7 Best VPNs for Spotify so you can use it anywhere

Music streaming platform Spotify is one of the most popular apps in the world, offering a repository of content that’s almost unrivaled in its scale. However, despite a global brand name and an extremely tight-knit community, Spotify isn’t accessible in every country. To enjoy the full Spotify experience, you’ll need a VPN.

Short for Virtual Private Network, VPN software masks your true location by encrypting all the traffic flowing to and from your device and tunneling it via an intermediary server. This makes it very hard for nosy ISPs or government agencies to figure out what you’re doing on the web.

Below, we’ll explain how to use a VPN for Spotify to unblock Spotify from anywhere. Don’t have time to read through the whole post? Here’s a summary list of the best VPNs for Spotify:

1. NordVPN: Our first choice for Spotify! A veteran provider that works well with Spotify. Excellent speeds for streaming and offers strong privacy and security. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN provider for Spotify. A reliable service that’s known for its extensive range of security features. Has fast speeds and no problems unblocking services like Spotify abroad.
3. ExpressVPN: Thousands of superfast servers dotted around the globe that can unblock and stream in good quality without interruptions.
4. CyberGhost: Ideal for beginners. Easy-to-use apps that are simple to install. Over 9,000 servers in 90+ countries. Tests revealed impressive streaming speeds.
5. IPVanish: Favored by Kodi users. Fast servers in the US work with Spotify. Allows unlimited connections with a single account.
6. Private Internet Access: More than fast enough for streaming music and HD video. Connect 10 devices at once. No-logs VPN with servers in 80+ countries.
7. ZenMate: Gained popularity as a free Chrome extension, still holds its own for unblocking and streaming Spotify.

How to download Spotify abroad with a VPN

If you’re traveling and want to download Spotify on your devices, you may need the help of a VPN. Below we’ll explain how to set up a VPN and download Spotify from abroad.

Here’s how to download Spotify from anywhere with a VPN:

1. Pick a VPN provider, we recommend NordVPN because it is fast, secure, and works with all the streaming services we have ever tested it with.
2. Select a plan
3. Download the app
4. Open the VPN app, log in, and select a server in a country where Spotify works (the full list is given at the bottom of this article).
5. Once the connection is established, open Spotify and use it like you normally would

The best VPNs for Spotify – 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 Spotify.

What are the best VPNs for Spotify?

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the best VPN services that work with Spotify flawlessly. They’re ranked on the following factors:

1. Speed and stability of service
2. Large server network across the world
3. Strong encryption parameters so your location remains hidden
4. Apps for Android and iOS
5. Provision for simultaneous connections
6. Ease of use

Here’s our list of the top VPNs for Spotify:

1. NordVPN

May 2023 Unblocks SpotifyTested May 2023

NordVPN is our top choice for Spotify. The provider offers a bunch of customizable options and servers designed to cater to specific aspects of your browsing experience. Other than these snazzy features, NordVPN delivers speed, stability, and ease of use in an affordable package.

NordVPN is a logless VPN service with zero retention of user data. This superb privacy policy has thwarted several attempts by government agencies to identify Nord users. When approached by the authorities, Nord had no information on its servers that could assist with the investigation.

We don’t think authorities will be scrambling to uncover your personal details as long as you’re using a VPN to access Spotify, Netflix, Hulu, and other popular services – but it’s still prudent to remain protected.

NordVPN encrypts traffic via 256-bit AES and 2,048-bit DH keys. DNS leak protection is enabled. A single subscription grants access to six simultaneously connected devices.

The provider doesn’t skimp on the server network, either. Users have over 5500 servers to pick from spread across 60+ countries. As we mentioned before, it’s possible to choose one based on your preference, such as torrenting, anti-DDoS, video streaming, or ultra-secure privacy.

Apps for both Android and iOS are available as well as a desktop client for Windows, Linux, and MacOS.

BEST VPN FOR SPOTIFY:NordVPN is our top choice. Unblocks Spotify and most other popular streaming services. Connects up to 6 devices simultaneously. Great on privacy and security. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

unblocks spotifyTested May 2023

Surfshark has a network of 3,200+ servers spanning over 100 countries. As such, it’s already a good choice for accessing Spotify while on vacation. That’s not all, though; this service also works with platforms like Netflix US and Amazon Prime Video. One of its standout features is that, unlike most other VPNs, Surfshark has no connection limit.

WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leak protection are enabled by default, as is 256-bit encryption. Security-conscious users can activate a kill switch and split tunneling feature, as well as an automatic ad-blocker and malware scanner. Surfshark has a no-logs policy, so once connected, you’re effectively untraceable. There is the option to pay in cryptocurrency if you’d like, though. Should you run into any trouble, customer support is on-hand over live chat, 24/7.

