Snapchat getting blocked at school or work isn’t fun.
But you can get around this easily using a VPN, and the best one is Surfshark.
Your teacher or boss may think Snapchat is a distraction, but that’s not always the case.
There are some helpful, educational tips on Snapchat that may help a student or worker handle their tasks.
Fortunately, Surfshark can get around these blocks easily.
It came top in the tests for its speeds, excellent interface, and affordability, among other features.
The test included over a dozen VPNs based on the following criteria:
- The ability to unblock Snapchat at school or work.
- Compatibility with Android and iOS devices.
- Connection speeds for watching HD videos.
- AES-256 encryption for security and IP masking capabilities to hide your real identity from the network administrator.
So, if you need to use Snapchat at school or work without being sniffed out, you’re in the right place.
Top 3 VPNs for Snapchat
Private Internet Access is fast and has the most number of servers, making it easy for you to bypass Snapchat IP bans at school or work. It has an Advanced kill switch on top of the regular one for extra safety in case your VPN connection drops, and you’re at risk of being exposed.
Surfshark is cheap, lightweight, easy to use, and has the fastest speeds on this list. It’s also equipped with great security features and privacy options that make detection by the network administrator harder.
NordVPN is among the best VPNs around and is known for its outstanding security and privacy. It also works with multiple devices, which means you can use Snapchat on any compatible device. The connection speeds are also incredible, and it’s easy to use.
This will be an exhaustive look at the 5 best VPNs that made the cut.
By the end, you’ll know how each VPN service performs in each of the key areas so you can make an informed decision for your Snapchat needs.
Therefore, if you’ve always wanted to beat the system blocking Snapchat at work or in school, pay attention.
Here Are the 5 Best VPNs for Snapchat
If you’d like to have a quick look at the 5 best VPNs for Snapchat, here is a preview:
- Surfshark – Most Affordable + Unlimited Device Connections
- Private Internet Access – Highest Number of Servers
- NordVPN – Best Privacy + Reliable Security
- CyberGhost VPN – Great for Beginners + Amazing User Interface
- PureVPN – Stable Connection Speeds
The Best VPNs for Unblocking Snapchat at School or Work
Almost any VPN can help you unblock Snapchat in school.
The following five VPN services are at the top due to various features that make them ideal for this job.
Surfshark - Most Affordable + Unlimited Device Connections
Starting off is Surfshark, a VPN with over 3,200 servers in 65 countries.
It posted the best results in the tests for the best VPNs for Snapchat in terms of speed, the ability to unblock, and compatibility with smartphone devices.
Since Snapchat is available almost everywhere, finding a server outside the blocked network in your school or workplace isn’t hard.
You can choose to manually search a server in any part of the world or, to save time, make use of Surfshark’s Auto-Connect feature that links you with the fastest VPN server.
Another feature that helps when trying to bypass Snapchat’s blocks is the Static IP.
It isn’t as efficient as a Dedicated IP feature, but at least you get to use one IP for all your Snapchat needs every time you launch Surfshark.
This is ideal for someone new to VPNs.
Furthermore, the Bypasser option allows you to choose the apps you want to go through the VPN.
With this, you can only allow Snapchat to go through Surfshark while using other apps the usual way.
This is important because there are apps like PayPal that don’t take the use of VPNs lightly and could lead to your account being blocked if you open it with an active VPN running.
Connection speeds were the fastest of all the VPNs I tested for Snapchat.
I had no problems playing videos non-stop.
There was no buffering of any kind, even with other people using the same Wi-Fi connection.
Another feature I found helpful was the speed metrics.
With this activated, you can see the actual speeds, latency, and loads before selecting the server.
This is another convenient, time-saving feature.
Surfshark is compatible with iOS and Android devices.
In fact, these tests for Snapchat were conducted on an Android device.
There’s an official Android and iOS app you can download and run seamlessly on your device without issues.
In terms of security and privacy, Surfshark has AES-256 bit encryption to protect your device from any external threats like hacking and phishing.
Another useful feature is CleanWeb for dealing with ads because Snapchat is full of them.
It never used to be like this in the past, and it’s a little annoying having to see ads after every 3 stories.
I tried disabling the ads within Snapchat itself through Settings > Additional Services > Manage > Additional Services > Advert Preferences, but nothing changed.
Basically, they’re unskippable ads.
This further shows how important having a VPN with an aggressive ad blocker is.
Additionally, there’s a kill switch that automatically cuts off any internet connection the moment your VPN connection drops.
On Android devices, the Surfshark VPN app has an additional Android Native Kill Switch that you can use as an alternative to the regular one.
With all these combined, it will be hard for the network administrator to figure out your online activity, allowing you to use Snapchat whenever you like.
