How to access Reddit when it is blocked (in China, school, work etc)

If Reddit is banned at your workplace, school, college, or in your country, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help beat the block. We have taken a close look at the best VPNs for Reddit, considering connection speed, privacy, security, and unblocking ability. 

The safest and most secure way to overcome a Reddit ban in your country or workplace is via a VPN. It’s reliable software that’s designed to mask your identity. This is done by encrypting web traffic flowing to and from your device and routing it via a server outside your current location. VPNs make it very difficult to uncover your identity, location, or the websites you visit. 

We get into some detail on each of the VPNs we have chosen below, but in case you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.

Best VPNs to unblock Reddit:

1. NordVPN Our top VPN for unblocking Reddit. Has thousands of fast and secure servers dotted around the globe that can unblock just about anything. 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark The best budget VPN for unblocking Reddit. User-friendly apps and unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. ExpressVPN Has servers in over 90 countries, so great for getting around Reddit bans. Fast and secure apps. Works in China.
4. CyberGhost Great value service with easy-to-use apps that are great for beginners. Server speeds are impressive.
5. IPVanish Apps are remote-friendly and great for using with Kodi devices. Great speeds and security.
6. PrivateVPN Built-in kill switch, easy-to-use apps, and a simultaneous 10-device allowance.
7. VyprVPN Fast, secure, and can unblock most sites and services, including Reddit. Is a little pricey.

How do I access Reddit?

Don’t worry if you’ve never used a VPN before, it’s easy. Simply follow our step-by-step guide to get started. 

Here’s how to unblock Reddit with a VPN:

1. Read through our list of recommended VPNs and decide on the service and plan that works for you. We recommend NordVPN for Reddit.
2. Register your personal details and add a payment method
3. Download the VPN apps for your PC/Macbook or smartphone
4. Delete your browser cache and cookies so that old location identifiers are removed
5. Restart the device
6. Login to the VPN app and select a server in Europe or North America – no countries in these regions have restrictions in accessing Reddit
7. Wait for a connection to be established. Once that’s done, it’ll usually be indicated by a green icon in the taskbar or on the top of your smartphone screen
8. Open your preferred web browser (Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, UC Web) and browse Reddit like you normally would

The best VPNs for Reddit: 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 Reddit.

The best VPNs for Unblocking Reddit

Our ranking of the best VPNs for Reddit is ascertained on the following factors:

• Reliable speeds and encryption standards
• Large server network in the US and Europe
• Unlocks geo-restricted content
• Apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS
• Number of simultaneous connections

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

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

1. NordVPN

Jun 2023 Unblocks RedditTested Jun 2023

NordVPN is our top choice VPN to unblock Reddit because of its worldwide coverage and best-in-class security features. It caters to both beginners and power users because it offers several customizable options and servers for different purposes. It’s also one of just a handful of VPNs that work in China.

It’s another VPN service that doesn’t store any data. This means there’s no information related to browsing habits, timestamps, or choice of servers. The policy has helped the company evade official requests to obtain customer data. In the past, nosy government agencies have ordered Nord to supply it with customer information, but there simply isn’t anything stored on its servers. In one case, physical servers were also confiscated, but nothing incriminating was found.

The company operates over 5,500 servers in 60 countries – with options to select specific ones based on things like stringent privacy, video streaming, anonymity, or dedicated IP. It also works with several online streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, without any problems. One account allows for a maximum of six simultaneous connections.

Encryption standards are top-tier. NordVPN uses the 256-bit AES protocol encryption standard by default, coupled with 2,048-bit SSL keys. DNS leak protection is also enabled.

There is support for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android.

BEST REDDIT VPN:NordVPN is our #1 choice. A great all-rounder that works well with Reddit. Strong security features and allows up to 6 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Includes 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Unblocks RedditTested Jun 2023

Surfshark is our top budget provider but don’t be fooled; it boasts extremely high speeds, exceptional unblocking abilities, and unlimited bandwidth. What’s more, this VPN can protect every device you own simultaneously.

