If you’ve been agonizing over the best VPN for Qobuz, you’re in the right place.
I tested several VPNs, and guess what?
NordVPN came out firing on all cylinders!
Qobuz is an elite music streaming platform with 24-bit/192kHz lossless files.
But there’s a problem, it’s only found in 18 countries, and frankly, that’s unacceptable for bonafide audiophiles like me.
There are three concerns that an ideal VPN for Qobuz needs to address:
- The ability to bypass geo-restrictions.
- The speed needed for streaming heavy lossless files.
- The ability to register an account without leaking your actual IP address.
I tried every VPN I could get my hands on with these things in mind, and NordVPN met the three conditions with satisfying results.
It’s fast, secure, and has a wide range of server locations to choose from.
Alternative options that also posted great results include CyberGhost, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access.
To see how each of these will make your Qobuz experience seamless and fun, read this detailed review to the end.
Top 3 VPNs for Qobuz
A combination of high-speeds that reduce buffering, military-grade encryption for protection, over 7000 global servers, ad-blocking features, user-friendly navigation, and a reliable customer support line make CyberGhost an attractive alternative if you want a smooth experience using Qobuz.
NordVPN has over 5000 global servers spread across 59 countries, six simultaneous connections, high speeds for handling heavy streams, two kill switches for added protection, and a CyberSec ad blocker that will keep interruptions to a minimum.
Surfshark is pocket-friendly and comes with unlimited connections, a reliable kill switch protecting your IP against leaks, high speeds for streaming high-res music without interruptions, and multi-hop capabilities, just to mention a few.
Being a serious music consumer, I’m always looking for streaming platforms that offer quality, and combining Qobuz with the right VPN is important.
The Best VPNs for Streaming High-Res Music on Qobuz
To ensure accuracy, I went through a list of 12 VPNs and tested them all.
It was worth the effort.
I narrowed the list down to 5 amazing VPNs.
Here they are:
- NordVPN – Best Overall With a Reliable Ad Blocker
- CyberGhost – High Speeds With Great User Interface
- Surfshark – Unlimited Connections + Affordable Pricing
- ExpressVPN – Best Unblocking Features + IP Masking
- Private Internet Access – Best Privacy + Wide Server Network
Hi-Fi music hits differently, and finding the right VPN to enhance this experience is essential, considering the hoops you have to jump through just to gain access to Qobuz.
The guide below is as exhaustive as it gets.
It will show you how to get the best out of your Qobuz subscription, even when you’re outside Qobuz-supported regions.
So, stay with me to the end to learn a thing or two.
In-Depth Review of the 5 Best VPNs for Qobuz
Are you interested in knowing more about the best VPNs for Qobuz before deciding?
Let’s roll!
1. NordVPN - Best Overall With a Reliable Ad Blocker
NordVPN is popular and has been around for a long time.
That offers you the reliability to use a restricted service like Qobuz.
Based in Panama, NordVPN will give you the privacy you need to successfully create an account with Qobuz from anywhere in the world without being detected.
You have the choice of over 5100 servers by the last official update, a decent number of options.
In addition, NordVPN’s ability to bypass the restrictions imposed by Qobuz is another marvelous feature; you can create an account with Qobuz and access it from any location on the planet.
Set your IP address to any of the 18 countries where Qobuz isn’t restricted.
Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about buffering when playing heavy lossless files on Qobuz; the high connection speeds provided by NordVPN ensure every song plays without interruptions.
The following illustrates the speeds I clocked with NordVPN when using my 5Mbps base speed.
Also, the split-tunneling feature allows you to choose which apps can be affected by the active VPN.
With this, you can only use the VPN on Qobuz without affecting other operations.
On the security front, you have a double VPN, two kill switches, and 256-bit AES encryption, which will keep you safe from any tracking or malicious breaches that are common when accessing the web version of Qobuz.
At the same time, NordVPN has CyberSec, an advanced malware and ad blocker that prevents pop-up ads from interrupting your listening sessions and keeps potential malware threats at bay.
The only other VPN with an ad-blocker that may rival CyberSec is Surfshark with CleanWeb.
The pricing isn’t bad, either; it is cheaper than ExpressVPN and slightly higher than CyberGhost, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access can choose from several plans.
Currently, there are good deals you can check if you’re looking to save money.
This includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Again, you can set up Qobuz on up to 6 devices without surpassing your quota.
It may not compare with Surfshark’s unlimited device connections, but with this, you can have 5 of your friends enjoy high-quality music alongside you without having to open a new account.
The speeds are good enough to stream lossless files, but other alternatives do much better on this front.
Pros
- Reliable security and privacy
- Great connection speeds
- Up to 6 simultaneous connections
- CyberSec ad blocker
- It can bypass all Qobuz geo-restrictions
- Double VPN plus two kill switches
- Multi-platform support
Cons
- Connection speeds are not as good as alternative options
2. CyberGhost - High Speeds With Great User Interface
VPNs can be technical for new users, but CyberGhost takes a different route with its user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate and use.
And that’s not even its best feature.
The most important feature you should pay attention to regarding Qobuz is CyberGhost’s ability to bypass the IP blocks if you’re operating outside the 18 countries.
Just like the other alternatives that made the cut, CyberGhost has the connection speeds you need for a seamless stream of lossless music on Qobuz without any buffering.
I tested a few random locations and didn’t experience any issues.
In fact, CyberGhost posted better speeds than NordVPN based on a random test I did using the same location at 5Mbps base speeds.
Moreover, CyberGhost has multi-platform support, so you don’t have to worry about being limited to using Qobuz on your PC alone.
Whether you’re using an iPhone, an Android phone, a Windows PC, macOS, or Linux, CyberGhost has you covered.
Furthermore, CyberGhost has a robust privacy setup that will safeguard your identity when you register an account with Qobuz and prevent any data leak in case of connection drops, thanks to a reliable kill switch.
Additionally, CyberGhost has over 7000 VPN servers to choose from.
You can also connect up to 7 devices at the same time.
That’s slightly more than what NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer.
Another great feature that will enhance your Qobuz experience is the ad-blocker that prevents interruptions when streaming music.
In terms of security, CyberGhost grants you state-of-the-art encryption that meets the needed safety standards to give you the peace of mind to enjoy your Hi-Fi music.
Speaking of pricing, CyberGhost may not be the most expensive option on this list like ExpressVPN, but the plans are still on the higher side.
But you can grab limited discounts here before they run out.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Great connection speeds
- Amazing security and privacy
- It can bypass all Qobuz geo-restrictions
- Multi-platform support for Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, macOS, Firefox, and Chrome
Cons
- It’s not the most expensive, but it’s still on the higher end
3. Surfshark - Unlimited Connections + Affordable Pricing
If you’re on a budget but want a good VPN for a smooth Qobuz experience, then Surfshark is your best bet.
On top of being within your affordable range, Surfshark packs premium features ideal for streaming music on Qobuz.
To begin with, Surfshark allows unlimited device connections, a feature that other highly-rated alternatives like NordVPN lack.
Furthermore, you can select over 3200 servers in 65 countries.
This may pale compared to PIA with 30,000+ servers, going by the last official update, but your needs will be handled just fine.
At the same time, it gives you proper security with 256-bit AES encryption, keeping you well protected as you use Qobuz from any location.
Another vital feature that will be handy for you is MultiHop, which bounces your connection through several servers before linking up to regular internet.
This doubles the privacy level, keeping you well hidden even when one server is exposed or down.
With these two security and privacy additions, you don’t have to worry about anyone tracking your online footprint as you use Qobuz.
Add the CleanWeb malware and ad blocker, and you have yourself a reliable VPN that will transform how you listen to hi-res music.
Additionally, if you want to use Surfshark with Qobuz alone, there’s a ByPasser option for split-tunneling.
With this, you can only direct internet traffic associated with Qobuz through the VPN, leaving the rest of the apps with regular internet to function as they usually do.
Surfshark also performed decently with fast connection speeds.
However, it is slower than the other alternatives on this list, including ExpressVPN.
But overall, streaming high-resolution music on Qobuz was seamless.
You can get amazing Surfshark discounts here.
Pros
- High-level security and privacy
- Very high speeds
- MultiHop feature
- CleanWeb malware and ad blocker
- It has a Bypass split-tunneling feature
- It can spoof GPS
- Multi-platform support
- Unlimited parallel connections
Cons
- The speeds could be higher; it’s slower than ExpressVPN
4. ExpressVPN - Best Unblocking Features + IP Masking
ExpressVPN would’ve blown the others clean out of the water if I limited the test results to speed only.
