Etsy is available in most countries with a few exceptions, including Belarus, Cuba, Iran, Russia, and Syria. Although Etsy is accessible in India, new sellers can’t open shops in the country. If you’re traveling to one of these countries and need to access Etsy as normal, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be useful. Even if you’re not having trouble with geo-blocking, a VPN is a great way to secure your online activities, including your transactions on Etsy.
When you use a VPN service, you connect to a server in your preferred location, most likely a server in your home country. The VPN takes your internet traffic and routes it through an encrypted tunnel, securing your data from prying eyes. Your real IP address is hidden, and Etsy only sees the new VPN IP address. This allows you to spoof your location and get around any geographic restrictions preventing you from selling or shopping on Etsy as normal.
Best VPNs for Etsy:
Our extensive research and testing have helped us identify the best VPNs for Etsy. Don’t have time to read the full article? Here’s a quick overview of each:
- NordVPN: The best VPN for Etsy. Generous server network and the ability to access popular streaming services. Specialty servers, strong security, and a strict no-logs policy.
- Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Etsy. Fastest speeds coupled with strong unblocking make it ideal for streaming. MultiHop servers and no simultaneous connection limit.
- IPVanish: Lots of US servers for accessing Etsy, Netflix US, and more. Particularly fast server speeds and lets you connect all of your devices at once. Beginner-friendly apps.
- ExpressVPN: Servers in 105 countries and unlimited bandwidth for browsing Etsy and streaming Netflix. Excellent apps and customer supip addport. Includes a password manager.
- CyberGhost: Over 10,000 servers in 100 countries. Provides streaming-optimized servers. No-logs VPN with plenty of security features for safe buying and selling on Etsy.
- PrivateVPN: Particularly reliable unblocker. Servers in 60 countries for use with Etsy and some popular streaming platforms. Easy to use no-logs VPN with free remote help.
- Proton VPN: Now boasts one of the largest VPN server networks. No issues accessing Etsy. Very strong security setup and a strict no-logs policy. Option to pay anonymously.
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Criteria for the best VPNs for Etsy
Not all VPNs are created equal. The quality of VPNs varies significantly. During our testing process, we found that some VPNs weren’t capable unblockers of Etsy, suffered from slow speeds, or had other concerns such as extensive logging. The best VPNs for Etsy were chosen because they all had the following in common:
- Servers in countries worldwide for easy unblocking of Etsy
- Fast and unthrottled connections for uninterrupted browsing
- High level of encryption for securing online transactions
- No logging of any data by which you can be identified
- Risk-free money-back guarantee of a minimum of 30 days
Best VPNs for Etsy
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Etsy:
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NordVPN has a server network that allows you to access Etsy from a fast server close to your location. With over 6,500 servers across 111 countries, it’s well-placed to bypass the geo-blocking of the most popular streaming services, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. NordVPN’s speeds are more than fast enough for Etsy, allowing for fast image uploads and bandwidth-heavy tasks such as streaming and video calling.
This no-logs service has an impressive security offering that consists of 256-bit AES encryption on OpenVPN connections and Chacha20 on its proprietary NordLynx protocol. A kill switch in the desktop and mobile apps coupled with NordVPN’s DNS and IPv6 leak protection ensures you can buy and sell on Etsy with your data secured. Your NordVPN subscription includes access to specialty P2P and Double VPN servers and 24-hour live chat support.
Secure ten devices simultaneously using the NordVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Also included are browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. To use NordVPN with a wifi router, you’d need to manually set up the connection.
Pros:
- Servers in 111 countries, providing flexibility for unblocking Etsy
- Proprietary NordLynx protocol offers impressive speeds
- Works with popular streaming platforms such as Netflix
- Live chat support is available 24 hours a day
- Specialty servers including P2P and Onion Over VPN
- No-logs policy independently audited by Deloitte
Cons:
- Map view in apps feels a little clunky
BEST VPN FOR ETSY:NordVPN boasts an impressive server network, high-speed connections, and a strong security setup. It offers many extras too such as specialty servers and even malware blocking. 24/7 support included. Try it risk-free thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review.
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Surfshark has the fastest server speeds of any VPN, averaging 665 Mbps in our latest round of tests. You won’t have any performance issues when using Etsy or streaming content in 4K resolution. Surfshark works with more than 30 different Netflix libraries thanks to a widespread server network covering 100 countries. Another benefit of Surfshark is that it doesn’t limit the number of devices you can use it on.
