Music streaming platform Spotify is one of the most popular apps in the world, offering a repository of content that’s almost unrivaled in its scale. Despite a global brand name and an extremely tight-knit community, Spotify isn’t accessible in every country. To enjoy the full Spotify experience, you’ll need a VPN.

If you try to stream Spotify in an unsupported region you will see the following error message:

This means that you will need to change your location to use Spotify. As mentioned earlier, the best way to do this is by using a Spotify VPN. Below, we’ll explain how to use a VPN for Spotify to unblock Spotify from anywhere.

Spotify is currently not available in [Your Country] Enter your email address to be first in line when we launch!”

Don’t have time to read through the whole post? Here’s a summary list of the best VPNs for Spotify:

  • NordVPN: Our first choice for Spotify! A veteran provider that works well with Spotify. Excellent speeds for streaming and offers strong privacy and security. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Best budget VPN provider for Spotify. A reliable service that’s known for its extensive range of security features. Has fast speeds and no problems unblocking services like Spotify abroad.
  • ExpressVPN: Thousands of superfast servers dotted around the globe that can unblock and stream in good quality without interruptions.
  • CyberGhost: Ideal for beginners. Easy-to-use apps that are simple to install. Over 7000 servers in 89+ countries. Tests revealed impressive streaming speeds.
  • IPVanish: Favored by Kodi users. Fast servers in the US work with Spotify. Allows unlimited connections with a single account.
  • VyprVPN: Ideal for unblocking a wide range of international services. A touch expensive for what you get – but works seamlessly with Spotify.
  • ZenMate: Gained popularity as a free Chrome extension, still holds its own for unblocking and streaming Spotify.

Short for Virtual Private Network, VPN software masks your true location by encrypting all the traffic flowing to and from your device and tunneling it via an intermediary server. This makes it very hard for nosy ISPs or government agencies to figure out what you’re doing on the web.

How to download Spotify abroad with a VPN

If you’re traveling and want to download Spotify on your devices, you may need the help of a VPN. Below we’ll explain how to set up a VPN and download Spotify from abroad.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Here’s how to download Spotify from anywhere with a VPN:

  • Pick a VPN provider, we recommend NordVPN because it is fast, secure, and works with all the streaming services we have ever tested it with.
  • Select a plan
  • Download the app
  • Open the VPN app, log in, and select a server in a country where Spotify works (the full list is given at the bottom of this article)
  • Once the connection is established, open Spotify and use it like you normally would

The best VPNs for Spotify – At a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Spotify.

What are the best VPNs for Spotify?

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the best VPN services that work with Spotify flawlessly. They’re ranked on the following factors:

  • Speed and stability of service
  • Large server network across the world
  • Strong encryption parameters so your location remains hidden
  • Apps for Android and iOS
  • Provision for simultaneous connections
  • Ease of use

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Unblocks SpotifyTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top choice for Spotify. The provider offers a bunch of customizable options and servers designed to cater to specific aspects of your browsing experience. Other than these snazzy features, NordVPN delivers speed, stability, and ease of use in an affordable package.

NordVPN is a logless VPN service with zero retention of user data. This superb privacy policy has thwarted several attempts by government agencies to identify Nord users. When approached by the authorities, Nord had no information on its servers that could assist with the investigation.

We don’t think authorities will be scrambling to uncover your personal details as long as you’re using a VPN to access Spotify, Netflix, Hulu, and other popular services – but it’s still prudent to remain protected.

NordVPN encrypts traffic via 256-bit AES and 2,048-bit DH keys. DNS leak protection is enabled. A single subscription grants access to six simultaneously connected devices.

The provider doesn’t skimp on the server network either. Users have over 5500 servers to pick from spread across 60+ countries. As we mentioned before, it’s possible to choose one based on your preference, such as torrenting, anti-DDoS, video streaming, or ultra-secure privacy.

Apps for both Android and iOS are available as well as a desktop client for Windows, Linux, and MacOS.

