It’s annoying that some restrictive networks, like those in schools and workplaces, block access to SoundCloud. In some territories (like China and Russia), SoundCloud isn’t available at all due to country-wide blocks.
But there’s a handy solution: a VPN can easily bypass SoundCloud blocks. This allows you to safely access your SoundCloud account in school or while traveling in a restrictive country.
ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for accessing SoundCloud. It has reliable servers that let you get past network restrictions without fuss. It also keeps your online activity on Soundcloud secure and entirely private, thanks to its military-grade encryption. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Access SoundCloud With ExpressVPN >>
Quick Guide: How to Unblock SoundCloud With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because it offers fast and reliable servers that consistently unblock SoundCloud on restrictive networks. You can test ExpressVPN without risk thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Connect to a server. While any server should work, choose one close to your location for better speeds.
- Start using SoundCloud. Listen to your favorite artists or upload your own content from anywhere.
Why You Need a VPN to Unblock SoundCloud
Some networks or ISPs block access to SoundCloud. This commonly occurs in places like schools or workplaces where SoundCloud is deemed to be a distraction. In addition, SoundCloud is entirely banned in some countries like India and Kyrgyzstan, usually in an effort to censor certain kinds of content.
Even if you can access SoundCloud freely, you may still run into geo-restrictions. Some artists may limit their content to specific regions, which can impact the availability of their tracks on SoundCloud.
I couldn’t listen to some songs on SoundCloud because of my location
SoundCloud’s geo-restrictions may lead to one of the following errors:
This song is not available in your country.
SoundCloud is not available in your country.
However, a reliable VPN lets you access your SoundCloud account from anywhere. VPNs encrypt and reroute your traffic through a secure server, so your ISP or network administrator can’t see what you do online. This means they’ll be unable to block your access to SoundCloud. VPNs also let you replace your real IP address with one from a country of your choice. This allows you to appear as if you’re browsing from another country, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions on SoundCloud.
Best VPNs to Unblock SoundCloud From Anywhere in 2023
1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Accessing SoundCloud on Restrictive Networks
Try Risk-Free for 30 DaysTested July 2023
| Best Feature | Obfuscated servers easily bypass SoundCloud and VPN blocks |
| Speed | 100Mbps (6% slower than my base connection) |
| Server Network | 3,000 servers in 94 countries to avoid overcrowding |
| Can Access | SoundCloud, Spotify, Bandcamp, Last.fm, Apple Music, YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more |
All ExpressVPN servers let you easily access SoundCloud. In addition to its near-indecipherable military-grade encryption, ExpressVPN automatically disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic. This allows you to bypass VPN blocks enforced by ISPs and network admins, giving you full access to SoundCloud on even the most restrictive networks.
ExpressVPN allowed me to access SoundCloud’s full catalog of music and podcasts
Thanks to these robust features, ExpressVPN never had any trouble unblocking my SoundCloud account. It also delivered impressive speeds for streaming music on SoundCloud without buffering. Most VPNs slow your connection considerably due to the encryption, but ExpressVPN dropped my speed by only 6%, which wasn’t noticeable. You aren’t limited by any bandwidth or data caps either — you can listen to as many podcasts and albums as you like.
ExpressVPN has reliable privacy measures too, including an audited no-logs policy. It doesn’t store records of your streaming activities and browser searches. Plus, the servers are RAM-only, meaning your data is inaccessible and automatically deleted during regular server reboots. ExpressVPN is also based in a privacy-friendly country (the British Virgin Islands) which isn’t forced to share intelligence with the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances.
One downside is that this VPN isn’t the most wallet-friendly. However, ExpressVPN provides regular discounts. Signing up for 12 months, I got 49% off and an extra 3 months for free, which brought the final price to only $6.67/month. Nicely, ExpressVPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free.
Useful Features
- Split tunneling. This feature allows you to set only certain services to use the VPN. For example, you can listen to geo-restricted music or podcasts on SoundCloud through the VPN, while other services and apps stay on your faster local internet.
- Robust security features. ExpressVPN’s kill switch cuts off internet access if the VPN connection drops, ensuring your online activity is never left vulnerable to monitoring. It also features IP/DNS leak protection, which ensures your real location is never visible to SoundCloud or any online snoopers.
- Battery-friendly. ExpressVPN uses a proprietary VPN protocol called Lightway. VPN protocols control how your traffic is securely routed, and Lightway offers faster speeds and uses less battery than most other alternatives.
