At a Glance
According to Pew Research, in 2023 three-in-10 U.S. adults said they have used an online dating site or app. Tinder is the most popular app among users, as 46% of survey respondents say they’ve used the app, with Match (with a 31% share) and Bumble (28%) filling out the top three dating sites/apps.
While looking for love online is totally acceptable in today’s world, there are risks in using dating sites and apps. These can include stalking, doxxing, swatting, and more. One way to protect yourself while looking for love in online places is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Why Should I Use a VPN for Dating Sites?
When you are using dating sites and apps, you are not only opening yourself up to companionship, you’re also opening yourself up to doxxing and swatting attacks, stalking, and more.
A VPN can protect you online, as it hides your true IP address, meaning it will be harder for bad actors to detect your true geographic location. This same feature also provides access to dating sites and apps you might normally not have access to.
In this article, I’ll review the top seven best VPNs for using dating sites and apps. I’ll also cover all of the protections and advantages offered by VPNs.
WANT TO TRY A TOP VPN FOR DATING SITES RISK-FREE?: All of the seven top VPN services on this list offer 30- to 45-day no-risk money-back guarantees. If you subscribe to one of these VPN providers and then find the VPN doesn’t meet your needs, you can contact the provider and ask for a refund before the money-back guarantee period has run out.
Best VPNs for Dating Sites
I’ve tested and ranked several VPN providers and have determined that the seven VPNs in this article are the top VPNs for protecting and enhancing your online dating experience.
In case you’re in a hurry to get a date for Saturday night, here’s a quick TL;DR covering the top VPNs. For those who want more detail, full reviews can be found a little later in the article.
The best VPNs for dating sites:
- NordVPN: #1 VPN provider for dating sites. NordVPN has fast and well-protected connections, comprehensive native app support, a large global server network, and total online security and privacy protection. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best budget VPN for dating. Surfshark is my budget VPN provider, leaving you with money in your pocket to pay for that first date. This provider offers unlimited simultaneous connections, an impressively large server network, fast connections, and top-notch connection protection, all for a low price.
- ExpressVPN: Premium VPN for dating apps. ExpressVPN, although rather expensive, provides premium online privacy and enhancement. The provider’s huge server network offers high-speed, well-protected connections.
- CyberGhost: Good choice for first-time VPN users. CyberGhost offers easy-to-use apps, all of which offer one-click online protection and enhancement. Truly free browser extensions are also available, although their protection is limited.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN protection. PIA’s comprehensive online security and privacy protect you while you’re swiping left and right. The VPN also provides reliable access to geo-fenced content in several countries around the globe.
- PrivateVPN: Small but mighty VPN. PrivateVPN has the lowest server count of any provider on this list. That said, PrivateVPN offers comprehensive online security and privacy protection, while providing reliable access to content wherever it has servers stationed.
- PureVPN: Quality VPN protection for all of your devices. PureVPN offers comprehensive online security and privacy protection, while also providing fast connection speeds. The provider offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.
When choosing which VPN providers to recommend for dating sites, I measured the following factors:
- Global server coverage
- Online privacy and security protection
- Connection speeds
- Customer support
- Native app support
You can read more about the features I considered in the testing methodology section found later in this article.
These are my top VPN service providers for dating sites.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is my number one VPN provider for dating sites, thanks to its top-notch performance in several VPN service categories.
The provider currently offers 6,300+ servers in 110+ countries, providing access to content in most areas of the globe (server network sizes can vary on a daily basis, so always check your VPN provider’s server network information to find out the latest numbers).
NordVPN’s use of banking-grade encryption, kill switch protection, IP/DNS leak prevention, and malware and ad blocking keeps its customers safe from online perils and monitoring.
Its servers run free of user logs, while also accepting Bitcoin payments, keeping both your online travels and your payment information private. Its owned-and-operated servers keep third-party contractors away from customer data. The company runs all of its servers solely from volatile RAM, writing nothing to a permanent storage device, ensuring that all data is wiped whenever a server is rebooted or shut down.
NordVPN’s connection speeds are some of the fastest I’ve ever seen, and can easily handle 4K streaming, fast-moving games, and any other popular online activity. No data caps or bandwidth throttling to deal with here!
This provider supports most popular connected devices, including offerings for iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, ChromeOS, Apple TV (running tvOS 17 or later), and Android TV platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider is also compatible with several makes and models of routers, if you need to simultaneously connect more than 10 devices.
NordVPN customer support includes 24/7 live chat, email, and a searchable support library.
