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5 Best VPNs for Telegram: Secure Your Chats

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NordVPN is the best VPN for Telegram to boost your anonymity and download movies and TV shows faster in the app.

This VPN client doesn’t store user data, has fast speeds for video calls and file downloads, and it’s compatible with Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, all of which support native Telegram apps.

That’s not all.

Besides NordVPN, CyberGhost (best for unblocking Telegram), ExpressVPN (for heavily censored regions), Surfshark (most affordable), and AtlasVPN (the best free VPN for Telegram) are great alternative VPNs for Telegram.

Want to know how each performed in the tests? Read this guide to the end!

Top 3 VPNs for Telegram (March , 2024)

BEST FOR UNBLOCKING TELEGRAM
CyberGhost
cyberghost multiple devices

CyberGhost offers 8000+ servers ideal for unblocking Telegram worldwide. It doesn’t store user data and offers military-grade encryption plus kill switches. The connection speeds are also fast enough to handle bandwidth-intensive activities on Telegram.

4.6/5
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BEST OVERALL
NordVPN
nordvpndevices

NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy to secure Telegram chats. The VPN encrypts Telegram traffic and has an internet kill switch for extra protection. There are over 5500 servers for unblocking Telegram, including obfuscated servers for heavily-censored regions.

4.8/5
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BEST FOR HEAVY CENSORSHIP
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN different devices

ExpressVPN offers automatic and fast obfuscation for regions with heavy censorship. You get 3000+ servers to unblock Telegram from anywhere on top of a strict no-logs policy that protects user privacy.

4.6/5
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Telegram is one of the most secure and popular messaging apps around with end-to-end encryption. This is a huge reason it’s blocked in places like Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, China, Cuba, Russia, India, Hong Kong, and, surprisingly, Germany.

After all, some governments want control over everything, including your secure conversations.

Unlike other chat apps (like WhatsApp), which are more business oriented and likely to succumb to government pressure, Telegram has stricter privacy policies.

This makes controlling Telegram much harder.

For instance, the Belarussian president shut down all chat and social media platforms leading to the 2020 elections to quell mass protests. Despite the shutdown, over 45% of people still managed to communicate through Telegram.

Therefore, adding a VPN service to this already-robust privacy and security framework ensures access and maximum data integrity when using Telegram.

Do You Want to Keep Your Telegram Chats Private? Here Are the Best VPNs to Use!

Before you get back to your Telegram chats or downloads, here’s a quick look at the best VPNs and areas where they excel.

  • NordVPN – Most Secure VPN for Private Telegram Chats
  • CyberGhost – Vast Server Network for Unblocking Telegram
  • ExpressVPN – Best Telegram VPN for Heavily Censored Regions
  • Surfshark – Most Affordable VPN for Telegram
  • AtlasVPN – Best Free VPN for Unblocking Telegram

One of the factors I paid close attention to when making this list was connection speeds. For all the tests, I used internet base speeds of 30 Mbps.

If you’ve always wanted to secure your Telegram with a VPN but don’t know how, you’re in the right place.

Top VPNs for Telegram to Boost Anonymity

The tests involved over 20 premium and free VPN providers, which took quite a while. But looking at the results, it was worth it.

If you want to know how each listed VPN performed in the most critical areas, strap yourself in for a ride.

NordVPN - Most Secure VPN for Private Telegram Chats

Location Servers Connections Average Speeds Best Deal
Panama 5500+ 6 29 Mbps Show Offer

Data Logging

At the core of Telegram’s appeal is its privacy. Nobody wants to have their chats snooped on, and NordVPN’s strict data logging policy ensures everything is for your eyes only.

So, every conversation and file you share or download remains your secret; not even your ISP will have access to that.

Additionally, you get NordVPN’s 256-bit encryption on top of Telegram’s end-to-end encryption, adding another layer of security.

Thus, you can access Telegram on public networks without getting hacked.

A kill switch (two on Windows) also automatically kills your device’s internet connection when your VPN connection is interrupted.

This connection drop could happen when you switch from mobile data to WiFi, momentarily exposing your actual IP address to anyone snooping around. If the kill switch isn’t enabled, that is.

Finally, you can use the split tunneling feature available for Android and Windows only to protect your Telegram connection and spare banking apps and other location-sensitive apps like PayPal.

Unblocking Telegram

Telegram is blocked in places like China, Russia, and Germany.

