bypass 4chan IP ban VPN

4chan bans aren’t uncommon. While many bans are understandably deserved, others might not make much sense. It may be that you’re using a shared IP address with another person committing the bannable offense. Alternatively, you may live in a country in which ISPs are blocking access to 4chan. Whatever the case, we’ll explain how to bypass your 4chan ban by using a VPN.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) hide your real IP address and shield your online activities from snoopers, so they’re a great way to beat 4chan bans and gain an extra layer of security as you browse. Below, we’ll cover the best VPNs for bypassing the 4chan IP ban in more detail. We’ll explain how to use them and answer some common VPN questions. But, in case you’re short on time, we’ll start with a quick summary.

Best VPNs for bypassing a 4chan ban:

  1. NordVPN: The best VPN for 4chan. Vast server network, excellent speeds and unblocking abilities, a proven zero-logs policy, and a wide range of privacy features. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can try it risk-free.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for 4chan.
  2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for 4chan. Boasts lots of advanced security features, impressive speeds, servers in 100+ countries, and no connection limits.
  3. IPVanish: No-logs VPN that easily beats bans on 4chan and other anonymous forums. Lightning-fast and permits any number of simultaneous connections.
  4. ExpressVPN: An easy-to-use VPN with excellent security features and high-speed connections. Provides 24/7 support over live chat. Works well with 4chan.
  5. CyberGhost: Novice-friendly provider with an extensive server network and outstanding average speeds. Highly secure with a strict no-logs policy.
  6. PureVPN: Fast and effective way to get around bans on 4chan and similar platforms. Delivers first-class performance and a high level of security. Excels at beating regional restrictions, too.
  7. ProtonVPN: Vast server network and lots of security features. Provides speedy connections and works well with 4chan and a range of geo-restricted services.
  8. Hotspot Shield: Offers a high level of security and steady speeds. Works almost anywhere, so it’s great for accessing 4chan abroad.
  9. PrivateVPN: This zero-logs service provides strong encryption and the ability to beat almost any online restrictions, including 4chan bans.

Get NordVPN - the #1 VPN for 4chan
Warning

VPNs often claim to keep you safe and private online but many VPNs (especially free ones) leak information.

We regularly test the top 70 VPNs for security and this list only includes VPNs which keep you anonymous and don't track your activity. Plus we only recommend VPNs which offer a full-money back guarantee allowing you to try them risk free.

How to beat 4chan bans with a VPN

If your IP address has been blocked by 4chan, don’t worry. You can bypass the 4chan ban by connecting to a Virtual Private Network. Better still, this is surprisingly quick and easy to do. Just follow the simple steps below.

Here’s how to bypass a 4chan (IP address) ban with a VPN:

  1. The first step is to choose a VPN (we recommend NordVPN).
  2. Next, you’ll need to download and install the VPN on your device.
  3. Open the VPN app and connect to a server. This hides your actual IP address and replaces it with one of your VPN provider’s. Remember, the closer the server is to your location, the faster the connection is likely to be.
  4. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. In our experience, old cookies are responsible for most unblocking-related issues, so don’t skip this step.
  5. Go to 4chan. You should now be able to use it as normal. If not, simply connect to another server in case the IP address you’ve been provided has also been blacklisted.

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There are no hidden termsjust 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.

How we selected the top 4chan VPNs

While there are plenty of VPNs to choose from, not all are good enough for bypassing 4chan’s IP bans. Additionally, we’ve seen plenty that are underwhelming in terms of security or speeds. To save you some time, we found the best VPNs for 4chan by objectively testing providers in the following key areas:

  • Network suitability: As 4chan is most popular in the US, we looked for providers with lots of US server locations. To cater to non-US users, we also looked for providers with a large global spread of servers. Finally, we tested each VPN’s unblocking ability with 4chan and other platforms.
  • Speed: We looked for the fastest VPNs by carrying out multiple speed tests while connected to their US servers.
  • Security and privacy: We’ve only recommended VPNs that can protect 4chan users’ identity. Each provider was evaluated using 16 different security and privacy criteria.
  • Ease of use: To find the most user-friendly services, we scored each VPN against 10 metrics that covered everything from the quality of their interfaces to the responsiveness of their customer support teams.
  • Value for money: We used eight criteria to gauge which providers were worth what they charged. We looked at monthly fees as well as any discounts and free trials.

This is just a summary, but you can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in the methodology section below.

