6 Best VPNs for Spotify in 2025 (Free & Premium)

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Want to jam out to your favorite Spotify playlist while traveling abroad? Good luck unless you’ve got a VPN. With Spotify’s strict geo-restrictions, your go-to tracks might suddenly vanish the moment you cross a border. The reason? Licensing deals and copyright laws force Spotify to limit content based on your location. There are some countries where Spotify is banned so to use it, having a VPN is essential, and even for the other countries, as Spotify works through the internet, streaming without glitches can be an issue in some areas.

That means the viral hit you love back home could be locked behind a “not available in your region” message halfway across the world. Flowing smoothly without any disturbances and security threats can be done with a VPN. But here’s the catch: While a VPN can sneak you past these digital borders, not all of them play nice with Spotify. Some free options are slower than a dial-up connection, others get detected and blocked instantly, and a few might even put your account at risk.

And let’s be real: No one wants to deal with sketchy workarounds that could get your playlist privileges revoked. So, what’s the fix? We’ve tested the fastest, most reliable VPNs for Spotify in 2025 without turning your streaming session into a buffering nightmare. Whether you’re after a quick freebie or a premium no-lag experience, we’ve got you covered. Ready to unblock your tunes? Let’s dive in.

Why Use a VPN for Spotify?

Spotify’s music library changes based on your location due to licensing agreements. When you connect, the service checks your IP address to determine your country and restricts content accordingly. Have you wondered why some songs appear gray on the list and you can’t open them? It’s because the songs are inaccessible in your country.

This is why a song available in the US might be grayed out in the UK or why your carefully curated playlist suddenly disappears when traveling. Like most apps, Spotify also asks for your personal information. Once it is online, your data can get into anyone’s hands if not handled properly. A VPN ensures that no personal information gets leaked or saved.

It masks your real IP and assigns you one from a different country, tricking Spotify into granting access to the region’s catalog. However, Spotify’s terms prohibit bypassing geo-restrictions, and while outright bans are uncommon, the platform could enforce playback limitations or reset your account to your home library. The legal risk is minimal, but it’s worth considering if you rely on Spotify for daily listening.

The real advantage? Expats and travelers regain access to their home libraries while music enthusiasts discover niche tracks locked to specific regions. Just be aware that VPNs can slow streaming speeds and free services often get detected and blocked. For the best experience, use a premium VPN with dedicated streaming services.

Best VPN for Spotify in 2025

1. NordVPN: Best for YouTube TV with blazing-fast speeds, reliable geo-unblocking, and advanced security features like obfuscated servers.
2. Surfshark: Budget-friendly choice offering unlimited connections, strong unblocking capabilities, and CleanWeb ad/malware blocking for YouTube TV.
3. Proton VPN: Privacy-focused option with high-speed Swiss servers, Secure Core technology, and consistent access to YouTube TV globally.

1. NordVPN

One of the leading VPNs and an excellent VPN for Spotify, NordVPN gives all that is desirable for streaming at high speed and admirable security. Established in 2012 by a group of friends, its main aim is to enable people to use the internet safely and without worrying about prying eyes. The headquarters is in Panama, which has no data retention laws. NordVPN offers the best security available in the market, and they use the highest level of encryption which is 256-bit keys.

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Other than terrific security, NordVPN also provides streaming services on multiple platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Spotify, etc. It ensures that the speed is maintained while users are streaming. NordVPN has the fastest pace compared to the other VPNs in the market; they have developed their protocol, NordLynx, which combines excellent speed and security. 

Besides Nordlynx, they also provide other protocols to select. Their speed is high in all the protocols, which is a thumbs-up for their technology. Besides these, other features NordVPN has are Split tunneling, Killswitch, Adblockers, and many others. One of the newest features scans the dark web to see if users’ info is there and, if found, warns the user so that they can change the passwords necessary.

NordVPN is an excellent Spotify VPN service. It has more than 7400 servers in more than 110 countries, which is an enormous scope for users to find servers according to what they want. After subscribing, the first 30 days have a money-back guarantee which means if you’re unhappy with them, they will return your money. Users can make ten simultaneous connections with NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

A rising star in the VPN market, Surfshark was launched in 2018, which means it is relatively new but has found itself at the top VPNs today. Surfshark is a decent Spotify VPN provider with efficient security, speed, and incredible features. Talking about speed, Surfshark does not disappoint. Its Wireguard protocol is fast, which is what streaming needs.

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Surfshark has other protocols, But Wireguard is the fastest one amongst them. Streaming is available with platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Spotify are fully functional. Moving on to security, Surfshark, like NordVPN, uses AES-256-bit encryption, which is one of the fastest today.

Also, they have passed external audits, which give them credibility. Features like Split tunneling and Killswitch are available; They also offer Adblocker and malware detection features. An excellent quality they have is ‘invisible to devices,’ in which other users from the same network will not be able to see you. Users can connect it to as many devices as possible, which is a plus point. 

