Best VPN for websites blocked due to the GDPR

The EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) went into effect on May 25, 2018. Since then, some companies either haven’t updated or won’t update their privacy rules to comply. To avoid hefty fines for non-compliance, some sites providing news, games, and other services have simply blocked EU visitors. These include the New York Daily News and the Chicago Tribune. Thankfully, it’s easy to bypass these restrictions by using a VPN.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic and tunnels it through an intermediary server in your preferred geographical location. It masks your real IP address and makes it appear that you’re in your chosen location. For example, connecting through a US server will make it appear that you’re in the US. So, if you connect via a VPN, you can continue to access sites blocked due to the GDPR from anywhere. A VPN can also hide your activity from your ISP and other snoopers.

We’ll cover the top VPNs for circumventing the GDPR restrictions in detail, but if you don’t have the time to read the whole article, here is a summary of our top picks.

Best VPNs for accessing sites blocked due to the GDPR:

1. NordVPN Our top choice for accessing sites blocked due to GDPR. Server locations in 118 countries. Reliably accesses restricted content. Top privacy and security. 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for GDPR.
2. Surfshark Budget-friendly provider that reliably accesses GDPR-restricted sites. Boasts solid speeds, great security, and no connection limits. Works with popular streaming services.
3. Total VPN A fast, novice-friendly VPN with a robust set of security tools and servers in more than 80 countries. Doesn’t keep logs and offers low-cost plans.
4. ProtonVPN A highly advanced VPN that is perfect for torrenting. Many fast non-EU servers that work to access GDPR blocked websites. Kill switch, stealth, and multi-hop features. No logs.
5. ExpressVPN Great at unblocking GDPR and geo-restricted content. Fast servers in 105 countries. Security and privacy features lead the way.
6. IPVanish Fast network of servers popular with Kodi users and torrenters. Doesn’t flinch when accessing GDPR-restricted content.
7. CyberGhost Great value choice and ideal for beginners with easy-to-install apps. Reliable for accessing GDPR and geo-blocked content.
8. PureVPN Low-cost access to servers perfect for bypassing GDPR blocks in the UK or elsewhere. Fast speeds. Works with popular streaming services. 30-day refund policy.
9. Private Internet Access Robust security features. Easy-to-use apps and servers in 91+ countries globally.
10. PrivateVPN No issues getting around the GDPR with dozens of servers located outside the EU.

Best VPNs for accessing GDPR-blocked websites compared

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 accessing GDPR-blocked websites. 

Our criteria for GDPR-friendly VPNs

Of course, not all VPN services offer a comparable service. They differ in terms of security, connection speed, and other factors. We’ve put together a list of the best VPNs for websites blocked due to the GDPR based on tests in the following areas:

• Speed: To find providers that were fast enough for online activities such as streaming, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to their servers in the US.
• Network features: We scored providers on the number of countries they supported as well as the overall number of servers they had. We also scored them on their ability to access geo-restricted content from US-based news sites and streaming platforms like Netflix.
• Security and privacy: Not all VPNs are as private and secure as they claim to be. We used 16 different metrics to check that providers were capable of protecting your data from potentially malicious third parties.
• Ease of use: To make accessing blocked sites as simple as possible, we’ve only recommended VPNs that scored highly against our 10 test metrics used to evaluate their overall user-friendliness.
• Value for money: In addition to comparing each provider’s subscription prices, we looked for other ways they offered good value. Our eight test criteria involved checking for money-back guarantees, long-term discounts, and device connection limits.

The above is just a summary. You can read more about our testing process later in the article, but first, let’s take a closer look at the providers that impressed us.

The best VPNs for GDPR-blocked websites

Here is our list of the best VPNs for websites blocked due to the GDPR:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2025

NordVPN is our top VPN for accessing blocked content. It’s a stellar pick for almost all use cases, but especially for accessing websites blocked due to the GDPR. The provider’s huge network of over 7,400 servers means you’re spoiled for choice both in and out of the EU.

NordVPN excels at accessing restricted sites and worked seamlessly with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu during testing.

It’s also very fast, meaning that you’ll experience no lag or buffering while streaming. In our tests, NordVPN was our fastest provider and the only one to achieve an average download speed of over 200 Mbps.

This VPN provider has your back when it comes to digital security. With 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch, you can be sure no data will leave the encrypted tunnel. For an extra layer of encryption, simply connect to one of NordVPN’s Double VPN servers. This service maintains no traffic or connection logs whatsoever, ensuring your privacy is protected.

NordVPN allows for up to 10 simultaneous connections with apps available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. NordVPN can also be manually configured with some routers.

