Best VPNs for Discord so you can access it securely

Discord users have been clamoring for end-to-end encryption for years but the company is hesitant to add it. Luckily, there is a way to hide your real location, have private voice chats in countries with strict online censorship, and secure your network traffic: just use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). These services change your IP address too, allowing you to beat an unfair Discord ban.

Our team has hunted high and low to find the best VPNs for Discord. We’ll take a closer look at each of them later but for now, here’s a quick rundown of our findings.

The best VPNs for Discord in 2023 are:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Discord. Blazing-fast speeds, strong security features, and one of the largest server networks around. Works just about anywhere and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Budget-friendly VPN service that works well with the Discord app. 90+ server locations, excellent security, and no simultaneous connection limit.
3. ExpressVPN: Boasts reliable connections, a large network of servers, and the ability to bypass IP bans on Discord. Even works in China and the UAE.
4. CyberGhost: Premium VPN with specially-designed gaming servers. Provides some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen and a great set of online privacy tools.
5. IPVanish: High speeds, secure servers, and no connection limit make this an excellent choice for online gaming and gaining access to Discord abroad.
6. PrivateVPN: Access Discord safely and shield your online activity with this reliable no-logs provider. Works with most popular streaming sites too.
7. Private Internet Access: Customizable VPN service with a user-first privacy policy and powerful security tools. No issues with the Discord app or website.

The best VPNs for Discord – 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 Discord.

Best VPNs for accessing Discord securely from anywhere

There are so many competing VPNs that it’s often difficult to decide which one is best for a particular task. To simplify matters, when researching the best VPNs for Discord, we decided only to recommend services that meet all of the criteria below:

• Can reliably access Discord and similar messaging apps
• Provides consistently high speeds
• Hides your real IP address and uses uncrackable encryption
• Logs no personally identifiable information
• Has apps for all major platforms and allows router installation so that you can use Discord on gaming consoles too
• Has a dedicated customer support team, ideally reachable over live chat

You can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs that we recommend in the methodology section below. But for now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the list.

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

1. NordVPN

Sep 2023 Works with DiscordTested Sep 2023

NordVPN is our #1 VPN for Discord. It delivers some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen (averaging almost 200 Mbps in our latest testing) and is an excellent choice whether you’re looking to chat, play games, or access streaming sites abroad. This VPN can get you an IP address from 60 different countries, and there are even obfuscated servers designed to beat country-wide censorship.

Let’s talk about its security setup. NordVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is considered uncrackable. It also prevents DNS and IP leaks, includes a kill switch, and offers automatic wifi protection. Recently, it introduced MeshNet, a tool that can securely connect your devices even if they’re on different networks. This VPN doesn’t keep any logs and is regularly audited for your peace of mind.

NordVPN has apps for MacOS, Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android. Manual configuration is required for use on network routers, but this will allow you to access Discord securely on gaming consoles and bypass the VPN’s six-device limit.

BEST VPN FOR DISCORD:NordVPN is our first choice. It offers excellent streaming ability, superfast connections, and a wealth of advanced security features. Its plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free option.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Works with DiscordTested Sep 2023

Surfshark is a low-cost VPN with plenty to offer. For instance, its network covers 100 countries and you can quickly find your favorite Discord servers next time by clicking the star icon beside their name. That’s not all: Surfshark is very fast, allows unlimited connections, and works with platforms like Netflix US.

This VPN uses strong encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a customizable kill switch to keep your internet connection secure. It also offers automatic wifi protection, a CleanWeb feature that blocks ads and trackers, and a tool that’ll change your IP address at regular intervals. Most importantly, Surfshark follows a no-logs policy and has been audited to prove it.

Surfshark has apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. It can be manually configured for routers, which is a great way to protect traffic from your gaming consoles, which don’t support regular VPN apps

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark helps you securely access Discord with features like automatic wifi protection and tracker-blocking. Also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. ExpressVPN

Works with DiscordTested Sep 2023

ExpressVPN is a fantastic service for anyone looking to access Discord safely. It has speedy and reliable servers in 94 countries, works in multiple places where VoIP platforms are restricted, and has no issues with streaming platforms like Disney+ or Sling TV. It’s the only major VPN with its own router firmware too, giving users an easier way to use Discord safely on Xbox, PlayStation, or other gaming consoles.

This provider uses effectively-uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. It even has a custom protocol named Lightway that can hide your online activity while switching between networks! Now, ExpressVPN doesn’t have as many privacy features as some of its rivals, but repeated audits have shown that it keeps no logs. Additionally, it accepts Bitcoin, letting you sign up anonymously.

ExpressVPN has novice-friendly apps for Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. If you’d like to secure more than five devices at once, you can install it on your home router.

FLEXIBLE VPN:ExpressVPN takes your security and privacy seriously and allows you to use Discord safely wherever you are. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

Works with DiscordTested Sep 2023

CyberGhost provides blazing-fast speeds (nearly 300 Mbps in our latest tests) and its network spans 90 countries. Notably, this VPN offers specially-configured gaming servers, meaning you won’t have to manually try and find one that works with Discord. This VPN has unlimited bandwidth and lets users secure up to seven devices at a time. If you need help, live chat-based support is available 24/7.

This VPN includes a wide range of privacy features including a smart rules tab that lets you decide how and when it’ll connect automatically. In addition to its 256-bit encryption, CyberGhost has a kill switch, leak prevention, and automatic tracker-blocking. It follows a no-logs policy, publishes regular transparency reports, and has been repeatedly audited by independent experts, which, in our opinion, makes it one of the most privacy-aware providers on the market.

