8 Best VPNs for School in 2024: Access All Web Services (2024)

The web is a useful tool for everyone, no matter their occupation. This is true for students as well. However, network administrators at schools have been known to block access to social media websites such as Snapchat and Instagram, and even to streaming platforms such as Netflix. Torrenting is usually not allowed either.

Fortunately, there is a solution for accessing these services. By using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), students can bypass restrictions on non-academic web content. A VPN routes your internet connection through a secure, third-party server, giving you a new IP address. This IP address may even be from a different country. A VPN also masks your activity online from governments and your internet service provider (ISP).

There are many different VPNs available, but not all of them are created equal. In this article, I have reviewed the top VPNs for school. However, if you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.

Best VPNs for school:

1. NordVPN: This is my number one VPN choice for schools. It has a large server network and provides users with fast connection speeds and strong security measures. It can unblock geographically restricted content easily as well, stores no logs, and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best budget option for school. It has over 3,000 servers, fast speeds, and can easily unblock services. It also has strong security measures in place.
3. ExpressVPN: This is a great streaming option with a robust server network and strong security measures in place. It is also capable of unblocking many different streaming services.
4. CyberGhost: Easy to set up and a good option for beginners. Its large network and fast speeds make it an excellent streaming option as well.
5. PrivateVPN: This is a smaller, privacy-focused offering. It has a fast, secure server network and offers reliable access to blocked sites.
6. IPVanish: Popular among Kodi users and torrenters. It has fast connection speeds and can unblock services without hassle. It is also a secure platform.
7. Private Internet Access (PIA): A lightweight and secure VPN that allows its users to customize the app.
8. Atlas VPN: Secure and fast, this provider can unblock services such as Amazon Prime Video without hassle.

After careful research, I came up with a list of VPNs that proved to be the best for school. I picked them based on the following criteria:

• No logs
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures
• Ability to bypass blocks
• Affordability

Check out the testing methodology section later in this article for more information about the criteria I used.

Best VPNs for school

So, without further ado, here are the best VPNs for school.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is my top choice for a school VPN. It is fast and can unblock many social media platforms, such as Twitter, or even streaming services. In total, this service has over 5,000 servers in 60+ countries.

NordVPN also provides strong security measures. These include 256-bit AES encryption, an app-specific kill switch, a malware scanner, an automatic ad-blocker, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. This provider doesn’t store logs and supports payment with cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency payments don’t associate users’ names with payments, unlike traditional credit card payments.

The provider’s apps are available for macOS, iOS, Linux, Windows, and Android. Routers can be manually configured to work with the service too. Six simultaneous connections are supported and the customer support team can be reached 24/7.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Ability to unblock several different services
• No logs are stored
• Apps are available for many different operating systems
• Customer support is available 24/7

Cons:

• The desktop can be slow at times

TOP VPN FOR SCHOOL:NordVPN is the top VPNavailable for school. Its large server network, fast speeds, and ability to unblock several different services make it a top contender. In addition, it offers strong security measures and lets users pay with cryptocurrency. In addition, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try the service risk-free.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best budget VPN available on the market. Even though it is an affordable service, it offers users the very best in terms of quality; its server network is fast and it can unblock streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video with ease. In total, this VPN provider has over 3,200 servers in around 100 countries.

The provider also has strong security measures in place to keep users safe and stores no logs. The security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, protection against IPV6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, and a kill switch. Traffic scrambling is also an added feature and users can make payments with cryptocurrency.

Surfshark’s apps are available on Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android, plus some routers can be set up to work with the service too. This provider offers an unlimited number of connections, which is a great option for users with many devices. The customer support team is available 24/7.

Pros:

• Can unblock many different services
• Fast connection speeds
• Affordable option
• An unlimited number of connections are supported
• Accepts cryptocurrency payments

Cons:

• Doesn’t have as many servers as other providers such as NordVPN
• Some servers can be slow occasionally

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR SCHOOL:Surfshark is an affordable optionthat doesn’t compromise performance. It supports an unlimited number of connections and has strong security measures in place. It also stores no logs and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs available. It is great for users who want to access streaming content that may be blocked in a school environment since it ensures that users are able to stream without buffering. ExpressVPN’s server network consists of over 3,000 servers in 94+ countries. It is also easy to use, making it a great option for beginners.

The provider’s security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and protection against ebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks. In addition, there is a .onion site available which can be accessed via the TOR network. This ensures that users’ identities are unknown even while searching for a VPN service. Users can also pay with cryptocurrency, further adding to the anonymity of the signup experience.

ExpressVPN apps are available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It can also be set up on supported routers. Five simultaneous connections are allowed and the customer support team is available 24/7 via the provided live chat.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds are available
• Can unblock many different streaming services
• .onion site available and cryptocurrency payments are supported, allowing for increased anonymity
• Strong security measures in place

Cons:

• More expensive than some of the other providers on this list
• Lack of customizability may be frustrating for more advanced users

GREAT STREAMING OPTION:ExpressVPN is a great optionfor streaming thanks to its fast connection speeds. It is also a very secure platform and it is easy for beginners to use. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has the largest number of servers out of all of the other providers on this list. It can unblock services like ITV and Amazon Prime and it has a very large network of servers; over 9,700 in around 91 countries.

