Best VPNs to Unblock Spotify from Anywhere in the World
Everyone loves streaming music, but unfortunately, Spotify is unavailable to many people because they live in the wrong country. If you find this geo-blocking to be unfair, you’re not alone. Luckily, it’s quite easy to unblock Spotify anywhere in the world using a VPN – just follow our how-to guide below to start streaming your favorite tunes in minutes.
Spotify is what could only be described as a ‘game-changer’. Since it first launched back on 7 October 2008, it has been at the vanguard of an online streaming revolution that has fundamentally changed the way people listen to music forever. For users, Spotify has made listening to music affordable, simple, and mobile. The service can be used on smartphones and tablets as well as on computers meaning you can access the music you like whenever you want to.
If your government, school, or workplace blocks Spotify, regain access with these VPNs:
- NordVPN – Best for Spotify – NordVPN’s massive network, military-grade encryption, and specialty servers make unblocking Spotify safe and easy. Stream unlimited music in complete privacy no matter where you are.
- Surfshark – Modern tunneling and encryption protocols, censorship-beating methods, and good network performance.
- ExpressVPN – Blazing fast network, split tunneling, rotating IP addresses, one-click interface.
- IPVanish – Trusted provider is known specifically for great streaming speeds.
- VyprVPN – Breaks through even China’s Great Firewall to restore access to the free and open Internet.
Indeed, there is arguably just one problem with Spotify, which is that it is not a universal service. In many countries, Spotify is blocked and listeners who are traveling, either for work or pleasure or those who are resident in countries where the service is not available, are missing on the myriad of pleasures Spotify has to offer.
But there is a solution to the geo-blocking which makes Spotify unavailable in many parts of the world. And that solution is a VPN.
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Comparison Of The Best VPNs to Unblock Spotify
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Unblocking Spotify worldwide with a VPN
With a VPN, you can change your IP address and so fool the Spotify servers that you are logging in from either the USA or Europe, where the service is primarily available. This means that with a VPN you can enjoy Spotify no matter where you are in the world.
It is almost as simple as that. But there is a bit more to it than that. Not every VPN is able to unblock Spotify and others are not suitable for streaming music regularly. Some might have a data limit or simply not offer fast enough connection speeds.
For that reason, users choose the right VPN to unblock Spotify. And that is what this article is all about. Keeping reading and we will lay out the core criteria to look for in a VPN to use with Spotify before outlining our top recommendations.
How to find a VPN that can bypass geo-blocks
As we noted above, there are several core criteria you should be looking for in a VPN to use to unblock Spotify. Some VPNs can do the job with ease, whilst others will be less efficient.
There is nothing more frustrating than being able to access a service but then not being able to get it to function properly, which is why it is important to get the choice of VPN right. With that in mind, we have drawn up a list of criteria and then assessed all the main VPN providers on the market to see which best fit what is needed.
The criteria we have applied to reach our decision are:
- An established VPN provider with a proven record of unblocking regionally restricted sites
- Ability to unblock Spotify around the world
- Fast and consistent connection speeds which enable a smooth streaming service
- Availability on multiple platforms, including mobile devices
- Strong security and privacy provisions
- A good selection of servers from markets where Spotify is available – principally the USA and Europe.
With these criteria as our starting point, we have identified four VPNs which we are confident will both unblock Spotify around the world and also provide a connection suitable for streaming audio content.
Most powerful VPNs to securely unblock Spotify anywhere
If you’re trying to unblock Spotify and bypass the “currently not available in your country” error, our updated list with the best VPNs for Spotify is exactly what you need to start listening to your favorite content from anywhere in the world, without any restrictions.
1. NordVPN
- Optimized servers for unblocking Netflix
- GooglePlay users rating: 4.3/5.0
- Allows multiple connections (6 devices)
- Extra-secure Double VPN for data encryption
- Great support (24/7 chat).
- Some servers can be slow and unreliable
- They can take 30 days to process refunds
NordVPN is a well-established VPN brand that has stuck around for a long time because the service they offer is so great.
