At a Glance
If you’re a fan of adult content living in one of the nearly 20 states in the Union that have made age verification mandatory when accessing porn sites, you’ve probably seen a notice like the one below.
While the above notification is for PornHub users in Texas, you’ll likely see a similar notice on several major porn sites if you visit them from inside a restrictive state. This is because PornHub and other sites providing adult materials are simply blocking access to their websites if a user is located in one of the restrictive states.
Which U.S. States Have Passed Age Verification Laws?
At the time of this article, 19 U.S. states do already or soon will require age verification to access porn online:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
Why Are These US States Requiring Age Verification for Porn?
The primary reason for requiring age verification is to prevent children under 18 years of age from accessing porn sites, due to fears of the impact adult materials have on children’s mental health.
While some would say any type of ban on adult content is a violation of U.S. free speech laws, others have worked to get porn banned across the entire country, and that includes internet porn.
However, the states listed in the previous section have decided that rather than outright banning porn, they will instead require porn sites to confirm that viewers are over the age of 18. Unfortunately for fans of adult content, this has basically led to a porn ban for users in those states.
Why Has PornHub Blocked Users in Some States?
PornHub says it’s blocking access to PornHub in the states where age verification is in force due to privacy and security concerns.
The age verification laws require users to prove that they are above the age of 18 to view adult content such as is offered by PornHub and other adult sites.
Since the age verification laws generally require users to submit a form of personally identifiable information, like a driver’s license. I’d venture to say that visitors to adult websites visit more than one site, this means users could be required to submit their private information to multiple adult sites, which is not exactly the best way to protect your privacy.
Even if an adult site doesn’t misuse your personal information (yes, some porn sites are run by criminals), it opens up the risk of identity theft, due to the risk of data breaches. This means users could have their personal information stolen and used in phishing attempts and other forms of attack.
Being required to submit personal information to access PornHub and other adult websites also normalizes turning over your information to gain access to websites and other online services. Even if there are good intentions behind such regulations, there are too many privacy violation possibilities when sharing such information.
How To Bypass the PornHub Block in U.S. States
A VPN is the easiest, and most secure, way of accessing adult content in states where it is blocked. Simply follow the steps below to access PornHub and your other favorite adult sites:
- Subscribe to a reputable VPN. My top VPN pick is NordVPN.
- Once you’ve subscribed, download and install the VPN’s apps on your devices.
- Sign in to the VPN app.
- Select a server located in the United States but NOT in one of the states that require age verification.
- Visit your favorite adult site(s). Now that your IP address makes it appear as if you are connecting from a different location, the site should not prompt you to verify your age with a government ID. You may still see an “I am 18” button or something similar. These usually just require a single click of the mouse to confirm.
WANT TO TRY A TOP VPN RISK-FREE?
The providers on the following list all offer a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial. You can use a top-rated VPN like NordVPN with no restrictions for a month. There are no hidden terms or gotchas, just contact customer support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN or another VPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund.
Best VPNs for Avoiding the PornHub Block
Below is a quick list with highlights of the top VPNs to use to avoid the PornHub blockade. Additional information about each VPN provider is available in the full reviews following this section.
The best VPNs for avoiding the PornHub block are:
- NordVPN: #1 VPN for avoiding the PornHub block. NordVPN provides reliable access to adult sites like PornHub. The provider’s fast, well-protected connections make it an excellent choice for streaming video. Offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best budget VPN for evading PornHub block. Surfshark provides excellent online protection and enhancement. This provider’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy makes it easy to enjoy your favorite content on all of your devices.
- ExpressVPN: Premium VPN for avoiding the PornHub block. While ExpressVPN admittedly asks a premium price, it provides premium VPN protection. The provider has a large server network, offering fast and well-protected connections.
- CyberGhost: Good option for first-time VPN users. CyberGhost offers easy-to-use apps providing one-click access to your favorite streaming content. The provider’s fast, well-protected connections make it an excellent VPN for most online activities.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable access to blocked sites. PIA does a good job of providing access to blocked content, including PornHub. Meanwhile, the provider’s comprehensive security and privacy protection keeps you safe and private while online.
- PrivateVPN: Small but mighty server network. PrivateVPN has the smallest number of servers on this list. That said, the VPN provides reliable access to content wherever its servers are located. PrivateVPN also provides excellent online security and privacy protection.
- PureVPN: Comprehensive VPN protection. PureVPN offers online security and privacy, fast connections, and reliable access to online content from anywhere, blocked PornHub states included!
There are several reasons these seven VPNs made the list. They include:
- Unblocks PornHub blockades
- Excellent online privacy and security
- Fast connections
- Excellent native app support
- Top-notch customer support
You can find more information about my testing methodology section later in this article.
