5 Best VPNs for Discord (2024): Secure Access & Avoid Bans

Only a quality VPN can help you safely access Discord from anywhere. Discord is often blocked on certain networks, such as libraries and schools. It’s also facing scrutiny for a lack of privacy and security.

My team and I tested 47 VPNs to find the best ones for Discord. One key feature was fast speeds for clear voice calls and to play Discord channel games without lag. All the VPNs on my list have a global network of fast servers, plus robust security features to keep you safe while using Discord.

My top recommendation for Discord is ExpressVPN. Its impressive speeds are ideal to live stream on Discord without interruptions. Plus, obfuscation technology helps you avoid VPN detection (by concealing your VPN traffic) to use Discord on restrictive networks. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Try ExpressVPN for Discord >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Discord in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Best VPNs for Discord — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Fastest Discord VPN for Smooth Streaming and Video Calls

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested November 2024

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN gave me consistently fast and stable speeds to prevent Discord from lagging. Using its Lightway protocol (which you can enable by going to Preferences/Protocol), I didn’t even notice I was using a VPN — also great for mobile as it consumes less battery. While testing ExpressVPN, I could get up to 101.72Mbps on faraway New York servers against my base speed of 113.03Mbps in the UK. I could call and screen share with friends without losing picture quality.

While some online games block VPNs, I never had this issue with ExpressVPN

You can access Discord even on restrictive networks, thanks to ExpressVPN's obfuscation technology masking your VPN traffic. This makes it appear like you're using regular HTTPS traffic, allowing you to access Discord at school or work without raising flags. It also contributes to your privacy since your Discord activity won't be visible to ISPs, network administrators, or potential eavesdroppers.

Your Discord activities are anonymous, thanks to ExpressVPN's audited no-logs policy — none of your data gets collected or shared. It also encrypts your data with the strongest AES 256-bit encryption. On top of that, RAM-only servers wipe your data with every server reboot. Since it’s based in the British Virgin Islands, it's also beyond the reach of invasive jurisdictions like the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances.

The only downside is its price, which starts at $4.99/month. However, long-term ExpressVPN subscriptions offer savings of up to 82%. I even got 3 months of service free. Thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can also try it risk-free. I requested a refund using 24/7 live chat and got my money back on PayPal in 3 days.

Useful Features

• Custom router app. Setting up ExpressVPN on your router allows you to use it on devices incompatible with VPNs, like gaming consoles. Thanks to the Device Groups feature, you can also connect different devices to various server locations. For example, I use a UK server for my Windows laptop and a US server for Discord on my PS5.
• Port forwarding. You can use port forwarding with ExpressVPN on your router app. This feature optimizes connection paths, potentially reducing lag, and is especially useful when hosting lobbies or Discord servers.
• IP/DNS leak prevention. In all my tests, ExpressVPN never once leaked my real location. This helps ensure that your Discord chats and activities remain private and can protect you from griefers, hackers, or swatting.
• Network Lock. This is ExpressVPN’s kill switch, which stops the internet in the (unlikely) event you lose the VPN protection, so your data stays encrypted.

2. CyberGhost — Air-Tight Privacy Policy Keeps Your Discord Activity Anonymous

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost uses RAM-only servers, meaning it won’t store your Discord activities or sensitive information. It's based in Romania, outside the data-sharing agreement of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances — your data won't be handed over even if requested by a government. An independent audit of its no-logs policy by Deloitte firm confirmed this. CyberGhost never leaked my IP address testing servers in the US, UK, and Brazil.

Its Windows app has dedicated gaming servers to get a lower ping. You can find them under the For Gaming tab when expanding the app. Each server also shows its distance and latency to easily find the fastest one. While testing CyberGhost’s gaming servers, I played games for hours while chatting on Discord without lag.