A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Pros:
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Excellent native app support
- Fast connection speeds
- 6,300+ servers in more than 110 countries
- Top-notch security and privacy protection
Cons:
- No streaming-optimized servers
THE BEST VPN FOR DATING SITES:NordVPN provides top-notch online privacy and security, while providing access to content around the globe for most popular devices. The provider’s connection speeds are quite impressive, ensuring you’ll have an enjoyable video chat experience if things advance that far. The provider offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark charges a quite reasonable fee for its substantial services, making it an excellent VPN option for users on a tight budget.
Surfshark’s 3,200+ servers in 99+ countries provide reliable access to geo-controlled content around the globe.
Your online security is well-protected, thanks to the provider’s use of banking-level encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. Ad and tracker blocking are also available, as well as malware and phishing protection.
Cryptocurrency is accepted in return for Surfshark’s considerable services, and the provider never saves records of your online activities. Plus, all of the provider’s servers are run 100% from RAM, so all data is automatically and completely wiped when a Surfshark server is rebooted or powered off.
Surfshark’s blazingly-fast connections provide plenty of bandwidth to ensure you have an enjoyable online dating, streaming, gaming, or file sharing experience. The provider never throttles your bandwidth or paces caps on your VPN data usage.
The provider makes apps available for macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, Apple TV (running tvOS 17 or later), and Android TV device platforms, as well as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions. The provider also offers support for select routers.
Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance means you can connect as many devices as you’d like to the provider’s servers at once on a single user account.
The provider offers always-available chat, a searchable support library, and a “Contact Us” form.
Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Blazingly-fast connections
- Budget-priced extended subscriptions
- No limit on simultaneous connections
Cons:
- No streaming-optimized servers
BEST BUDGET VPN FOR DATING SITES:Surfshark’s fast and well-protected connections, unlimited concurrent connections, comprehensive device support, and responsive customer support are all available for a low price. You can try out Surfshark’s budget-priced services with no risk for 30 days.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN provides premium VPN services, and as such, it carries a rather high price. That said, the provider is worth the extra money.
The provider has an impressive global server network of more than 3,000 servers in 100+ countries around the globe. The network provides reliable access to geo-controlled content all over the world.
ExpressVPN secures its customers internet connections with banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and an automatic kill switch. Bitcoin is a subscription payment option and follows a strict no-server-logs policy, protecting your payment and VPN usage privacy, respectively.
The provider was one of the first VPN providers to run all of its server operations from RAM, writing no data to a physical storage device. This ensures that all information is automatically wiped upon every server reboot or shutdown.
ExpressVPN’s download speeds measured in at around 300 Mbps in my most recent download speeds testing, meaning the provider can easily handle HD or 4K streaming content, online games, or sharing large files. There are no data caps or bandwidth restrictions when using this provider.
ExpressVPN’s app support has you covered, thanks to native apps for macOS, Android, iOS, 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 offers support for select routers, going so far as offering customized firmware for some models.
Up to eight simultaneous connections can be made to ExpressVPN’s servers on a single user account.
ExpressVPN’s around-the-clock customer support is available in the form of 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket system, and a support library.
You can do a test run of ExpressVPN’s service for 30 days.
Pros:
- Top-notch app and browser support
- Speedy connections
- Large global server network
Cons:
- Costs more than other providers on this list
- Lacks streaming-optimized servers
BEST PREMIUM VPN SERVICE:While ExpressVPN’s premium services come at a premium price, the provider is worth the extra cost. Impressively fast connection speeds, the ability to reliably unblock geo-fenced content around the world, and support for popular connected devices add up to a great value VPN. The provider has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a powerful, yet easy-to-use VPN service, making it an excellent VPN option for rookie VPN users.
The provider’s server network is quite large, with thousands upon thousands of servers in 99+ countries. That list of servers includes streaming-, gaming-, and downloading-optimized servers.
CyberGhost’s protected connections use military-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and blocking of ads and malware. The provider can also force websites to show secure versions of their web pages when available.
The provider never saves logs connected to your internet travels, and Bitcoin is a subscription payment option, keeping your privacy protected.
CyberGhost offers speedy download speeds. Plus, the provider offers streaming-, downloading-, and gaming-optimized servers. There are never any data caps or bandwidth limitations to deal with.
CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps are available for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, and Android TV device platforms. Support is also available for select routers.
CyberGhost’s browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox provide free in-browser VPN protection. However, those extensions only offer connections to a mere eight servers in four countries, so keep that in mind.
Up to seven devices can be simultaneously connected to the provider’s servers on a single subscription.
This VPN’s customer support department offers always-available live chat, a trouble ticket system, and a support library.
CyberGhost limits the money-back guarantee period for a one-month subscription to 14 days, or users have 45 days to decide if they opt for a one-year or two-year subscription.
