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 VPNTor Browser is blocked or restricted in 9 of the 130 countries we track. Updated October 2026.
Tor Browser routes your traffic through three volunteer-run relays so websites can't see who you are. That makes it a target: Russia blocked the Tor Project in December 2021, and China, Iran, Belarus and Turkmenistan block its public relays.
Anonymisers have been banned since 2015.
Public relays blocked; only some bridges get through.
Public relays blocked; bridges needed.
The Tor Project site and many relays were blocked in December 2021.
The Tor Project website is blocked; the network still works with bridges.
The Tor Project website is blocked on some networks.
The Tor Project website is blocked; the network still works with bridges.
Tor has its own built-in ways around blocks, called bridges (Snowflake and obfs4). In some countries a VPN first, then Tor, is the more reliable combination.
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 (with the protocol on Automatic).
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 (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).
Try CyberGhostWe earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money
Tor Browser is blocked in Belarus, China, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Turkmenistan.
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.
Tor has its own built-in ways around blocks, called bridges (Snowflake and obfs4). In some countries a VPN first, then Tor, is the more reliable combination.