Can’t get on Grindr at the moment? If you’re located in or traveling to a country where Grindr is banned for political, religious, or any other reasons, the best way to get access is with a VPN (virtual private network).
We tested 20+ VPNs to compile a ranking of the best VPNs for Grindr:
- NordVPN: Best all-around VPN for Grindr
- Surfshark: Fast and user-friendly VPN with unlimited connections
- CyberGhost: A Grindr VPN with a 45-day free trial
- ExpressVPN: A secure and well-known VPN that can unblock anything
- Private Internet Access: Grindr VPN with the largest server network
The #1 VPN for Grindr is NordVPN. With excellent security, fast speeds, and the ability to unblock Grindr anywhere, this is the best VPN for you.
At the moment, NordVPN has a deal for new users that gives you 68% off your NordVPN subscription! This limited offer can get you back on Grindr with just a click.
Below, we show you how a VPN lets you access Grindr from anywhere in the world.
Grindr is one of the most popular apps in the LGBTQ+ community. Unfortunately, due to political and religious censorship, Grindr is not always available worldwide.
With a good VPN for Grindr, you can get access to the dating app and any other LGBTQ+ apps, no matter where you’re located. We tested 20+ VPNs to see which ones are best for Grindr.
Our #1 recommendation is NordVPN, which can easily change your IP (virtual location), has obfuscated servers that hide VPN use, and includes a very easy-to-use mobile application.
Right now, NordVPN is offering a 68% discount on their VPN service on top of their regular 30-day money-back guarantee! Make sure you take advantage of the deal and get back on Grindr whenever you like and from wherever you are.
Below, you can find our top five Grindr VPNs that you can install and use right away.
Which VPN Is Best for Grindr?
A VPN lets you use your Grindr account with more privacy and safety. But not all VPNs are the same. Some VPNs won’t have the power to unblock banned social media platforms and websites — or worse, they will leak your data.
We tested several VPNs for Grindr to make sure you can make an informed decision when it comes to accessing Grindr from your location or overcoming a Grindr ban. Here are the best Grindr VPNs based on our extensive testing circuits:
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | CyberGhost | ExpressVPN | PIA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of servers | 5,400+ | 3,200+ | 9,000+ | 3,000+ | 33,000+ |
| Number of countries | 60 | 100 | 91 | 94 | 84 |
| Mobile app (iOS/Android) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Obfuscation | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Simultaneous connections | 6 | Unlimited | 7 | 5 | Unlimited |
| No-logs policy | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, Lightway | OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP |
| Price | From $3.19/month | From $2.30/month | From $2.19/month | From $6.67/month | From $2.19/month |
| Purchase | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get CyberGhost | Get ExpressVPN | Get PIA |
Below, we highlight each VPN one by one.
1. NordVPN: Best VPN for Grindr today
What We Like
- Great mobile app that unblocks Grindr
- Obfuscated servers to bypass censorship
- Extensive server network: 5,400+ servers
- NordLynx protocol offers the fastest connection speeds
- Keeps no logs; all your data is safe
- Threat Protection feature against malware
What We Don't Like
- Requires extra verification and CAPTCHAs on some sites
NordVPN is a fantastic VPN that gave us immediate access to the Grindr app and other blocked LGBTQ+ services thanks to its excellent security features and unblocking capabilities. It has an easy-to-use mobile app that we were able to set up in a matter of minutes.
Why you should get NordVPN for Grindr:
- Ultra-fast connection speeds: Swipe, chat, and video call anyone you like without delay or lagging! Thanks to its NordLynx protocol, NordVPN was one of the fastest VPNs we tested for Grindr.
- Obfuscated servers: These are specifically designed to get you on the app in high-censorship regions. Hide your VPN traffic from internet service providers (ISPs) and third parties that might be looking over your shoulder. Plus, obfuscation is key for actually unblocking apps like Grindr!