Simply put, ExpressVPN is one of the most advanced VPNs, and when it comes to Qobuz, it’s spectacular.
Where to begin?
It has over 3000 servers located in 94 countries.
This is a little underwhelming compared to other alternatives in this article, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for with quality.
The unblocking features combined with the level of security offered by ExpressVPN are off the charts.
It adds an extra layer of protection with an airtight 256-bit AES encryption, keeping you secure as you stream your music on Qobuz from any location.
Furthermore, the streaming speeds are reliable enough, and you won’t have any buffering problems when streaming music on Qobuz.
You don’t even have to worry about interruptions from pop-up ads.
Most importantly, the one area where ExpressVPN truly excels is its ability to unblock and bypass IP bans while masking all your online activities.
Finding your online footprint would be more challenging than explaining cryptocurrency to a boomer.
However, ExpressVPN doesn’t come cheap, nor does it have a Double VPN, and this can be a stumbling block for many music lovers looking to find a reliable and affordable VPN for their Qobuz needs.
All features considered, you’ll get value for money.
You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Plus, we’ve got your back with great discounts here.
Pros
- Advanced security protocols and privacy
- Amazing connection speeds
- Compatible with multiple platforms (Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge)
- A reliable in-built ad blocker
- Split-tunneling
- Up to 5 simultaneous connections
- Unblocks Qobuz in restricted regions
Cons
- It’s expensive
- There’s no Double VPN feature
5. Private Internet Access - Best Privacy + Wide Server Network
The last time the information on the number of PIA servers was updated, it had over 30,000 servers in 78 countries!
That’s stunning.
Some would say it’s overkill, but you never know when you might need that.
Just as the name suggests, Private Internet Access (PIA) focuses on privacy, an attribute that comes in handy for audiophiles looking to bypass IP bans undetected when using Qobuz.
Additionally, PIA has a simplified user interface that’s easy enough for a novice to find their way around without help.
You can select any location from the expansive server list to create an account with Qobuz in a restricted region without being detected.
The speed test was not as impressive as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, but it was fast enough to get the ball rolling.
Hi-res music files loaded right away, and there was very minimal buffering on a couple of songs that I used for the test.
On the security front, PIA posted a stellar performance.
It features robust encryption that protects you from any malicious attacks when using Qobuz through the web.
As far as registering a Qobuz account and accessing it freely from any place on the planet, PIA has you covered.
Furthermore, the price is fair, and you get a 30-day money-back guarantee if you feel like it’s not serving your music streaming needs.
The only area that I feel could do with an improvement is the connection speed.
But if you wish to save some extra coins, then take advantage of the running discounts here.
Pros
- A vast number of servers
- Great speeds
- Compatible with multiple platforms (Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera extensions)
- Reliable 256-bit AES encryption
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections
- It can bypass Qobuz IP restrictions
Cons
- Could be faster
Choosing the Right VPN for Qobuz: What Factors Should You Consider?
As I stated earlier, I had to go through countless VPNs before narrowing the list to 5.
This review isn’t written in stone, and nothing is stopping you from checking other alternatives.
But what should you look for to make the right decision?
Ensure your VPN meets the following conditions:
Unblocks Qobuz
A VPN that can’t bypass Qobuz restrictions is of no use to you.
When a VPN provider claims they can unblock anything, don’t take their word for it.
Some only use that as a marketing ploy.
Don’t be an unsuspecting victim who believes everything.
The VPN you go with should grant you access to Qobuz if you happen to be located outside the 18 countries that currently allow music streaming through Qobuz.
This is where the money-back guarantee comes in handy.
You can try out any VPN of your choosing.
If it doesn’t live up to the hype or fails to grant you access to Qobuz USA or any other preferred location, bin it and get your money back.
Simple.
High Speeds
If you’re familiar with 4K videos and how they’re heavier than other types of media, you have a good idea of how 24-bit/192kHz lossless files behave.
You’re likely to experience serious buffering when streaming high-quality music, and a fast VPN will make this experience smoother.
After all, there’s no point in paying for a service if all you get are constant pauses as the lossless files load.
The point of streaming high-res music is to enjoy the rich sound.
