Top 5 VPNs for School: Unblock Websites On School’s Wi-Fi

Unfortunately, many schools now block access to “undesirable online” content, like streaming or offensive websites. But don’t fret, because a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can bypass nearly all censorship like this – the difficult part is to know which VPN to use.

Schools and universities impose these blocks for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common reasons is to supposedly stop students getting distracted and to instead focus on your studies. Of course, this can easily have the unintended effect of preventing you from accessing genuinely useful learning materials; school networks are notorious for their limitations and blocks and many of these blocks don’t work correctly, leading to more problems than they’re worth.

School network administrators have other excuses up their sleeves, too: for example, I’ve heard of one school where they banned streaming altogether (from the likes of Netflix and Hulu for example). The reason given? To ‘help to reduce the school’s overall network congestion’. Whether that’s going to have the desired effect or not, is highly debatable.

Anyway, put simply, a VPN allows students like you to get around these sorts of blocks by establishing a properly encrypted connection – from any location you choose. By hiding your IP address and encrypting your web traffic, this not only allows you to access blocked content, but also protects your identity, keeps you safe, and loads of other things.

What are the main things I need to consider?

There are a number of things to think about when deciding which VPN to use at school or university:

• You should ideally check to see if the VPN has servers in the countries where you’re trying to view the restricted material. For example, if you want to access Korean Netflix libraries, make sure there’s a server in South Korea.
• You should also look for a VPN that offers stable performance and fast connection speeds, as having a poor connection can limit your access to the internet’s vast offerings. It may be tempting to use a free VPN here, but be warned: they actually come at a huge cost.
• Finally, a VPN’s privacy features and protections are also important; always choose a VPN that protects your data with robust encryption and one that keeps no logs of your activity.

PS: To improve the time you spend online, you may want to think about using a VPN that includes built-in ad blocking, virus protection, and what’s called split tunneling (more on this later).

Here’s a summary of what you need to look for:

If you are short on time, then don’t worry – I’ve prepared a list of the top VPNs for bypassing blocks at your school/university, based on my extensive testing experience of VPNs over the years.

What makes a ‘good VPN’ for School?

A few things, really.

Speed, privacy and of course security are the three pillars upon which the best VPNs for school are built. I’ve compared the best VPNs here and highlighted the most crucial aspects to think about when choosing one – no matter what stage of education you’re at.

I know it can be difficult to select a VPN without having much to go on; for this reason, I’ve produced a list of the top VPNs for use in educational institutions. The VPN Hound ranking takes into account the aforementioned criteria in addition to the cost of each VPN service – always a strong consideration for students! Some of the most critical thing to watch out for are the VPN’s logging policy, connection speeds, security protocols, and capacity to bypass geographically-restricted material.

If you’re looking for in-depth reviews, we’ve got them! NordVPN is my top recommendation for students, so read the full NordVPN review here if interested. I’ll go into detail about the process we use here at VPN Hound to test school VPNs a little later, too.

How to use a VPN on your school’s Wi-Fi

Using a VPN on a school’s Wi-Fi network is easy once you know how. It’s an excellent technique to avoid filters and visit restricted sites and material.

Starting by selecting a VPN service that fits your requirements, and sign up for it to get started – hopefully, this guide will help you with this part 🙂 But in short:  NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are just a few of the many available options.

After deciding on a VPN service, you’ll want to install their software on your device. Doing so at school could prove difficult because VPN sites are mostly blocked on these sorts of networks, so you may want to connect to 4G/5G temporarily and not the school’s Wi-Fi.

Once done, launch the app after downloading it, and then choose a local server to use. This will allow you to bypass regional restrictions on material and access it at lightning speed.

After selecting a server, connect to it by clicking the connect button within your VPN’s app. After that, you should be able to use the internet and its many resources – not just cat pictures – without being prevented from doing so.