The top VPN service providers to avoid the PornHub blockade are as follows.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is my top pick for a VPN provider to help you avoid the PornHub blockade. This is thanks to its several U.S. server locations, as well as its fast and well-protected connections.
The provider has more than 6,600 servers stationed in over 111 countries, including the U.S. where it has servers in 17+ cities, providing reliable access to geo-fenced content.
All NordVPN servers are run completely free of user logs and all of those servers are diskless (run solely from RAM), meaning there are no records to be found of your online activities. The provider also accepts Bitcoin as a subscription payment.
The provider protects its users’ online travels by using banking-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak prevention. Malware and ad-blocking protection are also there to protect you from online dangers.
If you’re streaming any type of video, a faster connection is a better connection, and NordVPN’s connection speeds are easily up to handling streaming, gaming, and other popular online activities. Plus, NordVPN never puts any limits on your VPN usage.
NordVPN offers apps for iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, ChromeOS, Apple TV (running tvOS 17 or later), and Android TV device platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. NordVPN is also compatible with select routers.
Customers can simultaneously connect up to 10 devices to NordVPN’s server network.
The provider’s customer support department offers 24/7 live chat, email, and a searchable support library.
A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Pros:
- Servers in 17+ US cities
- Comprehensive device support
- Fast, well-protected connections
- Excellent privacy protection
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- No streaming-optimized servers
THE BEST VPN TO AVOID THE US PORNHUB BAN:NordVPN provides reliable access to PornHub and other adult websites, thanks to its servers scattered around the US. The provider also provides top-notch privacy and security, as well as fast download speeds. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark charges a beer bottle price for its champagne services, making it a valid VPN option for PornHub viewers on a tight budget.
It has 3,200+ servers stationed in 99+ countries, with servers in 20+ US cities, providing reliable access to content like that offered by PornHub.
All Surfshark servers are operated 100% from RAM, meaning data is automatically wiped from the provider’s servers whenever they are rebooted or powered down. A cryptocurrency payment option keeps your payment info incognito.
Surfshark protects all of its customers’ connections with banking-level encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. Ad and tracker blocking, as well as malware and phishing protection, provide additional online protection.
The provider’s well-protected connections are also fast, easily providing enough bandwidth for streaming and other popular online pastimes. The provider never places limitations on your VPN usage.
The provider offers app options for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, Apple TV (running tvOS 17 or later), and Android TV device platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is support for several routers.
Surfshark offers an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance, meaning you can connect as many devices at once as you’d like to the provider’s servers.
Around-the-clock agent chat, a searchable support library, and a “Contact Us” form are all available when you need assistance.
Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Fast, well-protected connections
- Budget-priced subscriptions
- Unlimited simultaneous connections policy
- Comprehensive app support
Cons:
- Monthly subscriptions are a bit expensive
BEST BUDGET VPN FOR ACCESSING PORNHUB:Surfshark provides premium VPN services for a reasonable price. Its fast, well-protected, and unlimited connections, as well as its excellent device support, make it an excellent way to evade the PornHub blockade. Try Surfshark’s services for 30 days.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN may be a bit more expensive than the other VPNs on this list, but it provides premium services.
The provider’s impressive global server network is made up of 3,000+ servers in more than 100 countries around the globe. In the US, the provider has servers in more than 15 different cities.
The provider was one of the first VPN providers to run all of its server operations solely from RAM. This ensures that no data is ever saved to a hard drive or SSD, ensuring that all data is wiped from an ExpressVPN server each time it is restarted or turned off.
ExpressVPN connections are all protected with banking-grade encryption, and offer IP/DNS leak prevention, as well as kill switch protection. Bitcoin is a payment option, and the provider saves no user logs, so your payment and VPN usage privacy are both well-protected.
The provider’s connections can easily handle video streaming, gaming, and file sharing. There are no data caps or bandwidth restrictions to be found when using this provider.
ExpressVPN’s app options include offerings for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Apple TV (iOS 17 or later), Android TV, Amazon Fire, and ChromeOS devices. Brave, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions are also available. The provider also offers support for select routers, along with customized firmware for some makes and models.
Up to eight devices can be connected at once to ExpressVPN’s servers.
ExpressVPN offers around-the-clock customer support, with live support chat, email support, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.
You can try ExpressVPN’s services for free for 30 days.
Pros:
- Apps for most popular devices
- Well-protected connections
- Several server farms in US
Cons:
- Highest prices on this list
- Lacks streaming-optimized servers
PREMIUM VPN SERVICE FOR UNBLOCKING PORNHUB:ExpressVPN’s premium services come at a premium price. That said, it’s one of the most well-known VPNs in the industry. Its fast and well-protected connections provide access to blocked geo-fenced content like PornHub. The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a powerful, easy-to-use VPN service that first-time VPN users will certainly appreciate.
