If you can’t access and use Grindr in your country, our selection of the best VPNs for Grindr will help. LGBTQ community knows it as the most popular social media and dating app for this community. Yet, because of its “controversial” nature, it’s been banned in multiple countries.
With over 10M active monthly users, Grindr is undoubtedly a big deal in the online world. But if you happen to be in a censored country that doesn’t appreciate LGBTQ rights, access to this platform is restricted. The good news is that unblocking it is quite simple.
With the best VPN for Grindr, you can change your IP address to the country where the platform works. As a result, you can create an account or sign in, and enjoy the social networking site freely. Let’s also mention Grindr’s privacy issues and data collection.
This can easily be bypassed with a Grindr VPN that protects your privacy and encrypts your connection. Today’s comprehensive guide will cover our favorite VPNs, how to use them, and plenty more Grindr-related subjects. Stick around.
Why Use a VPN for Grindr?
Before we move on to the nitty-gritty, let’s go over some important stuff, such as the reasons to use a VPN for Grindr. If you’re interested, read our article on the pros and cons of VPN services, where we explain their other uses.
Unblocking Grindr
The primary reason to use a VPN for this platform is that it’s geo-restricted. As you likely know, not every country or government supports LGBTQ communities. This stems from various reasons, such as religion, politics, or culture.
Below is the list of countries that block or restrict Grindr:
- China
- Russia
- Cuba
- Lebanon
- North Korea
- Sudan
- Jordan
- Saudi Arabia
- Syria
- UAE
- Turkey
- Indonesia
- Pakistan
Each country has its reasons for banning it. Let’s take China as an example. Its strict censorship involves blocking thousands of websites. Grindr, being an LGBTQ-oriented site, is “sensitive” enough and goes against certain cultural values of the country.
Homosexuality is, generally speaking, “demonized” in this country, which is why Grindr is completely banned. Muslim countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and others are strictly against homosexuality, which explains the ban.
What about Russia? The platform saw massive issues there but for different reasons. The Russian authorities fined Grindr a few years ago for data collection, and as a result, the platform no longer works there. Can a VPN for Grindr help?
Absolutely. By altering your IP address to another location, you can access the dating app in Russia, China, Pakistan, or any other location.
Preserving Your Privacy
We touched on Grindr’s privacy or lack thereof. Like any other dating app and social media site, this one is notorious for storing user data. Given its location-based nature, we can only guess what kind of information ends up on Grindr’s servers.
A Grindr VPN can circumvent this problem by encrypting your traffic. When you change your online location, Grindr won’t have a clue about your original location or identity. This helps navigate and use the site/app anonymously, without fear of data theft.
Changing Your Grindr Location
Grindr helps you get in touch with LGBTQ+ people from around the world. Yet, if you’re targeting a specific reason, you can utilize a VPN’s IP-changing ability. Let’s say you want to meet people from a specific city in the US – that might be Los Angeles.
Use a VPN to get an IP from there and Grindr will likely connect you to corresponding people. The more locations you have, the more freedom you’ll get. Luckily, our best VPNs for Grindr offer hundreds of them!
Best VPNs for Grindr in 2024
Enough lessons for today – we have more pressing matters to attend to. So, what are the top VPNs for Grindr in 2024? Our experts came up with 5, all tested by our team:
- NordVPN
- ExpressVPN
- CyberGhost
- Surfshark
- Proton VPN
Here’s more information about each Grindr VPN.
1. NordVPN
Pros
- NordLynx VPN protocol
- A plethora of Dedicated IP addresses
- Applications for all platforms
- Obfuscated servers
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Servers in 110+ countries
Cons
- Double VPN servers are a tad slower
- Value-added taxes in some locations
NordVPN won’t cost you a fortune – it’ll rather provide you with one. Online privacy is bliss and this VPN for Grindr provides you with that! With more than 6,400 servers, you can unblock Grindr on another planet and avoid its malicious data logging.
That’s because NordVPN has a no-logs policy and all of the aforementioned features. Let’s add to that Double VPN servers with two encryption layers and an in-house NordLynx protocol. Now, you’re getting the creme de la creme VPN for Grindr.