CyberGhost also has optimized servers for streaming and torrenting

Using its Best location option, CyberGhost connects you to the fastest server, but I found its faraway connection speeds were also good. Connecting to a US server using the WireGuard protocol gave me speeds of 92Mbps (down from 112Mbps). This protocol is similar to ExpressVPN's Lightway in that it uses less code, making it faster. I had no problem chatting or screen sharing on Discord, even with friends halfway across the world.

One small con is the expensive monthly plans with a short refund period. However, it has some great deals, with its longest subscription just $2.03/month with an extended money-back guarantee. So, you can thoroughly test CyberGhost with Discord free for 45 days.

Useful Features

• Dedicated IP. You can get a unique IP for certain countries for a small extra fee. That way, you avoid potential issues like getting mixed up with the activities of others. This can help you avoid getting flagged or blocklisted by Discord due to misuse by others.
• Smart rules. These rules allow you to automate VPN protection for specific apps or scenarios. You can set it up so the VPN automatically connects whenever you launch Discord, ensuring you’re always protected.
• 7 simultaneous connections. This is slightly more than the industry standard, which is usually around 5. You can use Discord with the VPN on many devices at once, without having to log in and out on each.
• Block Content. This feature can help prevent you from visiting malicious sites when clicking on dirty Discord chat links by blocking suspicious domains.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Extensive Server Network to Reliably Access Discord Anywhere

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

With PA, you'll easily find a working server for Discord, no matter where you are. It has the most servers of all the VPNs I tested. This also means you won’t have to worry about overcrowding leading to slowdowns. My friend and I quickly found a server mid-way between us to avoid calls dropping.

I liked that I could configure PIA exactly how I wanted for my gaming setup. You can choose between OpenVPN (max security) and WireGuard (max speed). If you go with OpenVPN, you can also select your level of encryption — 256-bit military-grade protection or the slightly faster 128-bit. While testing PIA, WireGuard gave me consistently fast speeds for gaming and streaming on Discord.

You can even customize the dashboard by dragging and dropping elements

One drawback is PIA's headquarters are in the heart of the 5 Eyes Alliance, the US, which is not ideal due to the country's data retention laws. However, with an audited no-logs policy, your online identity and activity remain private. Combined with RAM-only servers, you can rest assured that your Discord conversations won't get shared with anyone.

It offers various pricing plans, with one of the cheapest long-term subscriptions at only $2.03/month. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try PIA with Discord risk-free.

Useful Features

• Port forwarding. Port forwarding optimizes connection paths, potentially reducing lag during intense Discord gaming sessions or ensuring clearer voice quality.
• MACE. MACE is PIA’S proprietary ad, tracker, and malware blocker. On top of protecting you from online threats and privacy violations, it can also block links to malware or scam sites posted on Discord servers.
• SOCKS5 proxy. This proxy may provide faster connections by not encrypting your traffic. This is useful if you want to change your server location for Discord gaming sessions without affecting speed too much.

4. NordVPN — Intuitive Apps Make it Easy to Encrypt Your Discord Activity

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN’s apps are intuitive, with time-saving features and a map dashboard. You can just drop a pin on a location to connect to a server. With its Quick-connect button, you automatically use the best-performing server for a lag-free Discord experience. Its Presets feature is also handy — a custom VPN connection that can save you time. During my tests, I used it to create a preset called “For Discord” by adding the Discord app as a shortcut.

Currently, Presets is only available on macOS and Windows

Threat Protection shields you from malicious links posted on Discord chats and other online threats. It blocks potentially harmful domains from communicating with your device, helping you avoid suspicious sites or malware downloads. While Discord is ad-free, NordVPN’s ad blocking also reduces ads on other sites I frequently visit.

The only catch is that Threat Protection can sometimes interfere with accessing certain web pages or slow down your connection. However, switching to Threat Protection Lite delays are avoided, and it's also available on iOS and Android.

Long-term subscriptions start at $2.99/month and are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, you can try NordVPN for Discord before committing.

