J. Sweeney
Updated on: December 20, 2023
Short on time? Hereβs the best VPN for ChatGPT in 2024:
- π₯ExpressVPN: Consistently works in restrictive countries that block ChatGPT, maintains blazing-fast speeds on all of its servers, provides industry-leading security and privacy features, and has very user-friendly apps. ExpressVPN has affordable plans and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
ChatGPT is a great tool, but itβs unfortunately not available in most countries β especially restrictive regions like China and Russia. There are even some Western and less restrictive countries, such as Italy, that temporarily banned the use of ChatGPT due to privacy reasons. Italy has since reinstated the chat bot after OpenAI (the company that owns ChatGPT) addressed certain concerns the country had with it.
Fortunately, a VPN lets you access ChatGPT when traveling to countries where itβs not available. It sends your traffic through a VPN server, which masks your real location. In addition, the VPN server encrypts your traffic, helping you protect your privacy while using the AI chatbot.
I spent weeks researching and testing the top VPNs on the market with ChatGPT. I compared speeds, security, ease of use, and more to find the 5 best VPNs for ChatGPT in 2024. Each VPN on this list is a great pick, but my favorite is ExpressVPNΒ because itβs very fast, secure, and user-friendly.
Access ChatGPT With ExpressVPN Now
Quick summary of the best VPNs for ChatGPT:
- 1. π₯ExpressVPN β Best overall VPN for ChatGPT in 2024 (with a vast server network and fast speeds).
- 2. π₯Private Internet Access β Great VPN with open-source apps and top privacy features for using ChatGPT.
- 3. π₯CyberGhost VPN β Good VPN with fast speeds for using ChatGPT and convenient launch automation rules.
- 4. NordVPN β High-end security features for private and reliable ChatGPT connections.
- 5. Surfshark β Affordable VPN (with unlimited device connections + user-friendly apps).
- Comparison of the Best VPNs for ChatGPT in 2024.
π₯1. ExpressVPN β Best Overall VPN for ChatGPT
Approved by our experts
ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for ChatGPT. It has a massive server network with a server in 105 countries, including tons of locations where ChatGPT is available β such as Canada, Romania, and France. It comes with exceptional security features, maintains blazing-fast speeds on all servers, and consistently works in restrictive countries like China β itβs also ranked #1 on our list of the best VPNs in 2024.
In addition to an audited no-logs policy, the VPN also has:
- RAM-only servers β Ensures no data is written to a hard drive and all data is wiped when the server is rebooted.
- Full leak protection β Protects against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. I ran tests on servers in 10+ countries and never experienced any leaks.
- Perfect forward secrecy β Ensures that each session key used to encrypt data is unique. This means that even if someone compromises the encryption key, they couldnβt use it to decrypt past or future VPN sessions.
- Obfuscation β Hides your VPN traffic, which lets you access ChatGPT in countries that restrict it.
ExpressVPN is also the fastest VPN on the market. Every time I used ChatGPT, the website loaded instantly. Also, I was able to stream HD music videos on YouTube at the same time β plus, I never experienced buffering or had to wait for the next video to load.
It also has useful extras like split tunneling, which allows you to choose which apps use the VPN connection and which ones use your normal network. This can be really useful to keep your ChatGPT activity private (via your browserβs app) while connected to the VPN, and you can check your bank account connected to your local network, since many banks block VPN connections.
Also, ExpressVPNβs apps are easy to use. Finding and connecting to any server is very simple and quick. Plus, thereβs a cool Shortcuts feature that lets you create 1-click shortcuts for specific apps and sites β itβs conveniently displayed on your VPN window after you connect to a VPN server. I added ChatGPT to my Shortcuts menu, which allowed me to get instant access to ChatGPTβs site.
ExpressVPNΒ has plans starting at $6.67 / month. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for ChatGPT because of its lightning-fast speeds, ability to access the web in restrictive countries, and top-notch security features. ExpressVPN also has split-tunneling and very intuitive apps. Its plans are affordable and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
π₯2. Private Internet Access β Top-Notch Privacy Features For Using ChatGPT
Private Internet Access (PIA)Β is a great choice for secure and private connections to ChatGPT. It offers servers in 91 countries, including many that support ChatGPT, and has an audited and confirmed no-logs policy thatβs been proven true in multiple court documents. Plus, PIA issues a transparency report, which documents all of the requests it receives for user data and how the VPN never has any data to share. Also, I like how all of its apps are open-source, so anyone can inspect the code for privacy and security issues.
In addition, the VPN has advanced security features, including RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, and full leak protection. It also has obfuscation on all servers so you can access ChatGPT in restrictive countries. You get added security via PIA MACE, the best VPN ad blocker on the market β on top of ads, it blocks connections to phishing sites that try to imitate ChatGPT.
I was impressed by how PIA was able to load ChatGPT in just a second or two. Streaming HD content is no problem, as I never experienced any buffering or lag. That said, the provider isnβt as fast as ExpressVPN.
The VPNβs split-tunneling tool is really good as well. In addition to apps, it also lets you split-tunnel websites (like ChatGPTβs site), which is very convenient β ExpressVPNβs split-tunneling feature only allows you to exclude apps.
