A virtual private network (VPN) can help you bypass the firewall that your school has placed on its connection. Since there are many VPNs out there, we’ve filtered out the very best VPNs that work great in schools in the US. With these VPNs, you’ll enjoy unrestricted access to all content over your school’s connection.
Top Seven VPNs For Schools – Overview
Quick Comparision Table – Best VPNs For Schools
Top VPN For Schools – Tested & Rated
Here’s our professionally curated list of all the top VPNs for Schools in the United States. All of the VPNs listed below are sure to work on your school’s network and bypass every firewall that the school has set up. Additionally, they will also provide your device with security against all sorts of security risks.
1. NordVPN – Top All-Rounder VPN for Schools
NordVPN is our top VPN choice for schools. It maintains 1970+ Servers alone in the US with a total network of 5400+ servers across the world. They are well-optimized to deliver blazing speeds on the VPN’s custom-developed NordLynx protocol (faster than the WireGuard Protocol) no matter where you are from.
No Logging Policy
The VPN follows a No-log policy and runs every server on RAM (Volatile). Not to mention, they have been audited by third-party companies like PwC. The VPN also encrypts your traffic with military-grade AES-256-bit encryption and uses perfect forward secrecy – nobody can know your digital footprint without the key (changes often). It is also free from all kinds of IP/DNS leaks (Tested).
SmartPlay
Interface & Compatibility
NordVPN interface is very intuitive with similar features on every platform. There’s an easy “Quick Connect” button that helps you find the fastest server. There is also a built-in ads & malware blocker that protects you from unwanted viruses and inappropriate ads. NordVPN is compatible with all platforms including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS so you will get complete support. Also, there offer 30 days of the money-back guarantee program (worth trying the VPN without any risk) and if you don’t like the service you can claim your refund within 2-5 days. For more information, check out our detailed NordVPN Review.
2. SurfShark – Best Value For Students
Encryption
With Surfshark, you can 🥳enjoy throttle-free internet speeds and its “Quick Connect” feature ensures that you always connect to the fastest server nearby. Besides, its speeds & bypassing will be secured with AES 256-bit encryption along with Multi-hop, Camouflage, and NoBorders Modes.
Security & Privacy
Surfshark keeps you safe from all sorts of leaks with its Kill Switch, SmartDNS, and CleanWeb features that block ads, malware, and phishing attacks. All these servers are 100% RAM Only (no data storing) and Surfshark promises that it doesn’t store any logs as it is from the Netherlands (privacy-friendly). It was also recently audited by Cure53.
Protocols and Accessibility
The VPN supports WireGuard and all the standard VPN protocols. It also supports P2P torrenting on almost every one of its servers with unlimited bandwidth. All of these features aren’t limited to a few devices, you can connect as many devices as you want. It also has a camouflage feature that hides that you are using a vpn.
Compatibility
It’s compatible with almost all platforms like Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS. In fact, you can even install it on FireTV Stick & Xbox and enjoy the service with unlimited device connections. Also, they offer 30 days risk-free money-back guarantee program supported with 24/7 live chat support for a hassle-free experience. In fact, one of the best cheap VPNs available on the market. For more information, check out our detailed SurfsharkVPN Review.
3. ExpressVPN – Best Security For Students
ExpressVPN is a great VPN for security, especially when using it on a school connection.Most of its server networks are in the US. It is also among the top US VPNs with a server network of 3000+ servers. Its Lightway protocol ensures ultra-fast speeds with a reliable service connection. Streaming Data Leaks ExpressVPN is free from all kinds of IP and WebRTC leaks, based on the British Virgin Islands (privacy-friendly), and has a no-log policy. This VPN also supports the latest VPN protocol for premium speeds and ships with a handful of tools like Speed, and IP checker. You can enjoy the VPN service on your 5 devices simultaneously. ExpressVPN is compatible with almost every device platform like Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS. Also, this is compatible with Oculus to enjoy content in VR. They also offer a 30-day risk-free money-back program and 24/7 live chat support for all of your problems. Click here for an ExpressVPN coupon that lowers your subscription price. For more information, check out our detailed ExperssVPN Review.
