As of May 2026, 25 states and 3 countries have enacted age-verification laws requiring adult sites to verify users' ages and IDs, and others have proposed similar laws. In response, Pornhub has blocked or restricted access to 23 states, saying these laws violate the privacy of its users by forcing the company to collect sensitive personal information. Fortunately, VPNs excel at bypassing location-based restrictions. However, some locales, like Michigan and Utah, want to restrict or ban VPNs entirely, precisely because they're so good at protecting your privacy. Based on our testing, here are the best VPNs for Pornhub that can protect you, and why you should use one no matter what you do online.
Overview
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![Proton VPN]()
Best OverallProton VPN
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![NordVPN]()
Best for Additional Security ToolsNordVPN
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![ExpressVPN]()
Best Geographic DiversityExpressVPN
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![TunnelBear VPN]()
Best for BeginnersTunnelBear VPN
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![Surfshark VPN]()
Best for All-In-One SecuritySurfshark VPN
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![Private Internet Access VPN]()
Best For Statewide AccessPrivate Internet Access VPN
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![CyberGhost VPN]()
Best for Diverse ServersCyberGhost VPN
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![Windscribe VPN]()
Best Company TransparencyWindscribe VPN
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Credit: Proton
![Proton VPN]()
Best OverallProton VPN
Pros & Cons
Proton is the best VPN all around, and that remains true for site-specific tasks like accessing Pornhub. You can use it for free, which could be a good pick if you don’t want to spend any money just to access a single site. If you do want a premium subscription, you’ll find that Proton has a suite of advanced security tools that make it easy to protect your traffic, no matter which site you’re visiting.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Proton has a generous set of features at an affordable monthly price. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously with a single subscription. Proton’s built-in ad and tracker blocker works well at reducing ad clutter on sites like Pornhub. Proton has servers optimized for streaming and peer-to-peer (P2P) traffic, which may be helpful if you want to find adult content elsewhere. You can try Proton out for free with its free plan, which provides eight servers (randomly assigned when you connect) and no data limits.
Privacy and security: You want a private VPN if you’re accessing content that is restricted in your country. Proton takes privacy seriously, with a rare, steadfast commitment to transparency and accountability in the VPN space. All of Proton’s apps are open-source, so you never have to question if there’s a hidden vulnerability that could compromise your data. Furthermore, annual audits and regular transparency reports demonstrate that Proton consistently maintains its standards year after year.
Speed and performance: Proton’s servers rank in the middle of the pack in terms of performance, with a 20.11% decrease in download speeds, a 43.21% decrease in upload speeds, and a 351.26% increase in latency.
Streaming: We had no issues streaming Netflix with Proton. Proton’s premium servers worked flawlessly, granting us access to every regional catalog we tested. Our speeds were steady as well, so you shouldn’t have to worry about any annoying buffering issues on video sites.
User experience and ease of use: Despite being an affordable VPN, Proton’s apps feel anything but cheap. The VPN app is streamlined and easy to use, suitable for both beginners and experienced users. Features are easily accessible and clearly labeled on both desktop and mobile interfaces. It’s easy to tell when you’re connected to a server, and you can access advanced options with just a couple of clicks.
Who It's For
Users who want a free VPN: Proton’s free version is robust and packs in many features that competing free options lack. It’s an excellent tool for securing your privacy on a budget. If you can deal with the limitations, Proton’s free version is more than viable as your main VPN.
The privacy-conscious: If you're going to be looking at Pornhub and other adult content, you'll want the best in online privacy protection from every angle, since adult sites can be packed with malware. Proton is a solid choice thanks to stellar privacy standards and anti-malware protections through NetShield.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Can Manually Select Server In Free Version Free Connection Speeds Limited No Free Version Free Version Server Limit US, Netherlands, Japan Free Version Data Limit Unlimited Free Version Simultaneous Connection Limit 1 Geographically Diverse Servers No Ads In Free Version? Yes Public Third-Party Audit Server Locations 129 countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 10 Supported Protocols on Android WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on iOS WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, IKEv2 Learn More Proton VPN Review -
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Credit: NordVPN
![NordVPN]()
Best for Additional Security ToolsNordVPN
Pros & Cons
NordVPN comes with a lightweight antivirus called Threat Protection Pro, which will help protect you on Pornhub and other adult websites. It also came out on top in our latest round of speed tests as we have reviewed, earning it a Lab Award. All this comes at a cost, though, as NordVPN charges significantly above the average monthly price we've seen across the industry. You get your money's worth and more with Nord’s premium subscription, which offers a plethora of excellent features.