Best VPNs for bypassing the 4chan IP ban compared

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 4chan.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkIPVanishExpressVPNCyberGhostPureVPNProton VPNHotspot ShieldPrivateVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comIPVanish.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comPureVPN.comProtonVPN.comHotspotshield.comPrivateVPN.com
Ranking for bypassing 4chan IP blocks123456789
Total number of servers7,4253,2002,400Undisclosed8,000+6,000+12,6601.800200+
Popular Sites Unblocked95%88%85%86%85%80%87%85%85%
Activity logs No identifying dataNo identifying data Anonymized data
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Chromebook, RoutersWindows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Chrome, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV
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Up to 76% off 2 year plans + free Amazon Gift Card
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87% OFF + 3 months free
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$2.19
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Best VPNs for unblocking 4chan

At Comparitech, we use and rigorously test every VPN before recommending it to you. The following reviews are based on our first-hand experiences.

Here are the best VPNs for unblocking 4chan from anywhere:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Jul 2025 unblocks 4chanTested Jul 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.4 / 10
Ease of use: 9.6 / 10
Network suitability: 8.5 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.5 / 10
US speed testing: 10.0 / 10
Value for money: 9.5 / 10

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top VPN recommendation for beating 4chan bans. It has a large network, with over 7,700 servers in around 118 countries, and delivers far higher speeds than most of its rivals.

In our tests for this article, its average download speed was an impressive 198.40 Mbps. This was more than 68 Mbps faster than the combined average speed of the other tested providers.

Not only that, but it also allows torrenting, works in China, and unblocks a vast range of streaming services, including Disney+ and BBC iPlayer. Users can secure up to 10 devices at a time, and 24/7 live chat is on hand — just in case.

Streaming BBC iPlayer.
Streaming BBC iPlayer using NordVPN.

This VPN keeps your internet connection secure using 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and an app-specific kill switch. Additional features include specialty servers (optimized for beating censorship, P2P traffic, and Tor over VPN), Meshnet (which connects devices on multiple networks), and a tool that can block ads for you. NordVPN is a no-logs provider and has proven this many times with third-party audits.

NordVPN's connection options.
NordWhisper is NordVPN’s dedicated obfuscation protocol.

You can bypass the 4chan IP ban via NordVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Android TV. There are also Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. You can manually configure router connections. Doing so will protect every device on your network.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want the fastest and most consistent speeds for accessing 4chan
  • You want a large pool of US servers to minimize the risk of reusing a banned IP
  • You need advanced features like Meshnet and obfuscated servers
  • You want a VPN that has repeatedly passed third-party no-logs audits
  • You’re planning to use the VPN in China or other restrictive countries

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You need a VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections

BEST VPN FOR 4CHAN:NordVPN is our top choice. Has 7,700 servers worldwide, with almost 2,000 in the US. Plenty of options for unblocking 4chan and similar platforms. Highly secure service with 24/7 live chat support. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark unblocks 4chanTested Jul 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.2 / 10
Ease of use: 8.9 / 10
Network suitability: 8.9 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.5 / 10
US speed testing: 9.2 / 10
Value for money: 9.7 / 10

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark is the best low-cost VPN for evading a 4chan ban. Despite its low price, this service is exceptionally fast. It averaged 186.57 Mbps in our tests, which makes it suitable for everything from multiplayer gaming to video calling and torrenting.

The provider has 100 server locations to choose from, and no simultaneous connection limit. In other words, it’s a solid choice for just about any day-to-day task. Best of all, this provider works well with stubborn platforms like Netflix and Hulu.

Streaming Amazon Prime Video.
Streaming Amazon Prime Video using Surfshark.

If you have a Surfshark account, you’ll have access to 24/7 live chat and email support. You’ll also be able to connect to this VPN’s MultiHop (Double VPN) servers which effectively encrypt your internet traffic twice for extra security. Speaking of, Surfshark keeps you safe using 256-bit encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch. It’s worth noting that this VPN can swap your IP address regularly, and keeps no logs (something verified by its most recent audit results).

Surfshark's MultiHop servers.
Surfshark has several pre-paired server options for MultiHop connections.

