Best VPNs for School and College: Unblock Sites on restricted Wi-Fi

Are you struggling with school or college Wi-Fi restrictions blocking your favorite websites or apps? Many educational institutions block certain sites and services to stop students from getting distracted when they should be studying. However, this can be frustrating when you want to enjoy your downtime. Luckily it’s easy to bypass these restrictions and regain access to the internet you love, you just need a VPN.

The best VPNs for schools and colleges will encrypt your internet traffic, change your IP address, and keep your online activities hidden from the school network and administrators. This will allow you to connect to restricted sites safely while on school grounds.

This article lists the best VPNs for the job, shows you how to use them, and answers some common VPN questions. We’ll go into more detail about each of the providers we recommend later on, but if you want to get straight to the point, we’ll start with a quick summary.

The best VPNs for school and college:

1. NordVPN the best VPN for bypassing college and school Wi-Fi restrictions. Has one of the largest server networks. Unblocks most popular geo-restricted streaming sites. Keeps no logs and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for students.
2. Surfshark Best budget VPN option for college and school students. Speedy service that puts security above all else. Has excellent unblocking ability, a no-logs policy, and no connection limit.
3. ExpessVPN Solid privacy features and keeps no usage logs on your activities. Fast servers that are able to circumvent most college network-blocked or geo-blocked content.
4. CyberGhost Easy to set up and use, this provider is good for beginners. Vast server network and impressive speeds great for streaming.
5. IPVanish Preferred by Kodi and Fire TV Stick users for remote control-friendly app. Good speeds and strong security are ideal for browsing safely at school or college.
6. Private Internet Access Strong commitment to no logs policy. Good at circumventing browsing restrictions on school, college, or work networks.
7. PrivateVPN Secure choice with plenty of encryption and privacy features. Good speeds and great unblocking ability.

How to use a VPN app to unblock school Wifi

Even if you’ve never used a VPN before, they’re very simple to set up. Follow our researched instructions below, and you’ll be able to access your favorite websites from school or college in no time.

Here’s how to use a VPN on college or school wifi:

1. Choose and subscribe to a suitable VPN provider from the list. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download the appropriate VPN app. You’ll need to do this at home as it’s unlikely any of the VPN websites will be unblocked in your school.
3. Open the VPN app and choose a server within your country.
4. Hit connect, and you should now be able to unblock websites on the school wifi!
5. If you’re encountering any issues, try clearing your cache and cookies and reload the page. If this doesn’t work, try a different server or get in touch with your VPN’s customer support team.

The best VPNs for school: at a glance

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

How we selected the top VPNs for college and school

There are simply hundreds of VPNs on the market, but we know you don’t have the time or money to spare testing them all out. So we narrowed the choices down for you by only selecting providers that meet certain non-negotiable criteria, such as:

• Proven ability to unblock a range of geo-locked content
• Speeds fast enough for uninterrupted live streaming
• Wide server network for versatility
• Keeps no usage logs by which you could be identified
• Strong encryption and security parameters
• Fairly priced with a money-back guarantee

This is just an overview, but if you want to know more, we cover our VPN testing methodology in more detail further on in this article.

Best school Wi-Fi VPNs: in-depth analysis

At Comparitech, we aim to bring you the most accurate VPN advice possible and would never recommend you a VPN that we haven’t personally used and tested. The following reviews are based on our first-hand experiences and real-world tests. 

Here is our list of the best VPNs to use at school and college:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is the best VPN for school and bypassing Wi-Fi restrictions for many reasons:

• It’s one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested.
• Refuses to store any customer data and there are no traffic or session logs at all.
• All web traffic is encrypted via 256-bit AES and 2,048-bit DH keys.
• Torrenting is permitted on each and every server,
• A single subscription grants access to six devices.

And with over 5,500 servers present in 60 countries, there’s a wide range of possible locations to choose from. Additionally, some of these can encrypt your data twice, let you access the dark web, or grant you a dedicated IP address.

There are apps for both Android and iOS mobile devices as well as desktop support for Linux, Windows, and macOS. It works with Netflix as well as other streaming services like Hulu and BBC iPlayer.

