Best VPNs for Instagram

For anyone aiming to access Instagram, a VPN is the easiest method to access the social media platform from anywhere in the world. Here are the best VPNs for Instagram.

It’s not uncommon for Instagram to be blocked on a work or school network. The same goes for many social media services, whether it’s due to being overly distracting or to avoid misuse. In more restrictive countries, Instagram may be censored by the government, but you’ll be able to bypass any blocks with one of the best VPNs for Instagram. 

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) works to mask your current location by connecting to an encrypted server in a region of your choice. You’ll also be assigned a temporary IP address in the process, which is used to access numerous blocked sites and services. Your real IP address will be masked in the meantime. 

We’ll take you through each of the best VPNs for the job in detail below. We’ve also included a quick rundown detailing what you can expect from each provider.

The best VPNs for Instagram:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Instagram. Fast and reliable speeds, and will seamlessly access streaming services, blocked social media, and much more. Unique features and a strict no-logs policy. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for Instagram. No-logs, works well with Instagram and various blocked services, servers in 100+ countries, and unlimited device connections. 
3. ExpressVPN: Ideal for bypassing blocks seen with almost any geo-restricted site or service. Lightway protocol and industry-leading customer support options. 
4. CyberGhost: Optimized servers for tasks like streaming and torrenting, fast speeds, and will access Instagram with no issues. 
5. Proton VPN: Advanced provider with lots of features like Secure Core servers and port forwarding. Free locations with some limitations. 
6. Mullvad: Privacy-focused VPN with some of the fastest connection speeds on the market. 
7. Atlas VPN: Streaming support, basic free plan that will work with Instagram, uses WireGuard by default, and features that include ad blocking, MultiHop, and split tunneling.

Summary Table

If you’re in need of a VPN for Instagram, a long list of services will get the job done. We've narrowed the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best providers for Instagram:

• Servers in a wide range of locations to ensure that there’s always a local option to choose from, no matter where you are in the world  
• Connection speeds will dictate how efficiently the user is able to perform any online task, and will be especially important if you’re scrolling through social media content 
• Privacy and security, including everything from notable features to available protocols
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network 
• The VPN provider must have also had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party to feature in our top three

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for Instagram, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

The best VPNs for Instagram

No two VPNs are the same, with different pros and cons to consider with each service. Here are detailed summaries for all of the providers to make the list. 

NordVPN is the perfect provider if you're in need of a capable service for Instagram. Its large network consists of over 5,800+ RAM-only servers in 60+ countries.

It works with various blocked sites and services including Facebook, TikTok, X, Threads, Twitch, Discord, Reddit, and many more. The provider is adept at accessing streaming sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and lesser-known platforms. Average speeds of 200 Mbps are quick enough to avoid any slowdown, whether you’re streaming 4K videos or scrolling through your Instagram feed. 

Nord has various features to ensure a high level of privacy at all times. For example, specialty servers offer support for Double VPN (MultiHop), along with P2P and Onion over VPN. Apps and infrastructure have been independently audited, and the provider is based in Panama.

Obfuscation will help the user to avoid any blocks in restrictive regions, while Threat Protection blocks malware, trackers, ads, and more.  

The proprietary NordLynx protocol is a unique addition, as is Meshnet. The latter allows users to create private, encrypted tunnels between trusted devices, and is available without paying for a subscription. 

There are NordVPN apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android, and it can be used with up to six devices at the same time. 

THE BEST VPN FOR INSTAGRAM: NordVPN is our recommendation for Instagram or pretty much any blocked social media site. Earns top billing thanks to fast speeds, secure servers, various unique features, and streaming support. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is a close second if you need a VPN for Instagram, with a variety of low-cost subscriptions available. It has over 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries that are perfect for getting an IP address from various regions, and it’s ideal for everything from streaming to gaming. 

You’ll be able to connect to an unlimited number of devices at the same time, further emphasizing its affordability. You can share an account with friends and family. You’ll find apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Surfshark can be used to watch content via lots of geo-restricted streaming sites, and average speeds (188 Mbps) are more than fast enough to ensure a buffer-free experience. 

Solid security features include MultiHop servers and a custom obfuscation protocol (Camouflage Mode) that can be used to prevent your ISP from detecting that Surfshark is in use. As the name implies, NoBorders works well to bypass any network restrictions. It also comes with a seven-day free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS devices. 

Given the vast array of servers on offer, it is worth noting that some locations are slower than others. 

