How to Unblock Pandora in 2024

Pandora is one of the best online radio platforms, offering many more radio stations and shows than others. And that’s not all. The service has more to offer to its customers. However, the only problem with this amazing platform is that you must know how to unblock Pandora radio anywhere because it’s only available in the United States.

Nonetheless, you can access Pandora anywhere outside the United States if you subscribe to a robust US VPN. In this article, we will guide you on streaming Pandora from anywhere.

How to watch Pandora from anywhere – Quick guide

Best VPNs to access Pandora from anywhere – Quick list

What is Pandora radio, and how can I listen to it?

Pandora Radio, or Pandora Media, is a solely American automated music streaming service run by Sirius XM Satellite Radio and powered by the Music Genome Project. It offers a freemium service that is accessible through any online browser or via its mobile app. Additionally, it has a paid premium option with additional features such as better streaming quality, downloads, offline channels, and creating your own playlists.

Why can’t you access Pandora?

Various factors limit your accessibility to Pandora. But the most common reasons include,

1. Geo-restrictions

Geolocation restrictions limit your access to Pandora as it is only available in the US due to copyright laws. So, if your IP address shows a location different from the US, you will get an error message.

If you signed up on Pandora while in the US but traveled outside the country, you still won’t be able to access the service.

2. Institutional blocks

If you live in the US, but the service is still inaccessible on your end, there are likely institutional blocks, such as the educational block on your network.

How to get Pandora unblocked (the detailed guide)

While you can find many explanations online, this guide provides the most comprehensive and effective information possible.

Although, there are several ways to access Pandora if you’re not residing in the US. However, the most effective way to listen to Pandora from anywhere in the world is by using a VPN. That’s because VPNs are certainly the best means to evade geo-restrictions seamlessly.

Here’s how you can resume listening to your favorite music and other content with a VPN:

1. Subscribe to a VPN provider

To get started, you need to choose the right VPN provider. This is the most crucial step because not every VPN can effectively unblock Pandora outside the US. So, before subscribing to one, ensure that the provider offers secure and fast-speed servers from the United States to support streaming.

If you already have a VPN installed, check whether your provider has US-based servers. If yes, see if the servers are fast enough to stream high-quality audio. You may also contact your VPN provider’s customer support to seek information about it.

2. Install the VPN on your device

Since you have found a top-notch VPN service, you need to install and activate it. Below you go with the installation steps:

• Download the VPN app from the provider’s website and send it to your device. You need to download the VPN app from the respective app store on a mobile device.
• Next, install and launch the app.
• Finally, choose any US server and connect to it.

Double-check your IP address via this “What is my IP?” tool when the connection is established. It should detect your IP location as the US. Otherwise, you must reconnect your VPN or choose a different US server.

3. Start streaming Pandora

While on the official Pandora webpage, log in or register for an account. You can also see the service’s pricing plans on its homepage to decide what plan you should get.

Once you are logged in or done with creating your account, you should be able to play anything of your liking there. You can continue listening to Pandora music for free with limited features or upgrade to a plus or premium plan.

That is it when it comes to using Pandora outside the US. You’ve successfully unblocked Pandora radio on your device.

Why you need a VPN for Pandora

In 2007, Pandora blocked all other countries except the US from accessing its service.

The move was made due to the lack of international laws equivalent to DMCA Section 114. It is a US Code that protects the exclusive rights of sound recording. Pandora can’t regulate or prevent users from distributing or reproducing its media assets without it.

Currently, Pandora is only available in the US.

In the past, Pandora Music was available in New Zealand and Australia but not in the US. However, the platform was forced to end its operations in both countries on Global radio operation laws grounds.

While the service is expected to remain blocked for the rest, some proven and effective workarounds also exist. Some are complex, while some merely require a few clicks. The easiest method to get Pandora unblocked happens to be by using a VPN.

A VPN allows you to access Pandora outside the US by changing your IP country. It works by redirecting your traffic to a US-based server to bypass geo-restrictions. Hence, you can continue listening to your favorite music, podcasts, and more, regardless of where you are.

Best VPNs for unblocking Pandora

However, accessing Pandora with a VPN isn’t difficult. However, choosing a quality VPN is the most critical aspect that people get wrong. You could get in trouble if you end up subscribing to a VPN that does not offer enough speed or has some shady privacy practices.

But do not worry about finding the right VPNs. Below, I have shared a list of the best VPNs to access Pandora after thorough research and tests.