First-time VPN users will appreciate Surfshark’s easy-to-use apps, which aren’t overly cluttered despite the many extras included. This VPN ensures your traffic is secured with high encryption (256-bit AES or ChaCha20) and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. A kill switch is available in all apps, as is an ad blocker. Higher subscription tiers even include antivirus protection and data removal, making them particularly good value.
To use Surfshark, you’ll need to download and install its app on Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV. Alternatively, you can make use of its Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions. Manual setup guides are available to help you set up a Wi-Fi router.
Pros:
- Fastest speeds for browsing Etsy and streaming
- Works with more than 30 different Netflix libraries
- Lets you connect an unlimited number of devices at once
- Higher tier subscriptions include antivirus protection
- Beginner-friendly apps and browser extensions
Cons:
- Very expensive one month subscription plans
- Customer support could use a bit of improvement
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is packed with features including antivirus protection and continues to add new features such as Alternative ID. Servers are offered in 100 countries so it’s easy to access Etsy. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review.
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IPVanish is a strong all-rounder with a network of 2,400+ servers in over 135 locations and highly impressive server speeds. This VPN has a huge North American server presence, having over 1,400 servers, making it suitable for Etsy, Netflix US, and Hulu. When we last ran speed tests with IPVanish, it averaged 271 Mbps. It’s perfectly suitable for streaming, torrenting, and even playing online multiplayer games.
When you connect to an IPVanish server, you receive strong 256-bit encryption and other key security features such as DNS leak protection and a kill switch feature. This allows you to use Etsy securely and anonymously. Indeed, this VPN provider operates a no-logs policy so you don’t need to worry about identifying logs being shared, leaked, or stolen. IPVanish has an unlimited simultaneous connection allowance and if you need help, it provides 24/7 support.
IPVanish offers desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile apps (Android and iOS). It lacks browser extensions, although it does also offer Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV apps. With manual configuration, you can even use IPVanish with compatible wireless routers.
Pros:
- Growing server network for accessing Etsy from anywhere
- Uses the very lightweight and fast VPN protocol, WireGuard
- High level of encryption which ensures the security of your data
- Lets you connect as many devices as you like at once
Cons:
- Headquartered in the US which is a member of Five Eyes
- Lacks browser extensions
UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is another great value VPN and is a good choice for families with its unlimited simultaneous connection allowance. One of the faster VPNs and can be used with Etsy and popular US streaming platforms like Hulu. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full IPVanish review.
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ExpressVPN is ideal if you’re looking for a VPN that provides strong security while still packing plenty of speed for streaming. You won’t have trouble finding a fast server nearby wherever you are because ExpressVPN’s network covers 105 countries. Having measured ExpressVPN’s server speeds, we can confidently say that you won’t have to contend with interruptions if you’re adding listing photos and videos on Etsy or streaming BBC iPlayer or Netflix.
An ExpressVPN subscription includes some notable extras, such as its very own password manager. This is about as secure a VPN as you’re likely to find, thanks to its 256-bit AES encryption, protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks, kill switch, and ad and tracker blocking. This VPN has undergone far more independent audits than most VPNs, showing that it has nothing to hide. ExpressVPN also has arguably the best customer support we’ve encountered.
ExpressVPN lets you connect eight devices simultaneously and has Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV apps. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is custom firmware for straightforward setup with compatible routers.
Pros:
- Vast global server network that covers 105 countries
- More than fast enough for Etsy and even for 4K streaming
- Impressive extras such as a password manager
- Even provides custom firmware for use with routers
Cons:
- One of the more expensive VPNs on the market
- Doesn’t offer specialty servers such as Double VPN
HIGHLY VERSATILE VPN:ExpressVPN offers the kind of security required for trading on Etsy. Fast speeds for streaming and some valuable extras including a password manager. Strict no-logs policy which has been independently audited. Excellent support. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
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CyberGhost boasts one of the largest VPN server networks around, making it straightforward to use Etsy wherever you are. Overall, you’ll have well over 10,000 servers to choose from. What’s more, servers are spread across 100 countries. Having used CyberGhost to stream Netflix, Crunchyroll, Prime Video, and more, it’s a great option for streaming. Its speeds averaged 226 Mbps, which is plenty enough for streaming in 4K resolution.
