Love isn’t in the air – it’s on the internet! And sometimes, using a VPN on one of the 1500+ dating sites is the safest way to find your soulmate. To that end, ExpressVPN is the best VPN for dating sites.
It has 3000+ servers for unblocking dating apps anywhere and offers automatic obfuscation for heavily censored regions. The VPN also offers a reliable Network Lock kill switch for IP leak protection, works with all smart devices, and can help you deal with bans and shadowbans.
ExpressVPN wasn’t the only option that passed the tests.
There’s Surfshark (affordable price plans), NordVPN (extra privacy with Double VPN), PureVPN (the best Wi-Fi protection), and Private Internet Access (a reliable ad and tracker blocker).
If you want to try a hand at online dating, find a comfortable corner and read this to the end.
Top 3 VPNs for Dating Sites
This is one of the most affordable VPNs with unlimited device connections. It can unblock any dating app or site using 3200+ servers. The VPN also offers standard encryption for external threats like hacking and surveillance and a kill switch for IP leak protection. You can use it with smartphones, tablets, and PCs.
You get 3000+ servers for unblocking any dating site and app anywhere. There’s automatic obfuscation that keeps your VPN activity from detection. Additionally, there’s encryption and a kill switch for protection against hackers and IP leaks. You can also use the VPN on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.
NordVPN offers 5400+ servers, among which you’ll get Double VPN, Obfuscated, and Onion Over VPN servers for extra privacy and anonymity. Additionally, you get encryption and a kill switch for cyber stalkers and preventing IP leaks respectfully. NordVPN is compatible with Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.
I met my wife on Badoo in 2016 (true story), so I understand how efficient online dating apps can be. The internet makes things easier, but easy isn’t always good.
There are many things users of online dating apps have to remember, and the most important is security.
As of June 2022, there are over 300 million online dating app users worldwide, with apps like Tinder, Bumble, Grindr, and Badoo leading. But this also attracts all kinds of dangers like cyberstalkers, hackers, and fraudsters. You could find yourself in a very compromising situation with one wrong move.
A VPN may not be a foolproof method of keeping yourself completely safe, but it makes it harder for cyberstalkers, hackers, ISPs, and authoritarian governments to keep tabs on you. So before signing up for that dating platform, consider using the VPNs I review here.
Looking For Unrestricted Online Meet-Ups? Here Are the VPNs to Use
Nothing’s more important than your online security, so before you start swiping, here are the 5 VPNs you should pay attention to.
- ExpressVPN – Best Overall With Automatic Obfuscation
- Surfshark – Most Affordable VPN for Dating Sites
- NordVPN – Reliable Privacy + Largest US Server Network
- PureVPN – Wi-Fi Protection + Unblocks Dating Sites Everywhere
- Private Internet Access – Best AdBlocker for Free Dating Sites
Obfuscation was an important factor that influenced the rankings of these VPNs.
When dealing with heavy censorship, you want to have a VPN that’s harder to detect by your side. I’ll dive into detail in each mini-review to show you how it can help achieve what you need.
The Best 5 VPNs for Dating Sites
Ready to know how each VPN performed in the world of online dating? Here’s the complete breakdown.
ExpressVPN - Best Overall With Automatic Obfuscation
| Location | Servers | Connections | Obfuscation | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BVI | 3000+ | 5 | Yes | Show Offer |
Unblocking Restricted Dating Sites
ExpressVPN has 3000+ servers that can unblock Tinder, Bumble, Grindr, and any other restricted dating site anywhere in the world.
This is the smallest server network on this list, but I had no trouble bypassing all the dating app blocks I tried.
But what makes ExpressVPN stand head and shoulders above the rest is its automatic obfuscation. While obfuscation in other alternatives only works with OpenVPN, ExpressVPN’s is automatic, running with all protocols and servers.
This means you can unblock dating apps even in the most restricted regions, like the Middle East, without your VPN activity being detected.
So, if you’re in the UAE and need a quick hookup on Grindr, ExpressVPN ensures you move anonymously.
Privacy & Anonymity
Having established how risky it can be to be caught using a banned dating app, your privacy is the next area of concern. ExpressVPN has several features to counter this.