In my experience, these service providers are the best ones, offering fast and reliable US servers. All the VPNs listed below are more than capable of letting you stream Pandora without any issues.

1. NordVPN

A well-known provider that deserves mentioning among the best Pandora VPNs owing to its huge server network that bears nearly 2000 US servers.

Visit NordVPN

6,800+ servers in 113 countries

P2P full support

AES-256-bit encryption

Zero-logs policy

Kill switch

Double VPN

DNS/IPv6 leak protection

Allows up to 10 simultaneous devices

30 days money-back guarantee

Pros

• Unblocks Pandora
• Robust security credentials
• Around the clock customer support

Cons

• Desktop app is not to be as user-friendly as others on the list

Being based in Panama means NordVPN doesn’t need to participate or cooperate with government intelligence. The provider will not disclose or submit your sensitive data to a third party.

Given that it has added privacy features, if you care about your privacy, that alone is enough reason to choose this VPN.

Also, if your primary reason is to access Pandora radio in your region, you should not worry. The service has over 6,800 servers in 113 countries, including the US. Therefore, you can change your location online to start streaming Pandora right away from anywhere in the world.

Even though this provider offers cutting-edge VPN alongside added privacy solutions, it is one of the most affordable providers in the market. You can subscribe from a one-month to a two-year plan for as low as $3.59 per month.

In essence, NordVPN is not only a true performer but also budget-friendly.

2. Surfshark

Having numerous servers from 25 US cities, Surfshark is a worthy recommendation for people looking to unlock Pandora without compromising their privacy online.

Visit Surfshark

3,200+ servers in 100 countries

AES-256-bit encryption

P2P support

MultiHop mode

DNS leak protection

Automatic kill switch

Camouflage Mode

Allows unlimited simultaneous connections

30-day money-back guarantee

Pros

• Easily remove Pandora geo-restrictions
• Support anonymous payments like Bitcoin
• Keeps no logs

Cons

• Lacks some advanced functionalities

Surfshark is a reliable VPN with extra features that go well beyond what the average VPN provider offers.

Unlike typical VPNs, Surfshark includes all the necessary security and privacy features that anyone would want. It blocks ads and trackers for an entirely private web experience. Also, this service even deploys protocols that deflect phishing attempts and malware.

As the other one explained above, this provider has apps for all popular devices. One thing where Surfshark has left even the top VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN behind is its generous allowance of unlimited simultaneous connections.

That means there is no limit on how many devices you can use this VPN with only one subscription simultaneously.

It has dedicated add-ons for Chrome or Firefox browser extensions. The provider even boasts an app for Amazon Firestick to make sure no user gets left behind and people get to use it everywhere. In short, with SurfShark, you can stream on Pandora on any device you own.

One of its greatest strengths is its “Whitelister,” which allows whitelisting apps and websites.

If you need to access a website that requires your actual location, such as a bank, you can whitelist it to ensure its traffic doesn’t go through the VPN tunnel. You can do that without turning off Surfshark, which should help save time as you won’t have to do the manual work of disconnecting/reconnecting every time.

Consequently, it has many fast US-based servers. You can easily unblock and enjoy your favorite music on Pandora, no matter where you are.

3. ExpressVPN

Trusted pioneer of the industry known as one of the fastest VPNs that can seamlessly access Pandora and other US geo-restricted platforms abroad.

Visit ExpressVPN

3,000+ servers in 107 countries

AES-256-bit encryption

DNS/IPv6 leak protection

P2P servers

Network-lock feature

TrustedServer technology

Allows up to 8 devices simultaneously

30-day money back guarantee

Pros

• Unblocks Pandora
• Excellent server coverage
• Strictly observers no-logs policy

Cons

• Big-budget VPN

Like any other VPN discussed on PrivacySavvy, ExpressVPN also underwent rigorous testing before making it to this list. Indeed, it deserves all the praise online for good reasons.

This VPN is a delight when unblocking Pandora outside the US. It has numerous US-based servers that are fast and reliable.

It has native apps for most platforms, so you will not have a hard time getting started with it on any of your devices. Besides, ExpressVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and ultra-fast servers, so you can listen to Pandora music without slowing down.

The provider boasts over 3000 servers in 107 locations globally alongside stealthy security. Also, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee to return your amount safely should you change your mind.