- Fantastic VPN for privacy: Since NordVPN is a verified and one of the best no-logs VPNs, it doesn’t retain any of your information going through its servers. For an extra layer of security, we used Nord’s Double VPN to connect to Grindr via two VPN servers, encrypting our data twice.
- Advanced security features: It’s an added bonus that NordVPN keeps your device protected against malicious files that people might try to send you. With NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature, you don’t have to worry about any malware infecting your phone via your Grindr account.
From our own experience with NordVPN, we know there are plenty of factors that make this our top-rated VPN provider! If you’re looking to get access to Grindr anywhere, you can’t go wrong with this VPN.
Want to see what NordVPN is all about before you commit to anything? You can also make use of their 30-day free trial!
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
2. Surfshark: Excellent Grindr VPN for unlimited devices
What We Like
- Unblocks Grindr on unlimited devices
- CleanWeb ad blocker
- Fast VPN that's easy to install and use
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Automatic kill switch
- Camouflage Mode to stay undetected
- No-logs VPN: perfect for privacy
What We Don't Like
- Speeds can vary between servers
Surfshark is one of our favorite VPN services to recommend. We were able to easily access Grindr with Surfshark, but you can also use Surfshark to unblock streaming services like Netflix or Hulu. Surfshark is a true unblocking powerhouse.
Why you should get Surfshark for Grindr:
- Camouflage Mode: With Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode, you can keep your VPN use hidden. It makes your VPN connection look like regular internet traffic (obfuscated servers). Not only will this let you access Grindr and other LGBTQ+ apps, but your internet service provider or government won’t be able to keep tabs on you.
- AES 256-bit encryption: Surfshark offers top-notch security, including high-quality encryption and an automatic kill switch that will cut your connection to the internet if the VPN malfunctions.
- Extensive server network: Are you traveling often? Surfshark has the largest country coverage (100 countries!) for VPN servers. This means you won’t have an issue unblocking Grindr from pretty much anywhere in the world.
- Top-rated streaming VPN: Whenever you need a break from dating, Surfshark unblocks a world of entertainment for you. Whether you want to stream live sports or access HBO Max outside of the US, Surfshark has got your back.
During our Surfshark tests, we were impressed with the wide range of features this VPN offers, including its ability to mask our IP and change our location on Grindr! Surfshark is considered one of the best VPNs for Lebanon and countries where Grindr is blocked because of its ability to hide your true location.
It’s also one of the most affordable VPN services in the industry since you can use a single Surfshark account on unlimited devices.
Gather your friends and family and make use of Surfshark’s limited 82% off VPN deal if you want to pay next to nothing for your VPN and access Grindr no matter where you are. Of course, you’re covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. CyberGhost: Fantastic VPN for Grindr with a 45-day free trial
What We Like
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- 9,000+ servers (always expanding!)
- Very secure and affordable VPN
- Dedicated IP address
- DNS leak protection
- No-logs VPN: optimal privacy
What We Don't Like
- No obfuscated servers available
With 9,000+ servers in 90+ countries, CyberGhost won’t have any issue unblocking Grindr from many locations around the world. While this VPN doesn’t have obfuscated servers like its competitors NordVPN and Surfshark, it has plenty to offer!
Why you should get CyberGhost for Grindr:
- Secure VPN protocols for high-quality encryption: With OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, you don’t have to worry about being tracked on Grindr. Also, CyberGhost gave us some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen, even on the most secure protocols.
- Fantastic security features: CyberGhost provides a split tunneling tool that lets you decide whether Grindr should pass through your VPN or not. Of course, CyberGhost also has built-in DNS leak protection to stop your data from being exposed online and an automatic kill switch.
- Dedicated IP addresses: Want to make sure you always have access to a stable VPN server? CyberGhost is one of the few providers that offer dedicated IP addresses, which means your IP address is yours alone, which makes it less likely that your VPN traffic is detected as such.
- 24/7 customer support: If you run into any issues with your VPN, CyberGhost’s support agents are ready to assist you via 24/7 live chat.
