5 Best VPNs for Coinbase in October 2024

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Kane Pepi

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Kane Pepi

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Kane Pepi is a financial, gambling and cryptocurrency writer with over 2,000 published works, including on platforms like InsideBitcoins and Motley Fool. He specializes in cryptocurrency guides,...

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Last updated:

September 9, 2024 05:48 EDT

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VPNs are used by many Coinbase users – often to increase security or to access their accounts when overseas. But what is the best and most reliable VPN for Coinbase in 2024?

Read on to discover top VPN providers like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Find an updated list of VPNs that work for Coinbase and what fees and speeds to expect. We also explain the legal side of using a Coinbase VPN, including best practices to avoid account locks.

5 Best VPNs for Coinbase – A Detailed Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the best VPNs for Coinbase. We cover everything users need to know, including fees, available servers, user-friendliness, and supported device types.

1. NordVPN – The Overall Best VPN Provider for Coinbase Users

According to our research, NordVPN is the overall best VPN for Coinbase. In a nutshell, NordVPN offers more than 6,400 servers from 111 countries. What’s more, some countries support IP addresses for multiple cities. For instance, US users can access Coinbase from Denver, Seattle, Dallas, and San Francisco, among others. You can opt in or out of having obfuscated servers, which are servers that hide the fact that you are using a VPN.

NordVPN is also renowned for ultra-fast connection speeds. For example, the average download speed for US and UK connections is over 417 Mbps and 255 Mbps, respectively. This means that, in addition to Coinbase, NordVPN is also ideal for streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

NordVPN also stands out for its multi-device support. It offers proprietary applications for iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Windows, Mac, Android TVs, and more. NordVPN offers three plans; Complete, Plus, and Basic. The latter, which costs $12.99 per month on flexible terms, is sufficient for accessing Coinbase.

That said, the monthly price is reduced to $3.59 when purchasing a 2-year plan. NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all available plans, no questions asked. Moreover, we found that NordVPN is ideal for first-time VPN users. Simply download the application, choose which country you want to appear from, and you’re good to go.

Visit NordVPN

2. ExpressVPN – Top-Rated VPN Provider for Reliability and Uptime

We found that ExpressVPN is the best option for reliability and server uptime. ExpressVPN has a reported uptime of 99.9%. Moreover, it offers thousands of servers, and it takes less than a second to switch locations. This covers servers from 105 countries, with the US and other jurisdictions supporting multiple cities.

ExpressVPN’s reliability is backed by its popularity; it now has more than 4 million active users. Another benefit is that Express can be used on virtually any device. This includes native applications for smart TVs and desktop software for Windows and Mac. ExpressVPN also offers a mobile app for iOS and Android.

Not to mention, there is a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi. Crucially, ExpressVPN never stores user logs, ensuring you can access Coinbase in privacy. ExpressVPN offers just one plan, although prices depend on the purchased term. Flexible plans cost $12.95 per month. This is reduced to $8.33 and $5.99 per month on a 1 or 2-year plan, respectively.

Visit ExpressVPN

3. Proton VPN – The Best Free Coinbase VPN Without Ads or Country Restrictions

Proton VPN is the best free Coinbase VPN in the market. The free plan comes without annoying ads. Free users are not restricted to certain countries and cities. On the contrary, the free plan supports over 7,000 independent servers from 112 countries. VPN speeds are the same for free and premium users. Some come with a 10 Gbps capability, which is lightning-fast.

There’s just one drawback with the free plan: it can only be used on one device at a time. Nonetheless, plenty of device types and operating systems are supported. This includes applications for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac. Plus, browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

Those needing multi-device support will need a subscription. The flexible plan costs €9.99 per month. Those buying a 2-year plan can reduce the monthly price to just €4.49. All premium plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Proton VPN is open-source for enhanced transparency. Other features include a custom DNS, LAN connections, and malware protection.

