As the world’s largest music streaming provider with well over 350 million subscribers, Spotify needs little introduction. Even with a free subscription, you can access a seemingly unlimited supply of songs and podcasts. However, there’s a caveat. Spotify’s free plan includes ads (and there can be a lot of them!). While it’s difficult to fully block ads without becoming a paid subscriber, there are ways you can limit them, one of which is with a VPN.

So what is a VPN and how can you use one to block Spotify ads? A VPN encrypts your device’s data and changes your IP address. So by connecting to a server in back home, it looks as if you’re streaming Spotify from that location.

You may have noticed when you travel abroad the Spotify ads change, in some countries, they are longer or even more irritating! You can use a VPN to access your home country’s Spotify and continue enjoying Spotify with fewer ads.

How to block ads on Spotify with a VPN

It’s actually quite simple to use a VPN to block or, at the very least, limit the number of ads you hear on Spotify. Indeed, the process shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes.

Here’s how to block ads on Spotify:

  • The first step is to sign up with a reputable VPN provider. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
  • Download and install the VPN app that’s compatible with the device via which you stream Spotify. All of the VPNs listed allow at least five simultaneous connections.
  • Log in to the VPN app and connect to a server in another country. This changes your IP address and convinces Spotify that you’re streaming from another location.
  • Open Spotify and select your preferred playlist. Depending on the country of the VPN server to which you’re connected, you may now hear fewer ads.
  • Still hearing too many ads? Try one of the other methods listed further down in this post.

Not all VPNs work well with Spotify. With this in mind, here’s our list of those which best block Spotify ads:

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • NordVPN: Best VPN for blocking ads on Spotify. 5,000+ servers and fast speeds for music streaming. Works with Netflix. No-logs VPN with P2P servers and 24/7 support.
  • Surfshark: Best value VPN. Fastest speeds for streaming Spotify ad-free. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Double VPN servers for extra security and a no-logs policy.
  • ExpressVPN: Servers in 94 countries for changing your Spotify version and limiting ads. High-speed servers and unlimited bandwidth. Excellent 24/7 live chat and email support.
  • CyberGhost: Over 7,000 servers in 90 countries. Limit the ads you hear on Spotify. Also works with Netflix US. Can be used on up to seven devices at once. No-logs policy.
  • IPVanish: Block Spotify ads on as many devices as you like simultaneously. Good, unthrottled speeds and a high level of security with a zero-logs policy and encryption.
  • PrivateVPN: Fast speeds and servers in 60+ countries. Works well with Spotify, Netflix, and more. Beginner-friendly apps, 24/7 support, and option to pay in Bitcoin.
  • Hotspot Shield: Servers in 80 countries worldwide. Stream Spotify buffer-free and without ads. Doesn’t keep identifying logs and offers automatic wi-fi protection.

Some VPNs are better than others, whether it comes to server speed for streaming or simply the level of security provided. Here are some of the most important features we look for in VPNs we use with Spotify:

  • Compatible with Spotify (i.e. lets you change country version)
  • High-speed connections for non-stop music streaming
  • Uses encryption so your connection is secured
  • No-logs policy ensuring the protection of your privacy
  • Multiple simultaneous connections for streaming on all of your devices
  • Risk-free money-back guarantee of at least 30 days

Best VPNs for blocking ads on Spotify

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is particularly easy to use even for beginners, and includes 24/7 support via live chat and email. You’ll have the option of various specialty servers such as those optimized for P2P or even Double VPN which encrypt your data twice. As an added bonus, a subscription includes access to NordVPN’s password manager. Security-wise, you can browse and stream anonymously thanks to 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, kill switch, and strict no-logs policy.

BEST VPN FOR BLOCKING SPOTIFY ADS:NordVPN is our top pick. Works well with Spotify and offers fast speeds for buffer-free streaming of Spotify. Specialty servers including P2P and Double VPN. No-logs service with 24/7 support. You can try NordVPN risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

Cons:

  • Victim of a data breach in 2018

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Unlike most VPNs, Surfshark allows you to secure all of your devices simultaneously (ideal if multiple people in your household want to block ads on Spotify at the same time). There’s no shortage of security features either with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. Surfshark operates a no-logs policy, while Windows and Android users have the added benefit of Surfshark One, a security suite that includes an antivirus.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark can be used to block Spotify ads on an unlimited number of devices at once. Works with Netflix, Disney+, and more. Fastest speeds for music streaming. Double VPN server for extra security. No-logs VPN with 24-hour support. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fastest VPN on this list — perfect for uninterrupted music streaming

  • Servers in a growing number of countries (65)

  • Works well with streaming services including Disney+ and Netflix

  • Now offers Surfshark One — a security suite for Windows/Android

  • Can be used on an unlimited number of devices at once

  • Switching servers is occasionally slow

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN has the advantage of having 3,000+ servers in some 94 countries—more countries than any other VPN on this list. As such, you can try many different locations in the search for fewer (or at least less annoying) Spotify ads. Another particularly impressive thing about ExpressVPN is that it offers high-speed, unthrottled servers. As such, you won’t face any interruptions whether streaming Spotify or watching Netflix or HBO.