Just one tip, if it’s not working, cleaning your cache and cookies may help solve problems like poor connection speeds or trouble connecting to the VPN. If you have already tried deleting your cache and cookies and are still having trouble, contact the support team of the VPN service you’re using. If you’re having any problems with the VPN specifically, they’ll assist you in ficxing them, or leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you. 🙂

1. Best VPN for Schools: NordVPN

If you’re a student looking to access content that’s been restricted at your school, NordVPN is your best bet in my opinion. It’s really annoying when school administrators ban access to social media and streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO – meaning you can’t get your work done or watch your favorite shows.

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📝 No logs policy:	No logs
💯 Money-back guarantee:	30 days
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Nevertheless, this issue can be overcome with ease, thanks to an abundance of clever tech from NordVPN: thanks to its extensive server network and lightning-fast connections, you can easily access restricted websites, apps, and services. This allows you to keep in touch with loved ones, watch shows, torrent, and loads more.

Thanks to NordVPN’s encryption and focus on privacy, students can safely use their school’s internet without worrying about being traced or monitored – all you rweb traffic will be encrypted. Don’t forget there’s a rigorous no-logging policy here too. If you’re the sort of person who might be concerned with maintaining their anonymity online then you’ll no doubt find these features a big plus.

NordVPN is user-friendly, too, and supports multiple platforms including Android, iOS, and Windows, Linux, and macOS on desktop computers. Because of this, students can use their own devices at the library or at home to access the same online materials.

In conclusion, NordVPN is our top pick for students trying to bypass censorship – whether that be at school, college or University. If you’re the sort of perosn who needs to stay connected and use the internet freely without barriers, this is the best option. It has fast connection speeds, a large server network, robust encryption and top privacy protection. Little wonder it’s one of the best VPNs around.

2. Best VPN for Students on a Budget: Surfshark

Surfshark is a well known, cheap VPN provider – but that doesn’t mean it’s low quality. Far from it; in fact it works great for students in particular.

Surfshark is one of the top picks here at VPN Hound for students who wish to unblock popular sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world, because of its extensive network of more than 3,200 servers in over 100 countries.

Plus unlike other VPNs which limit users to around five or six simultaneous connections, Surfshark customers can connect an infinite number of devices.

Surfshark’s dedication to safety is one of the service’s main selling features. It protects users with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, safeguards against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, and performs routine malware scans to ensure their safety at all times. In addition to its no-logging policy, Surfshark accepts three different cryptocurrencies for payment. Live chat support is available around the clock, so students can get answers to their questions at any time day or night.

Surfshark can also be manually configured for usage with certain wireless routers (for techie users), and it also has user-friendly apps for iOS, macOS, Android, Linux, and Windows. It’s a great option for students who need quick and easy access to blocked websites due to its high speeds and outstanding unblocking abilities.

With a vast network of servers in over 100 countries, Surfshark offers fast connection speeds and the ability to access content from anywhere in the world. Free trial available.

VPN Hound user rating: 4.7 / 5

• Robust security
• Full access to Netflix, Hulu and more
• Affordable plans
• No-logs policy

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However, students on a tight budget should be aware that in order to access certain Surfshark services, a paid upgrade to Surfshark One is required. Nonetheless, you probably don’t need a lot of the features included in Surfshark One if you’re browsing on campus anyway (as your school or Uni will already liekly be using alternatives).

Surfshark is a terrific alternative to NordVPN, for students seeking for a dependable and cheap VPN option due to its strong security and privacy credentials, unlimited device connections, and good unblocking ability. Read the full review of Surfshark’s VPN service here.

3. Top VPN for Unblocking Netflix & Hulu: CyberGhost

CyberGhost’s ability to bypass censorship and access otherwise unavailable websites is a huge selilng point for students like you who’re considering a VPN.

CyberGhost’s lightning-fast servers allow students to access the media they need and want during downtime at school, despite the fact that school administrators frequently prohibit access to social media sites and streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Students who care about their privacy online will also be interested in this service because of its robust encryption and no-logging policy.

