Geographic restrictions and censorship prevent you from accessing certain websites. Fortunately, a VPN is a tool that can bypass a blockage while protecting your data. By redirecting your connection through a server in another location, you are free to access restricted sites. At the same time, a VPN secures your Internet connection by encrypting your data. However, using such a tool is simple. Simply choose a reliable provider, install the VPN and connect to a server in the country or region where the site is not blocked.
The best VPNs of the moment:
You will face website blocks because of your local network, or because the government has asked your ISP to block them. Fortunately, a VPN just like a proxy or the Tor network allows you to unblock websites using DNS to hide your identity. It redirects your traffic through a server located elsewhere in the world, helping you bypass site-blocking software and online throttling.
Network level blocking
Network-level blocking is used by many institutions to prevent access to particular sites. Public WiFi hotspots such as restaurants, shopping malls, airlines, and public transportation often impose restrictions to save bandwidth. Many networks, including workplaces, schools, and public hotspots, block inappropriate websites. This is common among businesses, to prevent employees from playing games, using social media, or watching movies at work.
User-based blocking
User-based blocking is used to prevent a specific person from accessing a platform or service. This usually happens when someone violates a site’s terms of service. When this happens, the user’s account will be blocked along with their IP address. A VPN will then use the round robin function to route traffic between multiple servers to unlock restricted sites.
Location-based blocking
This type of blocking is most often used with online streaming services. YouTube TV and Hulu, for example, are only available in the USA and users from other countries cannot sign up. Other services such as bookmakers, online casinos and banking services also impose location-based blocks for security reasons.
Good to know:
It’s worth noting that when accessing foreign services, you still need a local ID, phone number, or payment method to sign up for a VPN.
Sites inaccessible without using a VPN
A VPN allows Internet users to access sites that are blocked or restricted in certain regions. By masking an IP address or replacing it with that of another country, the software will bypass geographic restrictions and censorship. Here are the sites or services accessible using a VPN.
Streaming sites:
Some streaming sites limit or even block their content by country or region. With a VPN, you can access specific content like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video or even BBC iPlayer;
- Netflix: you access the American, British, Canadian versions, etc.
- Hulu: accessible only from the USA and Japan. Thanks to a VPN, you have access to this site.
- Amazon Prime Video: accessible only in a few countries.
- BBC iPlayer: accessible by connecting to a UK server.
Circumvention of censorship:
In some countries (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Belarus, India or the United Arab Emirates), certain sites are blocked by the government.
- Chine : Google, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp.
- Russia: LinkedIn.
- Iran and Türkiye: several social media.
Social networks:
Some countries, especially those in the Middle East and North Africa, block social networking sites especially during times of political unrest, such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Online games and download sites:
Several online games are limited to certain countries and regions, such as Steam, PlayStation Network, Xbox Live. Additionally, platforms offer different prices and content depending on where you are. Some sites also block access to torrent download sites, which can be accessed with a good VPN.
The Best VPNs for Unblocking Websites
A VPN will connect you to a server in another location (country, region, continent, etc.). This advantage allows you to access the Internet without blocking anywhere, at home, at work or on public Wi-Fi. With a VPN, you use government-blocked web services or region-locked websites. This software also encrypts your Internet connection. This prevents local network administrators and ISPs from tracking your online activities. Therefore, you can bypass blocks at work or access censored sites with complete privacy. Here are the best VPNs on the market to help you unblock restricted sites.
NordVPN
NordVPN is the best VPN for unblocking websites. It was created by the company Nord Security (Nordsec Ltd). It is compatible with Microsoft Windows, mac OS, android, ios and Linux. NordVPN has 5500 servers in 59 countries. This solution offers powerful encryption, many advanced features which result in excellent value for money.
Proton VPN
This VPN is developed by the Swiss company Proton Technologies AG. It has more than 8,300 servers spread across more than 110 countries. This makes it particularly effective for unblocking websites across multiple locations. ProtonVPN has strong encryption, a kill switch, ad blocking, and malware filtering. It comes with strong security features and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark
The best cheap VPN for unblocking websites is Surfshark. It allows you to use unlimited connections with a single account. This software can be used on multiple devices (computers, some routers, smartphones, tablets). The ultra-fast WireGuard protocol is ideal for streaming and VoIP calls. The VPN works with Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max and other popular services.
ExpressVPN :
ExpressVPN comes with strong encryption, obfuscation to hide VPN usage, and a robust kill switch. It works well with popular streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. ExpressVPN implements WireGuard by default. It is ranked among the fastest VPNs thanks to its Lightway protocol.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost makes unblocking websites easy. It has a list of servers dedicated to streaming platforms so you can instantly unblock the one you need. The software reacts instantly to each stroke on the touch screen of your tablet or phone. CyberGhost offers strong encryption and a good no-logging policy.
Good to know:
To benefit from faster speeds or even unlimited bandwidth, it is necessary to choose a paid VPN version. With the free option, the number of servers and services is limited.
Steps to Unblock Websites with a VPN
VPNs are easy to use, especially for unblocking websites. Once you’ve chosen the one that meets your needs, setup only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to unblock websites from wherever you are.
Step 1:
Download and install the VPN software, making sure you get the correct version for your device.
Step 2:
If you are trying to access a region-locked service through your browser, connect to a VPN server in the required country. For example, choose a UK server to unblock the BBC iPlayer site, or a US server for Sling TV. If your chosen service is available worldwide, any server will do.
Step 3:
Access the blocked app or website using the corresponding URL. If you have a problem, clear your cache and cookies before trying again. If issues persist, contact your VPN’s customer support team for assistance.
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