Visit Proton VPN

4. CyberGhost VPN – A Great Option for Flexibility With Over 11,700 Active Servers

We found that CyberGhost VPN is a great option for IP address flexibility. It supports more than 11,700 active servers from over 100 countries. This includes locations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Changing locations takes seconds – just choose the country or city from the list of available options.

Importantly, CyberGhost VPN also offers you a dedicated IP address. This means nobody else will use the same IP addresses, which is a crucial factor when accessing Coinbase. CyberGhost VPN is also a top choice for connection speeds. Some locations offer 10 Gbps servers, meaning they’re suitable for 4k streaming.

In terms of pricing, CyberGhost VPN charges $12.99 per month on flexible plans. Like most providers, the best VPN deals are offered on longer-term purchases. Those buying a 2-year plan will reduce the monthly cost to $2.03. This price includes 4 months of free usage. Alternatively, you might consider the bi-annual plan at $6.99 per month.

Visit CyberGhost VPN

5. Mullvad VPN – Popular VPN Provider Offering Flexible Plans at Just €5 per Month

Mullvad VPN is a great option for those who prefer monthly plans. Unlike most VPN providers, users aren’t charged a premium when buying a flexible subscription. The price is just €5 per month, regardless of whether you purchase a monthly, yearly, or decade-long plan. This means you can cancel Mullvad VPN at any time without financial penalty.

That said, Mullvad VPN is more than just a cost-effective VPN for Coinbase. It comes packed with features, including open-source code and a native web browser for increased protection. According to Mullvad VPN, its browser offers privacy comparable to Tor.

Moreover, Mullvad VPN also offers applications for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. The main drawback is that Mullvad VPN offers considerably fewer servers than other providers. Currently, just 695 independent servers are available from 46 countries. 22 servers are offline, so there could be issues with uptime reliability.

Visit Mullvad VPN

When Do You Need a VPN For Coinbase?

There are many reasons why you might use a VPN for Coinbase. This includes increased privacy, enhanced security, and accessing a Coinbase account while overseas. VPNs are also useful for avoiding ISP (internet service provider) tracking and throttling – where connection speeds are purposefully restricted when accessing high-bandwidth websites.

Let’s take a closer look at why you might need to use a VPN when trading on Coinbase.

Increased Privacy

Privacy is important to many crypto traders. VPNs provide the best solution. Traders can visit Coinbase without being tracked by their ISP. This ensures trading activities remain private and aren’t shared with third parties. What’s more, Coinbase won’t be able to view your true IP address.

Instead, it will only see the IP address of the VPN server you’re connected to. This could be a server in your home country or overseas. For even more privacy, consider using a ‘Double VPN’ tool. This connects to two different servers before reaching the Coinbase website. This means not even the ISP can see that you’re trading on Coinbase.

Enhanced Security

Security is another reason why using a VPN on Coinbase can be a good idea. Especially considering the nature of transactions taking place. For instance, many Coinbase users buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies with fiat money.

This means entering sensitive financial data, such as debit/credit card numbers and bank account details. What’s more, all Coinbase users must complete mandatory KYC verification procedures. This includes entering personal information, including social security numbers.

It also includes uploading government-issued ID and other documents. Using a VPN ensures that data is protected by encrypted servers. This means any information entered or uploaded can’t be intercepted by hackers, as your VPN encrypts the data beforehand.

Accessing Coinbase From Overseas

You might need access to your Coinbase account when overseas. Accessing Coinbase from a location other than your registered home country can be risky. In many cases, Coinbase’s automated security systems will lock the account.

This ensures accounts are protected from fraud. Even so, regaining access to a blocked account can be cumbersome. You’d need to speak with a support representative, explain the situation, and likely provide additional documents to prove your identity. It can take several working days until the account is unlocked.

You can avoid this issue by using a VPN. For instance, suppose you’re from the US but currently in Europe. Simply connect the VPN to a US IP address before visiting Coinbase. This will ensure your Coinbase account remains in good standing.

Avoid ISP Throttling

VPNs will also ensure you can trade on Coinbase without experiencing throttling. This is when ISPs restrict internet speeds to certain platforms during periods of high internet traffic. While throttling is common when visiting streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, it can also impact crypto trading platforms.

