Pokémon Go is incredibly popular, but due to the way the game works, people in rural areas see far fewer Pokémon than those who live in a city. Here’s the good news: with a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a GPS spoofing app, and a little bit of configuration, it’s possible to change your location in Pokémon Go without moving a muscle.
VPNs encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address, replacing it with that of the server you’re connected to. If the server is in the US, for instance, geo-restricted services will think that’s where you are. This means that VPNs are useful for more than just Pokémon Go; you can also use them to enhance your security or access your usual streaming services while on vacation.
Looking for the quick version? Here’s an overview of the best VPNs for Pokémon Go. Read on for a more in-depth review of each provider.
Here’s a summary of the best VPNs for Pokémon Go
- NordVPN The best VPN for Pokémon Go. This VPN boasts excellent unblocking ability and a huge server network. What’s more, it doesn’t compromise when it comes to security. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best budget option. With cutting-edge security features, no logs, no connection limit, and good unblocking potential, this low-cost VPN is ideal for anyone looking to spoof their GPS in Pokémon Go.
- IPVanish: An inexpensive, zero-logs VPN with fast speeds and strong security. Unlimited connections and versatile at unblocking, including Netflix US.
- ExpressVPN: Fast and versatile, with servers in 105+ countries. It’s strong on security and privacy, plus it lets you unblock all kinds of services abroad.
- CyberGhost: A speedy, novice-friendly VPN with more servers than any other. Includes pre-configured security features and great unblocking capabilities.
- ProtonVPN: A fantastic option for more experienced users. Powerful security tools, exceptional streaming ability, and a proven no-logging policy. 24/7 support via live chat.
- PureVPN: This provider delivers impressive performance and makes it nice and easy to change your location. Works reliably in places like China and can unblock just about anything.
- Private Internet Access: A secure VPN with servers across the US and in 90 other countries. Works with Pokémon Go and other popular US games.
- PrivateVPN: A low-cost VPN with with no logging whatsoever. Great for Pokémon Go, watching Netflix, or just browsing safely.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Pokémon Go.
How we found the top Pokémon Go VPNs
There are hundreds of VPNs on the market, but they won’t all be suitable for spoofing your location on Pokémon Go. To take the guesswork out of it for you, we’ve narrowed down the choices by carrying out tests in the following key areas:
- Network scope: We looked for VPNs with lots of servers in lots of countries. This ensures you have the widest range of location options when playing Pokémon Go.
- Speed: To help you avoid laggy connections, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to each VPN’s servers in the US.
- Security and privacy: To ensure your connection is protected from potentially malicious third parties, we looked for VPNs that performed well against our 16 different test metrics.
- Ease of use: To help you get a new IP address with the least amount of fuss possible, we used 10 different metrics to find the most user-friendly VPN services.
- Streaming: If you get bored of Pokémon Go, it’s nice to have a VPN that works with a range of streaming services. We used nine metrics to find providers that make it easy to access your favorite platform.
The above is just an overview. You can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in the methodology section later in the article.
The best VPNs for Pokémon Go 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 Pokémon Go
| No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN | PureVPN | Private Internet Access | PrivateVPN |
| Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | ProtonVPN.com | PureVPN.com | PrivateInternetAccess.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Pokémon Go: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 74 Mbps | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Chromebook, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV | Total number of servers | 7,425 | 3,200 | 2,400 | Undisclosed | 8,000+ | 12,660 | 6,000+ | 1,000+ | 200+ | Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 8 | 7 | Free: 1, VPN Plus: 10 | 10 | Unlimited | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best deal (per month) | $3.39 Up to 76% off 2 year plans + free Amazon Gift Card | $1.99 87% OFF + 3 months free | $6.49 Best MONTHLY deal | $4.99 SAVE: 61% + 4 months free on 2 year plans | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free! | $3.59 SAVE 64% on a 2-year plan | $2.16 83% off the 5-yr standard plan | $2.19 SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan + 2 months free | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
Best VPN for changing location in Pokémon Go
At Comparitech, we pride ourselves on providing the most helpful VPN recommendations possible. In order to do this, we personally use every VPN and subject them to rigorous real-world testing. The following reviews are based on those first-hand experiences.
