5 Best VPNs for T-Mobile in 2023 — Android, iPhone & More
T-Mobile is one of the largest wireless carriers in the US with millions of subscribers. That’s why T-Mobile networks are popular targets of various cyber attacks. This puts your personal information in danger while using phone services and home internet.
Besides, the operator is known for throttling users’ data speeds. So you can’t always stream videos and play online games due to constant lag and buffering.
My team and I tested 45+ VPNs to find the best ones for T-Mobile devices. All VPNs on my list come with strong online security tools that protect your traffic from snoops. Moreover, they provide fast speeds and access to a global server network to browse your favorite websites without delays.
ExpressVPN is my top choice for T-Mobile. It offers impressive security and privacy features to safeguard your smart devices. The VPN also has excellent speeds and an extensive server network to unblock your streaming platforms anywhere without interruptions. You can try ExpressVPN with T-Mobile risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for T-Mobile in 2023
- ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN for T-Mobile that delivers robust security and fast speeds for secure, uninterrupted browsing. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without risk.
- CyberGhost — Exceptional speeds on all connected devices despite T-Mobile's throttling practices.
- Private Internet Access — Extensive server network to access your favorite websites using a T-Mobile home internet, but it’s not the most user-friendly.
- NordVPN — Intuitive apps to quickly find the best server to use with T-Mobile; although connecting to servers can sometimes take a while.
- Surfshark — Unlimited simultaneous connections to cover all your T-Mobile devices, but based in the Netherlands (which isn’t privacy-friendly).
Best VPNs for T-Mobile — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — Robust Security Features to Safely Browse the Web on Your T-Mobile Devices
ExpressVPN safeguards your personal information with military-grade encryption, making it incredibly hard for T-Mobile to track your online activities. To avert data theft, the VPN has Perfect Forward Secrecy that changes your encryption key every 15 minutes. I didn’t notice any IP/DNS leaks during my ExpressVPN tests. Plus, Network Lock (kill switch) terminates your connection if the VPN tunnel suddenly drops, but it didn’t happen to me.
To prevent T-Mobile data inspections, the service comes with its own Lightway security protocol, which has a good balance of speed and protection. There’s also the option to use more security-focused OpenVPN. The included split tunneling feature lets you specify what app/device should use the VPN connection. As such, I torrented using the VPN traffic and played online games using my standard connection.
Fortunately, the VPN is based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands — outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances. These agreements between several countries aim to collect and share data on their citizens. ExpressVPN also uses TrustedServer tech (RAM-based servers), which erases your online activity on every reboot. Plus, there’s a strict no-logs policy, so third parties can’t obtain your sensitive information.
Connected to T-Mobile but want to access content from home? No problem — you can watch your favorite shows anywhere. I connected to a UK server and easily accessed my ITVX Hub account when on vacation. Likewise, with a US server (24 locations), renewing my Netflix US subscription overseas was a breeze.
All ExpressVPN’s servers are obfuscated — they disguise your encrypted traffic as regular internet activity to bypass even the toughest firewalls. It’s also a helpful tool to prevent T-Mobile’s bandwidth throttling.
Thanks to fast speeds, I had no buffering watching videos in UHD. I tested the US, UK, and Australia servers, which gave me an average download speed of 192Mbps. And thanks to unlimited bandwidth, it’s possible to stream and torrent as much as you want. There were no issues watching La Ultima on my Hulu account in 4K (which requires at least 25Mbps).
You can install the service on various operating systems. There are official apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and some router models. ExpressVPN is also compatible with browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. If your device doesn’t support native VPN apps, the MediaStreamer (SmartDNS) lets you bypass geoblocks on gaming consoles and Smart TVs. Just copy and paste the provided DNS address into your network settings and save it.
If you run into any issues, there’s 24/7 live chat support and an extensive knowledge base to help you with the setup. You can also connect up to 5 devices simultaneously.
One downfall is that the VPN has expensive plans, starting at $6.67/month. But, ExpressVPN frequently runs generous deals and promotions. I saved 49% and earned 3 additional months of service for free by subscribing to the 12-month plan. So this long-term subscription is the most pocket-friendly in the long run. Payment methods include cryptocurrency, Apple Pay, and Klarna.