Surfshark offers apps for MacOS, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS devices. It also works with select wireless routers but must be manually installed.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a strong budget service that has no issues accessing Spotify and Netflix abroad. Better yet, it includes advanced features that all but guarantee a private internet connection. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

3. ExpressVPN

Unblocks SpotifyTested May 2023

ExpressVPN seamlessly combines military-grade encryption protocols with a fast, efficient product. The app is easy to set up and comes with a minimalist, functional design that works without any glitches.

There’s a wide selection of servers to choose from. Over 3.000 servers are spread across 94 countries. When you log in, the app will also suggest a ‘smart location’ which is a server that ExpressVPN feels is best suited for you based on where you’re connecting from.

Encryption standards are among the best in the business. The company leverages OpenVPN with 256-bit AES as default. 4,096-bit DHE-RSA keys are identified by a SHA-512 hashing algorithm. These are stringent and designed to keep your data secure, away from any prying eyes.

Privacy enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the provider retains bare minimum data. Some of the details it records are the servers that users connect to and the dates they log on. Individual IP addresses are not recorded. For additional security, the provider also includes a ‘network lock’ that temporarily blocks internet access if the connection unexpectedly drops.

A single subscription grants access to five devices at the same time. Apps for both Android and iOS are available as well as desktop clients for Linux, Windows, and MacOS.

LISTEN ANYWHERE:ExpressVPN is a trustworthy, secure service with high speeds and powerful privacy features. Great at unblocking streaming services. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Unblocks SpotifyTested May 2023

CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly option suitable for users who want a no-frills service. The provider delivers on the core standards of speed and encryption protocols. It’s a Romanian-registered firm which means there aren’t any mandatory data retention laws to comply with. There’s also an internal policy of not storing any data, so privacy concerns are allayed. Having said that, the company was acquired a few months ago by another firm registered in the UK. This might change the terms of use. We’ll keep our readers updated.

CyberGhost’s choice of encryption standards are top-tier. It uses 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default along with 2,048-bit RSA keys and SHA256 authentication. An internet kill switch is included.

CyberGhost operates around 9,000 servers at the time of writing, spread across locations in 90+ countries. Unblocking Spotify should be pretty straightforward.

The premium version grants simultaneous access to seven devices on a single plan. The company supports both Android and iOS, and there’s native software for Windows, MacOS and Linux.

EASY TO USE:CyberGhost is great for beginners. Great privacy, zero logs and DNS leak protection. Unblocks Spotify and most other popular video streaming sites. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

Unblocks SpotifyTested May 2023

IPVanish satisfies all the requirements when it comes to a fast VPN that doesn’t cost a ton of cash and ships with rigid encryption standards. It’ll do its job efficiently with little to no lag during your Spotify music playback.

IPVanish doesn’t store any data logs at all. The provider can be referred to as a completely logless VPN. It’s almost impossible for your activity to be traced back to you because even network administrators at the company have no information about what you’re doing on the web.

Like ExpressVPN, an internet kill switch is included, which halts all internet traffic in the event that the VPN connection drops.

As for encryption standards, IPVanish uses 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. The latter feature means that even if your account is compromised, all past web sessions will remain encrypted and out of reach from nosy hackers.

There’s an option to choose between 2,000 servers spread across over 75 locations worldwide. IPVanish allows unlimited devices, which is very generous and makes it highly affordable if you were to split the cost among friends.

Apps for both Android and iOS as well as desktop software for Windows and MacOS are available. Many users find it an excellent option for Kodi 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.

SECURE ALL OF YOUR DEVICES:IPVanish is great for families and multiple connections. Easy to use with Spotify. Preferred by users who need high standards of online security. Can’t unblock as many video streaming services as some of its rivals. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

6. Private Internet Access

Unblocks SpotifyTested May 2023  

Private Internet Access will help you unblock Spotify and use it from any location. It has a server network covering some 84 countries at the time of writing. This makes it very easy to not only access Spotify but also the likes of Netflix and BBC iPlayer. This VPN offers multiple protocol options, including WireGuard. This option is particularly speed-friendly, making it ideal for music and video streaming.

You don’t need to worry about your data being exposed when you connect to a Private Internet Access server. It uses 256-bit AES encryption and also offers features such as DNS leak protection and a kill switch. It’s also worth knowing that there’s a true no-logs policy in that not even connection logs are kept. PIA provides you with a generous connection allowance (secure 10 devices simultaneously).

PIA has apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. You’ll also have the option of browser extensions (available for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera). Last but not least, it’s possible to manually set PIA up with a router.

NO LOGS VPN:Private Internet Access successfully unblocks Spotify and has servers in 84 countries globally. Good, consistent connection speeds and strong privacy protection with its no-logs policy. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

7. ZenMate

Unblocks SpotifyTested May 2023

ZenMate first came to the fore as a result of its free VPN extension for Chrome. It also offers a paid VPN service which has a wider server network and better encryption protocols.

