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

unblocks 4chanTested Jun 2023

PrivateVPN is a smaller VPN provider that offers roughly 200 servers in 60+ countries. This includes servers in around a dozen US cities. One of the main advantages of using this particular VPN is its very high speeds. This, plus the unlimited bandwidth, you’ll be able to stream and torrent without restriction. It also offers excellent unblocking ability. Aside from 4chan, PrivateVPN works with Amazon Prime Video and HBO.

With a single PrivateVPN account, you can connect up to 10 devices at once. While the apps are simple to navigate, live chat support and remote help and installation are available just in case. There’s also strong security, in part thanks to this VPN’s strict no-logs policy. Your data and identity are further safeguarded by 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. For maximum anonymity, you can sign up for a PrivateVPN account by using a throwaway email address and paying in Bitcoin.

Unblock 4chan from anywhere via the PrivateVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. You can also use this VPN with Linux and routers but this requires manual setup.

STRESS-FREE STREAMING:PrivateVPN offers fast speeds and servers in 60+ countries worldwide. Use it with 4chan, Netflix, and more. Beginner-friendly apps and live chat support. Protects your privacy with encryption and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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7. Hotspot Shield

unblocks 4chanTested Jun 2023

Hotspot Shield has a growing network of more than 1,800 servers which you can find in 80+ countries around the world. In particular, it has lots of servers in the US  and Canada. As such, you’ll be able to use this VPN to access 4chan as well as unblock Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Should you have any questions about Hotspot Shield, live chat support is available to you, 24/7.

Using Hotspot Shield couldn’t be easier, making it a particularly suitable choice if you’re using a VPN for the first time. Indeed, you can connect to a server in a single click. Online anonymity is possible thanks to Hotspot Shield’s security features. There’s 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection and a kill switch. It doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified as a user. Furthermore, you can secure as many as five devices at once.

Hotspot Shield provides apps for the following: Linux, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and routers. A Chrome browser extension is also available.

SERVERS IN 27 US CITIES:Hotspot Shield has a large server network for accessing 4chan. Beginner-friendly VPN service with 24/7 live chat support. Keeps your data secure with high-end encryption. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

See also: Overall best VPN providers

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Can I bypass the 4chan ban with a free VPN?

No, the vast majority of free VPNs won’t allow you to bypass the 4chan ban. The reason for this is that free VPNs have very few servers and IP addresses. Free VPNs are the first thing trolls try to use in order to get around bans and this means that there are very few free VPN IP addresses that haven’t already been banned.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that the small network of servers and a high number of users usually results in very slow speeds. Worse still, some free VPNs actually limit your bandwidth to try and manage this. As such, streaming and torrenting becomes a lot more challenging. Speaking of streaming, free VPNs are rarely able to securely access platforms like Netflix and Disney+.

Last but not least, you shouldn’t use a free VPN if you value your privacy. Many free VPNs don’t encrypt your internet traffic or protect you from leaks. They may even log and sell your data to third parties. If you want to be able to browse 4chan anonymously without your ISP knowing what you’re doing, you’ll need to choose one of the best VPNs for 4chan. Be sure to choose one that offers high-end encryption and a strict no-logs policy.

Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs to beat 4chan bans

There are plenty of VPNs to choose from, but not all of them are suitable for every task. For instance, while most should be able to beat a 4chan ban, some aren’t quick enough for streaming and others are unable to beat online censorship. Below, you’ll find the criteria we used to separate the best from the rest:

• Server locations: In general, the closer your chosen server is, the better your speeds will be. A network that covers more countries increases the likelihood of you having a suitable server nearby.
• Server count: The more servers your VPN has in your location, the less likely one of them has already been IP banned. Large networks also ensure a more stable performance during peak times, or when some servers are down for maintenance.
• Speed: 4chan is an image board, so you don’t necessarily need the fastest VPN. Still, nobody wants to switch tabs and be unable to play videos. That’s why we only recommend services that perform well in our periodic speed testing. 
• Security toolkit: A huge part of 4chan’s appeal is that you can communicate anonymously. With this in mind, we decided that only services offering 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy qualify for a spot in our list. Naturally, we prefer providers with even more advanced security and privacy features.
• Price: We see a lot of VPNs, so it’s extremely easy to tell if a service is charging more than is really justified. As well as only recommending those that are priced fairly, we’ll give you all the details on their guarantees and discounts to help cut the cost even more.

Interested in finding out more? Why not check out our post explaining our in-depth VPN testing process?

Browsing 4chan safely: Frequently Asked Questions