So, the only way to access Telegram in these countries may be via any of NordVPN’s 5,500+ servers.

About 1900 of these servers are in the US, where Telegram is free to use.

So use a US VPN server for better results.

NordVPN also offers obfuscated servers for heavily censored countries or school/work networks where even VPN use can get you into trouble.

However, switching to obfuscation slows down your connection speeds, unlike ExpressVPN whose speeds are maintained through obfuscation.

So, you’ll struggle with VoIP calls or downloading heavy files.

Connection Speeds

nordvpn speed test results

Over a New York server, I averaged 29 Mbps with NordVPN using Telegram. This handled video calls without freezing, and I could download movies and TV shows in record time.

I used the NordLynx protocol, which is also best suited for mobile networks since it’s fast. Another trick to boost speeds is choosing a server closest to your location. However, ensure the server isn’t in a country where Telegram is blocked.

Device Compatibility

NordVPN is compatible with Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices, all of which have native Telegram apps.

For those who prefer Telegram Web, NordVPN offers Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge browser extensions to unblock the service and secure your chats.

Additionally, you can connect up to 6 devices simultaneously on a single NordVPN account. In other words, you can secure several devices using Telegram without paying extra.

NordVPN pricing
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Speaking of payments, NordVPN is not as expensive as ExpressVPN but costlier than Surfshark. Fortunately, there are exciting discount deals to push that price tag down.

Pros

Cons

CyberGhost - Vast Server Network for Unblocking Telegram

Location Servers Connections Average Speeds Best Deal
Romania 8800+ 7 27 Mbps Show Offer

Data Logging

locating automatic kill switch feature on cyberghost settings

CyberGhost, like NordVPN and other premium VPNs, doesn’t keep user data. Plus, CyberGhost is located in Romania, which is outside the surveillance alliances. You can rest easy knowing you’ll take everything you share and receive on Telegram to your grave.

CyberGhost offers military-grade encryption that protects your Telegram activities from snooping parties like the government and ISP.

Thanks to this quality encryption, you can also use Telegram on public WiFi without looking over your shoulders.

Furthemore, like NordVPN, you get a Wi-Fi protection feature on Android and Windows. This gives an edge over alternatives like ExpressVPN that don’t have dedicated Wi-Fi protection settings in its apps.

You also get a reliable kill switch that offers IP and DNS leak protection. This comes to play in the unfortunate event that your VPN connection drops while you’re discussing sensitive issues that could be dangerous if intercepted by the wrong people.

For Android and Windows users, take advantage of the split tunneling feature to keep other apps on the regular internet and only route Telegram traffic through CyberGhost. I once tried to use my PayPal app with an active VPN connection; what followed next wasn’t funny.

Unblocking Telegram

CyberGhost has over 8800 servers in 91 countries. About 1300 of these are in the US, meaning you can unblock Telegram in restricted regions without dealing with overcrowded servers.

However, there’s no obfuscation, so you may get sniffed out in heavily-censored regions like Russia and Cuba if you use a VPN to bypass Telegram restrictions. Thus, be careful while at it because a wary government has resources, unlike a suspicious spouse.

Connection Speeds

cyberghost speed test results

I averaged 27 Mbps with CyberGhost, almost as fast as NordVPN.

This was fast enough for quick downloads of huge files like movies and shows from my favorite Telegram movie channels.

Furthermore, video and audio calls were crisp without buffering or sudden freezes. I used the WireGuard protocol, which is ideal for mobile devices on mobile data or Wi-Fi connections. Fortunately, this protocol is fast and battery-friendly too.

Device Compatibility

CyberGhost has native Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows apps to protect your Telegram activity on these supported devices.

Plus, the VPN has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, perfect for Telegram Web. This comes up short against NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN, which have Microsoft Edge support too.

Luckily, CyberGhost also offers up to 7 device connections simultaneously, edging out NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

cyberghost vpn subscription plans and pricing
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It’s also cheaper than NordVPN and ExpressVPN and offers a 45-day money-back guarantee – the longest.

If that isn’t enticing enough, how about these fantastic discounts? Hurry before they run out!

Pros

Cons

ExpressVPN - Best Telegram VPN for Heavily Censored Regions

Location Servers Connections Average Test Speeds Best Deal
BVI 3000+ 5 26 Mbps Show Offer

Data Logging

ExpressVPN’s strict no-logs policy means it doesn’t store actual or VPN IP addresses, browsing history, traffic destination, metadata, or DNS queries. Everything you share and receive on Telegram is for your eyes only.