BEST VPN FOR GDPR BLOCKS:NordVPN is our top VPN pick. Reliably accesses GDPR-blocked sites. Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. Great security and online privacy features. You can try NordVPN risk-free because it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is an excellent budget-friendly VPN choice for bypassing GDPR blocks — primarily because it operates over a thousand servers outside of Europe. In fact, with around 3,200 servers in 100 countries, it’s a solid option for accessing services like Netflix and Hulu, too.

In our tests, Surfshark’s average download speed was 189.62 Mbps. This is fast enough for all of your online activities. As Surfshark has no connection or bandwidth limits to speak of, there’s very little to restrict you.

This VPN provider keeps you safe using 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks. It also offers a built-in ad-blocker and malware scanner, plus a strict no-logs policy. MultiHop servers are also available should you require an extra layer of protection. 24/7 support is available via email or live chat, just in case you have any issues.

Surfshark offers Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Fire TV apps as well as Chrome and Firefox extensions. While you can use this VPN service with compatible routers, manual setup is needed.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is fast, secure, and affordable. Bypasses GDPR-related blocks and works with over 30 Netflix libraries. Protect every device you own at once. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. Total VPN

Total VPN does a great job of bypassing online restrictions, whether due to GDPR, governmental censorship, or regional blocking. With servers in more than 80 countries, a five connection limit, and no bandwidth cap, you’ll be able to access your favorite news sites, streaming platforms, or social media apps from anywhere. Of course, if you need help, you can submit a support ticket on the VPN’s website.

Our experts tested Total VPN’s American servers at three different times of day to check both its speeds and consistency. When tested on a 250 Mbps connection, this service delivered an average speed of 165.2 Mbps. In other words, it’s one of the fastest providers in our list, and more than capable of handling everyday tasks like streaming or torrenting.

When it comes to keeping you safe, this VPN has everything you’ll need. There’s uncrackable AES-256 encryption, for instance, as well as a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. Total VPN supports the proprietary Hydra protocol too, which means you’ll be able to browse anonymously, even on networks that normally block VPN traffic entirely.

Total VPN offers beginner-friendly apps for iOS, macOS, Windows, and Android.

STAY SAFE ONLINE:Total VPN comes with all of the essential security tools and boasts some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen. Large network, a no-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans (shorter-term subscriptions come with a 14-day guarantee instead).

Read our complete Total VPN review for more details.

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4. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is one of the most advanced VPNs money can buy. It is headquartered in Switzerland, meaning it benefits from robust privacy laws. In addition to being the brainchild of the trusted brand behind Proton Mail, ProtonVPN has completed a full third-party audit that proves its service lives up to its advertising. Apps come with AES encryption, a kill switch, and a range of protocols.

The VPN has an impressive 12,000+ servers spread across 117 countries, so there are plenty of non-EU servers that are capable of bypassing website blocks caused by GDPR.

Speeds were consistently quick while connected to ProtonVPN’s servers in the US. The provider comfortably exceeded 140 Mbps in all three tests, and achieved an overall average of 143.97 Mbps. 

ProtonVPN provides access to a diverse range of streaming services, including Hulu, Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Max.

Advanced functions like obfuscation, split tunneling, multi-hop connections, Secure Core servers, and Tor over VPN enhance ProtonVPN’s appeal for advanced users or netizens living in surveillance-heavy regimes. However, it’s worth noting that these extras contribute to a slightly higher cost compared to our top picks.

With live chat support available in the members’ area, ProtonVPN offers excellent expertise and assistance. Overall, it is a fantastic all-rounder that is particularly useful for torrenting thanks to its split tunneling and port forwarding features. 30-day money-back guarantee lets you test it yourself.

FULLY FEATURED:ProtonVPN caters to tech-savvy users who torrent, host servers, or need advanced privacy features. With servers available in over 117+ countries, it’s ideal for bypassing restrictions caused by GDPR. Includes 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN operates a large network of servers spanning 105 countries, including plenty of non-EU locations. The provider offers excellent 24-hour customer support, and a live chat agent is always just a click away.

Aside from accessing sites blocked due to the GDPR, you’ll also be able to stream geo-restricted content from sites like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and Amazon Prime Video.

In our tests, ExpressVPN achieved download speeds averaging 129.92 Mbps. This makes it suitable for everything from high-resolution streaming to multiplayer gaming or video calling.

Security and online privacy are top priorities for ExpressVPN. It uses 256-bit encryption and perfect forward secrecy and comes with DNS leak protection and a kill switch built in. This VPN provider never monitors your online activity and only stores minimal connection logs (which don’t include your IP address). With just a single account, you’ll be able to have up to eight simultaneous connections.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions can be downloaded for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Unlike most VPNs, ExpressVPN even has custom firmware for easier router setup.

