Best VPNs for Telegram

If you’re trying to access Telegram in Russia, Iran, India, or other parts of the world where it is blocked, your best bet is to log in via a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts all the traffic flowing to and from your device and tunnels it via an intermediary server in a location of your choice, allowing you to access sites and services that would usually be blocked.

By using a VPN, you can obfuscate your location, thereby tricking state authorities in Russia by making it impossible for them to detect that you’re based there. The encrypted tunnel also makes it very difficult for ISPs, hackers, and surveillance agencies to monitor your online activity.

In this article, we’ll show you how to access Telegram in Russia, Iran, India, or anywhere else with a VPN and the best providers for this purpose. We get into plenty of detail on each of the VPNs, but if you are short of time and can’t read the whole article, here’s a brief breakdown of our top picks:

Best VPNs for Telegram:

  1. NordVPN Our #1 choice for accessing Telegram. Unblocks Telegram from just about anywhere that restrictions are in place. Has some of the fastest streaming and downloading servers that we’ve tested. Excellent privacy and security features. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Telegram.
  2. Surfshark A great budget contender for a Telegram VPN. Well-priced and delivers reliability, security, a strict no-logs policy, and unlimited connections.
  3. ExpressVPN Solid all-rounder with a vast server network that unblocks most geo-restricted sites and services, including Telegram. Easy to use and has great privacy features.
  4. CyberGhost Reliable provider with a huge server network spread across the globe. Good for beginners and advanced users. Privacy and security are solid.
  5. IPVanish Security and circumventing blocked sites are their top features. Exceptional speed and no connection limits.
  6. PrivateVPN Privacy-first VPN with a no-logs policy and a growing network of servers. Impressive speeds and unblocking capabilities.
  7. AtlasVPN Lots of servers able to unblock Telegram from anywhere, offering fast and reliable connections. No device limit.

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How we found the top Telegram VPNs

There are hundreds of VPNs on the market, but they aren’t all created equal. Below are just some of the minimum standards that a VPN needs to meet before we recommend it for use with Telegram:

  • Robust security parameters so that your location is guarded at all times
  • Apps for Android and iOS
  • Large range of server locations in Europe and North America
  • No traffic logs
  • Ease of use
  • Unblocking content

This is just an overview of our testing criteria, but you can read about it in more detail in the methodology section below.

The best VPNs for Telegram: at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Telegram.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostIPVanishPrivateVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comIPVanish.comPrivateVPN.com
Ranking for Telegram:123456
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps39 Mbps
Popular Sites Unblocked95%88%86%85%70%85%
Activity logsNoneNoneNo identifying dataNo identifying dataNo logs storedNone
Total number of servers6,000+3,200Undisclosed11,000+2,200+200+
Best deal (per month)$3.09
Up to 69% off + 3 months FREE
$2.29
Save 85% on a 2 year Starter plan
$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free
$2.03
SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan
$2.75
SAVE 78% on the 2 yr plan
$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free

The best VPNs for Telegram

Here at Comparitech, we put all the VPNs through their paces personally before we recommend them. These reviews are based on our first-hand experience. Let’s take a look at the ones that impressed us.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for accessing Telegram from anywhere:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top choice for a Telegram VPN. It is an example of a completely logless VPN that doesn’t record any user data whatsoever, ensuring your complete online privacy.

The provider has been in the VPN business for over a decade — helping it build a robust product along the way. It offers over 5,500 servers spread across 60 countries, with a large variety in the West. NordVPN also ranks as the fastest VPN in our speed tests.

Encryption standards are hardy and will keep you protected at all times. NordVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption by default coupled with 2,048-bit SSL keys. In addition, DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection are included.

Apps are available for Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

NordVPN speed test data

No valueNordVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)354 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)262 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)284 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$3.09
Up to 69% off + 3 months FREE

Pros:

  • Unblocks Telegram and a ton of other sites
  • Great for privacy-conscious users with no logs and Bitcoin payments
  • Blazing fast speeds
  • Six simultaneous connections keep all users and devices protected
  • 24/7 customer support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • The desktop app is a bit clunky compared to other providers

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST VPN FOR TELEGRAM:NordVPN is our top pick. Excellent speeds. Works to access Telegram from anywhere. Solid security and privacy performer. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it risk-free.

Here’s our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark is a budget-friendly, privacy-focused VPN that keeps no logs of user information and comes with lots of security features.