Multi-Platform Support
Chances are high that you love listening to music when moving.
For this reason, get a VPN that’s compatible with as many devices and platforms as possible.
It should grant you access to Qobuz on Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, and web browser extensions.
The more the platforms, the more convenient things will be for you.
Security and Privacy
The internet can be a scary place, and when you choose to access a region-restricted service like Qobuz, you should take all precautions and leave nothing to chance.
What you should be looking for in a VPN for Qobuz is the presence of 256-bit AES encryption, a standard security feature in all VPNs.
If you can get a Double VPN on top, the better.
The presence of a kill switch is also vital if you want to prevent surprise disconnections from exposing your well-masked IP.
Split tunneling is also another feature you should strongly consider.
Affordability
You have to strike a balance between the core features you need for Qobuz to work and the amount of money you’re willing to spend.
Like I stated earlier, you’re looking at 3 essential features: the ability to bypass IP bans, the speed to handle lossless streaming, and the privacy that allows you to register an account in restricted regions without being detected.
Choose a VPN that won’t break your bank while addressing these 3 main points to the best of their abilities.
Be on the lookout for discounts and other bonuses, too.
How to Stream Music on Qobuz Using a VPN
Setting up and using Qobuz through a VPN isn’t hard.
- Install Qobuz on your preferred device.
- Download and Install NordVPN.
- Launch the VPN first and choose a server in any Qobuz-approved nations.
- You’re now free to stream high-resolution music without any restrictions.
How to Sign Up for Qobuz With a VPN
If you’re in a region where Qobuz is restricted, you can sign up for an account using a VPN in the following way:
- Create a Shipito account to acquire a valid American address.
- Use NordVPN to choose a US server, then register for Qobuz. Enter the Zip Code generated from Shipito.
- Set up a new email address for a PayPal account if you don’t already have one.
- Download and install TextMe and create an account. The TextMe number MUST be from the same US state you used to create your Shipito account. This will cost about $2.
- Switch to PayPal, enter the TextMe number, and verify it. Fill out the registration form with the new email alongside the Shipito address.
- If your PayPal isn’t connected to any Debit/Credit card, you’ll have to create a Revolut account and load $20, which is the minimum amount allowed.
- Switch back to Qobuz and purchase something. A streaming subscription will do. With this done, you can now use your cards or PayPal to purchase music and access Qobuz fully without jumping through the same hoops.
- You can now enjoy high-fidelity music without restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Free VPN for Qobuz?
You can use a free VPN service to stream music on Qobuz.
However, it isn’t recommended for the following reasons:
- They collect your online data and sell it to other third parties, especially advertisers, exposing your sensitive data.
- They usually enforce data limits and bandwidth caps, throttling the speeds and making streaming hard.
- They have limited security features. Most lack kill switches and have no protection against DNS leaks.
- They don’t have enough servers, and you may not find a suitable location in regions where Qobuz is available.
Is It Illegal to Access Qobuz Using a VPN?
As far as VPNs are concerned, using one to access and stream music on Qobuz isn’t against the law.
However, by using a VPN server to access the music streaming platform, you’re breaking Qobuz’s terms of use.
Your Qobuz account can be banned as a result.
This further reiterates why using a reliable VPN that makes it hard for Qobuz to figure out what you are up to is essential.
Where Is Qobuz Available?
Qobuz is currently restricted to 18 countries.
Once you set up a Qobuz account within any of these 18 countries, the account is automatically linked to the country you registered the account in, and you’re free to use Qobuz anywhere else on the planet afterward.
The following are the 18 countries:
- France
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- Spain
- Norway
- Italy
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Netherlands
- Luxembourg
- Ireland
- Finland
- Germany
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Austria
How Long Is the Qobuz Trial Window?
You get a 30-day trial period in which you have unfettered access to all the music libraries.
However, the trial window is limited to one per customer.
Anyone who has had a free trial in the past gets charged on the spot when they set up a Qobuz account again.
Summary
You’re now 5 VPNs wiser if you were thinking of setting up a Qobuz account.
Every single VPN described above is capable in its own right.
But I’m betting everything on NordVPN because it answers the core needs of a Qobuz user.
It has the speeds, security, and will grant you access to Qobuz regardless of your location.
Take advantage of the amazing discounts right now to reap the full benefits of Qobuz.
