If you are a fan of using the BlueStacks Android emulator on a desktop computer or laptop, you may be wondering how to gain additional privacy and internet freedom on BlueStacks. The good news is that anybody can use a VPN for BlueStacks to gain online privacy while using apps from the Google Play store on a Mac or Windows PC.

A VPN is an online privacy tool that encrypts your data and tunnels it to a remote server location. This prevents local network administrators, Interment Service Providers, government agencies, and other eavesdroppers, such as hackers, from being able to intercept your data and monitor your online habits.

To protect your BlueStacks system and use apps like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with added privacy, you need a VPN that has a reliable Android app. In this guide, we have pinpointed VPNs that you can install directly onto BlueStacks.

Our recommendations are secure and fast, which means you can use them to watch YouTube or other video services on BlueStacks without buffering. They also have a wide choice of servers located around the world, which means you can get an IP address abroad to access geo-restricted services such as Netflix US on vacation.

What are the best VPNs for BlueStacks?

Below, you can take a quick look at the best VPNs for BlueStacks. Scroll down for in-depth summaries that will help you pick between them and for a guide on how to set up and use a VPN with BlueStacks.

Best VPNs for BlueStacks:

  • NordVPN: The best overall BlueStacks VPN. Highly secure. Apps for Android, macOS, and Windows. Many advanced VPN features, including a kill-switch and leak protection. Fast speeds for gaming. 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Best Budget VPN for Bluestacks. Lets you use the VPN on an unlimited number of devices. Reliable Android, Mac, and Windows apps. Strong privacy features. No logs policy. Fast WireGuard connections for streaming and gaming on BlueStacks.
  • ExpressVPN: A reliable VPN with superb apps for all platforms. Proprietary Lightway protocol is ideal for streaming, gaming, and videoconferencing on BlueStacks. Strong on privacy. Robust AES encryption.
  • CyberGhost: A superb BlueStacks VPN for beginners. Fast WireGuard protocol is great for making video calls, streaming, and torrenting. Servers in 89 countries. 45-day money-back guarantee.
  • IPVanish: A fast and secure US-based provider. Allows unlimited connections. Servers in 50+ countries. Superb apps for Android, Windows, and macOS that can all be used with BlueStacks.
  • PrivateVPN: A reliable service with strong security and privacy features. Apps for all devices. Works well with BlueStacks. Easy to use. Works with around 20 Netflix regions.
  • AtlasVPN: An excellent option for streaming on BlueStacks. Secure VPN apps to let you surf and use social apps privately. Fast WireGuard protocol.

How to use a VPN with BlueStacks (two methods)

If you want to protect your BlueStacks system, you have a couple of options. By installing the Android VPN client directly onto BlueStacks, you gain VPN protection in BlueStacks that does not affect the rest of your PC. This creates a split tunnel, allowing you to use your Windows or Mac computer concurrently without the VPN tunnel.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Alternatively, you can opt to connect to the VPN using the VPN app for your host computer (Mac or Windows). This system-level VPN connection will affect all the applications running on your computer – including BlueStacks.

As you can see, the options above mean that you can use a VPN with Bluestacks either by using the Android VPN app or the desktop VPN apps for Windows or Mac. Below, we have included a setup guide that you can use to implement either of the options above.

Here’s how to use a VPN for BlueStacks to gain privacy and freedom online:

  • Pick a recommended BlueStacks VPN. We suggest NordVPN because it is fast and has all the VPN apps needed for BlueStacks. Alternatively, you can try Surfshark, which is reliable and cheap. Or ExpressVPN, which is an excellent all-rounder.
  • Head over to the VPN’s website and subscribe. Using our link will get you the VPN at the lowest possible cost.
  • Download the VPN app. You can download the Android app directly to BlueStacks from the Google Play Store. Alternatively, download the desktop version for Mac or Windows directly from the provider’s website.
  • Login to the VPN app using your credentials.
  • Choose a server in the country where you want an IP address and click connect.

As soon as the VPN connection is established, your internet connection is encrypted. This allows you to use apps on BlueStacks privately to prevent your ISP from monitoring your online habits and to stop the services you connect to from tracking your IP address.

