Ever felt like school Wi-Fi is a prison for your internet?
You’re not alone. Between blocked websites and nosy network admins, it’s tough to stay connected.
But what if I told you there’s a way to break free? A way to access the sites you need, keep your data private, and even boost your online security?
That’s where a VPN comes in.
Stick around, and I’ll show you the 7 best VPN for school so you can unblock sites, stay safe, and finally take control of your internet experience.
What is the Best VPN for School?
Ready to ditch the digital restrictions and browse freely? Let’s dive into our top picks for the best school VPNs.
These services will help you unblock websites, protect your privacy, and stay safe online, all while keeping your school network happy.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is a solid choice for online privacy and security. They have a huge server network.
This means you have lots of options for getting around those pesky geo-restrictions. Plus, they don’t keep any logs, so your online activity stays private.
You can use it on tons of devices simultaneously. Pretty handy, right? Overall, NordVPN is a reliable and user-friendly VPN service.
Our Take
NordVPN gets a 9/10 because it offers a fantastic combination of security, features, and ease of use. The massive server network and strong security features make it an excellent choice for most users. The value is there but is more expensive than some alternatives.
Key Benefits
- Massive server network: Boasts over 5,500 servers in 60 countries.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and a variety of security protocols.
- Specialty servers: Offers dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and extra security.
- Strict no-logs policy: They don’t track your online activity.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Plenty of time to try it risk-free.
Pricing
- Complete: $14.99/month – Secure, high-speed VPN, Anti-malware, and advanced browsing protection.
- Plus: $13.99/month – Secure, high-speed VPN, Anti-malware, and advanced browsing protection.
- Basic: $12.99/month – Secure, high-speed VPN, Anti-malware, and advanced browsing protection.
Pros
Cons
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is a really cool VPN. It’s super affordable, especially if you go for a longer subscription.
They have a bunch of features, like split tunneling and a kill switch. These help keep your data safe and secure.
Plus, they have this awesome thing called “CleanWeb” that blocks ads and trackers. No more annoying pop-ups!
They also allow unlimited simultaneous connections. Not bad, huh? Overall, Surfshark is a great value VPN with some excellent features.
Our Take
Surfshark VPN is popular because it offers an outstanding balance of features, security, and price. It’s a fantastic choice for budget-conscious users or those who need to connect multiple devices. However, its speeds can be inconsistent and might not be the best choice for accessing geo-restricted content.
Key Benefits
- Unlimited simultaneous connections: Connect all your devices!
- Affordable price: Great value for your money.
- Strong security features: Includes AES-256 encryption and a kill switch.
- Fast speeds: Good for streaming and downloading.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Plenty of time to try it out.
Pricing
- Surfshark Starter: $15.45/month
- Surfshark One: $17.95/month
- Surfshark One+: $20.65/month
Pros
Cons
3. ExpressVPN
This one’s a bit pricier, but it’s super fast and reliable. Great for streaming and downloading.
They have a strict no-logs policy and use strong encryption. If you want top-notch performance, ExpressVPN is a good option.
Our Take
ExpressVPN is popular because it’s fast, reliable, and secure. It’s a great all-around VPN, but it’s a little expensive compared to some others.
Key Benefits
- Blazing-fast speeds: Perfect for streaming and downloading.
- Huge server network: Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and has a kill switch.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Try it risk-free.
Pricing
- 1-month plan: $12.95/month
- 12-month plan: $8.32/month (+3 months FREE)
- 2 Years plan: $4.99/month (+4 months FREE)
Pros
Cons
4. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost is a really popular VPN with a ton of servers and some really cool features.
They have dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting, and they have a really user-friendly interface.
Our Take
CyberGhost VPN is popular because it has an extensive server network and is suitable for streaming. However, it can be expensive, and there have been some privacy concerns.
Key Benefits
- Large server network: Over 9,700 servers in 91 countries.
- User-friendly interface: Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Good for streaming: Unblocks many popular streaming services.
- Dedicated servers for torrenting: Optimized for P2P traffic.
Pricing
- 1 Month: $12.99/month
- 6 Month: $6.99/month
- 2-Year + 4 months: $2.03/month
All plans include unlimited bandwidth and access to all server locations.
Pros
Cons
5. PureVPN
PureVPN has been around for ages, so they really know what they’re doing.
They’ve got a ton of servers in loads of countries, and they have some cool features like port forwarding that some of the others don’t have.
They used to have some issues with their privacy policy, but they’ve gotten a lot better.
Our Take
PureVPN is known for its many features and extensive server network. Its privacy policy has improved, but its speeds can be inconsistent, and its customer support has mixed reviews.
Key Benefits
- Extensive server network: Over 6,500 servers in 78 countries.
- Wide range of features: Includes split tunneling, port forwarding, and dedicated IPs.
- No-logs policy: Audited by independent firms.
- 31-day money-back guarantee: Gives you a little extra time to decide.
Pricing
- Max: $19.95/month
- Plus: $15.95/month
- Standard: $12.95/month
Pros
Cons
6. Proton VPN
If you’re really serious about privacy, Proton VPN is worth checking out.
They’re based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws.
