Since its launch in 2012, Tinder has quickly risen to a position of dominance in the online dating space. But some networks block access to the app. If you’re looking to download and use Tinder in places where it’s blocked, such as your school, office, or university, then your best bet is to connect to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) first.
A VPN encrypts all the traffic flowing to and from your device and routes it via an intermediary server in a location of your choosing. By selecting a location outside of your current area, host websites and apps will automatically assume you’re physically present somewhere else. A VPN also makes it very difficult for ISPs, hackers, and surveillance agencies to monitor your internet behavior.
In this article, we’ll show you how to use a VPN to overcome restrictions on Tinder and access it without any fuss or worry. We cover the VPNs that made this list in detail. However, if you don’t have time to read through to the end, below are our top picks.
Best VPNs for Tinder:
- NordVPN Our first choice VPN for Tinder. Vast network of blazing-fast servers that retain your privacy. Unblocks most restricted content and is secure. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark Best budget option. Unblocks Tinder with ease. Good range of security features. Allows any number of simultaneous connections.
- ExpressVPN Fast and reliable network that unblocks Tinder wherever it is restricted. Privacy and security features are high-grade.
- CyberGhost Good choice for beginners. Easy to use. Apps have solid security and privacy features.
- IPVanish No issues circumventing Tinder blocks. Fast and secure servers. unlimited connections allowance.
- PrivateVPN Good for Tinder, streaming Netflix and downloading. Strong on privacy.
- Private Internet Access Great for unblocking Tinder. Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections.
Best VPNs for Tinder – at a glance
We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Tinder
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.
The best VPNs for Tinder
In this section, we’ll take you through a list of what we think are the best-suited VPNs for Tinder. They’re ranked on the following factors:
- Offers a fast and reliable service
- Has a large number of server locations across the world
- Uses strong encryption standards
- Can unblock restricted content
- Provides apps for Android and iOS
- Allows numerous simultaneous connections
- Is easy to use
This is just an overview, but you can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in the methodology section below. But for now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made our list.
Here is our list of the best VPNs for Tinder:
1. NordVPN
Jan 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- Background
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our first pick for a Tinder VPN. Its core product has been in existence for well over a decade, and this experience has helped it put together a comprehensive service. The company operates over 5,200 servers in 60+ countries and incorporates top-notch customer support, so there’s always a helping hand when you require one.
As for encryption standards, it uses the 256-bit AES protocol by default coupled with 2,048-bit SSL keys. DNS leak protection is enabled. These are considered to be top-tier. NordVPN offers a completely logless service, so it won’t record any of your data.
Apps are available for both Android and iOS, and desktop clients can be downloaded for Windows, Linux, and macOS. A single account allows for six devices to connect at any given time, so you can share the password with friends and family if need be.
BEST VPN FOR TINDER:NordVPN is our #1 choice. Incredible speeds, strong security features, and allows up to 6 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee making this a risk-free option.
Pros:
- Unmatched speeds for HD streaming
- Great for unblocking Tinder
- Operates over 5,200 servers in 60 countries
- Major emphasis on security and privacy
- Excellent unblocking ability for other geo-restricted sites
- 24/7 live chat support available
Cons:
- Desktop apps can be sluggish
Our score:
Here’s our full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
This VPN keeps your activities hidden from snoopers using a kill switch, protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, automatic malware-scanning, and effectively uncrackable 256-bit AES encryption. For even greater anonymity, users can pay in Bitcoin, but as Surfshark doesn’t log any identifiable data, your privacy is in good hands either way. Need help? Live chat-based support is available around the clock, just in case.
Surfshark provides apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux devices. If you’d rather, you can manually install it on your wireless router.
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a great budget-friendly pick. It is highly secure and excellent at unblocking. There’s no limit to the number of devices you can connect. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Great security and privacy features
Works with plenty of popular platforms (including Tinder) from abroad
Fast enough for flawless browsing and streaming
24/7 Live chat support is available
Accepts various cryptocurrencies
Some settings are hard to find
Read our full review of Surfshark here.