Useful Features

• Fast speeds. NordVPN is also great for audio or video calls. With an unnoticeable speed reduction of only 12%, I could get speeds of 97Mbps on faraway NY servers. This made my Discord interactions fluid, with crisp voice and seamless streaming.
• Based in Panama. Panama is a privacy-friendly country that lies outside of any international intelligence-sharing agreements. NordVPN has also had its no-logs policy independently verified, so your Discord and other online activities will remain private.
• NordLynx. A proprietary protocol developed by NordVPN, NordLynx combines the best of WireGuard's speed with enhanced security. This protocol is enabled by default, making my Discord voice chats noticeably smoother than other protocols.

5. Surfshark — Unlimited Connections to Access Discord Safely On Any Device

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

With Surfshark, you can connect as many devices as you want simultaneously. This means whether you’re on your computer, phone, or tablet, you can use Discord securely without logging off another device. As a multitasker and someone with a lot of devices, I found it really convenient. I even shared it with some family members during testing, and it worked smoothly on all 9 devices.

You can filter servers by region, and the test usually only takes a minute or two

Surfshark possesses distinctive features that safeguard your access to Discord. With its Camouflage mode, not even your Internet Service Provider can detect your VPN usage. This can assist you in dodging throttling and enable gaming on networks with restrictions, such as those in hotels or airports.

I found it somewhat annoying that the in-app speed test requires you to disconnect the VPN to work. However, it’s a great way to find fast servers or troubleshoot connection issues for online games or streaming Discord. If you decide to test it out, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

Useful Features

• Customizable Quick-connect. You can configure Quick-connect to always use your preferred gaming or Discord server. I've found it especially handy when I want to jump into a Discord chat without fussing over server choices.
• Bypasser (split tunneling). This allows you to choose which apps go through the VPN and which don’t. This means you can change your server for a game while using Discord normally. Or, secure your Discord chat without the VPN affecting your gaming performance.

Quick Comparison Table: Discord VPN Features

To help you find the best VPN for your Discord streaming needs, I've created a quick comparison table. So, you can easily compare features and prices at a glance.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Discord

I used these criteria to determine the best VPNs for Discord. Feel free to use my checklist if you want to run your own VPN tests:

• Global network. The number and VPN server locations are relevant so you can join different regions or connect to nearby servers for less lag. I shortlisted VPNs with numerous server locations, so you can have the flexibility to connect from anywhere without compromising your Discord experience.
• Fast connections. Latency due to a slow VPN can severely impact voice chat quality on Discord. I conducted speed tests on multiple servers of each VPN to ensure they deliver consistent and high-speed connections.
• Security and privacy. When using Discord, it's crucial to keep your data and communications secure. Opt for a VPN with robust encryption, a strict no-logs policy, kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection to keep your Discord chats confidential.
• Device compatibility. Discord is available on numerous devices, from PCs to smartphones and browsers. I tested each VPN on multiple platforms to ensure they work seamlessly across all operating systems.
• Easy to use. Navigating complex software can be a hassle, especially when all you want is to join a Discord channel. I evaluated the user interface and overall ease of use of each VPN to ensure an intuitive and hassle-free experience.
• Reliable money-back guarantee. This gives you the opportunity to test VPNs with Discord to see if it works for you. I chose VPNs that offer at least a 30-day refund period.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

FAQs on the Best VPNs for Discord

Why do I need a VPN with Discord?

You don't, but Discord's voice and video messages aren't encrypted. So, network admins or hackers can intercept your communication if you use Discord on monitored or public WiFi. Also, Discord's privacy policy notes the IPs and device IDs. A VPN keeps your communications private with military-grade encryption and a no-logs policy.

Why shouldn’t I use a free VPN with Discord?

Using a free VPN with Discord can compromise your security and degrade game performance. The better choice is to opt for a premium VPN with a money-back guarantee. Premium VPNs offer a balance between security and performance with many low-latency servers in locations across the world, plus robust privacy measures, like encryption and an audited no-logs policy.

