Most people across the globe have no issues accessing YouTube, except in countries where the platform is blocked, such as China and North Korea. But no matter what country you’re in, some YouTube content is geo-restricted, so you can only watch it if you’re in the right region. If you’d like an easy way around this when you are traveling abroad, you’re in luck. A VPN can help you bypass YouTube’s restrictions, giving you access to otherwise blocked content.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all of your web traffic and sends it through a secondary server in a location of your choosing. Then your real IP address is replaced with one from that location. For example, if you’re traveling in the UK and connect to a US VPN server back home, you’ll get a US IP address, and it will appear to YouTube that you’re located in the US. The encryption aspect means that no snoopers, such as network administrators, internet service providers, or hackers, can see what you’re doing online.
In this article, we’ll talk you through choosing the right VPN for the job, list some of the best providers, and explain how to use them to access YouTube from anywhere.
How to bypass YouTube region blocks
Below is a step-by-step guide to bypassing YouTube region blocks with a VPN. It’s quick and easy to do, even if you’ve never used a VPN before.
Here’s how to watch blocked YouTube videos in your country:
- Select a suitable VPN provider and subscribe. We recommend NordVPN.
- Download the correct VPN client or app for your device. Desktop clients are available on the VPN provider’s website, and iOS and Android apps can be downloaded from their respective app stores.
- Connect to a server in the appropriate country. For example, if you’re trying to unblock US content, connect to a US server to gain a US IP address.
- Navigate to the video you want to watch and enjoy!
If you run into issues, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies and reloading the page. If you’re still unable to watch, check with your VPN’s customer support team, as there may be specific servers you need to use for unblocking YouTube.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?
NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for YouTube with no restrictions for a month—great if you want to binge your favorite show or are going on a short trip.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
Can every VPN change your country on YouTube?
YouTube doesn’t actively block VPN traffic like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video do. That said, not every VPN will work with the platform. For example, some give away your location by leaking your real IP address. With the wrong VPN, you may find yourself still presented with one of the following errors:
This video is not available in your country.
The uploader has not made this video available in your country. Sorry about that.
But don’t worry, there are plenty of VPNs that do work to bypass YouTube’s restrictions. We’ll go into more detail about each of them below, but in case you’re short on time, these are our top picks for VPNs that work with YouTube:
Best VPNs to change YouTube country:
- NordVPN: The best VPN for YouTube and other streaming sites. Superfast VPN with a large network and excellent unblocking abilities. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best budget option for bypassing YouTube region blocks. A reliable VPN with no connection limit and servers in 100 countries.
- ExpressVPN: Fast, reliable, and secure. Easily bypasses restrictions on YouTube and other sites.
- CyberGhost: An ever-expanding VPN that’s fast and very easy to use. Huge network of global servers.
- IPVanish: Fast enough for watching YouTube without buffering and in HD. Apps are secure, and privacy is paramount.
- PrivateVPN: Unblocks tons of streaming sites, including YouTube, and keeps no logs.
- AtlasVPN: A versatile VPN that is fast for streaming and ideal for accessing the internet privately.
The best VPNs for YouTube – 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 YouTube.
| No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | IPVanish | PrivateVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | IPVanish.com | PrivateVPN.com | YouTube reliability | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Streaming reliability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Streaming services | YouTube Netflix Amazon Prime BBC iPlayer Hulu Disney+ | YouTube Netflix Amazon Prime BBC iPlayer Hulu Disney+ | YouTube Netflix Amazon Prime BBC iPlayer Hulu Disney+ | YouTube Netflix Amazon Prime BBC iPlayer | YouTube Netflix | YouTube Netflix | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Routers | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 39 Mbps |
| Best deal (per month) | $3.29 SAVE up to 63% + 3 months FREE | $2.30 Get 2 Months FREE with a 2-year plan | $6.67 SAVE: 49% on the annual plan | $2.11 SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan + 3 months FREE | $3.33 SAVE 72% on the 2 year plan | $2.00 SAVE 85% on the three year plan |
Best VPNs to bypass YouTube region blocks
When you’re choosing a YouTube VPN, you need to consider various factors, such as whether it’s suitable for streaming and the quality of the customer support. We based our selection of the best VPNs for YouTube on the following criteria:
- Unblocks YouTube
- Has a large selection of servers
- Pegs fast speeds for streaming HD video
- Uses strong encryption
- Keep no logs of user-identifying data
- Provides 24/7 customer support
Here is our list of the best VPNs you can use to watch YouTube videos blocked in your country:
1. NordVPN
Jun 2023
unblocks youtubeTested Jun 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our top pick for a YouTube VPN. This provider operates a very large network of more than 5,500 servers in 60 countries and is another one that works in China. It outperformed all other VPNs in our speed tests. Aside from YouTube, NordVPN can help you securely access lots of sites, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.