3. ExpressVPN
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
ExpressVPN offers a well-engineered product coupled with robust customer service. It has a vast global network in place with over 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries, and it works smoothly and efficiently with minimal downtime.
Privacy advocates will be happy to note that ExpressVPN does not store any traffic logs. It utilizes 256-bit AES-CBC as its default encryption protocol, in conjunction with HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy. There’s an internet kill switch included, which the company refers to as a ‘network lock.’ This feature adds an additional layer of security by temporarily halting all web traffic if the connection drops.
Apps for both Android and iOS are included, as well as desktop clients for Windows, macOS, and Linux. One subscription allows for five simultaneous connections.
SECURE AND PRIVATE:ExpressVPN is another great choice. It has a vast server network that is optimized for high-speed connections. User-friendly apps for all operating systems. Excellent privacy and security. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Fast connections with no bandwidth or data restrictions
Operates over 3,000 servers in 94 countries
High-grade encryption, security, and privacy throughout
Easy-to-use apps for both iOS and Android devices
Connect up to 5 devices at the same time
Not the cheapest option here without a coupon
Streaming servers aren’t labeled
Here’s our review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is making serious efforts to propel itself into the top tier of VPN services. Ever since its acquisition by an Israeli firm, the company has invested considerable resources in expanding its server network, as well as firming up the product. Currently, there are over 9,000 servers in 90+ countries. The service ranks well on speed parameters, so accessing Tinder shouldn’t be a problem.
This provider incorporates a policy of not storing any logs of user behavior or IP addresses. It’s also headquartered in Romania, which means it’s not subject to any mandatory data retention laws. CyberGhost deploys 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, along with 2,048-bit RSA keys and SHA256 authentication. An internet kill switch is included.
Apps are available for both Android and iOS. The desktop version can be installed on Windows, macOS, and Linux. A maximum of seven devices can connect with one subscription.
GREAT FOR NOVICE USERS:CyberGhost has a simple set up and is easy to use. Unblocks Tinder reliably. A vast network of over 9,000 servers. Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Fast and reliable connections, some of the best results in our tests
Operates over 9,000 servers around the globe in 90+ countries
Easy-to-use Android and iOS apps
Low-cost provider with plenty of streaming-optimized servers
Reliable and knowledgeable 24/7 live chat support
Doesn’t work reliably in China
More suited to beginners than power users
Read our full review of CyberGhost.
5. IPVanish
Website: www.IPVanish.com
IPVanish is another veteran in the VPN business. It delivers a winning combination of rugged speed and hardy encryption protocols. At the moment, it offers a choice of more than 2,000 servers spread across 75 locations. One paid account allows you to connect any number of devices simultaneously.
In our user review, we noticed that IPVanish streamed 1080p video without any noticeable lag or buffering. Its servers are optimized for speed and stability, so a strong connection to reliably access Tinder is almost guaranteed.
Encryption standards are among the best in the business. It uses 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. There’s no internal data storage of any nature.
Many users find IPVanish to be an excellent option for Kodi because it enables them to download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is also remote control friendly for Kodi devices that lack a keyboard and mouse.
You’ll find apps for both iOS and Android on the relevant app stores. Desktop clients are available for Windows and MacOS.
FAST AND SECURE:IPVanish gives you solid security in a speedy package. Apps don’t work in China and they have no live customer support. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Impressive speeds and reliable connections
Operates in over 60 countries, great for unblocking geo-restricted content
Strong encryption makes apps secure and private
No-logs policy
Apps don’t work in China
Based in the US
Read our full review of IPVanish.
6. PrivateVPN
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
PrivateVPN may have a smaller network than other providers, with only around 200 servers, but these cover 60+ countries and provide truly impressive speeds. Further, this VPN excels at accessing geo-restricted services, whether it’s Tinder, Disney Plus, or Skype.
The company is based in Sweden and offers features and performance at par with the cream of the crop. Both 128-bit and 256-bit AES encryption are offered, depending on the protocol you opt for. Other value-added features include perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. PrivateVPN doesn’t store any user logs, so that will ease any lingering concerns regarding privacy.