The Best VPN for BlueStacks

With so many VPNs to choose from on the market, it can be hard to know which provider to use. Many VPNs use aggressive marketing techniques, which means that you have to be skeptical about their claims.

At Comparitech, we help consumers by comparing market-leading services to find the best VPN for each specific use case. Below, we have included some of the important criteria we used to recommend VPNs for BlueStacks.

  • Apps for Android, Windows, and Mac to give you plenty of options for using the VPN with BlueStacks.
  • Fast servers suitable for gaming, watching videos or making video calls using BlueStacks.
  • Reliable security and privacy features to protect your data and prevent online tracking.
  • A zero-logs policy that promises never to track what you do while connected.
  • 24/7 live chat to get help at any time of day.

Later in this guide, we will provide additional information about how we test and recommend VPNs for BlueStacks. For now, you can use the summaries below to pick between the best BlueStacks VPNs.

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

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

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is a service based in Panama that is strong on privacy and security. It is also super-fast thanks to its NordLynx protocol, which makes it a great all-rounder for using with BlueStacks. Apps are available for Android to let you install directly on BlueStacks from the Play Store and for Windows and Mac if you prefer to run it on your system and protect your entire internet connection.

The NordVPN apps come with plenty of advanced features including a kill-switch, obfuscation, and malware protection. The apps also have advanced features like Double VPN and Tor over VPN. This makes the service superb for protecting your BlueStacks data, and for using Android apps on your emulator without your ISP or online services tracking you.

Servers are available in 59 countries around the world, and they are fast for streaming and playing Android games. Nord is also one of the few VPN providers that consistently provides access to around 20 different Netflix regions, Hulu, iPlayer, and other popular international streaming platforms. You can install the VPN on up to 6 devices simultaneously, and you can test the VPN risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

BEST VPN FOR BLUESTACKS:Our top pick to use BlueStacks securely and without lag. Superfast NordLynx protocol is great for video conferencing, playing games, and streaming in HD on BlueStacks. Works with Netflix, HBO Max, and many more. Zero logs policy. Lots of advanced features. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 5000+ super-fast servers in 59 countries
  • Military grade encryption and a no-logs policy
  • Router compatibility
  • NordLynx protocol is perfect for gaming and streaming on BlueStacks

Cons:

  • Some servers take a while to connect compared to others

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark was only launched in 2018, but it has quickly become one of our favorite VPNs. It is ideal for use with BlueStacks because it has an excellent app for Android that comes with a kill-switch, AES encryption, and malware protection. Alternatively, you can always install the VPN directly on Mac or Windows to protect your BlueStacks that way.

Surfshark is extremely good value, which is one reason why it has become so successful. The VPN provides a service that excels in every area, at a cost that makes it almost impossible to beat. What’s more, the VPN lets you install and use its service to connect to its servers on an unlimited number of devices. This allows you to share your subscription with friends and family if you want to.

The VPN has a network of 3000 Tier 1 servers in 65+ countries. This makes it ideal for getting fast speeds no matter where you are in the world. It also means you can easily bypass censorship, use restricted VoIP apps, or bypass geo-restrictions. It is also super fast for playing games and streaming thanks to its WireGuard implementation. Finally, this VPN is fantastic when it comes to using services like Netflix abroad. You can test it yourself using its money-back guarantee.

CHEAPEST VPN FOR BLUESTACKS:Fantastic value for money. Often recommended on TrustPilot and Reddit.  Superfast WireGuard protocol is great for BlueStacks gaming, streaming, and using other popular apps, including social media from anywhere. Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix. Allows unlimited connections.

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections

  • Super-fast WireGuard protocol ideal for data-intensive tasks

  • Servers in 65+ countries

  • Robust no logs policy and many advanced security features

  • Some servers are slower than others

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is a true VPN veteran. It has been around since 2009 and it has maintained an incredible reputation throughout for providing high levels of privacy. The VPN is ideal for use with BlueStacks whether you want to install it directly on the emulator or on your host PC. The apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It also has a custom app for routers if you prefer to protect every device that is connected to your home wifi automatically.

