The Best VPNs for School and College 2024
Unlock freedom on your school or college network with a VPN that is built to help you get the most from the internet.
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Last updated Jan 17, 2024
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Best Overall
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Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Too many confusing plans
View More
Best for Gaming
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Editorial Rating
Learn More
On ExpressVPN's website
ExpressVPN
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More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
View More
Best Budget VPN
/images/2022/09/02/logo-surfshark-vpn.png){kind=logo}
View More
Although firewalls and site blockers have become the norm for school device. virtual private networks (VPNs) have become a useful tool for students to circumvent these restrictions, protect their privacy online, and more.
NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are all great options for students to use on their school network. With manageable costs and high functionality, these three VPN providers check all the boxes. Let’s look at their pricing and features so you can decide what’s best for you.
In this article
The best VPNs for school and college 2024NordVPN: Best overall
ExpressVPN: Best for gaming
Surfshark: Best for price
Honorable mentions
Why do schools block websites?
Best VPNs for school and college FAQs
Bottom line: The best VPNs for school and college
How we tested the best VPNs for school and college
The best VPNs for school and college 2024
Avoiding censorship, internet service provider (ISP) throttling, and firewalls are some of the struggles students face that can be solved with a VPN. The best VPNs for school should also allow you to access regional streaming content, provide better gaming experiences, and even save money.
- NordVPN: Best overall
- ExpressVPN: Best for gaming
- Surfshark: Best budget VPN
Top 3 VPN services for school and college compared
| VPN |  NordVPN Best Overall
|
 ExpressVPN |
 Surfshark |
| Starting price | Starts at $3.99/mo | Starts at $6.67/mo (billed annually) | Starts at $2.29/mo |
| Free version | |||
| Streaming support | Yes — Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, DAZN, and more | Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, DAZN, and more | Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, DAZN, and more |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review |
Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review |
Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
NordVPN: Best overall
NordVPN
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Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
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Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
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3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
- Too many confusing plans
Who it’s best for
NordVPN is best for streaming enthusiasts, but don’t think that is its only advantage. If you’re the kind of person who wants to stream content from all across the web, NordVPN gets through the most VPN blockers. Watching Netflix with a VPN can unlock entire catalogs of content you may never have discovered. You can even get a dedicated IP address in a region of your choice to confuse the blockers further.
What we liked
There’s a reason NordVPN is regarded as the best VPN on the market. It’s consistent, reliable, and has a ton of useful features. The dashboard is user-friendly and easy to navigate. As far as the service itself, NordVPN is extremely transparent about its practices. They even have a link on their website to test for a DNS leak. It’s as trustworthy as it is useful.
Some of the more attractive features are the strict no-logs policy; the ability to thwart even the savviest of VPN detectors on streaming platforms like Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer; and double VPN, which allows you to reroute your IP address twice to keep your data safe. Additionally, it lets you customize the kill switch if the connection ever drops. These features are all in addition to the standard features you find on most VPNs, like a variety of server locations and fast connection speeds.
What we didn’t like
In the world of VPNs, NordVPN isn’t the cheapest. It also doesn’t provide you with any free features. You'll have to pay for a subscription if you want to enjoy any of NordVPN’s protection. Speaking of subscriptions, the price advertised as the lowest is only if you purchase a full year upfront. If you’re a student, that could be a chunk of change you may not have.
Also, there isn’t an excuse in 2023 as to why Safari is still being left out of the browser extension list. Mac and iPhone users also want to enjoy the web protection NordVPN offers. It’s time for NordVPN to start including Safari along with Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
NordVPN specs
| Price range | $3.99–$15.99/mo |
| Free version | No, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Number of servers | 6,000+ in 61 countries |
| Number of connected devices | 6 |
| VPN protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard), IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN Read Our NordVPN Review |
ExpressVPN: Best for gaming
ExpressVPN
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Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
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Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
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Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
- More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
Who it’s best for
If you’re a gamer who’s looking to cross regions, get faster gameplay without ISP throttling, or want the latest downloadable content (DLC), ExpressVPN could be your choice. It boasts itself as a necessity for gamers. Reviewers in rural areas love it as well as mobile gamers who are looking to stay protected as they travel.
