5 Best VPNs for Instagram in 2023 — Use Your Account Freely

Instagram is super popular, but it’s not available everywhere. In countries such as China and Russia, the photo-sharing platform is inaccessible. Plus, some schools and workplaces block Instagram too. To access the platform and share pictures with your followers, you need a premium VPN.

My team and I tested 60+ services to find the best VPN for Instagram. The VPNs on this list provide global server networks to access social media platforms without issues. They also offer apps for popular devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Android smartphones. Besides, these VPNs have robust security features to protect your online activity (for example, while scrolling Instagram reels).

ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for Instagram. It offers a vast server network and lightning-fast speeds to unblock Instagram anywhere without interruptions. The VPN also comes with military-grade encryption and a no-logs policy, meaning your online activity is well-protected. Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN for Instagram with confidence as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Important: The vpnMentor team doesn't condone any unlawful activities. We strongly recommend you check the latest laws and regulations regarding VPNs and internet use in your location beforehand so you don’t accidentally break any rules.

The Best VPNs for Instagram — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)

All VPNs on this list come with global server networks to quickly access Instagram content from anywhere. They also have fast speeds to watch Instagram reels buffer-free, and robust security for safe social media scrolling.

Better yet, all recommended VPNs offer multiple simultaneous device connections and responsive customer support. Plus, each one provides a reliable money-back guarantee to easily get a refund if you’re not fully satisfied with the service.

1. ExpressVPN — Blazing-Fast Speeds to Browse Instagram Without Interruptions

ExpressVPN offers incredibly-fast speeds to refresh your Instagram feed instantly. I watched Instagram reels buffer-free and posted new photos without delays. During ExpressVPN tests, the speeds on the US servers were blazing fast. There was only a tiny 7% drop from my base 93.3 Mbps speed — you need just 25 Mbps for UHD streaming. Plus, with unlimited bandwidth, you can stream and upload as much as you want. The VPN lets you torrent too.

You can upload high-resolution photos and videos quickly with ExpressVPN

The VPN’s server network spans 94 countries to easily access Instagram anywhere. Connected to the US server, I quickly unblocked my Instagram account while on a trip to China. You can also access your WhatsApp, Snapchat, and YouTube accounts in other restrictive countries (like Iran). I easily watched shows on my Netflix account with the UK servers and accessed BBC News and Wikipedia.

Obfuscation (Stealth technology) helps bypass even the strictest firewalls. It makes your VPN traffic appear like a regular internet connection if the protocol is set to automatic. This feature prevents deep packet inspection on the network, allowing you to access Instagram without issues.

Security features are highly advanced — ExpressVPN offers multiple security protocols, including its own Lightway, which is super fast and secure. Plus, the service uses military-grade encryption to protect your traffic from prying eyes. Thanks to Perfect Forward Secrecy, your data is also re-encrypted with a new key every 15 minutes, making it super hard to crack or intercept.

Network Lock (kill switch) protects your devices from data leaks. It cuts the internet off if your VPN connection suddenly drops, but it didn’t happen to me. I also ran several DNS/WebRTC/IPv6 leak tests, and my actual location wasn’t revealed. There’s split tunneling, too, which lets you specify which app should use the VPN. For instance, you can set it up to only encrypt your Instagram traffic and use your other apps with a regular connection.

Your online privacy is guarded by TrustedServer tech (RAM-based servers). This feature erases your online activity with each reboot. The VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances (an international intelligence-sharing agreement). The service also comes with a strict and audited no-logs policy, meaning third parties can’t obtain your data. Therefore, you don't have to delete your Instagram account to protect your privacy.

Apps are super easy to use and support many operating systems. It took me less than 5 minutes to install ExpressVPN on my Android smartphone, iPhone, and Windows 11. But if you have any issues, the VPN comes with 24/7 live chat and a searchable knowledge base on its website. You can also use ExpressVPN on up to 8 devices simultaneously. Plus, a Smart Location feature connects you to the fastest server in one click.