This true no-logs provider protects your information with military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. Extras include automatic wifi protection and servers optimized for double VPN and P2P. You can use NordVPN on up to six devices at a time, and apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Some routers are configurable as well.
Pros:
- Blazing fast speeds
- Works with YouTube and other platforms
- Strong security features
- Keeps no logs at all
- Provides prompt support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Desktop app can take some getting used to
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR YOUTUBE:NordVPN is our first pick. It easily unblocks YouTube, enables secure access to a ton of sites, and comes with lots of security extras. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included making this a risk-free option.
Check out our full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
unblocks youtubeTested Jun 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is budget-friendly and one of the best VPNs we’ve come across in terms of streaming ability. It works with YouTube as well as multiple Netflix catalogs, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Surfshark operates a network of over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries and even works in China. Speeds are great, making streaming a breeze.
This VPN packs the standard security features of its top competitors, along with extras including automatic wifi protection and split tunneling. No logs are maintained. A big perk of a Surfshark subscription is the ability to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. There are apps for Android, iOS, Linux, MacOS, and Windows, and you can configure the VPN to some routers.
Pros:
- More than 3,200 servers in over 100 countries
- Adept at streaming
- Unlimited connections
- Works in China
- Top-notch customer support available 24/7
Cons:
- Occasional slow server
Our score:
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark can provide access to YouTube and lots of other platforms. It’s fast and reliable, and keeps no logs. This VPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our in-depth Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN
unblocks youtubeTested Jun 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN has great speeds and a network of more than 3,000 servers spanning 94 countries. This VPN imposes no data caps or bandwidth limits, meaning you can stream as much as you like. It works reliably in China, so you can even watch YouTube while visiting the country. Plus, ExpressVPN will enable you to secure access to tough-to-crack sites like Netflix US and UK, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.
ExpressVPN packs all the security features you need, including strong encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch (dubbed a “network lock”). It doesn’t keep logs of any information that could be used to identify you. This provider allows torrenting and accepts bitcoin payments.
Apps are available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. ExpressVPN is compatible with select routers and even has its own custom router firmware. Five devices can be connected at one time.
Pros:
- Excellent streaming capabilities
- Fast speeds for streaming HD video
- Large number of server locations
- Strong security and privacy features
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- Priced a little higher than some rivals
- Streaming servers aren’t labeled
Our score:
FAST AND SECURE:ExpressVPN is another solid choice for bypassing YouTube region blocks. It’s fast, secure, and reliable and comes with excellent customer support. ExpressVPN plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
unblocks youtubeTested Jun 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost’s server network is ever-growing, and there are now more than 9,000 in 90+ countries. Speeds are plenty fast enough for streaming, and there are no limits on data or bandwidth. Within CyberGhost’s app, select servers are labeled with the streaming services they are optimized for, including YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
CyberGhost is another no-logs provider that has your back when it comes to security. 256-bit encryption is coupled with perfect forward secrecy, and a kill switch and leak protection are built-in. Desktop clients are available for Windows and MacOS, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. CyberGhost is configurable with Linux and some routers. Plans come with a seven-device limit.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use apps designed for beginners
- Works with most streaming platforms
- Very fast speeds
- Huge server network
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Lacks some advanced settings options
- Doesn’t work in China
Our score:
STRONG ALL-ROUNDER:CyberGhost apps are easy to get started with and give you access to a huge network of fast and reliable servers. This provider offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our in-depth review of CyberGhost.