The provider’s server network includes thousands of servers in 99+ countries. Servers are located in 10+ US cities, including streaming-, gaming-, and file-sharing-optimized servers.
No logs connected to your internet travels are ever saved, and the provider has a Bitcoin subscription payment option.
CyberGhost uses banking-grade encryption and IP/DNS leak protection to keep your online travels undercover, while also offering blocking of advertising and malware.
CyberGhost connections are quite fast, making it an excellent way to stream scenes of your favorite adult stars. The provider never ruins a good time by inflecting data caps or bandwidth limitations.
The provider’s easy-to-use app selection includes options for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Linux, Windows, Android, Amazon Fire, and Android TV device platforms. Select routers are also supported.
CyberGhost offers truly free browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, although those extensions allow connecting to only eight servers in four countries, and they only protect your in-browser activities.
A single user can connect up to seven devices to the provider’s servers at once.
Customer support is an always-available thing, offering 24/7 live agent chat, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library.
The provider’s one-month subscriptions carry a 14-day money-back guarantee, while one-year and two-year subscriptions carry a 45-day guarantee.
Pros:
- Several servers scattered throughout the US
- Intuitive, easy-to-use apps
- Streaming, gaming, and downloading-optimized servers
Cons:
- Money-back guarantee limited to 14 days on monthly subscriptions
- Monthly subscriptions are priced a bit high
GREAT OPTION FOR ROOKIE VPN USERS:CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps make it an excellent VPN option for users with little to no VPN experience. The provider’s fast and well-protected connections offer reliable access to blocked content in the US and around the globe. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available for one and two-year subscription options.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) provides reliable access to blocked websites, porn and otherwise.
The provider’s global server network includes thousands of servers stationed in more than 90 countries, as well as an impressive 50+ US cities.
The provider’s servers keep no user logs whatsoever, meaning there are no records of your online activities. Plus, the provider’s Bitcoin subscription payment option helps to keep your payment information private.
All PIA servers are now run 100% from RAM, writing no data of any kind to a permanent storage device. This ensures that all data is completely wiped when a server is rebooted or even unplugged.
All PIA-provided connections are protected with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. Ads, trackers, malware, and perilous websites can also be blocked.
While PIA’s connection speeds are some of the slowest on this list, those connections are easily up to handling your favorite online activities. No data caps or bandwidth throttling to worry about when using this VPN.
The provider’s native app support includes offerings for iOS, macOS, iPadOS, Android, Android TV, Windows, and Linux devices. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is compatibility with select routers.
The provider puts no limits on the number of devices that a customer can connect to PIA’s servers at once.
PIA’s support options include agent chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.
You can give PIA a try for 30 days for free.
Pros:
- Servers in 50+ US cities
- No limit on simultaneous connections
- All servers run 100% from RAM
Cons:
- Connection speeds could stand improvement
- Issues working properly in restrictive countries
RELIABLE ACCESS TO BLOCKED ADULT STREAMING CONTENT:PIA is an excellent way to unblock PornHub, thanks to it having servers in more than 50 US cities. Comprehensive online security and privacy protections and an unlimited connection allowance make the VPN a good choice for users with multiple devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Private Internet Access.
6. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is a good option for PornHub users looking to preserve their access to adult content.
PrivateVPN has more than 200 servers spread rather thinly around 60+ countries, with servers in 10+ US cities.
The provider’s strict no-server logs policy ensures that there are no records kept of your online antics, protecting your usage privacy. Meanwhile, the provider’s cryptocurrency payment option keeps your payment information undercover.
PrivateVPN’s industry-standard protection includes banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. A “Stealth VPN” feature keeps your VPN usage undercover.
While PrivateVPN has the slowest connection speeds on this list, its connections can easily handle streaming and other online pastimes. No data caps or bandwidth throttling to be found here.
PrivateVPN’s app support could stand some improvement. That said, the provider’s app offerings include options for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Android, Linux, and Windows devices. Currently, the provider doesn’t offer a browser extension. The provider can be configured on some routers.
Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected on a single account.
PrivateVPN’s customer support options include agent chat, a support request form, and a FAQ section.
The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- “Stealth VPN” hides your VPN usage
- Comprehensive security and privacy protection
- No VPN usage restrictions or connection limits
Cons:
- Needs more servers
- Needs more apps
“STEALTHY” VPN SERVICE:PrivateVPN’s “Stealth VPN'' feature hides your VPN usage while providing reliable access to content. While PrivateVPN has a small number of servers, it spreads them around the globe nicely, with several server farms scattered around the US. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of PrivateVPN.