NordVPN even offers Threat Protection, which blocks ads, malware, and viruses. Antivirus goes well with this VPN but so do P2P servers for safe torrenting. What’s more, NordVPN’s Obfuscated servers are impressive. They use OpenVPN TCP to get over firewalls.
This allows NordVPN to work in China and Turkey without a hitch. NordVPN has Smart DNS and offers a few Dedicated IP locations. Better yet, there’s an optional addition of NordLocker where you can get 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage.
Another unique feature is Meshnet, which is great for remote control and access to other devices. The VPN now has 10 simultaneous connections and comes with apps for all your phones, computers, tablets, and laptops. We love its frequent discounts throughout the year.
NordVPN is always eager to bring down the price to make you feel welcome. Wanna find out more about this VPN for Grindr? Check out the latest discount below. It’s risk-free with a 30-day refund policy. No 45 days here – that’s reserved for CyberGhost!
2. ExpressVPN
Pros
- Servers in over 105 countries
- Works on iOS and Android phones/tablets
- Smart DNS support
- Built-in obfuscation for China and other countries
- ExpressVPN doesn’t store logs
- Servers based on RAM
Cons
- Not affordable for some people
- It lacks multi-hop connections
ExpressVPN can unblock Grindr quickly with servers in over 105 countries. This is the fastest VPN as well, which promises stability and unlimited speeds. We love ExpressVPN because it’s simple to set up. You’ll connect in one click and immediately anonymize your traffic.
From there, accessing Grindr is a matter of your choice. One thing we like about it is security. ExpressVPN is perfect for using Grindr and preventing data collection thanks to AES encryption and RAM servers. Moreover, ExpressVPN has a kill switch.
It prevents IP leaks that could endanger your privacy. Another thing is a no-logs policy. ExpressVPN keeps no sensitive data logs, preventing third parties from stealing it. This VPN offers Advanced Protection, which includes Parental Control.
However, it also blocks trackers and malicious sites looking to harm you. ExpressVPN is excellent for streaming in torrenting in case you want that in the best VPN for Grindr. What about device support? ExpressVPN works on all devices – ideal for Grindr.
You can install it on iOS or Android phones but also on Linux, macOS, and Windows PCs. Users like its 8 simultaneous connections coupled with Smart DNS and Router support. ExpressVPN works like a charm even in censored countries where Grindr is blocked.
You can use it in Lebanon, Russia, China, the UAE, and many other countries thanks to obfuscation. Being the #2 VPN for Grindr, ExpressVPN doesn’t skimp on anything but it’s slightly pricey compared to the rest of VPNs. Below is a special discount – uncover it now.
3. CyberGhost
Pros
- Dedicated streaming servers
- It’s an affordable VPN
- NoSpy servers owned by CyberGhost
- IP and DNS leak prevention
- 45-day refund policy for longer plans
Cons
- It lacks obfuscation
- No Double VPN
CyberGhost is an exquisite Grindr VPN. It offers unlimited traffic and over 12,000 servers to access this platform anywhere. Unlike NordVPN, it has no obfuscation, which means it’s not great for China or Russia.
However, it still works in the UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and plenty of other censored regions. We like CyberGhost’s speeds, as it’s pretty fast when using WireGuard. Furthermore, the VPN is optimized for torrenting and streaming – another nifty thing to have.
CyberGhost has apps for all your devices but unlike NordVPN’s 10, offers 7 simultaneous connections. This isn’t a downside, as the VPN has plenty of Dedicated IPs, which can help to access Grindr anywhere without IP blacklisting. We explain dedicated IP addresses here.
The VPN has a kill switch but there’s also split tunneling to route certain portions of your traffic through the VPN. Its NoSpy servers are incredibly secure, while Private DNS preserves your DNS requests and prevents them from being discovered by your ISP.
CyberGhost is another zero-log service. With RAM servers and an audit by Deloitte, the VPN has a proven track record of keeping no DNS queries, IP addresses, and browsing history on its servers. The VPN even works on gaming consoles so that PS5 users can enjoy it.
Enjoyment is even higher with the affordable prices of CyberGhost. Its 2-year plan is especially attractive, as it comes with a 45-day refund policy. Optional extras are Antivirus and Security Updater, both costing just a dollar a month!