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Pokémon Go:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 9.5 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.6 / 10 |
| Network scope: | 9.3 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 9.2 / 10 |
| US speed testing: | 10.0 / 10 |
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is the best VPN for anyone looking to spoof their location on Pokémon Go. This provider has a huge network, with more than 7,700 servers in 118+ countries.
This makes it ideal for accessing geo-blocked services like Netflix or BBC iPlayer while traveling abroad or for changing regions in Pokémon Go from the comfort of your home.
In our tests for this article, NordVPN was consistently quick. Its overall average download speed of 195.96 Mbps was more than 72 Mbps faster than the combined average speeds of the other tested providers. While connected, you’ll have no issues playing Pokémon Go or any other online game.
This service comes with plenty of advanced security features. There’s DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection, for instance, as well as an app-specific kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and even special servers that help navigate VPN blocks in countries with widespread censorship.
NordVPN doesn’t keep any logs at all, so your activities can’t be traced back to you. Also, it accepts three different kinds of cryptocurrency. If you run into any issues, live chat is available 24/7.
Apps are available for Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, and Linux. Select network routers are also supported, but you’ll have to install the VPN manually.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want the fastest possible connection to reduce lag on Pokémon Go
- You need 7,700+ servers in 118+ countries for accessing rare global Pokémon
- You plan to play from restrictive countries (obfuscated servers are effective at bypassing blocks)
- You value simple location selection via NordVPNs intuitive virtual map
- You want a no-logs policy and cryptocurrency payment options
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN with port forwarding support for other gaming or P2P tools
BEST VPN FOR POKEMON GO:NordVPN is our top choice. The best VPN for spoofing your location in Pokémon Go. It’s fast, security-conscious, and offers access to thousands of servers around the world. As if that isn’t enough, there’s even a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Interested? Take a look at the comprehensive NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 9.1 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 8.9 / 10 |
| Network scope: | 8.8 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 9.2 / 10 |
| US speed testing: | 9.3 / 10 |
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is a budget-friendly provider that doesn’t compromise on service. It offers access to more than 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, so it’s a great way to collect region-exclusive Pokémon without flying all over the world.
Better still, this service unblocks all major streaming platforms and has no connection limit whatsoever, which is great news if you’re looking to protect lots of devices at once.
While connected to its US servers, we measured speeds of between 182.47 Mbps and 189.43 Mbps. This consistency (and speed) is ideal for playing Pokémon Go whenever you feel like it.
This service comes with a built-in ad-blocker, malware scanner, and kill switch. It also offers 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a split tunneling feature. Finally, Surfshark has a NoBorders mode that lets users bypass country-wide web filtering in places like China or the UAE. This VPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable data and provides round-the-clock support over live chat.
Surfshark provides macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS apps. This service can even be manually installed on select internet routers.
Buy this VPN if:
- You’re on a budget but still want fast, reliable Pokémon Go performance
- You want to location spoof on multiple devices at once (there’s no connection limit)
- You need built-in extras like NoBorders mode for countries like China
- You prefer a simple, modern app interface for quick location changes
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want access to all features without paying for Surfshark One
BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is an affordable service with decent speeds,, strong security and privacy protections, and over 3,200 servers worldwide, so it’s ideal for anyone looking to change country in Pokémon Go. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our comprehensive Surfshark review.
3. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.6 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.4 / 10 |
| Network scope: | 7.8 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 8.8 / 10 |
| US speed testing: | 8.3 / 10 |
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish provides consistently high speeds and has 2,400+ servers in over 100+ countries. As such, you can use it to freely go anywhere in Pokémon Go, but it also has plenty of other uses. For instance, this service works effortlessly with streaming platforms like CBS and Netflix US. What’s more, unlike many of its rivals, IPVanish has no connection limit.
In our speed tests for this article, IPVanish’s slowest and fastest speeds differed by just 3.72 Mbps. Stable (and fast) connections like this are great for interruption-free streaming and games like Pokémon Go.
This service takes your security seriously. It uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS, and IPv6 leak protection to keep your traffic safe from snoopers. There’s also a traffic scrambling feature that can help you access networks and services that usually block VPN traffic. IPVanish follows a strict no-logging policy, so your privacy is in good hands. Support is available via 24/7 live chat.