First is military-grade encryption, which stops external interference from the government, hackers, and your ISP. Without the deciphering key, the only thing an outsider will see is gibberish.
There’s also a Network Lock kill switch that shuts down your internet when the VPN connection drops. Annoying as that may be, especially when you’re in the middle of dropping an award-winning pick-up line, it stops your real IP from leaking, maintaining your anonymity. Ensure you have it toggled on in the settings before launching your dating app.
Additionally, ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy that ensures nothing is tied to the user. Once you end your session, the slate is wiped clean.
This is a necessary countermeasure against hackers and surveillance from the government.
Finally, if you want to keep things clean and efficient, consider using the split tunneling feature. This keeps apps you don’t need from being routed through the VPN, affecting overall performance. Besides, the last thing you want is accidentally using your banking apps or PayPal with an active VPN.
Unfortunately, ExpressVPN doesn’t have an adblocker.
So you may have to contend with annoying ads when using free versions of online dating apps.
Bypassing Bans and Shadowbans
I was shadowbanned before on Badoo for uploading an image that wasn’t mine, so it’s not strange to experience this when using an online dating app. But can a VPN reverse a shadowban or a permanent one? Not really, but there’s something it can help with.
You can wait out a shadowban, but in the case of a permanent ban, you may have to create a new account. But that won’t be possible if you use the same IP address as the banned account. You can use ExpressVPN to switch your IP address to another location and open a new account, tricking the dating app into thinking you’re a new user.
But as far as recovering your original account, not even Jesus can help bring that back, especially on Tinder. They’re pretty ruthless over there.
Ease of Use & Device Compatibility
Almost all dating sites have a mobile app since people spend most of their time on their devices. ExpressVPN is ideal for all dating apps, as it’s compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows (for those who prefer using web versions of dating sites).
ExpressVPN also has a clean user interface with the servers, kill switch, split tunneling, and other essential features. In short, you don’t need to find a tutorial to figure your way around; just launch the app and start throwing cheesy lines at your potential online dates.
Value for Money
ExpressVPN isn’t cheap, but considering what you can do with it, you get good value. Plus, since you won’t spend the whole day swiping on Tinder, you can use ExpressVPN to stream restricted platforms like Hulu or HBO Max.
ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you wiggle room if you don’t like it. In addition, we offer amazing discounts.
Pros
- Automatic obfuscation
- Can help bypass bans
- Reliable kill switch for IP leak protection
- Solid encryption for external threats
- Compatible with Android and iOS
Cons
- Expensive
- No ad blocker
Surfshark - Most Affordable VPN for Dating Sites
| Location | Servers | Connections | Obfuscation | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Netherlands | 3200+ | Unlimited | Yes | Show Offer |
Unblocking Restricted Dating Sites
Next on the list is Surfshark, one of the cheapest VPNs, with 3200+ servers, edging out ExpressVPN slightly. I could unblock OkCupid, Bumble, Tinder, and Grindr. If you’re in a country that’s strict on dating sites or inside a restricted network like in a school or workplace, Surfshark will help you get around that easily.
Like ExpressVPN, there’s an obfuscation feature called Camouflage Mode, but it only works with OpenVPN. Your speeds will take a significant hit, so if you’re the type that loves making video calls on dating apps, you may struggle.
However, as far as bypassing blocked dating apps and VPNs, Camouflage Mode will allow you to sneak past the DPIs without detection.
Also, note that there’s no Camouflage Mode button anywhere within the app; it’s a function automatically activated when you switch to the OpenVPN protocol.
Privacy & Anonymity
If you hate it when people try to keep tabs on your online activities, Surfshark has the right features to put your mind at ease. There’s AES 256-bit encryption, protecting you from tech-savvy cyber stalkers and hackers who love prowling dating sites.
Furthermore, it keeps you safe when you’re using public networks to browse through matches on sites like Tinder. After all, you wouldn’t want someone hacking your traffic to see who you’re matching with or snoop on your intimate private chats.
There’s also a kill switch that protects you from accidentally leaking your IP address and other sensitive info when the VPN connection drops.
