Schools like students to learn, yet in equal amounts, schools block websites like YouTube videos, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites for their pupils. In addition, streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and HBO will also be off-limits.
Blocking such sites makes sense as kids need to focus while at school. However, just because you access Netflix at lunch doesn’t mean you do it all the time.
It can aggravate you to use Facebook during your lunch break to find you can’t. Luckily, there are ways around this, such as using a VPN.
In our guide, you can learn more about a good VPN for school. However, you can forget the free VPN options as these lack security features and have limitations.
By the end, you’ll see which are the best VPN that work in school and offer military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, and more to keep your devices safe. (Read ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN)
Why do you need a VPN for School Wifi?
Network administrators in schools and universities prevent access to social media sites, restricted websites, and streaming platforms.
The motivation behind this is to ensure that students remain focused on their studies besides bandwidth usage. For example, if every student were streaming or using social media apps on breaks, the network would be congested for others to stream educational videos.
This is where a virtual private network (VPN) helps. A VPN is a piece of software used to hide your IP address and thus your location, making it appear as if you’re accessing the internet from another area.
VPNs do this by encrypting and routing internet traffic to and from your device through an intermediary server in a location of your choosing.
VPN for school computer is more valuable than just unblocking restricted content. Because some schools use an open network for wi-fi, you may be vulnerable to malicious assaults.
Anti-malware and anti-adware technologies are built into the top VPNs. You’ll be safe from cyber risks like spyware, hacking, and phishing if you have these systems in place.
A no-logs policy, an automated kill switch, and 256-bit encryption are among the other top security features. These digital security features assist you in having a safer web surfing and streaming experience.
If they identify a high quantity of data use, such as streaming, internet service providers (ISPs) may limit bandwidth. An automatic kill switch kicks in to stop any DNS leaks if you lose your connection.
Now, with IP leak protection, no time can your school network or their internet service provider see you are a student. (Find the Best VPN for Remote Working and Freelancers)
A VPN hides your viewing habits from your ISP besides hiding your IP address. This prevents throttling and ensures that your connection speeds are as fast as they can be.
- NordVPN – Blazing fast speeds and all-around performer. Strong security features and strict no-logs policy.
- ExpressVPN – Excellent online security features and no usage logs. Fast servers with unlimited bandwidth that can unblock websites or geo-restricted content.
- Surfshark is a great budget option with no connection limit that doesn’t skimp on features and has excellent security features.
- Cyberghost – VPN traffic network speeds are ideal for streaming. This low-cost VPN app is simple to set up and operate for novices.
- Private Internet Access – the VPN services have a solid dedication to no logs policy. It’s good at getting around browsing and geo-restrictions.
How to use a VPN to unblock School Wifi
Even if you’ve never used a VPN, it’s easy to set up. Follow the steps below to quickly access your favorite school or college websites.
Here’s how to use a VPN for school wifi:
- First, choose an appropriate VPN provider from the list and subscribe to it.
- You’ll need to get the VPN app for your device. Because it’s unlikely that any of the VPN websites will be unblocked at school, you’ll have to do it at home.
- Launch the VPN app and select a server in your own country.
- Connect to the school wifi and unblock websites!
- If you’re having problems, try deleting your cache and cookies.
One of the best things with all the VPNs here is, you have a 30-day money-back guarantee at the very least. In addition, you can try them all on Windows devices or mobile devices against any streaming services using your school Wi-Fi.
What Are the Best VPNs for School Wifi?
1. NordVPN
| Website | https://nordvpn.com/ |
| Price | $11.95 |
| Refund | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Servers | 5,000 + |
| Location | Panama |
| Logging | Zero-logging |
Pros
- Large-scale server network
- Most prohibited and restricted content can be unblocked with ease.
- Exceptional internet download speeds and streaming speeds
- Solid encryption and the absence of logs ensure top security and privacy.
Cons
- You can only choose to connect to a location, not a server
- Desktop apps are not the easiest to use
For a school wifi VPN, NordVPN is a great option. It’s the quickest VPN we tested, and it doesn’t keep any of your personal information.
256-bit AES and 2,048-bit DH keys are used to encrypt all online traffic. Torrenting is allowed on all of the servers. Six devices are included with a single subscription.
