How to unblock websites from anywhere in 2024

The Internet is full of various websites, however, not every one of them is easily accessible. For example, schools and workplaces typically block social media or other entertainment sites to reduce distractions and improve productivity. Additionally, some governments are known to use widespread blocking and censorship.

Luckily, a virtual private network (VPN) is an easy solution to unblock websites bypassing restrictions. It redirects your web connection through a remote server and masks your traffic with encryption, rendering it unreadable to governments and network administrations alike.

I’ve tested 25 VPN service providers to find the best ones for unblocking websites. Continue reading to learn more!

How to open blocked sites using 10 different methods

From a technical point of view, there are quite a few ways of hiding your online activities and accessing blocked websites. Naturally, some are more reliable than others, but knowing all of them grants more options to tackle different obstacles.

I’ll start with the most reliable and easy-to-use methods, with more esoteric workarounds to finish your potential website unblocking arsenal.

1. With a VPN

A virtual private network redirects your connection through a server in a different location or country. That way, it can circumvent various geographical restrictions imposed in your region. Additionally, it encrypts your web traffic and renders it unreadable to network administrators, governments, and other potential onlookers. This process ensures privacy and makes it impossible to limit access to the internet.

However, it’s crucial to use a premium VPN to guarantee flawless performance and zero IP address leaking issues. Plus, it’s vital to download and install the software before connecting to the restrictive network, as VPN websites are usually blocked.

You can learn more about the basics of a VPN by reading the introduction to the topic.

2. With the Tor Browser

One of the most well-known methods of maintaining online confidentiality is the Tor Browser. It’s used by journalists, political activists, and other people who need to keep a low profile. It utilizes the Tor Network, a global fleet of volunteer-operated relays, to redirect and encrypt your connection multiple times.

Unsurprisingly, the downside is that your connection slows down to a crawl when jumping through so many hoops. Plus, some relays could be compromised and gather your data. Thankfully, Tor-compatible VPN services can be combined with the browser for the ultimate privacy combo while accessing the dark web.

3. With a different DNS

When governments want a website blocked, they usually need the assistance of ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to enforce the blockade. Luckily, you can forgo most ISP restrictions by altering your default DNS (Domain Name System) settings to an unbiased alternative. For example, Google Public DNS, which is 8.8.8.8.

4. Using open web proxies

A quick installation-free method of getting around web restrictions involves using trustworthy web proxy services. Just like VPNs, they redirect your online activities through an intermediary server and hide your IP address. All you have to do is visit a proxy website and input the webpage you wish to access.

The main caveat is that proxies don’t provide any encryption and leave you potentially vulnerable. Plus, proxy pages are usually blocked and unreachable on restrictive networks anyway. Not to mention that they have the potential to collect vast amounts of data about you.

Learn more about what is a proxy and how it differs from virtual private networks by reading the guide.

5. Proxy or VPN browser extensions

Some of the best VPN services provide customers with browser extensions as an alternative to fully-fledged dedicated apps. Unsurprisingly, they’re not as feature-rich and, technically speaking, are proxies, not virtual private networks. However, they have a more substantial backend and provide better security than open web proxies.

Overall, they’re an excellent alternative to web proxies because they can’t be blocked by network administrators as easily. However, they won’t work if you’re unable to install extensions on your browser, but that’s a rare occurrence.

Get NordVPN and have a VPN and a proxy browser extension at your disposal!

6. Online translation services like Google Translate

Sophisticated online translation services like Google Translate have the option to deliver an entire webpage in a different language. This has the unexpected benefit of occasionally circumventing network restrictions since the website now has an altered domain.

Of course, this is far from an ideal solution since you’re stuck on one page and can’t navigate elsewhere. Plus, you’re not getting any bonus security benefits in the form of encryption. That means the network administrator will see this trick and inevitably restrict it. But desperate times call for desperate measures

7. With URL shortener services

Besides conveniently trimming long web addresses, URL shortener services can trick networks that block web domain names. This method won’t work everywhere, but it’s worth a shot.

Visit a website like bitly or TinyURL, input the website you want to visit, then paste the shortened version into the address bar. If luck is on your side, you’ll be able to access your desired website without any trouble.

Additionally, even if the shortener service itself is blocked, you can trim the URL of a webpage in advance and have the unique URL ready when you need it.

8. Connecting via the IP address

Behind a website's domain name lies an IP address. You can attempt to visit a page by typing in the IP address in the address bar. However, you’ll first have to find out the address of the website you wish to visit.

The methods of discovery differ based on your operating system. For example, Windows users need to use the Command Prompt and then use the ping feature. As illustrated in the image below, it returns the IP address of your desired page, which you can then paste into your browser's address bar.