It has a growing network of over 3,200 servers covering more than 100 countries. There are a ton of European locations as well as a good spread in the Americas and Asia Pacific region, along with a few Middle East and African locations.

You can expect tight security from this VPN. It boasts 256- bit encryption on the WireGuard protocol, along with SHA512 authentication and a 2,048-bit key exchange. Apps include a kill switch, leak protection, and automatic wifi protection.

Mobile apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Surfshark speed test data

No valueSurfshark
WebsiteSurfshark.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)521 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)702 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)561 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.29
Save 85% on a 2 year Starter plan

Pros:

  • Works with Telegram everywhere
  • Allows an unlimited number of connections
  • Has easy-to-use apps
  • 24/7 live chat available
  • Accepts Cryptocurrencies

Cons:

  • Occasional slow server

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

TOP BUDGET CHOICE:Surfshark packs a ton of security features into a great value product. Doesn’t log user information and allows an unlimited number of connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. ExpressVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN guards your data zealously. First-class encryption protocols are in place; specifically, the service leverages military-grade encryption standards as well as HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy. An internet kill switch is included, which ExpressVPN refers to as a ‘network lock’.

The company doesn’t store any detailed traffic logs but does retain a bit of metadata in order to improve the service. It’s incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, which means it’s out of the jurisdiction of government authorities in both the US and the UK.

When you sign up, you’ll find over 3,000 server locations spread across the world. There are plentiful options in Europe and North America.

There are ExpressVPN apps for Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

ExpressVPN speed test data

No valueExpressVPN
WebsiteExpressVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)319 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)303 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)278 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free

Pros:

  • Unblocks Telegram effortlessly
  • Best-in-class encryption makes for solid security and privacy
  • Fast servers are great for streaming HD content
  • DNS leak protection, shared IP addresses, and no traffic logs
  • Apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux

Cons:

  • Not the cheapest choice on this list
  • Lack of configuration options for advanced users

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

GREAT ALL-ROUNDER:ExpressVPN is fast and reliable. Confidently unblocks Telegram. Also solid for all major streaming services. Great privacy features and keeps no logs. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our in-depth review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is based in Romania and is not subject to any mandatory data retention laws. It doesn’t record any user activity on its servers, either. The VPN company offers a varying range of privacy and security features to protect your internet connections.

All traffic is secured by 256-bit encryption on the WireGuard protocol by default, along with perfect forward secrecy. An internet kill switch is included.

The company has a huge choice of servers online at the moment, with over 9,000, the majority of which are housed in Europe and North America. It should be relatively straightforward to find an adequate connection to unblock Telegram.

Additional security features include an ad blocker, anti-malware defense, and anti-tracking. Apps for Windows and macOS are available, as well as Android and iOS mobile devices.

CyberGhost speed test data

No valueCyberGhost
WebsiteCyberghost.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)449 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)269 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)167 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.03
SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan

Pros:

  • Unblocks Telegram with ease
  • Keeps no user activity logs and provides strong encryption to bypass activity detection
  • Plenty of servers in Europe and North America
  • Some of the fastest servers we’ve tested
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Power users may lament the lack of advanced configuration options
  • Doesn’t work in China

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

SOLID SECURITY:CyberGhost ihas a vast network of servers for unblocking Telegram. Ideal for beginners who are looking for a fast, reliable connection, an easy-to-use interface. Stores no logs and streams HD video reliably. Try it risk-free with the 45-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our extensive CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish doesn’t store user data of any nature, so that should ease privacy concerns. Better still, it offers some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen and can secure all of your devices at the same time.

It offers over 2,000 global servers spread across 75 locations. The US occupies the bulk of this list, and there are more than enough options in mainland Europe, too.

Encryption standards are top-tier. It uses 256-bit encryption on the WireGuard protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy.

You’ll find apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

IPVanish speed test data

No valueIPVanish
WebsiteIPVanish.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)277 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)237 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)352 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.75
SAVE 78% on the 2 yr plan

Pros:

  • No issues with unblocking Telegram
  • Keep no logs on user activities and have solid security settings
  • Impressive server speeds
  • Handles simultaneous connections well

Cons:

  • May have to try a few servers to find one that works with a specific streaming service
  • Based in the US, a 5 Eyes member

Our score:

4 out of 5

PRIVATE AND SECURE:IPVanish offers strong privacy and security that works well with Telegram. Provides protection against DNS leaks and keeps no logs. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

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6. PrivateVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN popped up quite recently, but that doesn’t mean its product is sub-par by any standards. It’s based in Sweden and offers features and performance on par with the other providers on this list. 256-bit AES encryption is included along with perfect forward secrecy on the OpenVPN protocol. A kill switch is offered, too.