The only drawback of the service is its expensive subscription plans, starting at $6.67/month. Luckily, ExpressVPN frequently offers generous deals and promotions — I managed to save 49% by signing up for the 12-month plan. I even got 3 extra months of service for free. The VPN accepts many forms of payment, like Bitcoin and Paymentwall.

There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee backing ExpressVPN. If you don’t like the service, getting a full refund is hassle-free. I contacted customer support through the live chat, answered a couple of questions, and my refund was quickly approved. My PayPal wallet was reimbursed just 2 days later.

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2. CyberGhost — Massive Worldwide Server Network to Reliably Access Instagram Anywhere

CyberGhost offers a vast server network to access Instagram anywhere. It also has specially-optimized servers that are grouped by purpose (streaming, torrenting, and gaming). When testing CyberGhost’s US servers, I easily unblocked my streaming accounts abroad, such as HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video. Similarly, I accessed my Twitter and Deutsche Welle with its German server.

Speeds are impressive and suitable for high-bandwidth activities. During my tests, I measured 72.6 Mbps average download speed, which let me upload large videos and uncompressed photos super fast. Plus, I didn’t notice any connection drops when live streaming on YouTube. Best of all, CyberGhost doesn’t have data caps, allowing you to stream as much as you like.

Similarly to ExpressVPN, CyberGhost offers Perfect Forward Secrecy and split tunneling. I ran several IP/DNS leak tests, and CyberGhost didn’t expose my data. The service also comes with an automatic kill switch and a built-in malware/ad blocker to help get rid of malicious sites and pesky ads. Plus, you can get a dedicated IP address or access to super-secure NoSpy servers for a small fee. Both features help bypass geoblocks and avoid VPN blocks.

Your IP and DNS addresses are also protected from leaks

Your online privacy is well-protected, as the VPN is based in Romania, which doesn’t have strict data retention laws and lies outside the Eyes Alliances. There’s a strict no-logs policy too, which means the VPN doesn’t store or share your online data. In addition, WiFi protection prevents you from connecting to unsecured networks (you can enable it in the settings menu).

The apps are intuitive, and you can install CyberGhost on popular operating systems (and routers). I set it up quickly on my Android device, MacBook, and a Linksys router. You can set the VPN up on your gaming consoles (Playstation and Xbox) too. Changing your settings, like smart rules, is simple. There’s also a 24/7 live chat to help you if you ever get stuck. For instance, I quickly found a step-by-step guide for installing the VPN on my Linux machine.

I was slightly disappointed to see that CyberGhost monthly plans are pricey and come with a reduced money-back guarantee (only 14 days). However, if you opt for a long-term subscription, you can get CyberGhost for just $2.19/month. Plus, it has an extended refund period. For the best value for money, I recommend the 3-year plan.

A 45-day money-back guarantee lets you test CyberGhost for free. Getting a refund is very straightforward. I contacted customer support via email to apply for it. Shortly after, my request was approved, and I saw the money back in my bank account after 3 days.

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3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Robust Security Features to Safely Scroll Through Instagram Reels

PIA comes with strong security features to keep your Instagram account safe from cyber threats. It offers AES 256-bit encryption, a built-in kill switch, and an OpenVPN security protocol (the strongest available), both of which make your data unreadable to hackers. You can enable WireGuard and AES 128-bit encryption in the settings menu if you need faster speeds. When testing PIA for the IP/DNS leaks, it didn’t reveal my actual location.

The VPN comes with an independently audited no-logs policy and offers RAM-based servers meaning it doesn’t keep records of your browsing activity, actual IP, or DNS addresses. There’s also a built-in ad blocker (MACE) that protects your online privacy from intrusive ads. I tested it on several social media platforms and news sites, such as New York Times, and it reliably removed third-party ads.