5. IPVanish
unblocks youtubeTested Jun 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish has a loyal following of users utilizing its network of over 2,000 servers. This provider works with multiple sites, including YouTube, as well as Netflix, and several others. IPVanish is particularly popular with torrenters and Kodi users. It has fast speeds and provides an Android APK that you can download directly to your device.
Security features include 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against leaks. IPVanish maintains no traffic or connection logs. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections under one plan. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android, and you can configure the VPN with Linux and certain routers.
Pros:
- Fast speeds for streaming
- Bypasses YouTube region blocks
- No-logs provider
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons:
- Doesn’t work with as many platforms as rivals
- Based in US a 5 Eyes member
Our score:
FAST AND SECURE:IPVanish is fast and secure, and will let you stream as much YouTube as you like. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
See our full review of IPVanish.
6. PrivateVPN
unblocks youtubeTested Jun 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is another provider with excellent versatility and fast speeds to boot. This small VPN consistently performs well in streaming tests, securely accessing YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and more. Although it only has around 200 servers, these do cover 60+ countries, so you get a good choice of locations. PrivateVPN works in China.
This privacy-focused provider keeps no records of user data, so your online activity can’t be exposed. Security features include strong encryption, a kill switch (Windows only), and protection against leaks. PrivateVPN offers apps for most major operating systems: Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. It’s compatible with Linux and select routers via manual configuration.
Pros:
- Fast, reliable connections
- Keeps no logs
- Provides strong security
Cons:
- Small network of servers
- Live chat isn’t available 24/7
Our score:
BYPASS RESTRICTIONS:PrivateVPN is a small yet robust VPN with many of the most important features you get with a larger provider. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Delve into our full review of PrivateVPN.
7 AtlasVPN
unblocks youtubeTested Jun 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.atlasvpn.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
AtlasVPN is a fast and secure VPN that has only been around for a few short years. However, it has quickly gained a large customer base thanks to its low costs, unlimited connection allowance, and ability to access many popular streams.
Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Those apps have strong encryption, the WireGuard protocol for faster speeds, and come with malware filtering, ad blocking, and tracker blocking. They are also easy to use, which makes the VPN a good option for beginners.
Servers are available in over 40 countries, and those servers work to access popular streaming services like Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and many more. It is also suitable for torrenting thanks to its fast speeds, and of course, it works to access any region-locked YouTube videos.
The biggest caveat is that the kill switch leaks your IP address for a second when the VPN reconnects. This may rule it out for those with the highest security and privacy needs. However, for most home users, it represents great value for money.
Pros:
- Great speeds for watching HD video
- Works with YouTube and other platforms
- Strong security
Cons:
- Kill-switch leaks IP on reconnection
- Based in the US
Our score:
FAST AND RELIABLE:AtlasVPN is ideal for home users who want a reliable option. Apps for all devices and lets you share your account with friends and family. Works with YouTube and other streaming services. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full AtlasVPN review to find out more.
YouTube VPN testing methodology
With hundreds of consumer-facing VPNs available on the market, it can be extremely hard to tell which service is worth your time (and money). Many unscrupulous VPNs lie about the level of protection they provide or make false claims about their speeds and features. This can make the experience of getting a VPN confusing and frustrating.
At Comparitech, we use a carefully devised VPN testing methodology to review dozens of market-leading VPNs. This allows us to directly compare the world’s leading providers to find the very best for a specific purpose. Below, we have included some of the important features we looked for when testing VPNs for YouTube:
- Fast speeds for streaming: We run speed tests on all the VPNs we recommend, ensuring that they provide the performance you need to stream in HD on YouTube and other popular streaming platforms. We also check that the VPN provides fast VPN protocols suitable for data-intensive tasks such as torrenting and videoconferencing.
- Global server network: We have recommended VPN services that have a wide choice of servers in the US, Europe, Asia, and elsewhere in the world to ensure you can always get the best speed and unblock as many international services as possible. All of our recommendations have servers in over 50 countries.
