With over a billion monthly active users, Facebook Messenger is one of the world’s most popular instant messaging apps. This all-in-one communication app allows users to effortlessly connect with friends, family, and work colleagues through free instant messaging, group chats, voice calls, and video calls. Not only this, you can make the most of Facebook Messenger by using its additional features such as custom stickers, location sharing, themes, reactions, vanish more, and more.
It’s safe to say that when you want to call or message others, Facebook Messenger is one of your best options. Unfortunately though, in some circumstances, you will not be able to access or use this app. For instance, the app can be restricted on certain networks such as work and school networks, blocking you from using it when connected to WiFi. Alternatively, some countries have put restrictions on Facebook Messenger or have even outright banned the app, making it impossible to use.
If you are someone who is affected by these issues, or you just want to stay protected when connected to the internet, then you need a VPN. A VPN can bypass both online censorship and network restrictions, so you can freely use Facebook Messenger from anywhere in the world. Not sure which VPN provider to choose? Keep reading to find out the best VPNs for Facebook Messenger in 2022!
The best VPNs for Facebook Messenger quick guide
- NordVPN – Best overall choice
- ProtonVPN – Top-notch security
- Surfshark – Most affordable
Try out NordVPN* for Facebook Messenger now!
Why you need a VPN for Facebook Messenger
There are a few key reasons why you should use a VPN for Facebook Messenger. Firstly, VPNs can significantly increase your online privacy when using instant messaging or social media apps. Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook, have had several security issues, leading to Facebook Messenger private messages being intercepted and user activity spied on.
When connected to a VPN, your traffic is secured in an encrypted tunnel that is impossible for hackers to intercept. This can prevent cybercriminals from spying on your online activity and stealing sensitive information, so you can use Facebook Messenger whilst still protecting your privacy.
Another key reason for using a VPN for Facebook Messenger is to avoid network restrictions. Most employers and educational institutions block instant messaging apps such as Messenger as it is typically viewed as a distraction. When connected to the network that has blocked the app, you will not be able to access it at all on your device. Since a VPN hides your IP address, you’ll appear to be located elsewhere so you can bypass any network restrictions and use Messenger even if your local network administrator has blocked it.
Finally, using a VPN can help you to circumvent online censorship, even in highly restrictive countries. Facebook Messenger, among other common websites and apps, is blocked or regulated in certain countries due to political, ethical, or religious reasons. Countries that either has restrictions, regulations, or have even outright banned Facebook Messenger include China, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan.
If you live in one of these countries or are planning to travel there, and you still want to access and use Facebook Messenger, you’ll need to spoof your location with a VPN. When using a VPN, you can connect to any of its available servers that are based all around the world. All you need to do is connect to a VPN server that’s located in a country where Facebook Messenger is not restricted or banned. You’ll then temporarily obtain an IP address of that country, so you can freely access and use Facebook Messenger from anywhere.
Overall, using a VPN is a terrific and easy way to bypass both network restrictions and online censorship. No matter where you are, you can use Facebook Messenger (and other restricted apps) without any limitations. All you need to do is choose a VPN, install the app/client on whichever devices you want to use Messenger from, then connect to a server that’s based in an area where the app isn’t restricted. It’s as simple as that!
Our top recommended VPNs for Facebook Messenger in 2022
The best VPNs for Facebook Messenger will have a large network of servers, a user-friendly interface, and robust security. With top-notch security features such as obfuscated servers and a kill switch on top of military-grade encryption, a VPN can allow you to access Facebook Messenger even in countries where the app is restricted. Additionally, to maintain your online privacy, you’ll want a VPN that has a strict no-logs policy. If you want to learn more about what to expect from a VPN then have a read of our in-depth guide of useful VPN features!