7. PureVPN
PureVPN offers quality VPN protection while helping you evade PornHub roadblocks.
PureVPN boasts a global server network with more than 6,000+ servers in over 65 countries, with servers based in 12+ US cities.
The provider’s no-logs policy ensures that no records are ever kept of your online activities. Plus, a cryptocurrency payment option helps to keep your payment information incognito.
The provider’s connections are kept secure with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection.
PureVPN’s connections are quite fast, easily handling any popular online activity. PureVPN never cuts you off with data caps or bandwidth throttling.
PureVPN offers apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Chromebook, Windows, Android, Android TV, Apple TV (tvOS 17 or later), Linux, and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave browser extensions are available and select routers are compatible with the provider.
Users can simultaneously connect up to 10 devices to the provider’s servers.
Agent chat, email, and a searchable support knowledge base are available in your time of need.
PureVPN offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Fast connections
- Servers in several US cities
- Comprehensive online security and privacy
Cons:
- Kill switch not available on all platforms
- No refunds for cryptocurrency subscription payments
BREAKS THROUGH PORNHUB BARRIERS:PureVPN offers reliable access to online content, while also providing top-notch online security and privacy protection. The provider offers apps for popular device platforms. 31-day money-back guarantee.
Read my full review of PureVPN.
Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Avoiding the PornHub Block
It’s important to consider several factors when considering a VPN service provider to use to keep PornHub available. Not all VPN providers offer the same features, and you’ll want to select a VPN that offers the feature that you require to unblock PornHub.
These are the most important aspects to consider when choosing a VPN for unblocking PornHub:
- Server network: A large global server network helps to provide access to all that the internet has to offer. When looking for a VPN to unblock PornHub, look for a provider with servers located around the United States. NordVPN has servers in 111+ countries, as well as several cities in the US.
- Connection speed: Fast connections allow you to watch streaming video without extended buffering or pauses during the action. A provider should have blazingly fast connection speeds that can easily handle 4K video streams.
- Value: A VPN provider’s true value can be easily determined by comparing the provider’s service offerings to the price it is asking. They need to offer excellent value for the money.
- Ease of use: The easier it is to connect to a VPN server, the sooner you can begin streaming. Plus, apps should be available for popular device platforms, allowing you to enjoy streaming video, no matter what device you’re using. NordVPN offers intuitive apps for most popular device platforms.
- Security and privacy: You’re in danger when you’re connected to the internet. This means you require digital security and privacy protections to keep you safe. Look for (at a minimum) banking-level encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. Also look for a no-logs policy, so no records are ever kept of your online activities.
- Streaming: In addition to PornHub, there are several other available streaming services (no, really, there are). Not only should a provider offer an enjoyable experience while streaming adult content, but it also needs to work with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and other streamers.
My research doesn’t end here. I also investigate several other features during my data-driven VPN testing methodology, which helps me to better understand the VPNs and their services, allowing me to recommend VPNs that are a good fit for your needs.
Avoiding the PornHub Block FAQs
Do Any Free VPNs Work With Pornhub?
While a free VPN may allow you to visit PornHub or other adult websites, your experience will likely be less than enjoyable.
This is because many free VPN services throttle their users’ connections or place daily or monthly data caps on VPN usage. Considering that streaming HD content really eats up the data, neither of those restrictions makes for an enjoyable video streaming experience.
Free VPNs will also herd their users into a queue where they are forced to wait until they are allowed to connect to one of the provider’s free VPN servers.
Many “free” VPN services carry a hidden cost: your online privacy. This is because many free providers log your online activities, selling the information to advertisers and other interested folks. So good luck keeping your visits to PornHub undercover
Plus, freebie VPNs are known to insert unwanted tracking cookies and advertisements into their users’ browsing sessions.
Why Should I Care About Age-Verification on Adult Sites?
While minors should definitely not have access to adult websites like PornHub, it hasn’t been proven whether existing age verification methods are adequate or safe.
Requiring viewers to prove they are adults by providing their ID before accessing adult content is risky. There is no way to ensure that the information users provide to the adult website won’t appear in a data breach. Plus, the information could be sold by the website. Either way, this could reveal that you visit adult websites.
In Closing
While making sure minors do not have access to PornHub and other adult websites, providing your government-issued ID to a porn site is not the best way to do so. So, for those who don’t wish to provide that info to a website, a VPN is the best solution for now.
My #1 recommended VPN is NordVPN. NordVPN has servers scattered all around the US, with several not inside of restrictive states. The provider’s fast connections are perfect for streaming any type of video and the provider does a top-notch job of keeping your online activities undercover.
