Best VPNs for accessing LINE when it is blocked or censored

Instant messaging app LINE is a popular choice for users in Asia and around the world. It’s well-liked for its captivating stickers and emojis, as well as other value-added services such as free voice calls and file transfers. Unfortunately, some networks and countries – such as China – block the app outright, and some of the app’s content is geo-restricted, with some stickers being available in Japan and South Korea but not in other parts of the world. That’s a downer for serious LINE addicts who can’t get enough of Brown and Cony. Luckily, you can solve these issues by using a VPN.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) runs all your internet traffic through an encrypted server in the location of your choice. This allows you to spoof your location and bypass geographic restrictions and those put in place by work, school, or college Wi-Fi networks. In addition to this, VPNs protect your internet activities, keeping your data safe from prying eyes and adding a valuable layer of anonymity while online.

In this article, we’ll teach you how to use a VPN to access LINE from countries where it’s blocked and download stickers that are restricted due to your location. We’ll also list the best VPNs for the job and answer some common VPN questions. But in case you’re short on time, we’ll start with a quick summary.

1. NordVPN Our top pick for LINE. Hundreds of servers in Asia that are fast and secure. Apps are easy to use and have good privacy and security features. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark Our top budget pick for LINE. Great value provider with servers in 100+ countries, strong encryption and security, and no device limits. Uses diskless servers.
3. Total VPN Provides additional protection. Also offers antivirus services. The provider’s fast, well-protected connections offered reliable access to LINE, as well as all types of online content.
4. Proton VPN Privacy-centric protection. Proton is known for offering a lineup of privacy-centric services and apps. Its VPN protection is some of the best around.
5. ExpressVPN Premium VPN service. Good range of fast servers throughout Asia. Great security and privacy protections and can unblock most restricted sites and services.
6. IPVanish Excellent online privacy protection. Strong security and privacy protections are built into the apps. Fast servers and easy to use. Allows unlimited device connections.
7. CyberGhost Great VPN option for first-timers. Beginner-friendly choice with easy-to-use apps and a vast network of speedy servers ideal for accessing LINE anywhere.

TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for LINE.

Best VPNs for LINE: at a glance

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

Our criteria for finding the best LINE VPNs

There are plenty of VPN providers on the market, but they don’t all provide the same level of service. When putting together our list of the best VPNs for LINE, we looked for those providers that met the following criteria:

• Large range of server locations in Asia
• Speed and stability of connection
• Rigid encryption protocols so your location remains hidden
• Ease of use and knowledgeable customer support
• Apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS

This is just an overview, but if you want a more detailed account of how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend, then check out our VPN testing methodology article. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the grade.

The best VPNs for accessing LINE anywhere

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for accessing LINE and all its features from anywhere:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2025

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for LINE. This veteran provider has been around for over a decade. The longevity means it’s engineered as an impeccable product that’s intuitive, easy to use, and an excellent option for advanced users who want customized options.

This VPN service simply declines to hold any user information. This includes browsing habits, timestamps, and server information. NordVPN has received official requests to fork over user data, but the policy meant it wasn’t able to. Government bodies took it a step further and physically confiscated servers, but even then, there was nothing to find. Since then, NordVPN began using diskless servers, ensuring that all data is wiped when a server is rebooted or shut down.

The company allows you to select servers based on your specific requirements, such as anti-DDoS, video streaming, double VPN, Tor over VPN, or P2P – but users looking to access LINE probably need to simply connect to a standard VPN server. There are a whopping 8,000+ servers spread across 120 countries, with over 450 of them operating in the Asia Pacific region, including locations in Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and more.

It doesn’t skimp on encryption standards, either. NordVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption by default, coupled with 2,048-bit SSL keys. DNS leak protection is enabled.

Native app support is available for Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, Android, Android TV, and Apple TV device platforms. Browser extensions are available for the Chrome, Edge, and Firefox platforms. The provider can be manually configured to work with select wireless router makes and models.

Support is available around the clock, and you can try the service risk-free for 30 days.

BEST VPN FOR LINE:NordVPN is our #1 choice. A real contender in all categories. Has strong security features and allows up to 10 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it out risk-free.

Here’s our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a budget-friendly provider that doesn’t compromise on service. This provider offers over 4,500 servers in a whopping 100+ countries, including plenty in Asia, for accessing different versions of LINK. Also, this provider has strong unblocking abilities and can be used to access a variety of geo-restricted sites and services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

With a single Surfshark account, it’s possible to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. A subscription also includes access to 24-hour live chat and email support. When it comes to security, Surfshark ensures your data is safe with military-grade encryption, protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a kill switch feature. Extra protection can be had by connecting to one of its MultiHop servers. Plus, the provider runs all of its servers 100% from RAM.