In contrast, many free VPNs generate revenue by tracking your online activities and selling this data to advertisers. Free VPNs also tend to have a limited number of servers which are usually overcrowded, resulting in lag, buffering, and potential connection drops. While there are some exceptions, with most free VPNs, the risks often outweigh the benefits.

How to fix my VPN not working with Discord?

When your VPN isn't working with Discord, the main solution is to use a premium VPN with rotating IPS and obfuscation. If you're already using a top-tier provider try switching servers. If that doesn't work, you can:

• Check your VPN connection. Ensure that your VPN is properly connected and that you have internet access.
• Update your VPN. Outdated settings can interfere with your online experience.
• Disable the VPN temporarily, launch Discord first, and then re-enable the VPN. This method can sometimes bypass connection restrictions.
• Use a different VPN protocol. Some might work better than others with Discord.
• Adjust VPN settings. Sometimes, certain proxy configurations or using only TCP may prevent Discord from working.
• Contact customer support. If all else fails, reach out to your provider. They might have specific recommendations for accessing Discord.

Is Discord banned in the UAE and China?

Yes, Discord is restricted in the UAE and China. Discord is often banned in authoritarian countries with strict censorship against social and VoIP platforms. To access your Discord when traveling, you need a VPN like ExpressVPN with strong encryption, IP leak protection, and obfuscated servers.

The full list of countries where Discord is banned are:

• China.
• The UAE.
• Egypt.
• Iran.
• Oman.
• North Korea.

However, vpnMentor does not condone going against a country's rules and regulations. Familiarize yourself with the laws of the country you're in before using a VPN.

Can I bypass a Discord ban with a VPN?

Yes, you can potentially bypass a Discord IP ban by using a VPN. Discord may issue a ban where it prevents certain IP addresses from accessing its platform, whereas a VPN allows you to change your IP. Unfortunately, most Discord bans block your IP and username, so you’ll also need to create a new account.

To do this:

1. Disconnect from your current network or turn off your device's WiFi.
2. Activate your VPN and choose a server location. The new IP will mask your original IP address.
3. Reconnect to the internet or turn your device's WiFi back on.
4. Open Discord. If everything is set correctly, you should bypass the IP ban.

However, it's important to note that bypassing a ban might violate Discord's terms of service and may result in further action against your account or a more permanent ban. Respect the platform's policies and rules. It may be best to wait out your ban or reach out to Discord’s support and appeal it.

How can I access Discord with a VPN on Windows and Android?

All you need to do is download the VPN app for Windows or Android and connect to a server. All the shortlisted VPNs also offer extensions for Chrome (some of them free with limited features) that you can use on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

For Windows, you can usually download the VPN software from the official website or Microsoft Store. You can also find the Android app on the Google Play Store, or download the official APK from some of the VPN websites. Most apps are one-click install, and allow you to connect to a server in just one or two clicks.

Is it allowed to use a VPN to access Discord?

VPNs are not against Discord’s T&Cs, and you won’t get banned simply for using one. However, your account may be banned if you use a VPN for suspicious activities, like frequent IP changes, spamming servers with links, etc. IF you're going to use VPN to keep you safe on Discord, choose one that regularly updates its IP, like ExpressVPN.

What Discord servers can I access using a VPN?

The good news is that you can use a VPN to access any Discord server. Discord doesn’t limit VPN use, and servers aren’t region-specific, whether it’s Midjourney, Valorant, or Genshin Impact Official. Still, you may have a laggy or broken voice or streams if the server region Discord assigns you is not optimal. One possible workaround is to use a VPN and connect to a nearby server to optimize your connection.

Get the Best VPN for Discord

A VPN helps you use Discord anywhere while keeping you safe from cyber threats. With increasing concerns about online privacy and potential data snooping, it can’t hurt to have an extra layer of security while gaming or streaming. This ensures that your chats, voice communications, and any shared media are encrypted and kept confidential.

ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for Discord. Its fast speeds paired with robust security features for seamless and secure Discord communication, not to mention stutter-free gaming and streaming. Plus, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try ExpressVPN without risks.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for Discord…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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