Android users get two kill switches, with the extra one disconnecting the internet, even for the apps you excluded using split tunneling.
And speaking of split tunneling, Surfshark’s version is called Bypasser, and you can boost overall performance by only routing traffic from your dating app rather than burdening the VPN with every other app.
In my case, I have over 90 apps, so if I route them through the VPN, it’s bound to affect overall performance.
Surfshark also offers an ad blocker called CleanWeb, which stops ads from loading if you have a freemium online dating account.
Ads on Tinder, for instance, can be aggressive, popping up just when you’re about to swipe right.
Bypassing Bans and Shadowbans
Like any other premium VPN on this list, you can use Surfshark’s 3200+ servers to create a new account on any dating platform if your previous account was banned. Using a new IP address gives the impression that you’re a new user logging in from another location.
But you can’t reverse a permanent ban because that means the account is gone for good, regardless of an IP change. Ultimately, it’s good to follow the rules.
Ease of Use & Device Compatibility
Surfshark has a clean and easy-to-use interface for Android and iOS.
Finding resources like servers isn’t hard; they’re just there for the picking.
You can even search for a specific server that you need in the search bar.
Additionally, you can connect an unlimited number of devices with a single Surfshark account. This makes things convenient if you have friends and family needing a secure way to unblock dating sites and apps.
One account to rule them all.
Value for Money
Finally, Surfshark is one of the cheapest VPNs on this list, alongside PureVPN, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
As for those who’re on a tight budget, grab these fantastic discounts and enjoy unrestricted access to hotties near you.
Pros
- Offers obfuscation
- It can help bypass shadowbans
- Reliable kill switch for IP leak protection
- Encryption for external threats
- Compatible with Android and iOS
- Affordable price plans
Cons
- Obfuscation only works with the OpenVPN protocol
NordVPN - Reliable Privacy + Largest US Server Network
| Location | Servers | Connections | Obfuscation | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panama | 5500+ | 6 | Yes | Show Offer |
Unblocking Restricted Dating Sites
NordVPN has the second largest server network after PureVPN, which means unblocking dating sites and apps is more efficient than Surfshark and ExpressVPN. The icing on the cake is NordVPN’s specialty servers that offer a variety of great privacy options on top of unblocking capabilities.
If you’re worried about surveillance, you can switch to Double VPN servers which encrypt your traffic twice by passing everything through two servers. This extra layer of encryption ensures you’re untouchable because breaking one layer is already impossible; now imagine two.
If the Double VPN servers don’t cut it for you, there are Onion Over VPN servers that combine the privacy of a VPN and the anonymity of Tor.
Finally, you can use obfuscated servers to keep your VPN use under wraps as you try to find your soulmate across any dating app.
The only drawback of using these three privacy-oriented servers is that they only work with OpenVPN. Therefore your overall speeds will be affected.
So kiss goodbye to smooth late-night video calls.
Privacy & Anonymity
First, the encryption protects your traffic against interference and snooping from your ISP, who may have full access to your browsing footprint.
Plus, encryption shields you from high-level surveillance like the government’s and acts as a buffer against hacking and cyberstalking.
The sheer amount of computer power needed to break AES 256-bit encryption is too much and, frankly, not worth it to a hacker.
NordVPN is also equipped with a kill switch (two of them on Windows) that quickly disconnects your internet when the VPN connection is interrupted.
You won’t access the internet until the VPN connection is restored.
The split tunneling feature is another vital addition that helps you choose what you need to pass through the VPN. I recommend this to users who access dating sites with smartphones and tablets.
Lastly, there’s an ad and tracker blocker called Threat Protection that deals with the annoying pop-up ads common in free versions of dating apps.
Bypassing Bans and Shadowbans
NordVPN won’t do much for you if your account is permanently banned or shadowbanned. However, you can quickly create a new account using a virtual IP address that the dating app in question won’t flag.
Ease of Use & Device Compatibility
NordVPN is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows.
I mostly use Android, and the UI is one of the best; every option is clearly visible and easily accessible. Even a newbie can figure their way around it with a single look.
Furthermore, you can connect up to 6 devices, a little short of all other VPNs except ExpressVPN, but enough to cover multiple devices simultaneously.
Value for Money
NordVPN falls between ExpressVPN and Surfshark regarding price plans.
You get a 30-day money-back guarantee to try things out and a full refund if you’re not satisfied.
NordVPN offers amazing speeds through the NordLynx protocol for extra-curricular activities like streaming or torrenting.
So anytime you’re done searching for love on the internet, take a break and catch a movie or two. After all, Netflix and chill is a good follow-up for swiping right on Tinder or Badoo.
Grab these amazing discounts before they run out.
Pros
- Obfuscated, Double VPN + Onion over VPN servers
- It can help bypass shadowbans
- Reliable kill switch for IP leak protection
- AES 256-bit Encryption for external threats
- Works with Android and iOS
Cons
- Obfuscation only works with the OpenVPN protocol
PureVPN - Wi-Fi Protection + Unblocks Dating Sites Everywhere
| Location | Servers | Connections | Obfuscation | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BVI | 6500+ | 10 | Yes | Show Offer |
Unblocking Restricted Dating Sites
With 6500+ servers, PureVPN leads the pack, and I could unblock several dating apps from where I am without issues, especially Bumble, which has always been out of reach for me (for research purposes, of course, married man and all).
For people in countries that criminalize dating apps and VPNs, PureVPN offers obfuscation automatically through the OpenVPN protocol.
With this, you can easily beat DPIs that seek to stamp out VPN use.
This is particularly handy if you’re trying to access dating sites within a school network or at work.
But if you think about it, using a dating app in school is counterproductive (unless you’re more shy than Rajesh Koothrappali).
You’ll have more success finding love by bumping into your soulmate in the corridor, books falling, both of you trying to pick them up, touching hands, eyes locking…
Privacy & Anonymity
PureVPN encrypts your traffic, keeping it safe from cyberstalkers, hackers, and government surveillance. To an outsider without the deciphering keys, your traffic is nothing but a jumble of gibberish words that they can’t use.
The same encryption is also effective against ISPs who’re never above snooping, especially when you use mobile data, which they have more control over. You can also combine the encryption with the Secure Wi-Fi feature to stay secure when using public networks to pursue love online.
I couldn’t find the Secure Wi-Fi option on the Android app, so I checked with support, and they informed me that it’s automatically activated when you turn on the kill switch. But you’ll find the split tunneling feature pretty quickly.
Speaking of the kill switch, it immediately kicks into action when the VPN is interrupted, disabling the internet for the whole device until the VPN reconnects. This prevents your actual IP from leaking, keeping you anonymous all through.
Unfortunately, there’s no ad and tracker blocker.
Bypassing Bans and Shadowbans
If your account is permanently banned from most online dating sites, there’s no getting it back, especially Tinder. However, you can create another account using the same device by faking your IP location using any of PureVPN’s servers.
But there’s no reason to be a prick on dating sites to the point you get banned. Being nice pays.
Ease of Use & Device Compatibility
Every PureVPN app is easy to use with a clean UI. You won’t struggle to find the servers you need or privacy features like the kill switch.
In addition, the app is compatible with commonly used devices like Android and iOS smartphones and Windows and macOS PCs.
So you can stay connected to your dating app from any device.
In addition, you can connect up to 10 devices at the same time, like Private Internet Access.
Value for Money
PureVPN is one of the cheapest VPNs alongside Surfshark, so it’s ideal for those on a budget. It also offers a 31-day money-back guarantee, and you can get it cheaper by taking advantage of our exclusive discounts.
Pros
- Unblocks restricted dating sites
- It can help bypass shadowbans
- Reliable kill switch for IP leak protection
- Encryption for external threats
- Works with Android and iOS
Cons
- Obfuscation only works with the OpenVPN protocol
- No ad blocker
Private Internet Access - Best AdBlocker for Free Dating Sites
| Location | US Servers | Connections | Obfuscation | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | - | 10 | Yes | Show Offer |
Unblocking Restricted Dating Sites
Last in our mini-review is Private Internet Access, another powerhouse that will unlock any restricted dating site or app anywhere.