PrivacySavvy tested ExpressVPN’s money-back guarantee and found it a no-questions-asked one. Overall, it is a well-rounded VPN, so it will likely satisfy your needs comprehensively.

4. PrivateVPN

Staying true to its tagline “Unlock Anything. Protect Everything.”, the provider lets you unlock Pandora geo-restrictions while protecting your devices and privacy.

Visit PrivateVPN

200+ server locations across 63 countries

AES-256-bit encryption

P2P sharing

Strict no-logs policy

Kill switch

Allows up to 10 simultaneous devices

30-day money-back guarantee

Pros

• Unblocks many streaming sites including Pandora
• Robust security and privacy features
• A 7-day free trial

Cons

• Server network isn’t as huge as the leading VPNs

One of its most compelling features is its military-grade encryption. The provider uses a robust 256-bit encryption standard to secure data transfers on its network. That means you can be confident the information about your web activities won’t get leaked.

It will suffice if you plan to use PrivateVPN for Pandora music streaming. You will not experience buffering or low-fidelity audio quality when playing Pandora content — all thanks to its fast servers that accommodate users to avoid network congestion.

5. CyberGhost

Best Pandora VPN that offers maximum-possible anonymity and data safety. It can be your go to solution to access any American platform like Pandora outside the US.

Visit CyberGhost

9500+ servers in 91 countries

AES-256-bit encryption

Wi-Fi protection

P2P sharing

Split tunneling

Allows up to 7 devices simultaneously

45-day money-back guarantee

Pros

• Keeps no-logs
• Unblocks Pandora
• Good value for money

Cons

• Inconsistent unblocking capabilities

Like other VPNs, it has dedicated apps for every major operating system. In other words, even kids can use Pandora anywhere because they can install this VPN on all their devices without technical knowledge.

Also, it allows users to use VPN on up to seven devices with one subscription simultaneously.

CyberGhost boasts more than 9500 servers in 91 countries. This huge number of servers easily manages all the load to prevent network congestion. It means you can expect your connection to be fast. Of course, it has many US-located servers, too — so rest assured, you can get Pandora unblocked with it regardless of your location.

On top of regular VPN protection, CyberGhost brings many additional features to the table. These include secure file sharing, ad blocking, anti-tracking, and more. Arguably, the provider has covered all the basics well and offers extra.

A quick comparison of the best Pandora VPNs

How we chose the best VPNs for Pandora

If you love listening to your favorite Pandora tunes from anywhere, you will want a powerful VPN for Pandora. Your VPN must work with this streaming service to hear the music you love anywhere in the world.

Here is an effective approach to choosing the ideal VPN for Pandora:

• Location of the server: Identifying a VPN with a server that supports Pandora’s location is essential. When choosing a VPN, ensure that it has US servers.
• Speed: An ideal VPN must have impressive speeds for various data-intensive activities like video calls, radio, streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
• Unblocking capabilities: A reliable VPN should be able to unblock other services, not just Pandora. This gives you flexibility and freedom to access the content of other services worldwide.
• Security and privacy: The primary purpose of a VPN is to hide your IP or mask your identity. When choosing a VPN, you should consider one with essential features such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, encryption, and a no-logs policy.
• Price: The cost of the VPN is equally important when deciding which to choose. Going for what gives you value for money is always advisable.
• User-friendliness: While the above-mentioned factors are crucial, choosing a user-friendly VPN is equally essential. An ideal app should offer features such as a quick connect feature, live support, user-friendly UI, etc.

Can a free VPN unblock Pandora?

Yes. Unlike other streaming sites, Pandora is not strict about using VPNs to unblock their services. Alternatively, even a basic web proxy server will be fine.

However, free is not always the best option. For example, these free VPNs and proxies need a way to make money, so they resort to unscrupulous techniques like selling your data to third parties. We do recommend free VPNs because of their apparent risks. So, a premium VPN package is the best option for enjoying the full experience.

Other uses of a VPN

You might wonder if it’s worth paying for a VPN to unblock Pandora. Considering that some VPNs are expensive, your doubt is reasonable. However, you should know that VPNs have many other uses besides streaming your favorite music.

A VPN or Virtual Private Network routes your internet requests to a dedicated server. Think of it as a detour. Instead of connecting directly to a website, you will first travel to a VPN server.

The VPN masks your location, so a website detects a different region. In doing so, you can achieve several things and gain some benefits. For instance, you will have more confidence that malicious entities will not exploit your data.