There are over 5000 servers in 60 countries to choose from, giving you a wide range of options.
They’re also optimized for anti-DDoS, video streaming, double VPN, Tor over VPN, and dedicated IP, ensuring lightning-fast speeds, powerful encryption, and unrivaled privacy.
Apps for Android and iOS mobile devices are available, and desktop support for Linux, Windows, and macOS. In addition, it can unlock material from other streaming services like Hulu and BBC iPlayer, and Netflix.
2. ExpressVPN
| Website | https://www.expressvpn.com |
| Price | $12.95 |
| Refund | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Servers | 3,000+ |
| Location | The British Virgin Islands |
| Logging | Zero-logging |
Pros
- Any streaming service can be unblocked via a massive worldwide network of super-fast servers.
- Privacy and security of the highest caliber
- There is no identifying personal information logged.
- Apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and some Wi-Fi routers are available.
Cons
- No ad blocker
- Slightly more expensive
ExpressVPN has a clean, user-friendly interface and consistently fast internet speed. It supports torrenting on all servers and is a wonderful way to watch Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer material.
You should have no trouble finding a suitable connection with over 3,000 servers scattered across 94 countries.
There’s also an internet kill switch – or ‘network lock,’ as ExpressVPN calls it – that will momentarily restrict web activity if the connection breaks. As a result, your data will be safe and secure.
ExpressVPN defaults to 256-bit AES-CBC encryption with the OpenVPN encryption parameter. Perfect forward secrecy and HMAC authentication are also included.
Although no traffic logs are kept, the service keeps certain information to respond to troubleshooting inquiries. For example, dates, server location, and the total amount of data transferred for web traffic every day are used.
The company takes Bitcoin as payment and offers Android and iOS apps and desktop support for Linux, Windows, and macOS. (Read 4 Best VPNs for France)
3. Surfshark
| Website | https://surfshark.com/ |
| Price | $12.95 |
| Refund | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Servers | 3,000+ |
| Location | The British Virgin Islands |
| Logging | Zero-logging |
Pros
- Good speeds and unblocking ability
- Unlimited number of VPN users
- Strong security and privacy credentials
- Accepts a variety of cryptocurrencies
Cons
- It can slow at times
- Not as long-standing as alternatives
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN with over 3,200 servers in over 65 locations and can overcome all but the most stringent online restrictions. This makes it an excellent option for anyone who wants to stream Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or BBC iPlayer during college breaks.
Surfshark is among the best VPNs for school as there are unlimited data and unlimited connections.
For security, this service goes above and above. To always keep you safe, it uses effective uncrackable 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, security against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, and automatic malware scanning.
In addition, Surfshark doesn’t save any personally identifiable information and lets you purchase with one of three cryptocurrencies. Finally, customer service is available via live chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if you have any issues.
Surfshark has apps for iOS, macOS, Android, Linux, and Windows that are simple to use. It can also be set up manually for operation with certain wireless routers.
4. Cyberghost
| Website | https://www.cyberghostvpn.com/en_US/ |
| Price | $12.99 |
| Refund | 14-day money-back guarantee (45 on annual) |
| Servers | 7,665 |
| Location | Romania |
| Logging | Zero-logging |
Pros
- Unblocks many blocked and restricted websites
- Good value provider with masses of fast servers, IP addresses, and unlimited data
- Keeps no user activity logs
- Easy to use VPNs for schools
Cons
- VPN fails in China
- No free version
CyberGhost, based in Romania, and the VPN providers respect user privacy and don’t keep any data. This is the company’s recent acquisition by an Israeli enterprise with a UK headquarters.
Apart from that minor qualm, there’s nothing wrong with its encryption standards selection. The OpenVPN protocol uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is quite strong.
It’s also done a decent job of providing a range of locations; with around 7665 servers across 90 countries; there are more than enough IP addresses to keep you hidden.