the fastest VPNWhy We Picked It
Features and capabilities: NordVPN utilizes a custom implementation of the WireGuard VPN protocol, called NordLynx, on macOS, as well as OpenVPN and IKEv2. It also provides access to Tor and multi-hop connections, which add a layer of protection when browsing sensitive content. Threat Protection Pro antivirus doubles as an ad and tracker blocker, making browsing adult content safer.
Privacy and security: Nord maintains transparent privacy standards with third-party audits and a frequently updated transparency report. NordLynx utilizes open-source technology, allowing you to examine what makes the service tick. Nord doesn’t keep logs, and its no-logs policy has been independently verified in multiple security audits by VerSprite, Cure53, Deloitte, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC).
Speed and performance: Nord has consistently delivered excellent performance. It reduced our download speeds by just 1.94%, upload speeds by 5.54%, and increased our latency by 67.04%. Just remember that your experience may vary depending on your proximity to a Nord server.
Streaming: Streaming with Nord was streamlined. We didn’t experience any buffering or stuttering with videos. Additionally, Nord managed to unblock every regional Netflix library we tested. General video streaming was seamless with no stutters or long buffering times, thanks to Nord’s stellar performance scores.
User experience and ease of use: Nord’s desktop apps can be a tad cluttered and overwhelming, especially if you’re new to VPNs. The dashboard is excellent for advanced users, as it features a range of proper menus and tools. For an easier user experience, we recommend the mobile version of Nord. It features all the same great benefits, but in a more digestible format.
Who It's For
Video streamers: Those seeking to access location-locked streaming content will appreciate NordVPN's extensive server selection. Those seeking reliable video quality across various sites will find Nord’s performance to be more than sufficient for high-quality video fidelity.
Users who also want an antivirus: Nord’s Threat Protection Pro has some limitations, but it's one of the more affordable options out there, considering you also get Nord’s VPN bundled with it.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 118 countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 6 Supported Protocols on Android NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN Supported Protocols on iOS NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec Supported Protocols on macOS NordLynx (based on WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2 Learn More NordVPN Review -
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Credit: ExpressVPN
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Best Geographic DiversityExpressVPN
Pros & Cons
ExpressVPN offers one of the largest server networks in the world, comprising over 3,000 servers in 170 locations across 105 countries. Its network is one of the most geographically diverse and, thanks to server locations in every state, is especially suited for Pornhub access in the US.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: ExpressVPN is backed by post-quantum encryption, which should ensure your browsing habits stay anonymous against the most advanced attacks. Its Lightway protocol is fast, private, and reliable. It also features an advanced Network lock kill switch that terminates all outgoing data in the event of losing access to the VPN network. That way, nobody looking at your local traffic will be able to see what you were browsing, even if your VPN connection drops.
Privacy and security: ExpressVPN is relatively transparent about its data collection and handling practices. The service does log aggregate data on user usage, but the company claims none of this information can be tied back to user accounts. Biannual transparency reports reinforce this claim, as do the 22 independent security audits Express has undergone.
Speed and performance: ExpressVPN decreased download speeds by 15.48%, upload speeds by 13%, and increased latency by 109.40%. These scores place it ahead of most services, making it a solid choice for data-intensive tasks like streaming or downloading.
Streaming: Netflix access was seamless with ExpressVPN. We pitted it against five regional catalogs from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. It performed well, giving us unrestricted access to every single one.
User experience and ease of use: ExpressVPN offers a sleek, intuitive interface. Its single-button connection screen makes it a breeze to connect, and the settings menu offers a range of advanced options for those who want to fine-tune their connection.
Who It's For
Travelers: With numerous server locations, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for anyone living or traveling outside the US. Anyone keen on spoofing their location should also be well served.