One basic plan allows for ten simultaneous connections. Apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS are included.
GREAT FOR SPEED:PrivateVPN is consistently reliable. Good for Tinder, torrenting, P2P, and general-purpose use. Speeds were surprisingly good at this end of the market. Could do with having more servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Fast and reliable servers provide consistent connections
Swedish-based provider with a strict no-logs policy
Unblocks almost all geo-restricted streaming content that we’ve tested
Fewer servers to choose from than other providers higher on this list
Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat
Here’s our review of PrivateVPN.
7. Private Internet Access
Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN provider based in the US that offers up to 10 simultaneous connections and access to over 10,000 servers in 80+ countries. It’s one of the most popular VPNs around, and it’s easy to see why – it has military-grade encryption, perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch.
The desktop apps are simple and easy to use, while the mobile apps boast an array of features such as advanced tunneling options, split-tunneling, secure VPN connection modes (OpenVPN over UDP or TCP), and more. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.
Standout features for PIA include WireGuard support for superfast gaming and streaming sessions, plus adjustable encryption to improve speeds for tasks that require less security. Support is 24/7 via live chat, and you’ll get 30 days to try it risk-free.
While PIA works well with Tinder, it can be inconsistent when accessing streaming providers like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, so if you need to access these services, you may want o check out one of our other recommendations.
ADJUSTABLE ENCRYPTION SETTINGS:Private Internet Access has servers in over 80 locations, an app kill switch, and supports WireGuard for speedy streaming. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Keeps no logs, DNS leak protection and kill switch are included
24/7 live chat support available
10 simultaneous device limit
Unblocking can be inconsistent
No Smart DNS support
Read our full Private Internet Access review.
How to unblock Tinder with a VPN
As mentioned, if your current IP address is blocked from accessing Tinder, then using a VPN is the answer. Using one is easier than you might think. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll be swiping in no time.
Here’s how to unblock Tinder with a VPN:
1. Settle on a service
In this article, we’ve tried to provide some clarity on the best VPNs for accessing Tinder where it’s blocked. We particularly recommend NordVPN, but the others on this list are also solid choices. Some factors to consider before making your final decision are how much it’ll cost, whether you have the option of trying out the service before committing to a longer-term plan, and whether there’s an option to get your money back if unsatisfied.
After you’ve made up your mind, just click on one of the links at the bottom of each mini-review, register for an account, and sign up with your payment information.
2. Download the apps
Registration will be completed once your credit card information is successfully authenticated. After that, it’s likely that you will receive a confirmation email from the VPN provider that you signed up with.
The same email should have links to relevant apps for your device. Go ahead and install them directly from the site.
When the downloads are complete, clear the cookies in your web browser and restart your device.
3. Open the VPN app
Click on your VPN provider’s app after your device has finished. Input your login details and select a server outside your current location. This should be fairly straightforward.
4. Log into Tinder and use as normal
Wait a few seconds for the app or desktop software to establish a stable connection. When successful, this should be indicated by a VPN icon at the top of your smartphone screen. Once the connection has been established, open the Tinder app and access it as normal.
Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for Tinder
There’s no shortage of VPNs to choose from, but not every service is suitable for day-to-day usage, especially if you’re looking to stream, video call, or access Tinder abroad. With this in mind, we created a strict list of criteria that all of our top providers must meet. You’ll find this below, along with a brief description of why each is so important:
Interested in learning more about how we put VPNs through their paces? Just check out our full testing methodology post for all the details.
But free VPNs deploy weak encryption standards, display pitiful speeds, and run a real threat of privacy invasion. Not only are the products subpar, but they also put you at serious risk. Some free VPN providers have willingly sold user data to third-party providers in order to make a profit. This means they’re forcefully inserting tracking cookies into your browser and trying to commoditize your transactions with them.
We believe you should avoid free VPNs at all costs. No one likes paying a few extra dollars every month, but you can’t put a price on privacy. An alternative is to check out our recommended list of the best VPNs with a free trial, so you can try out a few services and see which one suits you best.