ChatGPT’s artificial intelligence has taken the world by storm. So it’s unfortunate that something so revolutionary has been blocked in several countries, and accessing it is now only possible via VPN for millions of people. Some of these countries to ban it include Italy, China, Russia, Egypt, plus a few others.
And, although they’re not country-wide bans, the chatbot has also been prohibited in many schools and campuses in the USA, France, and India (apparently, so as not to distract students or let them cheat – check out our separate guide to the best VPNs for schools).
To get around these blocks or restrictions, a VPN is generally the simplest method available to most people nowadays. By connecting to VPN, you’ll be able to use ChatGPT from anywhere in the world, so it’s vital to pick the correct VPN provider from the outset.
Sadly, I’ve discovered that not all VPN companies can get beyond ChatGPT limitations and geo-blocks, so that’s why I’ve written this guide.
I’ve evaluated dozens of VPNs extensively against ChatGPT country blocks, and the results have then been scored according to a variety of factors, including server availability, bypass level of success, connection speeds, security features, and more. To help you connect securely to ChatGPT in 2023, I’ve compiled a list of the top VPN services currently available.
In every case, the VPNs below will get round ChatGPT blocks, so you’ll soon be able to use it again – from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re a business person, a student, or just interested in AI, I can confidently say it’ll work once again. 🙂
Therefore, without further ado, let’s get into my recommended VPNs for accessing ChatGPT:
What should I look for when considering a VPN for ChatGPT?
There are a few important things to keep in mind while selecting a VPN for use with ChatGPT. As the chatbot is blocked in many schools and is unavailable in some countries, a VPN with a large server network is essential. But don’t overlook these:
- The VPN connection’s speed is another important consideration. Using a VPN to connect to ChatGPT shouldn’t slow down your connection. NordLynx and Lightway are two examples of updated versions of the WireGuard protocol that also offer high throughput and reliability.
- Security is essential. To fulfil its primary function of protecting users’ anonymity while surfing the web, a VPN shouldn’t log your activity in any way. Be on the lookout for privacy policies that state they maintain no logs; an audited VPN is definitely the way to go here.
- Consider the VPN’s features carefully. A kill switch that actually works to stop data breaches is important, and traffic obfuscation, which makes it look like you’re not using a VPN, can be helpful whe trying to cricumvent blocking to use ChatGPT.
- Finally, costs should be taken into account. Make sure you are getting your money’s worth from your VPN of choice; even the best VPNs in the world can be affordably priced.
So without further ado, here is our list of the best VPNs for accessing ChatGPT.
1. Best VPN For Accessing ChatGPT: NordVPN
| ⭐ VPN Hound User Rating: | 4.7 |
| 📝 No logs policy: | No logs |
| 💯 Money-back guarantee: | 30 days |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV |
| 💵 Cheapest price: | $3.71/month (2-year plan) |
| 💥 Current deal: | Get 75% OFF + 3 Months FREE at NordVPN |
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In order to use ChatGPT from any location, I advise using NordVPN, hence why it’s the top choice. ChatGPT can literally be accessed from anywhere, thanks to NordVPN’s large network of more than 5500 servers (located in ~60 different countries).
Pros:
- 🌎 Huge server network, perfect for ChatGPT
- 🚀 Excellent speeds
- 🔒 Advanced security features
- 🕵️♂️ Audited no-logs policy
- 💰 Affordable prices
- 🆓 7-day trial
Cons:
- ❌ No free version available
In addition to security, speed is essential when using a VPN for ChatGPT, and NordVPN’s patented NordLynx protocol will give you pretty much unmatched performance. VPN Hound studies show that it maintained an average of 85% of initial connection speeds, making it a great choice for students who need uninterrupted use of ChatGPT. NordVPN is by most measures the fastest VPN in the world.
NordVPN keeps no long at all…
Privacy is a top priority too, and NordVPN delivers here very well indeed: the VPN keeps no logs at all, so your privacy is guaranteed; plus it’s regularly audited. These safeguards are paramount to protect your privacy adn specifically what you do when you’re online.
When using NordVPN, you’ll benefit from the VPN’s high level of security – for example, their kill switch prevents data loss in the event of a VPN disconnect, and traffic obfuscation makes it harder to tell whether you’re actually connected to a VPN or not.