With 29,650 servers in 84 countries it’s easy to access Instagram anywhere. The UK servers let me unblock my BBC iPlayer account too. I also had zero trouble accessing my Twitter and Facebook accounts with a US location. Plus, you can set up a dedicated IP (for a small fee).

Speeds are very fast, and there’s unlimited bandwidth to share high-quality videos and photos without limits. Connected to PIA’s US, UK, and Australia servers, my speeds averaged at 65.2 Mbps. As a result, I didn’t notice any buffering while watching Instagram reels, even though I was torrenting in the background. You can also use a very fast InBrowser — PIA’s own incognito browser for mobile devices (Android and iOS).

One issue I found is that some users might find PIA’s apps quite complicated. However, they all come pre-configured, meaning you can start using the VPN immediately without needing to change any settings. Plus, there’s a 24/7 live chat and email support if you need assistance. I asked how to set up the VPN on my Amazon Fire Stick and received an immediate response.

I find the VPN to be fairly priced — you can get PIA for as low as $2.03/month. I recommend getting the 3-year plan as it’s the most pocket-friendly.

Thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee, getting a refund is a breeze. After contacting support through the web form, I got a response in less than 24 hours. The rep asked me to provide feedback about the service, but I wasn’t pushed to stay. After a couple of messages, my request was approved, and the money reached my credit card in 5 days.

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4. IPVanish — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Use Instagram on All Your Devices

With IPVanish, you can connect an unlimited number of devices at the same time. I easily connected my Android, iPhone, and 8 other devices. Even though they were all active, my connections remained stable when testing IPVanish. Plus, the VPN is pretty easy to install and use, and if you run into trouble, there’s a 24/7 live chat available.

A vast server network lets you reliably bypass geoblocks. Using its French servers, I accessed my Instagram account instantly. Similarly, I unblocked my Facebook account while connected to the school's Wi-Fi. The VPN also allows you to watch shows on your HBO Max and other streaming subscriptions trouble-free.

I tested several IPVanish’s servers, and my speeds didn’t drop below 59 Mbps. This lets me download high-quality videos in no time. Plus, unlimited bandwidth allows me to live stream without worrying about being cut off mid-sentence.

The OpenVPN Scramble feature obfuscates your traffic, hiding that you’re using a VPN. In addition to OpenVPN, IPVanish has the WireGuard protocol, which offers a balance of speed and security and mobile-friendly IKEv2. There’s also DNS leak protection, AES 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch to safeguard you from online snoops. Besides, IPVanish owns all of its servers, meaning no third party can access them. It follows a no-logs policy as well.

Using the Scramble feature, IPVanish lets you bypass strict VPN blocks (like those of Netflix)

The apps are compatible with a broad range of devices, such as your iPhone and other Apple products. The Android variant of the app is equally versatile, supporting numerous devices, and even includes a split tunneling feature. If you encounter difficulties in using it, IPVanish also offers detailed guides on its website to assist you.

My only complaint is that the service doesn’t accept cryptocurrency payments. But you can purchase a subscription using many popular credit cards and PayPal. IPVanish plans start at only $2.49/month. I chose the yearly subscription since it’s the most affordable in the long run.

Better yet, you can try IPVanish for free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. If the VPN doesn’t meet your expectations, getting a refund is very convenient. I simply logged in to my profile and clicked the “I wish to cancel my subscription” link. 6 days later, my bank account was reimbursed.

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5. PrivateVPN — User-Friendly Apps to Easily Find the Best Server for Instagram

PrivateVPN offers easy-to-use apps, perfect if you’re new to the VPN software. The app provides a simple mode that lets you connect to the fastest server in one click. However, you can switch to the advanced view if you’re a more tech-savvy user. Plus, the service comes with 24/7 live chat support if you need help. For instance, when testing PrivateVPN, the technical support rep remotely set up the VPN on my laptop.