SPEEDY AND SECURE:ExpressVPN is fast and easy to use. Reliably unblocks GDPR content. Servers in 105 countries worldwide. Unlimited bandwidth and reliable unblocking. Strong security with military-grade encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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6. IPVanish

IPVanish offers some very fast speeds and is popular among torrenters and Kodi users. It has plenty of non-EU servers to choose from, including many in North America and Asia, so you should have no issues accessing sites blocked due to the GDPR. It also enables you to access some popular streaming sites such as Netflix US, Hulu, and Disney Plus.

The provider performed admirably in our speed tests, with an overall average of 155.03 Mbps. This is fast enough to stream 4K video on seven devices simultaneously.

IPVanish takes users’ privacy very seriously and stores no logs. Security comes in the form of military-grade 256-bit encryption and perfect forward secrecy. You also get DNS leak protection and a built-in kill switch. The latter will kill the internet connection if the VPN connection happens to drop. Any number of simultaneous connections are permitted so it’s a great choice for sharing with family members.

To use IPVanish, download an app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or Fire TV. You can also use this VPN service on Linux and with VPN-compatible routers, but the connection must be manually configured.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is great for families that need multiple devices connected. Good at unblocking a range of geo-restricted content. High-speed connections for streaming. Recommend for its high standard of privacy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost operates a vast collection of over 10,000 servers across 100+ countries. Plus, the provider prioritizes providing access to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, so you can enjoy these too.

This streaming will be lag- and buffer-free thanks to CyberGhost’s use of the lightweight WireGuard protocol. When tested, we measured speeds averaging 135.62 Mbps, which is fast enough for every activity you can think of.  

This service ensures your data remains secure and away from any prying eyes. It uses 256-bit encryption along with perfect forward secrecy and comes with DNS leak protection and a kill switch. You can get automatic Wi-Fi protection when connecting to familiar networks, and no personally identifiable information will ever be recorded. CyberGhost also provides subscribers with 24/7 support via live chat and email.

With CyberGhost, you can connect up to seven devices at the same time. Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. It also has extensions for Chrome and Firefox. This VPN provider can be configured on some routers.

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY:CyberGhost is easy to use. A well-priced, solid performer. Good at unblocking GDPR content and has fast, unthrottled connection speeds. Huge server network and a strong security offering. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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8. PureVPN

PureVPN is a low-cost VPN that offers reliable access to blocked websites caused by GDPR. It has servers in 65+ countries and obfuscates traffic automatically.

Our tests showed that PureVPN reliably accesses multiple Netflix regions, as well as other popular streaming platforms such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

The provider uses WireGuard by default, which helps it deliver impressive download speeds. The provider averaged 137.22 Mbps while we were connected to its US servers, which is ideal for gaming, streaming, torrenting, and video calls.

PureVPN prioritizes security with its AES encryption, kill switch, DNS leak prevention, and strict no-logging policy, ensuring secure access to internet resources for expats, or safe browsing on public Wi-Fi abroad.

While there’s a little room for improvement in its live chat support response time, we found the VPN hard to beat considering the cost. If you want to see what the fuss is about, you can test it using its 31-day money-back guarantee.

GREAT VALUE:PureVPN makes it cheap to access restricted services from outside the EU. Servers in 65+ countries and automatic obfuscation. Rock solid no-logs policy and robust AES-256 encryption. Comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee to test it yourself.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

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9. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is one of the most flexible VPNs around. It has thousands of servers in more than 91 countries capable of accessing sites locked down by GDPR restrictions.

Speeds are fast enough for streaming and torrenting — though not quite as quick as the above providers. In our tests, PIA achieved an overall average of 77.51 Mbps. As a rough guide, this would enable you to stream UHD video on three devices simultaneously. 

Note that with your account, there’s no limit to the number of devices you can connect at the same time.

Private Internet Access is also packed with powerful privacy and security features that are perfect for keeping your data safe. This includes a kill switch, no-logs policy, DNS leak protection, and strong encryption.

If you’re looking to access more content from around the world, it can help you do that too. It has dedicated streaming servers in the US that work with Netflix, Hulu, Max, and Disney Plus. The UK streaming servers work with Channel 4 and ITVX.

It doesn’t keep logs, and its logging policy has been independently verified.

PIA apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome and Firefox. It’s also possible to set up a VPN connection with a compatible router.

NO LOGS PROVIDER:Private Internet Access is a reliable VPN with a large server network and robust privacy that can easily bypass GDPR restrictions. Allows an unlimited number of devices on the same account. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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10. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN might be a smaller player in the VPN world, but it’s not to be overlooked. It operates servers in 63+ countries and can give you access to GDPR-restricted content without issue. What’s more, PrivateVPN can fly under the radar of many sites that are cracking down on VPN usage. It’s able to bypass the Netflix proxy error, as well as access the likes of BBC iPlayer and Hulu.