First-time VPN users: ExpressVPN’s intuitive interface makes it easy to use without prior knowledge.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 105 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 10-14 Supported Protocols on Android Lightway Supported Protocols on iOS OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS Lightway, OpenVPN, L2TP Learn More ExpressVPN Review -
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Best for BeginnersTunnelBear VPN
Pros & Cons
TunnelBear VPN is a simple, powerful Canadian-based VPN service that doesn't cut corners on privacy—it has released annual audits for years and has one of the best privacy policies in the industry. It has 13 city-level locations in the US and three in Canada, making it a great pick for accessing adult sites in North America without sacrificing performance.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: TunnelBear has servers in 47 countries and doesn’t place a cap on simultaneous device connections. You get advanced obfuscation with GhostBear, a protocol that mimics HTTPS to bypass common VPN blocks. TunnelBear also has a free version that lets you try out all the app's features if you’re not sure it's the right pick for you. You aren’t limited to a slim selection of servers or barred from using advanced features or protocols. However, you are limited to 2GB of data per month.
Privacy and security: TunnelBear’s privacy policy is thoughtfully designed and easy to read. Every point is illustrated with a real-world example of how TunnelBear handles that specific instance, inquiry, or data. TunnelBear has undergone seven separate independent audits that have verified the company’s stalwart stance on privacy. Regularly updated transparency reports hammer home this point, revealing that the service has never handed over user information in response to an inquiry or lawful order.
Speed and performance: TunnelBear performed below average in our most recent bout of speed tests. It decreased our download speeds by 83% and our upload speeds by 72%. Latency also saw a significant 109% increase. Keep in mind that speed tests vary based on a variety of local factors, so we don’t recommend buying a VPN based on speed tests alone.
Streaming: Streaming with TunnelBear was reliable. The VPN unblocked Netflix in all tested regions without fail. TunnelBear's servers in 47 countries give it broad global coverage. Although it may not have the most comprehensive server network, it services the most popular countries that offer regional streaming catalogs.
User experience and ease of use: One of TunnelBear’s standout features is its intuitive, fun design. The fun, brightly colored interface is easy to use and features bears at every turn. It’s not too cluttered. It’s not too sparse. This interface is just right. A map makes it easy to tell where you’re connecting to, and you’ll get a cute animation of a bear tunneling to the region that you choose to connect to. Advanced features and additional configuration options are just a couple of clicks away.
Who It's For
First-time VPN users: TunnelBear VPN is very straightforward. Its whimsical design makes it easy for first-time VPN users to approach. Its free version also lets you try it without risk and ensure it will work exactly for what you need. With no restrictions on the number of simultaneous connections, TunnelBear is a good choice for families or anyone with numerous devices.
Users who want a free VPN: The full TunnelBear app is free as long as you stay under the 2GB per month cap. It’s a great way to try the premium service before subscribing to a plan. You can try it out for free without entering any payment information or personal details.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Are All Features Available In Free Version? Blocks Ads Can Manually Select Server In Free Version Free Connection Speeds Limited No Free Version Free Version Server Limit All Servers Free Version Data Limit 2GB per month Free Version Simultaneous Connection Limit Unlimited Geographically Diverse Servers No Ads In Free Version? Yes Public Third-Party Audit Server Locations 45 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections Unlimited Supported Protocols on Android OpenVPN Supported Protocols on iOS WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, OpenVPN Learn More TunnelBear VPN Review -
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Credit: Surfshark
![Surfshark VPN]()
Best for All-In-One SecuritySurfshark VPN
Pros & Cons
Surfshark VPN has plenty of US-based servers with over 20 city-level locations. That means that you can connect to a nearby state with no Pornhub restrictions in place without sacrificing performance. It also supports unlimited devices, so you can secure all of your devices without having to connect and disconnect to make space.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Surfshark's expansive US network makes it a good pick for regional Pornhub access. Advanced connection options, such as multi-hop and post-quantum encryption, make it easy to tailor your security preferences. Surfshark aims to be a one-app security solution. You can configure an antivirus, ad blocker, and additional identity protection tools all in one place.
Privacy and security: Privacy policies can be confusing and dense. Surfshark takes a better approach, offering an in-depth yet digestible policy that explains how the company handles data. The service has verified these claims with frequent third-party audits and quarterly transparency reports.
Speed and performance: Surfshark's performance was impressive. We only saw a 7.73% decrease in download speeds and a 7.12% decrease in upload speeds, but latency increased by 201.34%.
