Best VPNs for Telegram

If you’re trying to access Telegram in a blocked country, a VPN is likely to be one of the easiest methods to bypass any restrictions. Here are the best VPNs for Telegram. 

Telegram is a popular encrypted messenger service that recorded over 700 million monthly active users as of June 2022. However, Telegram is banned or blocked to some degree in numerous countries, such as China, India, and Russia. 

A VPN allows the user to bypass any Telegram blocks, no matter their current location. VPNs work by encrypting all data sent to and from your device, while routing it through an intermediary server in a country of your choice. 

In other words, connecting to a VPN server found in a country such as the United States will encrypt all of your data, while assigning the user with a temporary US IP address. This can be used to access blocked sites and services such as Telegram while abroad. 

We’ll take you through each of the best VPNs for the job in detail below. For now, here’s a quick rundown with key information about each provider. 

The best VPNs for Telegram:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Telegram. Superb server speeds, and will access Telegram and lots of additional sites and services without breaking a sweat. Unique privacy features, streaming support, audited, and comes with a strict no-logs policy. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for Telegram. Servers in 100+ countries that can be used for accessing lots of blocked apps like Telegram. Unlimited connections and reliable security features. 
3. ExpressVPN: One of the best providers on the market if you need to access a geo-restricted streaming service. Works well with Telegram, offers the Lightway protocol, and beginner-friendly apps for all devices. 
4. Proton VPN: Servers to pick from in 68+ countries, advanced features include Secure Core, port forwarding, and a strict no-logs policy. 
5. Mullvad: Offers anonymity for privacy-conscious users no matter where they’re based. Exceptional server speeds. 
6. CyberGhost: Capable of accessing various geo-blocked sites and services, from Telegram to Netflix.
7. IVPN: Telegram access, open-source apps for all major devices, and numerous advanced features.

Summary Table

If you’re in need of a VPN for Telegram, there’s a long list of services that can get the job done. We narrow the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best providers for Telegram:

• Servers in the region you’d like to connect to are an obvious prerequisite. Telegram isn’t supported in some countries, but the VPNs we’ve selected have lots of locations to pick from
• Speeds are always important, especially if you don’t have the quickest connection to begin with
• Telegram access, as well as allowing the user to bypass restrictions found with additional popular sites and services while abroad 
• Privacy and security, including everything from notable features to available protocols
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third-party

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for Telegram, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

Best VPNs for Telegram in 2023

Here’s a roundup with detailed information about each of the VPNs that have made it onto this list.

NordVPN is a no-logs provider with a large network of 5,800+ servers in 60+ countries. With average speeds of roughly 200 Mbps, it’s perfect for accessing blocked services such as Telegram.  

The provider comes with lots of interesting features that help improve privacy while using Telegram in a blocked location. For example, 256-bit encryption is watertight, and the service is based in privacy-friendly Panama. It has been independently audited on multiple occasions, with Deloitte verifying its logging policy in December 2022.  

NordVPN supports P2P connections. Obfuscated servers hide your VPN usage in restricted regions. Meshnet is free without a subscription, and allows the user to create private, encrypted tunnels between devices they trust. NordLynx is a proprietary protocol that was built on WireGuard. 

Streaming is another strong point. NordVPN works with 23+ Netflix libraries and can access everything from Hulu to BBC iPlayer. When coupled with fast speeds and reliable servers, it’s hard to think of many notable flaws.

NordVPN apps are available for Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. You’ll find support for routers and extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Six simultaneous devices should be enough for the average user, but it’s still on the lower end of the scale compared to the alternatives seen below. 

THE BEST VPN FOR TELEGRAM: NordVPN is our top recommendation for Telegram. Fast speeds, secure server network that works with various geo-restricted services, various advanced privacy features, streaming capabilities, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Surfshark is our top budget solution if you’re in need of a cheap VPN for Telegram. It has 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries worldwide, so it’s ideal if you need an IP address from a region that doesn’t have much VPN coverage.

Features include audited applications, a sturdy kill switch, and split tunneling. MultiHop and obfuscation (Camouflage Mode) help to improve privacy, with the latter working to prevent your ISP from detecting that a VPN is in use. 

There’s still support for streaming, despite a lower asking price. This includes 20+ Netflix catalogs. The WireGuard protocol boosts average speeds to 190 Mbps. However, you can expect performance to suffer if you’re connecting to an overloaded location, or a smaller country with hardly any servers to begin with. 

You’ll find apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Surfshark can be used with an unlimited number of devices, allowing the user to share an account with friends and family if they so choose. 