We have reviewed CyberGhost extensively and definitely recommend this high-quality VPN to access Grindr, no matter your location. It is one of the cheapest premium VPNs you can get and has an impressive 45-day money-back guarantee!
4. ExpressVPN: User-friendly and secure VPN for Grindr
What We Like
- Very secure and reliable VPN with a great reputation
- Uses "diskless servers" – no one can see your history
- Robust encryption protocols
- DNS leak protection
- Obfuscated servers available
- Zero-logs VPN
What We Don't Like
- More expensive than other VPNs
If you’re somewhat familiar with the VPN industry, chances are you’ve heard of ExpressVPN. This secure and reputable VPN service has made quite a name for itself over the years for its enhanced encryption features, excellent unblocking capabilities, and fast servers. It’s perfect for securely accessing Grindr.
Why you should get ExpressVPN for Grindr:
- Easy-to-use app with great security features: ExpressVPN has a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and obfuscation software, all built into its mobile VPN app. The VPN software is compatible with all major operating systems.
- Unblocks Grindr and LGBTQ+ sites easily: When testing ExpressVPN, we could quickly gain access to blocked apps and websites in our region, including Grindr.
- Zero-logs provider: Since ExpressVPN keeps zero logs, you don’t need to worry about your data ending up in the wrong hands. It’s proven to be reliable in regions with high levels of censorship.
- High-quality VPN that’s worth the cost: ExpressVPN is pricier than its competitors. However, occasionally, this VPN offers some excellent VPN deals, especially for shorter periods (12 months). This way, you can invest in your online security without breaking the bank.
ExpressVPN is an unblocking powerhouse that will help you change location on Grindr and allow you to access the app with no issues. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it with Grindr and request a refund if it doesn’t suit your needs.
5. Private Internet Access: Grindr VPN with an extensive server network
What We Like
- Largest VPN server network: 33,000 servers
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Dedicated IPs available
- Split tunneling feature
- No-logs VPN
- Built-in kill switch
- Ad blocking software (MACE)
What We Don't Like
- No live customer service
Private Internet Access makes a fantastic VPN for Grindr, thanks to its strong focus on security and privacy. While this VPN provider might be developed and located in the United States — part of the 5 Eyes coalition — they’ve got an airtight zero-logs policy.
Why you should get PIA for Grindr:
- No-logs VPN: Even though PIA has been ordered to give up user data in court multiple times, they’ve proven they’re a verified no-log VPN and were unable to hand over data. This is a fantastic benefit if you’re looking to stay anonymous while using Grindr.
- PIA MACE (ad blocking software): There’s nothing more annoying than advertisements, especially on dating apps. With MACE, you can prevent your device from getting infected with trackers and malware. Since Grindr users are sometimes targeted by hackers, it’s good to know that MACE can even detect spyware.
- Largest server network in the world: PIA certainly earns its spot in our best VPN for Grindr ranking with its impressive server network! You don’t have to worry about not being able to unblock Grindr, as there are many servers to choose from.
- Great speeds: From our most recent PIA test, we know that this reliable VPN provider can deliver on speed! Private Internet Access simply ran in the background while we were using various apps, including Grindr.
Another great reason to invest in PIA, apart from its robust unblocking features, is the price. It’s one of the cheapest VPNs in the market that’s always competitively priced. Ready to try this secure and reliable VPN to unblock Grindr worldwide? You’re just a click away!
How We Picked the Best VPNs for Grindr
The Grindr app has 12 million monthly active users and connects people from all over the world with each other. No wonder we want to make sure you can access the app wherever you are! So, when selecting the best VPNs to unblock Grindr, we kept the following characteristics in mind:
- Mobile application: Your Grindr VPN must have a good mobile application for Android or iOS. Ideally, the app is straightforward (no pun intended) and easy to use. You want to be able to connect with a couple of clicks and for the app to run in the background of your device without causing any lagging.