With Linux, you’ll need to utilize the dig command, while Mac users can use traceroute.

9. Converting HTML pages to PDF

If you’re interested in the content of a particular website rather than complete access to it, downloading the page in PDF shape is ideal. Simply use an HTML to PDF converter to transform a web page into a downloadable PDF file.

Best of all, the file becomes available offline and can be transferred to USB sticks or other storage devices. Unsurprisingly, the main downside is that the page is static and unresponsive.

10. Alternating between HTTP and HTTPS

Webpages come in HTTP and HTTPS versions. If you’re lucky, perhaps the network administrator blocked only one version, and you’ll be able to access the alternative. Remember that HTTP is severely outdated, lacks basic encryption, and will expose your personal information, data input, and specific pages you visit online.

Of course, you can avoid such security pitfalls by using a secure VPN, for example, NordVPN, in the background.

Best VPNs for accessing blocked websites

You should arm yourself with a trustworthy VPN before stepping into a network with numerous restrictions. That way, you won’t have to worry about potential blocks hindering access to the web and reaching all the other website unblocking tools. Plus, a VPN is exceptionally versatile and useful for general security and entertainment by changing your region on streaming services.

I’ve picked a pool of five virtual private network services for website unblocking that have unique sets of bells and whistles. Read their overviews below and choose one that’s most appealing to you.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for unblocking websites

The best VPN for unblocking websites under any circumstances is NordVPN. It’s packed with servers and provides various apps and features for dealing with online blocking.

NordVPN boasts a network of 7000+ servers in 118+ countries. Many of those servers are retrofitted with RAM-only technology to ensure peak privacy and stellar performance. Meanwhile, breakneck connection speeds are conducted with the proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol.

Additionally, I had no trouble getting around online censorship and restrictions with the help of Obfuscated Servers. During my tests, outmaneuvering geo-blocks on streaming platforms like Netflix was child’s play with this VPN. Best of all, one subscription grants security for 10 different devices simultaneously.

You can test the unblocking potential of this service by claiming the NordVPN free trial on the Google Play Store. Alternatively, subscription prices start at $2.99/month when providing a NordVPN coupon at checkout.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – cutting-edge website unblocking VPN

Surfshark pushes the boundaries of online security and website unblocking by developing one-of-a-kind products. It provides customers with an excellent balance between affordability and effectiveness.

With Surfshark, I was able to access 3200+ RAM-only servers across 100+ countries. I even had the option to connect through multiple locations using Multihop. Plus, minimal speed reduction was ensured when I utilized the WireGuard protocol.

Grabbing a subscription with this VPN ensured 360-degree digital protection. For starters, the Surfshark One package protected me against personal information leaks, granted a private search engine, and prevented viruses. Meanwhile, Nexus granted numerous performance and security benefits, one of which was the ability to rotate my IP address constantly when connected to the VPN.

A shallow dive with this VPN is possible by claiming the 7-day free trial on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Meanwhile, a long-term commitment starts at $2.19/month when providing a valid Surfshark discount code.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. TotalVPN – versatile website unblocker

TotalVPN is another top choice for dealing with website restrictions and torrenting issues. It’s one of the cheapest options out there, but still powerful enough to handle annoying restrictions.

While TotalVPN has a smaller network of 50+ servers in 35+ countries, is enough to unblock most websites. Using closer-distance servers, I was satisfied with the speed and stable performance without any noticeable lag. 

Additionally, TotalVPN is a very secure service provider for your online adventures. It utilizes AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and IP and DNS leak protection, which secures my online presence and shields me against any real location leaks. You can also opt to include some extra features in your subscription, such as TotalAV Antivirus, WebShield, Data Breach Monitoring, and Secure Password Vault.

You can claim 7-day free-trial on the provider’s official website. After that subscriptions begin at only $1.59/month.

For a deeper investigation of TotalVPN, read our TotalVPN review.

4. Norton VPN – VPN for website unblocking and malware protection

Norton VPN is the perfect solution if you need an extra layer of malware and ransomware protection while unblocking websites. It’s also great at bypassing geo-restrictions and unblocking websites from anywhere.

Norton VPN offers 5000+ servers across 30+ regions. While little information is disclosed about those servers, the speeds and the performance were reliable enough for browsing and unblocking websites. Meanwhile, blazing connectivity is conducted with OpenVPN. 

Like many worthwhile VPN services, Norton VPN provides dedicated apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Besides that, users can also enjoy a safe virtual experience due to IP and DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and military-grade encryption. Additionally, there are Ad blocker that secured me against annoying online ads, split tunneling, and Wi-Fi security, that enabled VPN automatically if I connected to an unsecured network.