This means that the trading experience can be hindered. It can result in slow loading times, causing a disparity between real-time market prices and what you see on the Coinbase trading screen. This can be fatal, especially considering how volatile the crypto markets can be.

Therefore, VPNs are the ideal solution to throttling risks. The ISP won’t see that you’re visiting Coinbase, so it won’t reduce connectivity speeds.

How to Use a VPN to Access Coinbase: Step-by-Step

Using a VPN on Coinbase couldn’t be easier – even if it’s your first time. Check out the step-by-step walkthrough below to get started in under 5 minutes.

• Step 1: Choose a VPN Provider: First, ensure you’re using a suitable VPN provider. At a minimum, the VPN should work on Coinbase. It should also offer a server in your home country or the location from which you want to appear. Then, consider what factors are important to you, such as pricing, connectivity speeds, and supported device types. Our overall top pick for beginners and experienced pros alike is NordVPN.
• Step 2: Pay for a Subscription: Unless you’re using a free VPN service, you’ll need to purchase a subscription. Most providers offer several plans. The cheapest options are usually the longer-term plans, such as 1 or 2 years. Flexible monthly plans will always be the most expensive. NordVPN plans range from $3.59 to $12.99 per month, depending on the term, and all come with a money-back guarantee.
• Step 3: Download VPN Application: The best VPNs for crypto trading come with native applications for multiple devices. NordVPN is no different. It offers desktop software for Windows, Mac, and Linux. There’s also an app for iOS and Android. You can also download an extension for your preferred web browser, including Chrome and Firefox.
• Step 4: Connect Account: Open the NordVPN application (or whichever provider you’re using) and connect it to your subscription account. This requires the username and password you chose when joining. That said, some providers require a unique subscription key. This is normally provided in the confirmation email.
• Step 5: Choose VPN Location and Activate: The final step simply requires you to choose the preferred VPN location. For instance, if you want to visit Coinbase from a US IP address, just select the US from the list of options. Some countries, including the US, offer servers in multiple cities. Once activated, you can visit Coinbase and begin trading.

Visit NordVPN

Note: No VPN service offers a 100% uptime guarantee. The VPN connection can go down at any time. This means your true IP address will be revealed to Coinbase. Fortunately, NordVPN offers a ‘Kill Switch’ feature. This blocks internet access until the VPN connection is restored, ensuring your true location remains hindered. You’ll need to activate the Kill Switch feature manually.

What Happens if Coinbase Catches You Using a VPN?

Coinbase has no issues with registered users visiting its platform with a VPN. It likely already knows that a VPN is being used, as the respective IP addresses will be recognized by Coinbase’s servers. However, it’s crucial to remember that VPN usage is only permitted within Coinbase’s terms of service.

This means you can’t use a VPN to access products or services that aren’t available in your home country. For example, clients in Singapore can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies on Coinbase. This includes support for fiat deposits and withdrawals. However, Singapore clients can’t access Coinbase NFTs.

Similarly, UK clients have access to spot trading services. However, UK accounts don’t have access to crypto derivative products, as per FCA guidelines. As you’ll see from the image above, restricted products come with the ‘View-Only Market’ warning. Crucially, using a VPN won’t enable you to bypass jurisdiction restrictions.

This is because available products and services are determined by the account country. So, if you have a US account and access Coinbase via a non-US IP address, you still won’t be able to trade perpetual futures.

Which Countries is Coinbase Restricted in?

Coinbase is a global crypto exchange with over 100 million registered users. However, Coinbase accounts can’t be opened from a country that’s on the sanctions list.

An updated list of Coinbase-banned countries can be found below, based on US sanctions:

• Belarus
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Central African Republic
• Cuba
• Iran
• Libya
• North Korea
• Russia
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Syria
• Venezuela
• Yemen
• Zimbabwe

In addition, Coinbase recently discontinued services for Indian clients. Countries can be added or removed from the restriction list at any time.