Pros:
- Free Chrome and Firefox browser extensions
- Easy to use apps
- Offers streaming-, gaming-, and downloading-optimized servers
Cons:
- 14-day money-back guarantee on monthly subscription
- Monthly subscription price is expensive
BEST VPN FOR ROOKIES:CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps make it an excellent option for rookie VPN users in search of easy to use, reliable online protection and enhancement for their connected devices. Free browser extensions make it easy to hide your browser activity, even if it is somewhat limited. CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee for its extended subscription options.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) provides comprehensive online protection for most popular connected devices.
The provider’s global server network (3,300+ servers located in 90+ countries), provides reliable access to geo-fenced content in several countries.
All PIA-provided connections are protected with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. The VPN also provides blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites.
The provider’s servers are run user log-free, meaning there are no records saved that are connected to your online activities. Its Bitcoin subscription payment option keeps your payment information private.
PIA now runs their servers 100% from RAM, writing no data whatsoever to a hard drive or SSD. This ensures that all data is automatically wiped when a server is restarted, powered down, or even has the plug pulled from the surge protector.
While PIA’s connection speeds are the second-slowest speeds on this list, they are certainly fast enough to easily handle most popular online activities (as long as your usual connection speeds are up to it). Data caps and bandwidth throttling are nowhere to be found.
PIA’s native app support includes options for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux device platforms. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are available to keep your browsing undercover. The provider is compatible with select routers.
There is no limit on the number of devices that can be simultaneously connected to PIA’s servers by a single customer.
PIA’s support options include live agent chat, a trouble ticket system, and a support library.
You can try out PIA for 30 days, thanks to the provider’s money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Good-sized server network
- No limit on server connections
- All servers run 100% from volatile RAM
Cons:
- Second-slowest connections on this list
- Problems working in overly-restrictive countries
RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION FOR ONLINE DATING:PIA’s comprehensive online security and privacy keeps your online dating activities undercover. The VPN’s network provides reliable access to geo-controlled content around most of the globe. An unlimited connections allowance makes the VPN a good option for users with multiple connected devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Private Internet Access.
6. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN admittedly has the lowest server count on this list, although it has done a good job of locating the limited number of servers they do have.
PrivateVPN’s 200+ servers are spread among 63+ countries. The servers provide reliable access to content in the countries it serves.
The provider also has the slowest connections on this list. That said, the provider’s connections are up to handling your favorite online activities (as long as your ISP-provided speeds are up to it). Plus, PrivateVPN never spoils the fun with data caps or by throttling your bandwidth.
PrivateVPN protects its customers’ connections by using banking-grade encryption and IP/DNS leak protection. A handy “Stealth VPN” feature hides its customers’ VPN usage by making it appear to be normal browser activity.
The provider follows a strict no-server logs policy, ensuring that there are no records kept of your online antics. Meanwhile, the provider’s cryptocurrency payment option keeps your payment information undercover.
PrivateVPN’s somewhat limited native app support includes options for Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows devices. The provider doesn’t currently offer browser extensions. The provider can be manually configured to work with select routers.
Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected to the PrivateVPN server network on a single account.
PrivateVPN support offers agent chat, a support request form, and an FAQ page.
A 30-day money-back guarantee takes the risk out of trying the service.
Pros:
- “Stealth VPN” disguises your VPN usage
- Top-notch online security and privacy
- No data caps or connection throttling to worry about
Cons:
- Needs more servers
- Could improve app support
“STEALTHY” VPN PROTECTION:While PrivateVPN has a low number of servers, it has spread them around nicely. The provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature keeps your VPN usage hidden. Device support could stand some improvement, but they do support the most popular devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of PrivateVPN.
7. PureVPN
PureVPN offers quality VPN protection for all of your devices, including the Apple TV, allowing you to swipe left or right on a big screen.
PureVPN’s global server network includes 6,000+ servers, located in 65+ countries. This good-sized network provides reliable access to content in several areas of the globe.
All PureVPN-provided connections are kept private and secure with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention.
The provider’s strict no-logs policy ensures that no records are ever kept on the servers recording your online activities. Plus, the provider’s cryptocurrency payment option keeps your payment information undercover (no refunds for cryptocurrency payments).
The provider’s well-protected connections are blazingly fast, meaning they can easily handle any popular online activity. PureVPN never spoils a good time by imposing data caps or bandwidth throttling on its customers’ VPN usage.
PureVPN offers app support for Chromebook, Windows, Mac, Android, Android TV, Apple TV (tvOS 17 or later), iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Also available are browser extensions for the Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave platforms. Users can manually configure some WiFi routers to work with the provider.
Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected to PureVPN’s servers on a single account.
Support offerings include support chat, email, and a searchable support knowledge base.