BEST VPN FOR SCHOOL & COLLEGE:NordVPN is our top choice. It has blazing speeds and is a strong performer in all categories. Strong security features and allows up to 6 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free deal.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a wallet-friendly VPN that has 3,200+ servers in more than 100 countries and can easily bypass all but the strictest online blocks. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to watch services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or BBC iPlayer during their breaks at college. Better still, Surfshark lets you connect as many devices as you like. This is especially generous given that many other VPNs have a six-connection limit at most.

This service goes the extra mile where security is concerned. It uses effectively uncrackable 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, and automatic malware scanning to keep you safe at all times. Surfshark doesn’t log any data that could be traced back to you and provides the option to pay in one of three cryptocurrencies. If you run into problems, customer support is available around the clock via live chat.

Surfshark offers easy-to-use apps for iOS, macOS, Android, Linux, and Windows. It can be manually configured for use with select wireless routers too.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark has no connection limit, meaning you can secure all of your devices at once. It also boasts an array of advanced security features, a no-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has a neat, user-friendly design and solid speeds. It permits torrenting on all servers and is also a great choice for accessing content on Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

With over 3,000 servers spread across 100+ countries, you shouldn’t have a problem finding an adequate connection. There’s also an internet kill switch included – which ExpressVPN refers to as a ‘network lock’ – that’ll temporarily halt web traffic if the connection drops. That means your data will remain safe and secure.

ExpressVPN uses the OpenVPN encryption parameter with 256-bit AES-CBC as default. HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy are both included.

There are no traffic logs of any kind, but the service does retain some metadata to cater to troubleshooting requests. Specifically, these are “dates (not times) when connected to our service, choice of server location, and the total amount of data transferred per day.”

The company accepts Bitcoin as payment, and there are apps for Android and iOS as well as desktop support for Linux, Windows, and macOS.

VERSATILE UNBLOCKER:ExpressVPN has a vast server network that’s optimized for high-speed connections. User-friendly apps for all operating systems. Great on privacy and security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is registered in Romania – insists it respects user privacy and doesn’t store any data, but the jury’s still out on that one. The reason for that is its recent acquisition by an Israeli firm that’s headquartered in the UK.

Other than that slight concern, there’s absolutely no issue with its choice of encryption standards. There’s 256-bit encryption on the WireGuard protocol, which is considered fairly stringent. And with approximately 9,000 servers in 90 countries, it’s done a reasonable job of offering a variety of locations.

You can connect seven devices on a single connection. The provider supports Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

easy-to-use apps:CyberGhost is beginner friendly. Great privacy with zero logs and DNS leak protection. Unblocks popular streaming platforms. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish ticks all the boxes when it comes to a fast and easy-to-use VPN that won’t compromise your privacy or security. There’s absolutely zero retention of any web traffic logs or data. The company only retains a sliver of information when your account is registered for the very first time. Nothing after that.

Encryption standards are equally vigorous. 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. IPVanish also has your back if the connection freezes. An internet kill switch will ensure there’s no leakage of data. A single subscription lets you secure an unlimited number of devices, so it’s great for anyone hoping to share their VPN with family.

Torrenting is permitted on all servers, which are excellent for high speeds and video streaming. There are over 2,000 of them spread across 75 locations. Streaming capabilities have drastically improved of late, though IPVanish still struggles with the occasional service.

IPVanish There are apps for both iOS and Android, as well as desktop support for Windows and macOS.

FAST AND RELIABLE:IPVanish has a large network of servers. Uncongested network achieves good speeds. Strong security and privacy features. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

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6. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) might not have the neatest user interface out there, but it does its core job well. It’s another VPN provider that outlaws customer data retention – meaning there are no logs of any kind. Encryption standards are impressive – there’s an option of using the OpenVPN protocol with 256-bit AES encryption, SHA256 authentication, and 4,096-bit RSA keys.

Unfortunately, PIA doesn’t work with Netflix but does permit torrenting on its servers. With over 10,000 of them spread across 80+ countries, the service has done its legwork in terms of securing an excellent user experience. You can connect 10 devices simultaneously with one account.

There are apps for both Android and iOS, as well as desktop support for Windows and macOS.

CONNECT 10-DEVICES:Private Internet Access has top security. PIA is a great choice for students due to its low price, rich security features, and great customer service. Speeds can be inconsistent for video streaming, torrenting, and downloading. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Private Internet Access.

