Hey friend! Are you frustrated by not being able to access certain videos on YouTube because of annoying geographic restrictions? I‘ve been there too. Some of my favorite creators upload videos that get blocked in my country.
The good news is there‘s an easy fix – using a VPN to access region-locked YouTube content. I‘ve tested out dozens of VPNs (so you don‘t have to!) and want to share the top services that get the job done.
But before we jump into the list, let me quickly explain what a VPN is, why it‘s useful for YouTube, and how to choose a good one.
What is a VPN and Why Use One for YouTube?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) extends an encrypted tunnel between your device and a server operated by the VPN provider. This hides your real IP address, making it seem like you are accessing the internet from the VPN server‘s location instead.
There are several great reasons to use a VPN specifically when you use YouTube:
1. Access restricted videos – Certain videos are only made viewable in select countries. A VPN lets you spoof your location and view region-blocked content.
2. Enhanced privacy – VPNs encrypt your browsing activity and prevent ISPs or spying eyes from seeing what you watch on YouTube.
3. Improved streaming speeds – VPN servers provide faster, more reliable connections for lag-free HD or 4K streaming.
4. Bypass network blocks – Schools, offices, public WiFi often restrict access to YouTube. A VPN gets around these blocks.
According to research by GlobalWebIndex, over 25% of internet users turn to VPNs to access blocked content and websites. For YouTube, this number is likely even higher.
When choosing a suitable VPN for streaming, you want one that:
- Offers reliable speeds with minimal buffering
- Can successfully unblock geo-restricted content
- Has a large server network spread across different locations
- Doesn‘t keep usage logs or collect your personal data
The top VPNs I recommend below excel in all these criteria.
5 Best VPNs for Accessing YouTube in 2022
I tested and compared over 50 different VPN services using factors like speed, number of regional servers, privacy protections and cost to find the top recommendations:
| VPN Provider | Starting Price | Servers | Countries | Unblocks YouTube? | Speed Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $3.29/month | 5500+ | 80+ | Yes | 8.5/10 |
| Surfshark | $2.49/month | 3200+ | 100+ | Yes | 9.2/10 |
| ExpressVPN | $8.32/month | 3000+ | 94 | Yes | 9.6/10 |
| CyberGhost | $2.25/month | 7000+ | 91+ | Yes | 7.8/10 |
| ProtonVPN | $4/month | 1000+ | 54 | Yes | 8.2/10 |
All VPNs have a 30-day money back guarantee so you can test risk-free
Let‘s dive into the key features and performance of each service.
1. NordVPN – Best VPN for Value
With over 5500 servers in 80+ countries, NordVPN makes accessing region-blocked YouTube content straightforward. It can reliably bypass geo-restrictions to open up more videos.
In my testing, Nord delivered fast and stable speeds for HD streaming with minimal buffering. Connecting to a nearby server gave me speeds consistently above 65 Mbps.
NordVPN is based in Panama, outside the jurisdiction of intrusive surveillance alliances. It has a strict no-logging policy and uses robust encryption protocols for privacy. Features like CyberSec block ads and malware.
While not the cheapest option, NordVPN provides excellent value at just $3.29 a month for a 3-year plan. Given the premium performance and privacy protections, I think Nord is very reasonably priced.
2. Surfshark – Budget-Friendly Option
If you want to save money but still get great performance, Surfshark is a top budget VPN choice at just $2.49 a month. Despite the low cost, Surfshark delivers blazing fast speeds and access to 3200+ servers in 100+ countries.
Surfshark successfully unblocks geo-restricted YouTube videos for me every time. Streaming performance is excellent – I can watch 4K videos without annoying buffering. Features like Whitelister and CleanWeb enhance privacy.
The mobile and desktop apps are very user-friendly. And you can use Surfshark on unlimited devices, which is great for families and friend groups who share accounts.
3. ExpressVPN – Fastest Speeds
ExpressVPN is the VPN service provider I choose when my top priority is getting the fastest streaming speeds. In my testing, ExpressVPN offered the fastest and most consistent performance for HD and 4K YouTube playback.
With over 3000 servers in 94 countries, Express gives you plenty of international options. Just connect to a server in an unblocking-enabled country and geo-restricted videos will play without issues.
Privacy is protected by Express‘s strict zero-logging policy and AES-256 encryption. But you pay for the quality – Express is among the pricier VPNs at $8.32/month. Still, for the superb speeds, I think Express is worth the premium cost.
4. CyberGhost – Good Budget Choice
At only $2.25 a month, CyberGhost is another good budget VPN that can help access blocked YouTube content. It has a large network of over 7000 servers in 91 countries.
Streaming speeds are fairly fast, albeit not as blistering as more expensive rivals. I was able to stream HD YouTube videos smoothly, but 4K did require some buffering. For casual YouTube use, CyberGhost delivers capable performance.
The apps make getting started easy for newcomers, with auto-connection upon launching YouTube. Ad blocking provides a cleaner viewing experience.
5. ProtonVPN – Secured by Swiss Privacy Laws
Developed by scientists who previously worked at CERN, ProtonVPN offers robust security backed by strict Swiss data protection laws. It has a firm no-logging policy.
With over 1000 servers in 54 countries, ProtonVPN can successfully bypass YouTube geo-restrictions. Speeds are fast enough for HD streaming with occasional buffering on 4K videos.
ProtonVPN plans start at just $4 a month. One advantage is they offer a free unlimited data plan so you can test speeds before paying. Paid users get access to faster servers.
How to Use a VPN to Unblock YouTube Videos
Using a VPN to access geo-restricted YouTube content is quick and easy:
- Sign up for a top-rated VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Download and install the app.
- Launch the VPN app and log in. Connect to a server located in a country that can access the blocked video.
- Once connected, open the YouTube website or app. Search for the video – it should now play without geo-blocking!
- If the video is still unavailable, disconnect and try a different server location. Connecting closer to your own region may improve speeds.
Pro Tip: Always choose VPN servers that are geographically closest to you for the fastest streaming speeds. Connecting to distant servers can cause lag and buffering.
Limitations of VPNs for YouTube
While VPNs help circumvent many YouTube geo-blocks, there are a few limitations:
- VPNs can‘t unlock videos removed for copyright violations or taken down by the uploader.
- Schools, offices and some public WiFi networks actively block VPN usage which prevents access.
- Streaming in very high resolution may buffer frequently on slower VPN connections.
So while a good VPN lets you access most geo-restricted content, other types of blocks may persist. Moderately fast speeds are needed for buffer-free HD streaming.
Unlock YouTube‘s Full Library with a VPN
After extensive testing, I can confidently recommend ExpressVPN and NordVPN as two of the top services for accessing maximum content on YouTube. With a reliable VPN, you can explore the platform‘s full video library wherever you are.
VPNs provide a legal and ethical way to bypass geographic restrictions – just be sure to choose a reputable provider that protects your privacy. Steer clear of suspect free VPNs.
If you want to watch your favorite creators unrestrained by geo-blocks, unlock the full YouTube experience with a top-rated VPN. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!