- Device compatibility. ExpressVPN offers user-friendly apps for many devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Chromebook. There are also easy-to-use browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
Access SoundCloud With ExpressVPN >>
2. CyberGhost — Easy to Use Apps That Make Unblocking SoundCloud Trivial
| Best Feature | Responsive and beginner-friendly apps to easily unblock SoundCloud |
| Speed | 95Mbps (11% slower than my base connection) |
| Server Network | 9,487 servers in 91 countries to easily access SoundCloud |
| Can Access | SoundCloud, Spotify, Bandcamp, Last.fm, Apple Music, YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more |
If you’re completely new to VPNs, CyberGhost is a good choice. It’s really simple to set up and install — the entire process only took me a few minutes. From there, it’s just a case of clicking the big power symbol, and you’ll be automatically connected to the fastest available server. If you want to connect to a specific country to unblock geo-restricted SoundCloud music or podcasts, that’s easy too. Just search your desired country in the search bar, click the result, then the power symbol again. Done.
CyberGhost’s apps feature a clean and intuitive interface
CyberGhost also offers robust security and privacy protection. Like ExpressVPN, it features military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. I didn’t notice any leaks of my location or other private information during my tests. CyberGhost also adheres to a strict no-logs policy and even publishes quarterly transparency reports, which cover all requests for user data it receives from authorities. As CyberGhost doesn’t log data, it never has anything to hand over.
My average download speed was 95Mbps — only 11% slower than my regular connection. This let me stream multiple podcast episodes without experiencing a single instance of lag or buffering.
I was disappointed to see that the monthly subscription is quite expensive and has a limited 14-day refund period. However, the extended plans are more affordable, starting at $2.19/month. They also provide an extended money-back guarantee, allowing you to try CyberGhost for 45 days risk-free.
Useful Features
- 7 simultaneous device connections. CyberGhost allows you to connect and use 7 devices simultaneously, all on a single subscription. This means your family and friends can also stream their favorite SoundCloud content without affecting each other’s connection.
- OpenVPN protocol. OpenVPN is regarded to be one of the most secure protocols available, while still retaining good speeds for streaming music. This could be ideal if you’d prefer extra security while using SoundCloud on a restrictive network.
- NoSpy Servers. These special servers are exclusively operated by CyberGhost’s in-house team and located in privacy-friendly Romania. No third party will have access to the servers, so your data isn’t at risk of interception.
Access SoundCloud With CyberGhost >>
3. Private Internet Access — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Unblock SoundCloud for Your Entire Family
| Best Feature | Your whole household can listen to SoundCloud on their own devices at the same time |
| Speed | 90Mbps (15% slower than my base connection) |
| Server Network | 29,650 servers in 84 countries for bypassing geoblocks |
| Can Access | SoundCloud, Spotify, Bandcamp, Last.fm, Apple Music, YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more |
PIA lets you unblock SoundCloud on as many devices as you want simultaneously. This means you can share songs with friends and stream playlists together on school WiFi, for example. Even when I connected 10 devices at the same time, I didn’t notice any slowdowns or connection issues. Plus, the VPN is compatible with many operating systems — you can easily access your SoundCloud account on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Installing PIA on my iPhone and accessing SoundCloud took less than 5 minutes
Despite connecting multiple devices, I still got fast speeds for streaming. PIA’s NextGen servers are designed for fast data transfer — I clocked 90Mbps on multiple server locations and enjoyed unrestricted music playback.
I didn’t like that PIA is based in the US, which isn't privacy-friendly. However, it follows a strict no-logs policy, so your personal data can't be shared with anyone, even if legally requested.
If you opt for a long-term plan, PIA’s prices start at just $2.03/month. I got the 2-year subscription to maximize my overall savings. All PIA plans also come with a tried-and-tested 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without risk.
Useful Features
- Multi-Hop. This feature lets you route your VPN connection through a SOCKS5 or Shadowsocks proxy before the VPN server. It disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, allowing you to bypass VPN blocks enforced by ISPs and administrators.
- MACE ad blocker. I wasn’t bothered by banner ads on SoundCloud after activating the MACE feature on my laptop and Android devices. It also blocks trackers that may secretly collect your information.
Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for SoundCloud
All my VPNs work on restrictive networks, provide robust security, and offer fast speeds. However, if you'd like to conduct a few tests yourself, here are the criteria I used to evaluate and rank these VPNs:
- Obfuscation. To access SoundCloud on a network that attempts to block VPNs, go with a VPN that offers obfuscation. It makes your VPN traffic look like regular traffic, letting you bypass VPN-blocking firewalls with ease.
- Robust security and privacy features. Choose a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption to scramble your data and hide it from ISPs and online snoops. Additionally, ensure your VPN has a kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy.
- Extensive global server network. Choose a VPN with a vast global network to easily access geo-restricted SoundCloud content.
- Fast speeds. Opt for a VPN that doesn't reduce your speeds by more than 50% to ensure SoundCloud streaming without interruptions.
- User-friendly apps. Select a VPN that’s easy to install and use. It should also be compatible with popular devices like Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS.
- Dependable customer support. A service that offers round-the-clock support (preferably with 24/7 live chat) is best. That way, you can get prompt assistance whenever necessary.
- Reputable money-back guarantee. Only consider providers that offer a trustworthy money-back guarantee, so you can obtain a full refund if the VPN doesn't meet your expectations.
Access SoundCloud With ExpressVPN >>
FAQs on Unblocking SoundCloud With a VPN
Why is SoundCloud blocked in some places?
Many networks block SoundCloud to reduce distractions. This includes places like schools and offices. SoundCloud is also blocked in some countries like Russia and China in an effort to censor certain content. That said, you can use a VPN to safely access SoundCloud from anywhere.
Is it safe to use a VPN with SoundCloud?
Yes — in fact, VPN encryption improves your safety on SoundCloud. Third parties (including WiFi admins, ISPs, and hackers) can’t monitor your browsing activities because all your data is scrambled. However, only a reputable VPN service with robust encryption and privacy can offer reliable online security.
It’s also worth noting that SoundCloud doesn’t include any restrictions on using VPNs in its T&Cs. However, using a VPN to access SoundCloud in a country in which it is banned could present legal concerns. Always check your local laws regarding VPN use and the access of SoundCloud before doing anything else.
What can I do if my VPN is not working with SoundCloud?
Try a different server. Occasionally, SoundCloud and other restricted platforms may block certain IP addresses. So, it’s recommended to use a VPN with many servers that can access SoundCloud.
Here are some other solutions you can try:
- Clear your browser's cache and cookies.
- Turn off your device's location.
- Try the VPN’s browser extension for Chrome or Firefox, if available.
- Use your mobile data rather than the school network.
- Update your browser and refresh the page.
- Get assistance from the support team if the problem persists.
Can I block someone on SoundCloud?
Yes, SoundCloud allows you to block users from following you. To do so, go to the profile of the person you want to block (on your followers list) and click on the three-dot menu under their profile header. Then select 'Block user' from the dropdown list. That said, always use a VPN to enhance your online security and privacy. Otherwise, scammers and hackers could still potentially find your IP address and track you even after you’ve blocked them.
Is SoundCloud blocked in China?
Yes, SoundCloud is one of many websites blocked in China. You can’t stream content via your SoundCloud account if you travel there. However, it's still possible to safely access your essential online services from anywhere with a VPN. It’s advised to install a VPN on your devices before traveling to China.
Can I use a free VPN to unblock SoundCloud?
It’s highly unlikely. Free VPNs aren't reliable for bypassing blocks or streaming on SoundCloud due to limited servers, slower speeds, poor-quality security features, and data caps. Instead, you can use a premium VPN with a trustworthy money-back guarantee to access SoundCloud hassle-free.
Other alternatives are limited too. For example, the Tor browser encrypts your connection, but it slows down your speeds too much to stream on SoundCloud. VPNs are your best and most reliable method of accessing SoundCloud anywhere.
Access SoundCloud in Minutes
The easiest way to unblock SoundCloud is with a VPN. After just a few minutes to install the VPN on your device, you’ll be able to conveniently stream music anywhere without hassle. All the VPNs on my list reliably work on restrictive networks, offer robust security features, and have fast speeds.
My top choice for SoundCloud is ExpressVPN. It offers obfuscated servers worldwide to let you access SoundCloud on any network securely and privately. ExpressVPN was also the fastest option in my tests, letting me stream SoundCloud music without any instances of lag. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To summarize, these are the best VPNs for SoundCloud…
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