Surfshark has beginner-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. There are also browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. You’ll need to follow manual setup instructions to use it with routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want unlimited connections to unblock 4chan across all your devices
  • You’re looking for a budget-friendly service that doesn’t compromise on speed
  • You want to change IP addresses frequently to stay ahead of 4chan bans
  • You prefer advanced security options like MultiHop (double VPN)

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want all premium features included without upgrading to Surfshark One

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is an affordable no-logs VPN with servers in 100+ countries and 22 US cities. Works with 4chan and Netflix. Unlimited simultaneous connections and 24/7 support. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish unblocks 4chanTested Jul 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.9 / 10
Ease of use: 9.4 / 10
Network suitability: 8.4 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.9 / 10
US speed testing: 8.3 / 10
Value for money: 9.6 / 10

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish is a rare find: a beginner-friendly VPN service with no simultaneous connection limit, unlimited bandwidth, and speedy, reliable servers in 140+ locations. Better still, it works with a large range of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video.

Streaming Disney Plus.
Streaming Disney Plus using IPVanish.

Speed-wise, the provider is very quick. In our tests, it averaged 173.04 Mbps. Perhaps even more impressively, its slowest and fastest speeds only differed by 2.22 Mbps. 

This VPN operates a no-logging policy and includes all of the essential security features that you’ll need to browse the web anonymously. These include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. Users can also block local traffic, obfuscate their data and use the split tunneling feature.

IPVanish's split tunneling feature.
Users can choose which apps and domains they want to use outside of the VPN tunnel.

Subscribers to the slightly more expensive Advanced plan will also get access to a secure browser and 1 TB of cloud storage.

You can secure your devices via the IPVanish apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. It’s also possible to use this VPN with Linux and routers but manual configuration is required. Live chat is available around the clock in the unlikely event that you run into any difficulty.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a VPN with consistent speeds across all servers for smooth 4chan access
  • You value a clear zero-logs policy and want strong control over your network
  • You want built-in obfuscation features to bypass VPN detection on 4chan
  • You need unlimited device connections with strong streaming capabilities

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want to pay using anonymous methods like cryptocurrency
  • You need browser extensions for quick VPN access while using 4chan

SECURE EVERY DEVICE:IPVanish works well with 4chan, has no connection cap, and is better at streaming than ever before. Zero-logs VPN with easy-to-use apps and 24/7 live chat support. Annual plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN unblocks 4chanTested Jul 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.3 / 10
Ease of use: 9.3 / 10
Network suitability: 9.1 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.2 / 10
US speed testing: 5.4 / 10
Value for money: 8.4 / 10

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN has servers in 105+ countries, providing thousands of IP addresses capable of unblocking 4chan.

While connected to its US servers, we recorded remarkably consistent speeds of between 126.39 Mbps and 129.97 Mbps. This makes it a strong choice for browsing 4chan, torrenting, gaming, or streaming Netflix.

ExpressVPN can bypass even the toughest online censorship and works flawlessly in China, with no manual configuration required. We’ve always found support staff to be knowledgeable and quick to reply via the 24/7 live chat service.

This provider doesn’t offer as many advanced security features as its competitors, but it nails the basics. There’s 256-bit encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and automatic protection against malicious websites and trackers.

IP leak test.
ExpressVPN didn’t leak our UK-based IP address while connected to one of its US servers.

What’s more, ExpressVPN has its own protocol, Lightway, that can keep you safe even when switching from mobile data to Wi-Fi or vice versa. It has a strict no-logging policy in place and has been repeatedly audited to prove it.

ExpressVPN's protocol options.
The Lightway protocol helps ensure connections are established seemingly instantaneously.

ExpressVPN apps are available for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. There’s also custom firmware for routers and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a stable and consistent connection for accessing 4chan anywhere
  • You value a minimalistic app that works without requiring configuration
  • You want a well-established service with a strong track record of privacy
  • You want 4chan access from less common regions (Servers in 105+ countries)

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You need unlimited simultaneous connections for all your devices
  • You rely on advanced security features like MultiHop or tracker-blocking

HIGHLY SECURE:ExpressVPN is a privacy-conscious provider. Quick and reliable servers in 105+ countries, allowing you to bypass the 4chan IP ban with ease. 24/7 support and a 30-day money-back guarantee with every subscription.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost unblocks 4chanTested Jul 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.9 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
Network suitability: 6.5 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.9 / 10
US speed testing: 5.7 / 10
Value for money: 9.5 / 10

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has plenty to offer. For starters, it has one of the largest networks around, with over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries. It also boasts fast speeds, together with unlimited bandwidth. In our tests, it averaged 132.98 Mbps — which is more than fast enough for everyday activities like streaming or gaming. 

