How to Access Restricted Websites With a VPN in 2024

Sayb Saad
Last Updated by Sayb Saad on November 28, 2022

I get frustrated whenever I travel and can’t access my usual websites from the country I’m in. This can happen for a number of reasons, but the main problem is restrictions set by countries based on content (censorship rules) or geolocation (broadcasting regulations).

That doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your usual content while traveling. A VPN can help you to safely access restricted services. However, not all VPNs have reliable unblocking capabilities or provide fast speeds for streaming.

After testing over 30 top VPNs, I’ve picked the best 5 for accessing restricted websites. ExpressVPN is my #1 choice because it has a global network of reliable, fast servers. You can try ExpressVPN with confidence as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Access websites with ExpressVPN

Quick Guide: 3 Easy Steps to Access Websites With a VPN

  1. Get a VPNI recommend ExpressVPN because of its excellent unblocking capabilities and superfast speeds for instant, uninterrupted access to sites.
  2. Connect to a server — Choose a server in the location you need.
  3. Visit your usual websites from anywhere. Browse and stream without restriction.

Access websites with ExpressVPN

How to Use a VPN to Access Websites on All Your Devices

Windows and Mac

  1. Download and install a VPN on your Windows PC or Mac. ExpressVPN has easy-to-use native apps for Windows and macOS.
  2. Connect to a server. Select the country you need and hit the “Connect” button.
  3. Visit your usual website. Browse the internet without restrictions.

iOS and Android

  1. Download a VPN app from App Store or PlayStore. I recommend ExpressVPN because it doesn’t reduce connection speeds, even on distant servers.
  2. Connect to a server. Scroll through the server list or type in the country that you need.
  3. You’re all set. Stream or browse securely from anywhere.

Amazon Fire TV Stick and Smart TVs

  1. Download a VPN from the Amazon app store. ExpressVPN has a dedicated app for Amazon Fire TV devices to access geo-blocked sites easily.
  2. Launch the app and connect to a server. You can find more information about how to use a VPN on your Fire TV Stick here.
  3. Safely access websites. Avoid blocks and security threats each time you stream.

PlayStation and Xbox

  1. Download a VPN on your computer. ExpressVPN is my #1 choice because of its best overall performance in terms of speed and security.
  2. Set the VPN up on your router. Gaming consoles don’t have VPN apps, but my recommended services have detailed guides to set up a VPN on your home router.
  3. Access platforms on your console. Browse and stream at your convenience.

Try ExpressVPN risk-free

The Best VPNs to Access Websites in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN for Accessing Websites From Anywhere

Key Features:

  • 3,000+ high-speed servers in over 105 countries
  • Lightway protocol offers blazing-fast speeds for streaming lag-free
  • Zero data leaks guarantee easy access to websites
  • Access websites on 8 devices simultaneously
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Advanced data leak prevention means that ExpressVPN helps you to access restricted sites from anywhere. A data leak reveals your real IP address and browsing data, so you’d be unlikely to gain access to a restricted site. Even worse, officials would be able to see that you’re attempting to use a VPN to disguise your browsing habits. I ran several DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak tests and found that ExpressVPN’s servers kept my data completely secure.

The proprietary Lightway protocol provides blazing-fast speeds for high-bandwidth activities, so ExpressVPN is a great choice for streaming or downloading large torrent files. I got speed drops of just 5% on a nearby server in the US, and drops of 25% when I connected to a country across the globe. High speeds ensure uninterrupted streams without any lag or buffering, and efficient downloads.

As well as protecting you from data leaks, ExpressVPN has multiple state-of-the-art features that guarantee secure and anonymous access to restricted websites:

  • Private DNS on all servers — ExpressVPN handles all your DNS requests privately with zero exposure risk for anonymous access to restricted sites
  • Military-grade encryption — Encrypts your internet traffic with a 256-bit cipher, making it unreadable even if accessed by third parties
  • Kill switch — Disconnects you from the internet if the VPN server becomes unsteady, eliminating any chance of data leaks while accessing restricted sites
  • TrustedServer network — Uses RAM servers incapable of logging your browsing data. Even the VPN itself can’t access your browsing history. It also has a strict no-logs policy verified by KPMG

It’s one of the few VPNs that works in China, but make sure to install the app before you land there as the website will be inaccessible from within the country. ExpressVPN can access nearly every platform, such as:

Netflix US HBO Max DAZN ITV
Amazon Prime Video Disney+ Sky GO BBC iPlayer
Hulu Kodi Channel 4 ESPN+

You can protect up to 8 devices simultaneously with ExpressVPN. If that’s not enough, I suggest setting it up on your router to encrypt your entire home network — it’ll only count as 1 device. Once you’ve configured it with your router, you can set up ExpressVPN on smart TVs and even game consoles.

You can get ExpressVPN at a bargain price by subscribing to its 1-year + 3 months plan that provides a substantial discount of 49% — it’ll only cost you $6.67 per month. Try ExpressVPN without risk as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re unimpressed, you can get a full refund. I submitted my request via the 24/7 live chat and the representative approved the refund with no questions asked. I got my money back in just 3 days.

ExpressVPN works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.

Access sites with ExpressVPN

2024 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan + 3 months free (you can save up to 49%)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.