4. Surfshark
Pros
- NoBorders is great against censorship
- MultiHop servers
- IP Rotation
- Cheap 2-year deals
Cons
- Slightly slower than other VPNs for Grindr
- Monthly plans are costly
Users looking for a reputable VPN for Grindr will appreciate Surfshark’s juicy offerings. This VPN is known for servers in 100+ countries and unlimited simultaneous connections. Additionally, it’s known for stringent no-logging practices from its inception.
Despite the Dutch jurisdiction, Surfshark is relentless in pursuing perfection through no logging. Making things better is the NoBorders function, which enables obfuscation and allows you to circumvent firewalls. Grindr VPN users will love its simplicity as well.
Like NordVPN, Surfshark’s apps are good-looking, with one-click connections to any of the 3,200 servers. The VPN has MultiHop for additional encryption but also an IP Rotation function that keeps rotating your IP, preventing unwanted tracking.
Grindr won’t get a hold of your private data because of Surfshark’s 256-bit encryption. Even better, its superb DNS leak protection anonymizes your DNS queries. Surfshark has an array of Static IPs too, which you won’t find in other VPNs for Grindr.
This VPN is a tad slower than the previous three and its monthly plans can be expensive. The good thing is that 2-year deals are extremely affordable and Surfshark usually sprinkles in a few free months. Device compatibility is, as expected, phenomenal.
When you install Surfshark on your Android or iOS phone, using Grindr will be a no-brainer. Android users get geo-spoofing too, which can be handy for connecting with nearby LGBTQ people. Start your Grindr adventure by subscribing to Surfshark below.
5. Proton VPN
Pros
- 6,200+ servers
- Stealth VPN on macOS
- No logging
Cons
- Smart DNS is lacking
- Doesn’t work in China
- Expensive
Proton VPN is best known for its privacy and no-logging practices. Because of this, it’s our favorite VPN for Grindr. This VPN has more than 6,200+ servers, all optimized for streaming, torrenting, low-ping gaming, and onion over VPN.
The VPN uses WireGuard, making it pretty fast. However, there’s also a nifty VPN Accelerator for better performance. macOS users will like its Stealth VPN protocol that allows them to access Grindr despite firewall restrictions.
On the Internet, some people are wondering if Proton VPN works in China? Sadly, no. The good news is that it’ll work in the UAE, Lebanon, and a few other locations, so it’s still viable. Another thing we’ll mention is its Secure Core tool. These are server groups owned by Proton VPN, providing stronger security and privacy.
We love Proton VPN’s bare-metal RAM-only servers too. Not to forget its intuitive apps for all devices and Proton VPN’s 10 simultaneous connections. Proton VPN has a NetShield ad blocker and comes with port forwarding to make torrenting a tad quicker.
Of course, as a Swiss VPN, it has a certified no-logging policy, so you can be sure your data is untouched. Proton VPN’s AES encryption works wonderfully, while the auto-kill-switch will protect your privacy if the VPN connection falters. The only downside is the price.
Proton VPN is expensive overall, with even the 2-year deal costing more than CyberGhost and Surfshark. At least you can use a forever-free plan with unlimited traffic. Oh, and there’s 24/7 live chat support, which was missing a few years ago.
How to Unblock Grindr With a VPN Service?
Using the best VPN for Grindr couldn’t be simpler. People around the world are enjoying Grindr with a VPN simply by connecting to a server where this platform works. Let’s go over a couple of required steps to unblock and access Grindr anywhere in the world.
1. Get a VPN
You’ll first have to decide on which provider you want. Our team recommends NordVPN because it’s the best overall. With a 70% discount for the 2-year plan, you’ll get a price reduction AND a 30-day refund policy for any plan you choose. Click the red button to go to its site.
Now, select the plan – it doesn’t have to be the 2-year one. Then, provide your email address and pay for the subscription using one of many payment methods. From here, NordVPN will allow you to create an account.
After that, you’ll have to download and install the app. Windows and macOS users can download the setup file from the site and install it. iOS and Android users have it easier, as they can directly install NordVPN from their respective App Stores.
