Need to use ChatGPT abroad, at work, or on campus? In this guide, we recommend the best VPNs for ChatGPT and explain how to access it securely from anywhere.
Do you want to use ChatGPT in countries where it is censored or on networks where it’s blocked? With a ChatGPT VPN, you can access Open AI's revolutionary service from anywhere in the world!
Despite ChatGPT's massive popularity, it is blocked in various regions, including China, Iran, Russia, and Egypt. These restrictions are enforced because of privacy concerns, and the potential for ChatGPT to expose citizens to news and information that contradicts the country’s official rhetoric – as well as content critical of the political regime, its actions, and its leaders.
Besides international restrictions, many workplaces and school campuses in the West also block access to prevent misuse and distractions. Fortunately, anybody can regain access to ChatGPT by using a VPN. Whether you are at work, on campus, on vacation, or traveling for work, a ChatGPT VPN can help!
In this guide, we explain how a VPN can provide confidential access to ChatGPT. A VPN’s encryption will shield your online activities from local network administrators, ISPs, and government snoops. However, OpenAI is now blocking VPNs, so you must pick your provider carefully.
We also recommend the best VPNs for ChatGPT. These services have been tested to access ChatGPT with a VPN from anywhere in the world. Whether you're a researcher, student, or an AI enthusiast, our guide will help you bypass ChatGPT restrictions.
The best VPNs for ChatGPT
Not all VPNs can circumvent the VPN blocks imposed by Open AI’s filters. To help you out, we performed tests on a host of market-leading VPNs to find the services that work seamlessly with ChatGPT.
Later in this guide, we will provide additional information about each of the best ChatGPT VPNs. For now, here is a quick list of our preferred options.
Our best VPNs for ChatGPT:
- NordVPN: Best VPN for ChatGPT. Has servers in over 60 countries, ensuring seamless compatibility with ChatGPT, Playground, and other OpenAI platforms. Robust security features and high-speed streaming capabilities, including reliable Netflix access. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Most affordable VPN for ChatGPT. Allows unlimited connections. Fast speeds and strong encryption to access ChatGPT privately at work or elsewhere. Known for its user-friendly interface and excellent reliability.
- ExpressVPN: Reliable VPN for ChatGPT. Excels in bypassing regional restrictions and censorship, providing unrestricted access to ChatGPT and many other websites. Works in restrictive regions like China. Lightway protocol for faster connection speeds.
- CyberGhost VPN: Easy ChatGPT Access. CyberGhost is particularly suited for beginners. Solid AES encryption and a kill switch. Servers in over 89 countries and optimized for streaming services. Generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
- IPVanish: Secure VPN for ChatGPT. IPVanish offers a no-logs policy and robust encryption. Kill switch and obfuscation for added protection. Decent speeds and many US servers to pick from. Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Atlas VPN: Impressive newcomer. Atlas VPN has gained popularity thanks to its fast WireGuard protocol. With servers in over 40 countries, it reliably works to access ChatGPT, Netflix, Facebook, and tons of other platforms.
Summary Table
No value | TEST WINNER | No value | No value | No value | No value | No value |
No value | NordVPN www.nordvpn.com | Surfshark www.surfshark.com | ExpressVPN www.expressvpn.com | CyberGhost www.cyberghost.com | IPVanish www.ipvanish.com | Atlas VPN www.atlasvpn.com |
Ranking | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps |
Number of Countries | 60 | 100 | 94 | 88 | 75 | 38 |
Number of Servers | 5,400 | 3,200 | 3,000 | 9,308+ | 2,000+ | 750 |
Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux Android TV, Amazon Fire TV |
Simultaneous Connections | 6 | Unlimited | 5 | 7 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Logging Policy | No identifying data | No logs stored | No identifying data | No identifying data | No logs stored | No logs stored |
Best deal (per month) | $2.99 Up to 74% OFF + 3 months FREE! |
$1.99 87% off 2yr starter plan + 4 months free! |
$4.99 Save 82% + 6 mo FREE |
$2.03 SAVE 83% |
$2.19 SAVE 83% |
$1.83 SAVE 83% |
At BleepingComputer, we only recommend VPNs that put data security and user privacy first. The VPN protects your browsing habits against tracking and data snoops. You can use them to reliably access ChatGPT with complete confidentiality.
