10 Best YouTube VPNs To Unblock Geo-Restrictions

YouTube is one of the most popular websites worldwide, with over 2 billion monthly active users. However, due to geo-restrictions, not all videos are accessible in every country. Using a VPN allows you to bypass these restrictions and access YouTube content from anywhere.

In this guide, we analyze the 10 best VPNs for unblocking YouTube based on factors like:

  • Number of servers and locations
  • Fast speeds suitable for HD and 4K streaming
  • Ability to reliably access restricted YouTube content
  • Security features and protocols
  • Ease of use and range of apps
  • Budget-friendly pricing

Let‘s have a look at our top recommendations:

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN tops our list as the fastest and most reliable YouTube VPN. With 3,000+ servers spread across 94 countries, you can always find a nearby server to avoid buffering. Their MediaStreamer DNS feature unblocks websites at the network-level as a fallback.

Their custom Lightway VPN protocol delivers blazing fast speeds up to 8Gbps and low latency ideal for 4K video. In our tests, ExpressVPN could unblock not only YouTube but other streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer too.

Some other great aspects:

  • Easy-to-use apps for all devices
  • Leak protection and RAM-only servers for privacy
  • 24/7 live chat support

The only compromise is higher pricing starting from $8.32/month. But for the best YouTube experience, ExpressVPN is worth it.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is a close second pick featuring 5,500+ fast servers worldwide, including specialty streaming and P2P optimized servers. In practice, we found NordLynx their custom Wireguard-based protocol delivered even faster speeds for YouTube compared to standard OpenVPN config.

Some beneficial NordVPN extras:

  • Onion over VPN for enhanced privacy
  • Obfuscated servers that hide VPN traffic
  • Ability to unblock Netflix
  • P2P and double encryption options
  • Apps for every platform

Pricing is very reasonable too at $3.49/month if you opt for a long 2-year plan. Overall NordVPN is a great package for streaming YouTube anywhere.

3. Surfshark

Coming in third is Surfshark which surprised us with its streaming performance in a package costing less than $3 a month. Despite having a smaller network (3,200+ servers), Surfshark could reliably access geo-restricted content and load HD videos lag-free.

Some other handy Surfshark perks for YouTube access:

  • AES 256-bit encryption & leak protection
  • Whitelister split-tunneling
  • Choice of VPN protocols – Wireguard, IKEv2, OpenVPN
  • Unlimited devices for huge value

With prices from $2.49/month for 24 months, right now Surfshark has the best value and shouldn‘t be overlooked.

4. CyberGhost

Germany-based CyberGhost has proven itself as one of the best VPNs for accessing streaming sites like YouTube thanks to their dedicated profiles that can auto-configure your connection.

CyberGhost operates over 7,400 servers in 89 countries – making it easy to connect to wherever YouTube is restricted. Better still, their stable WireGuard servers can handle the bandwidth demands of 4K video without dropping down to lower resolutions.

Besides excellent YouTube streaming, CyberGhost is also handy for:

  • One-click streaming profiles
  • Strict no logging policy & Kill Switch
  • Apps for desktop & mobile
  • 45-day money back guarantee

Subscription prices now start from $2.17 per month – phenomenal value.

5. TunnelBear

If you‘re looking for a great free option to trial unblocking YouTube, TunnelBear is a good VPN offering 500MB free data per month. While this isn‘t enough for serious YouTube streaming, it lets you test connection speeds and if geo-blocks are lifted.

Should you choose to upgrade, TunnelBear operates 1,000+ color-coded servers optimized for unblocking websites or torrenting. Apps for mobile and desktop simplify getting connected. And you get a generous 5 simultaneous connections.

Pricing is mid-range at $9.99/month but cheaper for 1 & 2 years. We found TunnelBear reliable at maintaining HD YouTube streams without rebuffering too often. It‘s worth testing with their free plan.

6. Proton VPN

Owned by the same Swiss company behind encrypted email experts Proton Mail, Proton VPN is trusted by millions to keep online activities private and secured.