- Apps for all platforms: For a VPN to be useful, you must be able to install it on all your devices. Ur recommended VPNs for YouTube will let you stream on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. Plus, our recommendations let you install and use the VPN on multiple devices simultaneously. Some even allow unlimited connections to let you share your account with friends and family.
- Advanced features: Not all VPNs provide a wide choice of features. To give you the best experience possible, we look for VPNs that provide lots of useful features at the best possible price point. We look for obfuscation, split tunneling, double-hop connections, port forwarding, P2P optimized servers, ad blocking, malware protection, Smart DNS, and other advanced VPN features.
- Strong security: For a VPN to protect your digital footprint and prevent online tracking and surveillance, it must have robust security features. We test for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks to check that the VPN is providing the privacy levels it claims. We also look under the hood for robust VPN protocols such as OpenVPN with well-implemented AES encryption and a kill switch.
- Reliable customer care: All of our recommendations go the extra mile to help their users. They have guides and FAQs on their website to help with using and setting up the VPN. They also have live chat and email support to let you ask questions whenever you need to.
YouTube VPN FAQs
Can I use a free VPN to bypass YouTube region blocks?
A free VPN isn’t a good idea for most use cases, and definitely not for this one. These services aren’t suitable for streaming as they suffer from slow, laggy connections that may drop at any time. This means you’ll have an extremely poor streaming experience if you even get to stream anything at all.
Another issue is the low data and bandwidth limits imposed by free VPN services. You’ll only be able to watch a snippet of content before you reach your cap, and then you’ll have to wait until the next day, or even next month before you can stream more.
Free VPNs come with other problems, too, including their shady business tactics. While many create a revenue stream by serving you a ton of ads, others will collect your information, including browsing data, for sale to advertisers. Security is a concern, too, as most free VPNs don’t use nearly the same level of encryption as their paid counterparts do.
We recommend skipping these all together and opting for a reliable VPN provider that delivers on all fronts.
Why is YouTube content blocked by region?
There are two main reasons the YouTube content you’re trying to access may be region locked: licensing agreements or uploader preference.
If the content is subject to a licensing agreement (with its copyright holders), that agreement will often only apply to specific regions. Then it’s up to YouTube or the owner of the content to ensure that the content is not available in other regions. In other cases, the uploader may simply decide to only broadcast their content in certain regions.
Negotiations between YouTube and rights holders are fluid and deals are liable to change. For example, fans of Danish music were recently disappointed after YouTube removed 500,000 titles from its library in Denmark. The reason behind this? Talks between YouTube and music publishers and songwriters in the country fell through, and the two parties failed to reach a deal. YouTube subsequently followed through on its promise to remove over half a million videos, including content from stars like Lukas Graham and Volbeat.
What if I still can't access the content I want?
Have you tried a VPN from the list above but still can't access the videos you want? It's possible that YouTube has removed the video entirely. There are a huge number of reasons YouTube might remove content, usually because it violates one of the platform's many rules and regulations. These include restrictions around hate speech, misinformation, dangerous content, harassment, and more.
Since YouTube doesn't always pick up on offending content right away, videos could be up for weeks or even months before being removed. This explains why you might have viewed the content before or have been provided a YouTube link that doesn't work.
Will a VPN help me bypass YouTube blocks?
Are you in a country where YouTube is blocked entirely? A VPN can help.
In China, the “Great Firewall” acts as a filter, controlling the internet traffic that passes in and out of the country. The government uses it to censor content and block access to sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. However, if you’re using a VPN (one that works well in China), you can connect to a VPN server in a different country and bypass these restrictions. This will allow you to enjoy YouTube as if you were located somewhere else. The same applies in other countries that block YouTube, such as Iran and North Korea.
Which streaming devices can I watch YouTube videos on with a VPN?
The VPNs for YouTube recommended in this guide provide apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Some also have apps for Firestick devices and VPN-compatible routers. This means that you can set up the VPN to work with any of the devices you own. Setting up a VPN connection on a router makes it protects every single device on your network with the VPN. This is perfect if you own devices that won’t let you install VPN directly.