We particularly like that CyberGhost has task-specific servers for streaming, enhancing your privacy, gaming and torrenting. We tried out its streaming servers for Netflix US and BBC iPlayer and they worked perfectly.

Streaming Netflix.
Streaming Netflix using CyberGhost.

This VPN is packed with security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and leak protection, plus a smart rules tab that lets you choose exactly when the service should connect. There are even multi-hop servers for anyone looking for an extra layer of security. CyberGhost has a no-logging policy, has been audited multiple times, and is one of the only major providers to publish regular transparency reports.

CyberGhost's privacy settings.
The kill switch prevents 4chan users exposing their true IP addresses if the VPN connection drops out.

CyberGhost has apps for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Up to seven devices can be secured at the same time, and support staff are on hand 24/7. You can also download browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Manual configuration is required for use with routers and Linux.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want easy access to task-specific servers optimized for anonymity
  • You need a VPN with thousands of servers to quickly rotate IPs
  • You want transparency, including an audited no-logs policy
  • You value a generous 45-day money-back guarantee

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You plan to use the VPN in China or other heavily censored countries
  • You’re an advanced user who wants more granular customization

10,000+ SERVERS:CyberGhost makes it easy to bypass the 4chan IP ban and is a solid choice for just about any task. Lots of security features, including a strict no-logs policy and encryption. Includes a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. PureVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.7 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
Network suitability: 6.9 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.7 / 10
US speed testing: 5.8 / 10
Value for money: 8.1 / 10

Website:  www.PureVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS

PureVPN operates thousands of servers across 65+ countries, and as a result, getting an IP address that 4chan hasn’t banned is nice and simple. Further, this provider is an equally strong choice for users hoping to stream, torrent, or play online games thanks to fast connection speeds that averaged 134.11 Mbps in our tests.

There’s a 10-device limit, and unlike most of its rivals, this VPN even works in places like China. While the apps are very beginner-friendly and easy to use, customer support is available 24 hours per day, just in case you need it.

The PureVPN dashboard.
The PureVPN dashboard makes it obvious how to establish a connection.

More importantly, can PureVPN keep you safe? In a word, yes. It supports multiple protocols, uses powerful encryption, and follows a true zero-logs policy. There are plenty of safeguards built-in too, such as a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a tracker-blocker.

PureVPN's tracker and ad-blocker.
PureVPN’s tracker and ad-blocker helps improve your browsing experience.

We’d prefer if there was at least one anonymous payment method, but that’s not a deal-breaker, especially if you’re just trying to beat a wrongful ban.

PureVPN has its own Android, Windows, Linux, MacOS, and iOS apps. Alternatively, you can follow manual setup instructions to get it running on just about any router.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want reliable access to 4chan from countries with restrictive internet
  • You’re looking for a simple app interface ideal for non-technical users
  • You want a solid balance of speed, security, and affordability

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want to pay with cryptocurrency or anonymous payment options
  • You need fine-tuned control over security protocols and encryption levels

GREAT EVERYDAY VPN:PureVPN is speedy, reliable, and great at beating online limitations. A solid choice for streaming, beating 4chan IP bans, or evading censorship. Every subscription includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and access to 24/7 customer support.

Check out our in-depth review of PureVPN.

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7. Proton VPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.6 / 10
Ease of use: 8.8 / 10
Network suitability: 6.8 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.3 / 10
US speed testing: 5.7 / 10
Value for money: 7.4 / 10

Website:  www.ProtonVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Proton VPN operates servers in more than 117 countries and excels at getting round regional restrictions. You can beat 4chan bans using the free plan, but to access streaming platforms abroad, you’ll have to upgrade. Doing so boosts your speeds significantly, lets you secure 10 devices at once, provides access to 24/7 customer support, and lets you choose a server location rather than being assigned one randomly, so we’d say it’s worth thinking about.

The ProtonVPN dashboard.
ProtonVPN shows the available server locations via a map on the app’s dashboard.

While connected to ProtonVPN’s US servers, we measured speeds ranging from 123.76 Mbps to 143.36 Mbps. While these results weren’t as consistent as the above providers, they’re nevertheless fast enough for streaming 4K video or playing multiplayer games. 

Security is one of ProtonVPN’s biggest strengths. For starters, it boasts uncrackable encryption and an independently verified zero-logs policy. There’s also DNS and IPv6 leak protection, automatic ad and tracker-blocking, and a kill switch that stops sending data if you disconnect unexpectedly.