4. AtlasVPN – Cheapest VPN for Students
AtlasVPN is also on this list of top VPNs for school networks, even though it’s relatively new to the market. It is equipped with all the essential features in the lowest price range offering excellent value for money VPN. Server Network Encryption It uses solid military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and has rich security features like Multi blocker (Ad, Malware, Tracker) along with a kill switch feature to safeguard you all the time. Also, there are safe swap servers offering enhanced privacy. Torrenting Unlike other VPNs there are no dedicated servers for torrenting, you can torrent on all of its servers with unlimited bandwidth. And you can connect any number of devices with one single subscription, while the VPN has dedicated apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. AtlasVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee program with excellent 24/7 customer support for any assistance. For more information, check out our detailed AtlasVPN Review.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA) – Solid VPN for School Networks
PIA made it up to the list by maintaining more than 2500+ servers alone in the US. Many servers are available that can actually unblock the streaming service and sites for you – even on a school network..With its server network, you can access international and enjoy buffer-free streaming. Security The VPN supports the latest VPN protocols coupled with AES-256-bit encryption and ships with advanced leak protection – keeping you safe at all times. During my Netflix streaming, I was able to enjoy the content in Ultra HD without any loading. Speeds While it does have the WireGuard protocol, the speeds are not as incredible as a premium VPN. I come across VPN blocks on accessing some content. PIA is an open-source VPN with a no-log policy, but the only downside is that the VPN is based in the US. Torrenting PIA offers unlimited bandwidth supporting torrenting on every server. You can create profiles on this VPN with different settings(customization), while the interface is intuitive and beginner-friendly. This VPN has apps for all the device platforms like iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. And you can enjoy the VPN connecting up to 10 devices simultaneously. PIA has 24/7 live customer support if you run into any issues. Yet, they managed to provide a 30-day money-back guarantee program (so you can taste the service for free). For more information, check out our detailed PIA VPN Review.
6. CyberGhost – Best Streaming On School Network
CyberGhost is another great VPN for schools with more than 1353 Servers in the US alone. It also has a gigantic server network of 8000+ Servers. It has the most robust features like automatic Wi-Fi protection and dedicated servers for every activity (streaming, gaming, torrenting). Anonymity Besides AES 256-bit encryption and no-log policy, it has NoSpy Servers for complete anonymity. Also, you can take benefit from their dedicated IP Address. While the VPN supports the latest & standard protocols to deliver decent speeds for an uninterrupted experience. Security Streaming & Torrenting There are no bandwidths limitations i.e you can take advantage of your full internet speeds. Also, there are dedicated servers for torrenting. While some server may be virtual servers, they still offer decent speeds for streaming geo-blocked content. Ease Of Use The VPN is also user-friendly and compatible with most device platforms you use including Smart TVs. This VPN also supports Kodi and you can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously. With its huge server network, you can easily access restricted content. It has 24/7 live customer support to assist you anytime and it also offers a 45-day money-back guarantee program which is risk-free to claim your full refund if you don’t like the service. For more information, check out our detailed CyberghostVPN Review.
7. ProtonVPN – Decent VPN for Schools
ProtonVPN is a powerful UK VPN that focuses more on privacy, but not every plan offers the same features. We consider the Plus plan that falls in competition with other VPNs, one of the decent VPNs for schools with 1700+ servers across 63 countries and there are 4 servers in the UK. Privacy & Streaming This VPN uses superior AES-256 encryption following a zero-log policy, based in Switzerland (privacy-friendly). Comes with a secure core for improved privacy (un-compromised servers), and even supports Tor browsing. Speed & Compatibility While ProtonVPN claims up to 10Gbps speeds (not sure how that works) and completely conceals your data with Leak protection & Kill Switch. This VPN maintains dedicated P2P Servers indicated with an up/down arrow for torrenting. Also, it offers an ad-blocker and 10 simultaneous device connections. This VPN is compatible with almost all the primary device platforms and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee program if you want to try the service once. For more information, check out our detailed ProtonVPN Review.
Why is a VPN Needed For Schools?
A VPN is required to bypass the firewall that schools generally place on their networks. These firewalls stop your device from communicating with many websites that are deemed irrelevant to studies or distracting. There are many reasons why schools ban websites and other resources on their network.
Why Do Schools Block Websites?
It’s a common practice for schools to block websites on their network – they simply want their students to focus more on their studies rather than spending time on social media. However, the main reason schools filter content on their network is due to regulation.
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
CIPA is a regulation that was passed in the 2000s. It states that certain websites and resources should be withheld from students as they may be harmful to them. Such websites and resources include the following content. Put simply, schools ban the content above to protect kids from harmful and distracting content on the internet.
CIPA E-Rate Program
Another reason why schools filter online content is funding. CIPA has an E-Rate Program that provides schools that follow this regulation with discounts on Internet Access and other Internal connections. Additionally, they also make communications services and products more affordable for such schools. A report by the American Association Of School Librarians showed that over 98% of schools in the US are CIPA-compliant and regulate the online content on their network. This means that CIPA is providing resources to over 98% of schools in the US. Whether or not this regulation is an attack on the digital freedom of students is quite debatable, but there’s no need to worry. Here’s how you can bypass the firewall of your school’s connection.
How To Use A VPN On School Network?
In order to bypass the ban that most CIPA-compliant schools have, all you need is a single VPN. Subscribe to any VPN that we have mentioned above, as they work very well on school networks. Once done, all you have to do is follow the simple steps below.
Is Using A VPN Legal?
Yes. Using a VPN is legal, though the law may change depending on the country you’re in. Currently, using a VPN is legal in the US. Schools generally do not go as far as finding out whether you are using a VPN or not, as it is hard for them to track it down.
Conclusion
Currently, the top recommended VPN for school networks is NordVPN. It is quite fast and reliable in every aspect. You are free to use any other VPN from this list as well, as all of them have been confirmed to work on school/work/college networks.