IPVanish offers powerful, lightweight Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS apps. It can also be manually installed on Linux systems and select internet routers.
Buy this VPN if:
- You value consistent speeds and low latency for Pokémon Go
- You want unlimited device connections to spoof on multiple devices
- You prefer granular control, like traffic scrambling to evade detection
- You want a VPN that runs reliably across both Kodi setups and standard devices
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You require anonymous payment methods (There’s no Bitcoin or cash support)
- You want Smart DNS or easier support for streaming devices beyond apps
ZERO-LOGS VPN:IPVanish is great for changing your location in Pokémon Go, but its no-logs policy, fast servers, and powerful security features make it ideal for safely streaming and browsing too. This service includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our in-depth review of IPVanish.
4. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.4 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.3 / 10 |
| Network scope: | 8.7 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.2 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 9.2 / 10 |
| US speed testing: | 5.4 / 10 |
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is another good choice for anyone looking to spoof their location on Pokémon Go. It offers access to thousands of servers spread across 105+ countries and even lets you securely access tricky region-locked platforms like Netflix US and Amazon Prime Video. What’s more, ExpressVPN allows users to secure up to eight of their devices at once.
While connected to ExpressVPN’s US servers, we recorded speeds averaging 125.51 Mbps. In practical terms, this is fast enough for streaming 4K video on five devices at the same time — so you’ll experience no issues playing Pokémon Go.
This VPN includes a wide range of security features, including 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (that stops sending data right away if your connection drops), and protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks.
Most importantly, ExpressVPN maintains your privacy by refusing to keep any logs that could identify you. It’s even possible to sign up almost completely anonymously by paying in Bitcoin. 24/7 live chat is on hand should you need it.
ExpressVPN offers easy-to-use apps for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. You can also install this service’s custom firmware on your wireless routers to protect every device you own simultaneously.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want global coverage (105+ countries) for accessing region-specific Pokémon
- You want a consistent, user-friendly experience across all major devices
- You need a no-logs VPN with solid obfuscation for bypassing detection
- You want the flexibility of Bitcoin payments and 24/7 live chat support
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re looking for the cheapest solution (ExpressVPN is pricier than most)
- You rely on split tunneling on iOS or macOS (not supported)
SPOOF YOUR LOCATION:ExpressVPN is a strong choice for Pokémon Go. With fast, reliable servers in 105 countries, you can go wherever the Pokémon are in a matter of seconds. This VPN comes with powerful security features and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For more information, check out our full ExpressVPN review.
5. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.2 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Network scope: | 9.5 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 7.8 / 10 |
| US speed testing: | 5.7 / 10 |
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is a highly versatile VPN that offers access to more servers than any of its rivals (over 10,000 in 100 countries) and still manages to be beginner-friendly. It even has a selection of servers optimized for gaming.
In our speed tests, the provider averaged 130.41 Mbps. These high speeds mean you can play Pokémon Go or just watch Hulu abroad without being interrupted by lag or buffering.
We really like that all of this service’s security features come pre-configured. This means that you’re automatically safeguarded by 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, an ad-blocker, and a malware scanner.
Further, CyberGhost doesn’t log any personally identifiable information (although you can pay in Bitcoin if you’d like extra anonymity). Need help? Customer support is available 24/7 over live chat and email.
CyberGhost allows up to seven simultaneous device connections and has apps available for Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows. If you’d prefer, you can manually configure it for use with your home router.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a beginner-friendly app with pre-configured protection
- You’re looking for gaming-optimized servers and high speeds without setup
- You need a vast server network (10,000+) for flexible spoofing locations
- You want a generous 45-day refund policy for longer testing
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want fine-tuned control over obfuscation or advanced features
- You plan to spoof from within China or other heavily restricted regions
IDEAL FOR NOVICES:CyberGhost is an easy-to-use VPN with high speeds, strong security, and a large server network. There’s also a 45-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 support in case of any issues.
Why not read our full review of CyberGhost?
6. ProtonVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 8.8 / 10 |
| Network scope: | 9.7 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.3 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 6.7 / 10 |
| US speed testing: | 5.6 / 10 |
Website: www.ProtonVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ProtonVPN is an extraordinarily versatile service with more than 12,000 servers spread across 117+ countries. Unlike with most VPN providers, ProtonVPN allows users to choose between individual servers — which is helpful if you want to find the fastest possible option.