PrivateVPN doesn’t store any user logs, so any record of trying to access Telegram in Russia is scrubbed from sight.

At the moment, a little over 200 servers are spread across 63 countries. This seems tiny as compared to the gargantuan options offered by other providers, but the range of locations in Europe and North America should do the trick.

PrivateVPN speed test data

No valuePrivateVPN
WebsitePrivateVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)94 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)57 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)62 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free

Pros:

  • Keeps no logs whatsoever
  • Very fast speeds
  • Accepts Bitcoin

Cons:

  • May need support assistance in locating the best server to choose
  • Smaller number of servers to choose from

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Unblocks Telegram. Also good for secure and private browsing and torrenting. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our review of PrivateVPN.

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7. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.AtlasVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

AtlasVPN makes accessing Telegram from anywhere effortless. Its apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS combine with an unlimited connection limit, allowing you to enjoy Telegram on multiple devices simultaneously.

It uses AES encryption, offers a breach tracker, doesn’t keep logs, and operates on the OpenVPN protocol. This is backed up by its base of operations in Panama following Nord Technologies’ acquisition. For context, Panama is outside of any surveillance operations, meaning AtlasVPN is not required to hand over logs by law.

AtlasVPN has servers in over 40 locations, offering rapid download speeds. It unblocks Telegram as well as many streaming services like Disney Plus and Netflix from abroad and supports P2P activities. It gives users 30 days to try its service with a money-back guarantee.

Atlas speed test data

No valueAtlasVPN
WebsiteAtlasVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)407 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)325 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)220 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$1.64
SAVE 86% on a 2 year plan + 6 months free

Pros:

  • Prioritizes user security
  • Servers in 40+ countries
  • Faster than many of its rivals

Cons:

  • Canceling could be much easier
  • No router support

Our score:

4 out of 5

EXCELLENT UNBLOCKING:AtlasVPN unblocks Telegram with ease from abroad, and offers apps for all major platforms without a connection limit. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our review of AtlasVPN.

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Finding the best VPNs for Telegram: our methodology

While there are plenty of VPNs to choose from, not all are ideal for use with Telegram. We were able to narrow down the options with our methodology. This takes the following into account:

  • Servers worldwide: Telegram is available in most countries with a few exceptions, including China and Iran. Having access to a VPN with servers in dozens of countries worldwide means you can access the messaging service with ease. It also means you can find a faster server close to your location!
  • Speed: We conduct speed tests on each VPN. This helps us find the fastest VPNs for use with Telegram as well as for streaming and torrenting. Indeed, most are fast enough for 4K streaming without lag or buffering. Furthermore, all of the VPNs included in this post offer unlimited bandwidth
  • Unblocking: Aside from Telegram, many websites and services may be geo-blocked due to copyright or censorship. This may be anything from a news site to a streaming service to another messaging service such as Signal or WhatsApp. Whatever the case, the best VPNs find ways around such blocks.
  • Security: While Telegram provides end-to-end encryption if you activate it in settings, there are some slight concerns. For example, it uses its own proprietary encryption protocol. A VPN encrypts all of your internet traffic and protects you from leaks. In fact, some VPNs even have Double VPN servers.
  • Privacy: We’ve explored 140 VPN logging policies, finding those that best protect your privacy. This is particularly important while using messaging services such as Telegram, for which you have to provide your phone number and which even record some data such as your IP address.
  • Ease of use: A VPN needn’t be difficult to use. In fact, you should be able to connect to a server in a matter of seconds (adjusting your settings can usually be done in just a few clicks, too). In particular, we look for beginner-friendly apps as well as live chat and email support (preferably available 24/7).
  • Value for money: Even some of the most expensive VPN providers lack some of the above features. Fortunately, we’ve found a number of VPNs that offer all of them while remaining value for money. All include at least a 30-day money-back guarantee, while some also have free trials, and our VPN discount coupons allow you to save even more.