Surfshark’s price plans are among the best around, making it ideal for use with Snapchat, as you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg just to use the app at school or work.
Pros
- Bypasses Snapchats blocks
- Fast connection speeds
- AES-256 bit encryption
- A kill switch
- It has a Bypasser option
- Supports unlimited device connections
Cons
- Lacks Dedicated IP
Private Internet Access - Highest Number of Servers
The striking thing about Private Internet Access is the clean user interface, especially the smartphone app.
The welcoming page has most of the options you need for your navigation, something that would help a new user.
Unblocking Snapchat was a walk in the park; PIA automatically connects to the fastest server unless you choose to find one manually.
You also get a list of the most popular locations at the bottom of the screen, where you can tap one and automatically start using PIA with Snapchat.
Private Internet Access also holds the distinction of being the VPN with the highest number of servers.
Although the official website doesn’t display the number anymore, it was about 35,000 last time the information was available.
That’s a colossal number, perfect for unblocking Snapchat.
You also get to see details about your virtual IP address as well as the performance speeds of the servers you choose.
And speaking of speeds, PIA posted impressive numbers when tested with Snapchat.
It was more than enough to handle all video needs, especially live-streamed content.
I didn’t experience any lag at any point, even when switching to random servers.
However, it’s still slower than Surfshark.
Moreover, you don’t need to worry about your network administrator at work or school finding out what you’re up to.
The privacy is top-notch.
Unlike Surfshark, PIA VPN comes with a Dedicated IP feature that gives you an exclusive IP address that you don’t share with anyone else.
Not that a Shared IP is bad, but there’s less scrutiny and risks with a Dedicated IP.
But you have to pay extra to get this privilege.
PIA VPN also comes with AES-256-GCM encryption alongside a kill switch that protects your device from getting exposed when the VPN connection drops.
With these two, you can use Snapchat in peace without worrying about common online threats like phishing.
Additionally, PIA comes with an adblocker called MACE.
On top of keeping pop-up ads in check, it also adds another layer of security by handling malware and third-party racking.
Like Surfshark’s Bypasser, PIA VPN is equipped with Per-App Settings that allow you to choose which apps to use with the VPN.
You tap on the feature and uncheck any app.
You can use Private Internet Access on Android and iOS devices through the official app that can be downloaded from the Play Store and App Store.
It’s also cheap, and as a bonus, you can take advantage of these fantastic deals right now.
Pros
- It can bypass Snapchats blocks
- Great speeds
- Industry-standard AES-256 bit encryption
- Has iOS and Android apps
- It has a Dedicated IP
- It has the highest number of servers
Cons
- Dedicated IP comes at an extra cost
- Slower than Surfshark
NordVPN - Best Privacy + Reliable Security
NordVPN is great for Snapchat users, and you’ll find it in almost every VPN recommendation list.
This isn’t by accident.
It’s fast, has one of the best security and privacy protocols, and can be used to unblock just about anything, including Snapchat at school or work.
NordVPN has 5,311 servers located in 60 countries; finding the perfect one to beat the Snapchat ban shouldn’t be a problem.
Usually, the moment you hit the Connect button, NordVPN automatically links you to the fastest server.
Additionally, you can also manually search for any server you want in any of the 60 countries on the list.
You can also toggle Auto-Connect if you want to save yourself time every time you launch the VPN.
NordVPN speeds are also among the best.
It may not be as fast as Surfshark, but I couldn’t tell the difference when opening videos and streams on Snapchat.
Furthermore, NordVPN works with iOS and Android devices, so you can freely move around with everything installed on your smartphone.
Another handy feature for Snapchat is Split-Tunneling.
With this, you can disable NordVPN for specific apps and only use it for Snapchat.
This allows apps that block VPNs to continue functioning normally without any interference.
On security, NordVPN has a kill switch for protecting your actual IP address when the VPN connection drops.
This will keep the network administrator at school or work off your back until the VPN connection is re-established.
Just like the other VPNs on this list, NordVPN comes with AES-256 bit encryption for protection against any online threats, though the chances of this may be minimal in a school or work setting with regulated internet access.
There’s also an adblocker called CyberSec that will help keep annoying ads at bay when checking out stories on Snapchat.
So ensure it’s toggled on before you dive into the app.
Additionally, you can make use of the Dedicated IP feature to further fortify your privacy and keep the network admin out of your hair.
But just like other VPNs on my list with the feature, you have to subscribe to this separately.
NordVPN is within the affordable range for people looking for a VPN to unblock Snapchat, but it’s still costlier than PIA VPN and Surfshark.
You can get your hands on great discounts here!