IP leak test.
ProtonVPN didn’t leak our UK-based IP address while we were connected to one of its US servers.

For even greater anonymity, you can connect to its Secure Core servers – these route your traffic through multiple countries and are kept in underground data centers, far from the reach of oppressive governments. Finally, ProtonVPN accepts multiple cryptocurrencies as well as cash, which makes it nice and easy to pay anonymously.

ProtonVPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The provider also supports a wide range of routers although you’ll have to follow manual configuration instructions to get it working.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want strong anonymity with Secure Core routing and no-logs privacy
  • You want to pay anonymously via cryptocurrency or even cash
  • You value independent security audits and high transparency

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re a beginner who may find the UI overwhelming or confusing
  • You want all features available without a premium subscription upgrade

SPEEDY, RELIABLE SERVERS:Proton VPN delivers top-tier speeds and the ability to access just about any site. Makes it as easy as possible to sidestep a wrongful 4chan ban. Powerful security features and a 30-day money-back guarantee with every paid subscription.

Read our full ProtonVPN review for more details.

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8. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield unblocks 4chanTested Jul 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 6.6 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
Network suitability: 6.8 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.6 / 10
US speed testing: 1.6 / 10
Value for money: 6.8 / 10

Website:  www.Hotspotshield.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

Editor's Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Point Wild, Comparitech's parent company.

Disclaimer: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

Hotspot Shield has a growing network of more than 1,800 servers, which you can find in 80+ countries around the world. It has dedicated streaming servers in the UK, US  and Canada. As such, you’ll be able to use this VPN to access 4chan as well as stream Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.

Streaming BBC iPlayer.
Streaming BBC iPlayer using Hotspot Shield.

Speeds were consistent during testing. With only minor fluctuations, the provider achieved an average download speed of 70.55 Mbps. This makes it suitable for smoothly streaming 4K video on two devices at the same time.

Using Hotspot Shield couldn’t be easier, making it a particularly suitable choice if you’re using a VPN for the first time. Indeed, you can connect to a server in a single click.

Online anonymity is possible thanks to Hotspot Shield’s security features. There’s 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. It doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified as a user. Furthermore, you can secure as many as 10 devices at once.

Hotspot Shield's protocol options.
Hotspot Shield has its own connection protocol that works in China.

Hotspot Shield provides apps for the following: Linux, Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. You’ll have to manually configure it for routers, though. Should you have any questions about Hotspot Shield, live chat support is available to you, 24/7.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You value a lightweight app that runs smoothly even on low-end devices
  • You want decent speeds for browsing image-heavy boards without buffering
  • You need a long 45-day refund window to test its ability to bypass IP bans

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want the ability to pay anonymously via cryptocurrency
  • You need obfuscation support for using 4chan in highly censored countries

SERVERS IN 27 US CITIES:Hotspot Shield has a large server network for accessing 4chan. Beginner-friendly VPN service with 24/7 live chat support. Keeps your data secure with high-end encryption. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

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9. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN unblocks 4chanTested Jul 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 6.3 / 10
Ease of use: 8.6 / 10
Network suitability: 5.2 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.6 / 10
US speed testing: 1.0 / 10
Value for money: 8.2 / 10

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN is a smaller VPN provider that offers roughly 200 servers in 63+ countries. This might not sound like much, but this provider is able to securely access platforms that many of its rivals can’t — including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus.

Streaming Amazon Prime Video.
Streaming Amazon Prime Video using PrivateVPN.

In fact, it even works in China, making it a strong choice for anyone looking to beat repressive online censorship. As if that wasn’t enough, PrivateVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and a generous 10-device limit.

PrivateVPN's stealth VPN.
Enabling the stealth feature disguises VPN traffic as regular web traffic to evade detection.

Speeds weren’t as quick as the other tested providers, with an overall average of 50.39 Mbps. If you need a few more Mbps, it’s possible to reduce the level of encryption to speed connections up.

While the apps are simple to navigate, live chat support and remote help and installation are available just in case. There’s also strong security, in part thanks to this VPN’s strict zero-logs policy. Your data and identity are further safeguarded by 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. For maximum anonymity, you can sign up for a PrivateVPN account by using a throwaway email address and paying in Bitcoin.

