Instagram is one of the most popular social platforms globally. However, access and performance are not always uniform across the globe. Some countries, like Russia and China, have banned the use of Instagram in their regions. Also, to restrict users and employees, schools and corporations ban Instagram in their region.
A reliable VPN (like NordVPN) helps you to get around geo-blocks, keeps a consistent connection, and protects your private information (even when using public WiFi). And it also allows you to connect through various areas, which is useful for account management or testing out readings of content findability without losing feet by the desk merely browsing more freely.
This guide takes you through the top five best VPNs for Instagram based on speed, reliability, security, and ease-of-use, so that you can connect anywhere knowing your data is safe.
Top VPN for Instagram – Quick list
- NordVPN: An excellent VPN that works hard to lead the industry with the most updated technology and many exciting extra features.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): The VPN with the largest server network by far is also very user-friendly and fully committed to user privacy.
- ExpressVPN: The biggest name in VPN-land delivers the goods where Instagram is concerned better than anybody else. It’s our top choice.
- Surfshark: The VPN offers the best value for money, with no device limit and great functionality.
- AtlasVPN: Not the biggest name on our list, but an excellent option nevertheless. It has a fully functional free service, a rarity.
Why do you need a VPN for Instagram?
It’s not about Instagram only. The internet is tricky, and you must ensure you’re protected online. And that’s why you need a VPN at all times.
Let’s briefly review what a VPN is and how it keeps you safe.
A VPN is a service that performs two tricks for you. First, it encrypts all the traffic going in and out of a given device. Second, it hides your actual IP address from the rest of the world, substituting it with an IP from the VPN network. This way, it thoroughly scrambles all your traffic so that any third party intercepting your connection can’t read it.
If nobody (including your ISP) knows your IP address, they can’t figure out where you are or use additional metadata to locate you. Those are the primary two things that make a VPN worth its name, but the best ones do many more things.
And what does this have to do with Instagram? Instagram is on the internet for a start, but there’s more.
Instagram is exceedingly popular worldwide. But some governments don’t like it, so they’ve blocked it. So, there are some jurisdictions in the world where you can’t access your Instagram account. But even in the free world, there are bans on Instagram, except they’re not political. For instance, the internet connection at work could be blocked by Instagram.
It is easy to understand. Your bosses don’t want you to spend your working hours looking at Instagram stories. Something similar can happen in schools, universities, hospitals, etc. And you could still want to have access to Instagram, even from those countries or places. A VPN will give you permanent access, regardless of your physical location.
The top VPN services for Instagram today – Detailed list
Any decent VPN will unblock Instagram on most of the world’s local networks. But there is one tough cookie: China. Bypassing the Great Firewall of China is no mean feat, and only the best China VPNs in the industry can manage such a feat.
Here is our list of the top five options for a secure VPN to use on Instagram.
1. NordVPN
One of the best VPNs for any task online; using Instagram safely is one of them. It has double VPN feature that ensures you to be anonymous while doing any task online. All thanks to its super-fast servers, stealth technology, and a resilient, huge network.
More than 8,400 VPN servers in 120+ countries
Offers P2P friendly servers
AES-256-bit encryption
Zero-log policy
Kill switch feature
Up to 10 devices simultaneously with one subscription
Web protection
MultiHop (double VPN) Mode
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Very fast speed servers
- Multiple servers from same location
- Low-budget packages
Cons
- Double VPN feature is somewhat complicated
NordVPN is also an excellent option. It keeps adopting the newest VPN technology to ensure the best performance possible, similar to ExpressVPN.
The server network spans 126 and includes over 9,000 nodes. The speeds are lightning-fast, and it has a set of specialized servers for BitTorrent users, Double VPN connections, and TOR browsing. But the stars in this sky are the obfuscated servers that allow users to bypass even the most brutal blocks on the planet–yes, we mean the Great Firewall of China.
This VPN is good against IP leaks. It has a kill switch (except on Android), and it keeps no logs on user activity, which is the one policy that ensures user privacy.
The VPN provides Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS software. Each account can have ten devices on the network at a given time.