To find reliable VPNs, we analyze each VPN's security. We test the effectiveness of the kill switch, check for DNS and IP leaks, and comb through the privacy policy to confirm that it doesn't have any underlying flaws.
We test the VPN's speed to ensure it is a good all-round service for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Of course, we also check that it works to access ChatGPT from abroad and on restricted networks.
You can find out more about our VPN testing methodology later in this guide. For now, here are the main criteria we used to choose the best ChatGPT VPNs:
- Fast servers to unblock ChatGPT.
- Robust, secure apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
- A choice of reliable protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN UDP.
- Large global server network to access ChatGPT and other platforms.
- Superb value for money.
- 24/7 support to help you at any time of day.
- In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party.
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Best VPNs for ChatGPT: Detailed reviews
Below, you can find out everything you need to know to pick the best ChatGPT VPN for all your needs:
1. NordVPN
NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for accessing ChatGPT, offering high-speed servers across 60+ countries, including key locations in the EU, and across the US. It's highly effective for using ChatGPT from anywhere, including China, Ukraine, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, and Egypt.
The provider enforces a strict no-logging policy and uses self-run diskless servers, ensuring your data can be erased remotely. Notably, the VPN's infrastructure and policies have undergone rigorous third-party audits, validating its reliability for security purposes.
NordVPN is highly versatile thanks to its custom apps for major platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick. It supports manual setup on Linux and VPN-compatible routers. This flexibility allows seamless ChatGPT access across various devices.
NordVPN's strong encryption safeguards your online activities at work and on other networks. This makes your ChatGPT use undetectable to networks, ISPs, and governments. Plus, it's equipped with advanced features like a kill switch, DoubleVPN, Tor over VPN, ad blocking, and a SmartDNS service for unblocking streaming content.
With 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee, NordVPN allows you to test its service risk-free. Best of all, it excels in accessing platforms like Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max , and BBC iPlayer – and allows torrenting.
Pros:
- Fast NordLynx protocol is ideal for data-intensive tasks
- More than 6,000 servers in 60+ countries
- Secure 256-bit AES encryption and a robust audited no-logs policy
- Fully featured apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android
- Diskless infrastructure
Cons:
- Can take a few seconds to connect
BEST CHATGPT VPN: NordVPN has servers in over 60 countries to easily bypass ChatGPT blocks. Speedy Nordlynx protocol is ideal for HD streaming, gaming, and torrenting. No-logs policy, reliable encryption, obfuscated servers, and a kill switch. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee to test it.
Read our full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is a provider based in the British Virgin Islands that offers incredible bang for your buck. It is our favorite budget VPN for ChatGPT, starting at just $2.49 per month, and you can share your account with an unlimited number of friends and family.
With servers in 100+ countries, it's an ideal service for bypassing ChatGPT blocks at work, on campus, or in restrictive countries like China. The solid encryption means you can access region-restricted sites, including ChatGPT, without anybody finding out.
The unlimited allowance connection means you can secure all your devices. Surfshark has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Firestick, and Linux. Each app is packed with features, including a kill switch, obfuscation, ad and tracker blocking, and the WireGuard protocol. It also includes a SOCKS5 proxy.
Despite its affordability, Surfshark doesn't skimp on security. It boasts a robust no-logs policy and DNS leak protection, ensuring safe access to ChatGPT, even in heavily censored regions like China and Saudi Arabia.
The entire Surfshark server network operates on diskless servers. Its apps and no-logging policy have been validated by a third-party security audit. You can get help via its 24/7 live chat support.