It does not disappoint in the server selection, too, with more than 3200+ servers in 100+ locations which are great for users. Surfshark subscriptions can be affordable at yearly and bi-yearly plans; monthly, it’s $12.95. For one year, it’s $3.99/month, and bi-yearly, it’s $2.30/month, so your best bet would be a bi-yearly subscription. But just for a heads up, after the first subscription, prices will increase at renewal.

3. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a privacy-focused service that works well with Spotify, though it requires some tweaking for smooth streaming. Unlike many VPNs, it offers a free tier, but free servers are often too slow for music and gets detected by Spotify quickly. Paid users get access to faster servers in more locations, increasing the chances of bypassing geo-blocks without buffering.

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The split tunneling feature lets you exclude bandwidth-hungry apps (like downloads) from the VPN, freeing up speed for seamless playback. One standout feature is Proton VPN’s Secure Core, which routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland and Iceland before your final destination. If speed matters more, stick to regular servers and use WireGuard (via Proton’s “Stealth” protocol) for a balance of performance and unblocking ability. Mobile users should enable “Always-on VPN” in settings to prevent accidental exposure of their real IP.

If a server fails, try switching between UDP and TCP in the app’s connection settings. UDP is faster, while TCP is more reliable on unstable networks. Proton VPN packs serious privacy perks, like AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy that is crucial if you’re paranoid about your ISP snooping on your Spotify habits. The NetShield ad-blocker (only available for paid users) even slays Spotify’s pesky third-party trackers and skips ads.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has found great recognition because of its speed and security. It has 256-bits encryption, which means that breaching it is very unlikely. Pricing might be an issue for some users as the monthly subscription is $12.95 per month, six months is $9.99, and yearly is $6.67, which is higher than most of its competitors. ExpressVPN does offer a ton of features for that price, though.

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Streaming services exceed expectations as the speed offered by ExpressVPN is excellent. Along with having multiple protocols, ExpressVPN also has its light way protocol with incredible speed and security. One of the latest updates is the parallel connections, in which servers are connected simultaneously. So that even if one server doesn’t connect, the other automatically will; this is an excellent update for users, taking the speed to another level.

The VPN allows eight simultaneous connections, which means you can connect all your devices. Getting to the good part, ExpressVPN offers up to 3000 servers in 105 countries, a wide range worldwide. Other features include Killswitch, a no-log policy, and multihop. ExpressVPN servers are all RAM-only, meaning they cannot retain any information. As RAMs cannot store data, users’ data will always be safe. ExpressVPN is a solid option for VPN users if the price is not an issue.

5. Private Internet Access

In the market since 2012, Private Internet Access has much experience in this field. Having one of the highest numbers of servers, Private Internet Access will not disappoint. The price range is relatively good, with a monthly subscription at $11.99 per month, six months at $7.50 per month, and bi-yearly $2.18 per month. Security is as one would expect from an established VPN, top-notch. Users can choose the level of encryption they want.

PIA offers average speed, but it’s good enough for many users, and a good Spotify VPN because it’s great for streaming. It can unblock plenty of streaming sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney co-star, which some people want. It uses Wireguard protocol which means that it has good speed though not the best, but it is good enough.

PIA has more than 33000 servers in more than 100 countries, more than any VPN on the market. Many servers also show how long they’ve been in the market and have gradually expanded their servers. Private Internet Access has a desktop and mobile app, and both are comfortable to use. Configuration is not overly complicated; it’s user-friendly and works admirably.

6. CyberGhost

CyberGhost strikes a nice balance between user-friendliness and performance for Spotify users. With over 11,000 servers worldwide, including specialized “streaming-optimized” ones, it often bypasses geo-restrictions, though not as consistently as top-tier options like NordVPN. The Windows and Android apps even include a “For Streaming” server category, though, oddly, Spotify isn’t listed there.

Speeds are generally fast enough for 320kbps streams, thanks to WireGuard support. During tests, European servers performed particularly well, while distant connections (like Australia to the US) sometimes lagged. One unique feature is dedicated IPs, which are less likely to be blacklisted by Spotify than shared IPs. Beyond basics like AES-256 encryption and a kill switch, CyberGhost shines with smart automation.

The “Smart Rules” feature auto-connects to your preferred server when launching Spotify. Its NoSpy servers (physically owned by CyberGhost) add extra security, though they’re overkill just for music. Downsides? The macOS/iOS apps feel stripped-down compared to Windows, and while the 45-day refund policy is generous, the 1-month plan is pricey at $12.99. For casual listeners, CyberGhost works well enough, especially with its 7 simultaneous connections.

Pro Tip: If Spotify detects your VPN, hop onto one of CyberGhost’s “NoSpy” servers; they tend to fly under the radar longer.