Sure, you can bypass geo-restrictions and access content that is unavailable in your region. Along with that, you can also use many social media platforms your country or institute has censored. For example, it can help you get Instagram unblocked.

That is not all; there is more to what a VPN can do.

Most importantly, it secures your devices from hackers and vulnerabilities online. It is crucial, especially when visiting unknown websites, as some might expose your data. It is a critical tool when completing the online security puzzle today.

Another use of a VPN is maintaining privacy. As many know, ISPs and other entities can snoop on your internet traffic and web activities. Indeed, you don’t want this to happen. That’s where a VPN comes in. It keeps all your internet activities private and lets you browse anonymously.

Therefore, a VPN is not just another privacy tool. It is essential for a secure online presence and activity.

Why use Pandora?

You might wonder why you bother using Pandora when many others like it. Well, there is a simple explanation. Its radio channels and show catalogs are arguably unmatched by the competition.

Unlike other audio services, Pandora is a dedicated radio streaming platform. You can even play songs in the uninterrupted Pandora music box, aiming to prioritize the radio experience at its best.

You mainly seek a radio platform because you want to listen to the radio. Right?

There’s nothing that can beat Pandora for its online radio game. It loads and plays live audio smoothly. Not only that, but the platform has also tailored its interface for listening to this form of media.

Which is better for Pandora: a VPN and a SOCKS proxy?

Like a VPN, a SOCKS4 or SOCKS5 proxy routes your internet traffic through a remote server, except it is not encrypted by default. This makes it faster but also vulnerable because hackers can breach your data and threaten your privacy, unlike VPNs, which are encrypted. Therefore, a SOCKS proxy is acceptable for accessing Pandora if you are not in the United States, but using a VPN is the best choice.

Pandora limitations

Pandora restricts free users to a certain number of skips over a given period, depending on whether they have a paid subscription or which device they use. However, the limitation of 40 hours per month has been lifted, but you have to listen to advertisements that you cannot skip.

Best alternatives to Pandora

You can consider several other music streaming sites if you don’t want to go through the trouble of unblocking Pandora using a VPN. These include:

1. Spotify
2. Apple Music
3. Deezer

The above services are easily accessible globally without requiring a VPN or a proxy.

Pandora’s pricing

Pandora offers a free starting plan with limited options. It only features unlimited skips, podcasts, and personalized stations. You should upgrade your account if you want more controls, like offline listening.

Pandora Plus costs $4.99, while Premium is available for $9.99 monthly. The service offers special discounts on its premium plan for military personnel (and their registered family members) and students.

What should I listen to on Pandora in 2024?

Pandora offers free access to your favorite music, albums, playlists, and podcasts. Signing up for a subscription plan allows you to stream on-demand without ads.

What are the best stations to listen to on Pandora radio?

Some of the best stations on Pandora radio that you can listen to are listed below:

What devices are compatible with Pandora?

You may access Pandora Radio on the following gadgets:

• Android devices
• Apple products (iOS)
• Select Roku devices
• Amazon Fire TV, Kindle, and Alexa devices
• Google Home devices
• Sonos devices
• Xbox One
• Android TV

How to stream Pandora on Android?

You can access Pandora Radio on your Android device by using the following steps:

1. Choosing the best VPN to use. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Install and connect the VPN app to a US server.
3. Open the Google Play store.
4. On the search bar, type “Pandora.”
5. Download the Pandora app on your Android phone and sign up.
6. Sign in with your credentials.
7. Start streaming!

How to stream Pandora on iPhone?

You can access Pandora radio outside the US on iOS by using the following procedure:

1. Subscribe to a premium VPN service. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Download the VPN app, enter your details, and connect to a US server (New York).
3. Install the Pandora app from the App Store.
4. Sign in to the Pandora app and start listening to the music of your choice.

Pandora not working with a VPN: Troubleshooting tips

There are several reasons why Pandora is not working with your VPN. 

• The VPN isn’t working or cannot evade geographical restrictions. 
• You are using a server other than the US. 
• The VPN leaks your IP address. 
• Pandora has blacklisted the VPN. 

Some of the solutions to these issues include: 

• Ensure you are connected to a US server. 
• Clear cookies and cache on your device. 
• Switch to a different server in the US. 
• Try a different browser. 
• Contact the VPN customer support for assistance. 

Moreover, you cannot access Pandora if you are in the US and cannot connect to a server in another country. The best solution is to connect to a US server.

FAQs