PIAβs apps are easy to use. Iβm a fan of how you can configure the apps to automatically connect to a predetermined VPN server, which is convenient if youβre traveling abroad. Plus, the provider has apps for all major platforms and also allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use it on as many devices as you want β this is perfect if everyone in your house needs a privacy-focused VPN for ChatGPT.
Private Internet AccessΒ has really affordable plans starting at just $2.11 / month. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Bottom Line:
PIA is a reliable VPN that provides great privacy features for accessing ChatGPT. It also has advanced security features, fast speeds, really good split-tunneling, and user-friendly apps, and it allows unlimited connections. PIA backs all plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee for all purchases.
Read the full Private Internet Access review
π₯3. CyberGhost VPN β Highly Customizable Apps + Fast Speeds
CyberGhost VPNβsΒ apps allow you to customize connection preferences, which really helps you quickly connect to your desired server and start using ChatGPT. Plus, it has a server in 100 countries β with many of them being ones that support ChatGPT.
I really like the automation options with the Smart Rules feature β for example, I configured the VPN app to automatically connect to the fastest server and open the browser I use to access ChatGPT on launch.
The providerβs apps are also really simple to use. The user interface is very intuitive and easy to navigate, and it takes less than 5 seconds to manually find a server. Plus, I really like how features and settings come with helpful explanations, so you never feel lost while using CyberGhostβs apps.
CyberGhost has solid security features, including RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, and leak protection. You also get Content Blocker, which is really good at blocking connections to shady websites, but it doesnβt block as many ads as PIA MACE. Unfortunately, CyberGhost doesnβt provide obfuscation or work in restrictive countries (unlike ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access).
In my tests, CyberGhost was really fast β it loaded ChatGPTβs site in 2 seconds, there were no delays when I tried to play videos in HD, and 4K videos only took around 2β3 seconds to load. While itβs almost as fast as Private Internet Access, itβs nowhere near as fast as ExpressVPN.
With prices that start at $2.03 / month, CyberGhost VPNΒ is very budget-friendly. It has a generous 45-day money-back guarantee for all long-term plans, while its shortest plan is backed by a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
CyberGhost VPN has flexible and easy-to-use apps that are great for users who want to customize and automate their VPN connections for using ChatGPT. The VPN is fast, secure, and includes a 45-day money-back guarantee for long-term plans.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review
4. NordVPN β Provides Access to High-End Security Features
NordVPN has great tools to secure your connections as you chat with ChatGPT. For starters, it comes with advanced security features like full leak protection, RAM-only servers, and perfect forward secrecy β plus, its no-logs policy has passed several independent security audits. Unfortunately, it doesnβt work in restrictive countries, so you wonβt be able to use it for ChatGPT from places like China and Russia. That said, NordVPN has server locations in 61 countries, most of which support ChatGPT.
I like NordVPNβs Threat Protection. This feature protects you from malicious sites, blocks ads, and also prevents you from downloading malware-infected files. Plus, I really like how you donβt need to be connected to a VPN server for this feature to be active.
Also, thereβs Dark Web Monitor, which sends you alerts if the email address linked to your NordVPN account is leaked on the dark web β this is really handy if you use the same email address for your ChatGPT account.
I like NordVPNβs speeds. During my tests, I connected to both local and distant servers and experienced very little lag during my conversations with ChatGPT, but websites did take 3 seconds to load on average. The speeds are good, but ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, and CyberGhost VPN are faster.
The provider has intuitive apps for all major devices, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its apps have an intuitive interface and include a quick-connect feature to easily connect to the fastest available server.
NordVPN has tier-based subscriptions and plans starting at $3.39 / month, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Bottom Line:
NordVPN comes with many strong security features that protect your data while you use ChatGPT. It has advanced features, as well as malware protection and a dark web monitoring tool. The VPN maintains good speeds and covers all purchases with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. Surfshark β Cheap VPN Thatβs Great for Beginners
Surfshark has cheap plans and intuitive apps that are easy to use with ChatGPT β even if youβve never used a VPN before. The settings have helpful descriptions, thereβs a customizable quick-connect feature, and I really like that Surfshark lists the recent servers youβve connected to for quick access (you wonβt have to manually scroll through the 100+ countries to find your favorite one for ChatGPT).
Surfshark has native apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
In my tests, the provider had decent speeds. ChatGPTβs site usually loaded in about 3β4 seconds, HD videos took 2 seconds to load, and 4K videos loaded in 5 seconds and there was minor buffering at the start. So the VPN is definitely not as fast as ExpressVPN.
On the plus side, Surfshark has pretty good security features, including RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, and an audited no-logs policy. Whatβs more, it has IP Rotator, which regularly changes your IP address. Unfortunately, the VPN doesnβt consistently work in restrictive countries.
