Best VPNs for PokerStars – Comparitech

PokerStars is the world’s largest real money poker site, offering card games like Texas Hold ‘em and Omaha Hold ‘em, casino games like slots and roulette, and sports betting. It’s available in dozens of countries, including the US (albeit in only a few selected states), Canada, and the UK. The trouble is that PokerStars is blocked or otherwise restricted in many locations. Even if you travel to a state or country where it’s available, playing for real money requires proof of residence.

If you live where betting is allowed but happen to be traveling, you’ll need a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to keep playing. This service encrypts your internet traffic, hiding your IP address and location in the process. You choose a server in your preferred location and receive a matching IP address. This allows you to spoof your location and bypass geographic restrictions like those surrounding PokerStars.

The best VPNs for PokerStars:

1. Surfshark: The best VPN for PokerStars. Fastest speeds we’ve tested. Servers in 100 countries including in Detroit, Michigan. Unlimited simultaneous connections allowed.
2. IPVanish: Impressive speeds for playing poker and other real-money games online. No simultaneous connection limit. Servers in 20 US cities including Detroit. 24/7 support.
3. ExpressVPN: Generous server network includes servers in New Jersey. Very strong security for safe PokerStars transactions. Extras including a password manager.
4. NordVPN: Servers in 111 countries with blazing fast speeds. Independently audited no-logs VPN. Very strong unblocking and Double VPN as well as P2P servers.
5. CyberGhost: More servers than most VPNs and impressive speeds for fast-paced Poker and casino games. No-logs VPN with an ad blocker and Windows antivirus.
6. PrivateVPN: Highly capable unblocker. Works with PokerStars and streaming services such as Netflix. User-friendly apps and free remote help. Operates a true no-logs policy.
7. Proton VPN: Strong all-rounder. Vast server network and good speeds for playing online games. Operates a strict no-logs policy, accepts cash, and has Double VPN servers.

Criteria for the best VPNs for PokerStars

It was during our testing that we found that many VPNs simply aren’t suitable for use with PokerStars. Only the best VPNs for PokerStars have all of the following:

• Ability to unblock PokerStars from anywhere
• Fast, unthrottled connections for uninterrupted gaming
• High level of encryption to secure your transactions
• No logging of identifying data such as your IP address
• Risk-free with a money-back guarantee of at least 30 days
• Live chat and email support around the clock

Best VPNs for PokerStars

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for PokerStars:

Nov 2024

works with pokerstarsTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is the fastest VPN we’ve tested and is ideal for fast-paced online games, such as poker, roulette, or slots. With over 3,000 servers across 100 countries, you can access PokerStars almost anywhere securely. This network includes servers in Detroit, Michigan—one of the few US states in which PokerStars is available. Despite all this, it offers affordable long-term subscriptions and is the best budget VPN for online betting.

You can use Surfshark to secure all of your devices, and a subscription includes access to its 24/7 live chat and email support. This VPN doesn’t keep user identification logs and provides a high level of encryption combined with a kill switch and protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks. All Surfshark plans include an ad blocker and split tunneling. The latter lets you choose which apps and websites use the VPN and which can bypass its connection.

To use Surfshark, you only need to download and log in to an app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions are another option, as is manually configuring a connection with a VPN-compatible router.

BEST VPN FOR POKERSTARS:Surfshark is a great value VPN for use with PokerStars. It’s exceptionally fast, has servers in 100 countries, and is a powerful content unblocker. It’s packed with extras including split tunneling. Unlimited simultaneous connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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works with pokerstarsTested Nov 2024

IPVanish now ranks among the fastest VPNs available. It has implemented the lightweight WireGuard protocol and provides unlimited bandwidth so you can play poker and other online games without having to contend with potentially expensive performance issues. The growing server network is made up of approximately 2,400 servers, covering dozens of countries. The US is well represented, with servers in roughly 20 cities, Detroit included.

This is also one of the better streaming VPNs, with the ability to access Netflix US and Hulu, among other popular streaming platforms. A no-logs service, IPVanish doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect simultaneously. IPVanish provides a strong level of security and privacy. This comprises 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch in all apps. Further features available to you include split tunneling and an ad blocker.

You’ll find IPVanish apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. However, there aren’t any browser extensions available. You can manually configure a connection with Linux and select compatible routers.