The excellent apps of CyberGhost make it easy for anyone to use and the presence of specific streaming-optimized servers is very convenient. Security-wise, CyberGhost ticks every box with 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and automatic kill switch. The Windows app even includes antivirus protection. CyberGhost doesn’t keep identifying logs of users and its no-logs policy has been independently audited by Deloitte to prove it.
CyberGhost allows seven simultaneous connections and apps can be found for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. If you only need to secure browser traffic, Chrome and Firefox extensions are available. It’s possible to manually configure a connection with select routers.
Pros:
- More than 10,000 servers, making it easy to access Etsy
- Streaming-optimized servers for straightforward unblocking
- Very good speeds thanks to its use of the WireGuard protocol
- Strong security includes 256-bit AES encryption
Cons:
- Parent company has a questionable past
- Unable to bypass blocks in China
EXCELLENT STREAMING OPTION:CyberGhost stands out for its vast server network and impressive connection speeds. Beginner-friendly apps and 24/7 live chat support. Security includes 256-bit encryption and a Windows antivirus. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
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PrivateVPN may have a smaller network than most competitors (just over 200 servers), but these servers are spread across more than 60 countries. If server speeds are anything to go by, then there are plenty of servers to go around because they don’t suffer from heavy user load. PrivateVPN is a particularly great option for Etsy because of its strong unblocking. This also helps when accessing popular streaming services like Disney Plus and Starz.
You’ll find that PrivateVPN’s apps are particularly quick and easy to set up and use. A quick connect button makes it straightforward to connect to a server and secure your connection. 256-bit AES encryption makes sure of this and PrivateVPN also protects you from DNS leaks. If your VPN connection drops, a kill switch intervenes by cutting your internet traffic which prevents data from being exposed. Just as important, PrivateVPN has a strict no-logs policy.
PrivateVPN’s apps can be found for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. It’s lacking Linux and Apple TV apps as well as browser extensions. On the plus side, PrivateVPN offers setup guides to help you manually configure Linux and router connections.
Pros:
- Works with Etsy and many popular streaming platforms like Netflix
- Beginner-friendly apps for desktop and mobile
- Provides free remote help and installation
- Genuine no-logs policy so you can use its service anonymously
Cons:
- Much smaller network of servers
- Fewer features than major VPN providers
BEGINNER-FRIENDLY:PrivateVPN provides straightforward apps, free remote help, and live chat support. It has a smaller server network but still covers 60+ countries. Very reliable unblocker and operates a very strict no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
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Proton VPN has no trouble accessing Etsy. It’s capable of bypassing a wide range of restrictions thanks to its highly impressive server network. This network continues to grow at a very rapid rate and now stands at over 9,000 servers in 112 countries. That’s bigger than the likes of NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. Proton VPN averaged 216 Mbps in testing and this plus its offer of unlimited bandwidth allows you to stream, play games, and torrent without restriction.
The level of security offered by Proton VPN is impressive. It includes 256-bit encryption, a very robust kill switch, DNS leak protection, and even an ad blocker. When you need an extra layer of security, you can connect to a Secure Core server for two layers of encryption. Where Proton VPN separates itself from many VPNs is with its genuine no-logs policy (it doesn’t even keep connection logs). It’s also unique for its acceptance of cash as a payment method.
You can find Proton VPN apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. It also provides Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave browser extensions. A wide range of routers are supported, although manual configuration is still required.
Pros:
- Fast growing server network with 9,000+ servers in 112 countries
- Speeds are more than fast enough for browsing Etsy or 4K streaming
- One of very few VPNs to offer an anonymous payment option (cash)
- Extra security in the form of its Secure Core servers
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than most competitors
- Live chat isn’t available 24/7
ANONYMOUS PAYMENT:Proton VPN is a privacy-respecting VPN service that even lets you pay anonymously in cash. It now has one of the largest server networks of any VPN and its server speeds are also impressive. Secure for use with Etsy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Proton VPN review.
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How to use a VPN to unblock Etsy
Using a VPN to unblock Etsy couldn’t be easier. Having said that, it may be that this is your first time using a VPN. To make things even more straightforward, we’ve provided step-by-step instructions to take you from signup to setup.
Here’s how to use a VPN to securely access Etsy from abroad:
- Sign up with one of the best VPNs for Etsy. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
- Following the on-screen instructions, download and install the VPN app compatible with your device.