How We Ranked The Best VPNs for Coinbase

We’ll now talk about our methodology for ranking the best VPNs for Coinbase. This ensures our reviews are transparent and impartial.

Confirmed as Working on Coinbase

The minimum requirement when choosing a VPN is that it actually works on Coinbase. We spent countless hours checking dozens of different VPN providers. We tested each server location independently, which often meant thousands of IP addresses from over 100 countries. This ensures that only workable VPNs were considered for this guide.

If you’re considering using a VPN provider we haven’t discussed, it’s crucial to test the IP locations you’re planning to use on Coinbase. While this often means paying for a subscription, most VPNs come with a money-back guarantee. This means you can cancel the subscription and get a full refund if your preferred locations have issues on Coinbase.

Importantly, VPN acceptance can change at any time. This is why purchasing a long-term plan isn’t always the best option. For instance, Coinbase could block an IP address if it’s associated with criminal activity.

Available VPN Servers

Another important metric is what servers the VPN provider offers. This is not only the number of servers but also the respective countries. After all, if you’ve got a Coinbase account registered in Germany, the VPN must offer German IP addresses.

• To offer some insight, NordVPN offers more than 6,400 independent servers from 111 countries.
• In contrast, Mullvad VPN has just 695 servers from 46 countries.

It’s also beneficial if the VPN provider offers servers in multiple cities. For instance, US residents accessing Coinbase from Alabama, Kentucky, or Washington won’t be able to stake cryptocurrencies. Therefore, you’d want to change the VPN location to another US region.

A large number of servers also reduces the risks of downtime. For example, suppose you’re using a UK VPN. However, the VPN provider only offers one UK server. You won’t have any other UK servers to join if it goes down.

Connection Speeds

We also analyzed connection speeds when researching the best VPNs for Coinbase. Using a VPN with slow connections can be fatal, especially if you’re an active trader. This could lead to delays in order confirmation, pricing, and order book depth. This means you’d be at a significant disadvantage to other Coinbase users.

What’s more, trading with a slow connection is inconvenient and frustrating. We’d suggest choosing a VPN provider with average speeds of at least 100 Mbps (megabits per second). For example, we mentioned earlier that NordVPN offers average speeds of 417 Mbps for US VPNs. And 255 Mbps when connecting to a UK VPN.

This ensures you can trade on Coinbase efficiently, even if you’re scalping or day trading. However, it’s important to note that VPN speeds can vary depending on the country. For example, connections in one location can be considerably faster than in another. This is often based on demand, with the most used VPN locations often witnessing slower speeds.

Device Types and Operating Systems

Choosing a VPN provider that supports your preferred device type and operating system is also important. This should include all devices that you’re planning to visit Coinbase on. For example, suppose you’re using a Mac laptop and an Android smartphone. At a minimum, your VPN provider should offer native applications for both devices.

Otherwise, the Coinbase trading experience will be hindered. You might also be forced to access Coinbase without a VPN in the event of an emergency.

• For instance, suppose you need to urgently sell a crypto that’s plummeting in value.
• You’re on the move and only have your iOS smartphone, which isn’t supported by the VPN provider.
• You’d either need to wait until you get home or access Coinbase without being connected to a VPN.
• The latter could result in the account being locked if you’re based overseas.
• It could take several days to regain access. By that time, your crypto losses could be substantial.

In addition, check how many device connections the VPN supports from the same account. For example, while it might offer 15 native applications, you might only be able to connect to 8 simultaneously.

Pricing Plans

Pricing should also be factored in when choosing a VPN for Coinbase. The amount you pay will often be determined by the plan term. In almost all cases, flexible monthly plans are the most expensive. That said, you’ve got the option of canceling at any time, as you aren’t locked into a long subscription.

We’d suggest avoiding a long-term plan when first joining. Instead, make use of a 1-month plan with a money-back guarantee. Only after extensive testing should you consider purchasing an annual subscription. Just make sure it’s affordable – plans are charged upfront. For instance, you’ll need to pay for the full 12 months on an annual plan.