Once the app is installed, open it up, and log in with your email and password.
2. Connect to a Server
To use the best VPN for Grindr, you have to connect to a server. Which server to use? Preferably one outside of the countries we mentioned previously. At the time of writing, Grindr works well in the United States. After all, the country respects homosexuality and doesn’t scrutinize the LGBTQ+ movement.
You’ll want to open the server list and scroll down to find the United States or any other eligible country. NordVPN will display the country, so click on it or tap once on mobile devices to connect to a server there.
With NordVPN displaying “Connected” in green, the connection is established and you’re ready for the final step.
3. Sign Up for Grindr and Use It
Finally, you can start using Grindr. Download its app on your iOS or Android device, sign up if you don’t have an account, and connect with like-minded people. Don’t forget ALWAYS to have your VPN turned ON when using Grindr.
It won’t work otherwise if you’re in a country that restricts it.
Do We Recommend Free VPNs for Grindr?
Free VPNs can unblock Grindr because they have US servers, for example. Their server fleet is limited, so you’ll usually get a couple of server locations and honestly, most of them will likely work. But that’s not an issue. Issues stem from other sources, one of which is privacy.
Free providers lack essential privacy features – a no-log policy, for instance. We’ve heard of dozens that store logs and sell people’s private data. This violates the purpose of using a VPN for Grindr, as both Grindr and the free VPN you’re using will steal your private information and make you vulnerable.
Another problem is speed. They’re, overall, very slow. We examined PrivadoVPN in a recent review and this provider was fast for a free VPN. The problem is, it limits your bandwidth to 10 GB a month. This isn’t enough if you’re using Grindr daily, which tends to consume plenty of bandwidth.
Grindr is photo-heavy and your 10 GB – sometimes less – will evaporate like boiling water. Free VPNs have another issue, which is device compatibility. While almost all will work on iOS and Android phones, they lack simultaneous connections, preventing you from protecting multiple devices at a time.
Through our testing, we discovered that free VPNs don’t have 24/7 live chat support, often lacking IP/DNS leak protection and streaming support. One such example is Proton VPN, whose free plan doesn’t work for torrenting and streaming portals like Prime Video or Netflix.
That said, the top VPNs for Grindr can’t be free. You must pay a small monthly fee to enjoy Grindr anywhere without traffic restrictions, slow speeds, and privacy concerns.
Is Unblocking Grindr With a VPN Legal?
Before we conclude, we have to address one more thing – the legality of the best VPNs for Grindr. There are two factors we need to go over. The first is the legality of the VPN, which, in most countries, isn’t a problem. Very few countries restrict VPN usage, so that shouldn’t be an issue.
Still, it’s worth mentioning that the so-called grey areas are Russia and China. Russia, in particular, blocks even VPN sites but people still use VPNs in this country without legal repercussions. China and its censorship hit heavily, blocking not only VPNs but also social media and many apps.
Our experience shows that people with VPNs in this country use them freely and without consequences. Now, there’s Grindr as the second factor. Is Grindr legal in your country? If it isn’t and using it is a criminal offense, you shouldn’t use a VPN to unblock it because it’s still illegal.
We’re not lawyers or experts in rights. We’re VPN experts helping you reclaim your online freedom and privacy, so don’t take this as legal advice. Inform yourself about the laws in your country and abide by them. If it’s okay to use a VPN for Grindr, then, by all means, go for it. If not – don’t.
Summary
So in the end, you’ve learned how to unblock Grindr and use a reputable VPN service for this platform. The key is to use a server where Grindr works because it’ll let you download and use it without issues. NordVPN works well, with thousands of speedy servers and rock-solid security and privacy. We could say the same about ExpressVPN.
Budget users can access their LGBTQ+ dating app with CyberGhost or Surfshark. These two offer RAM servers, apps for all devices, and affordable 2-year deals. Surfshark even has unlimited connections, making it very popular.
We finally have Proton VPN whose slightly expensive price might concern some users. Yet, the Swiss VPN is one of the safest VPNs for Grindr, offering WireGuard, bare-metal 10 Gbps servers, and the NetShield ad blocker for blocking trackers and malicious sites.