It’s very strong where security is concerned too! 256-bit AES encryption, private DNS, and secure VPN protocols are all included as standard. This means that your browsing activity, IP address, and location remain anonymous throughout. This is further enforced by the strict no-logs policy. 

Accessing Reddit won’t be an issue, as Surfshark has thousands of servers across over 90 countries. These include the USA and the UK, where there are absolutely no restrictions on Reddit. There is a user-friendly app available on Windows, macOS, Linux, IOS, and Android, and the one-click connection will have you protected in just a couple of seconds.

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR REDDIT:Surfshark is great value. It has fantastic security and privacy features at an affordable price. One subscription allows unlimited device connections. Try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

Unblocks RedditTested Jun 2023

ExpressVPN is a popular VPN because it offers a reliable service that’s fast, sturdy, and doesn’t compromise on encryption standards either.

There are over 3,000 servers to choose from all over the world, including a robust selection in Europe and North America. That means accessing Reddit shouldn’t be a concern whatsoever. People trying to log on to Reddit understand they’re circumventing restrictions placed by their workplace, school, or country, so privacy and anonymity have to rank as critical factors.

ExpressVPN does well on this front as it has a stated policy of not storing any user logs. Additionally, it has its own protocol, named Lightway, which offers very high speeds plus effectively uncrackable encryption. There’s also a ‘network lock’. This feature will freeze all web traffic if the connection drops, keeping it secure.

There are apps for Android and iOS, as well as desktop clients for Windows, macOS, and Linux. One subscription allows for five simultaneous devices.

FAST VPN FOR REDDIT:ExpressVPN a reliable choice. Great for securely accessing Reddit. Top privacy and security features and they keep no logs. Try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our in-depth review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

Unblocks RedditTested Jun 2023

CyberGhost is a great choice for beginner users that don’t want an expensive VPN. There aren’t a ton of customizable options, but the service delivers where it matters the most. The company headquarters are in Romania, which means it isn’t subjected to any mandatory data retention laws. It also has a stated policy of not logging any user data. 

Server locations are adequate and increasing day by day. Currently, there are over 9,000 VPN servers across 90+ countries. The service works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more.

CyberGhost’s encryption standards are considered to be top-tier. Specifically, the service 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 also included, as is WireGuard support.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS, as well as desktop support for Windows, Linux, and macOS. A maximum of seven devices can connect simultaneously.

BEGINNERS' CHOICE:CyberGhost is easy to use. Fast and reliable connections with a good range of servers. Great privacy with zero logs and DNS leak protection. Can’t match rivals with some popular streaming platforms. There is a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

Unblocks RedditTested Jun 2023

IPVanish checks all the boxes when it comes to a speedy VPN that won’t compromise your privacy. It’s known as a completely no-logs service – meaning the company retains no data except when an account is registered for the first time.

IPVanish uses 256-bit encryption on the WireGuard protocol by default. It also includes protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, a kill switch, and the ability to block other devices on the network from sending data to you.

There is a varied list of servers – a total of over 1,900 spread across 75+ locations, including a large choice in Europe and North America (where Reddit is freely accessible). IPVanish is also an excellent choice if you’re looking to access BBC iPlayer.

There are apps for both iOS and Android, as well as desktop support for Windows and macOS. Unlike most of its rivals, IPVanish lets you connect as many devices as you like simultaneously.

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.

FAST AND RELIABLE:IPVanish has a large server network. An uncongested network achieves good speeds. Strong security and privacy features. Could do with having live customer support. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

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6. PrivateVPN

Unblocks RedditTested Jun 2023

PrivateVPN is an excellent choice for accessing Reddit when it’s blocked in places like China, schools, or workplaces. This VPN boasts a network of more than 200 servers in 63 countries, ensuring reliable connections and the ability to easily bypass geo-restrictions and network limitations.

With a PrivateVPN subscription, you can secure up to 10 devices simultaneously, providing comprehensive protection for all your gadgets. Furthermore, if you encounter any issues, the friendly customer support team is available via email and live chat to assist you in resolving them quickly.