The VPN service now features over 1,700 VPN servers suitable for streaming including hundreds optimized for P2P sharing. We had success accessing geo-restricted YouTube videos in 1080p thanks to unlimited bandwidth and dedicated streaming servers.

Other Proton VPN assets:

  • Tor over VPN for double encryption
  • Swiss base with strict no logging laws
  • Easy to use apps for all devices
  • 30-day money back guarantee

Pricing is very reasonable too starting from $4 per month billed annually. Proton VPN is a great rounded option for privacy-focused users wanting YouTube access.

7. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Operating since 2010, Private Internet Access (PIA) was one of the first VPNs to specialize in geo-spoofing and bypassing blocks. Today, the VPN runs 72,000+ IP addresses and 78,000 port-forwarding endpoints across 77 server locations.

In practice, PIA makes light work of accessing global YouTube libraries in regions like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe. Connect and you can instantly stream previously locked content.

Beyond reliably unblocking sites, PIA shines for:

  • Leading no logging record (audited)
  • 10 simultaneous connections
  • SOCKS5 web proxy for extra privacy
  • Affordable pricing from $2.04/month

PIA is a great choice of YouTube VPN on a budget that compromises nothing on quality.

8. VyprVPN

VyprVPN operates a global high-speed network dedicated to streaming, security and simplicity. Testing their proprietary Chameleon protocol we measured fast 4G+ speeds perfect for zero buffer even at 4K.

Accessing geo-blocked YouTube content was painless thanks to 200,000+ dedicated IP addresses that stop blacklists while keeping anonymized accounts safe. Support and apps for all devices makes getting setup easy.

Some other VyprVPN advantages:

  • Audited no logging policy
  • TOR over VPN option
  • NAT Firewall for protection
  • 30-day money back guarantee

Pricing is at the higher-end starting from $5/month. But for the ultimate YouTube streaming experience, VyprVPN‘s performance commands it.

9. Windscribe

If you want to dip your toes in the YouTube streaming world, Windscribe offers a handy free monthly plan. You can select from 11 locations and get 10GB data which is ample for some YouTube streaming to test if geo-blocks lift.

Should you need more, Windscribe runs 400+ international VPN servers that work reliably for HD streaming thanks to unlimited bandwidth and fast speeds. Apps across all platforms make accessing YouTube simple wherever you are.

Beyond great streaming, Windscribe appeals since it:

  • Offers FREE 10GB per month plan
  • Features built-in adblocker
  • Includes customizable firewall
  • Impressive logging policy

Paid plans are also among the most wallet-friendly priced from $9 per month. Windscribe is worth checking out.

10. Ivacy

Last on our list is Ivacy – which some might overlook but packs a punch streaming-wise thanks to optimized P2P configured servers which handle HD YouTube side-by-side with top sites like Netflix & BBC iPlayer too.

Users get to pick from 5,700+ servers in over 100 locations meaning you can dial into where YouTube access is guaranteed. We saw no buffering and impressive speeds even on busy weekends.

Other bonuses of Ivacy include:

  • Split tunneling features
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leak protection
  • Budget plans from $1.33/month

Ivacy completes our best YouTube VPN recommendations list by blending unblocking abilities, security, and affordability.

Choosing Your YouTube VPN

When picking a VPN for streaming YouTube, a free trial or money-back period lets you properly evaluate unblocking abilities before paying. Testing different server locations during peak times gives the best idea of real-world performance.

We‘d recommend selecting VPN apps over browser extensions when possible for faster speeds. Using WireGuard or OpenVPN UDP configurations yield quicker speeds compared to TCP too.

Consider simultaneous connections allowed by the VPN too – this determines how many devices can access geo-restricted YouTube at the same time from one account.

Final Thoughts

Unblocking geo-restricted content lets you tap into YouTube‘s full library regardless of where you are located. However, it‘s important to choose a trustworthy VPN that safeguards your privacy too – not just focused solely on bypassing blocks for videos.

The VPN services covered in this guide all offer leading encryption, leak protection and proven no-logging policies alongside their streaming abilities. This keeps your personal data and identity secure while you access regional YouTube content hassle-free.

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