Streaming: Netflix access was no problem for Surfshark. It accessed every regional catalog we tested without running into blocks. We did not experience stuttering or slow load times, even when connected to distant locations
User experience and ease of use: User experience is consistent between applications. Each version of Surfshark has a sleek design with clearly described features. It's easy to pick up and use as a new user, and it has enough depth for more experienced users to tinker with.
Who It's For
Media Streamers: Surfshark is a solid choice for those looking to watch their favorite shows from anywhere without compromising on security. The VPN was one of the fastest we have tested, and it unblocked regional Netflix catalogs with ease.
Users who want a one-app solution: The biggest selling point for Surfshark is its ecosystem of privacy tools. It's a good choice for those who may not want a handful of subscriptions to different services. With Surfshark, you can configure an array of tools all from a single control hub under one account.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 100 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections Unlimited Supported Protocols on Android WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on iOS WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, IKEv2 Learn More Surfshark VPN Review -
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Credit: Private Internet Access VPN
![Private Internet Access VPN]()
Best For Statewide AccessPrivate Internet Access VPN
Pros & Cons
Private Internet Access (PIA) has a vast server network with city-level servers in every single US state, ensuring you can reliably access Pornhub in the US. PIA's advanced split-tunneling feature makes it an excellent choice for those who want fine control over what content passes through the VPN.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: PIA’s extensive network with a presence in every US state makes it easy to stay connected to Pornhub while maintaining a US connection. You gain access to advanced tools, such as split tunneling and multi-hop, which provide an extra layer of security when accessing sensitive content. PIA’s MACE ad- and tracker-blocking tool will help declutter any sites with obtrusive ads and prevent your browsing habits from being tracked.
Privacy and security: PIA does not log user activity and does not profit from the sale or trade of user data. The VPN doesn’t keep any details about your browsing history, IP address, connection timestamps, or bandwidth usage. The service has undergone an audit by Deloitte to verify its compliance with its privacy policy. PIA is based in Colorado and is required to respond to lawful US orders, but it has never had any information to hand over to authorities.
Speed and performance: PIA did well in our latest round of speed tests. It reduced our download speeds by 27.8%, our upload speeds by 10.5%, and increased our latency by 37.3%. Provided you already have a stable enough connection to stream content, connecting to PIA shouldn’t cause noticeable lags or stutters.
Streaming: We have PIA scheduled for a new round of streaming tests to assess its global capabilities. However, our last round of testing showed that it could reliably access US content catalogs without encountering blocks.
User experience and ease of use: PIA’s apps are straightforward and make it easy to secure your connection with minimal effort. The main dashboard features a large power button that flashes green when you’re connected or shows a yellow ring when you’re not. You’ll also find quick menus for servers and connection settings, as well as a map showing your current connection status.
Who It's For
Open-source enthusiasts: All PIA apps are open-source with publicly available code, so you know exactly what you're using from the start.
People who use multiple devices: PIA supports unlimited simultaneous device connections, making it a great choice if you have multiple devices to protect.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 90 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections Unlimited Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, OpenVPN Learn More Private Internet Access VPN Review -
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Credit: CyberGhost
![CyberGhost VPN]()
Best for Diverse ServersCyberGhost VPN
Pros & Cons
CyberGhost has a massive network of over 11,500 servers, with 11 city-level options in the US. Its vast network makes it a great pick if you're traveling and want to stay protected while you browse adult sites such as Pornhub. It also has tailored servers for streaming and torrenting, making it a versatile pick for anyone.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: The service has plenty of task-specific servers for streaming, torrenting, and more. It also scored well in our latest bout of speed tests, making it a good choice for reliable connections. Package that together with frequent audits and a solid privacy policy, and you have a powerful, private VPN.
Privacy and security: CyberGhost’s service is backed by a comprehensive, easy-to-read privacy policy that clearly states the company does not retain, sell, or trade user data. The VPN releases quarterly transparency reports and is regularly audited by privacy firms such as Deloitte.
Speed and performance: CyberGhost performed well in our latest round of speed tests. We saw a 8.73% reduction in download speeds, a 4.41% decrease in upload speeds, and a 92.06% increase in latency. We found it to be plenty fast enough for browsing and more data-intensive tasks like video streaming or downloading.