Unblock 4chan from anywhere via the PrivateVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. You can also use this VPN with Linux and routers but this requires manual setup.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a lightweight, no-logs VPN that works reliably with 4chan
  • You value a simple app and need remote installation support if needed

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want access to a large server pool for IP cycling if one gets banned
  • You need ultra-fast speeds for browsing heavily loaded threads

STRESS-FREE STREAMING:PrivateVPN offers servers in 63+ countries and works well with 4chan, Netflix, and more. Beginner-friendly apps and live chat support. Protects your privacy with encryption and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs to beat 4chan bans

Every VPN is different, and while this means that there’s a service for every situation, it also makes it tricky for newcomers to decide which one to use. Most VPNs should be able to beat a 4chan ban, but some aren’t quick enough for streaming, and others are unable to beat online censorship. Below, you’ll find a discussion of the tests we used to separate the best from the rest:

Speed

4chan is an image board, so you don’t necessarily need the fastest VPN. Still, nobody wants to switch tabs and be unable to play videos. We carried out multiple speed tests to find which providers were fastest.

We measured speeds using the desktop version of the Ookla speed-testing app. To try and imitate the experience of the average user, we rate-limited our test machine to 250 Mbps (which is a little slower than the median fixed broadband speed in the US). The results for each provider were averaged and then converted to a score out of 10 relative to the other tested VPNs.

NordVPN was the fastest VPN overall. If you plan to do more with a VPN than just accessing 4chan, then this is the provider to go for. Surfshark, with a score of 9.2 out of 10, is also a great choice for gaming or streaming without lag or buffering.

Network suitability

In general, the closer your chosen server is, the better your speeds will be. A network that covers more countries increases the likelihood of you having a suitable server nearby. This is why we scored providers on their overall network reach. For US users, we added a score for the number of US server locations.

We then tested providers with a range of geo-restricted services, primarily focusing on typically difficult-to-access platforms such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus.

The scores for the above were combined to generate an overall score out of 10 for each provider.

ExpressVPN’s score of 9.2 out of 10 was highest. It has an abundance of US server locations and its network reaches 105 countries. It also works great with all major streaming platforms. As an alternative, we’d recommend Surfshark. Although it has a smaller US presence, it has servers in 100 countries and is similarly great for streaming.

Security and privacy

A huge part of 4chan’s appeal is that you can communicate anonymously. With this in mind, we decided that only services offering uncrackable encryption protocols, a kill switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy would qualify for a spot on our list. Naturally, we prefer providers with even more advanced security and privacy features. You can see which these are in the table below.

FeatureNordVPNSurfsharkIPVanishExpressVPNCyberGhostPureVPNProton VPNHotspot ShieldPrivateVPN
Activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logs
IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logs
EncryptionAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higher
AuthenticationSHA-384SHA-512SHA-256SHA-512SHA-256SHA-256SHA-512SHA-512SHA-256
Keys4096-bit4096-bit4096-bit4096-bit4096-bit4096-bit2048-bit2048-bit2048-bit
Perfect Forward SecrecyYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
DNS leak protectionYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
IPv6 leak protectionYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Private DNSYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Torrenting allowedYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Kill switchAll platformsMobile app-levelAll platformsMobile app-levelAll platformsSome platformsAll platformsSome platformsSome platforms
HQ outside 9 eyesYesNoYesYesYesYesYesNoYes
ObfuscationStealthStealthStealthAutomaticStealthAutomaticStealthStealthStealth
Supported protocolsOwn protocolSecure protocols onlySecure protocols onlyOwn protocolSecure protocols onlySecure protocols onlySecure protocols onlyOwn protocolSecure protocols only
Anonymous payment optionsMultipleMultipleNoneMultipleMultipleOneOneNoneOne
Additional security featuresYesYesNoNoNoNoYesNoNo

If you’re unfamiliar with some of the terms used above, don’t worry. After scoring each of the test metrics, we combined the data into a single score for each provider. This makes a direct comparison easy.

NordVPN and Surfshark each scored an impressive 9.5 out of 10. Both use effectively uncrackable encryption and RAM-only servers in their networks. Furthermore, they work in China and have independently audited no-logs policies. ProtonVPN is the next-best option, though its obfuscation doesn’t work in China.

Value for money

We see a lot of VPNs, so it’s extremely easy to tell if a service is charging more than is really justified. As you’ll see below, we’ve only recommended those that are priced fairly, and that also come with decent money-back guarantees and introductory offers.

FeatureNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostIPVanishPureVPNProton VPNHotspot ShieldPrivateVPN
Money-back guaranteeYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Connection limit6+Unlimited6+6+Unlimited6+6+6+6+
Subscription terms3 terms+3 terms+3 terms+3 terms+3 terms+3 terms+3 terms+2 or fewer3 terms+
Sale frequencyFrequently running dealsFrequently running dealsFrequently running dealsFrequently running dealsFrequently running dealsFrequently running dealsFrequently running dealsFrequently running dealsFrequently running deals
Monthly pricing<$13<$10$15+<$13<$13<$13<$10<$13<$10
Lowest price<$5<$5$5+<$5<$5<$5$5+$5+<$5
Free trial availableYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Student discountYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNo

We combined the scores of each test metric to generate an overall score out of 10 for each VPN.

Surfshark was the best-value provider overall, with a score of 9.7 out of 10. That said, it was very closely followed by IPVanish, which achieved a score of 9.6 out of 10. Both providers did particularly well thanks to their two-year introductory offers and the fact that they have no device connection limit. If you only have a few devices, then NordVPN and CyberGhost are wallet-friendly alternatives.

Ease of use

We always try to find VPNs that are suitable for users of all experience levels. As you can see in the table below, this involves considering the quality of their apps as well as the customer support behind them. After all, one is no good without the other.

FeatureNordVPNSurfsharkIPVanishExpressVPNCyberGhostPureVPNProton VPNHotspot ShieldPrivateVPN
Apps for all major platformsYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Novice-friendly designYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Ease of signup (reviewer to score)5 (easy)45 (easy)5 (easy)43444
Router supportStandardStandardStandardAppStandardAppStandardStandardStandard
Unblocking consistencyGreatGreatGreatGenerally worksGreatGreatGreatGreatGenerally works
Task specific serversYesNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNo
Network60+ countries60+ countries60+ countries60+ countries60+ countries60+ countries60+ countries60+ countries60+ countries
Ease of cancellationVery easyVery easyVery easyVery easyVery easyVery easyVery easyVery easyVery easy
InterfaceWell-organisedA little clutteredWell-organisedWell-organisedA little clutteredA little clutteredTakes some getting used toWell-organisedWell-organised
Feature parityMost features available on all versionsMost features available on all versionsMost features available on all versionsAll features available on all versionsMost features available on all versionsMost features available on all versionsMost features available on all versionsMost features available on all versionsMost features available on all versions

Again, we combined the scores for each test metric to generate overall scores for comparison.

NordVPN, with a score of 9.6 out of 10 was the easiest to use provider overall. It combines an intuitive interface with strong customer support and a hassle-free sign-up process. IPVanish and ExpressVPN also performed well, though their apps don’t have quite the same depth as NordVPN’s.

Beating a 4chan ban with a VPN: FAQs

Am I really anonymous on 4chan?

Not at all. You might be able to post without identifying yourself, but the admins can still see the IP address of every single user. Further, it’s extremely likely that 4chan, like most other websites, uses some form of browser fingerprinting. This can reveal a wealth of information such as your operating system, which browser you’re using, and how large your monitor is.

Why was I banned from 4chan?

4chan is famously chaotic, which sometimes means you’ll receive a ban and not really know why. Assuming you weren’t posting illegal content, you may have just replied to a post that a mod didn’t approve of, or simply spammed a similar message too often. That said, there are site-wide rules against things like posting content outside of its approved board or using ASCII images, so perhaps you inadvertently violated one of these.

Can I bypass the 4chan ban with a free VPN?

No, the vast majority of free VPNs won’t allow you to bypass the 4chan ban. The reason for this is that free VPNs have very few servers and IP addressesFree VPNs are the first thing trolls try to use in order to get around bans and this means that there are very few free VPN IP addresses that haven’t already been banned.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that the small network of servers and a high number of users usually results in very slow speeds. Worse still, some free VPNs actually limit your bandwidth to try and manage this. As such, common tasks like streaming and torrenting becomes a lot more challenging.

There’s a wide range of benefits to using a paid VPN instead. For starters, you’ll get higher speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Additionally, paid providers are less likely to lie about their logs, since they’re often independently audited and have reputations to maintain.

For these reasons, we recommend avoiding teh risks and paying a few dollars a month for a quality VPN. If you’re really worried about the cost, consider choosing a VPN with a free trial or a money-back guarantee so you can be sure you’re 100% happy before you commit long-term.

See also: Overall best VPN providers