The service, however, is a tad mixed. It’ll stream video just fine as well as meet all your browsing requirements. But in our extensive review, we did notice that it’s susceptible to DNS leaks. The provider offers an initial 14-day free trial, so you can test it out and see if it meets your requirements before proceeding.

If you subscribe to a premium package, you’ll notice that there are over 1,000 servers available.

Encryption standards are decent. ZenMate uses 128-bit AES encryption in conjunction with 2,048-bit RSA keys and SHA 256 for authentication. An internet kill switch is included.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS as well as a desktop client for Windows and MacOS.

EASY SET UP:ZenMate is easy to install. Good for Spotify and can even access Netflix in most regions. Not the fastest choice on this list. 30-day money-back guarantee

Read our full review of ZenMate.

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Should I use a free VPN to unblock Spotify?

Spotify’s the largest freemium music streaming platform in the world, with 150 million active users. That puts it well ahead of competitors like Apple Music. It’s tempting to opt for a free VPN, especially if you’re a Spotify Premium subscriber, because there’s no additional upfront payment.

But free VPNs are vastly inferior to paid options. For smooth, uninterrupted audio playback, you’ll need a VPN that doesn’t impose things like bandwidth throttling or data caps. These are common with free options.

Remember that free VPNs aren’t exactly free. They monetize by making you the product: inundating you with advertisements and, in some cases, inserting tracking cookies in your browser to mine browsing data and sell it to third-party sites.

Where is Spotify available?

Currently, Spotify is available in the following countries:

This might seem like a large list, but there are several countries with high levels of GDP/capita where it’s still not present such as India, China, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Russia, and others.

One of the reasons why Spotify isn’t available across the globe is because of music licensing rights. The company bids for rights from original copyright holders such as record labels and content producers. It also has rivals trying to do the same, which means there will invariably be some countries where Spotify won’t be able to operate.

Whenever you log in to Spotify, the app will try to determine your location via the IP address you use. If it’s from a country that’s not supported, then it’ll use a technique called geo-blocking to restrict access. The only way to overcome this problem is to change your IP address via a VPN.

Spotify also incorporates a separate library depending on what part of the world you log in from. This is similar to how Netflix operates – users in Latin America will be able to access a different library of content as compared to their North American counterparts.

When you log in to the Spotify app or website, your authentication details are saved for 14 days. It doesn’t matter if you travel abroad and access it from a separate country – you’ll still be able to access streaming music for that period. Afterward, you’ll have to login again – at this point Spotify will check whether you’re present in the same country as listed in your profile. If you’re not, a VPN can do the trick.

If you don’t try to mask your location, Spotify might ping you with the following error message:

“Your country does not match the one set in your profile.”

How do I change my country in a Spotify account?

Here are the steps if you have recently moved to another country and have a Spotify Premium account. It’s likely that your bank account/credit card details will change, and you would like to update the payment method.

Here’s how to change country on Spotify:

1. Log into your account page on the Spotify website
2. Select “Subscription” in the left panel
3. Click “Update Details”
4. Click “…” for more options
5. Click “Change Country” and select the country you want to move your account to
6. Choose a payment method that is based in the new country (i.e. the billing address is in the country)
7. Confirm the change by clicking “Change Payment Details”

You can still continue to use your existing Spotify Premium account anywhere in the world if your previous payment details are still valid. Just don’t update your account details to your new address.

Spotify history and controversies

Spotify was first built in Stockholm, Sweden, by engineers Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon in 2005. The name came about after Daniel slept over at Martin’s house on a bare mattress with just his laptop in tow. For the first year or so, the two of them slugged it out in an apartment, hacking away furiously at the product. Public beta didn’t come until spring 2007.

The company did start hitting its stride early though. It was able to raise a $21.6 million series A round just a little over a year after the public beta launch. It went on to raise two more rounds, in 2009 and 2010 – snaring in rockstar investors such as Sean Parker to help the company grow.

A gargantuan $100 million series D round came in 2011, the same year that Spotify finally launched in the US. Mark Zuckerberg described himself as a fan of the company, famously proclaiming that “Spotify’s so good”.

In 2015, Spotify declared that it had paid out over $3b to artists to date and had 75 million active users. It’s doubled the active user figure in just two years.

But despite all these lofty standards, the company hasn’t exactly shied away from controversy. Artists on the platform earn less than one US cent per stream. Taylor Swift famously pulled all of her music in 2014 after complaining that streaming services like Spotify don’t reward artists enough and that music is a form of art that should be considered valuable.

In 2017 Spotify was also accused of creating fake artists. This is not to suggest that the music was composed by an AI platform, but more likely by artists paid and contracted by Spotify itself.

The move attracted a fair bit of controversy but isn’t far removed from a similar strategy at entertainment behemoth Netflix whose original entertainment division is now starting to become a massive force in its own right.

Spotify denied the assertions vigorously, although it could significantly reduce the amount of money it pays music right holders – which totaled $2.48 billion in 2016.

Spotify VPN FAQ