To use Surfshark, simply download and install a VPN app for your Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, Android TV, iOS, iPadOS, and Apple TV device. Browser extensions are also available for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox platforms, and the service can be configured to work with select wireless routers.

Users have access to 24/7 live chat support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee is available, making it a risk-free proposition to test Surfshark.

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR LINE:Surfshark is a great value VPN that allows you to connect all your devices at once. It offers strong security and privacy protocols, has servers in 100+ countries, and great unblocking ability. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Want to know more? check out our full Surfshark review.

3. Total VPN

Total VPN has thousands of servers located in more than 90 countries around the globe. The provider’s network delivers reliable access to LINE, as well as streaming and gaming content from other countries.

Total VPN also secures your internet connection, keeping your online activities hidden from nosy types. A protective tunnel of 256-bit encryption keeps your travels hidden, while kill switch protection and several other online protective measures protect you while online. The provider’s custom Hydra protocol provides excellent connection performance while also providing online protection. Antivirus protection is also available.

A strict no-logs-ever policy ensures that no records of your online travels are ever available. Fast, well-protected connections are the rule here, making it an excellent way to protect and enhance popular online pastimes.

Total VPN users can simultaneously connect as many as five of their devices to its servers. While the provider’s native app support is a bit limited, it does offer apps for macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android devices. Currently, Linux devices, browsers, and routers are unsupported.

Customer support is available around the clock via email, and a 30-day money-back guarantee is available for annual subscriptions. A 14-day trial period is available for shorter plans.

TOTAL ONLINE PRIVACY:Total VPN not only offers top-notch online protection, it also offers virus protection. Its servers cover a good portion of the globe. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available for extended subscription plans.

Read our Total VPN review.

4. Proton VPN

Proton VPN global server network boasts more than 15,300 servers, based in 125+ countries, including servers located in the regions of the globe served by LINE. 

In addition to quality VPN protection, Proton is well-known for several other separate privacy and security-focused apps and services. Its other offerings include an encrypted email service, an encrypted password manager, private video conferencing and cloud storage, and even a private AI assistant named Lumo.

The provider protects its users’ connections with the 256-bit WireGuard protocol, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. Proton also offers tracker-blocking and a connection accelerator. All ProtonVPN servers are run 100% user log-free.

ProtonVPN app options include native support for the Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, macOS, Chromebook, and Linux device platforms, along with browser extensions for the Chrome and Firefox platforms. The VPN can be manually configured on routers that are able to act as an OpenVPN or WireGuard VPN client.

Users can simultaneously connect up to 10 devices to ProtonVPN’s server network. Live customer support chat is available 24/7.

TOP-NOTCH ONLINE PRIVACY:Proton VPN, well-known for its privacy-centric apps and services, offers comprehensive online privacy and security protection. A large server network provides fast, well-protected connections to content around the globe. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our comprehensive Proton VPN review.

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a speedy VPN service that’s very easy to set up and comes with a minimalistic design. There are robust encryption standards, and the provider has hardly any downtime. The service offers over 3,000 servers spread across 100+ countries around the world, so finding an adequate connection shouldn’t be a problem.

The best part is that there’s a large network of servers spread across Asia, including countries like Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia. These are incidentally where the bulk of LINE users reside, so you should be able to download a plethora of free stickers simply by changing your location on the VPN app.

ExpressVPN will safeguard your data, too. The company has a stated policy of not storing any user or traffic logs. The only minimal data it does retain is the “date (not time) of connection, choice of server location, and total bandwidth used.”. Your individual IP address is never stored. Plus, ExpressVPN was one of the first VPNs to run all of its servers solely from RAM, storing no data on a physical storage device.

Privacy advocates will feel safe with the military-grade encryption protocols in place. The service leverages 256-bit AES-CBC as the default encryption standard, as well as HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy. An internet kill switch is included, which ExpressVPN refers to as a ‘network lock.’. For those unaware, what this feature does is halt web traffic if the connection drops unexpectedly. It’ll only be restored once the connection to the VPN server is stable again.

ExpressVPN now offers tiered subscription levels. This setup lets you pick the option that best aligns with both your budget and your security preferences. App support is available for macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, Apple TV, Android, Android VPN, Linux device platforms, and a Chrome browser extension is available. Custom router firmware is also available for select routers, and the service can also be manually configured on several other router models.

Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat, and a 30-day money-back guarantee is also available.

FAST AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is a strong choice. It has a vast server network that is optimized for high-speed connections. User-friendly apps for all operating systems. Hard to beat on privacy and security. There is a 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Here’s our in-depth review of ExpressVPN.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish is a popular choice for users because it’s an excellent option for those looking for fast speeds and sturdy encryption at a price that won’t break the bank. The company has a completely logless policy – meaning it’ll never retain user data. This includes metadata storage. The only rudimentary data retention is when an account is registered for the first time. Nothing after that.

IPVanish doesn’t compromise on encryption protocols either. The company leverages 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. What this means that even if hackers gain access to your account, it’ll be impossible for them to decrypt past session data to figure out what you’ve been up to on the web. Having said that, this is an extremely unlikely scenario in the first place because of the impressive systems in place.

Servers are stable, secure, and deliver blazing-fast speeds. There are over 3,200 of them spread across more than 145 countries, including locations in Asia such as Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. 

Native app support is available for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Chrome OS, Windows, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android, and Android TV device platforms. Routers and Linux devices require manual setup.

IPVanish is popular with Kodi users because it allows them to download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is also remote control-friendly for Kodi devices that lack a keyboard and mouse.

IPVanish offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish has a large network of servers. An uncongested network achieves good speeds. Strong security and privacy features. Lets you connect all your devices at once. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a suitable option for beginner users who want a no-frills service that delivers fast speeds and strong encryption standards. There are over 11,000 servers to choose from, spread across 100+ countries, with locations in Asia, including Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. That’s perfect for people looking to get the best LINE stickers or simply unblock the service.

The company is headquartered in Romania, which means it’s not subject to any mandatory data retention laws. Its internal policy of nil data storage is an additional plus. Its choice of encryption protocols means your data should stay safe and secure at all times. CyberGhost uses 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, along with 2,048-bit RSA keys and MD5 HMAC authentication. An internet kill switch is included as well.

The provider’s easy-to-use apps are available for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Amazon Fire TV, Android, and Android TV devices. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox, and the service can be manually configured on select routers.

A 24/7 live chat feature is available, and you can try CyberGhost risk-free for 45 days.

BEGINNERS CHOICE:CyberGhost has a simple set up and easy-to-use apps. Great privacy, zero logs, and DNS leak protection. Works with LINE and most popular streaming sites. Comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

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Some VPNs to avoid

One of the principal caveats of using a VPN is the surety that your privacy, anonymity, and data are secured at all times. The VPNs mentioned in our recommended list have steered clear of any such controversies but not all VPNs are created equal. Some have a poor track record of turning their back on users. We recommend you steer clear.

Here are two such cases:

1. HolaVPN

Israel-based Hola, a popular VPN extension for Chrome, once had an impressive user base of almost 50 million. But despite the trust it had garnered, the company chose to leverage its critical mass in order to turn it into a massive botnet. This meant that a part of every user’s bandwidth was scuppered to carry out DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks and illegally spread copyrighted material.

2. Free VPNs

Free VPNs lurk around on the interwebs and are heavily advertised by their respective providers. This might be a tempting option for cash-strapped users who are looking for a quick fix. But tread with caution – lots of free VPNs have been caught red-handed inserting tracking cookies, mining user data, and selling it to the highest bidder.

That’s because even supposedly free VPNs are registered businesses, too. They need to pay for salaries, server rentals, and other associated overheads. It’s a good reminder of the fact that when the product is free, you end up becoming the product.

You cannot expect the same service levels as paid VPNs. There will definitely be bandwidth throttling, weak encryption standards, and data caps. You might also have to wait in line if the service has reached its user cap. The cherry on top? Tons of invasive advertisements and the threat of a malware infection. Because of these reasons, we recommend you avoid free VPNs.

How to use a VPN to access LINE from anywhere

Even if you’ve never used a VPN before, the process is quite simple. Follow this step-by-step tutorial for the best results:

1. Sign up for a VPN. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Register for the service and download the software for your phone, making sure to get the right version for your device.
3. Clear your cookies and restart your device to remove old location identifiers
4. Log in to your VPN provider and connect to a server in Asia, such as Japan, South Korea, or Singapore, or whichever country’s version of LINE you’d like to access.
5. Open the LINE app and use it as normal.

Using a VPN with LINE: FAQs