With this in mind, we’ve handpicked three VPNs that we believe are most suited for dodging network restrictions and bypassing censorship, making them the best choices for Facebook’s instant messaging app, Messenger. So, let’s check out our top recommended VPNs for Facebook Messenger in 2022 –
- NordVPN
NordVPN is a high-quality and dependable VPN that can be considered a jack-of-all-trades. This provider offers a combination of blazing-fast speeds, a no-logs policy, and robust security packed in an intuitive app that makes it simple to spoof your location and unblock Facebook Messenger from anywhere.
Since there are over 5400 servers in 60 countries, it’s safe to say that you’ll have no trouble finding a suitable server to bypass any network restrictions and online censorship. NordVPN’s servers perform incredibly well and can ensure super-fast and consistent speeds, so you can participate in crystal-clear video and voice calls through Messenger. Additionally, NordVPN uses obfuscated servers which are specialised servers that hide your VPN usage from everyone, including your ISP (Internet Service Provider). These servers are also used to bypass VPN-blocking firewalls, so you can use NordVPN in even the most restrictive and censored countries.
This VPN doesn’t only offer users exceptional performance, but it also provides users with fantastic security measures. Your traffic will be secured with AES 256-bit encryption, a military-grade encryption standard that is used by cybersecurity experts as it would take billions of years to crack. Alongside this, NordVPN includes various security features including dedicated IP, a kill switch, a built-in ad blocker, double VPN protection, and private DNS.
NordVPN is available on all major operating systems including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. You can protect and safely use Facebook Messenger on up to 6 devices simultaneously with a single NordVPN account and since there are no bandwidth caps, you can enjoy as many high-quality voice and video calls as you want!
Try out NordVPN* for Facebook Messenger for free for 30 days with their money-back guarantee!
- ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is an open-source VPN that is packed with features and provides outstanding connection speeds for all of its users. This VPN is one of the most secure options thanks to its Secure Core Architecture, making it the best VPN for those who want to maintain their privacy and stay protected when using apps such as Facebook messenger.
Even with a slightly small network of 1600 servers, ProtonVPN manages to span over 63 countries, so regardless of where you are, you’re likely to have a VPN server near your location. This VPN has a strict no-logs policy and only uses the most secure VPN protocols – WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN.
As with our other top recommended VPNs, ProtonVPN encrypts user traffic with industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption. Additionally, ProtonVPN uses Secure Core Architecture to defend against network attacks by routing all user traffic through multiple servers rather than just one. Other security features provided by this VPN include a kill switch, DNS leak prevention, and a built-in ad-blocker.
ProtonVPN is supported by all major operating systems including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux as well as routers and some smart TVs. This VPN generously allows up to 10 simultaneous connections without any bandwidth caps, so you can use all the features on Facebook Messenger from anywhere in the world and on all of your favourite devices!
Try out ProtonVPN* for Facebook Messenger for free for 30 days with their money-back guarantee!
- Surfshark
Surfshark is a feature-rich and affordable VPN that is definitely your best bang for your buck when it comes to protecting your privacy and spoofing your location. With a ton of lightning-fast servers and an easy-to-use app, Surfshark is ideal for users who are new to the VPN world.
There are over 3200 servers based in 65 countries, all of which are 100% RAM only and provide some highly competitive connection speeds. Surfshark’s entire server network supports the world’s most trusted VPN protocols – OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. Plus, don’t worry about your privacy, as this VPN has a strict no-logs policy that has been audited.
Aside from secure VPN protocols, Surfshark also uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and pairs it with additional security features such as private DNS with leak protection, a kill switch, and a built-in ad-blocker. Additionally, there is a camouflage mode that disguises the fact that you’re using a VPN from your ISP, as well as a NoBorders mode which allows you to use the VPN in restrictive countries without any issues.
The Surfshark app can be downloaded on any major OS including Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux in addition to most consoles and smart TVs. Surfshark users can enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections and unlimited bandwidth, so you can connect every single one of your devices to text and call your contacts through Facebook Messenger!
Try out Surfshark* for Facebook Messenger for free for 30 days with their money-back guarantee!