At a Glance
At last estimate, there were more than 8,000 dating sites on the internet. In 2023 three-in-10 U.S. adults said they have used an online dating site or app. The top dating site is Tinder, with 32% of the U.S. market as of January 2022.
Unfortunately, not all dating sites are available everywhere. Plus, dating sites also attract unsavory characters and making a connection with these types can lead to being stalked, doxxed, or swatted.
Why Should I Use a VPN With a Dating Site?
A VPN can temporarily assign a fresh IP address to your connected device. Here, I’ll show you how to use a VPN to change your location on Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, and other dating sites. By assigning a fresh IP address to your connected device, it appears as if you are connecting from another part of the world.
A fresh IP address has several advantages. First, it opens up access to dating pools you might normally be blocked from. Also, your real IP address cannot be detected, meaning no one will be able to determine your true location. This keeps you safer from stalking and other perils.
A VPN also helps you avoid the roadblocks that educational institutions and workplaces erect to keep users off of dating sites during the school day or work day. VPN encrypted protection also hides your online dating excursions from your ISP and other nosy types.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how to change your location on dating sites, explain the protections and advantages of using a VPN, and tell you about the top seven best VPNs for changing your location on dating sites and apps.
How to Change Your Location With a VPN on Dating Sites
Changing your location on Tinder, Hinge, and other dating sites requires only a few simple steps. They are as follows:
- Subscribe to your VPN provider of choice (NordVPN is my top recommendation).
- Install the provider’s app(s) onto your device(s).
- Log into the VPN.
- Select a VPN server located in another area of the world, this will temporarily assign a fresh IP address to your device, making it appear as if you’re connecting from somewhere else.
- Enjoy your newly protected and enhanced access to online dating!
WANT TO TRY A VPN FOR DATING APPS RISK-FREE?
The VPNs listed in this article all offer a fully featured risk-free 30-day or longer trial. You can use these top-ranked VPNs to change your location with no restrictions for a month. There are no catches and no gotchas. If you decide that the VPN you try isn’t right for you, simply contact support within 30 days and you’ll receive a full refund.
The best VPNs for changing your location on dating sites:
- NordVPN: #1 VPN for changing your location on dating sites. NordVPN offers a large global server network, making it my top choice for changing location while using dating apps. It also offers fast and well-protected connections, excellent app support, and comprehensive online security and privacy protection. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best budget VPN for dating sites. Surfshark is my top budget-priced VPN, leaving you with money to pay for that first date (pro tip, go dutch). The provider offers a huge global server network, unlimited simultaneous connections, fast connections, and top-notch connection protection, all for a bargain basement price.
- ExpressVPN: Premium solution for dating apps. This provider asks for a premium price while providing premium online privacy and enhancement. It boasts a huge server network providing high-speed, well-protected connections.
- CyberGhost: Good choice for rookie VPN users. CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps make it an excellent choice for first-time VPN users, offering one-click online protection and enhancement. Offers an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN protection. PIA delivers comprehensive online security and privacy, protecting you as you swipe left and right. The VPN also provides reliable access to geo-fenced content in several countries around the globe.
- PrivateVPN: Mighty-mite VPN. PrivateVPN has the lowest number of servers of any provider on this list. However, it has spread them among 60+ countries. PrivateVPN provides comprehensive online security and privacy protection.
- PureVPN: Quality VPN protection for all of your devices. PureVPN offers comprehensive online security and privacy protection, while also providing fast connection speeds for up to 10 devices at once.
When choosing which VPN providers to recommend for changing your location on Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and other dating sites, I considered the following factors:
- Global server coverage
- Online privacy and security protection
- Connection speeds
- Customer support
- Native app support
I provide more information about the features I considered in the testing methodology section found a bit later in this article.
Best VPNs to Change Your Location on Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble
These are my top VPN service providers for changing your location on popular dating sites.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is my top VPN pick for changing your location on dating sites, thanks to its top-notch performance in several VPN service categories.
At the time of writing, the provider boasts 6,300+ servers in 110+ countries, providing reliable access to content in most areas of the globe (server network sizes can change at a moment’s notice, so visit a VPN provider’s website to keep up with the latest numbers).
NordVPN protects its customer’s connections with government-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. Malware and ad blocking are also available.
The provider runs its servers completely free of user logs, meaning there are no records to be had of what you do online. NordVPN accepts Bitcoin payments, keeping your payment information undercover.
This VPN’s owned-and-operated servers keep third-party contractors away from your data. Plus, the company also runs all of its servers 100% from RAM, writing nothing to a physical drive. This ensures that all data is automatically wiped whenever a server is restarted, shut down, or has the plug pulled.