On a single connection, you can connect up to seven devices. The school VPN supplier supports Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
5. Private Internet Access
| Website | https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/ |
| Price | $9.95 |
| Refund | 30-day money-back guarantee (on annual) |
| Servers | 3,000 + |
| Location | USA |
| Logging | Zero-logging |
Pros
- Budget VPNs for school kids to unblock a range of streaming content
- Completely free DNS leak protection
- Operates over 3,300 servers globally
- School VPN keeps no logs or browsing history
Cons
- May need a bit of troubleshooting
- Streaming speeds are inconsistent
Private Internet Access (PIA) gets the job done. It’s another VPN service that doesn’t keep any customer data; thus, there aren’t any logs. The OpenVPN protocol may be used with 256-bit AES encryption, SHA256 authentication, and 4,096-bit RSA keys, and the encryption standards are excellent.
PIA does not function with Netflix, although it allows torrenting on its servers. However, the service has done its homework to ensure an exceptional user experience, with over 3,300 of them scattered over 32+ countries. With one account, you can connect up to five devices at once.
Apps for Android and iOS are available and desktop support for Windows and macOS, so it deserves a chance as the best school VPN. (Read 4 Best VPNs for Germany)
What VPNs to Avoid
Free VPNs
While free VPN services appear safe to use, several free plan options lack advanced security features available in premium VPNs.
Even the best Free VPNs can fail to secure your privacy and sometimes provide the services you need.
Most of the best free VPNs end up skimping on security features or features to save money. As a result, building a secure VPN is costly, and updates and security patches add costs. In addition, free VPNs can’t compete with premium security.
Your data may be collected and sold to third parties without security safeguards.
Standard features on any free plan could include DNS and IPv6 leak protection, firewalls, yet you get more with a premium VPN.
Almost every free plan VPN can’t bypass deep packet inspection (DPI) on streaming services, and any free VPN that bypasses geo-blocking has limited data.
Limitations (as with Hotspot Shield) on data, speed, and bandwidth may also occur while streaming or torrenting. Because of this, most free VPNs and even free version VPNs have buffering, whereas paid members enjoy faster connections.
Free VPNs for school can also offer limited device functionality and support for operating systems. Thus you won’t get free VPN access on all devices you may have.
VPNs With Logging
Any VPNs that log your activity should be avoided. Sometimes, you may see a VPN offer free data, yet as your connection goes through their servers, they can see exactly what you are doing and when.
Many Free data VPNs use this and target ads or sell your information to marketing companies. Also, connection logging could leave your browsing history available for anyone to use or even pass to authorities should you do anything wrong. (Read ExpressVPN vs PureVPN)
VPNs That Don’t Really Work with School Wifi
You can find many VPNs at the low end of the market that promises many and don’t deliver on features. For example, a VPN server and the app need to offer a secure connection that school networks can’t see.
Again, many of these falls on free VPNs, yet you can find several budget offerings that won’t reliably bypass restrictions on a school hotspot shield connection.
FAQs
Q. How do you unblock school WIFI without a VPN?
Unblock services on school wifi via a proxy service. A proxy service will hide your identify and location, but not your safety.
Remember that proxies are not as secure as VPNs because they do not encrypt data, so your school’s IT administrator can see what you do online.
Q. Do School Buses Have WiFi?
Some school busses have Wifi as it helps the students who don’t have a reliable connection at home. Traveling a fair distance can help a decent amount with homework.
Q. How do I connect my Android to school WiFi?
- From the Home screen, touch Apps.
- From the menu, select Settings.
- Select Wi-Fi.
- Make sure the Wi-Fi is switched on.
- Once the Wi-Fi is on, select the School network.
- Add the identity and password.
Q. What is the best free VPN for school WiFi?
Windscribe is among the best free VPN for school use. It offers 10 GB of data per month, and Tweeting with friends can deliver more data. In the unlikely event that the VPN fails, Windscribe provides DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leak protection and a kill switch.
Q. How do I fix bad school WiFi?
Use the Speedify fast bonding VPN app or any VPN with the fastest server to enhance your Internet speed.
Q. What’s the bottom line?
Schools do all they can to limit access, yet there is always a workaround, and a VPN is the best way to obtain this for most users. (Read ExpressVPN vs Vyprvpn)
Using any of the options above can unblock most content students want to access and keep them safe in the process.
VPNs offer much more and deserve a place on any child’s mobile devices, whether at school or home.