A few features, such as a private search engine (Surfshark Search), are paywalled for Surfshark One users, but it doesn’t impact the VPN in any way.  

THE BEST BUDGET VPN FOR TELEGRAM: Surfshark is ideal if you’re looking for a low-cost solution for Telegram. Unlimited simultaneous connections, servers in 100+ countries, decent speeds, Camouflage Mode, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

ExpressVPN is a reliable provider with a custom protocol and user-friendly apps available for all major devices. You’ll find RAM-only servers to pick from in 94+ countries, accessing Telegram and other VoIP services without breaking a sweat. It works well with services like Discord, with an average connection speed of 175 Mbps. 

Generally seen as a great VPN for streaming, it’s unrivaled if you’re aiming to access blocked sites and services from abroad. This includes 24+ Netflix catalogs, and the likes of BBC iPlayer, ITV X, Channel 4, and Channel 5 in the UK. 

As well as the proprietary Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN comes with split tunneling, Smart DNS (MediaStreamer), and a kill switch. There’s a strict no-logs policy, while apps and infrastructure have been independently audited. The provider is based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, and obfuscation works in countries like China, Iran, and the UAE. 

Along with the standard collection of apps for Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, ExpressVPN comes with custom router firmware, which is a step above the competition. 

It does work out to be one of the more expensive VPNs on this list when all is said and done, but it’s ideal for accessing blocked services like Telegram, along with much more. 

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY TELEGRAM VPN: ExpressVPN is a strong option for Telegram, or nearly any geo-restricted app or service you can think of. Lightway protocol, user-friendly apps for all major platforms, and simple 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Proton VPN is another viable option for anyone who wants to remain safe when using Telegram in a restricted region. There are 2,900+ servers to pick from in 68+ countries, giving the user the ability to bypass online censorship safely. Secure Core servers are helpful if you’d like a privacy boost, routing user traffic through locations like Switzerland or Iceland before reaching its destination.  

A few free locations could prove useful if you solely need a VPN for Telegram. Free VPN servers are found in Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States, and can be used for basic tasks such as accessing social media or unblocking chat apps. 

You’ll need a premium subscription to unblock streaming services like Netflix. Paid plans give access to faster server speeds (320 Mbps) and the full range of locations on offer. Paid users can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, as well as block malware, ads, and trackers (NetShield). Premium plans add support for features like split tunneling and port forwarding. 

A pricier option, Proton is still worthwhile if you plan to use many of the advanced features on offer. 

ADVANCED TELEGRAM VPN: Proton VPN is a feature-packed option that is great for accessing blocked apps like Telegram. Free servers, fast speeds, streaming access, Secure Core, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Mullvad has some of the fastest servers on the market, averaging 660 Mbps during testing. That’s going to make it one of the best options if you plan to use Telegram to make video calls. The same goes for P2P filesharing and other intensive tasks. 

Widely seen as one of the best options for improving online privacy, Mullvad has lots of notable features, such as split tunneling and a built-in kill switch. The provider is based in Sweden and regularly undergoes independent audits to build trust. 

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use Mullvad for streaming via popular services such as Netflix; the provider is upfront about its inability to access most platforms. There are apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, and it works with up to five devices at the same time. 

Mullvad has a flat pricing system, so no savings are rewarded for subscribing for longer periods. It’s not the worst result if you’re looking for a zero-logs provider, but a lack of streaming access may be a dealbreaker for some users. 

ANONYMOUS TELEGRAM VPN: Mullvad should be on your radar if you’re in need of an anonymous service for Telegram. The fastest provider during testing. Zero-logs, obfuscation, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

CyberGhost is another viable solution for Telegram users thanks to a large network with over 9,600 servers in 91+ countries. The provider is great for everything from browsing the web to accessing geo-restricted platforms, whether it’s Telegram or another popular service. 

Streaming-optimized servers are labeled within the app for ease of use. Average speeds (320 Mbps) are fast enough for video calls, gaming, 4K streaming, and torrenting. It’s no surprise, as 256-bit encryption is combined with the WireGuard protocol to great effect. 

CyberGhost apps are available for all major platforms, and you’ll be able to use an account with up to seven devices at the same time. It’s based in Romania, so there are no jurisdictional issues to worry about. A Content Blocker prevents malicious websites, tracking scripts, and adverts. It comes with features like Smart DNS and split tunneling.

Despite missing out on a handful of advanced features that you’ll find with the alternatives listed above, it’s a great pick for anyone who wants affordable streaming support, lots of servers, and access to Telegram. 