2. Private Internet Access (PIA)
A well-established VPN service that performs exceptionally-well overall – unblocking Instagram is no exception. It supports P2P sharing and boasts military-grade encryption.
Over 30,000 VPN servers in 91 countries
AES 128/256-bit encryption
P2P sharing allowed
Zero-logs policy
Automatic kill switch
Allows 10 simultaneous connections
DNS leak protection
30-days of money-back guarantee
Pros
- Extensive server network
- Boasts no-logs policy
- Privacy-conscious
Cons
- Apps lack advanced features
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN without the huge reputation of some of our other options, but it’s nevertheless excellent.
The PIA apps are user-friendly, making this option a remarkably convenient service for users who have not ventured into the VPN verse.
PIA’s network is vast, probably the largest one in the world. It has more than 30,000 servers in almost every country. So you’ll always have plenty of choices when you search for a server.
It is one of the few reputable VPNs based in the US. But unfortunately, the US has very hostile laws to individual digital privacy and a government that likes to monitor its citizens. And that’s why PIA’s commitment to privacy is remarkable.
This VPN has a strict no-log-keeping policy, and it has shown the world how it adheres to it in several court cases. The authorities requested the company’s user activity logs in several criminal procedures. PIA complied by delivering all the data it has kept on user activities—none at all. Several VPN privacy practices and no-log policies are documented through external audits, but very few have walked the fireline with their governments.
3. ExpressVPN
Our top pick VPN for using Instagram. It has unique security and privacy features with blazing-fast servers.
3,000 VPN servers spread across 105 countries
Strong AES-256-bit encryption standard
Web leak protection
TrustedServer technology
P2P optimized nodes
Kill switch
Boasts zero-logs policy
Allows up to 8 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Apps with a user-friendly interface
- Maintains high-level security and privacy
- Large global server network
Cons
- Big-budget VPN
ExpressVPN is the service we can recommend as the best one for Instagram. It’s no surprise since we often find it’s the best VPN in the industry for any task you could have.
The encryption algorithms in ExpressVPN combine the strictest security with the latest technology to have security and performance in the same package.
The ExpressVPN server network includes over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, giving you plenty of choices. In addition, the “Smart Location” feature finds the best possible service you can use at any given time and links your device to it.
Were you looking for a VPN that can beat China’s Great Firewall? This one does. You don’t need to tweak anything or use any particular setup out of the box. It just works.
ExpressVPN has a kill switch (called “Network Lock“) that pulls your device offline if the secure VPN tunnel is lost.
Your account is suitable for eight concurrent connections, and there are apps or clients for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and even Linux.
4. Surfshark
A budget-friendly VPN that unblocks Instagram effortlessly. It has a Camouflage Mode with many other unique features that allows anonymous browsing.
More than 4,500 servers spread across 100 countries
AES-256-bit encryption
Supports P2P sharing (torrenting)
Supports split tuneling
Effective kill switch
Zero-logging
Boasts MultiHop Mode
Allows unlimited simultaneous devices per account
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Affordable long-term plans
- Blocks intrusive cookies
- Maintains your security and privacy
Cons
- Lag on some servers
Surfshark is an excellent VPN for Instagram (and anything else). It’s the one VPN that will give you more value for money than anyone else.
The network has over 4,500 servers based in more than 100 countries. It keeps no user logs, and the “NoBorders” feature is Surfshark’s tool for bypassing the worst navigation restrictions worldwide.
Encryption is at the highest military grade, has a kill switch for every app and client, and is safe against IP leaks.
Surfshark’s claim to fame within the VPN world is in offering top-notch service at a fraction of the price of NordVPN or ExpressVPN. And if that’s not cost-efficient enough for you, it supports as many devices as you can connect -no limits.
The provider offers dedicated VPN clients for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. So, you can secure pretty much every device you own using Surfshark.
5. AtlasVPN
Top freemium VPN to use Instagram fluently. It boasts split tunneling and MultiHop feature alongside other impressive functionalities.
More than 700 servers across 40+ locations
AES-256 encryption
Split tunneling
MultiHop feature
P2P support
Kill switch
Malware and ad blocker
Keeps no logs
Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Good connection speeds
- Free version available
- Strong security and privacy features.