THE BEST BUDGET VPN FOR INSTAGRAM: Surfshark fits the bill if you’re in need of a low-cost VPN for Instagram. Unlimited devices with a single account, streaming access, NoBorders, and strong security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is another worthy contender if you’re in need of a provider for Instagram, with reliable connection speeds and servers in 105+ countries.

It’s undeniably one of the best VPNs for accessing various restricted sites and apps, including popular streaming services in a long list of locations. For instance, ExpressVPN works with 24+ Netflix libraries, so it’ll have no trouble with bypassing Instagram blocks.

The proprietary Lightway protocol’s average speeds amount to 175 Mbps. You’ll find ExpressVPN apps for all major platforms, alongside custom router firmware. 

Features include split tunneling, Smart DNS, a kill switch (Network Lock), and obfuscation. ‘Parallel Connections’ is exclusive to iOS and automatically uses the fastest protocol available. 

It might be a little pricier than average, but ExpressVPN won’t let you down, whether it’s used for Instagram or almost anything else you can think of. You’ll be able to get in touch with support 24/7 via live chat, and the team is especially knowledgeable.

RELIABLE INSTAGRAM VPN: ExpressVPN can access social media, streaming platforms, and much more with ease. Reliable apps, Lightway protocol, large network, and audited apps and infrastructure. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost is another great VPN for accessing Instagram, and the same goes for many other blocked sites and services. With over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, it has an extensive server network that is unlikely to be overloaded. 

Apps are especially beginner-friendly, allowing the user to stream content via optimized servers or torrent files safely. Speeds also happen to be on the faster end of the scale, averaging just under 300 Mbps. In other words, it’s perfect for accessing various forms of online content. 

You’ll find a reliable kill switch, as well as everything from split tunneling to Smart DNS support. The ability to block malicious websites, tracking scripts, and adverts is also a helpful addition.   

User friendly apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android make it easy to get started with CyberGhost. A single account works with up to seven devices. 

It did cause a few captchas to pop up while using Google, and we’d like to see the addition of obfuscation in the future. Regardless, CyberGhost is still a viable option for unblocking Instagram from anywhere, and it won't leak your actual IP address.  

GREAT FOR STREAMING: CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly provider with useful apps for all major platforms. Streaming-optimized servers, Content Blocker, fast connection speeds, large network, and a no-logs. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

Proton VPN comes with everything you could possibly expect from a modern provider, including free servers, obfuscation, streaming access, and much more. As such, it can easily access Instagram. 

Released by the team behind ProtonMail, it’s predominantly designed to improve online security. As such; it has a strict no-logs policy and will bypass blocks in more restrictive regions. 

Free VPN locations in the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan can access blocked services like Instagram, although you’ll have to upgrade to a premium account if you’d also like streaming support. The same goes for access to the fastest speeds (320 Mbps) and specialty Tor over VPN and Secure Core servers.  

Subscription prices are a little higher than the norm, but it does allow the service to offer free servers with no bandwidth cap. It might be seen as overkill to use a service like Proton for Instagram, but it’s sure to keep you safe while doing so. 

ADVANCED INSTAGRAM VPN: Proton VPN might be a bit over-equipped if you solely plan to use it for Instagram. Port forwarding, free servers, Secure Core, Tor over VPN, fast streaming speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Mullvad is a viable solution for anyone who’d like to remain secure while accessing blocked services like Instagram. The provider allows the user to sign up anonymously, and it comes with an audited zero-logs policy to ensure peace of mind while connected. 

Exceptional server speeds averaging 660 Mbps place Mullvad far ahead of the chasing pack, and it’s ideal for tasks like torrenting or endless scrolling on Instagram. 

A lack of streaming support might be off-putting for some users, but it doesn’t prevent Mullvad from being stuffed with notable features to improve privacy. For instance, it has strong encryption, a sturdy kill switch, MultiHop support, and a Shadowsocks proxy. 

Even so, no streaming support is a clear downside, and might be a deal breaker for some users. It also has a smaller server network, although you’ll still find coverage in various popular locations like the US and the UK. In total, it operates 650+ servers in 43+ countries. 

SECURE INSTAGRAM VPN: Mullvad has your back no matter what you plan to use it for. Regularly audited, no-logs, exceptional connection speeds, and various advanced features designed to improve privacy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Mullvad.

Atlas VPN can access any blocked social media platforms, from Instagram to Threads. One of the newer VPNs to appear on the market, it manages to avoid many of the mistakes made by more established providers. 

Average speeds of 258 Mbps are perfect for anything from streaming to torrenting, and it uses the WireGuard protocol to great effect.