CyberGhost provides apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices. You can manually install it on routers if you’d like to use Discord safely on gaming consoles other devices without full VPN support.

BEGINNERS' CHOICE:CyberGhost has easy to use apps, some of the fastest servers we’ve tested, and comprehensive security. It includes a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

Works with DiscordTested Sep 2023

IPVanish is another excellent choice for Discord users. It has roughly 2,000 servers in 60+ countries and works with plenty of popular platforms including Netflix, Disney+, and Max. Not only that, but it offers some of the fastest speeds around, making it ideal for just about any online activity you can imagine. With no bandwidth or connection limits, you’re free to browse across all of your devices.

This service uses 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch to keep you anonymous online. If you’re looking for maximum security, you can also enable automatic wifi protection, local traffic blocking, and OpenVPN scrambling. IPVanish doesn’t keep any logs, something that independent auditors have confirmed. Need help? No problem: just get in touch using the 24/7 live chat service.

IPVanish offers Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV apps. You’ll have to manually install it on Linux-based platforms and select internet routers.

PROTECT EVERY DEVICE:IPVanish is fast, lightweight, and security-oriented, plus it no connection limit. This VPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

Works with DiscordTested Sep 2023

PrivateVPN has roughly 200 servers in 63 countries and is known for for its their impressive unblocking abilities. It has no issues with Discord and works perfectly in the UAE, China, and other places with stringent online restrictions. Further, it offers steady speeds and allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, which is roughly twice the industry average.

This premium VPN secures your internet traffic using 256-bit AES encryption, a customizable, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. You can even use its stealth mode to hide the telltale signs of VPN usage on networks that usually block them outright. PrivateVPN doesn’t keep any logs but in our judgement, it’d really benefit from proving this with an independent audit like some of its rivals have. Live chat is available almost 24/7 so you’re never too far from help.

PrivateVPN supports all popular platforms including Windows, Android, MacOS, and iOS. You’ll have to manually configure it for use on Linux systems and supported routers.

SECURE MESSAGING ANYWHERE:PrivateVPN has high speeds, a no-logs policy, and strong security features, helping you access Discord safely. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access has a large network of servers and respectable speeds, so it’s more than capable of keeping you safe during Discord calls. What’s more, it allows P2P activity, works with a wide range of streaming sites including Netflix US and supports unlimited connections. In other words, there’s very little that this VPN can’t help you with.

PIA users can take advantage of 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, local traffic blocking, and a kill switch feature. There are also several more advanced privacy features, such as remote port selection, multi-hop servers, and split tunneling but most importantly, Private Internet Access refuses to keep any logs. If you run into problems, don’t panic; you’ll also have 24-hour access to live chat support.

Private Internet Access offers apps for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. You’ll also find an app for Amazon Fire TV as well as Chrome, Firefox, and Opera browser extensions. Use with routers requires manual setup.

TRUE NO-LOGS POLICY:Private Internet Access uses high-end encryption, to secure your data on Discord. Also works with Netflix. Servers available in more than 80 countries. Strict no-logs policy (not even connection logs). 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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How to use Discord securely with a VPN

New to VPNs and not sure where to start? Don’t worry: below, we’ll explain how to access Discord from anywhere step-by-step:

1. First of all, sign up for one of the VPNs below (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Next, download and install the software, making sure to get the correct version for your device.
3. Most VPNs don’t have specific Discord servers. In our experience, you’ll get the best speeds from one that’s nearby — just make sure it’s in a country where Discord isn’t blocked.
4. Open Discord and start a call. You should now be able to communicate securely, but if you notice any problems, try using a different server or contact your VPN’s customer support team for further advice. You might also want to consult Discord’s help section in case the issue isn’t VPN-related.

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for Discord

There are hundreds of VPNs on the market. However, to use Discord safely from anywhere, you’ll need one with powerful security, high speeds, and the ability to go undetected. Needless to say, these requirements significantly reduce the number of options you have. Here’s what we expect from the best Discord VPNs:

• Server choice: Your VPN’s server network must offer at least 50 different locations to make sure you’re not reliant on servers half a world away. This also impacts which country’s content you’ll be able to access, so more is always better
• Speed and reliability: Slow speeds lead to laggy audio and choppy video calls, which is why we only recommend VPNs that perform well in our regular speed tests. We also take a provider’s reliability into account; after all, it’s not enough for your VPN to only work well at certain times of day.
• Versatility: We extensively tests VPNs to see if they’re suitable for Discord chats, P2P activity, gaming, and using streaming services like Disney+, Peacock, and Paramount+. We also strongly prefer those that work in countries with oppressive online censorship
• Security: We require excellent security as a bare minimum. This means we need 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks even to be considered for our list. That said, we also look for wifi protection, obfuscated servers, tracker blocking, and a no-logs policy
• Price: Some VPNs try to charge more than is really justifiable, given their functionality. Needless to say, we only recommend services that are priced fairly. All the same, we’ll let you know about any discounts and guarantees they offer. Where possible, we try and claim these ourselves to see if it’s really as straightforward as it seems
• User-friendliness: Digital privacy should be available to everyone. That’s why we prioritize VPNs with multi-platform support, easy-to-use apps, and live chat-based support (ideally available 24/7).

Of course, this is far from the only testing we perform. We’ve actually put together a guide that explains exactly how we test VPNs at Comparitech.

Chatting securely with Discord: FAQs