Using this mode, you can also set up split tunneling

Unblocking Instagram in restrictive countries such as China is straightforward with PrivateVPN. It has servers in 63 countries, making it easy to access social media anywhere. Plus, the Stealth VPN feature hides your use of a VPN, which helps bypass powerful firewalls. I quickly accessed my Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok accounts while connected to servers in Australia.

Fast speeds let you enjoy social media content without interruption. I also watched several shows on my Netflix US and DAZN accounts without buffering as my speed hovered above 45 Mbps. PrivateVPN offers unlimited bandwidth, too — you can download/upload as much as you like. Torrenting is allowed on all its servers, and speeds are boosted thanks to port forwarding and SOCKS5.

The VPN secures your connection with AES 256-bit encryption. It also comes with an automatic kill switch and Perfect Forward Secrecy. I tested the service for IP/DNS/WebRTC leaks too, and detected none. Similar to CyberGhost, PrivateVPN offers dedicated IP addresses for several locations.

A minor issue with PrivateVPN is that it’s headquartered in Sweden — a member of the 14 Eyes Alliance. However, as there’s a strict no-logs policy and all of its servers are privately owned, your information isn’t stored or shared with any third party.

Subscriptions are reasonably priced — PrivateVPN’s long-term plans cost just $2/month. I got the 3-year plan which comes with the same features as the monthly subscriptions but is more pocket friendly.

Getting a refund is easy with a 30-day money-back guarantee. I contacted support via live chat and got the money transferred to my credit card a week later.

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Quick Comparison Table: Instagram VPN Features

Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Instagram

All VPNs on this list easily bypass geo-restrictions and VPN blocks. They also offer fast speeds and strong security features. But if you wish to run your own tests, feel free to use the checklist below:

• Global server network — Look for a VPN with a large global server network (like the US, UK, and Japan) to access the content you need, such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok from anywhere.
• Fast speeds — Ensure your VPN offers speeds above 25 Mbps to browse social media platforms interruption-free and unlimited bandwidth for uploading images without limits.
• Strong privacy and security features — A secure VPN must come with AES 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.
• Easy-to-use apps — Check if your VPN offers easy-to-install apps for popular operating systems, 24/7 live chat and email support, and browser extensions.
• Reliable money-back guarantee — Make sure you can get a full refund if you aren’t completely satisfied with your chosen VPN.

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FAQs on Using the Best VPNs for Instagram

Is it legal to use a VPN with Instagram?

Yes, you can legally use a VPN with Instagram. As long as you’re using the software for legitimate purposes, you shouldn’t have any problems. After all, VPNs are designed to protect your online privacy.

However, some countries (like China and Russia) restrict or ban VPN use. It’s recommended you check the laws regarding VPN use for your location before doing anything, as they often change.

Can Instagram detect I’m using a VPN?

Instagram doesn’t track VPNs. However, there’s a slight possibility that Instagram banned some VPN IP addresses in the past, which can block access to the platform. To bypass this issue, you need a VPN with an extensive server network. This way, you can connect to another server and regain access to your Instagram account.

Alternatively, you can try to use a GPS spoofing app. Your GPS location might still be visible to Instagram if you’re using a mobile device, so this app allows you to spoof it. To prevent tracking while using Instagram, it’s also possible to make a secondary login with a unique email address. This way, your in-app activity can’t be linked to your main Instagram account.

What should I do if Instagram blocks my VPN?

You need a new IP address to regain access to your Instagram. If Instagram has blocked your VPN address and changing servers doesn’t help, you should get a VPN that offers a dedicated IP address. Having an address only you can use makes it easier to avoid VPN blocks.

Here are the additional solutions if Instagram is not working with a VPN:

• Change your DNS server — Changing the DNS settings might help if you’re having trouble accessing Instagram. You have to set the DNS server address on your device manually. You can use one of the OpenDNS’s servers, like 208.67.222.222.
• Turn off your malware blocker — This feature can interfere with Instagram, so try disabling it.
• Use obfuscation — VPN features like the Stealth VPN mode scramble your traffic, making it looks like your regular internet connection.
• Clear your browser’s cookies — Remove the cookies using your browser’s settings and reload the app.