Aside from offering user-friendly apps, ExpressVPN includes live chat and email support (available 24 hours a day). It routes your internet traffic through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel while there’s also a kill switch and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. While some VPNs are tricky to use with routers, ExpressVPN makes it easy with an auto-update feature and interactive setup guide, letting you protect any number of devices.

HIGHLY RELIABLE:ExpressVPN consistently works with Spotify for receiving fewer ads. Fast connections and unlimited bandwidth for streaming Netflix. Excellent apps combined with live chat and email support, 24/7. Doesn’t keep identifying logs. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Provides servers in 94 countries for blocking/changing Spotify ads

  • Very fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth

  • Comprehensive security includes use of high-end encryption

  • Excellent customer support available 24 hours a day

  • Doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified

  • One of the more expensive VPNs on the market

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has more servers than any other VPN in this post with over 7,000 in total. These servers cover as many as 90 countries including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan. Needless to say, this means you can connect to almost any country version of Spotify for fewer or simply different ads. This VPN won’t throttle your bandwidth so aside from music streaming, you can stream or torrent as much as you like.

You can use CyberGhost to stream Spotify ad-free on up to seven devices simultaneously. Once connected, data is secured with 256-bit AES encryption. You can also expect a kill switch and protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks. If you’re on Windows, you’ll be able to stream Spotify with even better protection thanks to CyberGhost’s security suite which includes an antivirus. This no-logs VPN now offers a password manager (currently in beta testing).

SERVERS IN 90 COUNTRIES:CyberGhost has more than 7,000 servers across 90 countries for blocking or restricting Spotify ads. Use it on up to seven devices at once. Unlimited bandwidth, a no-logs policy, and security suite with antivirus.Comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Huge network of servers — over 7,000 in 90 countries

  • High-speed connections combined with no bandwidth throttling

  • Can be used on up to seven device at the same time

  • Browse anonymously thanks to encryption and a no-logs policy

  • Contact support via live chat and email, 24/7

  • Unable to bypass VPN restrictions in China

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish stands out from most VPNs in that it allows unlimited simultaneous connections —ideal if multiple family members wish to block ads on Spotify at the same time. Speeds are more than fast enough for consistent streaming (and even faster following this VPN’s introduction of the WireGuard protocol). Furthermore, IPVanish also helps you securely access Netflix US. Overall, you’ll find it has approximately 1,900 servers across dozens of countries.

You can securely stream Spotify thanks to the 256-bit AES encryption used by IPVanish. There are other important security features that keep you safe online such as DNS leak protection and a kill switch that cuts your connection should the VPN drop, preventing unwanted data exposure. This VPN service includes 24-hour live chat and email support and operates a zero-logs policy, As such, you can be sure that your privacy is always protected.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish lets you stream Spotify without ads on all of your devices at the same time. Good speeds for music streaming without interruption. Securely access Netflix US. Service uses encryption and includes 24/7 support. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Share with family — unlimited simultaneous connections

  • Good, consistent connections for streaming Spotify

  • Security includes encryption and a zero-logs policy

  • 24/7 support via live chat and email

  • Headquartered in a Five Eyes country (USA)

  • No anonymous payment options such as Bitcoin

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN works well with Spotify, allowing you to change countries and listen to fewer or different ads. While its network is only made up of approximately 200 servers, these can be found in over 60 countries globally. As such, it’s well worth connecting to different locations and comparing the number of Spotify ads you hear. The fast, unthrottled connections of PrivateVPN are highly suitable for streaming while this VPN lets you access Netflix.

This is arguably one of the easiest VPNs to use, thanks to the streamlined interface of PrivateVPN’s desktop and mobile apps. Live chat and email support is available to help (email response times are far quicker than most VPNs we’ve tested), as is free remote help and installation. As for security, you can expect 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. This is a no-logs service that even lets you pay anonymously in Bitcoin.