Getting a refund is simple if ExpressVPN doesn’t suit you, as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I reached customer support via live chat and provided brief feedback about my experience with the VPN. The refund was quickly approved, and my PayPal account was reimbursed just 2 days later.
Tips on Choosing the Best VPNs for T-Mobile
All VPNs on my list work on a wide range of devices, including mobile ones. Plus, they all provide strong security and privacy features to prevent T-Mobile data inspections. They also have global server networks and fast speeds. I used the following criteria when testing VPNs:
- Strong privacy and security — AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, and a reliable no-logs policy make it hard for T-Mobile to inspect your traffic. Among other essential security features are IP/DNS leak protection and tunneling protocols (like WireGuard).
- Device compatibility — Your T-Mobile VPN should support a wide range of operating systems, including mobile and desktop ones like iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.
Fast speeds — High connection speeds (above 25Mbps) let you game, stream, and torrent without interruptions. You can compare the speeds of some VPNs using the speed test tool.
- Global server network — The more servers your VPN has, the less likely you’ll encounter slowdowns due to network overload. If you’re using T-Mobile in the US but have streaming subscriptions back home, you can also access them with the right servers (like BBC iPlayer in the UK).
- Reliable customer support — Get a VPN that comes with live chat support and an extensive knowledge base.
- Trustworthy money-back guarantee — You should be able to test your VPN with your T-Mobile device before purchasing a subscription. Look for services that offer a money-back guarantee that actually pays out.
T-Mobile Blocking VPN Traffic – Possible Solutions
T-Mobile typically doesn’t block VPN traffic no matter if you use a SIM card for your phone or a Home internet plan for other devices. You can also use a VPN for T-Mobile Enterprise (business plans). However, sometimes T-Mobile may deem VPN traffic as suspicious and restrict it. If you notice T-Mobile is blocking your VPN traffic, try doing the following:
- Connect to a different server. Sometimes a VPN IP address gets blacklisted by T-Mobile. Connecting to another server usually solves the issue.
- Change your communications protocol. If you’re using a PC, just change a protocol from IPv6 to IPv4. If you’re on your mobile, you can switch your IP in the APN (Access Point Name) settings.
- Reboot your device. Due to how mobile networks operate, you may need to reboot your device for network settings to come into effect.
If none of these solutions works out, contact your VPN provider and ask for help. Also, keep in mind that T-Mobile is using double-NAT (IPv6 protocol), which can cause interference with many VPN apps.
FAQs on Best VPNs for T-Mobile
Does T-Mobile allow VPNs?
Yes, T-Mobile allows VPNs. As long as you’re using the tool for legitimate purposes, you shouldn’t have any problems. To avoid data inspections and bandwidth throttling, you need a reliable and fast service. This way, you get powerful online security features and access to a global network.
T-Mobile doesn’t have its own VPN, and there’s no mention on its website regarding VPN use either (besides T-Mobile FamilyMode, which uses a local VPN). However, the operator offers an MPLS VPN service — it’s not a VPN per se, but rather a business solution to secure communication platforms.
Why do I need a VPN for T-Mobile?
T-Mobile VPNs protect your sensitive information from data breaches. They encrypt your traffic so the network operator can’t track your online activity. To keep your private data safe (for example, while torrenting), download a reliable VPN with robust security features.
Another important reason to use a VPN for T-Mobile is to prevent bandwidth throttling imposed by your ISP. The company can implement network management practices, such as caching less data, prioritizing data usage, and video optimization.
Besides, a premium VPN lets you access your favorite streaming platforms (like BBC iPlayer and Disney+) while on vacation and provides fast speeds for lag-free gaming. You can also change your IP to get better deals on video games, online subscriptions, and flights.
Why is my VPN not working with T-Mobile on my iPhone?
You can try several troubleshooting tricks if your VPN is not working with T-Mobile on your iPhone. But before you do anything, make sure to use a VPN that's proven to work with your mobile device. If you're still having issues, try these solutions:- Update your VPN software. Check whether you’re using the latest version of the app.