Streaming: We pitted CyberGhost against five regional Netflix catalogs: the US, UK, Australia, Japan, and Canada. It was able to access each region’s specific content catalog without running into blocks or restrictions.
User experience and ease of use: All of CyberGhost’s apps are organized and easy to use. You can quickly find the streaming servers on the left-hand sidebar. It’s always clear when you’re connected thanks to a large power button icon on the right side of the dashboard. Each server shows the current user load, so you can easily find fast streaming servers in your area.
Who It's For
Task-specific users: CyberGhost is for users who want dedicated server options for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. The VPN's advanced NoSpy servers make it an excellent choice for those who need uncompromising privacy.
Mobile users: CyberGhost’s mobile apps are simple and straightforward, with full access to advanced features. It's easy to take your content on the go thanks to seven supported simultaneous device connections.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 90 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 7 Supported Protocols on Android WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on iOS WireGuard, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, IKEv2 Learn More CyberGhost VPN Review -
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Credit: Windscribe
![Windscribe VPN]()
Best Company TransparencyWindscribe VPN
Pros & Cons
Windscribe's above-and-beyond dedication to user privacy and data transparency makes Windscribe a solid pick in this category. Add to that a stellar set of apps across all platforms you may want to browse Pornhub from, and you've got a winning combination for an affordable VPN that allows an unlimited number of devices to be added to one account.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Windscribe’s R.O.B.E.R.T. (Remote Omnidirectional Badware Eliminating Robotic Tool) excels at blocking ads and trackers on untrustworthy sites. You can also use advanced features such as split tunneling. If you’re unsure whether the VPN is the right choice for you, you can try it out for free. With the free plan, you get 10GB of browsing data per month if you confirm your email address, or 2GB if you don't. Free customers can also access servers in 10 countries, including Canada and Switzerland.
Privacy and security: Windscribe doesn't log your data. Its fast and anonymous signup process allows you to use the VPN app without disclosing a lot of personal data. Next, you can pay for the app using various payment methods, including cryptocurrency. On Windscribe's website, you can find the company's ethics statement and a transparency report detailing every law enforcement request it receives. This is an excellent policy that we hope more VPN companies will adopt in the future.
Speed and performance: Windscribe's performance was solid. Download speed test scores decreased by only 10.66%, upload speed test scores decreased by 13.20%, and latency increased by 67.01%. Windscribe offered reliable, above-average speeds, making it an excellent choice for streaming video and downloading content.
Streaming: Using Windscribe, we were able to watch Netflix without any restrictions. We could access the entire library when connected to five Windscribe servers in Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US.
User experience and ease of use: Minimalists will appreciate Windscribe's modest app interface. The Settings menu features a helpful guide to all the app's functions. For example, if you're unsure which VPN protocol to use, click the information button next to the setting's label and read the corresponding support page, which explains what the feature is and how to use it.
Who It's For
Users who want anonymity: For those who need the ultimate in identity protection when browsing adult content—including a completely anonymous signup process that doesn't require an email address to get started, and the option to pay for your plan in crypto
Users who want advanced browsing controls: Windscribe offers a content-filtering feature called R.O.B.E.R.T. You can use it to block ads, gambling content, malware, porn, social media, and more during your browsing.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Free Version Data Limit 10GB Per Month Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 69 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections Unlimited Learn More Windscribe VPN Review -
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Best For | Best Overall | Best for Additional Security Tools | Best Geographic Diversity | Best for Beginners | Best for All-In-One Security | Best For Statewide Access | Best for Diverse Servers | Best Company Transparency | Best Overall | Best for Additional Security Tools | Best Geographic Diversity |
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Server Locations | 129 countries | 118 countries | 105 Countries | 45 Countries | 100 Countries | 90 Countries | 90 Countries | 69 Countries | 129 countries | 118 countries | 105 Countries |
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Buying Guide: The Best VPNs for Pornhub in 2026
What Is the Pornhub Ban?
Presumably aiming to protect minors from obscene content, Texas passed House Bill 1181 in June 2023, which requires adults to provide government identification to the site, as well as any site that has more than a third of its content listed as sexual material.