Cons
- Server network is small
Atlas VPN stands out from the average VPN because of its exemplary service. But also because of its business model. It is one of the rare VPNs with a freemium approach.
Freemium means using AtlasVPN as a premium user (paying a monthly fee) or for free. Yes, free, as in “beer.” Atlas VPN’s free option is fully functional, so you don’t miss any of the best features of this VPN. The only catch is in the data cap, which is 10 GB monthly.
Atlas VPN’s free version offers 5 GB of monthly data (recently reduced from 10 GB), which is sufficient for light Instagram browsing but may be limiting if you frequently watch videos or scroll image-heavy feeds.
So, if you’re interested in using a free VPN to use Instagram, then Atlas VPN is undoubtedly the way to go. However, keep in mind the data cap. Instagram is heavy on graphics (pictures and videos).
That is the point of that social network, after all. So, while AtlasVPN’s free service will do the trick for sure, you’ll need to moderate your Instagram use so you don’t run out of available data as a free user. But of course, you can always solve that problem by going premium.
How we found the best VPNs for Instagram
The VPN market has exploded in recent years and is now overcrowded with options. The publicity for every VPN is fantastic, and it would seem that you can’t go wrong with any choice whatsoever. But, unfortunately, that’s not the case.
Like any other industry, the VPN market has fewer outstanding providers than average. And then, there’s another fraction of VPNs you shouldn’t touch with a six-foot pole. But how can you tell which is which?
Well, you don’t need to tell which is which. Unfortunately, figuring that out is not an easy task. It takes time, resources, patience, attention, energy, and expertise. Our staff has all those things already. And they keep testing VPNs all the time; that’s their job. So they’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to. Here are the criteria they used to pick the best five VPNs for Instagram on our list:
- Server network. Great VPNs must have servers everywhere around the planet. That gives you more options and various ways to experience the internet. And, of course, that network size also ensures you will have plenty of servers physically near you.
- Speed. Speed is always essential on the internet. And even more so when you intend to use Instagram (heavy with graphics) through a VPN (which needs some time to redirect your traffic, encrypt it, and decrypt it). So if a VPN is helpful to you, it must have excellent speeds, reliability, and unlimited bandwidth.
- Ability to unblock. China has blocked Instagram. Many schools, universities, office buildings, and corporations block this social network. Having a VPN for Instagram means knowing you’ll get what you want wherever you are. Not every VPN can deliver on this issue, but our chosen ones do.
- Security. Digital security is the one thing that every VPN should get right. But alas, life is never that simple. Our chosen ones protect against DNS, WebRTC, and other IP leaks. They all use the best encryption standards (AES 256). And NordVPN and Surfshark will even allow you to have more than one layer of encryption on your traffic.
- Privacy. Digital security is all about technology, but privacy is a different animal. It’s all about human decisions written as company policy. In this regard, you know that a VPN values your privacy when it sticks to a strict no-log policy. If external audits can confirm that, it’s even better.
- Friendliness. VPNs started as an arcane toy that aimed to serve only the most paranoid geeks and security experts. But the world has changed. Nowadays, a VPN is an essential service that every user on the internet should have. Therefore, we’ve picked VPNs with the minimal possible learning curve. You’re only a few clicks away from starting with our chosen VPNs.
- Value for money. Having a VPN shouldn’t be onerous. The VPNs in our list give you great value for money because they are reasonably priced. Plus, they all give you many additional helpful features beyond unlocking Instagram.
How to use Instagram through a VPN
Taking your first steps into the VPN-verse to unblock Instagram couldn’t be easier. It takes a handful of actions only. Here’s how you should proceed.
- Choose a VPN from our list. NordVPN is the best, Surfshark fits any budget, and AtlasVPN has a free program. But either option will work.
- Search for and install the app your chosen VPN offers for your platform (Android, iOS).
- Launch your VPN app. Log in using your account’s credentials.
- Pick a server in any location you like.
- Open your Instagram and generally navigate through your VPN’s network once you’re online.
Still facing problems? Clear your browser’s cookies and cache, and try again if you still can’t see Instagram. If the block remains effective, ask your VPN for help.
