An estimated 8,000-plus online dating sites online, with the majority of users flocking to well-known options like Tinder, which controlled 32% of the U.S. market in January 2022. Although very useful for finding love, dating sites also come with risks. One way you can mitigate some of these risks is by using a VPN.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) will allow you to bypass restrictions with a number of popular dating sites, as well as offer the user improved online privacy at the same time. Many online dating services are blocked or unavailable in countries around the world, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. However, only some VPNs will be able to bypass blocks and work with online dating sites consistently.

We’ll take you through seven of the best online dating VPNs in more detail, but we’ve also included a roundup of the best options below.

Here’s a quick summary with some of the best VPNs for dating sites: 

  • NordVPN: The top VPN for online dating. NordVPN is fast and secure, with a large selection of servers in 60+ countries that are perfect for accessing online dating sites. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for online dating. No connection limits, thousands of servers, top security features.
  • ExpressVPN: Another premium VPN that gives access to multiple online dating sites, fast connection speeds.
  • CyberGhost: Good value for money. Solid privacy features, capable of unblocking lots of dating sites and apps.
  • IPVanish: Speedy self-owned servers in 50+ countries. Secure for online dating.
  • PrivateVPN: Affordable Swedish provider that is performant despite a smaller network.
  • AtlasVPN: Relatively new provider with great unlocking abilities, fast speeds and reliable connections.

The best VPNs for dating sites

We’ve picked out the best VPNs for dating sites according to the following criteria:

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • The ability to unblock and access major dating sites
  • Strong encryption across all devices
  • Lots of servers in different locations worldwide
  • Offers high speeds and reliable connections
  • Has apps for all major platforms including Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
  • Secures your web traffic, and keeps no logs of user data

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for dating sites:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top pick if you need a reliable provider for dating sites. The VPN has been operating in the online security sector for over a decade, picking up a wealth of experience when it comes to accessing blocked websites and services. It has over 5,500 ultra-fast servers in 59 countries, ensuring that local dating apps and sites will always be only a few clicks away. The same goes for a wide range of streaming services, including US Netflix, and BBC iPlayer.

It’s also ideal if you want to keep your dating life private. The service keeps no logs, and it uses 256-bit AES encryption coupled with 2,048-bit SSL keys. NordVPN offers DNS leak protection as standard, and can be used safely in regions like the UAE and Dubai.

As well as apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android, there’s Linux support, along with Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Six devices can be used with a single account simultaneously.

BEST VPN SERVICE FOR DATING SITES:NordVPN is our top recommendation for accessing a range of blocked sites and services. Superb speeds and security features. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Great for unblocking dating sites and apps
  • Strong security and privacy features
  • Blisteringly fast connection speeds
  • Over 5,500 ultra-fast servers
  • 24/7 live chat support available
  • Based in Panama (a country great for privacy)

Cons:

  • Minor lag with desktop apps

Our score:

Read our review of NordVPN here.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a viable alternative if you’re looking for a budget VPN that ticks all of the boxes for online dating. With over 3,200 servers in 99+ countries, and exceptional connection speeds, it works to unblock dating apps like Tinder from abroad, along with various international streaming platforms like Hulu and BBC iPlayer.

Surfshark logs no identifiable data, and it doesn’t scrimp on security. Sturdy 256-bit AES encryption will keep your data secure. It offers malware scanning, as well as a kill switch, and protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks. It works in the UAE and China, so you’ll be able to connect to sites safely from almost anywhere in the world.

You’ll find native app support for MacOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux devices, as well as Chrome and Firefox versions. Another perk is that it can be used with unlimited simultaneous devices, further lowering the cost of a single account if shared.

CAPABLE BUDGET DATING VPN:Surfshark will handle all of your VPN dating needs, and it’s hard to find many faults despite the low price tag. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Unblocks dating apps and sites from abroad

  • Unlimited simultaneous devices with one account

  • Offers 24/7 live chat

  • Accepts cryptocurrencies for anonymous payments

  • Additional security and privacy features

  • Advanced settings can be tough to locate

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is a brilliant all-purpose provider that never seems to come unstuck when accessing blocked sites or services. It’s perfect if you’re in need of a VPN for dating sites, even if the price tag is a little higher than the competition. One drawback is that you’ll only be able to use five simultaneous devices, but that’s offset by excellent speeds and numerous security features.

Based in the British Virgin Islands, the service benefits from servers in 94 countries, which allows you to access dating sites in a range of different locations. It’s one of the best VPNs for beginners, and comes with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS protection, and superb customer service.

You’ll find capable apps available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and more.

GREAT UNBLOCKING ABILITIES:ExpressVPN is a reliable service for online dating, with quick speeds and the ability to unblock lots of sites and services worldwide. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Consistently unblocks a range of online sites and services

  • Speedy connections with unlimited data

  • Great customer service

  • High-grade encryption, security and privacy

  • One of the more expensive providers overall

  • Only five simultaneous connections per account

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has one of the largest networks overall, with over 7,000 VPN servers located in 90+ countries backed by speeds fast enough for 4K streaming. It’s a great choice for accessing online dating platforms, no matter where you are in the world.