Pros:
- Fast WireGuard protocol
- Diskless infrastructure and an audited no-logs policy
- Has completed a full third-party audit of its apps
- Allows unlimited connections
- Works to access ChatGPT and to watch Netflix US
Cons:
- Some servers are faster than others
BEST CHEAP VPN FOR CHATGPT: Surfshark has servers in 100+ countries that work to access ChatGPT. Apps available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. Lightning-fast speeds for HD streaming and gaming. Diskless servers for added protection. Strong encryption and a kill switch. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN was launched in 2009, making it one of the longest-standing VPNs around. During that time, the VPN has maintained a rocksteady reputation for providing user privacy – blemished only by recent revelations that a small percentage of users experienced DNS leaks when using the split tunneling feature. This issue has now been resolved.
The VPN is fast thanks to its custom Lightway protocol, and robust AES encryption prevents anybody from monitoring your ChatGPT usage or other online activities.
Well-designed apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. They come with a kill switch, robust encryption, multiple protocol options, split tunneling, and—added recently—ad and tracker blocking. Its no-logging policy isn't just a claim; it has been independently verified. It exclusively runs on diskless servers that can be erased remotely in an emergency.
ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers in 100+ countries. This makes it an effective service for accessing ChatGPT in any country where it has been blocked. It can access VoIP servers, censored news, Google services, social media, and anything else that has been restricted by ISPs or WiFi networks.
The Lightway protocol is fast enough for HD streaming and it works with over a dozen Netflix regions, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and many others. 24/7 live chat support lets you get help any time.
Pros:
- Lightway protocol is ideal for HD streaming and gaming
- Servers in 100+ countries to access ChatGPT
- Solid AES-256 encryption and a kill switch
- Audited no-logging policy and diskless servers
- Works to access Netflix US and 15 other regions
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than our top picks
- The split tunneling feature previously had a bug
FAST AND RELIABLE: ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol offers superb speeds for streaming and gaming. Strong AES encryption. No-logs policy. Solid protection against hackers on public WiFi. 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost VPN is a fantastic choice for beginners wanting to access ChatGPT. The VPN has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android that are exceptionally easy to use. Those apps purposely label servers by use case, so you can find streaming servers for individual platforms or countries, torrenting, and gaming with greater ease.
The VPN is based in Romania, a country that lacks any mandatory data retention directives. It implements a solid no-logging policy and comes with both a kill switch and robust encryption. This makes it secure for accessing Chat GPT at work or in countries where it has been blocked.
One of the highlights of CyberGhost is its 9,000+ servers in more than 100 countries. This makes it easy to access region-locked platforms or censored apps and websites in countries like the UAE. Just bear in mind that CyberGhost won't work to access ChatGPT in China.
In our recent tests, CyberGhost VPN's WireGuard protocol delivered impressive speeds. The only drawback is that it doesn't have as many advanced features as our top picks. In our tests, the VPN worked with Netflix US and other streaming services.
Pros:
- 9,000+ servers in 100+ countries
- Allows up to seven simultaneous connections
- Easy for beginners to use
- Fast WireGuard protocol
- Live chat support is available 24/7
Cons:
- Doesn’t work when traveling to China
- Lacks some advanced features
IDEAL CHATGPT VPN FOR BEGINNERS: CyberGhost VPN is easy to use and has fast servers in 100+ countries. Has servers optimized for streaming and gaming. Works to access ChatGPT privately in any country. Solid no-logging policy and strong AES encryption. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.
5. IPVanish
IPVanish is a US-based VPN that has servers in 50+ countries, including servers across 27+ American cities. This extensive network makes it a good option for accessing ChatGPT at work or for using US services in countries where they are blocked.
The VPN comes with feature-packed apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firesticks. These apps have a kill switch, DNS leak protection, XOR obfuscation, 256-bit encryption, and split tunneling on Android and FireOS. The availability of various VPN protocols, like OpenVPN and WireGuard, makes it a good option for getting fast speeds. Plus, IPVanish is a versatile choice for accessing ChatGPT or VoIP services in restrictive regions.