If you want to stream YouTube with your VPN on a smart TV, you may be able to install the VPN directly, depending on what kind of smart TV it is. Alternatively, if you own a smart TV, set-top box, or console that will not allow you to install the VPN directly, you can opt to share your VPN connection via a virtual wifi hotspot. We have guides for setting up Windows and Mac computers as a VPN hotspot.
I'm traveling. Will a VPN help me unblock YouTube abroad?
Yes. Depending on where you travel, it is possible that some or all of YouTube may be restricted. In China, North Korea, Iran, Sudan, and Turkmenistan, for example, the entirety of YouTube is banned.
In Germany, certain music videos are unavailable because of an ongoing dispute between YouTube and a German performance rights organisation. Other countries, such as Brazil and Turkey, have implemented YouTube restrictions at one time or another.
In addition to these national restrictions, it is possible that certain videos may be blacked out abroad due to licensing restrictions. As a result, you may need to connect to a server in the US (or elsewhere) to regain access to specific videos.
All of our VPN recommendations have servers in countries where YouTube is available to allow you to get around any restrictions you may experience abroad.
Is using a VPN to watch YouTube videos legal?
Using a VPN to access YouTube is legal in most places. That said, a few countries block YouTube for political, religious, and moral reasons (China, North Korea, Iran, Sudan, and Turkmenistan). As a result, it is worth checking those countries’ laws before unblocking any YouTube videos.
Please note that nothing in this article makes up legal advice, and you should always do your own research before bypassing government restrictions. That said, foreigners visiting a foreign country who want to watch YouTube should generally be safe to do so as long as they use a secure VPN that provides strong privacy levels.
Are VPNs fast enough to stream YouTube videos?
Yes. All the VPNs recommended in this guide were handpicked because they have super-fast servers that work to stream on YouTube and other popular streaming platforms.
However, it is important to note that the vast majority of VPNs have sluggish server networks that are not suitable for streaming. Therefore, it is important to subscribe to a fast VPN if you want to stream without interruptions.
All the VPNs recommended for YouTube in this guide have a money-back guarantee. This means you can test the VPN to stream YouTube abroad completely risk free.
Why does YouTube censor videos?
There are a few reasons why YouTube decides to censor videos on its platform.
One reason is to comply with local laws and regulations. In some countries, certain topics are sensitive or taboo, and YouTube doesn't want to risk running afoul of the authorities by hosting controversial content. Using a VPN can help overcome this restriction.
Another reason for censoring videos is to protect younger viewers from inappropriate material. YouTube is used by people of all ages, and it wants to ensure its content is suitable for everyone. Sometimes that means censoring videos that might be too graphic or explicit for younger users.
Can I access premium YouTube videos for free with a VPN?
You can use a VPN to access free YouTube content blocked in some regions. However, if you wish to watch paid content, a VPN won't let you do this for free.
Can using a VPN impact my YouTube recommendations or browsing history?
Yes, using a VPN can impact your YouTube recommendations and browsing history. When you use a VPN, you are connecting to the internet through a different IP address, typically located in another country. This can lead to several changes in your YouTube experience:
- Location-based recommendations: Since YouTube uses your location to tailor recommendations, connecting to a VPN server in a different country can result in recommendations based on the content popular in that region. This might make your suggestions less relevant to your personal interests.
- Language preferences: If the VPN server you connect to is located in a country with a different primary language, YouTube might start displaying content in that language or adjust its interface to match the local language.
- Browsing history: YouTube tracks your browsing history to provide personalized recommendations. When using a VPN, your browsing history may include videos that are blocked in your actual location, which could impact future recommendations even when you are not using the VPN.
To minimize the impact of a VPN on your recommendations and browsing history, you can try the following:
- Sign out of your YouTube account while using a VPN to prevent your browsing history from being recorded in your account.
- Use a different browser or browser profile for accessing YouTube with a VPN to keep your regular browsing history separate.
- Clear your browsing history and cookies after using a VPN to watch blocked YouTube videos. This will help prevent any impact on future recommendations.
See also: