Grindr is restricted in many places due to political, cultural, and religious reasons.
To access it in these places, you’ll need VPN services, and NordVPN is the best tool.
On top of having some of the best privacy and security features, NordVPN is affordable.
During the tests, which involved both free and premium VPNs, it scored the highest marks in almost every key area.
But if NordVPN has never been your cup of tea, don’t worry.
I included 4 other alternatives that I’ll be looking at in detail, too.
But before that, here are the factors that influenced my picks:
- The privacy that allows Grindr users to use the platform without being tracked for harassment of any kind.
- The ability to unblock Grindr in restricted regions to allow LGBTQ people to connect with others around them.
- Security features like obfuscation which completely hides VPN traces from online traffic in case anyone is specifically monitoring the use of VPNs to access Grindr.
- Vast numbers of servers that broaden the reach of the LGBTQ members and widen their matching pool.
- Fast connection speeds that make it easy for Grindr users to video chat and share videos and other graphical materials without interruptions.
Other VPNs that made the cut include ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and PureVPN.
So, if you’re a member of LGBTQ and would like to meet new people on Grindr without feeling like the walls are watching, this is for you.
Top 3 VPNs for Grindr
ExpressVPN has impressive speeds, and reliable security features. It also has an excellent user interface, and it can work on most devices, especially mobile phones and tablets. The price may be a little high, but it makes up for that with a host of functionalities, making it an ideal VPN for Grindr.
NordVPN prides itself on having one of the best security frameworks in the game. You get a kill switch, split tunneling, obfuscation, military-level encryption, and a Dedicated IP address for an exclusive line to Grindr. It’s also supported on mobile devices, which means you can access Grindr on the go once you unblock it with NordVPN.
Surfshark has one thing that all other VPNs lack: unlimited device connections. This allows you to use the same subscription to connect as many devices as possible. At the same time, it’s among the most affordable VPNs around, yet still packs the same, and sometimes even better, features than other options that cost more.
I’ll also briefly look at some of the factors you need to keep in mind when selecting a VPN for Grindr.
Additionally, there will be a section on how to set up VPNs for Grindr and a troubleshooting guide if you run into problems.
In short, you’re in good hands. So roll with me to the end to know more.
5 Best VPNs for Grindr at a Glance
If you need a quick look at the best VPNs for Grindr and the key features that make them stand out, here you go:
- NordVPN – Best Overall
- ExpressVPN – Amazing Connection Speeds + Robust Privacy
- Surfshark – Unlimited Device Connections + Affordable Prices
- CyberGhost – Easy for Beginners + Highest Number of Servers
- PureVPN – Reliable Security + Great User Interface
The 5 Best VPNs for Grindr
So, you have your Grindr account app installed but you’re unsure on the best VPN app to turn to.
After exhaustive tests across the board, this is how each of the 5 VPNs performs with Grindr.
NordVPN
If you’re concerned about getting in trouble for accessing Grindr in restricted regions, then NordVPN is what you need.
If there’s one area where NordVPN doesn’t slack, it’s security and privacy.
How does this play out with Grindr?
For starters, NordVPN doesn’t log any user data.
Not even your Internet Service Provider, known for monitoring customer online traffic patterns, will know what you’re up to.
With this, your secret remains safe, you can keep your Grindr activities under wraps, and no one will be any wiser.
Secondly, NordVPN’s AES encryption is another data security measure used to protect data from being accessed by unauthorized individuals.
Grindr users can be sure that their data will be safe from prying eyes since NordVPN’s AES encryption is one of the most secure.
This extra layer of protection is always welcome, considering how bad the risks of being exposed are.
Then we have the kill switch.
This ensures that your traffic is always encrypted and never leaks to an unsecured network.
It’s automatically triggered the moment your VPN connection drops.
It kills the internet and any potential snooping or tracking by anyone looking to take advantage of that momentary lapse.
NordVPN goes a step further by offering obfuscation.
If you’re looking for a way to use Grindr in a region where it’s restricted, NordVPN’s obfuscation feature can help.
It makes it difficult for anyone to see that you’re using a VPN for Grindr, allowing you to stay connected in countries where the app is banned.
Another notable feature that will make your Grindr experience better is split tunneling.
By routing only Grindr traffic through a VPN server, you can ensure that your data stays private and your identity remains hidden.
All this without affecting how other apps function.
Furthermore, split tunneling can help reduce latency on Grindr, making it faster and more responsive.
You can also beat Grindr restrictions better using NordVPN’s Dedicated IP feature.
However, it comes at an extra cost outside the regular subscription plans.
A dedicated IP gives you a unique IP address assigned to only one account.
This means that your traffic won’t be mixed with other users’ traffic and won’t be subject to restrictions.
DNS leak protection is another security feature offered by NordVPN.
It ensures that your traffic is always routed through the VPN server, keeping your data safe and well hidden.
This is particularly important for Grindr users, as the app is a trove of very sensitive information.
Plus, thanks to an extensive server network, I unblocked Grindr with NordVPN in seconds.
You can unblock Grindr from anywhere in the world. You have to connect to a server in a country where rules are less restrictive, like the US. (Over 1,700 US servers!)
At the moment, NordVPN boasts of 5,400+ servers in 60 countries.
When you launch the VPN, you’re met with a comprehensive list of countries, each with its own servers.
Simply tap on the one you like to connect to, and you’ll be scrolling through a list of beautiful matches of other Grindr users in seconds.
NordVPN doesn’t lack speed, either.
It gives you blazing fast speeds and stable connections that ensure you can hold video chats without any lags or buffering—the faster your base internet speeds, the better the experience.
With a stable connection, the risks of NordVPN suddenly dropping are also minimized.
The speeds didn’t vary much when I tested the same on an Android phone.
As far as the price plans are concerned, NordVPN isn’t the cheapest, and neither is it the costliest.
It’s well within the affordable range of most people looking for a reliable VPN to access Grindr.
Additionally, you can get it for a much cheaper rate by taking advantage of these discounted prices right now.
Pros
- Unblocks Grindr in restricted regions
- Great security & privacy
- It supports a Dedicated IP feature
- Compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows
- Connects up to 6 devices
Cons
- A dedicated IP address costs extra
- The speeds could be faster
ExpressVPN - Amazing Connection Speeds + Robust Privacy
ExpressVPN is a super-fast VPN with robust privacy, two attributes suited for use with Grindr in restricted places.
The following is a breakdown of how ExpressVPN held up during the tests.
ExpressVPN has a number of privacy features that make it an ideal choice for this purpose.
First, ExpressVPN uses military-grade encryption to protect your data from prying eyes.
This extends to your ISP and a hostile government looking to infringe on the rights of the LGBTQ community.
They can’t see what you’re doing even if they try.
Additionally, ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any logs of your activity.
This means that even if someone hacks into the VPN servers, they can’t track your online activity.
You can even use the VPN for illegal activities, and your identity will still remain anonymous.
ExpressVPN is also equipped with a kill switch feature (labeled Network Lock).
This ensures that your internet traffic is immediately disconnected the moment your VPN connection drops.
Anyone digging around your Grindr activities won’t stand a chance.
Just like NordVPN, ExpressVPN has obfuscated servers that are automatic on every platform and across every server.
You can connect to any of these servers and use Grindr in censored regions without fear of being caught.
ExpressVPN’s obfuscated servers work by disguising your traffic as regular internet activity.
This makes it difficult for ISPs, government censors or a network admin to block or track your activity.
How good is ExpressVPN in unblocking Grindr?
ExpressVPN has countless servers in 94 countries.
This gives you all the options to choose from when unblocking Grindr.
And, as mentioned, ExpressVPN’s speeds are steller.
You can load profiles quickly, share images and videos without problems, and even hold seamless video chats.
The experience is even better if you find servers that aren’t overcrowded.
You can also use it on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets that work well with Grindr.
Besides lacking a Dedicated IP feature, ExpressVPN isn’t cheap.
It’s actually the most expensive VPN around, which can be a stumbling block for many.
Unless you plan to use it for more than just unblocking Grindr, paying all that for this sole purpose may not be a good idea.
But if you can take advantage of these great discounts to further push that price down.
Click here for more information.
Pros
- Unblocks Grindr without issues
- Zero logs policy
- Blazing fast speeds
- Works with iOS, Android and Windows, etc
- Equipped with Static IP
Cons
- It lacks a Dedicated IP feature
- It’s expensive
Surfshark - Unlimited Device Connections + Affordable Prices
Third on the list is Surfshark, which is a world apart from ExpressVPN in terms of pricing.
But don’t let that price tag fool you.
Surfshark is a premium VPN that can stand on its own, especially in the connection speed department.
One of the most important features of Surfshark VPN is its military-grade encryption.
This means that all of your traffic is securely encrypted and can’t be intercepted by anyone.
This is especially important if you’re using Grindr in a country where the service is censored, as it will ensure that your activities are hidden from your government.
Another notable feature is Surfshark’s kill switch.
It’s a great way to protect your privacy on Grindr in places where censorship is the order of the day.
If the connection drops for any reason, your traffic could be exposed.
This kill switch shuts down everything with the slightest interruption of the internet.
Again, just like ExpressVPN and NordVPN above, Surfshark features obfuscated servers via the OpenVPN protocol.
These servers work by encrypting traffic and making it appear as if it’s coming from a different source.
This makes it difficult for ISPs and other third parties to track and block users’ activity.
This is especially useful for Grindr users in countries where the app is banned or heavily restricted.
Additionally, there’s a reliable split tunneling feature.
It allows you to route some of your traffic through a VPN server while using your regular internet connection for other activities.
This means you can still access Grindr via the VPN without affecting how other applications work.
When it comes to unblocking Grindr, Surfshark is just as capable as the other top hitters on this list.
It may pale in comparison to CyberGhost, but with over 3200 servers in 65 countries, Sursfhark gets the job done very well.
It matters not where you’re located; you can unblock Grindr in seconds, even in the most heavily restricted places in the world.
But the one area where Surfshark truly excels is its ability to connect an unlimited number of devices.
You could have your smartphone, tablet, or PC hooked up to Grindr using the same account.
This is a feature that’s unique to Surfshark alone.
Surfshark prices are also the cheapest around, and it makes more sense to go for this VPN if all you need is to bypass Grindr.
You can even get it cheaper if you simply click here to enjoy amazing discounts.
On the flipside, Surfshark, just like ExpressvPN, doesn’t offer Dedicated IP.
Pros
- It can unblock Grindr
- Dependable privacy and security
- Unlimited device connections
- Compatible with mobile devices
- The cheapest VPN
Cons
- It doesn’t have a Dedicated IP
CyberGhost - Easy for Beginners + Highest Number of Servers
CyberGhost VPN takes the crown for the highest number of servers on this list, and I can’t stress enough how vital that is.
When it comes to beating censorship, having more servers to choose from means more options.
This is why CyberGhost made the cut, along with its ease of use, even for newbies.
But how did it hold up in all the other key areas?
CyberGhost’s AES encryption is the perfect solution for Grindr users in regions where Grindr is blocked and banned.
AES encryption is incredibly strong, making it virtually impossible for anyone to decrypt your data.
This means you can use Grindr without worry that your data will be exposed to anyone who shouldn’t have access to it.
In addition, CyberGhost’s AES encryption is also fast, so you won’t experience any slowdown in your connection while using Grindr.
Another feature is the kill switch.
Just like the other options already discussed, CyberGhost’s kill switch will come to your rescue when your VPN goes out.
This happens a lot more times than people care to admit, but there’s no need to worry.
The internet gets disconnected, too, ensuring nothing leaks out.
CyberGhost has obfuscated NoSpy servers; the catch, however, is that it costs extra.
On the plus side, if you choose to get this, your security and privacy will get an extra layer of protection.
The NoSpy servers ideally would work best in places where restrictions are heavy, places like the Middle East.
However, the good news is that it has a Dedicated IP feature, which adds the much-needed extra layer of security to keep you out of harm’s way.
Meanwhile, its split tunneling feature is a great way to keep your online activity private and secure.
When you use CyberGhost’s split tunnel feature, only the traffic that goes to the VPN server is encrypted.
This means you get to use other applications normally without any VPN rerouting.
CyberGhost has 8,027 servers in 91 countries and 114 locations and is still rising.
That’s an impressive number that makes up for all the other shortcomings.
With this, you shouldn’t have any problem unblocking Grindr from any corner of the globe (save for the super restricted ones).
The connection speeds aren’t shabby, either.
CyberGhost isn’t as fast as ExpressVPN or Surfshark, but there wasn’t any lag when I tested video chats or shared huge files.
Furthermore, the VPN is compatible with a number of devices, including mobile phones and tablets.
You can also connect up to 7 devices at once, which is good if you have friends who also want to score cute dates.
CyberGhost’s prices aren’t bad.
They’re cheaper than ExpressVPN and NordVPN and almost the same as Surfshark.
Furthermore, you can save some extra money on top if you get your subscription using these amazing discounts.
Pros
- Unblocks Grindr in restricted areas
- Great security and privacy
- Easy to use
- Compatible with smartphones and tablets
- Over 8,000 servers in 91 countries
Cons
- Dedicated IP costs extra
- NoSpy servers feature is billed separately
PureVPN - Reliable Security + Great User Interface
PureVPN is one of the best-looking VPNs around.
It has a clean user interface that’s easy to navigate, something that new Grindr users will truly appreciate.
It may appear last on the list, but that doesn’t mean it’s inferior to the rest of the alternatives.
This is how it performed in all the key areas.
Just like the other options, PureVPN is equipped with AES encryption that keeps unauthorized access at bay, among other threats.
This means that even if someone intercepts your data, they can’t read it.
This makes PureVPN an ideal choice for Grindr users who want to keep their communications private and secure.
You also get a kill switch, making your life a lot easier when using Grindr in hostile regions.
It prevents your device from accessing the internet if the VPN connection drops.
This eliminates any room for breaches during that little window before the connection is restored.
Split tunneling is another notable functionality that’s suited for Grindr.
This feature allows you to route some of your traffic through a VPN while still being able to use other applications through the regular internet.
Considering how some mobile apps never work with an active VPN, separating these functions is important.
Additionally, you get a Dedicated IP that gives you exclusive access to your own IP address.
This gives you better security and performance.
Without the overcrowding, you’ll immediately notice that there are no lags or interruptions, even when the internet speeds are performing badly.
Plus, PureVPN has over 6500 servers across 78 countries and 96 locations.
This makes it easy to unblock Grindr from any place on the planet; all you have to do is connect to a server in permitted regions.
A bulk of these servers are in North America, where there’s more freedom for LGBTQ people.
So, consider connecting to those areas.
PureVPN speeds were also exemplary, to say the least.
They could handle the basic needs like sharing files, loading videos and video chatting without any issues.
They weren’t the best on this list, but again, Grindr isn’t that demanding, so you’ll be fine with good base internet speeds.
When it comes to device compatibility, PureVPN works on a range of devices, including iOS/Android mobile phones and tablets.
It’s available on Google Play Store and App Store.
You can also connect up to 10 devices, which is more than ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost.
The price plans aren’t bad, either.
PureVPN is within the affordable range, and you can further push that price down by taking advantage of amazing discounts here.
Pros
- It unblocks Grindr from anywhere
- Reliable security and privacy
- It’s equipped with Dedicated IP
- It has over 6,500 servers
- It can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously
Cons
- The speeds need improvements
- Dedicated IP costs extra
Choosing the Best VPN for Grindr: Factor to Consider
Knowing the best VPN services for Grindr is half the journey; choosing one out of the 5 can be a challenge.
So what are the factors you need to keep in mind when selecting the best VPN for Grindr?
- Ability to Unblock Grindr: The main reason you’re even turning to a VPN is to get around the censorship in your region. Therefore, the ability to unblock Grinder should be the first factor you pay heed to. Look at the global server network in regions where Grindr is accessible to know which VPNs will give you more options.
- Privacy and Security: The world is changing its attitude towards LGBTQ people, but that change isn’t fast enough. Most regions that ban services like Grindr don’t just stop there; they actively harass LGBTQ people. Getting a VPN that protects your identity and real location when using Grindr is a matter of personal safety. Therefore, always go for the best VPN services that have the best encryption standards, no logging, and any other security feature that keeps you safe.
- Connection Speeds: You also need good connection speeds to get the best out of Grindr. With this, you’ll be able to send and receive images and videos without any issues. Good connection speeds also make video chats a lot easier.
- Affordability: You don’t have to break the bank just to access Grindr safely. As much as your safety is important, spending within your means is equally essential. Find a VPN that’s cheap but packs all the necessary features you need for Grindr.
- Device Compatibility: Grindr is mainly used on smartphones, but that’s not the only device you can use. Tablets and PCs are other options, also requiring a secure VPN connection to work. Get a VPN compatible with all the devices you could use to access Grindr.
Step-By-Step Guide to Setting up NordVPN for Grindr
Setting up NordVPN can help you keep your data safe and secure while using the app. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up NordVPN for Grindr:
- Download and install the NordVPN app.
- Once the app is installed, launch it and sign in with your NordVPN account credentials.
- Select a server location from the list of available servers. We recommend choosing a server close to your actual location for the best performance.
- Once you select a server, click the “Connect” button to establish a connection.
- Download Grindr app and launch it. Once the connection is established and start using it as usual. Your traffic will now be encrypted and more secure from potential snoopers and internet censorship.
Grindr VPN Not Working? (Troubleshooting Guide)
It’s common for a VPN to fail when trying to use it for Grindr.
Here are the things you can try to do if that happens:
- Check your VPN’s server connection. If you’re using a paid VPN service, make sure you’re connected to a server that supports Grindr traffic. For example, some servers may be configured to block certain types of traffic, including Grindr.
- Try connecting to another VPN server. If your current server isn’t working, try connecting to another one – this may solve the issue.
- Disable IPv6 on your device. In some cases, IPv6 can cause problems with VPN connections. To disable it, go to your device’s network settings and look for the option to disable IPv6.
- Make sure you’re using the correct VPN protocol. Some VPN protocols can block Grindr traffic, so it’s important to use a protocol that supports it. For example, OpenVPN is known to work with Grindr.
- Check your firewall settings. In some cases, your integrated firewall may be blocking Grindr traffic. To check this, open your firewall’s settings and look for an option to allow or whitelist Grindr traffic.
- Restart your device. Sometimes, simply restarting your device can fix minor issues with VPN connections.
- Update your VPN software. If you’re using an outdated version of your VPN software, it may not be compatible with Grindr. Make sure you’re using the latest version of your VPN software before trying to connect to Grindr again.
- Get in touch with your VPN’s customer support. If you have tried all of the above and still can’t get Grindr to work with your VPN, the best thing is to get in touch with your VPN’s customer support. They may be able to help you troubleshoot the issue and get Grindr working again.
Is Grindr VPN Unable to Refresh?
If you’re using a VPN with Grindr and having trouble refreshing, you can do a few things:
- First, make sure your VPN is set up correctly. If you’re not sure how to do this, contact your VPN provider for help.
- Once you verify that your VPN is set up correctly, try restarting Grindr.
- If that doesn’t work, try restarting your device.
- If you’re still having trouble, it’s possible that the servers your VPN uses are blocked by Grindr. In this case, you’ll need to switch to a different VPN server.
- Contact your VPN provider for help finding a server that works with Grindr.
FAQ
Can a VPN Keep You Safe on Grindr?
If you’re using Grindr in a country where the app is banned or restricted, a VPN can help keep you safe.
By connecting to a VPN server, you can change your IP address and access Grindr as if you were in a different country.
This means that you can avoid government censorship or surveillance of your activity.
What Countries Banned Grindr?
The following countries restrict Grindr and other online activities:
- Russia
- Turkey
- Iran
- Iraq
- Saudi Arabia
- Egypt
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Algeria
- Morocco
- Tunisia
- Libya
- Sudan
- South Sudan
- Yemen
- Afghanistan
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
Does Grindr Permit the Use of VPNs?
Yes, Grindr permits the use of VPNs.
In fact, it actively recommends using a VPN to help keep your account safe and secure.
A VPN can encrypt your traffic and prevent your ISP from seeing what you’re doing online.
This is especially important when using Grindr in areas where it’s heavily censored.
Keeping your personal information private is important to Grindr.
Can You Fake Your Location on Grindr?
It’s possible to fake your location on Grindr.
There are a few ways to do this, but the most common is to use a VPN.
This will allow you to change your IP address and make it appear as though you’re in a different location.
You can also use GPS spoofing apps like GPS Go Location Spoofer to fake your location.
However, unlike VPNs, Grindr can detect these and may result in your account being banned.
Can You Use a Free VPN With Grindr?
You can use a Free VPN to unblock Grindr.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind before using a free VPN with Grindr:
- It’s important to choose a reputable free VPN service. There are many free VPNs out there, but not all are created equal. Some free VPNs log user data or sell it to third parties, so it’s important to do your research before choosing one.
- Once you find a reputable free VPN service, the next step is to make sure it’s compatible with Grindr. Not all VPNs work with all apps and websites, so it’s important to check that your chosen VPN will work with Grindr before using it.
- Keep in mind that free VPNs usually have lower speeds and data caps than paid VPNs. This means you may experience slower speeds and more buffering when using a free VPN with Grindr. If speed is important to you, consider upgrading to a paid VPN service.
Can I Use a VPN for Grindr in Dubai?
Yes, you can use a VPN for Grindr in Dubai.
A VPN will allow you to connect to a server in another country, giving you a new IP address.
This will allow you to bypass any restrictions that may be in place in Dubai regarding the use of Grindr.
However, you’ll need to choose a reputable VPN service and connect to a server in a country where Grindr is not blocked.
Can I Use a VPN for Grindr in Turkey?
If you’re looking for a way to unblock dating apps like Grindr in Turkey, a VPN is the best option.
A VPN will allow you to bypass any restrictions that are in place and will also keep your data safe and secure.
There are a lot of VPNs to choose from, but we recommend NordVPN. It’s fast and reliable and has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Final Word
Everyone has a right to be what they want, and when it comes to Grindr, using a VPN is the fastest way to get there in censored environments.
NordVPN still is my top pick, but that doesn’t take away anything from the other four alternatives.
Check out our website to learn more about VPNs and all the amazing things you can do with them.
Make sure to also take advantage of the fantastic discount on NordVPN to save that extra buck!