- Log in to the VPN app and connect to a server in a country in which Etsy is available.
- Access Etsy which should now be unblocked regardless of your actual location.
- Blocked? Clear your cookies and, failing this, connect to a different server and try again. Your VPN’s support may be able to help you troubleshoot any issues further.
Finding the best VPNs for Etsy: our VPN testing methodology
You may be wondering why a particular VPN made the cut (or indeed why another VPN didn’t). Our hands-on approach to testing VPNs involves running a battery of tests including measuring server speeds and checking for leaks while connected to servers. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Servers worldwide: Etsy is available in most countries so we ideally want VPNs with servers worldwide for maximum flexibility. This lets you access Etsy from anywhere. It also means that you’ll almost always be able to find a server close to your physical location for the fastest possible connection.
- Speed: You don’t need a fast internet connection to use Etsy although it does help, particularly when you’re uploading photos and videos to listings. If you’d like to secure your connection at all times (even when streaming), you’ll want the fastest VPNs. Fortunately, we’ve found them by running comprehensive speed tests on VPN servers.
- Bypass blocks: The ability to unblock Etsy is the top priority although you’ll almost certainly encounter other restrictions too, particularly when traveling overseas. Streaming platforms are often affected by geo-blocking and we try each VPN against a variety of them to find those that are most consistent.
- Security: Whether you’re buying or selling on Etsy, a VPN can secure your activities including your transactions. We’re looking for a high level of encryption (256-bit AES or ChaCha20) and features such as a kill switch. As part of our process, we test each VPN’s servers for leaks and only recommend those with airtight security.
- Privacy: Privacy comes hand-in-hand with security. A big part of privacy protection is the level of encryption a VPN uses. This prevents snoopers from seeing your IP address and online activities. Another essential factor is whether a VPN offers a no-logs policy. If a VPN keeps any logs that identify you as a user, we simply won’t recommend it.
- Ease of use: It’s through our hands-on testing that we are able to get a good idea of just how user-friendly each VPN is. There’s no need to overcomplicate things. Signup and setup should only take a few minutes. We also want to see helpful, time-saving features such as a quick-connect button. All of the best VPNs for Etsy include live chat support.
- Value for money: On top of all the above, we want to find VPNs that offer affordable subscriptions. In most cases, you can save significantly the longer you subscribe. If you take advantage of the discount coupons provided in this post, you’ll get an even better deal. It’s risk-free too because each VPN comes with a money-back guarantee.
Our VPN testing methodology further explains our process for testing VPNs.
VPNs for Etsy: FAQs
Is it legal to use a VPN with Etsy?
Provided you’re in a country in which VPNs are legal (they’re legal in most countries), it’s legal to use one with Etsy. Etsy’s Terms of Use make no reference to VPNs or accessing its service from specific locations. Having said that, Etsy has been known to block IP addresses if those using them are in breach of its terms. This is more likely to occur with VPN IP addresses that are shared by many different users.
Note: We are not lawyers and nothing in this article should be taken as legal advice.
Does Etsy detect and block VPNs?
Yes, if multiple users are sharing the same IP address, this may be picked up on by Etsy, particularly if one of these users is somehow in breach of the service’s terms of use. The result is that a VPN IP address then becomes blocked. Worse still, Etsy may decide to suspend or even terminate specific accounts.
If you’d like to maximize security on Etsy while minimizing the risk of your IP address becoming blacklisted, you may want to use a VPN that offers a dedicated IP address such as NordVPN or Surfshark. This is an IP address that’s only assigned to you while still offering some of the same benefits of a shared IP address such as encryption.
Can I use a free VPN to unblock Etsy?
Some free VPN IP addresses might unblock Etsy. However, they’re just as likely to be flagged for being shared with other users and blacklisted as a result. Free VPNs don’t offer many server locations so this limits your options for accessing Etsy. If you plan to use your free VPN for anything other than browsing Etsy, you’ll likely struggle due to the excessive bandwidth throttling. The speeds make streaming a challenge, particularly if you want high resolution.
Security is a concern too. You’re more likely to encounter a lack of encryption with free VPNs, or a lack of other key security features such as DNS leak protection or a kill switch. The result is that your data may be exposed and, ironically, less secure than if you’d not used a free VPN at all. It’s always important to question how free services make their money. It’s often the case that you are the product with free VPNs logging your data to sell to third parties.
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