The only caveat is that this VPN does not function in China, making it unsuitable for accessing ChatGPT there. It is also less versatile when it comes to accessing regional streaming services. It does work with Netflix US, but we recommend testing it with other services using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Despite being US-based, IPVanish upholds a strict no-logging policy, ensuring it has no record of user activities to hand over. The VPN allows unlimited connections, which means you can share your account with friends and family.
Pros:
- Fast WireGuard implementation for streaming, gaming, and torrenting
- Strong security features, including a kill switch
- No-logging policy
- Servers in over 50 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons:
- Won’t work in the UAE or China
- Can’t access as many streaming services
FAST SERVERS: IPVanish has a fast proprietary network of servers. Works to stream Netflix US. Strong encryption, kill switch, and obfuscation make it a great option to access ChatGPT in counties where it is blocked. Allows unlimited connections so you can share your account with friends and family. 30-day money-back guarantee to test it yourself.
Read our full review of IPVanish.
6. Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN is a provider based in the US that has only been around for a few years. Despite being a relative newcomer to the space, the VPN has quickly gained a huge user base – even leading it to be acquired by the company beyond NordVPN.
The default WireGuard protocol makes it a fast VPN that is well-suited to streaming, gaming, and torrenting. The apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. You can easily bypass blocks to use ChatGPT on any device. The VPN provides strong ChaCha20 encryption, a modern protocol that will prevent anybody from monitoring your online activities.
In terms of features, the VPN is not as comprehensive as some of our other recommendations. However, it does provide a kill switch, ad blocking, split tunneling, and MultiHop connections. Live chat support is available for subscribers only on its website.
Pros:
- Fast WireGuard connections
- Easy to use
- Servers in 40+ countries
- Low cost
Cons:
- Based in the US
- Fewer advanced features
SOLID ALL-ROUNDER: Atlas VPN is easy to use and works to use ChatGPT privately at work or on campus. Low-cost option. Excellent speeds and works with Netflix US. Basic free plan to try the service. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of Atlas VPN.
VPN for ChatGPT – testing methodology
At BleepingComputer, we only recommend trustworthy VPNs that excel not only in specific tasks, such as gaming, accessing streaming platforms, or unblocking ChatGPT, but also completely safeguard your online privacy.
We conduct thorough speed assessments, analyze VPN privacy policies, check VPN apps for potential DNS and IP leaks, and assess the effectiveness of the VPN's encryption methods and security features. All our recommendations can securely access ChatGPT without you being tracked.
Our detailed VPN testing methodology can be found here. Below, we have included a list of things we looked for when recommending the best ChatGPT VPNs.
- Robust security and privacy: Our recommendations implement robust encryption, advanced protocols, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Whether you're at home, in the office, or using public WiFi, they ensure you can use ChatGPT securely and privately.
- Privacy features: Each VPN strictly upholds a no-logging policy, guaranteeing the confidentiality of your IP address, server connections, and browsing history. Your data is kept private and never shared with third parties.
- Fast server network: These VPNs boast high-speed Tier 1 networks and swift tunneling protocols, ideal for using ChatGPT, streaming, gaming, making video calls, and torrenting.
- Global network: Our recommendations have servers all over the world to access region-locked or censored platforms.
- Cross-platform compatibility: The VPN services in this guide provide apps compatible with various devices for using ChatGPT.
- Customer support: All the VPNs recommended for ChatGPT offer round-the-clock live chat support, ensuring immediate assistance from anywhere in the world.
Besides these important features, our top three recommendations must have diskless servers and have completed a full third-party audit of their apps, servers, and policies. This ensures an added layer of protection for users and provides additional transparency over the security of the platform.
ChatGPT VPN FAQs
Can I use a free VPN for ChatGPT?
No. At the time of writing, we know of no free VPNs that work with ChatGPT. Although we have a list of trustworthy free VPNs you can try, they are highly unlikely to work because Open AI is blocking IP addresses associated with VPNs. As a result, only a few paid VPNs still work to access ChatGPT from abroad or on restricted networks.
Please bear in mind that although many free VPNs advertise on app stores, most of them should be avoided. Many free VPNs have dodgy privacy policies that allow them to harvest user data for tracking purposes. These VPNs will sell your browsing habits to third parties to create a revenue stream.