Surfsharkβs plans start at just $1.99 / month. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Bottom Line:
Surfshark has cheap plans and very intuitive apps. It also allows unlimited connections, comes with decent speeds, has a large server network, and provides pretty strong security for accessing ChatGPT. It backs each purchase with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Surfshark review
Comparison of the Best VPNs for ChatGPT in 2024
How to Choose the Best VPN for ChatGPT in 2024
- Get a VPN with strong security. VPNs are designed to shield your online actions, including interactions with ChatGPT, and defend your personal information from hackers, cyber threats, and malicious actors. The VPNs mentioned here use industry-standard security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, a no-logs policy guaranteeing your data isnβt stored, and protection against potential IPv6, DNS, or WebRTC leaks.
- Select a VPN with a large server network. To have reliable access to ChatGPT, the VPN needs to have servers in locations where the tool is available. All the VPNs I chose have large server networks for accessing ChatGPT.
- Pick a VPN with fast speeds. A VPN with fast connection speeds is essential for smooth and uninterrupted access to ChatGPT. ExpressVPN is my top choice because it offers blazing-fast speeds on all servers.
- Search for a VPN thatβs suitable for beginners. All the VPNs on my list feature user-friendly apps and you wonβt encounter any issues locating and connecting to any server, including the ones necessary for accessing ChatGPT.
- Choose a VPN that offers good value for money. Each VPN on my list comes with additional features, including split-tunneling, obfuscation, or an ad blocker, allows at least 5 simultaneous connections, offers reasonably priced plans, and provides a generous money-back guarantee.
Why Do You Need a VPN for ChatGPT?
There are several reasons why you might need a VPN to access ChatGPT. For starters, ChatGPT isnβt freely available everywhere β there are at least 17 countries that have banned ChatGPT or where OpenAI has made the service unavailable. But with a VPN, thatβs no longer a problem. Your actual location and identity are disguised, and you can access ChatGPT no matter where you are (provided you have an OpenAI account).
Even if youβre in an area with access to ChatGPT, a VPN also adds a security blanket to your online communications β encrypting your ChatGPT data and making it unreadable to any prying eyes. Itβs like having a private, unbreakable code for all your digital messages. It also hides private information that OpenAI might otherwise have access to, including your IP address and your location.
So, using a VPN for accessing ChatGPT offers you multiple benefits, including unrestricted access and a higher level of data privacy and security.
All the VPNs on this list are good options for connecting to ChatGPT, but I personally recommend ExpressVPN for its blazing-fast speeds, excellent security, privacy features, and very intuitive apps.
Top Brands That Didnβt Make the Cut
- Proton VPN. Proton VPN is a secure VPN with strong security and fast speeds. It also has a free version, which is a bonus. However, it doesnβt work well in restrictive countries like China.
- TunnelBear. TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN with a cute and playful design. However, itβs slower than the VPNs on this list, and it doesnβt offer a money-back guarantee.
- IPVanish. IPVanish is a great VPN with good speeds, good security, and a pretty large server network (52 countries). Unfortunately, it doesnβt work in restrictive countries, so it isnβt as useful as others on this list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a free VPN for ChatGPT?
Yes, but I donβt recommend it. While there are some decent free VPNs available, they often come with drawbacks such as slow connection speeds, a limited number of server locations, and intrusive advertisements. Additionally, some free VPNs may not offer the same level of security and privacy as paid VPNs do, so I recommend only using a premium VPN like the ones I chose for this list.
Can a VPN slow down my connection to ChatGPT?
Yes, because of the encryption process, but all of the VPNs on this list maintain fast speedsΒ for a smooth experience with ChatGPT, streaming HD videos, and other online activities.
Is it legal to use a VPN for ChatGPT?
Yes, but note that some countries ban VPNs, so I strongly recommend you first research your local laws to make sure itβs perfectly okay to use a VPN in your location. As long as youβre in a country that allows VPNs, I recommend using ExpressVPN because of its fast speeds, top-notch security features, and intuitive apps.
Where is ChatGPT banned?
ChatGPT is banned in at least 10 countries around the world, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba. This is mostly due to strict internet censorship in these countries. Other countries where ChatGPT is banned include Saudi Arabia, Syria, Egypt, Eritrea, and Venezuela. ChatGPT was also temporarily banned in Italy due to privacy concerns β but this ban is no longer in place.
There are also at least 7 countries in Africa where ChatGPT is unavailable. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, believes these countries donβt have the internet infrastructure or regulatory environment to make ChatGPT safe and reliable there. These countries include Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe.
Why do some countries ban ChatGPT?
There are almost as many reasons for banning ChatGPT as there are countries banning it. However, the reasons can be grouped into 3 broad categories. The first one is that ChatGPT falls under a wide umbrella of Western internet platforms that some governments donβt want influencing their populations. These countries, such as China, Russia, and Iran, already have strict internet restrictions in place.
The second reason is that some governments believe ChatGPT poses a security threat. The regimes of Syria, Egypt, and Venezuela, for example, are very sensitive to any tool that might be used to spread anti-government messages or create a risk of data breaches.
The third reason is that certain governments believe ChatGPT is a risk to the privacy of its citizens. Italy stated as much in April 2023 when it temporarily banned the use of ChatGPT in the country. However, the ban was later lifted when ChatGPT provided privacy safeguards for Italian users.