The number of servers isn’t known, but it has over 84 locations.
I had no trouble unblocking OkCupid or finding new matches from another region on Tinder and Bumble. PIA also offers obfuscation through the MultiHop features. It throws you around different random servers before linking you with the dating site you’re trying to open.
This makes it hard for anyone tracking to keep up with your online movements.
Privacy & Anonymity
PIA offers an effective kill switch (two on some devices) that prevents IP and DNS leaks when your VPN connection drops, maintaining your anonymity until the connection is restored. This is the perfect counter for cyberstalkers who are common on dating platforms.
The industry-standard encryption also takes care of all external threats like hackers, government surveillance, and ISP interference when you’re on mobile data. Encryption keeps you safe when you use public networks to find love on dating apps.
PIA also has a reliable ad blocker called PIA MACE which stops malicious ads from loading and trackers from following your activities.
Ads are pretty common in free versions of dating apps, which is just a ploy to force you to upgrade. With PIA, that isn’t necessary.
Finally, you can use PIA’s split tunneling feature, Per App Settings, to choose the apps you want to route through the VPN. I recommended excluding sensitive apps like banking and PayPal from the VPN connection since they usually malfunction.
Bypassing Bans and Shadowbans
A banned account can’t come back, and if you’ve been shadow-banned temporarily, the best thing to do is wait it out. But if that’s keeping you from meeting the love of your life, then use PIA’s servers to change your IP and create a new account. This way, you’ll come back as a new user with the same device, and the dating site won’t even know.
Ease of Use & Device Compatibility
PIA is compatible with Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.
Additionally, you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, enough for people who love using multiple devices.
Plus, the user interface is aesthetic and easy to use, especially the Android version. You can connect to any server you want with one finger tap and access all the other features without external help.
Value for Money
The price tag is within the affordable range of most online dating enthusiasts, and when you combine the 30-day money-back guarantee and our irresistible discounts, you get the deal of a lifetime.
Pros
- Unblocks any dating site
- Helps bypass shadowbans
- Reliable kill switch for IP leak protection
- Encryption for external threats
- Works with Android and iOS
Cons
- Server count is unknown
How to Unblock Dating Sites With a VPN?
Once you’ve settled on a dating app, here’s how you can unblock it with ExpressVPN.
- Download and install ExpressVPN.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a server of your choice.
- Open the dating app and start finding your matches.
FAQ
What’s the Best VPN for Tinder?
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Tinder. It has 3000+ servers for unblocking Tinder in restricted regions, and it offers automatic obfuscation, which keeps Tinder and VPN activities hidden from everyone, including the dating app itself.
ExpressVPN also features a reliable kill switch that prevents IP leaks and solid encryption that protects your traffic from hackers and cyber stalkers when using public networks. Lastly, ExpressVPN is compatible with Android and iOS, the best platforms for running online dating apps.
What’s the Best VPN for Grindr?
NordVPN is the best VPN for Grindr because of its reliable privacy features.
It offers one of the best obfuscations through various obfuscated servers that keep your Grindr activities hidden in heavily censored regions.
You can also use Double VPN and Onion Over VPN servers to further boost your anonymity.
The kill switch and encryption combine to protect you against IP leaks and hacking when using public Wi-Fi. Lastly, an effective ad and tracker blocker stops annoying ads from interrupting your online dating experience.
What’s the Best VPN for Okcupid?
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for OkCupid. First, you get military-grade encryption that keeps cyberstalkers, hackers, and fraudsters out of your online dating business.
Then there’s a Network Lock kill switch that prevents IP leaks by killing your internet when the VPN is compromised. Automatic obfuscation is also one of the best, ensuring you operate under the radar so you don’t get banned for VPN use.
Final Word
Finding love is a never-ending hunt, and online dating sites have made that a little easier for most people. But when the deal is too good, think twice.
ExpressVPN remains the best VPN for dating sites in my book.
The reliable kill switch, peerless obfuscation, military-grade encryption, unblocking capabilities, and ease of use make it the best value for money.
If you share my views, grab your exclusive ExpressVPN discount here, and you never know; Cupid could come through for you as he did for me.