NordVPN’s connection speeds are some of the best around, and can easily handle 4K streaming, fast-moving games, and yes, video chats (don’t forget the mood lighting). No worries about data caps or bandwidth throttling to deal with here!
The provider offers support for most popular device platforms, including offerings for iOS, iPadOS, Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, ChromeOS, Android TV, and Apple TV (running tvOS 17 or later (yes, some dating sites have apps for Apple TV)) device platforms. Browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser platforms are also available. The provider is also compatible with several routers if you need to simultaneously connect more than 10 devices.
NordVPN customer support offerings include 24/7 live chat, email, and a searchable support library.
A no-worries 30-day money-back guarantee gives you plenty of time to give NordVPN a try.
Pros:
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Comprehensive native app support
- Fast connections
- 6,300+ servers in over 110 countries
- Excellent security and privacy protection
Cons:
- Lacks streaming-optimized servers
BEST VPN FOR CHANGING YOUR LOCATION:NordVPN provides reliable location changing, thanks to its impressive global server network. The provider offers top-notch online privacy and security, while also providing fast connection speeds. The provider offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark charges a beer bottle fee for its champagne services, making it an excellent VPN option for dating app users on a tight budget.
Surfshark has 3,200+ servers located in 99+ countries, providing reliable access to dating apps and geo-controlled content around the globe.
Your online security is well-taken care of, thanks to the provider’s use of banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. Ad and tracker blocking, as well as malware and phishing protection, are available.
Surfshark accepts cryptocurrency in return for its services, and the provider never logs your online activities. All of the provider’s servers are run solely from volatile RAM, meaning all data is completely wiped whenever a Surfshark server is restarted or powered down.
Surfshark provides blazingly-fast connections, meaning you’ll have access to plenty of bandwidth for an enjoyable online dating experience, as well as streaming, gaming, and file sharing. The provider never throttles your bandwidth or caps your VPN data usage.
The provider’s app lineup includes options for macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, Apple TV (tvOS 17 or later), and Android TV device platforms, as well as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers. The provider is also compatible with select routers.
Surfshark puts no limit on simultaneous connections, meaning you can connect as many devices as you’d like to the provider’s servers at once.
The provider offers 24/7 chat, a searchable support library, and a contact form.
Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Blazingly-fast connections
- Low-priced extended subscriptions
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Impressive global server network
Cons:
- No streaming-optimized servers
BEST BUDGET VPN OPTION FOR DATING SITES:Surfshark provides fast and well-protected connections, puts no limit on concurrent connections, and offers excellent device support and top-notch customer support – all for a budget price. You can try out Surfshark’s services with no risk for 30 days.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN’s premium VPN services admittedly come at a premium price. However, the provider’s offering is worth it for those in search of premium protection.
The provider’s massive global server network includes over 3,000 servers in 100+ countries around the globe. This provides reliable access to geo-fenced content over most of the world.
All ExpressVPN-provided connections are well protected by banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and kill switch protection. Bitcoin is accepted as payment and a strict no-server-logs policy protects your payment and VPN usage privacy, respectively.
While several VPN providers now run all of their server operations from RAM, writing no data to a physical storage device, ExpressVPN was one of the first to do so. This ensures that all information is automatically and securely wiped upon every server reboot or shutdown.
ExpressVPN’s download speeds are plenty fast, easily handling streaming content and video chatting, online gaming, or sharing files. There are no data caps or bandwidth restrictions to worry about here.
ExpressVPN’s app support includes 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 support is also available. The provider offers comprehensive support for several routers, even offering customized firmware for select models.
Up to eight connections can be made to ExpressVPN’s servers at once on a single user account.
ExpressVPN’s 24/7 customer support includes always-available live agent chat, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library.
You can try ExpressVPN for 30 days.
Pros:
- Comprehensive app and browser support
- Fast connection speeds
- Impressive global server network
Cons:
- More expensive than other providers on this list
- No streaming-optimized servers
PREMIUM VPN SERVICE:ExpressVPN’s premium services admittedly come at a premium price. That said, the provider has proven to be worth the extra cost. The provider’s fast connections reliably unblock geo-fenced dating services and other content around the world on most popular connected devices. The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a powerful VPN service that offers intuitive apps, making it an excellent VPN option for rookie users (or for users who want to concentrate on swiping left and right instead of configuring VPN protection).
The provider’s server network is quite large, with thousands of servers stationed in 99+ countries. The server network includes streaming-, gaming-, and downloading-optimized servers.
All CyberGhost’s connections are protected with military-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and ad and malware blocking.
The provider saves no records of your internet antics, and accepts Bitcoin as subscription payment, keeping both your usage and payment privacy protected.