This provider’s security features are also quite strong. They include 256-bit AES encryption and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. There is a kill switch included as well and this service stores no logs. CyberGhost accepts cryptocurrency payments too.

CyberGhost apps are available for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS. Some routers can be set up to work with this service. Customer support is available 24/7 as well and seven simultaneous connections are supported.

Pros:

• App clients are easy to use
• 24/7 live chat service is available
• Large server network
• Strong security measures are in place

Con:

• Blocked in the UAE and China
• Torrenting and P2P may not work on all servers

LARGE SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost's large server networkgives users lots of connection options. It is also capable of unblocking many different services. It comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is one of the smaller VPN providers available on the market. However, this doesn’t limit its functionality. With just over 200 servers in around 60 countries, it is capable of unblocking top-tier streaming services and offers fast connection speeds.

In addition, this provider offers strong security measures that include 256-bit AES encryption, protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, and it also stores no logs. Moreover, PrivateVPN accepts cryptocurrency payments, ensuring that users’ identities are relatively anonymous when making payments.

PrivateVPN has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Linux devices and routers can be manually configured to work with this service. Although the quality of customer service offered is high, potential users should note that the customer support team is only available during regular business hours. 10 device connections are allowed at once on a single subscription.

Pros:

• Unblocks many services
• Fast connections
• Works in China
• Doesn’t store logs

Cons:

• Small server network
• Customer support team is not available 24/7

PRIVACY-FOCUSED OPTION:PrivateVPN is a privacy-focused VPNthat has features such as strong encryption that keep your information private in the online environment. This service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish is a secure platform that has just under 2,000 servers in 50+ countries. Its network is quite fast and has been trusted for years by the Kodi streaming community because of the quality of the network.

The provider has a variety of sturdy security features in place as well. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. There is also a traffic scrambling option available that makes it difficult for ISPs to determine if you are using a VPN. This VPN doesn’t store logs.

IPVanish has apps available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It can also be manually set up on some routers and on Linux. It supports an unlimited number of connections as well and its customer support team is available 24/7 via the provided live chat.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Unlimited connections supported
• No logs stored
• Great option for torrenters and Kodi users

Cons:

• Apps don’t work in China
• Some servers don’t work with Netflix

STRONG SECURITY:IPVanish is a great streaming optionwith strong security measures in place. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a lightweight and customizable option with servers in over 80 countries. It lets users make changes to the appearance of the interface. In addition, it can unblock many different services including BBC iPlayer and YouTube TV. PIA also supports the fast and efficient WireGuard VPN protocol.

It has strong security measures in place which include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling. This service also stores no logs.

PIA apps are available for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. Its customer support team is available 24/7 and 10 simultaneous connections are supported.

Pros:

• Strong security measures
• Customizable
• Can provide secure access to many different services
• Supports the fast and efficient WireGuard VPN protocol

Cons

• Doesn’t work reliably in China
• App design could be improved

LIGHTWEIGHT OPTION FOR SCHOOL:PIA is a lightweight,secure, and effective option. It can unblock many different services and is a reliable option. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

8. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is a smaller VPN provider with just over 750 servers in around 50 locations. It has a fast network that can easily unblock restricted services. Even though it doesn’t have the largest server network, it doesn’t compromise on quality.

The provider comes with a strong set of security features. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. In addition, this service stores no logs and MultiHop servers are available that encrypt your data twice. In addition, Atlas VPN supports cryptocurrency payments.

Atlas VPN apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. An unlimited number of connections are supported.

Pros:

• Can unblock many services
• MultiHop servers provide added security
• No identifying logs are stored

Cons:

• Doesn’t work in China
• Customer service could be improved

FAST OPTION:Atlas VPN is fast and secure.It can unblock several different services, such as Snapchat, that may be blocked in a school environment. In addition, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: how I found the best VPNs for school

There are many different VPN services out there for purchase in today’s world. Not all of them are created equal, however. I have reviewed many different VPNs in order to arrive at the final list I’ve covered in this article. I used strict criteria set out in my testing methodology to create this list. Here are some of the factors I considered:

• Ability to unblock services: The VPN providers that I reviewed were able to unblock several services, including streaming platforms and other services such as Instagram and Twitter. This is important for those accessing a school network where some services may be restricted.
• Servers: The greater the number of servers the better. This increases the chances of users being able to successfully access streaming services that may be restricted.
• Speed: While it is true that all VPN services slow down your internet connection a little, this should be barely noticeable or not noticeable at all for users. The VPNs on this list offer fast connection speeds, allowing for general internet usage and streaming without buffering or lag.
• Security: VPNs can provide protection against hackers while a user is on an open WiFi network. They can also protect your privacy while you operate in the online world.

How to use a VPN on school internet/WiFi

If you want to access a service that is usually restricted on your school’s network, then follow these steps:

1. First, sign up for a VPN service. I recommend NordVPN.
2. Next, you will need to download and install the app(s) that will work on the device(s) you will use to access the internet.
3. Now, start the app and connect to a VPN server.
4. After connecting, you should be able to access restricted services.

If you run into any trouble accessing restricted services, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. If this still doesn’t work, you can try contacting your VPN’s support team to try to resolve this.

Best VPNs for school FAQs