Privacy and Security Features

Not all VPNs offer adequate privacy features. At a minimum, ensure the VPN provider has a no-log policy. Put simply, this means it doesn’t store internet activity linked to your account. As such, your internet logs can’t be shared with third parties. In addition, it’s best to use a Coinbase VPN that comes with a Kill Switch.

This will instantly block your internet connection if the VPN server goes down. Otherwise, Coinbase will be able to view your true location. This could result in a locked account if it detects potential fraud.

• For example, suppose your Coinbase account is registered in France.
• You’re currently on vacation in Australia.
• You access Coinbase with a VPN connected to a France IP address, so have no issues logging in and trading.
• However, that VPN connection goes down, so you’re now accessing Coinbase from an Australia IP address.
• Coinbase’s security systems believe your account has been compromised, so it’s locked.

The Kill Switch feature ensures the above scenario is avoided. Just make sure it’s turned on, as Kill Switch is often not activated by default.

Another security feature to look for is a Double VPN connection. This is particularly useful if the ISP doesn’t allow crypto-related websites. It routes the internet connection through two different IP addresses before connecting. So, the ISP won’t see that you’re on Coinbase. For instance, the VPN connection might initially go through a New Zealand IP address, before rerouting to the US.

Pro Tips When Using a VPN on Coinbase

We’ve established that Coinbase allows VPNs. However, there can be instances when issues arise.

Follow the best practices below to ensure a smooth VPN experience:

• Install the VPN Software on All Devices: First, ensure you download and install the VPN software on all devices you’re planning to use. This ensures you’re protected no matter which device you’re accessing Coinbase from.
• Manually Install the Kill Switch Feature: Next, make sure the Kill Switch feature is turned on before visiting Coinbase. Most VPN providers require manual activation. This ensures your true IP address isn’t revealed even if the VPN connection goes down.
• Always Install Updates: Ensure you always install VPN software updates whenever notified. This ensures the VPN is updated with the latest security patches and that connection speeds are optimized.
• Opt for a Dedicated VPN: Consider opting for a dedicated VPN specifically for Coinbase. This means you’re the only person using that IP address. This will vastly reduce the risks of the VPN being flagged as fraudulent, as it’s exclusively linked to your account.
• Avoid Constantly Switching Servers: If you don’t have access to a dedicated VPN, avoid frequently switching servers. Each server provides a different IP address. Logging in from too many addresses can be viewed as suspicious, with Coinbase’s automated system locking the account.

Conclusion

We’ve explored the best VPNs for Coinbase in 2024, considering key factors like speed, reliability, and core features. Overall, NordVPN is the standout provider; it offers more than 6,400 VPN servers from 111 countries.

It comes as native software for every device and operating system imaginable, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Prices are competitive and most servers come with lightning-fast connection speeds. Plus, new users can avail of a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Visit NordVPN

FAQs

Which VPN works with Coinbase?

Our research shows that ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, CyberGhost VPN, and Mullvad VPN work on Coinbase without issues. Overall, however, NordVPN is the best option for reliability, speed, and convenience.

Will I get banned for using a VPN on Coinbase?

No, you won’t get banned simply for using a VPN. However, account locks or closure can occur if you’re using a VPN from a banned country, or to breach Coinbase’s terms of service.

How can I prevent Coinbase from seeing my VPN?

The most effective way is to use a ‘dedicated’ VPN. This means you’re the only person using that IP address, so Coinbase likely won’t know it’s linked to a VPN application.

Does Coinbase let you use a VPN?

Yes, Coinbase has no issues with VPN usage, nor are there any restrictions mentioned in the terms of service. That said, you can’t use a VPN to bypass regulatory restrictions, such as accessing products that aren’t available in your country.

References

1. What Is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)? (Cisco)
2. FCA bans the sale of crypto-derivatives to retail consumers (Financial Conduct Authority)
3. Sanctions List Search (Office of Foreign Assets Control)
4. Add and verify a payment method – APAC (Coinbase)