BEST VPN FOR SPOTIFY:NordVPN is our top choice. Unblocks Spotify and most other popular streaming services. Connects up to 6 devices simultaneously. Great on privacy and security. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Pros:

  • Operates 5,500 servers in 60 countries
  • A veteran provider with an impeccable reputation for privacy
  • Fast enough speeds to stream HD content without interruptions
  • Apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux and Android
  • Support staff are helpful and knowledgeable

Cons:

  • Desktop app can be awkward to use, could do with a design refresh

Our score:

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

unblocks spotifyTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leak protection are enabled by default, as is 256-bit encryption. Security-conscious users can activate a kill switch and split tunneling feature, as well as an automatic ad-blocker and malware-scanner. Surfshark has a no-logs policy so once connected, you’re effectively untraceable. There is the option to pay in cryptocurrency if you’d like, though. Should you run into any trouble, customer support is on-hand over live chat, 24/7.

Surfshark offers apps for MacOS, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS devices. It also works with select wireless routers but must be manually installed.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a strong budget service that has no issues accessing Spotify and Netflix abroad. Better yet, it includes a wide advanced features that all but guarantee a private internet connection. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Excellent unblocking capabilities

  • Puts user security first

  • Fast enough for uninterrupted streaming

  • Doesn’t keep any logs

  • Connect as many devices as you like

  • Some slow speeds

  • Smaller network than some others in this list

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

3. ExpressVPN

Unblocks SpotifyTested Jan 2023

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN seamlessly combines military-grade encryption protocols with a fast, efficient product. The app is easy to set up and comes with a minimalist, functional design that works without any glitches.

There’s a wide selection of servers to choose from. Over 3.000 servers are spread across 160 locations in 94 countries. When you login, the app will also suggest a ‘smart location’ which is a server that ExpressVPN feels is best suited for you based on where you’re connecting from.

Encryption standards are among the best in the business. The company leverages OpenVPN with 256-bit AES as default. 4,096-bit DHE-RSA keys are identified by a SHA-512 hashing algorithm. These are stringent and designed to keep your data secure, away from any prying eyes.

Privacy enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the provider retains bare minimum data. Some of the details it records are the servers that users connect to and the dates they log on. Individual IP addresses are not recorded. For additional security, the provider also includes a ‘network lock’ that temporarily blocks internet access if the connection unexpectedly drops.

A single subscription grants access to five devices at the same time. Apps for both Android and iOS are available as well as desktop clients for Linux, Windows and MacOS.

LISTEN ANYWHERE:ExpressVPN is a trustworthy, secure service with high speeds and powerful privacy features. Great at unblocking streaming services. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Over 3,000 super-fast servers operating in over 90 countries

  • Super fast connections with no bandwidth or data restrictions

  • High-grade encryption, security and privacy throughout

  • Connect up to 5 devices at the same time

  • Advanced configuration for power-users is a little limited

  • A little pricier than its rivals

Here’s our review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is a budget option suitable for users who want a no-frills service. The provider delivers on the core standards of speed and encryption protocols.

It’s a Romanian-registered firm which means there aren’t any mandatory data retention laws to comply with. There’s also an internal policy of not storing any data so privacy concerns are allayed. Having said that, the company was acquired a few months ago by another firm registered in the UK. This might change the terms of use. We’ll keep our readers updated.

CyberGhost’s choice of encryption standards are top-tier. It uses 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default along with 2,048-bit RSA keys and SHA256 authentication. An internet kill switch is included.

CyberGhost operates around 5,700 servers at the time of writing, spread across 112 locations in 90 countries. Unblocking Spotify should be pretty straightforward.

The premium version grants simultaneous access to seven devices on a single plan. The company supports both Android and iOS and there’s native software for Windows, MacOS and Linux.

EASY TO USE:CyberGhost is great for beginners. Great privacy, zero logs and DNS leak protection. Unblocks Spotify and most other popular video streaming sites. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Operates around 5,500 servers around the globe in 90 countries

  • Easy to use Android and iOS apps

  • Some of the fastest streaming servers we’ve tested

  • Keeps no user activity logs and provides strong encryption to bypass activity detection

  • Doesn’t work in China or the UAE

  • Could offer more control over advanced features

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish satisfies all the requirements when it comes to a fast VPN that doesn’t cost a ton of cash and ships with rigid encryption standards. It’ll do its job efficiently with little to no lag during your Spotify music playback.