In our tests for this article, ProtonVPN’s speeds were a little more variable than some, but fast nonetheless.
The provider is a great option for changing your location on Pokémon Go, torrenting, or streaming your favorite shows on vacation. Some of the streaming platforms it works with include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.
When it comes to security, ProtonVPN is hard to beat. To begin with, there’s uncrackable encryption and plenty of safeguards (such as leak protection and a kill switch). It also boasts a professionally-audited zero-logs policy so you know for a fact that nobody’s monitoring your activities.
This VPN’s more advanced features include port forwarding and split tunneling support, plus Secure Core servers – these are kept in underground data centers for maximum protection from prying eyes. Subscribers can pay in cash or Bitcoin for even greater privacy.
ProtonVPN permits up to 10 simultaneous connections and has apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and macOS. Additionally, if you follow manual setup configuration instructions, you can get it running on your router.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want the most server choices globally (12,000+ servers in 117+ countries)
- You want granular control over server selection to optimize performance
- You want split tunneling support and Bitcoin or cash payments
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re a beginner who might find the interface overwhelming
- You want a bundled ad/malware blocker on all plans
FIRST-CLASS SECURITY:ProtonVPN goes above and beyond to keep you safe. Boasting ultra-fast servers, a large network, and a verified no-logs policy, it’s ideal for playing Pokemon Go. Paid subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our in-depth ProtonVPN review for more details.
7. PureVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 7.9 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Network scope: | 8.6 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.7 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 7.3 / 10 |
| US speed testing: | 5.8 / 10 |
Website: www.PureVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS
PureVPN has servers in 65+ countries and automatically obfuscates traffic to bypass blocks in restrictive countries. It can beat all manner of geographic restrictions, so you’ll be able to switch Pokemon Go regions, or stream your usual Netflix shows abroad, with ease.
PureVPN performed solidly in our speed tests, and achieved an overall average of 132.41 Mbps. This makes it suitable for all of your everyday online activities.
So how does this VPN keep you safe? All of your traffic is encrypted, for starters, and there’s automatic DNS and IPv6 leak prevention. Even if your connection drops, you won’t be able to browse the web unprotected, thanks to the built-in kill switch. PureVPN has an audited no-logging policy, which means it couldn’t divulge details of your activities even if it wanted to. We’d prefer if tracker-blocking was included on all plans instead of just the more expensive ones, but that’s hardly the end of the world.
Each PureVPN subscription lets you protect 10 devices simultaneously. Apps are available for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux. These are all beginner-friendly but support is available via live chat in case you need it. Routers are supported, too, although you’ll have to configure them manually.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want simple, reliable spoofing that works even in highly restricted countries
- You’re looking for a VPN with automatic obfuscation and solid unblocking
- You want a lightweight app for quick region switching during gameplay
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You rely on split tunneling outside of Windows and Android
- You want port forwarding included for free (it’s a paid add-on)
PLAY POKEMON ANYWHERE:PureVPN has what it takes to bypass almost any regional restriction. It’s easy to use, speedy, and security-conscious, plus you can use it in China or the UAE. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our complete PureVPN review.
8. Private Internet Access
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 7 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.6 / 10 |
| Network scope: | 6.2 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.3 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 8.6 / 10 |
| US speed testing: | 1.5 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Private Internet Access is a popular VPN based in the US. It is well known due to its large server network that covers over 91 countries and reliable apps for all popular platforms.
The apps can be installed on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick. Those apps have plenty of useful features, including a choice of protocols, AES encryption, obfuscation, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and ad blocking.
In order to play games, it’s a good idea to have a VPN with decent speeds. In our tests, PIA’s download speeds averaged out at 66.75 Mbps. This is fast enough for Pokémon Go or HD streaming.
PIA works with a variety of streaming services, including Netflix and Hulu. That said, we recommend that you test it with your favorite streaming accounts using its 30-day money-back guarantee to check if it is compatible.