Pros
- It can unblock Snapchat at work and school
- It has amazing speeds
- Reliable AES-256 bit encryption
- Compatible with iOS and Android apps
- It has a Dedicated IP
- There are over 5300 servers in 60 countries
Cons
- Dedicated IP comes at an extra cost
- The speeds could be better
CyberGhost VPN - Great for Beginners + Amazing User Interface
Every VPN is designed to be as user-friendly as possible without a steep learning curve.
But CyberGhost takes this to a new level.
And that’s not the only feature that makes it the fourth-best VPN for Snapchat.
It equally excels in speeds, security, and the ability to unblock any restrictions imposed on Snapchat at school or work.
Connection to servers is high-speed and easy to pull off.
You can connect to the best location by tapping on the button above it right off the bat.
If you have a particular server in mind, you can manually search for it.
There are over 7,600 servers spread out across 90 countries, so accessing Snapchat using any location isn’t hard, even for a beginner.
In terms of security and privacy, CyberGhost has AES-256 bit encryption that shields you from surveillance or any possible network attacks or, in your case, being found out by your network admin.
It also comes with a kill switch that kills your internet connection when the VPN connection drops.
However, CyberGhost lacks a comprehensive ad-blocker, and this will affect your overall experience since you’ll have to deal with a flurry of ads on Snapchat.
Additionally, CyberGhost offers a Dedicated IP, and this can be a lifesaver if you want to keep your covert Snapchat use on the low.
But just like the others with the same feature, you have to pay extra for this.
Considering how cheap CyberGhost itself is, this is actually a bargain.
CyberGhost for Android has an App Split Tunnel that lets you route specific apps through the VPN.
With this, you can continue using your phone the same way you usually do as you access Snapchat over a blocked network.
CyberGhost price plans are within an affordable range, ideal for those looking to use the VPN just for bypassing Snapchat restrictions at school or work.
To grab great discounts, click here and find a plan that suits your needs.
Pros
- Unblocks Snapchat in restricted networks
- Decent connection speeds
- Industry-standard AES-256 bit encryption
- Compatible with iOS and Android apps
- It has a Dedicated IP
- There are over 7,600 servers in 90 countries
Cons
- Dedicated IP comes at an extra cost
- Still slower than Surfshark
- No ad blocker
PureVPN - Stable Connection Speeds
Wrapping our list of the five best VPNs for Snapchat is PureVPN.
It’s another user-friendly, affordable VPN with the ability to get around any restrictions imposed on Snapchat on any network.
Choosing a server is an effortless task.
The app opens up to a connection button that automatically links you with the nearest server.
You can also select the location you want by tapping on the globe icon to open a list of all the active servers.
PureVPN has over 6,500 servers in 78 countries.
In speed connections, PureVPN came third to Surfshark and NordVPN and outperformed every other alternative on this list.
Playing videos and streams on Snapchat was a breeze without a single buffering incident.
I switched to different locations worldwide, and the difference wasn’t that huge.
On the security and privacy front.
PureVPN is also equipped with the standard encryption found in all the other options we have looked at so far.
Therefore, you can rest easy knowing you’re well protected from any online threat as you use Snapchat at school or work using public Wi-Fi.
You also get a Dedicated IP at an extra cost, granting you exclusive instant access to any IP restricted networks with fewer risks that you would find with a shared IP.
Being detected by the network administrator would be very hard.
Another notable security feature includes a kill switch.
PureVPN is also equipped with split-tunneling that allows users to choose the apps that can or can’t use the VPN while active.
This separation ensures everything else on your device functions the normal way while you dedicate the VPN to Snapchat only.
Unlike Surfshark and NordVPN, PureVPN doesn’t have a clear-cut in-built adblocker.
But it is equipped with a feature called Content Filtering that you can activate to stop ads from popping up when using Snapchat.
It wasn’t as effective, but you’ll have a fighting chance.
The Android app that I used for the test was smooth with easy navigation, the perfect tool for someone using a VPN for the first time.
There’s an iOS app too, and both can work on smartphones and tablets.
Besides the Dedicated IP feature charging users on top of the regular subscription fee, PureVPN is well suited for Snapchat, where network restrictions are the order of the day.
Check out these fantastic deals to get PureVPN on the cheap!
Pros
- Unblocks Snapchat in restricted networks
- High connection speeds
- AES-256 bit encryption
- Compatible with iOS and Android apps
- It has a Dedicated IP
- There are over 6,500 servers in 78 countries
Cons
- Dedicated IP comes at an extra cost
- Ad Blocking isn’t very efficient
Choosing a VPN for Unblocking Snapchat
With the 5 best VPNs for unblocking Snapchat wrapped up, it’s time to look at the factors to keep in mind when making the final decision.