While connected to PrivateVPN’s US servers, we recorded speeds of between 50.44 Mbps and 55.35 Mbps. Although this is impressively consistent, it’s slower than the above providers. So, while you’ll still be able to stream in 4K on a couple of devices without issue, avid gamers should look elsewhere. 

This VPN provider keeps its promises on the privacy and security front. It stores no logs of browser or session history, so you don’t have to worry about any data ever being handed over to a third party.

You can also expect 256-bit AES encryption, as well as DNS leak protection and a kill switch feature. Need help? Live chat and email support is available up to 22 hours per day. PrivateVPN even offers free remote help and installation.

PrivateVPN apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. It can also be manually configured with Linux and some routers.

GREAT FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN is easy to use. Allows up to 10 devices on the same account. Secure connections and very strong unblocking ability. Quality customer support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

How to unblock GDPR-restricted sites

Websites that are blocking EU users due to the new GDPR are doing so to avoid non-compliance. Basically, they haven’t yet updated their policies and systems (or have decided not to) and don’t want to risk being fined.

Using a non-EU VPN server to mask your IP address will make it appear that you’re outside the EU and, therefore, do not pose a risk to the company. Here are the simple steps to access a website blocked due to GDPR:

1. Sign up for one of the VPNs listed above. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Download, install, and run the VPN app on your device.
3. Connect to a non-EU server, i.e. a server in the US, to gain a US IP address.
4. Access your desired site.
5. If you experience problems, try clearing your browser’s cookies before trying again.

Bear in mind that because you’re intentionally masking your physical location from the site, the regulations don’t apply, and you shouldn’t expect that you’ll benefit from the privacy rights they impart.

What the GDPR means for users

The EU’s General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) are measures put in place to achieve the following goals:

• Harmonize data privacy laws across Europe
• Protect the data privacy of EU citizens
• Change the approach organizations take to data privacy

Some of the implications of the GDPR regulations include:

• Data breaches must be reported within a specified time period (72 hours).
• Consumers must give informed consent for data collection and storage, and can withdraw at any time.
• They can request any data a company has collected about them in a machine-readable format.
• Larger companies (with more than 250 employees) need to have a mandatory data protection officer.

The maximum penalty for breaking the regulations is 20 million Euros or four per cent of the company’s turnover, whichever is larger.

One of the major things that many companies need to address is the issue of informed consent. The methods that companies have traditionally used to get consumers to agree to data collection are highly in favor of the company and don’t do much to protect consumer privacy rights.

For example, companies often post lengthy, jargon-filled privacy policies that hardly anyone will take the time to read. Embedded in these policies is information about how user data is collected, used, and stored. To agree to these terms, a customer usually has to simply check a box, which they’ll often do without reading the accompanying policies.

Part of the GDPR aims to force companies to be more transparent with consumers about what they are actually agreeing to.

Why sites are blocking EU visitors

The regulations don’t just apply to companies headquartered in the EU. They apply to all companies that deal with EU citizens. In fact, Facebook and Google have already been hit with multi-billion-dollar lawsuits related to the GDPR.

Whether you’re in the EU or not, your inbox is likely flooded at the moment with privacy policy updates and subscription confirmations from various companies trying to ensure compliance.

The new regulations were announced about two years ago, so many companies have used that time to roll out a compliance strategy. Some companies were very proactive and updated policies and notified users well before the deadline. Some have even created an additional option for those who want to opt out by offering plain text alternatives. National Public Radio (NPR) is one such example.

Here’s their notice:

And here’s the plain text version of the site you view if you decline:

Other companies haven’t made the cut-off. The reasons aren’t exactly clear and may be different for each business. Some simply don’t have the resources to put towards these changes. Some plan to become compliant but need more time.

For example, sites under the Tribune Media Group umbrella, including the LA Times, New York Daily News, Orlando Sentinel, Baltimore Sun, and Chicago Tribune, offer a brief explanation:

“Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in most European countries. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to the EU market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.”

Whereas trying to access A&E or the History Channel simply returns a generic note:

“This content is not available in your area.”

Some sites that lack the necessary resources to meet the regulations have been forced to shut down completely. These include popular gaming sites, Super Monday Night Combat and Tunngle.

Sites blocking EU users due to the GDPR

Here is a list of sites we know are currently blocking EU visitors due to the new GDPR:

• A&E
• Arizona Daily Star
• Baltimore Sun
• Chicago Tribune
• History.com
• Instapaper
• New York Daily News
• Orlando Sentinel
• Tunngle
• Unroll.me

This list is not exhaustive and could grow or shrink as time goes on.

Best VPNs for GDPR FAQ