CyberGhost offers speedy connections, while also offering streaming-, downloading-, and gaming-optimized servers. The VPN never spoiled a good time with data caps or bandwidth limitations.
The provider’s easy-to-use apps are available for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, and Android TV devices. Support is also available for select router makes and models.
CyberGhost’s browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox provide truly free in-browser VPN protection. However, they only offer connections to eight servers in four countries.
Users can connect up to seven devices at once to the provider’s servers on a single account.
The VPN’s customer support offerings include 24/7 live chat, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library.
While CyberGhost’s money-back guarantee period for a one-month subscription is limited to 14 days, users have 45 days to decide if they opt for a one-year or two-year subscription.
Pros:
- Truly free Chrome and Firefox browser extensions
- Easy to use, intuitive apps
- Streaming-, gaming-, and downloading-optimized servers
Cons:
- Only 14-day money-back guarantee on monthly subscription
- Monthly subscription price is a bit expensive
BEST VPN FOR FIRST-TIMERS:CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps and one-click connections make it an excellent option for rookie VPN users in search of reliable online privacy and security and access to dating services for their connected devices. CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee for extended subscriptions.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) provides comprehensive online protection and access to geo-blocked content for most popular connected devices.
The provider’s global server network is made up of thousands of servers located in 90+ countries, providing reliable access to geo-controlled content in countries around the globe.
PIA protects its users’ connections with government-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak prevention. The VPN also blocks ads, trackers, malware, and perilous websites.
The provider’s servers are user log-free, so no records of your online activities are ever saved. PIA’s Bitcoin subscription payment option keeps your payment information incognito.
PIA has joined the ranks of VPN providers that run their servers solely from RAM, never saving data to a hard drive or SSD. This ensures that all data is wiped when a server is rebooted or shut down.
It’s true that PIA’s connection speeds are the second-slowest speeds on this list. However, as long as your usual connection speeds are up to snuff, the connections are certainly up to handling most popular online activities. Data caps and bandwidth throttling are never a worry.
PIA’s native app support includes offerings for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux devices. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider is also compatible with select routers.
PIA puts no limit on the number of devices that can be simultaneously connected to its servers on a single account.
Live agent chat, a trouble ticket system, and a support library are available in your time of need.
You can try PIA for 30 days, thanks to the provider’s money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Large server network
- Unlimited VPN server connections
- All servers run solely from RAM
Cons:
- Second-slowest connections on this list
- Problems working properly in restrictive countries
RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION:PIA’s online security and privacy protections keep your online activities private. The VPN’s global server network provides reliable access to content around most of the globe. An unlimited connections allowance keeps all of your connected devices protected. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Private Internet Access.
6. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN may have the lowest server count on this list, but it has located them quite well if a bit thinly. The provider’s 200+ servers are spread among 63+ countries.
The provider also has the slowest protected connections on this list of seven. However, the provider’s connections can handle your favorite online pastimes (as long as your normal connection speeds are up to it). Plus, PrivateVPN never imposes data caps or throttles your bandwidth.
PrivateVPN offers industry-standard online security, including banking-grade encryption and IP/DNS leak protection. The provider also offers a “Stealth VPN” feature that hides its customers’ VPN usage by disguising it as normal browser activity.
The provider protects its users’ online privacy by following a strict no-server logs policy, meaning there are no records being kept of your online travels. The provider’s cryptocurrency payment option allows you to keep your payment information private.
PrivateVPN’s native app support comes up a bit short, as it only includes options for Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows devices. The provider doesn’t currently offer any browser extensions. The provider is compatible with select routers with a bit of manual configuration.
Up to 10 devices can be connected at once to the PrivateVPN server network on a single account.
PrivateVPN support offerings include agent chat, a support request form, and an FAQ page.
A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Pros:
- “Stealth VPN” keeps your VPN usage hidden
- No data limitations
- Comprehensive online protection
Cons:
- Could stand to add more servers
- Needs improved app support
STAY “STEALTHY” ON THE INTERNET:While PrivateVPN has only a bit more than 200 servers, it has spread them around nicely (if a bit thinly). A “Stealth VPN” feature disguises your VPN usage. Device support could be better, but they do support the top devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of PrivateVPN.
7. PureVPN
PureVPN provides comprehensive VPN protection for all of your devices, including Apple TV, allowing you to swipe left or right on a big screen from the comfort of your couch.
The provider’s global server network of 6,000+ servers located in 65+ countries provides reliable access to content in several areas of the globe.
PureVPN guards its customers’ connections with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection.
The provider follows a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that no records are kept of your online activities. The provider’s cryptocurrency payment option keeps your payment information undercover.
The provider provides connections that are blazingly fast, meaning they are more than up to handling any popular online activity. PureVPN never puts data caps on its customers’ VPN usage and it never throttles their bandwidth.