- Connect to a different server. There’s a chance your VPN IP address didn’t apply to your device network settings. Connecting to a server again usually fixes the error.
- Get help from customer support. Detail your issue to the support team so they can recommend a solution for your iOS device.
Does T-Mobile allow torrenting?
Yes, you can torrent with a T-Mobile plan using a VPN. As long as you don’t download copyrighted material, VPN is a good solution for safe torrenting. After all, VPNs are designed to protect your privacy. Most P2P networks reveal your IP address, but a VPN masks your sensitive information.
Also, bear in mind that T-Mobile will throttle your speeds if they detect that you use large amounts of network capacity. A VPN masks your online activities, which can help avoid bandwidth throttling when torrenting.
Is it possible to use T-Mobile FamilyMode with a VPN?
Yes, but there’s a catch. Each time you open a VPN app on your T-Mobile device, FamilyMode will be suspended until you close the VPN app. This is because FamilyMode creates its own VPN network that all other devices connect to (similar to T-Mobile’s MPLS VPN feature). The easiest way to bypass this limitation is to get a VPN with router support. This way, you can connect all your devices to a protected network without losing FamilyMode functionality..
Can I bypass T-Mobile bandwidth throttling?
It depends on the type of throttling. Most ISPs throttle connection speeds when high bandwidth activities are detected. This is done to reduce network strain and provide an equal level of service. The easiest way to get past this type of throttling is to get a VPN with strong online security features. This way, T-Mobile can’t inspect your online traffic, letting you enjoy maximum bandwidth.
Keep in mind that a VPN can’t bypass data limitations or exceed the top speed offered by your contract. However, using a VPN helps to avoid discrimination against particular types of internet traffic — like UHD streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
Can I use T-Mobile’s hotspot with a VPN?
Yes, you can use a T-Mobile hotspot with a VPN, but there’s a catch. For starters, make sure you get a fast VPN to avoid severe speed reductions. Then, establish an SSL-based VPN connection (otherwise, it won’t work) and enable hotspot sharing. In case you can’t create a hotspot, try changing your connection from 5G to LTE or even 3G.
It’s usually easier to set up a T-Mobile hotspot through a VPN on an iPhone as most Android OS don’t allow T-Mobile VPN tethering through default settings.
Can I install T-Mobile VPN on a router?
Yes, T-Mobile supports VPN installation on routers. To enable this feature, you need to download a reliable VPN and follow these steps:
- Access your router dashboard. Type 192.168.1.1 into your browser’s address bar and enter the router admin’s password.
- Go to advanced settings. Then create an OpenVPN server and configure it using data provided by your VPN vendor.
- Save your settings. This may prompt your router to reboot.
- Test your VPN connection. Perform a DNS/IP or location leak test on any router-connected device.
- Enjoy safe browsing. Connect all your favorite devices to your T-Mobile VPN router.
Can I use a free VPN with T-Mobile?
Yes, but you’d be risking your online privacy. By using a free VPN, you miss out on vital security features, making it a poor choice for mobile users. Most free services also have slow speeds and limited bandwidth that only get worse with T-Mobile’s own restrictions. Instead, get a low-cost premium VPN that offers a trustworthy money-back guarantee. Free VPN IPs are usually blacklisted, so they can’t bypass geoblocks either.
Some free services have also been known to sell your personal information for a profit. Even worse, they have been caught embedding malware into their apps. Plus, free VPNs constantly force you to upgrade to a paid plan.
Premium VPNs provide reliable security for your T-Mobile devices. They also come with fast speeds and ample global servers to access the content you need without delays. Plus, these services offer feature-rich apps for popular operating systems.
My top pick for T-Mobile is ExpressVPN. It has robust security and privacy features to protect your T-mobile devices from various cyber threats. Besides, the VPN has impressive speeds and an extensive server network to access your favorite content anywhere. It’s also backed by a [VD: MBG]-day money-back guarantee, so you can test ExpressVPN for T-Mobile risk-free.