When it comes to privacy, PrivateVPN adopts a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities remain confidential. In addition, your data is protected by military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, while IPv6 and DNS leak protection work together to keep your browsing information secure. A built-in kill switch is also included, automatically disconnecting your internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, preventing your identity from being exposed.

PrivateVPN offers easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices, making it a breeze to set up and use the VPN on your preferred platforms. Manual configuration is available for those who wish to extend VPN coverage to their routers.

WIREGUARD READY:PrivateVPN is big on security, has a solid privacy policy, and includes live chat support. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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7. VyprVPN

Unblocks RedditTested Jun 2023

VyprVPN is a reliable service that’s been around since 2009. There are over 700 servers across the world, including hundreds in Europe and North America. This provider is known for its steady speeds and strict no-logs policy, as well as its ability to beat repressive digital censorship. VyprVPN can, of course, also help you securely access US Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

Encryption standards are excellent – it uses the OpenVPN protocol, 256-bit AES encryption, 2,048-bit RSA keys without perfect forward secrecy, and SHA256 authentication. An internet kill switch is included with all packages. Users can also avail the Chameleon protocol, which scrambles OpenVPN metadata so deep packet inspection cannot recognize it. This further obfuscates your connection, keeping it hidden from nosy ISPs.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS, as well as desktop support for Linux, Windows, and macOS. 

EASY TO USE APP:VyprVPN is user friendly. Works well with Reddit and most popular blocked services. Fast and secure but a bit pricey. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of VyprVPN.

Methodology: How we find the best Reddit VPNs

There are dozens of VPNs on the market, and they are not all created equally. Some lack important privacy and security features. Others have outdated apps or encryption levels that make the VPN unsuitable for bypassing websites blocks in countries where Reddit is restricted.

To help consumers pick VPNs that offer high levels of reliability, fast speeds, and outstanding security, we use a scientific VPN testing methodology. For added transparency, we have included some of the important features we looked for when recommending Reddit VPNs below:

• Unblocking ability: Not every VPN has the same level of unblocking ability. We run tests to make sure that each recommended VPN works seamlessly with Reddit, wherever you are in the world.
• Safety and security: Your privacy is of the utmost importance, and your VPN should be packed with security features to protect your data. We look for things like strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and a network kill switch.
• Devices: You probably want to be able to access Reddit on all of your devices, at home, or on the go. We make sure that a VPN works wherever you need it, including on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
• Value for money: A VPN should be reasonably priced, and users should get plenty for their money. We look at subscription costs and what’s included to decide whether or not a VPN is good value.
• Strong security features: We only recommend VPNs that have advanced apps for all platforms with strong AES encryption, a kill-switch, DSN leak protection, obfuscation, malware filtering, and other advanced features that make the VPN more versatile.

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VPNs you may want to avoid

One of the important factors when choosing a VPN – whether free or paid – is an implicit understanding that your privacy and anonymity are protected at all costs. All the VPNs mentioned in our recommended list have stuck to these principles, but there are a few others that aren’t as trustworthy. We believe you should stay away from them.

Here are some examples:

1. HolaVPN

Israel-based Hola once boasted a sizable user base of almost 50 million but it wasn’t able to stick to best practices when it comes to user data. Shockingly, it once leveraged its users by turning them into a massive botnet. In layman’s terms, this meant that a part of each user’s bandwidth was scuppered for attacks on other websites and distributing copyrighted content. Although this happened some time ago, it’s still recommended that you avoid HolaVPN due to its past history with user data.

2. PureVPN

Despite advertising a strict no-logs policy, it’s not entirely true. PureVPN provided browsing activity logs for one of its users to assist with an FBI investigation. Although we do not condone illegal activity, we cannot recommend a VPN that goes back on its promises. Although this happened many years ago, it’s a huge red flag and not something that should be easily forgotten.

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Reddit VPNs: FAQs