IPVanish doesn’t store any data logs at all. The provider can be referred to as a completely logless VPN. It’s almost impossible for your activity to be traced back to you because even network administrators at the company have no information about what you’re doing on the web.

Like ExpressVPN, an internet kill switch is included, which halts all internet traffic in the event that the VPN connection drops.

As for encryption standards, IPVanish uses 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. The latter feature means that even if your account is compromised, all past web sessions will remain encrypted and out of reach from nosy hackers.

There’s an option to choose between 1,300 servers spread across over 75 locations worldwide.

IPVanish allows unlimited devices, which is very generous and makes it highly affordable if you were to split the cost among friends.

Apps for both Android and iOS as well as desktop software for Windows and MacOS are available.

Many users find it an excellent option for Kodi because it allows them to download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is also remote control friendly for Kodi devices that lack a keyboard and mouse.

SECURE ALL OF YOUR DEVICES:IPVanish is great for families and multiple connections. Easy to use with Spotify. Preferred by users who need high standards of online security. Can’t unblock as many video streaming services as some of its rivals. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Operates a network of more than 1,300 servers from 75 city locations around the globe

  • Keeps no logs whatsoever

  • Impressive speeds

  • Preferred by Kodi and Firestick TV for its remote-friendly apps

  • Apps don’t work in China

  • Customer support is a little slow

Read our full review of IPVanish.

6. VyprVPN

Website: www.VyprVPN.com

VyprVPN has built a loyal community across the globe due to its robust encryption protocols and fast download speeds. There’s also the added benefit of 24/7 online customer support, a free 3-day trial, and a large server network.

Some users might not be happy with the logging policy. VyprVPN stores “the user’s source IP address, the VyprVPN IP address used by the user, connection start and stop time and total number of bytes used.”

But we haven’t come across any infractions. The company adds that content of communications, e.g. the sites the users visit, won’t be recorded.

All traffic is encrypted via the OpenVPN protocol, 256-bit AES encryption, 2,048-bit RSA keys without perfect forward secrecy, and SHA256 authentication. An internet kill switch is included.

Over 700 servers are spread across the world and a subscription to a VyprVPN Pro account allows up to three devices to connect at the same time.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS as well as a desktop client for Windows and MacOS.

EASY TO USE APP:VyprVPN is user friendly. Works well with Spotify and some other popular streaming services. Good all-rounder but a bit pricey. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast speeds are perfect for streaming

  • Strong security and online privacy credentials

  • Doesn’t log any personally identifying information

  • A little pricey

  • Power users would prefer more configuration options

Read our full review of VyprVPN.

7. ZenMate

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android

Website: www.zenmate.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 days

ZenMate first came to the fore as a result of its free VPN extension for Chrome. It also offers a paid VPN service which has a wider server network and better encryption protocols.

The service, however, is a tad mixed. It’ll stream video just fine as well as meet all your browsing requirements. But in our extensive review, we did notice that it’s susceptible to DNS leaks. The provider offers an initial 14-day free trial so you can test it out and see if it meets your requirements before proceeding.

If you subscribe to a premium package, you’ll notice that there are over 1,000 servers available.

Encryption standards are decent. ZenMate uses 128-bit AES encryption in conjunction with 2,048-bit RSA keys and SHA 256 for authentication. An internet kill switch is included.

EASY SET UP:ZenMate is easy to install. Good for Spotify and can even access Netflix in most regions. Not the fastest choice on this list. 30-day money back guarantee

  • Plenty of reliable streaming optimized servers in the US

  • Apps for both iOS and Android

  • Strong security features, including automatic kill-switch

  • We got some DNS leaks during our testing

  • Email only support

  • Not the quickest servers on this list

Read our full review of ZenMate.

Should I use a free VPN to unblock Spotify?

Spotify’s the largest freemium music streaming platform in the world, with 150 million active users. That puts it well ahead of competitors like Apple Music. It’s tempting to opt for a free VPN, especially if you’re a Spotify Premium subscriber because there’s no additional upfront payment.

But free VPNs are vastly inferior to paid options. For smooth, uninterrupted audio playback you’ll need a VPN that doesn’t impose things like bandwidth throttling or data caps. These are common with free options.

Remember that free VPNs aren’t exactly free. They monetize by making you the product: inundating you with advertisements and, in some cases, inserting tracking cookies in your browser to mine browsing data and sell it to third-party sites.