- Security: For users in regions with a Grindr ban, it’s important that the VPN offers top-notch encryption and doesn’t keep any logs. We’ve also paid special attention to the availability of obfuscation, a must in regions where LGBTQ+ apps and websites are illegal.
- Large server network: The larger your VPN provider’s server network, the more options you’ll have to find IP addresses that unblock Grindr. Also, with a wide network, servers won’t get overcrowded and offer slow speeds.
- Speed: The best Grindr VPN will cause minimal speed loss when connected to a VPN server. Ideally, you won’t even notice you’re using a VPN.
If you’re curious to see what else our top five VPNs for Grindr can offer you, have a look at our comparison of the best VPNs of the moment.
Can You Unblock Grindr With a Free VPN?
While there are certainly great free VPNs that can be useful from time to time, we don’t recommend using a free VPN for Grindr.
When your country has Grindr blocked, chances are it’s for religious or political reasons. Most of the time, accessing LGBTQ+ websites and services can get you in a lot of trouble if you’re not careful. Even if you take privacy on Grindr very seriously, the truth is that a free VPN service is simply not going to keep you safe.
Some additional limitations of free VPNs include the following:
- Limited data: Most of the time, free VPN providers will place data caps on their services. This means you won’t get unlimited access but rather a monthly data limit of 5GB or 10GB. Not ideal for a Grindr VPN.
- Security vulnerabilities: Free VPN services are often less secure than premium ones. This can put your private data at risk! In some cases, free VPNs even sell off your information to third parties.
- Poor speeds: Usually, free VPNs are not very fast. This can be an annoying distraction when you want to use Grindr without your internet connection being disrupted in any way.
- Small server network: In comparison to a paid VPN service, free VPN providers don’t tend to offer many options when it comes to servers. This means you won’t be able to get around geo-restrictions as easily.
Below, we also list a couple of VPNs to avoid so you don’t accidentally get stuck with a risky service that may reveal your true location. However, if you want a VPN that is guaranteed to help you change location on Grindr and allow you to use the app worldwide, we recommend NordVPN.
VPNs to Avoid
There are a few premium VPN providers you should steer clear of when looking for a Grindr VPN. In the table below, you can see an overview of VPNs to avoid when unblocking or using the Grindr dating app.
| VPN Provider | Why You Should Avoid It |
|---|---|
| BeetVPN | Keeps way too many logs on user data |
| Speedify VPN | Terrible speeds (ironic for a VPN with this name), as well as a bad logging policy |
| Hola VPN | Logs all your data and doesn’t actually work as a real VPN |
| Google One VPN | Expensive and connected to Google (from a privacy point of view, undesirable) |
For your own safety and enjoyment, it’s better to choose a reputable VPN provider from the top five recommended in this article, such as NordVPN or Surfshark.
But once you’ve selected the best VPN for Grindr, how do you set it up? Keep reading below to find out.
How to Unblock Grindr With a VPN
You can unblock Grindr with a reputable and private VPN service by following these four easy steps. We will use NordVPN, the best VPN for Grindr, as an example, but the steps are the same for any of our best VPNs for Grindr.
1. Subscribe to NordVPN
The first thing you need to do is create a NordVPN account. On the official NordVPN website, you can select a plan and submit an email and password to set up your account.
You can do this on a desktop, but it’s also possible to sign up on your phone, which is what we recommend for Grindr users.
2. Download NordVPN on your phone
If you’re looking to access Grindr, the easiest thing is to have NordVPN installed directly on your phone. Just navigate to the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store and look for NordVPN.
You will be asked to sign up or log in. If you’ve created an account in Step 1, you can use it to log in.
3. Connect to a NordVPN server
Now that you’ve got the right VPN for Grindr installed and have logged into the app, we can move on to unblocking Grindr.
All you need to do is connect to a server in a country where Grindr is available, for example, the United States. For optimal speeds, choose a VPN location that’s close to your real location.
In the NordVPN app, find the location you want and click “Connect.”