What we liked
The top feature for gamers is the ability to install ExpressVPN on routers. This allows for indirect access from your gaming console to the VPN features. It also offers the Aircove router, which is the first router to come pre-installed with any name-brand VPN. That way, any student won't have to deal with the headache of configuring a VPN onto their router.
ExpressVPN is also a service known for speed. Its proprietary Lightway protocol was created for faster, secure, and more reliable VPN connections, which are always needed for gaming and other online activities. Since ExpressVPN protects against bandwidth throttling, you can livestream on Twitch or in PvP tournaments without lags or buffering.
What we didn’t like
ExpressVPN is the most premium service on our list, with a starting price of $3.99/mo for an annual plan. Like Nord, it doesn't offer any free plans or features, so it might be out of most students' budgets. Even the Aircove router doesn't come with ExpressVPN, you'll still need to purchase a VPN subscription to go along with your router.
Also, ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands and could be considered within Five Eyes territory. Minor logging plus a global intelligence group specifically formed for spying don’t sound like best practices for a VPN.
ExpressVPN specs
| Price range | $6.67–$12.95/mo |
| Free version | No, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Number of servers | Unknown number of servers in 105 countries |
| Number of connected devices | 8 |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN Read Our ExpressVPN Review |
Surfshark: Best budget VPN
Surfshark
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All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
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Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
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One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
- Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance
Who it’s best for
Surfshark's lowest price starts around $2.29/mo, making it a cost-effective choice for any student on a budget. But don't be fooled, despite the low price Surfshark comes chock-full of features including the CleanWeb tracker and ad blocker that also doubles as malware protection, the Bypasser split tunneling feature, and the option to use Surfshark on as many devices as you want.
What we liked
Unlimited devices and camouflage mode are two of Surfshark VPN’s best features. The camouflage mode is particularly helpful because it masks your connection to disguise your VPN usage. Many VPN services still create IP addresses that are specific to VPN usage, but with Surfshark you can mask that you’re using a VPN. This is key in getting around VPN detectors.
Surfshark also has a no-logs policy. Since it’s based in the Netherlands, Surfshark falls within a Nine Eyes country, so that policy is important. It’s also fast, secure, and reliable.
What we didn’t like
Software that’s meant to help with privacy that’s also based in Fourteen Eyes alliance countries feels like a contradiction.
In our latest round of Netflix testing, Surfshark struggled with connecting to Netflix Canada.
Surfshark specs
| Price range | $2.29–$21.99/mo |
| Free version | No, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Number of servers | 3,200+ in 100 countries |
| Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get Surfshark Read Our Surfshark Review |
Honorable mentions
Although we think NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are the best school VPNs, that doesn't mean they're the only options available. Here are some alternatives you can consider if you're nold sold on our top three:
- Private Internet Access: Private Internet Access is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market and it allows for unlimited connections. It also comes with advanced security features like MACE, which blocks ads, malware, and online trackers, and two types of kill switch.
Get Private Internet Access | Read Our Private Internet Access Review
- CyberGhost: CyberGhost is another budget-friendly VPN, with over 10,000 servers to ensure fast connections and unblock geo-restricted content. It also comes with specialty servers for streaming, gaming, and other online needs.
Why do schools block websites?
There are many reasons why schools block their students from accessing certain websites. During the late ‘90s and the early 2000s, educational institutions began to adopt the internet as a necessary tool for learning.
However, administrators quickly realized that students might not use it for academic purposes 100% of the time. Firewalls and site blockers became the norm for on-site machines. In response, students began seeking out VPNs to access restricted content.