Features include the ability to connect with unlimited devices at the same time, as well as ad blocking, malware filtering, and split tunneling. Atlas also comes with MultiHop servers, rotating IPs, and more. These are strong security features, helping to improve online privacy while connected to the VPN. 

The free tier offers a trio of locations to choose from, and no speed limits. Unfortunately, you’re likely to hit the 5 GB monthly bandwidth cap sooner rather than later, so it’s not a viable solution for accessing Instagram in the long term. 

However, the premium version of Atlas VPN is more than capable of getting the job done. 

FREE INSTAGRAM VPN: Atlas VPN offers free servers, unlimited device connections, streaming support, and access to numerous blocked sites and services like Instagram. Simple 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Atlas VPN.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Instagram  

Rather than picking out providers at random, we’ve compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology. We test and compare the best VPNs in the business. 

Our strict criteria means that only providers dedicated to digital privacy, with excellent usability and optimal performance, can make it onto our list. Below, you can see the criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for Instagram.

• Servers: Servers in a wide selection of locations will help if you plan to access Instagram from a nearby region. 
• Speeds and performance: No matter what you plan to use a VPN for, connection speeds will have an impact on almost any online task. We test connection speeds with the fastest servers located around the world. This will be especially useful if you plan to scroll through lots of content on your feed. 
• Privacy and security: How does the VPN perform in terms of security and privacy? We look at features, their implementation, and everything from leak protection to encryption and protocols. 
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

How to use a VPN with Instagram  

VPNs can be daunting for beginners, but it’s easy to set up and use a provider with popular social networks like Instagram. If you’re not sure what to do, we’ve put together a quick step-by-step guide to make things easier.   

Here’s how to set up a VPN with Instagram:

1. Pick a VPN that works well with Instagram. NordVPN is our top recommendation overall. 
2. Sign up, and download the relevant VPN app to your device. 
3. Log in, and select a VPN server in a nearby region that allows access to Instagram.
4. Wait to be connected to the VPN server. 
5. Once connected, you’ll be free to open Instagram and use the app with no restrictions. 

You’ll be free to access any additional blocked sites and services that are available in the region that you’ve chosen for as long as you’re connected to the VPN server. If you run into any issues, make sure to clear the cache and any cookies from your device. 

Instagram VPN FAQs

Can I use a free VPN for Instagram?

Free VPNs tend to be more of a hindrance than a help, whether it’s due to services siphoning off user data to sell to third parties, or providers lacking the necessary encryption to keep your data safe and secure in the first place. Some free VPNs have even been found to include malware.

As well as various privacy issues, many free VPNs are lacking in terms of performance. Servers are often overloaded, and speeds are much slower as a consequence. Free VPN IP addresses are often blocked by sites and services due to misuse, so we’d always advise sticking with a premium provider if possible.

Is it illegal to use a VPN with Instagram?

You’re unlikely to be breaking the law when using a VPN with Instagram, although it’s a good idea to check up on local rules to be sure. Using a VPN could go against Instagram’s terms of service, but it’s unlikely that the platform will ban or block you for doing so. 

Why is Instagram blocked?

Reasons for blocking the service will vary depending on your current location and circumstances. For example, some schools and offices have issued a crackdown against social media apps like Instagram in an effort to get students and staff to focus on their work.

In countries like China, Instagram is blocked in an effort to control the flow of information, as part of a wider ban on Western social media. Russia and Iran are two additional examples of countries that have blocked or banned Instagram to some extent in the past.

Can Instagram track you with a VPN?

On mobile devices, Instagram may track the user via their GPS location, rather than using your IP address. This makes it more difficult to hide your real location from the service. Deny the permission that allows Instagram to access your GPS location to force it to use your VPN’s IP address instead. A GPS spoofing app is also a possible solution.

Can you use a proxy to change your Instagram location?

A proxy is another possible solution if you want to access Instagram from a blocked network. However, it’s a good idea to understand the differences between a proxy and a VPN. The former is likely to lack the encryption seen with the latter, and will only be able to mask your browser traffic at best. 

Proxies can be a privacy risk as you might not be sure of who has access to your data, but it’s a simple method to bypass many online restrictions. 

Do the best VPNs for Instagram work with other social media apps?

Yes. If a VPN can access Instagram, it should also work with other popular social media platforms. In fact, apps like Facebook and X are less stringent than streaming services when it comes to VPN users. As such, you can expect a premium provider to access various social media platforms without breaking a sweat.