PureVPN app support includes options for Chromebook, Windows, Mac, Android, Android TV, Apple TV (tvOS 17 or later), iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave platforms are also available. Select WiFi routers can be manually configured to work with the provider.
Users can connect up to 10 devices to PureVPN’s servers at once.
Support offerings include chat, email, and a searchable knowledge base.
PureVPN offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Incredibly-fast connections
- Excellent app support
- Comprehensive online security and privacy
Cons:
- Kill switch not available in all apps
- No money-back guarantee for cryptocurrency payments
PROTECTS AND ENHANCES YOUR ONLINE DATING:PureVPN offers top-notch online security and privacy protection for most popular connected device platforms. PureVPN’s server network does a good job of improving your swiping to an international level. 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.
- Server network: A VPN server network should cover as many countries as possible. This is particularly true when using data apps on an international scale. Also, always look for providers with multiple servers in each country, as it helps prevent any single server from being overloaded by too many users hitting it at once.
- Connection speeds: While swiping left or right doesn’t require a blazingly fast internet connection, fast connections are a major plus when you’re video chatting. The VPNs on this list provide connections that can easily handle your favorite online activities.
- Value: To determine a VPN provider’s true value, compare its asking price to the features it offers. The VPNs I include on my lists all offer excellent value.
- Ease of use: A VPN should offer intuitive apps for popular connected devices. The VPN services on this list offer easy-to-use apps for many popular devices.
- Security and privacy: A VPN provider should at the very least protect your connections with banking-level encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. A strict no-logs policy is also a must. The VPNs on this list provide comprehensive online protection.
- Streaming: Streaming video is one of the top online pastimes today. The VPNs on this list offer reliable access to several streaming services, such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Spotify, and other streaming services. Yep, it can easily handle a full night of Netflix and chill.
The list of features above includes just some of the features I researched as a part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. My data-driven approach allows for a full understanding of each VPN provider and their services, allowing me to recommend only VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.
Is a Truly Free VPN a Good Option for Changing My Location on Dating Sites?
No. A “free” VPN is not a good option for any online activity, but especially for users of dating sites.
If you use a free VPN provider, you may be forced to cool your heels in a virtual waiting room, until it’s your turn to connect. Once you are allowed to finally connect, you’ll likely have a limited number of servers to select from. Or you may simply be automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice.
Free VPN services often impose daily, weekly, or monthly data caps, and may also greatly throttle your connection speeds.
Free VPNs are also a threat to your privacy. Free VPNs have to pay their bills some way, so some do so by logging your online activities and then selling that information to the highest bidder. Some free VPNs have been caught inserting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browsing sessions.
As you can see, using a free VPN is simply an unwise idea. Don’t waste your time or put your online safety at risk, use a paid VPN provider with a money-back guarantee.
Dating Sites VPN FAQs
Is It Legal to Use a VPN With a Dating Site?
VPNs are legal in most areas of the world. This means you can legally use a VPN. Just don’t use a VPN to do anything illegal, as that may result in additional charges in some regions. While it is also legal to use a VPN with a dating site, some dating sites may frown on the practice, canceling your membership.
Why Should I Use a VPN for Dating Sites?
A VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your real IP address and physical location by 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 another location. This comes in handy if you’re about to visit or move to another area of the world and want to get a jumpstart on getting your dating ducks in a row.
A fresh IP address also helps keep your physical location private, protecting you from swatters, stalkers, or doxxers.
Why Do Dating Sites Block VPNs?
Some dating sites detect and block VPNs to ensure that users are who they say they are. This helps keep scammers and catfishers off of their sites. While this makes perfect sense, it doesn’t help you if you’re using a VPN to connect to your dating site back home while you’re traveling abroad. Look for a VPN provider that offers features to hide your VPN usage.
In Conclusion
Dating site users are advised to take advantage of the ability of a top-notch VPN service to temporarily assign a fresh IP address to connected devices, making it appear that the device is connecting from another location around the globe.
NordVPN is my top VPN for use with dating sites. The provider’s well-protected connections boast blazingly fast download speeds and offer comprehensive online privacy and security protection, top-notch app support, and excellent 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 With a Dating Site?
- How to Change Your Location With a VPN on Dating Sites
- Best VPNs to Change Your Location on Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble
- 1. NordVPN
- 2. Surfshark
- 3. ExpressVPN
- 4. CyberGhost
- 5. Private Internet Access
- 6. PrivateVPN
- 7. PureVPN
- Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Dating Sites
- Is a Truly Free VPN a Good Option for Changing My Location on Dating Sites?
- Dating Sites VPN FAQs
- In Conclusion