Aylo, the owner of Pornhub and many other online adult properties, has been embroiled in a legal battle down in the Lone Star state. Since Texas implemented the bill, other states have followed suit (the latest being North Dakota), including the following as of December 2025:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia (Pending June 12, 2026)
- Wyoming
A common misconception is that these sites are banned at the government level. Instead, Pornhub is the one blocking access in protest to the policy, citing valid privacy concerns. Additionally, Louisiana is often cited as being blocked; however, Pornhub is still accessible in the region—but only if you submit your government ID as requested. Regarding the other 24 states, Pornhub is either already inaccessible or in the process of pulling its service in the region before verification laws take effect.
For example, those in Texas who try to access Pornhub using an ISP located in the state will see this message the next time they try to log on:
"As you may know, your elected officials in Texas are requiring us to verify your age before allowing you access to our website. Not only does this impinge on the rights of adults to access protected speech, it fails strict scrutiny by employing the least effective and yet also most restrictive means of accomplishing Texas's stated purpose of allegedly protecting minors."
Personal information is leaked constantly, and some shy away from even creating anonymous accounts on these sites out of fear that their information will be traced back to them. Having your government ID tied to any website is a risk, especially one where your association with the content on it could lead to blackmail, doxxing, social fallout, and outright danger to those in certain groups. Similarly, Discord has implemented age verification measures that undermine user anonymity. Using a VPN will allow you to access Pornhub from your device or router while connecting from any of the states listed above.
Remember: If you don't see your state in this list, you don't need a VPN to access Pornhub. However, as you'll read below, there are reasons beyond state legislation to consider using one.
Do I Really Need a VPN for Pornhub?
If you live in one of the states mentioned above, yes. If not, you really should, if you value your private information. Once Pornhub pulls out of a state, there's no way to access it other than by obfuscating the origin of your traffic requests. VPNs and proxy servers can handle this task, although I recommend using a VPN for sensitive content. You can obfuscate your location with a proxy, but the information you put out will not be encrypted. Additionally, most proxies aren’t designed for heavy data use and video streaming. As such, streaming over their networks can be expensive.
Porn sites are notorious for having malicious ads. A VPN won’t save you from a misclick or a suspicious download. It can't replace other critical security tools, such as good antivirus software, a password manager, and multi-factor authentication enabled wherever possible. If you’re looking to download adult content, you need a comprehensive security suite to prevent unknowingly sharing your personal data or logins, and to ensure no programs slip through the cracks.
Several VPNs we have listed here have companion software packages or features that include password managers. These extra tools can also help block ads on the site, prevent malware from compromising your PC, and protect your privacy by anonymizing cookies and blocking trackers. Pornhub and most adult sites likely don’t vet every advertiser that displays content on their site. If any of them hide trackers in their banner ads, those could follow you to the next site you visit.
How Much Should I Pay for a VPN?
With the rise of age verification laws, having your browsing habits linked to your identity may no longer be just a matter of embarrassment; it may also be a matter of legal concern. The repercussions of noncompliance remain uncertain as these sweeping laws take effect. The good news is, protection doesn't have to break the bank. Even an affordable VPN can keep you safe online. As part of our review process, we take cost into account and collect the price for each service we test in the chart below:
Will a VPN Hide Pornhub From My ISP or the Police?
Yes, a VPN shields your online activities from your ISP. It also adds a layer of obfuscation for anyone on the web who might want to attribute particular traffic to you or a household member. Without a VPN, your traffic is readily readable in plain form to your ISP or anyone else who gains access to your network. This includes data that you may not personally be responsible for. Everyone using a home or shared network can be held accountable for traffic recorded by any device connected to a single Wi-Fi router (such as the one in your living room).
In some cases, though, the problem might actually be the VPN itself. A VPN may sometimes log just as much, if not more, information about you than your ISP or any law enforcement agency would ever think to. We rarely recommend VPNs that admit to any logging. Of those who do, we only review companies that are open, transparent, and forthcoming about what happens to that data over time.
As for the police, what they can and cannot demand varies by location. However, a good VPN will ensure that nothing is available for them to request. When a VPN says it has no logs, that means it doesn’t store any user data. If the VPN has nothing to give, there will be nothing to hand over in response to a lawful request.