SERVERS IN 20 US CITIES:IPVanish provides speeds that are more than fast enough for playing on PokerStars. With servers in 20 US cities including Detroit, it’s a reliable unblocker of US websites and services. Unlimited simultaneous connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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works with pokerstarsTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN is a strong all-rounder that provides a blend of speed and security, making it highly suitable for use with PokerStars. Notably, ExpressVPN has plenty of servers in New Jersey, one of the only US states in which PokerStars is available. Overall, some 3,000 servers are offered in 105 countries, including Canada, the UK, and Australia. ExpressVPN’s fast Lightway protocol lets you play poker without costly delays.

ExpressVPN includes some impressive extras that can help bolster your security when using PokerStars. Aside from the very strong 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and kill switch, ExpressVPN offers a quality password manager and an effective ad blocker to boot. ExpressVPN has a no-logs policy, and we found its 24/7 support to be particularly high quality, with fast and helpful replies to our various queries.

You can use ExpressVPN on up to 8 devices at once and apps are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions can be downloaded for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. ExpressVPN even offers custom router firmware.

JACK OF ALL TRADES:ExpressVPN uses strong encryption to secure your PokerStars transactions. It’s also fast thanks to its high-speed Lightway protocol. Servers in 105 countries including in New Jersey, US. Excellent 24/7 live support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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works with pokerstarsTested Nov 2024

NordVPN has proven to be one of the most consistent unblocking VPNs. Not only does it work with PokerStars, but it’s also the best VPN for online casinos and sports betting websites. Although it doesn’t have servers in the three US states where PokerStars is available, it has over 6,000 servers in 111 countries, making it highly suitable for many users worldwide. The speeds provided by NordVPN are impressive and allow for seamless, lag-free online gaming.

This is a VPN that comes with a whole host of extras including specialty servers. Some are optimized for P2P while others provide an extra layer of encryption (Double VPN). NordVPN is a highly secure service that uses 256-bit AES encryption or ChaCha20 encryption to secure your data including your transactions on PokerStars. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited by Deloitte and you can expect DNS and IPv6 leak protection as well as a kill switch.

NordVPN provides desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS) apps. You can also find apps for Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Manual setup is required to use NordVPN with compatible routers.

BEST VPN FOR POKERSTARS:NordVPN has a global server network for accessing PokerStars. It also provides high-speed connections so you can play without having to worry about lag or disconnections. No-logs VPN with specialty servers and 24/7 support. With the 30-day money-back guarantee, you can even try NordVPN risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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works with pokerstarsTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost has the advantage of providing one of the largest server networks of any VPN. It exceeds 10,000 servers in 100 countries, making it very straightforward to access PokerStars almost anywhere. We averaged 226 Mbps in our most recent speed tests, so CyberGhost is comfortably fast enough to support real-money poker games where time is of the essence. You can secure up to seven devices at the same time with one CyberGhost account.

Not only does CyberGhost operate a no-logs policy, it’s headquartered in Romania which has no mandatory data retention laws. Add to this CyberGhost’s use of 256-bit encryption and you’ve got a VPN that lets you use PokerStars anonymously without your ISP seeing everything you’re up to. Also included with your CyberGhost subscription is DNS leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and an ad blocker. Windows users even gain access to an antivirus.

CyberGhost apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux (command-line), and Amazon Fire TV. If you only need to secure your browser traffic, Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are offered. Manual setup is required for use with routers.

COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY SETUP:CyberGhost sets itself apart with its very large server network and respectable speeds. Strong encryption, an automatic kill switch, ad blocking, and even a Windows antivirus. Seven simultaneous connections. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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works with pokerstarsTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN rarely struggles to bypass content blocks, be it online betting platforms such as PokerStars or popular streaming services like Netflix. It doesn’t offer as many servers as rival VPNs (a little over 200), but these servers cover 60 countries. This includes servers across a dozen US locations, including New Jersey, making it a reliable US VPN in its own right. Its speeds are more than fast enough for your online poker games as well as live sports streaming, in part thanks to its unlimited bandwidth.

Not only does PrivateVPN provide live chat and email support, but it also offers free remote help and installation. This, plus its beginner-friendly desktop and mobile apps, make it one of the best VPNs for beginners. All of your internet traffic is secured with the highest level of encryption and it also protects against DNS leaks. PrivateVPN has a very strict no-logs policy, ensuring your privacy.

Connecting to PrivateVPN servers requires installing its app for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, or Amazon Fire TV. It can be configured to work with Linux and select wifi routers.