Sadly, there is no free option, but the costs for NordVPN start at at $3.29 per month – more than reasonable. In addition, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial for Android smartphones.
2. Surfshark – Best for Budget-Conscious Users
| ⭐ VPN Hound User Rating: | 4.6 |
| 📝 No logs policy: | No logs |
| 💯 Money-back guarantee: | 30 days |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV |
| 💵 Cheapest price: | $2.49/month (24 month plan) |
| 💥 Current deal: | Click here for 60% OFF at Surfshark |
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If you’re trying to access ChatGPT from a country where it’s blocked, Surfshark is an excellent alternative to NordVPN to consider. This VPN provider boasts more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries and permits simultaneous connections from any number of devices (i.e. unlimited – NordVPN only allows up to 6).
Surfshark is an extremely fast VPN, despite the low monthly price, since it uses the WireGuard protocol – making it a contender among the best VPN services in general (and not just for using ChatGPT). During testing, it has been shown to maintain test connection speeds at a median of 74%.
Pros:
- 🌎 Large server network
- 🔒 Strong security features, including a kill switch and traffic obfuscation
- 💨 Fast speeds due to the use of WireGuard protocol
- 👍 Zero-logs policy for privacy protection
- 💰 Affordable pricing with a 7-day free trial
Cons:
- 🤔 No free VPN
- 📈 Some fluctuation in connection speeds during use
Surfshark provides a secure kill switch to prevent unwanted sharing of your actual IP address. The traffic obfuscation or “camouflage” option is also included with all purchases: this safeguard prevents your Internet service provider (ISP) or school from discovering that you are using a VPN in order to access ChatGPT.
Surfshark has been audited extensively and is also a zero-logs service, therefore your privacy is not at risk. They do not track their user’s sessions, IP addresses, or any other information.
Surfshark has a low starting price of $2.30/month and offers a free 7-day trial in addition to a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Our Surfshark VPN review goes into greater detail about the service’s capabilities and how well it performs.
3. Atlas VPN – Try the FREE version
Compared to the above three VPNs, Atlas VPN stands proud due to its mightily impressive free version, but also its affordable subscription plans if you do decide to sign up. Generally speaking, if you’re interested in trying out the service before committing to a subscription plan, a free version is always a good option to explore.
Atlas VPN, in comparison to NordVPN and Surfshark particularly, offers a less extensive server network, with only 750+ servers in 38 countries. Yet, it provides a wide variety of methods to get to ChatGPT at blazing fast speeds.
WireGuard, one of the tunnelling protocols used by Atlas VPN, had the greatest results in speed retention testing, averaging 80% of the original rates.
Pros:
- 🌍 Large server network
- 💨 Fast WireGuard protocol for optimal speeds
- 🔒 Functional kill switch and SafeSwap feature for security
- 💬 No sensitive data collection / no logs
- 💸 Affordable pricing and free version available
Cons:
- 👨💻 No audit of privacy policy
- 🌎 Server fleet is limited compared to other VPNs
Atlas VPN has a kill switch to stop data from leaking accidentally, and its SafeSwap function will constantly swap your IP address for added security. Their privacy policy isn’t inspected, but they’ve never had a problem collecting data and they make it very plain that they don’t.
| ⭐ VPN Hound User Rating: | 4.6 |
| 📝 No logs policy: | No logs |
| 💯 Money-back guarantee: | 30 days |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV |
| 💵 Cheapest price: | From $3.67 |
| 💥 Current deal: | Sign up Now for 83% OFF at Atlas VPN |
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Finally, with monthly plans starting at just $1.82, Atlas VPN is a cheap choice for students and anybody else on a tight budget.
Side-by-side comparison of top 3 VPNs
| VPN Provider | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 🌎 Vast server fleet 💨 Excellent speeds 🔒 Strong security features 👍 Zero-logs policy 💬 24/7 live chat | 🤔 No free version |
| Surfshark | 🌎 Huge server fleet 💨 Excellent speeds 🔒 Strong security features 👍 Zero-logs policy 💬 24/7 live chat | 🤔 No free version 📉 Inconsistent speeds on some servers |
| Atlas VPN | 💸 Low-priced plans 💨 Good speeds 🔒 Strong security features 👍 No data collection 🆓 Free version available | 🤔 Limited server network ❌ Privacy policy not audited |
4. ExpressVPN – Pricier, but worth it
You can also use ExpressVPN to unblock ChatGPT, as this VPN’s extensive server network includes no fewer than 94 different countries, offering you a wide range of alternatives for connecting to and using ChatGPT or other AI bots that may be blocked where you are.