Unfortunately, there is no free trial to see if this VPN is the perfect fit. However, each subscription comes with a gracious 60-day money-back guarantee. The cheapest subscription starts at $3.33/month.

For a deeper investigation of Norton VPN, read our Norton VPN review.

5. Proton VPN – reliable VPN to unblock websites

Proton VPN is another great choice if you wish to unblock any website from anywhere. It even has a completely free version that can be quite helpful for this task. However, it allows only one simultaneous connection and has a limited server network (the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the US).

If you want more control and better performance, premium Proton VPN has it all. With over 9200 servers in 110 countries, you will have no issues unblocking even the most stubborn websites. The service provider also utilizes advanced tunneling protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, ensuring great speeds and connections.

It’s important to retain your online anonymity while browsing and Proton VPN has you covered in this area as well. It’s based in Switzerland meaning it strictly follows no-logs policy. The service provider also has all the necessities as AES-256 encryption, a powerful kill-switch, and IP and DNS leak protection. 

You can try Proton VPN free version, or get a premium one for $3.59/month. Nevertheless, if you change your mind, you can always rely on a 30-day money-back guarantee. Don’t forget to check Proton VPN coupons for better deals.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

Best VPNs to unblock websites compared

Can I use a free VPN to unblock websites?

There’s a crucial distinction between entirely free VPNs and freemium services, for example, Proton VPN. It’s unclear how the former makes ends meet, but the common assumption is that no-cost VPNs collect user data to sell and offset maintenance costs.

Meanwhile, freemium options stay afloat thanks to premium subscribers. Unsurprisingly, the free versions of such services are limited to prevent excessive resource usage by unpaying users. However, they’re usually loaded with some features to entice customers to try the apps.

For website unblocking, I recommend opting for freemium alternatives. There’s no guarantee that they’ll work, but at least you won’t be putting your personal information at unnecessary risk. My top choice is Proton VPN, but NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee is also worth considering.

Unblocking websites at school or workplaces

Whether at school or the workplace, there’s no silver bullet for dealing with all possible network restrictions. Administrators employ different rules on networks, and it’s unclear what’s the best method of tackling them. I suggest due diligence and preparation before going down my list of proposed unblocking methods.

For example, you need to install a VPN on your device before connecting to the school or workplace network. If that’s not possible, you’ll need to try other options. Additionally, if you don’t own the device and can’t install new software, you can still attempt to add VPN extensions to a browser as most administrators won’t restrict the device that much.

How to unblock a website on a Chromebook

1. Subscribe to a trustworthy premium VPN. I stand by NordVPN, the top choice for security
2. Install the VPN on the device with which you want to access blocked content
3. Connect to any nearby server for optimal connectivity
4. Enter your desired website or online service

Unblock restricted websites with NordVPN

How to unblock a website on Google Chrome

1. Purchase a VPN that offers browser extensions. The most versatile option is NordVPN, available on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge
2. Install the VPN extension from a reliable source, ideally the provider's website
3. Log in and connect to another server
4. Enjoy privacy and freedom from restrictions

Surf the net without restriction with NordVPN

Bottom line

With the internet vast with restricted websites, it’s helpful to know how to navigate between censorship and blocks. VPN is one of the best ways to get full access to any website. 

After testing multiple VPNs, NordVPN stood out as the best VPN to unblock websites, due to its extensive server fleet, lightning-fast speeds, and capability to bypass censorship and restrictions. Plus, it grants security, privacy, and other perks useful in your everyday life.

What’s your go-to method of unblocking websites? Did you ever run into unbreakable restrictions? Share your experiences by leaving a comment!

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You may also like to read:
How to unblock ChatGPT
Best VPN for Twitter
Best VPN for Instagram
VPN for DDoS protection
Best VPN for YouTube

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FAQ

How to unblock websites at school?

You can unblock websites at school by installing a VPN on your smartphone. It will reroute your connection through a remote server, hide your activities, and prevent online restrictions. Additionally, the best VPN services provide proxy extensions that you can install on browsers, allowing you to curb blocks even on school computers.

Which browser is best for blocked sites?

The most reliable browser for accessing blocked websites is the Tor Browser. While slow, it guarantees privacy by redirecting your connection through multiple encrypted nodes. This browser is frequently used by human rights activists, journalists, and regular citizens trying to deal with online censorship.

Can a VPN unblock sites?

Yes, a trustworthy VPN, like NordVPN, can unblock geographically restricted websites by rerouting your online activities through a server in another country. Furthermore, it can curb other network restrictions by encrypting your web traffic, rendering it unreadable and immune to blocking.