The VPN has a no logging policy, which means it never keeps any records of what its users do while connected to the VPN. This ensures that your activities stay private both now and in the future. It is also worth noting that the no logs policy has been verified in court on more than one occasion.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a large server footprint across 91+ countries for spoofing globally
- You want strong privacy protections and a no-logs policy proven in court
- You appreciate transparency and open-source client software
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want the best possible speeds
- You use VPNs from restrictive regions (Obfuscation isn’t as reliable as rivals)
DECENT SECURITY:PIA is a VPN that is often praised by Reddit users. The VPN is well known for having strong security and easy-to-use apps. Has a choice of servers in 91+ countries. Works to change your IP address and play Pokémon Go from anywhere. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Find out more in our full PIA review
9. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 6.3 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 8.6 / 10 |
| Network scope: | 5.7 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.6 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 7.8 / 10 |
| US speed testing: | 1.0 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN has fewer servers than the other VPNs in this list (around 200 in 63 countries), but it makes up for this with its ability to unblock the most stubborn region-locked services — including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. As such, it should have no problem whatsoever helping you spoof your location in Pokémon Go.
While connected to the provider’s US servers, we recorded download speeds averaging 50.64 Mbps. Although slower than the above VPNs, it’s still fast enough for playing Pokémon Go. If you need a speed bump, PrivateVPN allows you to drop the level of encryption used on your traffic to give you a few extra Mbps.
This VPN enhances your privacy using a combination of a kill switch, protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, and 256-bit AES encryption. You can even enable stealth mode to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN at all. There’s the option to pay with Bitcoin, and PrivateVPN is a zero-logs provider. Live chat-based support is available 22 hours per day.
PrivateVPN allows users to connect up to 10 devices at the same time. It has apps for iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux devices. Some network routers are also supported, although manual configuration is required.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want stealth mode for use in countries with strict censorship (like China)
- You’re happy with fewer servers but higher reliability and performance
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You rely on a large number of server locations (only 200 available)
- You want advanced feature control or automation tools
VERY HIGH SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is one of the fastest VPNs around, which means it’s great for anything that uses a lot of bandwidth (like playing Pokémon Go or watching Netflix). Also, PrivateVPN boasts a no-logs policy, powerful encryption, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
We cover this service in greater detail in the full PrivateVPN review.
How to change location in Pokémon Go with a VPN
Until recently, you didn’t even need a phone or tablet to spoof your location in Pokémon Go; you could just run an Android emulator and go wherever you wanted. Now, however, many older methods no longer work, and you’ll need a physical Android or iOS device.
Here’s how to change location in Pokémon Go:
Android
Note that this method only works with Android versions 6–8.
- Start by downloading version 12.6.87 of the Google Play Services app. Don’t install it just yet.
- Go into the settings menu and search for Device admin apps. Now, turn off Find My Device and Google Pay.
- Next, install your older version of Google Play Services.
- Browse to Settings > Apps > Google Play Services > Mobile data and turn off Allow background data usage.
- Find Google Play Store in your list of installed apps and hit the Disable button.
- Clear Pokémon Go’s stored data and restart your device.
- Finally, turn on your GPS spoofing app, connect to a VPN server that’s near wherever you’re hunting Pokémon, and you should be able to go anywhere you like.
If your device has Android 8.1 or higher installed, it’s still technically possible to spoof your location, but you’ll have to root your device. This is a tricky procedure, and there’s a lot that could go wrong, though. Once rooted, you’ll find the most up-to-date setup guides on the Pokémon Go spoofing subreddit.
iOS
Note: spoofing your location on iOS devices is more likely to result in a ban since the most widely used methods involve installing a modded version of the Pokémon Go app. Additionally, since these apps cost money (and you don’t know who will have access to your payment details), we strongly advise against changing your country in Pokémon Go on iOS. If you’re dead set on doing so, though, you’ll find walkthroughs on the Pokémon Go spoofing subreddit mentioned above.
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 Pokémon Go with no restrictions for a month.
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.
Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for Pokémon Go
Choosing a VPN from the hundreds on offer isn’t easy. Many exaggerate their abilities, and it’s near impossible to know which are legitimate without test-driving them first. This is where we come in. Our comprehensive testing process identifies the most versatile VPNs for Pokémon Go. Let’s take a closed look at what these tests involve.
Network scope
To give you the most options when choosing a new location for Pokémon Go, we started by scoring providers on the number of countries they supported. We also scored them on their overall server count. A large server network helps reduce congestion that could ruin gameplay.
