Proton VPN
Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.
For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.
Try Proton VPNApple App Store is blocked or restricted in 3 and not offered in 3 of the 130 countries we track. Updated November 2026.
Be the first to rate this pageThe App Store works almost everywhere, but what's in it changes by country. In April 2024 Apple pulled WhatsApp, Threads, Signal and Telegram from its China store on the government's orders.
Apple removed WhatsApp, Threads, Signal and Telegram from the China store at Beijing's request, and VPN apps before that.
Russian bank cards stopped working in 2022, and Apple removed many VPN apps in 2024.
The company doesn't offer Apple App Store in these countries. That is not government censorship.
Not offered because of US sanctions.
Apple doesn't run the App Store in Iran because of US sanctions.
Which App Store you see depends on your Apple Account's country and payment method, not your internet connection, so a VPN won't change it.
Picked for privacy and getting messages through.
Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.
For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.
Try Proton VPNObfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.
For strict networks: automatic obfuscation.
Try ExpressVPNLargest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.
For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.
Try NordVPNOpen-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.
For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.
Try Private Internet AccessUnlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.
For strict networks: NoBorders mode.
Try SurfsharkServers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.
For strict networks: a nearby server.
Try CyberGhost| VPN | Score out of 100 | Stealth | Connection | Privacy | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Proton VPN | 93 / 100 | The Stealth protocol (8/10) | — | 10/10 | — |
| 2. ExpressVPN | 84 / 100 | Automatic obfuscation (10/10) | — | 8/10 | — |
| 3. NordVPN | 84 / 100 | NordWhisper or obfuscated servers (9/10) | — | 8/10 | — |
Scores are out of 100 for this app, without a country connection factor. Stealth and Privacy are the ranking’s 0–10 factors.
Apple App Store is blocked in Turkmenistan.
Apple App Store is not offered in 3 of the countries we track, including Cuba, Iran and North Korea.
Our picks are Proton VPN, ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Picked for privacy and getting messages through. Open your country's page to see which one is connecting there this week.
Which App Store you see depends on your Apple Account's country and payment method, not your internet connection, so a VPN won't change it.
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