Speeds. ExpressVPN makes advantage of the fast and efficient Lightway protocol. In our tests, it maintained an average of 76% of its initial connection rates.
Security. This VPN has a kill switch that effectively stops all network activity in the event that the VPN connection suddenly disconnects. By running all servers on volatile/RAM memory, ExpressVPN assures that no private information is ever saved on the server.
Privacy. ExpressVPN does not maintain any logs of your activity while using their service. PwC conducts an independent audit of their privacy policies to ensure openness and responsibility.
Price. Plans for ExpressVPN begin at $6.67 per month, which is more than others, but I feel it’s worth it. If you aren’t happy with the product for any reason within 30 days, you can get your money back.
Pros:
- 🌎 Huge server fleet in 94 countries
- 💨 Fast speeds for streaming and downloading
- 🔒 Strong encryption and no-logging policy for top security and privacy
- 👍 Trusted and reliable VPN service
- 💬 Excellent 24/7 customer support
Cons
- 💰 More expensive than some other VPNs
- 📱 No split tunneling on mobile apps
| ⭐ VPN Hound User Rating: | 4.8 |
| 📝 No logs policy: | No logs |
| 💯 Money-back guarantee: | 30 days |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV |
| 💵 Cheapest price: | $6.67/month (12 month plan) |
| 💥 Current deal: | Sign up Now for 60% OFF at ExpressVPN |
Limited Offer: ⚠️ Sign up Now for 60% OFF at ExpressVPN — today only!
How I tested these VPNs against ChatGPT
Methodology: To begin, I did some research and prepared a list of well-known VPN providers whose services are renowned for their ability to circumvent geo-restrictions and gain access to restricted content. Then, I used criterion like number of servers, server locations, speed, security features, and price to restrict the field.
The next thing I did was install a few of the best VPNs on my devices and test them to see whether they could unblock ChatGPT. I put the VPNs through their paces by connecting to and using ChatGPT from several server locations.
I put the VPNs through their paces by connecting to and using ChatGPT
I paid particular attention to the VPNs’ download and upload speeds while using ChatGPT while conducting the tests. I also compared the VPNs’ kill switches, encryption methods, and data-protection rules as best I could.
After finishing the tests, I reviewed the data and ranked the VPN services based on how well they performed, how intuitive they were to use, and how much value they provided. To assist others in making an informed decision, I gathered my research into a list of the top VPNs for ChatGPT, complete with pros and disadvantages.
What other methods can I try, besides VPNs?
There are alternatives to using a VPN to access ChatGPT, though they’re not quite as effective. Tor and proxy servers are two such methods to try out.
Tor is a free, open-source programme that hides users’ online identities by routing their data through a series of relays. Using Tor to connect to the web makes it more difficult for others to monitor your online behavior by encrypting your data and sending it through a complex network of relays. Your ISP, government authorities, and the website can’t see much about you when you’re running Tor.
Tor can be used to gain access to ChatGPT and avoid any region-specific blocking software. It’s worth noting that Tor is not always the fastest option, and that some websites may not function properly when using it. Plus, there’s quite a steep learning curve.
Another option migh tbe a proxy server: both your device and the internet are connected “via” a proxy server. Using a proxy server to access the web is a great way to hide your true location from the website you’re visiting. Not all proxy servers are trustworthy, and some may even keep track of your online activities. Thus, if you decide to use a proxy server, it is essential that you select one that you can trust. Generally, here at VPN Hound, we advise against the use of proxies now. It’s just too risky.
How do I access ChatGPT with a VPN?
