To ensure your privacy, you need to find VPN companies that are not forced to monitor your online activities due to government regulations. After researching hundreds of VPNs, I’ve shortlisted the best providers that have advanced security features — and who are all located outside the jurisdiction of the 14-Eyes Alliance. These VPNs will keep your online activities private with the highest level of encryption, and make sure that no one can trace your information back to you. As a bonus, they all have the ability to bypass geo-blocks so you can access 4chan from countries where it is restricted.
How to Choose a VPN That Will Keep You Safe on 4chan
When choosing a VPN for 4chan, you should make sure that your provider: All the VPNs on this list meet the requirements above — plus you can try them all risk-free!
The 3 Best VPNs to Use with 4chan
1. ExpressVPN — Great Combination of Security and Speed
ExpressVPN promises powerful security across its 3,000+ servers around the world. Each server is encrypted with numerous security protocols to make sure you’re always protected online, including military-grade encryption and a kill switch. As a frequent 4chan user, I especially like its unique TrustedServer technology, which ensures no personal data is ever stored on its servers. Best of all, speed is never compromised — this provider is one of the fastest VPNs that I’ve tested. You can connect up to 5 devices and never experience any lags or browsers that are slow to load. With all its world-class security features, this provider does come with a more premium price tag. I highly recommend that you try ExpressVPN risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee — that’s the only way to really tell if a VPN is right for you or not. Try ExpressVPN for free for 30 days
2. CyberGhost — Stay Secure with Private NoSpy Servers
CyberGhost takes security very seriously — that’s why they use NoSpy servers, only accessed by CyberGhost and protected with 24/7 security surveillance. Because there are fewer users per server, you can protect up to 7 devices, which is more than most VPNs I’ve tested. Apart from all its great privacy and security features, what I liked most about CyberGhost was its refund policy. As long as you buy a subscription for 6 months or longer, you get a 45-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked. This is an enormous benefit, as many providers will troubleshoot your issue before giving you a refund. Unfortunately, CyberGhost is difficult to access in China, so I wouldn’t recommend this service if you’re living or traveling there. Try CyberGhost for free for 45 days
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Multiple VPN Protocols and Encryption Levels for Maximum Security
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers multiple VPN protocols and encryption methods, letting you choose custom options for maximum security. To get the highest level of security on 4chan, you can select the OpenVPN protocol with AES 256-bit encryption. Since that’s military-grade security just like what the US government uses, you can rest assured your identity, location, and browsing activities will be hidden while you use 4chan. Since you can try PIA with its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it with 4chan and not have to worry about committing. If you don’t like it, it’s easy to get a refund from customer support. Try PIA for free for 30 days
Why You Need a VPN When Using 4chan
1. 4chan Stores Your IP Address
4chan stores user IP addresses, so anyone who gets hold of your IP address can easily figure out who you are and where you’re located. In the past, 4chan users have been traced and arrested, proving that the site isn’t as anonymous as users are led to believe. If you don’t want to get into trouble, you need to hide your identity with a VPN every time you use 4chan.
2. 4chan Uses Insecure Protocols
You may have noticed that some URLs begin with “HTTP” but others use “HTTPS.” This tells you which protocol the site is using and whether or not it’s secure. 4chan uses “HTTP,” which means your data isn’t encrypted and could easily be manipulated or intercepted. A VPN encrypts your data to keep you safe, even if the website you’re on is using an insecure protocol. By using a reputable VPN service, you can be confident that everything you post on 4chan will remain truly anonymous.
3. Bypass Geo-Restrictions and Censorship
You won’t be able to access 4chan’s content from certain countries due to government censorship and restrictions — but a VPN can help with that too. You can change your location by connecting to a VPN server in a country where 4chan isn’t blocked. This will allow you to sneak past any restrictions to post and read as much content as you like. Stay safe on 4chan with ExpressVPN
Can 4chan posts be tracked?
In short, yes. 4chan is anonymous in that you don’t need to create an account or log-in to start a thread or post a reply in a discussion. However, every time you post something on 4chan, your IP address is logged and can be traced back to you. If you want to enhance your anonymity, a VPN can help mask your IP address to increase your security online while using 4chan.
How can I access 4chan when I’ve been banned?
If you have been banned from 4chan, that means that 4chan has identified your IP address and blocked it. As long as you’re trying to access 4chan from that same IP address, you’ll be blocked. You can get around this by using a VPN. By connecting to a VPN server, you’ll essentially have a different IP address. 4chan will not recognize the new IP address, and you’ll be able to access the site again. Hide your IP with ExpressVPN
How do I delete a 4chan post?
All you have to do is to tick the box in the upper-left corner of the post you want to remove and click “Delete”. However, you should know that deleting a post from a discussion board doesn’t mean it is completely gone. The information could still be stored on 4chan’s servers, and therefore, traced back to you. Additionally, some 4chan posts cannot be deleted. Certain 4chan threads or discussion boards may disable deleting of posts depending on how the admins have set it up. To ensure your identity is always protected when posting on 4chan, make sure you use a trusted VPN.
Can I use free VPNs with 4chan?
It can be very tempting to use a free VPN with 4chan instead of a paid service, but this doesn’t come without risks. Many free VPN services will sell your data to advertisers to make money. Others may even trick you into installing spyware on your device. Though some free VPNs are legitimate, they’re still likely to have downsides compared to a paid service. For example, they may use weaker encryption protocols like PPTP, which have many known security holes. Speeds are also likely to be much slower than paid services, as there are fewer servers available and more users connected to each one. 4chan also has technology that can detect VPN IPs, usually from smaller providers. There’s always a hidden cost when it comes to free VPNs. It’s not worth risking your privacy, so make sure you choose a secure service with a proven track record. Get ExpressVPN risk-free now!
Remember – You’re Not Really Anonymous on 4chan!
The whole point of 4chan is to express yourself anonymously and freely — but if someone gains access to your data, then you’re no longer anonymous. If you don’t want to risk compromising your privacy, you need a good VPN to be truly protected. My top VPN recommendations all have money-back guarantees available, so you can try out each VPN risk-free and see which one suits you best. Still not sure which VPN to choose? I recommend ExpressVPN for its top-of-the-range security features and huge number of servers. Stay safe on 4chan with ExpressVPN!