They are quite affordable, but that doesn’t mean there is a noticeable compromise in the service they offer. They are also available on just about any platform you can name and have dedicated apps for all the big mobile Operating Systems as well.
Security-wise, NordVPN offers 256-bit encryption on OpenVPN with 2,048-bit Diffie-Hellman keys, their encryption is more than sufficiently strong for almost all users. Privacy is at the heart of NordVPN and they are based in Panama which means they do not have to retain any customer data whatsoever, and they don’t.
You might read some other reviews that suggest NordVPNs are not quite on par with other premium services. I have never come across this problem myself, particularly when using Spotify, but I know NordVPN is currently updating many of its servers to ‘ultra-fast’ connections which should address this issue if you do encounter it.
They offer a total of more than 5,500 servers in 58 countries with the USA and Europe again strongly represented. This means there is plenty of choice for Spotify fans to get the service up and running around the world.
And should Spotify decide to try and block VPNs from accessing the service, as Netflix and the BBC iPlayer (to name but two) have recently tried to do, NordVPN also has a built-in technology called SmartPlay which they guarantee can get around any attempt to block their service, as they successfully do with both Netflix and the BBC iPlayer.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
- Break through harsh censorship to securely access social media and foreign news sites
- Server selection is dead simple and quick
- Accepts all major credit cards, Apple, Google, and Amazon Pay, PayPal, and even Bitcoin
- Logging policy independently audited and verified
- Get help any time of day via email, phone, or live chat.
- Growing network doesn’t have same coverage as more mature VPNs
- Young VPN still has plenty of room to grow in terms of advanced functionality.
Surfshark is-tailor made for bypassing unfair content blocks and is a great choice for unblocking Spotify anywhere in the world. For one, it’s got a secure network of 800+ servers located in 50 countries, enabling you to pick a fast, stable nearby connection no matter where you are. Server connections are established exclusively through cutting-edge tunneling protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard), and guaranteed private through the use of 256-AES-GCM encryption.
Additionally, there are zero limitations on bandwidth, traffic, server switches, or even simultaneous connections–a real rarity among premium VPNs. And if you’re connecting in a heavily censored country like Russia, China, or Egypt, Surfshark intelligently responds to network restrictions with Camouflage auto-obfuscation and the NoBorders anti-censorship method.
Finally, rest easier knowing that Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands, enabling them to dodge data retention laws and truly guarantee their no-logging policy.
3. ExpressVPN
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- Super fast, reliable connection
- Secure encryption & VPN protocols
- No personal information logs kept
- Great customer service via chat
- Limited configuration options
- High cost for month-to-month users.
Anyone with even the most basic knowledge of the VPN market will be aware of ExpressVPN. They are one of the most recognizable and well-regarded brands on the market. And this is because they excel at unblocking streaming sites like Spotify.
Their service is available across a wide range of platforms and operating systems, and they also offer dedicated apps for iOS and Android devices meaning it is ideal for those who like to enjoy Spotify on the go.
They are as secure and private as a VPN can get too, with their entire network is SSL secured with 256-bit encryption and trustworthy and robust privacy policies which are guaranteed as they are based in the British Virgin Islands, where local laws require no user data to be retained.
Their connection speeds are top of the range as well, with fast and reliable connections available on just about every server on their service. And they have a lot of servers; more than 3,000 in total across 94 countries with a disproportionate number of these in the USA and Europe. This means there are more than enough options available for Spotify users to choose from.
ExpressVPN is available in pretty much every country around the world too meaning that no matter where you live or how much you travel, ExpressVPN will be there to attend to your Spotify needs.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. IPvanish
IPVanish is another big name on the VPN scene and this is again down to the fact that the service they offer is up there with the very best. It is also an ideal provider for Spotify users.
They are closer in price to ExpressVPN than NordVPN, but IPVanish is again available on all the usual platforms and mobile devices and offers a specialized app for mobile users. When it comes to security, IPVanish has both L2TP and OpenVPN protocols using 256-bit encryption as standard. This is a pretty solid encryption provision.