They also offer a free version, although it’s limited.
Our Take
Proton VPN is popular because it’s a solid choice for privacy-focused users. The free version is a great perk, and the paid plans offer good value. However, it may not be the fastest VPN and is not ideal for streaming.
Key Benefits
- Strong focus on privacy: Based in Switzerland with a strict no-logs policy.
- Secure core servers: Adds an extra layer of protection.
- Free version available: Try it out before you buy.
- Open-source apps: Transparency and community-driven development.
Pricing
- 1-month plan: €9.99/month
- 1-year plan: €4.49/month
- 2-year plan: €4.99/month
Pros
Cons
7. PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN is like a newcomer with potential in the VPN scene. It’s a relatively new player but offers a solid set of features and a free plan with decent data limits.
If you’re looking for a free VPN or want to try a new option, PrivadoVPN is worth checking out.
Our Take
PrivadoVPN is a promising newcomer with a good free plan. It’s a good option for users who want to try a VPN without committing to a paid plan or who prioritize privacy.
Key Benefits
- Encryption: AES-256 encryption protects your data.
- No-Logs: Swiss-based company with a strict no-logs policy
- Speed: Decent speeds for general browsing and streaming.
- Servers: 600+ servers in 44 countries
- Interface: Clean and user-friendly interface.
- Kill Switch: The excellent kill switch feature is available on desktop apps.
- Support: Email support and a knowledge base are available
Pricing
- 12 month Unlimited VPN + 3 free: $2.99/month
- 24 month Unlimited VPN + 3 free: $1.99/month
- 1 Month Plan: $10.99/month
PrivadoVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on the paid plan.
Pros
Cons
What to Look For When Choosing a VPN?
- Strong Encryption: Look for a VPN with AES-256 encryption, the gold standard for online security.
- No-Logs Policy: Ensure the VPN doesn’t keep records of your browsing activity.
- Fast Speeds: Choose a VPN with fast connection speeds for smooth browsing and streaming.
- Unblocking Capabilities: Make sure the VPN can bypass school firewalls and access blocked websites.
- Device Compatibility: Select a VPN that works on all your devices, from laptops to smartphones.
- Server Network: A large server network gives you more options for bypassing restrictions and accessing content from different regions.
- Ease of Use: Opt for a VPN with a user-friendly interface that’s easy to set up and navigate.
- Customer Support: Good customer support is essential in case you run into any issues.
- Price: Consider your budget & choose a VPN that offers good value for money.
How Can a VPN Benefit You?
A VPN isn’t just about unblocking websites; it’s about taking control of your online experience.
By encrypting your traffic, a VPN shields your data from prying eyes, ensuring your online activities remain private.
A VPN also lets you bypass censorship and access geo-restricted content.
This means you can simply enjoy your favorite streaming services & websites, no matter where you are. Plus, with a VPN, you can say goodbye to throttling and enjoy faster speeds.
So whether you’re a student, a traveler, or someone who values privacy, a VPN is an invaluable asset.
Buyers Guide
When researching the best VPN service for school, we considered these key factors:
- Pricing: Cost of the VPN app, availability of free VPNs, and student discounts.
- Features:
- Number and location of VPN servers
- Ability to bypass school networks
- Supported VPN protocols and no-logs policy
- Connection speeds for streaming/downloading
- User-friendly VPN app
- Device compatibility and number of simultaneous connections
- Negatives: Limitations on bandwidth, logging, speed/reliability issues, customer support responsiveness
- Support or Refund: Money-back guarantee, free trial, types of customer support offered
We also prioritized VPNs known for bypassing school Wi-Fi restrictions, offering private internet access, and providing unlimited connections.
Remember, the best VPN depends on your needs. Consider factors like budget, features, and desired level of security and privacy.
Wrapping Up
Navigating the world of VPNs can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to bypass school WiFi restrictions.
It’s essential to choose a VPN provider that prioritizes strong encryption, fast speeds, and a wide range of VPN server to ensure smooth and secure browsing.
Remember, a good VPN can help protect your VPN traffic, unblock websites, and give you access to geo-restricted content.
Whether you opt for a premium service like Proton VPN or explore a best free VPN option, make sure it supports reliable VPN protocol and offers a user-friendly experience.
With the right VPN, you can enjoy a safe and unrestricted internet experience, even on restrictive networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is using a VPN at school legal?
In most cases, yes, using a VPN at school is legal. However, it’s important to check your school’s acceptable use policy to be sure.
Can my school track my activity if I use a VPN?
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for your school to track your specific online activities. However, they can still see that you’re using a VPN.
Can a VPN slow down the speed of my internet?
It’s possible to experience a slight decrease in internet speed when using a VPN, as your traffic is routed through an additional server. However, with a good VPN provider, the impact should be minimal.
Can I use a free VPN for school?
While free VPNs exist, they often come with limitations like data caps, slow speeds, and intrusive ads. For a better experience, consider a reputable paid VPN service.
How do I set up a VPN on my school device?
Setting up a VPN is usually simple. Most VPN providers offer user-friendly apps that you can download and install on your device. Follow the provider’s instructions to connect to a server and start browsing securely.