ExpressVPN has a solid no-logs policy, robust AES-256 encryption, a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, obfuscation, and malware filtering. It also throws in a free Smart DNS service for use whenever you want to stream on devices that won’t let you install a VPN directly. Plus, it has its proprietary Lightway protocol that is specifically designed to give you fast speeds for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. This makes it a great idea if you are keen on playing Android games on your PC.

Servers are located in 94 countries, and it has over 3000 in total. This allows it to avoid congestion and lets you easily access geo-restricted services like Netflix while on vacation. Like our top picks, this VPN works hard to provide access to over 20 Netflix regions, as well as services like Hulu, and Disney+. Live chat is 24/7 and you can trial the VPN risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

HIGHLY RELIABLE:A veteran service that has apps for Android, Windows, and Mac – ideal for use with Bluestacks. Offers high levels of online privacy and security. 3000+ servers in 94 countries. Superfast Lightway protocol is designed for streaming, gaming, and video conferencing. Works with over 20 Netflix regions. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Over 3000 servers in 94 countries

  • Strong privacy features, including a kill switch and AES encryption

  • Advanced apps for all platforms and a no-logs policy

  • Lightway protocol is perfect for doing data-intensive tasks on BlueStacks

  • Works with Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, and many more

  • Quite expensive compared to our other recommendations

Read our full review of ExpressVPN here.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is a provider based in Romania that provides a simple and yet effective VPN service with apps for all popular platforms. This includes a lightweight Android app that we enjoy using both on mobile devices and Bluestacks.

While CyberGhost may not have as many advanced features as our top pick, it does have everything you require to keep your Bluestacks connection private against ISP and website snooping. It can also protect your data from hackers or surveillance capitalism on public wifi.

CyberGhost has over 7000 servers in 89 countries around the world, this puts it ahead of all of our other recommendations in terms of server options. Those servers are lightning-fast, and this VPN provides WireGuard to ensure you get the best speeds possible for playing games or streaming video in BlueStacks.

A no-logs policy ensures that the VPN never retains records of what you do online. In terms of accessibility, this VPN is also outstanding. It works to access both Netflix and iPlayer among others. You can compare it to our other recommendations yourself thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

EASY TO USE:CyberGhost is a great VPN for beginners. Fast WireGuard protocol is great for using Android apps like Facebook, YouTube, PUBG, and many others on BlueStacks. Works with most popular streaming platforms, including Netflix. Servers in 89+ countries around the world. No logs policy. Has a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • A choice of 7000+ servers in 89 countries

  • Easy to use for beginners

  • Apps for all devices with strong security and a no-logs policy

  • Great speeds for making Zoom calls uninterrupted.

  • Has a 45-day money-back guarantee

  • Fewer advanced features than our other recommendations

  • Doesn’t work in China

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is a VPN provider based in the US that is particularly strong when it comes to online security. The VPN has a solid no-logs policy, which ensures it never retains any data that could potentially be requested with a warrant by the US government. This makes the VPN ideal for gaining watertight online privacy on your BlueStacks Android emulator. It also has apps for all platforms that come with XOR obfuscation, a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, and AES encryption (OpenVPN protocol).

Servers are located in 50+ countries around the world, and the network is proprietary, which means the VPN retains full control over maintaining them. This is great in terms of privacy and security. While it is true that this VPN does not provide access to as many streaming platforms as our other options, it does work with Netflix US. Plus, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee which means you can test it with any of the video services you use to check that it is suitable.

One of the best things about this VPN is that you can install it and use it on an unlimited number of devices. This makes it excellent value for money and means you can share your account with your entire family without issues. Finally, this VPN has live chat support that is available around the clock.

STRONG PRIVACY FEATURES:IPVanish provides fast speeds and robust security. Lets you connect an unlimited number of devices. Highly secure apps. WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols are both available. 30-day money-back guarantee. Works with Netflix US.

  • 3000+ servers in over 50 countries

  • Highly secure and has plenty of advanced features

  • Reliable apps for all platforms, with a kill switch and leak protection

  • Allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

  • Works with fewer streaming services than competitors

  • Lacks obfuscation

Read our full IPVanish review

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN is a service based in Sweden that was originally launched with the backing of activists who support consumer rights to torrent privately. True to its name, the VPN provides super secure connections in 63 countries that protect your privacy and give you freedom of access no matter where you connect to the internet.