Circumventing a school’s inherent protections for browsing social media (like Snapchat), accessing other regions’ streaming services (like BBC iPlayer), and looking at restricted content are huge draws for working under a VPN connection. Just know there’s a chance of getting caught that may have adverse consequences.
Today, the internet is a vital part of everyday life. With it being such a vast landscape, there are more reasons than ever before to put protections on internet access.
Ransomware is a huge concern for schools with multimillion-dollar price tags being the least of their worries. (Identity data of students and staff, including medical records and Social Security numbers, is a huge draw for hackers.) And managing everyone’s cyber knowledge for internet safety is difficult with hundreds or even thousands of students.
Additionally, an educational system’s ISP may be prone to throttling the connection speed on school Wi-Fi because of the demand caused by so many people accessing the servers. This, coupled with the prevalence of public Wi-Fi-related hacks and good old-fashioned censorship, are all reasons why using a VPN as a student can significantly enhance your user experience. A VPN encrypts your data so even the IT administrators can’t see what you’re doing.
Best VPNs for school and college FAQs
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How can I get a VPN at school?
As long as the VPN websites aren’t blocked by your IT administrator, you should be able to go to the site and download the software. If they are blocked, you can use a proxy server to reroute traffic through their server and download the VPN. Using a mobile hotspot to access the VPN’s site may also help you circumvent any network restrictions.
Disclaimer: If you’re a K-12 student looking to place a VPN on a school machine, even with a proxy server, your administrators may be able to see what you’re doing. Even though VPNs are legal, they may not be allowed by your school.
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What are some free VPNs that work at school?
Free VPNs are most likely what students are looking for when shopping for VPNs. The problem is that they often log activity and cap you off with data usage.
The best free VPN services are mostly just free samples to get you to buy their actual service. Less than reputable free VPNs are straight-up selling your information — or worse, come loaded with malware. If your goal is privacy, especially when trying to circumvent censorship or content restrictions, free VPNs aren’t a good idea.
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Can schools detect VPNs?
Yes, your school can see when you navigate to a VPN website and will likely see the IP address once it’s installed. Since most VPN IP addresses are specific to VPNs, they’ll know you’re using one.
+
How do I bypass my school’s firewall?
A VPN can encrypt your internet traffic, allowing you to bypass your school’s firewall.
Bottom line: The best VPNs for school and college
NordVPN is the best VPN for school, college, and beyond. ExpressVPN and Surfshark are close seconds due to their advanced security features as well as their competitive costs and unlimited bandwidth. Surfshark is especially impressive as it offers unlimited connections and a super low initial cost for a multi-year contract.
While there are other options out there, these three provide the most useful features for their price, as well as fast speeds and no connection issues. You can trust that your data and activity will be well-guarded if you use any of these VPNs. Additionally, you’ll be able to enjoy full use of the internet without the restrictions that may come from your educational institution’s IT department.
3 best VPNs for school and college 2023
| Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
NordVPN |
Starts at $3.99/mo | Best overall | Get NordVPN
Read NordVPN Review |
ExpressVPN |
Starts at $6.67/mo (billed annually) | Best for gaming | Get ExpressVPN
Read ExpressVPN Review |
Surfshark |
Starts at $2.29/mo | Best budget VPN | Get Surfshark
Read Surfshark Review |
How we tested the best VPNs for school and college
In researching the most trusted and useful VPNs, we looked for speed, security, price, and extra features. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are mentioned repeatedly across the internet. After testing them on our own machines, we agree they’re great tools with features necessary for VPNs.
Features include:
- Multi-device capabilities
- Fast speeds
- Expansive server list
- VPN protocol and encryption type
- Kill switch
- Extra security features
- Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux compatibility
- Browser compatibility
- Leak protection
- Affordability
NordVPN
-
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
-
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
-
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
- Too many confusing plans
Author Details
/authors/mary-james_allaboutcookies-author.jpg)
Mary lives in Los Angeles and has been a cybersecurity writer for over five years. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, her career in online security began in sales and content creation for a private cybersecurity firm.
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