You can open many blocked sites without a VPN by using Tor Browser, switching to encrypted DNS, or going through a web proxy. Each one beats a different kind of block, so start with the simplest.
1. Turn on encrypted DNS
Lots of Wi-Fi and ISP blocks work by tampering with DNS, the lookup that turns a domain into an IP address. DNS over HTTPS (DoH) wraps those lookups in normal HTTPS traffic so the network can't see or spoof them. In your browser settings, look for "Secure DNS" or "DNS over HTTPS" and pick a provider like Cloudflare. It fixes a surprising number of hotel and school blocks. It won't help if the site's IP address itself is blocked.
2. Use Tor Browser
Tor bounces your traffic through three volunteer-run relays, which defeats IP, DNS and many protocol blocks. If Tor itself is blocked, its Connection Assist feature suggests a bridge based on your location, according to the EFF's censorship guide. Expect slow speeds.
3. Try a web proxy
A proxy site loads the page for you. It's fine for reading a news article, but most free proxies don't encrypt properly, inject ads, and can see everything you type. Never log in to anything through one.
Skip these
- Google's cache. Google removed cached page links in early 2024, so old "open the cached version" advice no longer works.
A word on the rules
Tor and proxies are treated as circumvention tools just like VPNs. In China, the UAE, Russia and Iran, using them can break local law, and the network operator can see that you're connecting to Tor. If you need ongoing, encrypted access while traveling somewhere with lighter rules, a VPN such as NordVPN is usually faster and simpler.