  • Works well with Spotify — block or limit the ads you hear

  • Very fast server speeds as well as unlimited bandwidth

  • Beginner-friendly apps for desktop and mobile platforms

  • Privacy protection with a no-logs policy and option to pay in Bitcoin

  • Smaller network of just 200 servers

  • Live chat support isn’t available 24/7

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

                    Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

With Hotspot Shield, you can stream Spotify with maximum security thanks to features including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. What’s particularly impressive is that paid plans even include access to a password manager and spam call blocker. Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users, allowing you to browse and stream with your identity very much intact.

  • Some past privacy concerns
  • Doesn’t accept payment in Bitcoin

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

How we found the best VPNs for blocking Spotify ads: our methodology

We understand just how frustrating ads can be. You’re listening to your favorite playlist only for it to be interrupted by the same, annoying advertisement you’ve heard a hundred times before. Naturally, we had this and a few other factors in mind when looking for the best VPNs for blocking spotify ads:

  • Spotify-compatible: Not every VPN works well with Spotify, so it was therefore essential that any VPN selected is compatible with the music streaming service. It’s difficult to fully block Spotify ads but the VPNs we’ve chosen should allow you to limit the number of ads you hear or, at the very least, change them to another language
  • Speed: It’s great if you can block ads on Spotify but this is little good if VPN server speeds are too slow for music streaming. The fastest VPNs provide unlimited bandwidth so you can stream as much as you like without having to suffer interruptions due to buffering.
  • Unblocking: While a VPN may work with Spotify, you may find it struggles with other websites and services such as BBC iPlayer or Skype. The good news is that we’ve tested many different VPNs and found those that most reliably bypass content restrictions, be they due to copyright or censorship
  • Security: While a VPN is supposed to improve your online security, some actually fail to do so. First off, there should be high-end encryption, securing your data from cybercriminals. Expect to find DNS leak protection and a kill switch too. Our security tests have found VPNs that offer all of these key features
  • Privacy: You should be able to stream Spotify and browse the web anonymously. Unfortunately, some VPNs make money by logging and selling your browsing data. Logs may also be shared with authorities upon request. We’ve studied over 140 VPN logging policies and identified those that protect your privacy
  • Ease of use: Some VPN apps are much easier to use than others. The VPNs we’ve included in this post certainly fall into the category of being user-friendly with apps for desktop, mobile, and more. In fact, they all even include live chat and email support as well as various setup and self-help guides
  • Value for money: Ideally, a VPN will offer multiple subscription options. Typically, the longer the plan, the more you can save. The best VPNs for blocking ads on Spotify also offer money-back guarantees so you can try them risk-free. Be sure to use our VPN discount coupons to get your VPN for an even better price

For every VPN we review, we follow our VPN testing methodology. This sees us test the VPN in every area including speed and security in order to better determine the best VPNs for a particular use case.

What are some other ways I can block ads on Spotify?

Ad blocker

One of the most popular ways to block ads on Spotify is to use an ad blocker. However, it should be noted that most ad blockers don’t work with Spotify. Those that do tend to require you to have some technical knowledge in order to properly configure them. Furthermore, while ad blockers are perfectly legal, you do run the risk of having your Spotify account suspended or terminated for breaching the service’s user guidelines.

Spotify Premium

Of course, while using a VPN or an ad blocker may block Spotify ads or at least limit them, the quickest and easiest way to block ads on Spotify is with a Spotify Premium account. This costs $9.99 (GBP £7.46) a month while a one-month free trial is available for new users. Spotify Premium offers a number of benefits including the option to download music, skip as many songs as you like, and enjoy non-stop streaming with no ad interruptions.

Can I use a free VPN to block ads on Spotify?

While you can try to use a free VPN to block ads on Spotify, we don’t recommend it. Most free VPNs have very few server locations. This limits your options if you want to connect to another country and potentially hear ads less often. Furthermore, the slow speeds of free VPNs makes them a poor choice for music streaming. You’ll likely encounter frequent interruptions not only from ads but performance-related issues such as buffering.

Aside from the various problems you’ll encounter with regards to performance, free VPNs also struggle when it comes to security. Without your knowledge, data may not be properly encrypted resulting in the exposure of your identity. It’s important to consider that a free VPN will make money by, rather ironically, spamming you with ads. Some even log your browsing data and sell it to third parties. For true online anonymity, stick with a reputable paid VPN.

VPNs and ad blockers are legal in the vast majority of countries. If you have one activated and it happens to block Spotify ads, that’s not illegal. However, according to Spotify’s user guidelines, “circumventing or blocking advertisements or creating or distributing tools designed to block advertisements” is not permitted and may result in the termination of suspension of your account. Fortunately, we’ve found little evidence of this happening, particularly in the case of VPNs (which an increasing number of people use).