Studies have also revealed that free VPNs lack encryption, suffer from vulnerabilities, have data leaks, and even conceal spyware in their apps. This makes using free VPNs an enormous risk to the safety of your devices and your data privacy.
Where is ChatGPT unavailable?
Below, we have included a list of countries where ChatGPT is currently blocked:
- North Korea
- Iran
- China
- Ukraine
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Chad
- Central African Republic
- Cuba
- South Sudan
- Yemen
- Afghanistan
- Libya
- Egypt
- Saudi Arabia
- Russia
- Belarus
- Venezuela
- Syria
Why is ChatGPT blocked in some countries?
Some governments have blocked access to ChatGPT due to concerns surrounding the privacy practices associated with Large Language Models (LLMs). LLMs like ChatGPT learn and improve by processing vast amounts of data. This raises legitimate concerns about how user-provided information is handled, as well as the potential for misuse or unauthorized access to sensitive information.
In countries where there are high levels of censorship and a strong authoritarian grip on power, ChatGPT may be blocked as part of broader efforts to control the flow of information by preventing access to news and opinions that are critical of the government and its actions. Although governments may cite privacy or national security as justifications for these blocks, the main objective is often to maintain political control and stifle opposing views.
Overall, restrictions on ChatGPT can be attributed to a combination of privacy concerns related to LLMs and the ongoing efforts by some governments to maintain political control.
Why does ChatGPT tell me it is temporarily unavailable?
The free version of ChatGPT may sometimes serve you a message that says it is unavailable in your area. This usually happens when ChatGPT is at capacity. If this happens you may have to wait until later. However, by connecting to a VPN server in the US, Canada, or elsewhere, you may be able to regain access to ChatGPT. This is because Open AI may be blocking particular areas from accessing ChatGPT in order to free up capacity.
What are the privacy risks associated with ChatGPT?
ChatGPT uses vast amounts of data to learn and improve. It harvests data from a multitude of resources, which raises questions and concerns over the potential for abuse of copyright (as ChatGPT may inadvertently generate text that mirrors copyrighted material).
It is also possible that the individuals who interact with ChatGPT are helping to provide additional context for the model, which means that ChatGPT is learning from those interactions to improve itself. This introduces the risk of the model repeating sensitive or inappropriate content learned from users.
It also raises questions about who has access to the data provided by users, and how that data can be processed and accessed by OpenAI or its parent company Microsoft. This potentially creates a threat of data misuse and unauthorized access. People using ChatGPT for work should be particularly careful. The use of ChatGPT for work could expose intellectual property and sensitive work information.
Is it legal to access ChatGPT with a VPN?
Using a VPN to enhance online privacy is legal in most countries, and there are typically no legal issues associated with using a VPN to access ChatGPT. However, it is important to check local laws to ensure that accessing ChatGPT isn't illegal where you live.
Although using a VPN may be legal, accessing censored or restricted content or information by leveraging ChatGPT could be an offense. Users should carefully consider the legal implications of accessing certain types of content or information using ChatGPT, especially in areas where strict censorship or content regulations are enforced.
It is vital to consider the nuances of how using a VPN to access ChatGPT could potentially cause you to break the law in your specific region. Nothing in this guide should be taken as legal advice, so please do your own research or consult a lawyer.
Can I unblock ChatGPT at work or in school with a VPN?
Yes. When you connect to a VPN server you can bypass any restrictions imposed on a local WiFi network, including those of workplaces and school campuses. The encryption provided by a VPN also means that you will be able to access ChatGPT privately and without being monitored.
With that said, it is important to consider why chatGPT is blocked. There are privacy risks associated with ChatGPT, and using it for work could create problems which is why some businesses have blocked the service. If this is the case, using ChatGPT could create consumer privacy or company privacy risks.
If ChatGPT is being blocked by your workplace or educational institution, it could have very good reasons, and it is vital to consider these before using a VPN to access ChatGPT.
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