Furthermore, its servers are bare metal and they provide ideal speeds for gaming or streaming. Plus, this VPN works to access many Netflix regions, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and just about anything else you can think of. It is also surprisingly fast despite only having 200 servers in total.

We enjoy using PrivateVPN on all of our devices, and you can install the VPN on up to 5 devices simultaneously, which is enough for most users. The VPN has live chat support on its website that is available between 18 and 20 hours each day. And you can contact email support if the live chat is closed.

We are always impressed with the feature set that this VPN offers, which includes port forwarding for those who want to torrent. Add that to its killswitch, obfuscation, and AES encryption and you have a VPN that is solid for gaining privacy on BlueStacks or any other system.

STRONG ON PRIVACY:PrivateVPN is quick for doing data-intensive tasks like gaming on your BlueStacks Android.  Watertight no logs policy. Servers in 63+ countries. Allows torrenting throughout its network. Kill-switch and obfuscation. Perfect for streaming Netflix. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast for playing games and streaming on BlueStacks

  • Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee

  • Servers in 63 countries

  • Works to stream around 20 Netflix regions

  • Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android

  • Fewer servers in each country than our other recommendations

  • Live chat isn’t 24/7

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Atlas VPN

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

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

AtlasVPN is a US-based provider that was acquired last year by Nord Technologies ~(the parent company of our top pick for BlueStacks). This puts the VPN in excellent company and means that the VPN is technically based in Panama, which puts it out of reach of invasive US laws and intelligence agencies.

The VPN is fast thanks to its superb Wireguard implementation, making it an ideal BlueStacks VPN for any user who wants to watch a lot of streaming videos, or wants to play popular Android games on their desktop computer or laptop. Best of all, this VPN excels at providing access to streaming platforms like Netflix US, iPlayer, Hulu, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and HBO Max.

Despite the fact that this is a relatively new VPN, the apps are actually pretty feature-rich. Users get access to a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, malware filtering, and split tunneling. The only real caveat is that this VPN does not provide the popular OpenVPN protocol. However, it does have IKEv2 with robust AES-256 encryption which is still completely secure for privacy and security purposes.

FANTASTIC CONNECTION SPEEDS:AtlasVPN is a low-cost option ideal for streaming and using YouTube and social media on BlueStacks. The VPN is cheap and it lets you connect to its servers using an unlimited number of devices. Apps for all platforms. Split tunneling feature. Fast WireGuard protocol for playing games. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast WireGuard protocol for streaming and gaming on BlueStacks

  • Solid AES 256 encryption (IKEv2 protocol) and a kill switch

  • No logs policy

  • Works with most popular streaming platforms, including Netflix

  • Easy to use

  • Fewer advanced features than our other recommendations

  • Servers in just over 30 countries

Find out more in our AtlasVPN review.

BlueStacks VPN testing methodology

There are around 100 consumer-facing VPNs on the market and they are not all suitable for gaining online privacy and security. Many VPNs suffer from vulnerabilities or problems that make the VPN unsuitable for gaming online privacy. Others have sluggish servers that make the VPN a bad choice for streaming and other important online tasks.

At Comparitech, we understand the disappointment of laying out cash for a VPN only to find that it is inferior and you must get a refund and start again (if the VPN even provides refunds, that is!). For this reason, we have devised a scientific VPN testing methodology that we use to test VPNs.

During our process, our VPN experts test and compare VPNs to check that they are secure. We test for IP and DNS leaks that would betray your privacy and check under the hood to be sure that the encryption is actually protecting your sensitive data. We also check that the VPN has the apps you need for a specific use case; such as for use with BlueStacks.

