Hi there! Are you unable to access LinkedIn where you live or work? As one of the world‘s largest professional networking platforms, many find themselves blocked from using this valuable resource. Not to worry – using a virtual private network (VPN) allows you to unblock LinkedIn easily.
I‘ve tested and reviewed dozens of VPNs to reveal the top 12 services for accessing LinkedIn in 2024. I‘ll also provide some background on why LinkedIn gets blocked, and give you tips on choosing the best VPN for your needs. Let‘s get started!
First, some quick facts: LinkedIn has over 875 million members in over 200 countries. It‘s used by around 77% of recruiters and is the #1 social media platform for lead generation.
With this global reach, you can understand why some authoritarian regimes or restrictive networks block access. But where there‘s a will, there‘s a way! By using a VPN, you can:
- Access LinkedIn anywhere – no matter the country or network
- Encrypt your traffic and prevent snooping
- Avoid bandwidth throttling that slows speeds
- Use public WiFi hotspots securely
VPNs allow you to bypass blocks by masking your IP address and rerouting your traffic through remote servers in other locations. Keep reading to see the top services I recommend.
Based on extensive testing and research, these 12 VPNs consistently provide the best results for unblocking LinkedIn:
ExpressVPN – FAST, reliable, great for streaming
- 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
- Fast server speeds up to 8-10 Mbps
- Top choice overall for speed and reliability
- 256-bit encryption and no-logging policy
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and more
- Easy to use apps for all devices
NordVPN – LARGE server network
- 5,600+ servers in 60 countries
- Includes specialty obfuscated servers
- 6 device connections
- Strong DNS leak protection
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Unblocks most streaming sites
Surfshark – BEST budget option
- 3,200+ servers in 65 countries
- Unlimited devices allowed
- Fast speeds for streaming & browsing
-256-bit AES encryption - Bypasses firewalls easily
- 30-day money back guarantee
CyberGhost – EASY to use
- 7,400+ servers in 91 countries
- Intuitive apps with 1-click connection
- Built-in ad blocker
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Allows 7 device connections
- Unblocks top streaming platforms
Private Internet Access – TOP privacy & security
- 35,000+ servers in 78 countries
- Advanced security features like port forwarding
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Strict no-logging policy
- 10 device connections
- Also allows torrenting
IPVanish – FAST speeds
- 1,600+ servers in 75+ locations
- Fast download speeds even over long distances
- Apps allow 10 device connections
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Unblocks most major streaming sites
VyprVPN – OWNS all servers
- 700+ servers in 70+ countries
- Proprietary Chameleon protocol to bypass blocks
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Zero-knowledge DNS & NAT firewall
- 5 simultaneous connections
- No traffic logs are kept
TunnelBear – EASY to use
- 1,000+ servers in 20 countries
- Simple, clean app interface
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Located in privacy-friendly Canada
- Allows 5 device connections
- Great for short-term use
Windscribe – UNLIMITED data option
- Available in 110 countries
- AES-256 bit encryption
- Allows unlimited devices
- Includes firewall for extra security
- Useful add-ons like ROBERT to block ads
- Unlimited data option for $9/month
ProtonVPN – SECURE Swiss servers
- 1,700+ servers in 65 regions
- Uses Secure Core network
- Tor over VPN and perfect forward secrecy
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Strict no-logging policy
- Allows torrenting on certain servers
- 3,200 servers in 80+ countries
- Caters to streaming with MediaStreamer
- Encryption via proprietary Hydra protocol
- Allows 5 devices connections
- Fast speeds for HD streaming
- 7-day free trial
- 750+ servers in over 40 countries
- Unlimited device connections
- WireGuard® and IKEv2 protocols
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Built-in ad blocker and malware protection
- Generous free data plan (10GB)
As you can see, there are plenty of great VPNs to choose from based on your specific needs and preferences. I suggest taking advantage of free trials to test speeds and unblocking abilities firsthand.
Here are some of the criteria I recommend considering as you select a VPN for accessing LinkedIn:
Server locations – Look for VPNs with servers in countries where LinkedIn is not blocked or restricted. Wider server coverage gives you more options to bypass location-based blocks.
Connection speeds – Faster VPNs result in better performance when streaming videos or having voice conversations. Connect to nearby servers when possible.
Simultaneous connections – If using LinkedIn across multiple devices, pick a VPN allowing for at least 5-10 simultaneous connections
Encryption & protocols – AES-256 bit encryption is ideal. OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols provide faster speeds.
No-logging policies – Choose VPNs that do not log traffic data or online activities to protect your privacy.
Unblocking abilities – Select VPNs proven to bypass firewalls and unblock sites consistently.
Customer support – Pick providers offering 24/7 live chat and quick support ticket response in case issues arise.
Pricing – Consider your budget. While free VPNs work, paid ones tend to be faster and more reliable.
Geo-blocking and censorship lead to inaccessible LinkedIn in some locations:
Government internet censorship – Countries like China, Russia, Iran, and Syria restrict social media access and block sites like LinkedIn nationwide.
Workplace restrictions – Many corporations limit access to social media and block sites like LinkedIn on office networks.
Academic network blocks – Schools often prohibit social media including LinkedIn to prevent distractions and limit bandwidth usage.
Visiting a country where LinkedIn is banned – Travelers in countries blocking LinkedIn can‘t access it unless using a VPN.
LinkedIn limiting access – In some countries like China, LinkedIn itself restricts access to comply with regulations.
By using a VPN, you can dodge network-level blocks and bypass censorship to access LinkedIn from anywhere.
VPNs work by encrypting and rerouting your web traffic through remote servers:
- You connect to a VPN server in an uncensored location.
- Your traffic is encrypted using protocols like OpenVPN or IKEv2.
- Your IP address is hidden and replaced with one from the VPN server.
- Your web data is sent through the VPN server before reaching its destination.
- Sites you access think you are located in the VPN server‘s country, allowing you to bypass location-based blocks!
Using military-grade encryption protects your web activity from prying eyes. By masking your true location, VPNs allow you to circumvent geo-blocks and access LinkedIn from restricted networks.
In most countries, using a VPN is perfectly legal. However, some authoritarian regimes prohibit VPN use including:
- China – Outlawed unless approved by the government
- Turkey – VPN use is legal but recent restrictions placed by the government
- Iran – Using a VPN can result in fines or imprisonment
- North Korea – VPNs are only permitted in very limited circumstances
- Russia – It is illegal to access blocked sites like LinkedIn via VPN
For the vast majority of readers worldwide, using a VPN to access blocked platforms like LinkedIn is legal. However, VPNs should never be used for any illegal activities like hacking or copyright infringement.
When in doubt, be sure to check your local laws and regulations. Most democratic nations permit VPN usage to bypass blocks and censorship.
I hope this guide gave you some great tips for choosing the top VPN for accessing LinkedIn anywhere across the globe. Unblocking this valuable professional networking platform can greatly benefit your career and business prospects.
Don‘t let restrictive networks or geographic limitations get in the way of making meaningful connections on LinkedIn. With the right VPN service, you can communicate securely and stay productive no matter where you are.
Did you find this guide helpful? I‘d love to hear your feedback and suggestions. Feel free to reach out with any VPN or online privacy questions!