CyberGhost’s intuitive interface is another perk – students can use their own devices at home or in the library to gain access to electronic resources by downloading one of the many user-friendly apps available for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. Students who might be hesitant to commit to a VPN service for the long run, can take comfort in CyberGhost’s 45-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost features a respectable number of server locations (about 9,000) and uses a secure protocol (WireGuard) to encrypt data (256 bits). It’s compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, and it supports up to seven simultaneous connections.

Plus its ability to unblock geo-restricted and other restricted content makes it a great option for studnets who need to access sites that may be blocked on their school’s Wi-Fi network. As per our review, we realized in testing that CyberGhost is ideal for downloading and streaming thanks to its lightning-fast servers.

This VPN also provides an additional degree of anonymity for students because it does not record user behavior and offers robust encryption to hide online movements from prying eyes. The VPN service has a 45-day money-back guarantee and is user-friendly for newcomers because to its intuitive mobile apps.

Some stuednts may find it somewhat hindered by the fact that CyberGhost is unusable in China – which is a shame. That said, CyberGhost is, all things considered, still a highly recommended VPN service for students who wish to unblock geo-restricted content and surf the web in secrecy.

⭐ VPN Hound User Rating:	4.5
📝 No logs policy:	No logs
💯 Money-back guarantee:	45 days
🍿 Streaming services:	Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV
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Overview & Summary of our Top 3 VPNs for Students:

For students on a tight budget, it’s clear that Surfshark and CyberGhost are preferable to NordVPN in terms of price. Surfshark is the most cost-effective option because a single subscription may be used on an unlimited number of devices, while all three VPNs offer a respectable number of servers in a variety of locations.

All three VPNs have the capability to unblock content well, which is probably one of the most important considerations for students like you, frankly. Surfshark, however, excels at bypassing geo-restrictions on popular video-streaming sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

All three VPNs provide robust encryption and maintain zero-logging regulations, two of the most important features for students. While NordVPN’s top-tier security features set it apart, CyberGhost’s lightning-fast servers make it a good pick for those who prioritise speed whether downloading or watching.

Students who seek a smooth VPN experience should prioritize simplicity of usage. All three VPNs provide user-friendly programmes for a wide range of gadgets, making it simple to gain access to restricted websites from anywhere in the world.

4. VyprVPN – Best for Chinese content

VyprVPN is highly recommended for students who need to access blocked websites and/or content, as it can easily circumvent the Great Firewall in China but also unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Students studying abroad who need access to content that is blocked in their home country will find this feature very helpful.

VyprVPN’s impressive no-logs policy and military-grade encryption both give an extra layer of security for students concerned about keeping their online activities and data private. For students who need to keep their connection safe and secure at all times, the internet kill switch is a great tool too. It’ll cut your internet off if the VPN goes down, meaning your school’s IP address won’t be exposed.

Students who need to use VyprVPN on many platforms will appreciate the fact that it is available as a mobile app as well as a desktop version. Even if it’s a little pricier than other VPNs, students who need to access blocked content and retain online privacy & security should consider making the investment.

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Which VPNs are best for bypassing school filters?

Which are the cheapest VPNs for school use?

Going in search of a cheap VPN is something we’ve all done – students or otherwise – particularly if you’re on a tight budget. Remember, though, that not all free VPNs are made equal. Yes, they’re advertised as being ‘free’ – but at the huge expense of your safety, privacy, and computer’s overall performance – more on this later.

In terms of budget-friendly reliable VPNs, PrivateVPN is a highly recommend service that comes at a reasonable price. It’s got excellent security/privacy features including AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch. It can bypass region locks on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, and it’s  lightning fast.

ProtonVPN is an alternative, cheap VPN that’s perfect for students. Why? Because ProtonVPN provides a free/freemium version, but also a premium service at a reasonable price. You can use whichever you want. Robust encryption and a no-logs policy are available with both versions, but the free one is limited in speed and the number of servers it can connect to. The premium options will give you more servers and quicker speeds. When it comes to privacy, ProtonVPN has you covered with its encrypted core servers too.