Our VPN testing methodology goes into further detail about how we test VPNs by looking at key criteria, including speed, security, and even customer support.

Using a free VPN to access Telegram

The first and foremost consideration of users trying to access Telegram where it is blocked should be the guarantee that their private data is protected at all costs. That’s because you’re trying to circumvent government restrictions, which puts you directly in the crosshairs of the state. And that’s no trifling matter.

Unfortunately, free VPN services carry the inherent risk of poor encryption and pitiful speeds. The fact that they’re free should be a dead giveaway—such services aren’t charities and are definitely in the business of making money. Many of them have been caught inserting tracking cookies in order to mine their users’ data and sell it to third-party advertisers.

If you opt for a free VPN, it’s unlikely that you’ll receive a premium experience. Expect frequent disconnections and a lingering concern that your digital footprint is being monitored. For peace of mind, we advise using a paid, reputable VPN.

How to unblock Telegram with a VPN

Although Telegram is blocked in certain countries, it is fairly simple to regain access with the help of a VPN. Just follow the simple steps below to set up a VPN for Telegram on any PC, Windows, Android, or IOS device.

Here’s how to change the download location and unblock Telegram with a VPN:

  1. Sign up with a VPN for Telegram. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
  2. Download and install the VPN app or browser extension for your device.
  3. Open the VPN app or browser extension and connect to a server in your home country (or any country in which Telegram is not blocked). This will provide you with a new IP address.
  4. Download the Telegram App for your device.
  5. Log in to Telegram, and you should now be able to send and receive messages! If you’re still encountering restrictions, try clearing your browser’s cookies and reloading the page.

If you’re having difficulty changing your Google Play region (or any other app store), you can also sideload the Telegram .APK file directly.

VPNs for Telegram: FAQs

Why is Telegram blocked in some countries?

Telegram has been blocked in a number of countries and it’s no coincidence that all of the countries in question have high levels of internet censorship. The following countries have all blocked Telegram at some point in time: Russia, Pakistan, and Iran. Furthermore, Telegram is currently blocked in China.

The reason Telegram is blocked is because governments are attempting to gain control and oversight over citizens. Any end-to-end encrypted messaging service with a focus on privacy will be targeted as a result. Indeed, the likes of Signal and WhatsApp have both been blocked by many of the same countries that block Telegram.

Is Telegram better than other messaging apps?

While Telegram is one of the most popular messaging apps, it’s not necessarily better than the likes of Signal or WhatsApp. Indeed, it really depends on what’s being measured. Take security, for example. Signal collects the least data, while WhatsApp collects the most. However, while Signal and WhatsApp offer end-to-end decryption by default, Telegram’s need to be activated via the app’s settings. So, all of these messaging apps have their own pros and cons.

Is Telegram safe?

Telegram is relatively secure, although it’s debatable as to whether it protects your privacy better than Signal. While Telegram offers end-to-end encryption, it’s important to note that this needs to be switched on in the app’s settings. However, one advantage of Telegram is that you can set messages to self-destruct after a set period of time.

Is it legal to use a VPN with Telegram?

First off, VPNs are legal just about everywhere in the world. That said, some countries (such as China and Russia) place restrictions on the exact providers you’re allowed to use.

Telegram, on the other hand, is restricted in several places, including Pakistan and China. So how do you know if you’re in a country with limitations like these? Well if you can access Telegram’s website and the website of your VPN provider, it’s likely completely legal to use these services where you are.

Disclaimer: Although we’ve spent hours researching this topic, we are not legal experts. As such, nothing we’ve said above should be taken as legal advice. We encourage you to consult local laws before attempting to access Telegram via a VPN.

What else can I do with a VPN?

As we’ve covered, one of the primary benefits of using a VPN is the ability to securely access restricted content. This includes websites and services that are government-censored in some countries such as Telegram.

However, VPNs offer numerous other advantages, particularly when it comes to security and privacy. A VPN encrypts your data, rendering it unreadable to others. This allows you to browse anonymously without your ISP (or, by extension, your government) seeing what you’re doing online. This is particularly useful when you’re traveling and relying on public Wi-Fi hotspots in cafes and hotels where the connection might not be secure.

If you’re suffering from slow connection speeds, a VPN may help. Some ISPs engage in bandwidth throttling, making streaming and torrenting something of a challenge. However, the best VPNs for Telegram all offer unlimited bandwidth, so you can stream and torrent as much as you like.