If you are using a VPN to access censored or geo-restricted content, you might run into situations where your VPN is blocked. This happens because ISPs and network admins often deploy anti-VPN tools and techniques that can detect and block VPN traffic.
To get around these blocks, you will need to use specialized obfuscated servers and protocols. These are servers that conceal the unique VPN signatures from your traffic and make it appear as normal internet traffic. Therefore, network admins and government firewalls cannot tell that you are using a VPN and grant you access to restricted content.
So, what are the best VPNs with obfuscated servers? Let’s find out!
What Are the Best Obfuscated VPNs?
The best obfuscated VPN will consistently bypass VPN blocks and provide access to restricted content. It should use strong encryption and reliable protocols without compromising on speed and performance.
Finding a VPN with all these features isn’t easy, but we did some research and hands-on testing and found these 6 services that can reliably bypass VPN-blocking firewalls.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN tops our list of the best Obfuscated VPNs because it can bypass pretty much any VPN block and internet restriction. It offers a set of specialized obfuscated servers that can get around even the most advanced Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) techniques and VPN blocks in countries like China and Russia.
In addition to obfuscated servers, NordVPN also offers several security-enhancing features including double VPN, Onion over VPN, and MultiHop servers. With NordVPN, you also get military-grade encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch, ensuring that your online activities remain private and secure. These features protect your data and can circumvent even the toughest internet censorship systems like the Great Firewall of China.
To enable obfuscated servers on NordVPN, you will need to make sure that you are using the OpenVPN TCP/UDP protocol. Otherwise, the feature will be grayed out and you won’t be able to activate obfuscated servers.
Connecting to obfuscated servers is a simple process that takes less than a minute. Here’s what you need to do to access these servers on Windows 10 and 11.
Once connected, you can enjoy uninterrupted internet access without anyone knowing that you are using a VPN.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another service that offers obfuscated servers to bypass VPN blocks. However, connecting to these servers isn’t as straightforward as NordVPN. ExpressVPN automatically connects you to obfuscated servers when it detects restrictions on a network, and there is no option to manually choose an obfuscated server or know when you’re using one.
Despite the lack of customization, ExpressVPN has a reputation for bypassing VPN blocks and countering sophisticated firewalls and advanced censorship systems. With its obfuscated servers, you can rest assured that you’ll have access to restricted content even in highly restrictive regions.
Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN also offers advanced security features like leak protection and a useful kill switch to prevent your online data from being exposed. ExpressVPN’s obfuscated servers and security features are available across all of its apps, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. You don’t need any customization to access these features, making it an ideal option for VPN beginners.
3. Surfshark
Surfshark offers two features that you can use to achieve VPN obfuscation. The Camouflage mode disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic by removing all VPN traces from your connection. This mode is designed to bypass content filters and make it hard for networks to monitor your online activities. The Camouflage mode automatically activates when you use the OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) protocol.
Additionally, Surfshark’s NoBorders mode is designed to enable users to use the app in restrictive regions, such as China. Like the Camouflage mode, the NoBorders mode turns on automatically when needed, but it can also be activated manually in Settings. Here’s a step-by-step process of activating NoBorders mode on Windows:
Once enabled, users can connect to a selected list of servers that are optimized for better performance under network restrictions. Whether you choose the Camouflage or NoBorders mode, Surfshark has the capability to bypass VPN blocks and provide access to restricted content without detection.
4. IPVanish
IPVanish offers the OpenVPN Scramble feature to conceal VPN traffic and avoid detection. This feature hides any recognizable VPN pattern in your data, making it hard for DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) tools to detect and block the traffic. By doing so, you are able to bypass VPN blocks and access content that you couldn’t access with a normal VPN connection.
The Scramble option is available for Windows, Android, macOS, and Fire TV devices. If you’re using IPVanish on Windows, here’s how you can enable the feature:
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to enable the OpenVPN Scramble feature and make your VPN traffic unrecognizable to DPI tools. This will help you bypass any VPN-blocking measures that may be in place and access restricted content with ease.
5. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN recently launched its Stealth VPN protocol that leverages obfuscation techniques to combat VPN blocks and internet censorship. The new open-source protocol is built on TLS and WireGuard and is designed to render VPN traffic invisible to VPN-blocking firewalls.
ProtonVPN’s Stealth protocol is available on all servers and can be used in combination with the VPN’s Accelerator feature to improve connection speeds. The feature is currently exclusive to Android devices, although the provider has plans to expand its availability to other platforms in the near future.
By integrating obfuscation into their VPN protocols, ProtonVPN is ensuring that users can enjoy unrestricted access to the internet while maintaining their privacy and security.
6. VyprVPN
VyprVPN is another VPN provider that offers its proprietary obfuscated protocol, Chameleon. This feature uses OpenVPN and scrambles the metadata, making it impossible for firewalls and ISPs to detect VPN usage and disrupt your connection. Chameleon works especially well in countries with strict censorship, like China and Iran.
Like most VPN providers, VyprVPN also owns and manages all its servers, providing greater control and security for its users. The service is independently audited and verified as a no-logging provider, ensuring your online activities remain private.
The Chameleon protocol is included in all VyprVPN plans and is compatible with apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and routers. With its user-friendly apps and top-notch security features, VyprVPN is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and effective VPN with obfuscated servers.
Bypass VPN Blocks With Obfuscated VPN
With the rise of online censorship and surveillance, obfuscation has become an essential feature for VPNs. It helps you bypass anti-VPN technologies, whether they are enacted by governments, ISPs, or online services.
Currently, there are only a few premium providers with features that can reliably circumvent VPN blocks. Our top pick for the best VPN with obfuscated servers is NordVPN, which offers multiple obfuscated servers, protocols, and top-notch security features to help you overcome VPN blocking.
With its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try NordVPN risk-free and experience the benefits of obfuscated servers for yourself.