Comparison Table: The Best VPNs for Spotify

Why Should I Use a VPN for Spotify?

Spotify’s music library changes based on your location due to licensing agreements. When you connect, the service checks your IP address to determine your country and restricts content accordingly. Have you wondered why some songs appear gray on the list and you can’t open them? It’s because the songs are inaccessible in your country. This is why a song available in the US might be grayed out in the UK or why your carefully curated playlist suddenly disappears when traveling.

Like most apps, Spotify also asks for your personal information. Once it is online, your data can get into anyone’s hands if not handled properly. A VPN ensures that no personal information gets leaked or saved. It masks your real IP and assigns you one from a different country, tricking Spotify into granting access to the region’s catalog. However, Spotify’s terms prohibit bypassing geo-restrictions, and while outright bans are uncommon, the platform could enforce playback limitations or reset your account to your home library.

The legal risk is minimal, but it’s worth considering if you rely on Spotify for daily listening. The real advantage? Expats and travelers regain access to their home libraries while music enthusiasts discover niche tracks locked to specific regions. Just be aware that VPNs can slow streaming speeds and free services often get detected and blocked. For the best experience, use a premium VPN with dedicated streaming services.

How to Use a VPN for Spotify

Using a VPN with Spotify lets you bypass geo-restrictions and access songs unavailable in your region, but setup varies by device:

Set Up a VPN for Spotify on iOS

1. Download a VPN from the App Store.
2. Launch the VPN app and sign up.
3. Connect to a server in your desired country.
4. Restart the Spotify app and start streaming.

Set Up a VPN for Spotify on Android

1. Download a VPN from the Play Store.
2. Log in to your account.
3. Connect to a server in your preferred region.
4. Launch Spotify and listen to your preferred music.

Set Up a VPN for Spotify on Windows/macOS

1. Download the VPN setup on your device.
2. Run the setup and install the app.
3. Sign up or log in to your account.
4. Launch the Spotify app or visit Spotify – Web Player.
5. Start streaming.

Set Up a VPN for Spotify on Router

1. Choose a VPN with router support.
2. Access your router’s admin panel.
3. Log in to your router’s admin panel.
4. Enter the VPN settings manually.
5. Connect your router to the VPN server.
6. Restart your router and enjoy Spotify.

Spotify Not Working With a VPN? Here’s What To Do.

Troubleshooting is key; if Spotify detects your VPN, try switching servers or protocols. WireGuard offers faster speeds for streaming, while OpenVPN prioritizes security but may throttle performance. Slow connections? Test different servers or enable split tunneling (if your VPN supports it) to route only Spotify traffic through the VPN. Login issues often stem from IP conflicts; restarting both the VPN and app usually helps.

For optimal performance, avoid overcrowded servers and stick to locations near your region. Some VPNs, like NordVPN or Surfshark, actively work to evade Spotify’s VPN blocks. Smart speaker users, for example, Alexa/Google Home, must configure the VPN on the router, as standalone apps won’t apply.

Remember: Free VPNs often fail against Spotify’s detection, however, paid services are more reliable for uninterrupted music streams.

Is It Legal to Use a VPN for Spotify?

Using a VPN with Spotify sits in a legal gray area; it’s not outright illegal, but it does violate Spotify’s Terms of Service. The platform explicitly prohibits “circumventing geographic restrictions,” meaning they can ban your account if caught, though actual enforcement is rare. Most users only risk losing access to certain songs or getting a warning message. That said, no country currently prosecutes individuals for VPN-powered music streaming; this isn’t torrenting copyrighted movies.

The real risks are practical, not legal. Spotify’s VPN detection has gotten sharper, especially for free VPNs, leading to error messages like “Proxy/VPN detected.” Paid services like NordVPN, Surfshark, or Proton VPN fare better by constantly refreshing IPs. Interestingly, some countries require VPNs to access Spotify at all, China, for example, so legality depends entirely on your location.

While you won’t face lawsuits, repeated violations might get your account restricted. If you’re paying for premium, Spotify’s more likely to look the other way than if you’re a free user abusing regional pricing.

FAQs

In Summary, the best VPNs in 2025 are;

Conclusion

A VPN is your ticket to Spotify’s global library, but only if you pick the right one. Ditch sketchy free services and go for proven performers like NordVPN (blazing speeds) or Proton VPN (ironclad privacy). Just remember: Spotify can block VPN IPs, so stay flexible with server switches. While no solution is perfect, premium VPNs give you the best shot at uninterrupted listening.

Test different servers during off-peak hours for optimal speeds, and always keep your VPN app updated to stay ahead of Spotify’s detection. At the end of the day, it’s about access without compromise. Stream smarter, support artists directly when you can, and keep your connection locked down.

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NordVPN is the best VPN for Spotify, offers the best of everything, and provides the best possible security and speed.