PureVPN offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Blazingly-fast connections
- Excellent app support
- Comprehensive online security and privacy
Cons:
- Kill switch not available on all platforms
- No refunds for cryptocurrency payments
PROTECT YOUR ONLINE DATE BROWSING:PureVPN offers comprehensive online security and privacy protection. The provider offers native app support for most popular connected platforms. PureVPN’s server network does a good job of providing access to dating possibilities in several countries. Offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.
Read my full review of PureVPN.
Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Dating Sites
While dating sites are a great way to meet someone, they can also be just as dangerous as any online activity, making a VPN a vital tool in your privacy arsenal. Carefully consider several factors before subscribing to any VPN.
These are the features I considered when creating this list of VPNs for use while using online dating sites or apps.
- Connection speeds: While it doesn’t require a blazingly fast internet connection to swipe left or right, you will appreciate a fast connection when you’re video chatting. The VPNs on this list provide fast connections.
- Server network: A VPN server network should cover as many countries as possible. This allows you better access to geo-controlled content. Also, providers should have multiple servers in each country, as it helps prevent a single server from being hit by too many users at once.
- Value: A VPN provider’s true value can be easily determined by comparing its asking price to the features it offers. The VPNs on this list all offer excellent value.
- Ease of use: A VPN should offer easy-to-use apps for popular connected devices. The VPN services on this list offer intuitive apps for most popular devices.
- Security and privacy: Banking-level encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection are a must. A strict no-logs policy is also a requirement. The VPNs on this list provide comprehensive online protection.
- Streaming: Streaming video is a popular online pastime. The VPNs on this list offer reliable access to several streaming services, such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Spotify, and other streaming services.
The list above includes just some of the features I researched as a part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. My data-driven research approach provides a full understanding of each VPN provider and their services. This allows me to only recommend VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.
How to Use a VPN for Dating Sites
Using a VPN to protect and enhance your dating site activities requires only a few simple steps.
5 steps to use a VPN for dating sites:
- Subscribe to your VPN provider of choice (NordVPN is my #1 recommendation).
- Install the provider’s app(s) onto your device(s).
- Log into the VPN.
- Select a VPN server located near you if you’re simply looking to protect your online activities, or select a server stationed in another country to access dating sites for that country.
- Enjoy your newly protected and enhanced online dating!
Is a Truly Free VPN a Good Option for Dating Sites?
A “free” VPN is not a good idea for any online activity, due to several reasons.
First off, some free VPN providers will make you cool your heels in a virtual waiting room, waiting until it’s your turn to connect. Once you are allowed to connect, you’ll likely have only a few servers to choose from, if you’re not automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice.
Free VPN services often impose daily or monthly data caps, and greatly throttle your connection speeds.
They are also a threat to your privacy. Free VPNs pay their bills by recording your online travels and then making that information available to the highest bidder. Some free VPNs will even insert unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browser sessions.
As you can see, using a free VPN is not a good idea. Don’t waste your time, use a paid VPN provider with a money-back guarantee.
Dating Sites VPN FAQs
Are VPNs legal?
VPNs are legal in most areas of the world (other than a handful of countries). This means you can legally use a VPN to secure your internet connection and keep your online activities undercover. Just don’t use a VPN to do anything illegal, as that may result in additional charges in some countries.
Why Should I Use a VPN for Dating Sites?
A VPN encrypts your internet connection while also temporarily assigning a fresh IP address to your connected device. This allows you to use the dating app privately and make it appear as if you’re connecting from a location of your choice. This also allows you to access services and sites that might be blocked by your ISP or the government.
A fresh IP address also helps keep your physical location private, protecting you against jerks that use dating sites to SWAT, stalk, or dox other users.
Why Do Dating Sites Block VPNs?
Some dating sites will detect and block VPNs as they want to make sure that users are who they say they are in an effort to keep scammers and catfishers from using their sites. While this makes perfect sense, it doesn’t help you if you’re merely using a VPN to connect to your dating site in your home country while you’re abroad. Look for a VPN provider that offers obfuscation features that hide your VPN usage.
In Conclusion
Dating site users are urged to take advantage of the online security and privacy protections offered by a top-notch VPN service like the providers mentioned in this article.
NordVPN is my top pick for VPN protection for dating sites. The provider’s well-protected connections are blazingly fast, offering complete online privacy and security protection, excellent app support, and top-notch customer support. The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.
Contents [hide]
- At a Glance
- Why Should I Use a VPN for Dating Sites?
- Best VPNs for Dating Sites
- 1. NordVPN
- 2. Surfshark
- 3. ExpressVPN
- 4. CyberGhost
- 5. Private Internet Access
- 6. PrivateVPN
- 7. PureVPN
- Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Dating Sites
- How to Use a VPN for Dating Sites
- Is a Truly Free VPN a Good Option for Dating Sites?
- Dating Sites VPN FAQs
- In Conclusion