Here’s my guide on how to use a VPN to access ChatGPT in a blocked region:
- Step 1: Choose a reliable VPN service
Select a VPN service that is known for its ability to bypass restrictions and is secure. Here at VPN Hound, werecommend using a VPN service like NordVPN, Surfshark, or Windscribe. - Step 2: Sign up for the VPN service
Choose a subscription plan that fits your needs and sign up for the VPN service. - Step 3: Download and install the VPN client
Download and install the VPN client for your device. Most VPNs offer clients for desktop, mobile, and tablet devices. - Step 4: Connect to a server location where ChatGPT is available
Once you have the VPN client installed, connect to a server location where ChatGPT is not blocked. If you’re not sure which server to connect to, contact the VPN service provider’s customer support team for guidance. - Step 5: Launch ChatGPT
Once you’re connected to the VPN server, launch ChatGPT on your device. You should now be able to access ChatGPT as if you were in a location where it is not blocked. - Step 6: Disconnect from the VPN
When you’re done using ChatGPT, disconnect from the VPN to restore your regular internet connection (optional!) .
Which countries block access to ChatGPT?
Due to concerns over data privacy and the lack of an age restriction to use the service, ChatGPT has been banned in Italy, albeit probably only temporarily. Since ChatGPT violates Italian data protection regulations, the Italian Data Protection Watchdog stopped it in March 2023. There has been no word on when or if this service will be restored in Italy.
Due to the country’s stringent internet rules and extensive censorship, ChatGPT is unavailable in North Korea. The government of North Korea imposes rigorous censorship on all online activity and blocks access to several sites and services.
ChatGPT is also blocked in China because of the country’s stringent censorship regulations for teh internet. Many well-known websites and online services are blocked in China due to the government’s rigorous censorship policies.
The Iranian government similarly prohibits access to ChatGPT within the country due to its tight internet censorship rules. The Iranian government closely monitors and controls online activity, limiting citizen access to many resources.
The Cuban government strictly controls and censors the internet, thus access is limited here too. The Cuban government has blocked its residents from using ChatGPT though we’ve had reports of users using VPNs to get round it. This is particularly true for Italian users who’ve seen a surge in searches on Google for “VPN” in recent weeks:
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What is ChatGPT anyway?
OpenAI, a previously little-known firm specializing in AI research, launched a chatbot called ChatGPT in November 2022.
Thanks to its superior – some may even say creepy – communication features, it immediately went viral. Those in the business world use it for individualized customer service, content development, and language translation, while those in the academic world are using it for research (though it’s worth pointing out that it doesn’t have original thoughts). Students in particular use it for writing essays, which may or may not be legal, so be aware of that before doin gso.
According to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, ChatGPT attracted over a million users in its first five days of availability. Swiss bank UBS said this made it the first such application to reach this benchmark, and it hasn’t shown any signs of waning in popularity yet.
Should I be using a VPN to access ChatGPT regardless?
For a variety of reasons, using a VPN with ChatGPT is a good idea. The fact that ChatGPT is unavailable in some regions is a contributing factor for many – ChatGPT requires a VPN in order to be accessed from China, Italy, Egypt, Russia, and other countries.
Also, ChatGPT is already banned in some schools/educational institutions and this is likely only going to get worse.
ChatGPT has for example been blocked in many classrooms in the United States, France, Australia, and India. This was done so that kids can’t use ChatGPT to do their homework for them – though of course they can just use it at home; such censorship rarely works out as intended. In any case if used for educational purposes, a VPN is the best way to avoid censorship like this.
Privacy is another consideration when deciding whether or not to use a VPN with ChatGPT. Why? Because it stores a great deal of user information about you; ChatGPT’s privacy policies state that it records data such IP addresses and user locations. A VPN can encrypt your data to an extent, giving you a better level of security all round.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, a VPN is a great option for using ChatGPT at Universities, schools or even workplaces where it’s blocked. I recommend NordVPN, Surfshark, Atlas VPN, and ExpressVPN as the best VPN services to use with ChatGPT – these VPN services are among the best available and provide above-average privacy protections and fast download speeds.
With a virtual private network, you can access ChatGPT from anywhere without worrying about your data being intercepted. If you want to use ChatGPT but can’t because of a geoblock or a school policy, you’re missing out on this frankly revolutionary tech that can author essays or – apparently – even entire websites. If you use one of the VPNs I suggest, you shouldn’t have any trouble using this cutting-edge service, but let me know in the comments.
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