STREAMING-OPTIMIZED SERVERS: CyberGhost is a low-cost solution if you need a streaming VPN for Telegram. Large network of speedy servers, labeled streaming access, beginner-friendly apps, and an extended 45-day money-back guarantee. 

IVPN might not have the largest network, but all servers are self-hosted, and apps are open-source. As well as a kill switch, there’s a SOCKS5 proxy, MultiHop support, and annual independent audits to ensure peace of mind. 

It might be the final option to make the list, but it’s still capable of getting the job done effectively. For example, if you’re attempting to access Telegram in a region that frowns upon VPN usage, its obfsproxy feature can hide the fact that you’re using a VPN at all.

You’ll be able to torrent with US servers, and it offers port forwarding as standard. It comes with an ad, tracker, and malware blocker.

IVPN doesn’t work well with any major streaming services, so you’ll have to look elsewhere for access to popular platforms from abroad. You’ll be able to use up IVPN with up to seven devices at the same time, which should be sufficient for the average user.

OPEN-SOURCE TELEGRAM VPN: IVPN is one of the more trustworthy services on the market, with advanced apps for all major devices. Ideal for anonymous connections, access to Telegram and other VoIP apps, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Telegram 

Rather than picking out providers at random, we’ve compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology. We test and compare the best VPNs in the business. 

Our strict criteria means that only providers dedicated to digital privacy, with excellent usability and optimal performance, can make it onto our list. Below, you can see the criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for Telegram:

• Servers: Telegram is available in many regions worldwide, so a large server network will ensure that there is always a local option to pick from. Ideally, the VPN will have servers in popular regions such as the US and the UK for access to major streaming platforms. 
• Speeds and performance: Fast connection speeds will ensure no lag, even if you’re connecting to servers located halfway around the world. This will be helpful if you don’t have the quickest internet speeds to begin with. 
• Privacy and security: How does the VPN perform in terms of security and privacy? We look at features, their implementation, and everything from leak protection to encryption and protocols. 
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no-logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

How to use a VPN with Telegram

No matter your device or current location, it’s not difficult to regain access to Telegram with the use of a VPN. Here’s a step-by-step guide to set up a VPN for Telegram users. 

Here’s how to set up a VPN for Telegram:

1. Choose a VPN provider, and sign up with the service. 
2. Download and install the VPN app on the same device on which you use Telegram.
3. Open the VPN app, and sign in. 
4. Connect to a server in a location that allows access to Telegram. 
5. Download or open Telegram on your device. You should now be able to send and receive messages via the app. 

That’s all it takes to get started. You’ll be able to access sites and services available in the region that you’ve connected to, and your data will be encrypted in the process. If you run into any issues, try clearing your browser’s cookies, and reloading the page.

Telegram VPN FAQs

Is using a VPN with Telegram legal?

Generally, yes, although it will depend on the country you’re currently residing in. For example, VPNs are legal in most countries, but that might not be the case if you’re in a region in which services like Telegram are banned. Make sure to take the time to learn about the local rules surrounding VPNs before signing up with a provider. 

Is Telegram secure?

Cybercriminals have been known to use Telegram to share information, but it’s not necessarily the most secure option on the market. Telegram does offer end-to-end encryption, but it isn’t enabled by default. The service makes no effort to inform users of the E2EE option.

Why is Telegram blocked in some regions?

Political reasons tend to be a common theme. For example, in August 2023, smartphone giant Xiaomi began blocking Telegram on its devices, with a warning message that stated:

"The app has not passed Xiaomi's security review. This app is fraudulent, and using it may lead to risks like fraudulent deductions or unwarranted consumption. For security reasons, it is advised to activate security measures to ensure application safety and guard against risky apps."

While many apps have been banned in China, this was a step beyond existing measures, going so far as to declare that the service is ‘fraudulent’ and ‘risky’. 

Telegram has been banned or blocked in countries such as Bahrain, Brazil, China, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, and Sri Lanka. 

Can I use a free VPN for Telegram?

We’d advise against using a free VPN for Telegram, especially if you’re aiming to improve online privacy in the process. The majority of free providers are likely to be severely lacking when it comes to security, whether that’s due to missing basic encryption protocols, or selling user data on to third parties. Others have been known to contain malware and adware. 

It is possible to use a free VPN with Telegram, but performance is likely to be an issue. Server speeds will be far slower than premium solutions, and there will be no access to streaming platforms.