Where is Spotify available?

Currently, Spotify is available in the following countries:

This might seem like a large list, but there are several countries with high levels of GDP/capita where it’s still not present such as India, China, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Russia, and others.

One of the reasons why Spotify isn’t available across the globe is because of music licensing rights. The company bids for rights from the original copyright holders such as record labels and content producers. It also has rivals trying to do the same which means there will invariably be some countries where Spotify won’t be able to operate.

Whenever you log in to Spotify, the app will try to determine your location via the IP address you use. If it’s from a country that’s not supported, then it’ll use a technique called geo-blocking to restrict access. The only way to overcome this problem is to change your IP address via a VPN.

Spotify also incorporates a separate library depending on what part of the world you log in from. This is similar to how Netflix operates – users in Latin America will be able to access a different library of content as compared to their North American counterparts.

When you log in to the Spotify app or website, your authentication details are saved for 14 days. It doesn’t matter if you travel abroad and access it from a separate country – you’ll still be able to access streaming music for that period. Afterwards, you’ll have to login again – at this point Spotify will check whether you’re present in the same country as listed in your profile. If you’re not, a VPN can do the trick.

If you don’t try to mask your location, Spotify might ping you with the following error message:

How do I change my country in a Spotify account?

Here are the steps if you have recently moved to another country and have a Spotify Premium account. It’s likely that your bank account/credit card details will change and you would like to update the payment method.

Here’s how to change country on Spotify:

  • Log into your account page on the Spotify website
  • Select “Subscription” in the left panel
  • Click “Update Details”
  • Click “…” for more options
  • Click “Change Country” and select the country you want to move your account to
  • Choose a payment method that is based in the new country (i.e. the billing address is in the country)
  • Confirm the change by clicking “Change Payment Details”

You can still continue to use your existing Spotify Premium account anywhere in the world if your previous payment details are still valid. Just don’t update your account details to your new address.

Spotify history and controversies

Spotify was first built in Stockholm, Sweden by engineers Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon in 2005. The name came about after Daniel slept over at Martin’s house on a bare mattress with just his laptop in tow. For the first year or so the two of them slugged it out in an apartment, hacking away furiously at the product. Public beta didn’t come until spring 2007.

The company did start hitting its stride early though. It was able to raise a $21.6 million series A round just a little over a year after the public beta launch. It went on to raise two more rounds, in 2009 and 2010 – snaring in rockstar investors such as Sean Parker to help the company grow.

A gargantuan $100 million series D round came in 2011, the same year that Spotify finally launched in the US. Mark Zuckerberg described himself as a fan of the company, famously proclaiming that “Spotify’s so good”.

In 2015, Spotify declared that it had paid out over $3b to artists to date and had 75 million active users. It’s doubled the active user figure in just two years.

But despite all these lofty standards, the company hasn’t exactly shied away from controversy. Artists on the platform earn less than one US cent per stream. Taylor Swift famously pulled all of her music in 2014 after complaining that streaming services like Spotify don’t reward artists enough and that music is a form of art that should be considered valuable.

In 2017 Spotify was also accused of creating fake artists. This is not to suggest that the music was composed by an AI platform, but more likely by artists paid and contracted by Spotify itself.

The move attracted a fair bit of controversy but isn’t far removed from a similar strategy at entertainment behemoth Netflix whose original entertainment division is now starting to become a massive force in its own right.

Spotify denied the assertions vigorously, although it could significantly reduce the amount of money it pays music right holders – which totaled $2.48 billion in 2016.

On the plus side, Spotify is now available in more than 80 countries, which means that most server locations should work. That said, for the fastest speeds, we recommend using ones that are as close to your physical location as possible. 

So what does this mean? Simply, even if Spotify finds out that you’re accessing it from a country where it’s normally unavailable (which is far from a given), you’re unlikely to face any repercussions. In fact, the worst that could happen is you’ll have your account terminated. This is already pretty unlikely, though, and even more so if you’re a Spotify Premium customer. 

Here’s the solution: just connect to a VPN server in one of Spotify’s supported locations. This should change the apps available in your app store and allow you to use the service as normal from anywhere in the world.