The scores for the above were combined to generate an overall network suitability score for each provider.
ProtonVPN scored highest overall, with 9.7 out of 10. It has a vast server network that provides almost endless options for Pokémon Go players. CyberGhost and NordVPN are the next best options.
Speed
To find VPNs with low latency and consistent speeds, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to their servers in the US. To emulate the experience of the average user, we rate-limited our base connection speed to 250 Mbps (which is a little slower than the median fixed broadband speed in the US). We used the desktop version of the Ookla speed-testing app to accurately measure speed.
To more easily compare providers, we averaged each of their results and then converted them to scores out of 10.
NordVPN was the fastest provider overall. It will give you all the benefits of a VPN without having a noticeable negative impact on your connection speed. Surfshark was a little slower, but also well-suited to gaming as well as streaming and torrenting.
Security and privacy
To ensure you can play Pokémon Go safely and securely, we’ve only recommended VPNs with a kill switch, DNS leak protection, a no-logs policy, and strong encryption. You can see the other metrics used for testing in the table below.
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN | PureVPN | PIA | PrivateVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs |
| IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs |
| Encryption | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher |
| Authentication | SHA-384 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-256 | SHA-256 |
| Keys | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 2048-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 2048-bit |
| Perfect Forward Secrecy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DNS leak protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| IPv6 leak protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Private DNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Torrenting allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kill switch | All platforms | Mobile app-level | All platforms | Mobile app-level | All platforms | All platforms | Some platforms | All platforms | Some platforms |
| HQ outside 9 eyes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Obfuscation | Stealth | Stealth | Stealth | Automatic | Stealth | Stealth | Automatic | Stealth | Stealth |
| Supported protocols | Own protocol | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Own protocol | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only |
| Anonymous payment options | Multiple | Multiple | None | Multiple | Multiple | One | One | Multiple | One |
| Additional security features | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
We scored each test metric and combined the results to generate the following comparison chart.
NordVPN and Surfshark both scored 9.5 out of 10. They use effectively uncrackable encryption and have independently audited no-logs policies. Moreover, they also have obfuscation options that work in restrictive countries like China. ProtonVPN and PIA also scored notably highly, though it’s worth noting that their obfuscation isn’t as effective.
Ease of use
To help make switching your location in Pokémon Go as painless as possible, we’ve looked for VPNs that are easy to use. Our tests evaluated each provider’s apps, as well as the quality of its customer service.
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN | PureVPN | PIA | PrivateVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps for all major platforms | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Novice-friendly design | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ease of signup (reviewer to score) | 5 (easy) | 4 | 5 (easy) | 5 (easy) | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 (easy) | 4 |
| Router support | Standard | Standard | Standard | App | Standard | Standard | App | Standard | Standard |
| Unblocking consistency | Great | Great | Great | Generally works | Great | Great | Great | Great | Generally works |
| Task specific servers | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Network | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries |
| Ease of cancellation | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy |
| Interface | Well-organised | A little cluttered | Well-organised | Well-organised | A little cluttered | Takes some getting used to | A little cluttered | Well-organised | Well-organised |
| Feature parity | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | All features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions |
Each of the above metrics was assigned a score based on its relative importance. These scores were then combined to generate overall scores for comparison.
NordVPN’s score of 9.6 out of 10 was the highest, suggesting that it was easiest to use provider overall. Its well-made apps have an intuitive interface and the provider offers a selection of task-specific servers. IPVanish and ExpressVPN also performed well, and make it easy for new users to effortlessly change their location.
Streaming
In addition to working well with Pokémon Go, we looked for VPNs that were able to access popular streaming platform such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus. You can see the other streaming-related test metrics we used to differentiate providers in the table below.