2. CyberGhost — Dedicated Servers for Accessing Restricted Content

Key Features:

  • 9,780+ servers spread across 100 countries to easily access restricted sites
  • Smart WiFi protection protects your data in public
  • 100% leak-proof and military-grade encryption for anonymous browsing
  • Works on 7 devices at once
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

CyberGhost has optimized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming, making it one of the best VPNs to unblock restricted platforms. It’s easy to find specific servers that work best with platforms such as Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. These servers are designed to connect to the best locations and give optimal speeds for easy streaming.

While its optimized servers gave the best speeds, CyberGhost’s standard servers were also impressive during tests of mid-range and local locations. The speed is more than enough to stream 4K videos on YouTube or enjoy a 3-hour-long lag-free online gaming session of Call of Duty: Warzone. I also tested its torrent abilities and managed to download a large public-domain file within a matter of minutes.

Its extensive network of efficient servers can provide access to:

BBC iPlayer Paramount+ Disney+ Kodi
ITV Netflix US Amazon Prime Video Vudu
Curiosity Stream HBO Max Hulu DAZN

CyberGhost’s Smart WiFi protection keeps you anonymous — you can configure it to turn on automatically when you connect to a network or on start-up so you’re always protected online. Besides that, CyberGhost comprises the following security features for seamlessly accessing restricted websites:

  • NoSpy servers — Maintain your privacy as the servers are managed by CyberGhost in its private data centers in Romania, a country with no data retention policies
  • 100% leak-proof — Guarantees easy access to restricted sites and prevents platforms from blacklisting a VPN’s IP address
  • Military-grade encryption — Makes your internet traffic unreadable to third parties
  • Kill switch — Cuts your internet supply if the VPN server becomes unstable, preventing any accidental IP leaks

I used CyberGhost on my Windows PC, laptop, Macbook, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, and router. All its apps are beginner-friendly with a simple and intuitive user interface. CyberGhost supports 7 simultaneous device connections, which is great for travelers using devices at home and on the go.

The best value plan is CyberGhost’s 2-year + 4 months subscription because it reduces the monthly price to just $2.03 with a 84% discount. With the long-term plan you also get a generous 45-day money-back guarantee — if you don’t like it, it’s easy to claim a refund. I used live chat to initiate my refund request and the rep was friendly and helpful. My money was returned to me within 4 working days.

CyberGhost works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.

Access sites with CyberGhost

2024 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.

3. Private Internet Access — Largest Server Network to Easily Access Global Websites

Key Features:

  • 35,000+ servers in 91 countries to access restricted sites from anywhere
  • Shadowsocks proxy to route data from 2 locations at once for extra security
  • Military-grade encryption and no data leaks for unrestricted access to websites
  • Compatible with most platforms and works on up to unlimited devices at a time
  • Try risk-free for 30 days

Private Internet Access’s extensive network of 35,000 servers makes it a great choice for accessing restricted sites. It has 400 servers on average per country, giving it the highest server count of all premium VPNs. More server options gives you less chance of problems associated with user congestion, and if you encounter any issues you can easily switch to an alternative option.

Access to restricted sites requires top-shelf security, and PIA has an impressive list of safety features. It offers:

  • MACE ad blocker — Blocks pop-up ads to prevent tracking cookies and malware for a secure browsing experience
  • Flexible encryption — Lets you dial down encryption from 256-bit to 128-bit to get faster speeds for high-bandwidth activities
  • Shadowsocks proxy — Provides an additional hop to route your data through 2 locations simultaneously for an extra layer of security.

Its extensive network easily gives you access to streaming platforms including :

Netflix Amazon Prime Video Disney+ YLE
Showtime Hulu HBO Max TV4Play
ARD Canal+ Eurosport CBC

With coverage extending to unlimited devices simultaneously, PIA means you can protect your devices both at home and when you travel. It was super easy to install and use PIA’s apps on my Windows PC, Macbook, iMac, iPhone, iPad, and Android tablet.

The only thing that concerned me is that PIA is headquartered in the US, which means it’s bound by the data retention policies of the 5 Eyes alliance. However, PIA has a strict no-logs policy verified by Deloitte. Therefore, your online activity isn’t recorded and can’t be released, even if requested by authorities.

You can get PIA for the low price of $2.03 with its 2-year + 4 months plan, and try it out risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested its refund policy using the live chat and had a reply to my request within a couple of minutes. My money was back in my account 5 days later.

PIA works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, routers, and more.

Access sites with ExpressVPN

2024 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 83%)! This is a limited offer, so grab it now before it's gone! See more information on this offer here!

Comparison Table: 2024’s Best VPNs to Access Websites

# of Servers Server Countries Leak Protection Obfuscation Money-Back Guarantee
ExpressVPN 3,000 105 30 days
CyberGhost 9,780 100 45 days
PIA 35,000 91 30 days

Easily access sites with ExpressVPN

Access Websites With a VPN

While most VPNs claim to unblock restricted sites, only a few VPNs have the technology and security features to help you get fast, easy access to your usual content when you travel.

ExpressVPN is my #1 recommendation for accessing sites from anywhere. It uses proprietary obfuscation and leak prevention in all of its servers. This means it can help you to regain access to your usual websites from any location, without revealing your true IP address. It also has superfast speeds, so you can stream without any lag or buffering. Try ExpressVPN in confidence as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you find you don’t like it for any reason, it’s simple to get a full refund.

Access websites with ExpressVPN


To Summarize, the Best VPNs for Accessing Websites are…

Top Ranked Top Choice
ExpressVPN
$6.67 / month Save 49%
CyberGhost VPN
$2.03 / month Save 84%
Private Internet Access
$2.03 / month Save 83%

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