Like CyberGhost, ExpressVPN is based in a non-surveillance state, the British Virgin Islands. On top of that, robust encryption takes care of any online security threats like hackers or government interference, especially when using public WiFi.

There’s also a kill switch (called Network Lock) to protect your IP address, Telegram chats and web metadata when you lose your VPN connection. ExpressVPN disconnects the internet on the spot, stopping all outgoing traffic until the VPN connection is re-established.

Lastly, ExpressVPN offers split tunneling on Windows, Android, and macOS 11 and above. You can set it up to direct Telegram traffic only through the VPN and reduce the encryption burden on other internet-enabled apps for better overall performance.

Unblocking Telegram

ExpressVPN lags a little behind CyberGhost, NordVPN and Surfshark regarding server network. You get a little over 3000+ servers in 94 countries, with only 25 servers in the US.

But don’t let that number fool you. What ExpressVPN lacks in numbers, it compensates with quality and automatic obfuscation.

On top of unblocking Telegram from anywhere, you can bypass heavy VPN censorship without losing connection speed or switching VPN protocols.

Connection Speeds

expressvpn speed test 1

I averaged 26 Mbps with ExpressVPN, which was expected since it’s one of the fastest VPNs. ExpressVPN upgrades its VPN servers regularly to accommodate users accessing Telegram securely.

So, even crowded servers still perform.

Another reason for these speeds is the Lightway protocol which is also ideal for mobile networks.

Downloading and uploading heavy files was quick via ExpressVPN on Telegram, and so was conducting video calls.

Device Compatibility

ExpressVPN has a VPN app for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices. So, you can install Telegram on any of these platforms to secure it with the VPN. Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN has browser extensions for Microsoft Edge, Chrome, and Firefox, perfect for Telegram Website users.

Additionally, you get five slots for simultaneous connections, a little short than the other four alternatives but better than nothing.

ExpressVPN plans
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On the price front, ExpressVPN is the most expensive VPN on this list. However, you’ll get a 30-day money-back guarantee for a test run.

Still, grab these exciting discounts while they last.

Pros

Cons

Surfshark - Most Affordable VPN for Telegram

Location Servers Connections Average Speeds Best Deal
The Netherlands 3200+ Unlimited 28 Mbps Show Offer

Data Logging

Surfshark doesn’t store user data like the other premium VPNs on this list. If you exclusively rely on mobile data for your Telegram use, you can rest easy knowing that your prying Internet Service Provider can’t read your chats or see your Telegram activity.

Furthermore, Surfshark offers military-grade encryption that further fortifies the end-to-end encryption provided by Telegram.

With these two, you can securely use Telegram over public WiFi without care.

You also get a kill switch (two on Android) that prevents IP leaks when your VPN connection is interrupted. The last thing you want is to have your details in the wrong hands because of a technical glitch.

Finally, Surfshark offers split tunneling on Android and Windows.

Deciding what app goes through the VPN and what gets left out is essential and could be the difference between fast connection speeds and heavy lags.

Unblocking Telegram

Surfshark offers 3,200+ servers for unblocking Telegram from anywhere. This is short of what CyberGhost and NordVPN offer, but doesn’t impact its unblocking ability.

Like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, Surfshark offers obfuscation for Telegram users in heavily censored regions like Belarus. It’s called Camouflage Mode, but it’s slower compared to what ExpressVPN offers.

Connection Speeds

surfshark speed test results

Surfshark registered average speeds of 26 Mbps like ExpressVPN.

That handled voice and video calls with clarity and no buffering.

I didn’t experience long waiting times when downloading my favorite shows on some Telegram channels either.

So what’s Surfshark’s secret?

The super fast WireGuard and IKEv2 protocols, perfect for mobile devices.

Plus, Surfshark keeps upgrading its servers with unlimited bandwidth to meet the growing user demand. This means fast connection speeds don’t take a huge hit even when you connect to a crowded server.

Device Compatibility

This VPN service provider is compatible with iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. You can install Telegram apps on these platforms for a secure connection over the VPN. Additionally, there’s browser extension support for Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge for Telegram Web users.

Like AtlasVPN, Surfshark offers unlimited device connections.

That allows you to share a secured connection with many devices and people using the same account.