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN | PureVPN | PIA | PrivateVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of locations in relevant country | 5+ locations | 5+ locations | 5+ locations | 5+ locations | 5+ locations | 5+ locations | 5+ locations | 5+ locations | 5+ locations |
| Regional speed test results | 300-500 Mbps | 500+ Mbps | 300-500 Mbps | 300-500 Mbps | 100-299 Mbps | 100-299 Mbps | 100-299 Mbps | <100 Mbps | <100 Mbps |
| Includes ad-blocker? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Works in high-censorship countries | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Offers a smart DNS service | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Streaming device apps | 2+ apps | 2+ apps | 2+ apps | 2+ apps | 2+ apps | 1 app | 2+ apps | 1 app | 2+ apps |
| Can Unblock Tier 1 Streaming | Reliably | Reliably | Reliably | Reliably | Reliably | Unreliably | Unreliably | Reliably | Reliably |
| Can Unblock Tier 2 Streaming | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can Unblock Tier 3 Streaming | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
As before, the scores for each metric were combined to generate a chart for comparison.
NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN all scored 9.2 out of 10. All three providers are able to access stubborn streaming platforms. They all also have a smart DNS service that enable you to access geo-restricted content on VPN-incompatible devices like game consoles or smart TVs.
Using a free VPN with Pokémon Go
Understandably, Niantic isn’t crazy about the idea of users who can go wherever they want in-game. In fact, they’ve invested considerable effort into stopping VPNs and GPS spoofing apps from working. As such, free VPNs are highly unlikely to work. Additionally, these services tend to have more users than their networks can support, so you’ll likely notice extremely slow speeds. In some cases, this could even lead to you being kicked from the game.
The second problem is that free VPNs pose a real threat to your security. Recent studies have found that there are huge numbers of malware-carrying apps pretending to be VPNs on major app stores. Worse still, of the ones that were malware-free, 18 percent used no encryption at all. We’ve even seen major providers take advantage of their users; back in 2015, Hola was caught selling idle user bandwidth to help facilitate a botnet. In short, the best way to protect yourself online is to use a reputable, security-first VPN with a strong record on privacy.
Playing Pokémon Go with a VPN: FAQs
Why use a VPN with Pokémon Go?
VPNs can help you play Pokémon Go in places where it might not normally be available, like most of China. Additionally, if used in conjunction with a GPS spoofing app, users can essentially teleport anywhere. This allows you to catch region-exclusive Pokemon that would otherwise take a lot of time and money to collect.
Will I get into trouble for using a VPN with Pokémon Go?
Technically, GPS spoofing is forbidden in Pokémon Go. Also, the player guidelines do not make exceptions for users who live in really remote areas (where Pokémon rarely spawn). As such, if you decide to change your location in Pokémon Go, you do so at your own risk.
So what’s the worst that could happen? Well, your account could be permanently banned. This is unlikely for a first offense, though; you’re far more likely to receive a warning per Niantic’s three-strike policy. If you continue to spoof your location, you could be temporarily banned for up to a month. Keep it up, and finally, your account will be banned for good. Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from making another, but you will lose all of the Pokémon you’ve caught.
Can I spoof my location in Pokémon Go using a modified APK?
We strongly advise against installing modified APKs of any kind. Simply, there’s no real way to tell if the game has been repackaged with malware, and hacks for popular games like Pokémon Go are an easy way for bad actors to quickly gain access to a huge number of unsuspecting victims.
Since you can always change your in-game location using a VPN and easily-discoverable GPS spoofing tools, there’s no need to grant a faceless third-party access to your device just to move around in Pokémon Go.
Can I unblock Pokémon Go at school?
Yes, you can use a VPN to bypass your school’s network restrictions and unblock Pokémon Go. Simply connecting to a server ensures your internet traffic is encrypted and hidden from view. You’re then provided with a new, temporary IP address. As such, your school’s network administrator won’t be able to see what you’re doing online.
However, if you’re using a standard VPN protocol then your school’s network admin will be able to see you’re using a VPN. If you don’t even want this to be known then you’ll need to opt for a VPN such as NordVPN (our top recommended VPN for Pokémon Go). It provides obfuscated servers that disguise VPN traffic as regular web traffic.
Related: How to get Pokémon Go coins cheaper
Awesome roundup of VPNs! I’ve personally had the best experience with NordVPN for spoofing Pokémon Go — stable connection and no lag so far. But like the article says, VPN alone isn’t enough — you need a good GPS spoofer too.
For Android users, PGSharp is still a go-to option. I always download the latest version from pgsharppokemon.com — they keep it updated and it pairs really well with VPNs like Nord or Surfshark. Great combo for safely exploring rare spawn zones!