CIRCUMVENT BLOCKS:PrivateVPN does an excellent job of side-stepping geo restrictions, whether that’s PokerStars or Netflix. Servers in 60 countries and unlimited bandwidth for online gaming and streaming. Privacy protection with its no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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works with pokerstarsTested Nov 2024

Proton VPN continues to add to its server network. At over 8,500 servers in 112 countries at the time of writing, it’s currently one of the biggest VPN server offerings available. It’s well positioned to bypass blocks including that of PokerStars. Indeed, it has servers in Secaucus, New Jersey, one of the US states in which you can play PokerStars. We reached an average of 216 Mbps in our speed tests and this proved more than fast enough for playing games online.

Where Proton VPN really sets itself apart from so many VPNs is its privacy protection. It doesn’t keep logs, uses a very high level of encryption, and even lets you pay anonymously in cash. Further security features included with Proton VPN are DNS leak protection, a kill switch, ad blocker, and even Secure Core (Double VPN) servers for when you need an extra layer of encryption. Proton VPN lets you connect 10 devices at once and provides live chat support.

ProtonVPN apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave extensions are offered and, if you want to use Proton VPN with your router, this can be manually configured.

PRIVACY-PROTECTED POKER:Proton VPN combines high-end encryption with a strict no-logs policy to keep your data secure while playing poker for money on PokerStars. Fast with a very generous server network and Double VPN servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Proton VPN review.

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How to use a VPN to unblock PokerStars

Already chosen your VPN but not sure how to go about getting started? Fortunately, using a VPN to unblock PokerStars couldn’t be easier. Below we’ve included some simple step-by-step instructions to make things even quicker and easier.

Here’s how to use a VPN to securely access PokerStars from anywhere:

1. Sign up with one of the best VPNs for PokerStars. We particularly recommend Surfshark for its vast server network, highly consistent unblocking, and fast speeds.
2. Download and install the VPN app on the device on which you want to access PokerStars. The VPNs covered all allow at least seven simultaneous connections.
3. Log in to the VPN app using the login credentials created during the account signup process. Connect to a server in your preferred location.
4. If the VPN IP address hasn’t been blacklisted by PokerStars, then you should now be able to access PokerStars regardless of your physical location.
5. If PokerStars is still blocked, don’t panic. First, clear your browser’s cookies and refresh your browser. Failing this, try a different server and clear your cookies once again. Your VPN’s customer support may be able to provide further troubleshooting assistance.

VPN testing methodology: How we found the best VPNs for PokerStars

We carry out a multitude of tests in order to determine each VPN’s quality. This involves measuring server speeds, examining for DNS leaks, and even getting in touch with customer support. It’s this hands-on approach that ensures we’re able to provide VPN recommendations that are accurate and fair. Below, we touch on what we looked for in the best PokerStar VPNs.

• Servers worldwide: PokerStars is available in countries worldwide and a global VPN network allows you to access the online poker platform anywhere, perfect for when traveling abroad. We looked for VPNs with thousands of servers in dozens of countries and in the three US states in which PokerStars is available (Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania).
• Speed: Connection speed is all-important when playing on PokerStars, particularly if you’re taking part in real-money games and tournaments. Our extensive speed tests identify the fastest VPNs, those which allow for smooth, uninterrupted gameplay so you won’t have to deal with lag or connection drops, both of which can prove costly.
• Bypass blocks: Just because a VPN has a server in a particular location, doesn’t guarantee it will get around a particular geo-block. Some VPNs simply don’t work with PokerStars. We test each VPN against multiple country versions of PokerStars, as well as against other popular gambling sites and streaming services to find the most reliable.
• Security: Playing on PokerStars requires sharing sensitive information, be it your home address or banking details. Online poker accounts can be targeted by hackers, especially if they contain funds. The best VPNs for PokerStars use strong encryption to secure your connection and protect you from leaks so you can play with peace of mind.
• Privacy: If you don’t want snoopers such as your ISP knowing you’re gambling online, you can use a VPN to hide your online activities. Yet some VPNs keep identifying logs of users which may be shared with third parties without your knowledge or consent. We studied over 120 VPN logging policies to find VPNs that let you play poker anonymously.
• Ease of use: Knowing that you may not have experience using a VPN or simply want to quickly get connected to a server to start playing poker online, we’ve only chosen VPNs that are easy to use. We download and install them ourselves, connect to servers, and switch up the settings to ensure the smoothest possible setup process.
• Value for money: All of the VPNs selected provide multiple subscription options. This includes flexible single-month plans and money-saving annual and multi-year deals. With the VPN discount coupons included in this post, you’ll save even more on the price of a subscription. Each VPN also includes a risk-free money-back guarantee.

We go into greater detail regarding our process of analyzing VPNs in our VPN testing methodology.

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VPNs for PokerStars: FAQs