Below, we have included a list of important features that we considered when choosing the top-recommended VPNs for BlueStacks:

  • Apps for Android, Mac, and Windows so that you can pick how you want to use the VPN with BlueStacks.
  • Servers worldwide to let you get the best possible speeds when using your BlueStacks VPN in different locations around the globe.
  • The ability to unblock VoIP services, and anything else that has been censored or blocked by ISPs on behalf of the government.
  • The ability to bypass geo-restrictions and access popular services like Netflix, Hulu, iPlayer, internet banking, etc.
  • A no-logs policy that ensures the VPN never retains details about what its subscribers do while connected to its servers.
  • Outstanding customer service to help you with using your VPN 24/7.
  • Plenty of useful privacy features, including obfuscation, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, malware filtering, ad blocking, and more.

In addition to suffering severe performance issues, free VPNs are impossible to recommend for gaining online privacy and security. Free VPNs often have invasive privacy policies that let them harvest user data and profit from it. To this end, they often profile users, create a profile of their web visits and online habits, and sell that data to marketing companies and data brokers.

Furthermore, free VPNs have been found to have outdated apps, weak or no encryption, severe data leaks, vulnerabilities, and even apps that have been purposefully loaded with tracking libraries and spyware. This makes using free VPNs a threat to your device security and to your digital footprint. For this reason, we strongly urge you to reconsider using free VPNs in favor of trustworthy services that work to gain online privacy. 

The best thing about a secure BlueStacks VPN is that it also encrypts your web traffic and handles your DNS requests. This prevents your ISP from being able to track what you do online. As a result, you can use VoIP services to make free calls in a completely private manner.

The great thing about the privacy provided by a VPN is that you never have to worry about local network administrators. ISPs, or government agencies figuring out that you unblocked VoIP serves that have been purposefully restricted to prevent people from communicating free of surveillance and free of charge.

As long as you stick to the most recent BlueStacks build (and no version older than BlueStacks 4.8) you will not be vulnerable to remote code execution attacks that previously allowed hackers to steal people’s personal data. 

If you are a long-time BlueStacks user, we recommend that you check you aren’t using an older version of BlueStacks, because this will still contain the IPC Mechanism flaw that allowed hackers to exploit users. 

In addition, we recommend that you always stick to using BlueStacks with the added protection of a VPN as this will vastly increase your privacy and security when you use the emulator both at home and when on public wifi.

A VPN also conceals your IP address from the websites you visit. This prevents those websites from knowing your location, and stops them from being able to easily track you each time you return to their site. As a result, of the location spoofing services provided by a VPN, netizens can get around local censorship, internet blocks, and geo-restrictions.

The benefits listed above allow anybody who uses BlueStacks to gain high levels of freedom and privacy online. This ensures that your data is not being harvested by third parties and disseminated around the internet causing you to be profiled. Your online habits and data reveal a lot about your personal preferences, and a BlueStacks VPN is an easy way to instantly improve your digital privacy.

The vast majority of the time this will actually cause your internet to become slightly slower. A VPN also uses up more of your system’s resources, which may also cause your computer to slow down. In combination, these things could cause BlueStacks to be slower rather than faster.

So why do people claim that a VPN can improve their ping or speed up their internet? In some places around the world, ISPs engage in bandwidth throttling to prevent congestion. To do so ISPs monitor what their users are doing, and those who do data-intensive tasks like gaming or streaming are usually the first to have their bandwidth throttled. This slows down your internet and makes it harder to play games.

A VPN can prevent bandwidth throttling because it stops your ISP from being able to detect what you are doing online. This stops its automated systems from singling you out as a user who should be throttled. If you believe that you are being throttled when you play games or stream HD videos, we strongly suggest that you try a VPN. 

Remember that by connecting to the VPN with BlueStacks, the rest of your computer will not be protected by the VPN connection. This creates a split tunneling experience and allows you to do anything in BlueStacks protected by the VPN; while anything you do on your Mac will still use the regular unprotected internet connection provided by your ISP.

If you want to, you can also connect to the VPN on both your Mac and your BlueStacks simultaneously. This will create a Double VPN connection for your BlueStacks in which your traffic is first tunneled securely to the VPN server selected in the Mac client, and then securely forwarded to the VPN server selected in the Android VPN client; before being directed to its final destination at the website or internet service you want to use.

  • AFK Arena (Free)
  • Call of Duty: Mobile (Free)
  • King of Avalon: Dominion (Free)
  • Crossfire: Legends (Free)
  • Azur Lane (Free)