Can I access a private Instagram account with a VPN?

No, a VPN can’t let you view a private Instagram account. Meta (the parent company of Instagram) has made it super hard for third parties to view private accounts. Even though VPNs are known to bypass geo-blocks, they don’t help you access someone's private Instagram. Most VPNs are made with online privacy in mind, not to violate it.

Will I get banned for using a VPN with Instagram?

No, Instagram doesn’t ban VPN users. However, if you log in with a new IP from an unusual location, you’ll need to provide additional security information to verify your identity. Alternatively, if you want to avoid verifying your identity or don’t remember your account details, you can get a VPN that has plenty of servers in your home country. This way you avoid getting locked out of your account and don’t have to worry about remembering your username and password.

What are the best VPN locations to use for Instagram?

It depends on your real location. The further you connect from your actual location, the slower your speeds get. To enjoy a smooth Instagram experience, you need a VPN that has servers in nearby countries where Instagram isn’t blocked. Just launch a VPN and connect to a server. This way you don’t have to wait long for your Instagram photos and videos to load.

Which Instagram VPN is the best for iPhone and Android?

All VPNs on this list are suitable for mobile users. They offer lightweight apps for both Android and iOS platforms. For example, ExpressVPN is super easy to install and use for Android smartphones and iPhones. Plus, it has a password generator for Android and iOS apps to create a unique and secure password for Instagram. There’s also a ThreatManager available on iOS to protect your device from malware.

How can I access Instagram Music from anywhere?

Instagram’s Music option isn’t available everywhere. It’s a popular feature that lets you add a soundtrack to your Stories. To access it no matter where you are, just get a VPN and connect to a server of a country that supports it. Instagram Music is available in around 60 countries. You can check out the best VPN for Instagram Music here.

Can I use a VPN to unblock Instagram at school?

Yes, just make sure you aren’t violating school rules. In many schools, Instagram is prohibited during lessons. However, if you want to access the platform, you can use a VPN with a global server network to bypass VPN blocks. It’s important to familiarize yourself with your school laws to avoid getting into trouble.

Instagram is blocked in some schools and workplaces due to productivity issues, as some students and workers might get too distracted with the app. Another reason is to avoid network congestion. The platform is also blocked in certain countries, like China, to reduce competition for their local apps.

Can I use a free VPN or proxy to unblock Instagram?

Yes, but it’s not recommended. Most free VPNs offer small server networks, slow speeds, and bandwidth caps that make them unsuitable for Instagram. Instead, get a low-cost premium VPN that offers a tried-and-tested money-back guarantee.

After all, many free VPNs don’t have critical security features and might sell your data to the highest bidder. Some of them have even been caught bundling malware into their apps.

You can also change your location through a proxy. However, unlike VPNs, proxy servers leave you exposed to cyber threats as they lack strong security measures. This is concerning, especially in highly-restrictive countries, like China, Iran, and Russia.

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Get the Best VPN for Instagram Today

VPN providers that are considered top choices for Instagram provide extensive server networks across the globe, enabling access to the platform even in locations with restrictions. Furthermore, these VPNs offer fast speeds, allowing users to enjoy browsing content in high definition. Additionally, they provide a comprehensive set of security features to ensure secure scrolling, even when connected to unsecured public WiFi hotspots.

ExpressVPN is my top choice for Instagram. It offers a massive server network to share your moments on Instagram anywhere. Plus, its lightning-fast speeds let you enjoy buffer-free online activity. The VPN also offers cutting-edge security and privacy features to shield you against cyber threats. Since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test ExpressVPN for Instagram without risk.

To summarize, here are the best VPNs for Instagram…