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7. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has become a popular choice among school and college students because it can easily unblock websites and bypass network restrictions. With its robust security features and reliable performance, PrivateVPN enables students to access various online resources and streaming platforms without limitations.

With over 200 server locations across 63 countries, PrivateVPN offers students a wide range of server choices, ensuring fast and stable connections. In addition, this extensive server network enables students to access popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. PrivateVPN also supports torrenting, providing an added benefit for students seeking to download large files or access P2P networks.

Security is a top priority for PrivateVPN, which employs strong 256-bit AES encryption, support for multiple VPN protocols such as OpenVPN and L2TP/IPsec, and a strict no-logs policy. These security measures ensure that students can browse the internet confidently, knowing that their online activities and personal data are protected.

PrivateVPN’s user-friendly interface and compatibility with various devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, make it an excellent choice for students who need a VPN that is easy to set up and use. Additionally, PrivateVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, ensuring that students can protect multiple devices with a single subscription.

SOLID PRIVACY:PrivateVPN is epic at unblocking censored websites, it includes a 10-device connection limit and uses military-grade encryption. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Finding the best VPNs for school and college students: our methodology

There are hundreds of VPNs on the market, both free and paid. However, only some can be trusted to unblock websites and services and keep you safe online. With this in mind, here is our methodology, which helped us find the best VPNs for school and college students:

• Unblocking: Not all VPNs are able to bypass restrictions, be they due to geo-blocking or censorship. However, the best VPNs for school and college students have thousands of IP addresses, while some are even able to disguise VPN traffic as regular web traffic. As a result, they can more consistently navigate blocks.
• Servers worldwide: Some content is region-locked and only available in certain countries. This means you’ll need access to servers in countries worldwide if you want to be able to unblock websites. Most of the VPNs we’re recommending in this post have thousands of servers across dozens of countries.
• Speed: Need to stream or download while at school or college? This requires a high-speed connection! Without it, streams will be low resolution, and with lag while downloads would take far too long. Not only have we found the fastest VPNs, but we’ve also ensured all of them have unlimited bandwidth.
• Security: Your studies likely keep you busy enough without having to worry about phishing attempts, viruses, and the like. By using a VPN, you can ensure your data is encrypted and secured from such security threats. It’s essential that a VPN also has DNS leak protection and a kill switch.
• Privacy: If you don’t want others to know what you’re doing online, having your data encrypted by a VPN is a great place to start. Unfortunately, some less reputable VPNs log browsing data and sell it to third parties. To browse anonymously, you’ll need a VPN with a strict no-logs policy. We’ve analyzed over 140 VPN logging policies to find which provides the best protection.
• Ease of use: There’s no reason for a VPN to make things complicated. These days, the best VPNs offer user-friendly apps for connecting to a server in seconds. Indeed, you should also have access to 24/7 live chat and email support, as well as further support such as setup guides.
• Value for money: A student’s budget can, understandably, be limited. That’s why it’s so important that a VPN provides affordable long-term and short-term subscription options as well as a generous money-back guarantee of at least 30 days. Keep in mind also that you can take advantage of our VPN discount coupons and save a little extra.

Our VPN testing methodology ensures we find the very best VPNs to fit your needs. We’re constantly running tests on VPN services to ensure the information we’re providing is accurate as well as current.

Free VPNs for school and college

As tempting as it is to search for the best free VPN for school or college, we don’t recommend the use of free VPNs. This is because such services don’t offer the same standards of service that paid versions offer and are also a lingering threat when it comes to malware and violation of privacy standards.

Free VPN providers aren’t registered charities – they have to pay for overheads, staff salaries, and server maintenance costs. So, there’s a strong likelihood that they’ll monetize by inserting tracking cookies to keep a watchful eye on your browsing history and selling the data to third-party advertisers.

Be prepared for tons of invasive advertisements and the possibility of malware infection as your data is sold to the highest bidder. Aside from that, you’ll find they often don’t have basic security features, fail to bypass network restrictions, and engage in bandwidth throttling that can make streaming frustrating, if not impossible.

In short, you’re better off opting for a paid option instead. If you’re concerned about the cost, make use of one of our top VPNs’ money-back guarantees, or opt for a quality VPN provider with a free trial.

Using a VPN at school or college: FAQs