As far as privacy goes, we also have no complaints so far, but we are a bit more cautious on this recommendation. That is because whilst IPVanish does not keep any user logs, they are registered in the USA, where the current government is being less than supportive of online privacy. Whilst the US does not have any data retention laws which affect VPNs at the moment, there is some reason to think this might be introduced at some point, and so is something users should be conscious of.
On speeds, IPVanish is back at the top of its game, with fast reliable connections on all of its servers (although personally, I find speeds a little faster on servers located closer to my actual location).
They have a huge Server selection for you to choose from once again, with more than 1,300 servers in over 60 countries. This includes no fewer than 760 in the USA and 453 in Europe. More than enough for every Spotify user to find one to call their own.
Read our full IPVanish review.
5.VyprVPN
VyprVPN is another well-known name in the VPN world, but one which only just makes it onto this list as a result of its privacy provisions which are far from satisfactory.
First, the good stuff and VyprVPNs actual service are more than good enough to use to unblock Spotify around the world. They are again available on multiple platforms including all the big mobile devices. Security-wise they have plenty to offer as well with an encryption policy that is on a par with any of the other services already listed.
Their connections are definitely fast enough for streaming music on Spotify, but in my personal opinion, sometimes not quite at the same level as the other three VPNs on this list. They are however consistent and as they own their own network, speeds are certainly not usually an issue. They also have more than 700 servers available and offer plenty in the USA and Europe to keep Spotify users happy.
But let’s now address the issues regarding privacy. Unlike the other VPNs on this list, VyprVPN does keep some user connection logs. This includes such data such as the User’s home IP Address, the VyprVPN IP Address you connected to, the connection start and stop time, and the amount of data transferred.
Now, I accept that this might not concern some Spotify users, but many more will not want the possibility of Spotify, or even the rights holders of the music they are listening to, to be able to find out they have been listening outside the services permitted areas. And unlike the others, VyprVPN are unable to guarantee this. If this does not worry you, VyprVPN is more than capable of unblocking and streaming Spotify around the world. But if it does, one of the other three VPNs on this list are a much better bet.
Read our full VyprVPN review.
Why is Spotify not available everywhere?
Spotify’s content is available as a result of rights agreements it has reached with the owners of the copyright of the music; invariably record labels or music publishing forms. However, they do not hold the rights to all of their content across the globe, with rival services also bidding for the same rights.
This means that Spotify is not legally allowed to make its music available in every country around the world, much as it would like to. They are therefore required to block access to their service in countries where they do not hold rights to their content. And to do this they use a technique known as geo-blocking.
What is Geo-blocking?
Geo-blocking is a simple process which allows a service like Spotify to identify where a visitor to their website is located and therefore whether or not to allow them to access their service.
It works by looking at each user’s IP address. Your IP (or Internet Protocol) address is a numerical code which is transmitted by your internet connection to every website and service you visit. It includes information which allows the site to identify exactly where in the world you are logging from on.
Therefore, if Spotify sees that your IP address is from a location where they do not hold the rights to stream their music, they will simply pop up a polite message explaining that their service is not currently available.
However, it is possible to fool Spotify into thinking you are in a country where they hold the rights to their music. And that can be done using a VPN.
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Where is Spotify available?
Spotify is available in a number of different countries around the world, but it is not a universal service. Users can currently access Spotify online in most European, North, and South American countries, as well as parts of Asia and Australasia.
The full list of countries where you can access Spotify is:
- Asia – Japan, Israel, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, India
- Europe – Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom
- Latin America and the Caribbean – Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay.
North America Canada, United States - Africa – Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia
- Oceania – Australia, New Zealand
- Middle East – Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates.
That is a big list of countries, but obviously, there are a number of sizable markets still missing. The reason it is not available elsewhere in the world is a simple one; it all comes down to rights.
RELATED READINGS: How to unblock Spotify in China, How to unblock Spotify in UAE
What exactly is a VPN?