Screenshot MS 1 1
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The icing on the cake is the price tag. Surfshark is the cheapest VPN on this list, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also grab these fantastic deals to push the price further down!

Pros

Cons

AtlasVPN - Best Free VPN for Unblocking Telegram

Location Servers Connections Average Speeds Best Deal
The United States 750+ Unlimited 24 Mbps Show Offer

Data Logging

Free VPNs have a bad rapport regarding user data, but that shouldn’t be an issue with AtlasVPN. It doesn’t store user logs, and neither does it identify individual users who use the service. In short, there’s nothing to be tied back to you.

But I have to point out that free VPN services are free for a reason.

There are important features you don’t have access to.

So, be informed of what you can and can’t do when signing up.

On the plus side, this VPN provider employs industry-standard encryption to hide your Telegram activities from potential threats and snoopers.

A kill switch also prevents IP and DNS leaks when your VPN connection drops midway.

Likewise, you get split tunneling to decide whether or not apps go through the VPN connection. But it’s only available for Android at the moment.

Unblocking Telegram

AtlasVPN has the smallest server network on this list, with just 750 in 43 locations. For those using the free version, you only get three servers, and that, frankly, doesn’t cut it. You can still unblock Telegram from most places worldwide but it won’t be like the other alternatives.

Furthermore, like CyberGhost, AtlasVPN lacks obfuscation, so you may struggle to access Telegram in heavily-censored countries like Brazil, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Connection Speeds

atlasvpn speed test results

AtlasVPN recorded average speeds of 24 Mbps in the tests I conducted, the slowest on this list. But it was still impressive, considering the limited server network. This was sufficient to handle long video calls without interruptions and download files quickly.

I used the WireGuard protocol, which is best suited for mobile networks due to its speed.

Device Compatibility

AtlasVPN works on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS.

So, you can use native Telegram apps on any of these platforms with the complete protection of a VPN. However, AtlasVPN lacks browser extensions.

The good news is that you can connect as many devices as you want with a single AtlasVPN account, like Surfshark. This would be ideal for a group of students who wish to bypass network restrictions at school but don’t have the budget to go for costlier VPNs.

Atlas VPN black friday prices
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If you choose a premium plan, you’ll be happy to know it’s not that expensive. You can save a lot more if you use these fantastic discounts.

Pros

Cons

How to Unblock Telegram With a VPN?

Now that you know the best VPNs for Telegram, you’ve probably decided on the one to go for. But how do you set it up? Here’s a step-by-step guide.

  1. Download and install NordVPN on your preferred device.
download nordvpn promo header
  1. Choose a server and connect.
  1. Launch Telegram and start chatting securely.

Once in a while, downloads on Telegram may not work with an active VPN connection. If that happens, try the following quick tips.

  • Update the VPN to fix any outstanding bugs that may interfere with proper functionality.
  • Switch to a new server since you may be using one that’s blocked or overcrowded.
  • Restart your router to re-establish the VPN or internet connection. Switching to Wi-Fi from mobile data could also do the trick.
  • If you’re on Telegram Web, clear your browser cache and cookies.
Interesting Reads:

FAQs

Telegram can’t ban users from using a VPN. While Telegram’s Terms of Service prohibits Virtual Private Network use, there’s no mechanism to ban users from using them. On the contrary, VPNs enhance the security and privacy of Telegram users.

Telegram doesn’t track user activity. This instant messaging app is designed with privacy in mind and helps keep user information safe and secure.

For example, Telegram allows users to set up two-factor authentication for additional security and provides end-to-end encryption for all conversations.

In addition, Telegram allows users to delete their messages – individually and in bulk – so that there’s no record of them on the app’s servers.

Telegram is wholly or partially banned in the following countries.

  1. Azerbaijan
  2. Bahrain
  3. Belarus
  4. Brazil
  5. China
  6. Cuba
  7. Germany
  8. Hong Kong
  9. India
  10. Indonesia
  11. Iran
  12. Pakistan
  13. Russia
  14. Thailand

Conclusion

So, there you go: a complete breakdown of the best VPNs for Telegram with a guide on how to best use your preferred choice. NordVPN remains my number one recommendation because it satisfies all the critical areas of need.

But that doesn’t take away anything from the other options.

CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, Surshark, and AtlasVPN bring something valuable to the table, and they’ll get you what you need.

Once you decide, remember to grab your VPN subscription with these unrivaled discounts before they run out.

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