These factors include:
- Compatibility with Mobile Devices: Snapchat is mainly used on smartphones and tablets. Therefore, a good VPN for unblocking Snapchat should have an Android and iOS app. This ensures users can use it while on the move in the school or the workplace.
- IP Masking Abilities: Finding a way around network restrictions is going against the rules. Therefore, the aim isn’t to get found or caught. This is why finding a VPN that can mask your IP and make surveillance by the network administrators hard is very important.
- Connection Speeds: Snapchat primarily involves video content and streaming. These are bandwidth-intensive activities that require good, fast, and stable connection speeds for users to enjoy. It would help if you had a fast VPN to ensure you consume content without buffering or lag.
- Ease of Use: If unblocking Snapchat is all you’re after, then the VPN of your choice shouldn’t be too complicated. It should be easy to navigate and find servers with a single tap of the screen.
- Price Plans: Your VPN needs should match the price plan. If all you’re looking for is something to get you around the Snapchat restrictions, then there’s no incentive in spending over $8 per month on a VPN when you can get the same features for $2. So think about the price plans and how much you’re willing to spend. After all, you only spend about 8hrs at work or school in a day.
- Bonus VPN Features: You need to look at other bonus features that make using a VPN with Snapchat more efficient and easy. These include Dedicated IP, Smart DNS, Kill Switches, P2P servers, and Auto-Connect, among many others.
How to Use a VPN to Unblock Snapchat at Work or School
- Download and install Surfshark VPN on your Android or iOS device.
- Connect your device to the school or work network.
- Launch the VPN and choose any server. You should see an icon at the top of your screen showing the VPN is active.
- Once the virtual private network is active, open Snapchat and start using it.
- If you don’t want all the other apps on your phone to be rerouted via Surfshark, then make use of the Bypasser feature and tweak the settings to your preferences.
Troubleshooting Guide for Snapchat VPN Error
You may run into errors when trying to use a VPN with Snapchat, especially when using a restricted network at school or the workplace.
If you can’t connect to Snapchat even with an active VPN, try the following:
- Change server locations. Sometimes a server may be too overcrowded or experiencing downtimes. Try using another location and see if the problem persists.
- Switch off your Wi-Fi and try using your mobile data. This will help you determine if the issue is with the Wi-Fi network or your device. If your mobile data works, then the school/work network is the problem.
- Close and restart both the VPN and Snapchat. This may help get rid of minor glitches interfering with how each app functions.
FAQ
How Does a VPN Work With Snapchat?
A VPN works by spoofing your actual IP address and rerouting traffic to a remote server.
This enables the device you’re using to get around any network restrictions to stop it from accessing Snapchat and any other site and app.
By protecting and hiding your data, neither your employer nor school administrator can figure out what a VPN on their network is doing, and there’s not much they can do to block it.
Can the Network Administrator Track My Snapchat Activities?
The network administrator can see a VPN on their network, but they can’t track any activity associated with it.
Snapchat itself uses end-to-end encryption that even Snapchat administrators can’t see.
By adding a VPN into the mix, tracking your Snapchat activities becomes impossible.
Will a VPN Get My Snapchat Banned?
Snapchat considers the use of VPNs as suspicious activity, which may lead to a temporary ban until the suspicious activity is no longer detected.
This is where using a static or dedicated IP comes in handy, as you get to use one constant address every time you use a VPN with Snapchat.
Is Using a Free VPN for Snapchat a Good Idea?
You can unblock Snapchat using a free VPN, but too many risks are involved.
The security and privacy are never that strong, and your data is constantly exposed.
Furthermore, you have to deal with ads, which means someone is mining data from you.
Surfshark isn’t that expensive, and you can even make use of discounts and get it for a far cheaper rate.
Is There a VPN APK I Can Use for Snapchat?
Sometimes finding the official VPN app may not be possible due to regional restrictions.
(I experienced this with ExpressVPN, even with another active VPN running).
This may force you to download the corresponding VPN APK file on your device from third-party sources.
Ensure you have allowed the installation of apps from external sources to make this possible.
Does Snapchat Allow VPNs?
On paper, Snapchat doesn’t encourage the use of VPNs.
However, you can use any reliable VPN of your choice to access Snapchat if you’re in an institution that restricts the use of Snapchat.
Does a VPN Hide Your IP From Snapchat?
A VPN encrypts data passing into and out of your device, and this includes data from Snapchat.
No one can read this data, and that includes Snapchat itself and any other third-party entity.
Final Word
The beauty of technology is giving you control regarding issues like restricted networks in learning institutions and workplaces.
Unblocking Snapchat in this manner is easy, and Surfshark continues to be my number one recommendation.
At the same time, the other four alternatives I’ve outlined for you’re capable in their own right.
Just take your time and go through the features, pros, and cons before making the final decision.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the great discounts here!