A VPN is an online security and privacy tool which encrypts users internet traffic and redirects it down a secure tunnel and via an external server before it reaches its intended destination. By encrypting your data, a VPN can ensure that everything you do online is secure and not easy for hackers and government surveillance officers to snoop at.
But the crucial bit of the process for those looking to access Spotify is the rerouting of traffic via an external server. Because when your data passes through another server, it is no longer tagged with the IP Address of your Internet connection, but rather the IP Address of the server.
This means that if the server is located in a country where Spotify holds the rights to its music, they will think you are located there and therefore allow you to access their service.
Most VPNs will offer a wide range of servers, especially in the USA and Europe, which means they should all offer plenty of scope for accessing Spotify no matter where in the world you are. However, there are other criteria which a VPN needs to meet in order to be a good option or access Spotify and that is what this article is all about.
What is Spotify?
Spotify is a music and podcast streaming service which originated in Sweden and was launched onto the world on 7th October 2008.
It is classed as a ‘freemium service’ which means that for those who choose not to subscribe, the service is available for free, but with adverts. Regular users also have the option to pay a small monthly subscription, which varies from country to country, to access Spotify’s content without adverts.
Spotify provides a wide-range of content which it sources from record labels and media content by buying up streaming rights. Depending on the agreements reached, each time a user streams a track on Spotify, a small fee will be paid to the label and in turn artist, or they will get a small split of the advertising revenue they generate.
Criticism of Spotify
However, the service has been criticized by a number of high-profile musicians, including Taylor Swift and Thom Yorke of Radiohead, for the small amounts of compensation artists get for their work. Rights holders received an between $.006 and $.0084 per play on average, with less going to the artists themselves.
In 2009, a Swedish musician called Magnus Uggla took his music off Spotify and claimed that in six months he had earned “what a mediocre busker could earn in a day”. In March 2012, Patrick Carney of the Black Keys claimed that “Spotify isn’t fair to artists” and said royalties from streams could never replace royalties earned from record sales. And David Byrne of Talking Heads said in October 2013 that “If artists have to rely almost exclusively on the income from [Spotify and other such services], they’ll be out of work within a year.”
Record labels, however, are happy with their return from services like Spotify which goes some way to explaining why the service is able to offer such a broad range of content. Spotify claims to offers listeners more than 30 million songs to choose from.
Artist criticisms have also not stopped music fans from signing up in their droves as well. As of May 2018, Spotify had more than 170 million monthly active users (some using it for free, with adverts) and 75 million paid subscribers.
Conclusion
Music streaming is one of the world’s most popular pastimes, so it’s a bit unfair that the biggest streaming service, Spotify, is restricted to only a few regions. But with a VPN, you can bypass geo-blocks and access your favorite music streams, no matter where you live in the world. We’ve recommended a few of the top VPN providers with the powerful features you need to accomplish this, so follow our advice to get started fast.
What will you listen to with your newfound VPN powers? Do you live in a country where Spotify is banned? Let us know in a comment below.
If you need a VPN for a short while when traveling for example, you can get our top ranked VPN free of charge. NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. You will need to pay for the subscription, that’s a fact, but it allows full access for 30 days and then you cancel for a full refund. Their no-questions-asked cancellation policy lives up to its name.
I’ve had the opposite experience. I live in NY where spotify is normally available, but I can’t use spotify because they block me when my VPN (ExpressVPN) is on. Even when I use a local New York server. I use VPN for privacy, not to change my location. I wish people would stop saying that you can “virtually change your location” with VPN and watch stuff not available in your location. That is total bull crap. Too many streaming services, like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, etc. block you automatically when using VPN, even if you use a VPN server that is local to your location. Ironically I got ExpressVPN after hearing their ad on a podcast only available on spotify and now I can’t listen to it because I purchased something they advertised.
So far i have used Express vpn and ivacy and completely satisfied with the service and functions in the price. Yes i love music and i unblock restricted content for novel music.
To mitigate this issue and unblock spotify. i use ivacy vpn. A VPN helps in getting Spotify unblocked, enabling users to live stream and even download their favorite songs from Spotify.