It also scores highly in terms of privacy, with the company headquartered in Romania so it’s not subject to any mandatory data retention laws. CyberGhost uses 256-bit AES encryption by default, and keeps no identifying user logs. It has a kill switch as standard, and offers the speedy WireGuard protocol.

Customer service is top notch, while apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android. CyberGhost allows for up to seven simultaneous connections, so you’ll be able to use an account with various devices. It’s also highly affordable when looking at its longer subscriptions.

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY VPN:CyberGhost is easy to use and has a large, speedy network of servers to choose from. Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Low-cost provider with speedy and reliable connection speeds

  • Intuitive Android and iOS apps

  • Zero logs

  • 24/7 live chat support

  • Doesn’t work reliably from China or the UAE

  • May not be the best option for power users

Read our full user review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is a leading provider with 2,000+ servers that are optimized for streaming and stability. This makes it another viable option for accessing dating sites with absolutely no issues. Its server network spans 75+ VPN locations, and works to unblock platforms like Netflix and HBO Max with no hassle. It’s also one of the few providers that owns and operates all of its physical hardware, rather than renting it from a third party.

The service keeps no record or logs of VPN use, and offers DNS leak protection, unbreakable 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch to keep your dating habits private.

You’ll find IPVanish apps for iOS and Android, along with desktop clients for Windows and macOS. Best of all, you’ll be able to use one account with an unlimited number of simultaneous devices. It’s a perk not often seen with budget providers.

CAPABLE VPN NETWORK:IPVanish is affordable, trustworthy, and reasonably powerful. Unlimited devices. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind.

  • Can be used to access lots of blocked content

  • Quick speeds and reliable connections

  • No-logs VPN

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections

  • Struggles to connect in China

  • Doesn’t work with some popular streaming services

  • Based in the USA

Read our full review of IPVanish to find out more.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN has opted for quality over quantity, with a dedicated selection of 200+ servers and locations in 60+ countries that can be used to access numerous dating apps, along with various other geo-restricted services. This includes the likes of Disney Plus and Netflix US, with impressive speeds that are more than quick enough for streaming.

The Swedish provider offers perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch (for Windows), DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and the choice between 128-bit or 256-bit encryption. A strict no-logs policy ensures that your data is safe and secure at all times.

You’ll find native apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS, and you’ll be able to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. It’s Kodi friendly, but live chat isn’t available 24/7.

UNDERRATED DATING VPN:PrivateVPN is a smaller provider that still manages to get the job done, whether it’s online dating or streaming. 10 simultaneous devices, strict logging policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Great Android/iOS apps

  • Fast and reliable servers for consistent connections

  • Keeps no user identifiable logs

  • Server switching can take a while

  • Fewer servers to choose from

  • Live chat isn’t available 24/7

Read our review of PrivateVPN.

7. Atlas VPN

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

Atlas VPN is arguably best known for its capable free tier. Launched in 2019, it has apps for PC, Mac, Android, and iOS, which can be used to access a range of streaming platforms, as well as popular dating sites. You’ll be able to use unlimited devices simultaneously with Atlas VPN, while benefiting from uncrackable encryption, and protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.

Despite being a newer provider compared to the others on the list, Atlas VPN has extra security features such as MultiHop servers. It’s one of the fastest providers overall, and it comes with a strict no-logs policy. However, it only offers 750 servers across 44 locations.

You’ll be able to get in contact 24/7 over live chat, although it probably won’t work in China.

GREAT LOW-COST VPN:AtlasVPN is great for streaming and unblocking online services, dating sites included. High-speed servers and WireGuard protocol. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Simple to use

  • No logs policy

  • Unlimited simultaneous devices

  • Doesn’t work in China

  • Smaller server network compared to other providers

  • Missing a few useful features like split tunneling

Find out more in our AtlasVPN review.

How to use a VPN with dating sites

It’s quick and easy to access dating sites with a VPN as long as the provider has the ability to bypass any blocks in the first place.

Here’s how to use a VPN with dating sites from anywhere in the world: 

  • Sign up with one of the VPN services listed above to begin. We recommend NordVPN for online dating. Make a note of your login details, and download the VPN app to your device.
  • Open the app, and enter your login details.
  • Select a server location. Many VPNs also have the option of a Recommended Server found nearby.
  • You should now have a relevant IP address (check here).
  • Clear your cookies and your browser cache. This will remove any data stored during previous sessions, so the dating site won’t remember you.
  • Open the dating site or app that was previously blocked. You should now be able to login and send messages with your new IP address.

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for dating sites

With so many VPNs to choose from, which is best for accessing blocked dating sites from anywhere with no hassle? Here is the criteria we used when creating our list of the best VPNs for dating sites, with a brief description of why each one is important:

Free VPNs may also inadvertently pose a security risk. Take Hong Kong-based UFO VPN, who were found to have exposed millions of user logs in 2020. The leaks included ‘plain text passwords and information that could be used to identify VPN users.’

Instead, we’d advise you to check out our recommended list of the best VPNs with a free trial.

You’ll also be better protected in terms of privacy, which makes sense given the personal nature of online dating.

Blocks may also be enforced by your internet service provider due to government censorship. The concept of online dating is alien in some cultures, and outright illegal in others. 

Dating sites have started to crack down on the use of VPNs, especially if the IP address has been used for fraudulent means in the past.