FInally, if you’re looking for yet another VPN that won’t break the bank, consider Windscribe. It also has a freemium model in which students pay to gain access to additional servers and higher download speeds. 256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy, and a firewall are just a few of Windscribe’s robust security features. It also has teh option to whitelist specific apps and websites and hide online ads via adblockers.

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📝 No logs policy:	No logs
💯 Money-back guarantee:	30 days
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Is using a VPN at School legal?

Yes.

Using a VPN for academic reasons is generally acceptable and fully legal. VPNs are generally safe to use, although some schools have restrictions against doing so. The only exception is if your country has banned VPNs – for example like has effectively happened in India and Russia.

Be aware that students risk disciplinary consequences like suspension if they are found to be using a VPN if it’s in contravention of school or university policy. You must check first.

Our Methodology

Here at VPN Hound, we know that students rely significantly on the internet to gain access to course materials, conduct research, and interact with their peers. Some of us are even students ourlelves.

All of this blocking can be annoying because many educational institutions limit access to popular online resources. Utilizing a virtual private network (VPN) is an efficient way of evading these blocks; however, the sheer number of VPN services on the market can be mind-boggling at first. In this article, I hope that I have clarified it all a little for you.

It can be tough to evaluate which VPNs regularly operate to unblock content because this ability can vary depending on the location and network of the school or college. The number of servers a VPN claims to have around the world isn’t always indicative of how fast or unrestricted the connection will be.

Nevertheless, speed is not the only consideration; it is, however, a significant one. When it comes to your online privacy, certain VPNs may put speed ahead of safety. While some VPNs may have a no-logging policy, this doesn’t necessarily mean they offer other basic security features like DNS leak protection or a kill switch.

Finally, value for money is crucial for students, but opting for the least expensive VPN may mean compromising security/privacy.

All of the following criterias were used to identify the top VPNs for students:

• VPN’s unblocking capacities can be evaluated by using them on various campus networks.
• To make sure your online privacy is being protected, you should check the VPN’s security features, privacy policy, and logging policy.
• Ensure the VPN is quick and stable by doing tests on a number of different university and high school networks.
• Evaluation of the VPN’s user interface and help resources to guarantee they are simple to navigate and troubleshoot.
• Checking the VPN’s pricing plans, features, and refund policy to make sure it’s within the average student’s budget.

This methodology allows us to deliver a more thorough and reliable evaluation of the best overall VPNs for students.

We’ve also improved on the previous methodology we used, and have updated this guide accordingly:

• User feedback and reviews: While the previous methodology focused on technical aspects like speed and security, it did not give much weight to user feedback and reviews.
• Compatibility with different devices and operating systems: With students using a wide range of devices and operating systems, it’s important that the VPN provider supports all of them.
• Ad and tracker blocking: Many students may be concerned about online tracking and targeted advertising. Including ad and tracker blocking as a factor can help identify VPN providers that offer additional privacy features.

What about Free VPNs?

Here at VPN Hound we advise against using free VPNs due to their lack of service standards, which are not on par with paid VPNs.

Free VPN providers often resort to tracking your data to generate revenue to pay for their overheads, staff salaries, and server maintenance costs. This invasive practice puts user privacy at risk, as the providers may sell the collected data to third-party advertisers. In addition, users may also have to deal with intrusive advertisements and a higher chance of being infected with malware.

There’s no such thing as a free lucnh, and that applies to free VPNs as much as anything else.

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Conclusion – Best VPNs for School

Selecting a VPN for university or college is crucial for many students nowadays, and – in short – you should go with a reputable service that can deliver robust security options, unblocking tools, and fast connections.

My recommended VPN services for college students span a wide range of prices and features. Avoid free VPNs that could compromise your privacy and make sure the one you choose has all the features you need to ensure you’re nicely safe and secure online. Whether researching or studying online, having a VPN allows you to remain more or less anonymous while still having access to all of your preferred sites and services.

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions!

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