Recommended by Our Editors
Can I Access Pornhub Using My VPN?
Yes, for the vast majority of VPN services. These tools are designed to break down barriers, not create artificial ones. None of our top-rated VPN services prohibit adult content. As always, we recommend reading through the terms of service for any VPN provider before you hand over your credit card information—or even sign up for a free account.
If the service explicitly disagrees with streaming or downloading adult content over its networks, that will likely be one of the more easily visible aspects of the company's privacy policy. Again, it's rare to find a clause like this, and no such issue has come up in any of the VPN recommendations here. If you encounter such a clause, it's best to avoid that service, as it indicates they monitor your traffic. That’s precisely what you want to avoid with your ISP. VPNs are no exception.
Some VPNs actually offer tools useful for adult content. They allow you to designate the types of traffic that travel through your VPN connection using a feature called inverse split tunneling. You can use inverse split tunneling to send just your Pornhub activity through the VPN, freeing up the rest of your bandwidth for other activities. Be cautious when setting up this feature. Human error is often the primary cause of data leaks, even when all the right tools are being used.
How Will a VPN Affect My Pornhub Streaming Speeds?
A VPN will definitely slow down your connection. However, the degree of the slowdown depends on a handful of factors. The distance from you to the server you connect to is a significant factor. Additionally, your base ISP speeds are crucial. If you’re already working with a slow internet speed, a VPN won’t magically fix that. Using a VPN, your web traffic usually travels a longer distance to new server locations. Regardless of the service you choose, you should expect slower upload and download speeds and higher latency.
In our latest round of testing, we recorded the median from 10 consecutive tests, both with and without a VPN running, and then calculated the percentage change between the two. The greater the change, the more impact the VPN has on your internet connection speeds and latency. To measure speeds, we use the Ookla Speedtest tool. (Note: Ookla is owned by Ziff Davis, PCMag.com's parent company. For more, see the ethics policy in our Editorial Mission Statement.)
You can see all the latest results from our testing in the chart below:
Networks are finicky, and we don't claim my work to be the be-all and end-all of VPN speed testing. Instead, we offer a snapshot of how a particular service performed on a specific day, almost always from a box in Portland, Oregon, and routed to the closest local server in the VPN's network. These are optimal conditions for optimal servers, but your experience may vary depending on your location.
Do My VPN's Server Locations Matter?
Yes, the location you pick matters a great deal. A VPN grants access to websites like Pornhub that are being specifically geo-blocked either by local governments or the company itself by scanning the origin of your IP address.
The Pornhub block works by detecting the location of every IP address that tries to connect to its servers. Before access is granted, its filtering system blocks any addresses originating from states that have passed the restrictive legislation mentioned above. Pornhub's servers can usually catch 99% of traffic by registering which internet service providers are active in the area and blocking their IP addresses in bulk. So, without a VPN routing your traffic out of the region, it will be functionally impossible to access Pornhub reliably.
Even if you don't live or work in any of the states mentioned above, it’s worth using a VPN. Adult websites are hotbeds for malware, malicious ads, and scammers. While it may be tempting to try a free VPN to test the service, that can be equally risky. If you’re unsure whether to keep a VPN service, we recommend trying a premium service on a trial rather than a completely free provider. With a free VPN, you often trade your personal information from one broker to a different one.
Looking for more information about browsing adult content online safely? Read our collection of helpful tips on the subject here! Finally, if you're concerned about the possibility of exploitation in the videos you are served, check out Mashable's excellent article on how to find ethical porn.
What if My State Bans VPNs?
Utah and Michigan are pushing for restrictions or bans on VPNs, and it's not a new approach. Countries like China have long battled VPN providers and have heavily restricted access to most services through its Great Firewall. For the most part, it's not even possible to download VPNs while you're within the country. We may see similar approaches from states as these aggressive laws take effect. This censorship ultimately leads to increased surveillance, as traffic has to be monitored at the government level.
It will take time to see how aggressively these laws are enforced. Utah's age verification bill, SB 73, went into effect on May 6 and could potentially have far-reaching implications for its residents. We'll update this section as new information becomes available on the impact of these laws and the VPNs affected. In the meantime, the VPNs you already have should continue to operate as normal, since it'll take time for censorship measures to be implemented.