How To Bypass Paywalls Using a VPN – Access Premium Content

Paywalls – the scourge of the modern internet. 

Every day, more content is hidden behind a premium upsell window. Written so just when you’re hooked, bham! You’ve reached some nonsense reading limit. 

If you want to bypass never-ending paywalls quickly, a VPN is the best solution. You’ll also enjoy a tonne of other benefits (international Netflix, less tracking, no censorship, and more).

But not all VPNs are created equal, and some may struggle to bypass sophisticated paywalls.

We’ve spent 10+ years rigorously testing VPNs against various restrictions – often far more complex than a paywall. We confidently recommend five VPNs that consistently deliver exceptional results:

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These VPNs represent a tiny fraction of the VPN market. That means the vast majority didn’t meet our stringent criteria. So, why did we pick these five?

• Airtight privacy
• Access to content 
• Speed
• Security 
• Cost
• Ease of use 

You can read more about our criteria in the testing methodology section found later in this article.

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Deep dive: The best VPNs to bypass paywalls in 2024

Every VPN on our list excels at bypassing paywalls, delivering exceptional speed, security, and privacy while you browse. For an in-depth analysis of each VPN, please refer to our comprehensive VPN reviews.

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Methodology: how we tested the best VPNs against common paywalls

Choosing the right VPN can be overwhelming, with 100s of VPNs claiming security, unrestricted internet access, and anonymity.

So, besides bypassing paywalls, what factors should you consider when selecting a VPN? Here’s a quick overview:

• Military-grade encryption: Opt for VPNs that employ 256-bit AES encryption, the gold standard for security used by militaries, governments, and financial institutions.
• Additional security: Choose a VPN with features like automatic kill-switches, DNS/IP leak protection, and other advanced security measures to ensure your online activities remain private and secure.
• Super-fast connections: Prioritize VPNs that offer fast and reliable connections, allowing you to browse, stream, and download without frustrating slowdowns.
• Global server network: A vast network of servers in various locations ensures you can easily bypass paywalls and access content from anywhere in the world.
• Built-in privacy tools: Look for VPNs with integrated ad blockers, anti-tracking features, and other privacy-enhancing tools to protect your online activities further.
• Easy-to-use apps: VPNs should be user-friendly, even for those with limited technical expertise. Prioritize VPNs with intuitive apps that are easy to set up and navigate.
• Good value: Choose VPNs that offer affordable plans with transparent pricing and generous money-back guarantees so you can try them risk-free.

Read our complete VPN review process to see how we independently evaluate each of these VPNs.

How to bypass paywalls using VPNs

Bypassing paywalls with a VPN is simple. Follow these easy steps:

Can I use a free VPN to bypass paywalls?

While using a free VPN to bypass paywalls might seem tempting, it’s often ineffective and potentially harmful.

Free VPNs are slow, offer limited privacy features, and restrict you to a handful of overcrowded servers. This makes them unreliable for bypassing paywalls and accessing restricted content, especially during peak usage times.

Furthermore, the business model of free VPNs often involves questionable practices that compromise your privacy and security. To sustain their operations, they usually resort to questionable or harmful practices, such as:

• Invasive advertising: Bombarding you with ads often embedded directly into your browser and apps, some of which may contain malware.
• Data harvesting: Selling your browsing data to third-party brokers, advertisers, or malicious actors.
• Compromised security: Some free VPNs have been found to open their networks to hackers or government surveillance, putting your privacy and protection at risk.

Given these risks, investing in a cheap VPN is a far wiser choice. While it might require a small monthly fee, it guarantees a faster, more private, and secure experience, with reliable access to your desired content.

Paywall VPN FAQs

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While VPNs are highly effective at bypassing many paywalls, some websites employ advanced tracking techniques or region-specific restrictions that might make it more difficult to circumvent them. 

However, the VPNs recommended in this guide have a proven track record of successfully bypassing paywalls on many websites, making them your best bet for accessing restricted content.

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Using any VPN will introduce some overhead that slightly impacts your internet speed, but the VPNs in this guide will have minimal impact. They use optimized protocols and have a vast server network, which helps minimize any potential slowdowns.

However, the extent of the impact on your speed can vary depending on several factors, including:

• The distance between you and the VPN server: Connecting to a server farther away might result in slightly slower speeds due to increased latency.
• The VPN protocol you choose: Some protocols prioritize speed (WireGuard), while others prioritize security (OpenVPN). You can select the protocol in your VPN settings.
• Your base internet speed: If your internet connection is slow, using a VPN might make it more noticeable.

While you might experience a slight decrease in speed, the best VPNs are designed to provide a smooth, fast browsing experience.

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The legality of using a VPN to bypass paywalls is a complex issue with no straightforward answer. While using a VPN is legal in most countries, bypassing paywalls could violate the terms of service of certain websites.

Some argue that bypassing a paywall is similar to accessing content without paying, which could be considered copyright infringement. However, there have been no significant legal cases against individuals using VPNs for this purpose.

It’s important to note that this is a gray area, and the legality might vary depending on your location and the specific website you’re trying to access. It’s always best to consult the website’s terms of service and use your discretion when deciding whether to use a VPN to bypass a paywall.

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Bypass any paywall in 2024 and beyond!

Choosing the right VPN doesn’t just unlock paywalled content; it enhances your online experience by boosting security, privacy, and access to information.

With a VPN, you can browse confidently, knowing you have unrestricted access to the internet and your online activities remain private.

While ExpressVPN is our #1, you can explore all the VPNs we’ve suggested for yourself. Each VPN offers a risk-free trial period with their money-back guarantees, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your needs.