While testing NordVPN, we had no issues connecting to one of its 5,400 servers and accessing Grindr with ease. That is one of the reasons NordVPN is at the top of our list of the best VPNs on the market.
4. Head over to Grindr
All that’s left to do once you’ve connected to a VPN server in a different location is head over to Grindr and get back on the app with your Grindr account. It’s that easy!
Are you experiencing a Grindr ban at the moment? Most of these Grindr VPNs can also help you get unbanned from Grindr so you can use your account again.
Why Is Grindr Blocked?
There are several reasons why a country might block Grindr. Most of the time, there are social, political, or cultural motivations. However, it’s also possible that you can’t access Grindr because it is banned on a school or university network, among other dating apps or social media platforms.
At the moment, there is a Grindr ban or restriction in the following countries:
- China (restricted)
- Cuba (sanctioned)
- Indonesia (restricted)
- Iran (sanctioned)
- Lebanon (restricted)
- North Korea (sanctioned)
- Pakistan (sanctioned)
- Qatar (restricted)
- Russia (sanctioned)
- Saudi Arabia (taken out of the app store)
- Syria (sanctioned)
- Turkey (restricted)
- United Arab Emirates (restricted)
More often than not, these restrictions are imposed for stigmatization of homosexuality and queerness, though there are differences between countries.
With internet censorship in China at an all-time high, Grindr is banned along with plenty of other websites and apps. In Russia and Iran, political attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community paired with censorship legislation have made Grindr inaccessible.
Keep in Mind:
While it’s perfectly legal to use a VPN in most places, there are certain countries where using a VPN is forbidden by law. Always make sure to stay within legal bounds when using a VPN to access Grindr.
Play It Safe: Use a VPN for Grindr
If Grindr is banned where you live, using a good VPN will help you unblock your favorite dating app for the LGBTQ+ community in no time!
The best VPNs for the Grindr dating app must be able to mask your true location and keep your personal data safe with top-notch encryption.
Moreover, they should be effective when bypassing geo-restrictions and allow you to access Grindr easily. Ad blocking features are also something to consider if you are using Grindr’s free version.
The VPN that has it all? NordVPN! It is an unblocking powerhouse with top-notch encryption, super-fast connection speeds, and a robust Threat Protection feature that will safeguard your device from malicious software in case you receive a malware-infested file. With NordVPN, you can unblock and safely use Grindr from anywhere in the world.
If you want to learn more about the best VPN providers for different apps and services, check out the articles below:
- The Best Free VPNs for Omegle
- The Best VPNs for Tinder
- Best VPNs for Hinge: How to Change Location on Hinge
Wondering which VPN you should use for Grindr? Check out our frequently asked questions below for some quick answers.
The best VPN for Grindr is NordVPN. This provider will easily unblock the app for you and has great security features to keep your data safe from prying eyes. With special servers that can be used for obfuscation, NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for Grindr.
At the moment, we don’t recommend using a free VPN for Grindr, because it’s not entirely safe. There are some good free VPNs out there, but if you live in a country where using Grindr is illegal, you’re best off with a paid VPN.
Yes, you can use a VPN with Grindr! Your data will be more protected, you won’t have to be worried about adware or malicious spam, and a good VPN won’t even affect your speed. Based on our extensive tests of NordVPN, we recommend this VPN provider for Grindr.
Yes, a VPN can unblock Grindr for you if you’re located in a country where the app is banned. This is because a VPN changes your IP address (your virtual location). All you need to do to access Grindr is connect to a VPN server in a country where the Grindr app is not blocked.
You can also use a VPN to get unbanned from Grindr if your account has been blocked.
To get unblocked on Grindr, you can use a VPN. This will change your IP address and give you access to the app. Here’s what to do:
- Subscribe to a trustworthy VPN provider. From our experience with NordVPN, we know this VPN can unblock Grindr easily.
- Download the VPN software for your device. If you use Grindr on your phone, get the NordVPN’s mobile app.
- Connect to a country where Grindr is available, such as the United States.
- Swipe away!
