Whether you’re chatting with friends, coordinating gaming strategies, or participating in online communities, Discord is the go-to platform for seamless communication. However, if you’re like me, you’ve probably encountered issues when trying to use VPNs for Discord—especially if you’ve been struggling on Norton VPN like me. Let’s explore five fantastic alternatives that can keep your conversations secure and uninterrupted.
Why Use a VPN with Discord?
Before we jump into the details, let’s quickly cover why you might want to use a VPN with Discord. Discord is a fantastic platform for voice, video, and text communication, but it’s not immune to privacy concerns. VPNs for Discord can help protect your IP address, keep your data secure, and bypass network restrictions if Discord is blocked in your region. However, not all VPNs play nicely with Discord, and that’s where the trouble begins.
My Experience with Norton VPN on Discord
My personal experience with using Norton VPN on Discord was far from smooth sailing. When my dad shared his Norton 360 subscription with me, I was excited to discover that it included a VPN feature. I thought, “Great, I can enhance my online security and keep my data safe while chatting on Discord.” However, things didn’t go as planned.
The moment I activated Norton VPN and tried to connect to Discord, I was greeted with the dreaded “no route” error. My connection to Discord’s voice servers was completely blocked, making it impossible to join voice channels. After a bit of digging and frustration, it became clear that Norton VPN just doesn’t play nicely with Discord. No amount of server switching or settings tweaks seemed to fix the issue. Eventually, I had to face the reality that if I wanted to keep using Discord without constant disruptions, I needed to look for a different VPN solution. This experience highlighted the importance of choosing a VPN that actually works well with the platforms you use daily, rather than just going with what’s included in your antivirus package.
Top 5 Alternative VPNs for Discord
If you’ve experienced similar issues, don’t worry—there are plenty of VPNs out there that work much better with Discord. Here are my top five picks:
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a powerhouse when it comes to speed and reliability. With servers in over 90 countries, it ensures that your connection to Discord is fast and stable. I’ve found that ExpressVPN consistently delivers low latency, which is crucial for clear voice communication. It also has top-notch security features, including AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, so you can chat without worrying about your privacy being compromised.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is another popular choice for Discord users. Known for its robust security features, including Double VPN and CyberSec (which blocks ads and malware), NordVPN also offers excellent performance. I’ve used NordVPN during long Discord sessions with a discounted price, and the connection remained stable without any noticeable lag. Plus, with its vast server network, you can easily find a server that works best for your location.
3. Surfshark
If you’re looking for budget-friendly VPNs for Discord without sacrificing performance, Surfshark is a great alternative. Despite its lower price, Surfshark offers impressive speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal if you use multiple devices. I’ve had a smooth experience using Surfshark with Discord, and its CleanWeb feature, which blocks ads and trackers, is a nice bonus.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is perfect for those who want a user-friendly VPN that’s easy to set up and use. It offers dedicated servers for streaming and gaming, which can be a game-changer for Discord users. My experience with CyberGhost has been positive, with stable connections and low latency during voice chats. It’s also one of the most affordable options out there, especially if you’re signing up for a longer-term plan.
5. Bear VPN
Finally, Bear VPN is a solid choice for Discord users known for its simplicity and adorable bear-themed interface. While it doesn’t have as many advanced features as some of the others, it offers reliable connections and decent speeds. I’ve found Bear VPN to be particularly useful when traveling, as it’s easy to use and works well even on restricted networks on iOS devices.
Choosing the Right VPN for Discord
When picking a VPN for Discord, it’s essential to consider factors like speed, server locations, and security features. Each of the VPNs mentioned above excels in these areas, making them excellent alternatives to Norton VPN. Whether you’re looking for top-tier performance with ExpressVPN, affordability with Surfshark, or effectivity with Bear, there’s something for everyone.
Final Thoughts
While Norton VPN might work well for other online activities, it falls short when it comes to VPNs for Discord. The frequent disconnections and high latency can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you rely on Discord for communication. Thankfully, there are plenty of better alternatives out there that offer more reliable and smoother experiences.
So, if you’re ready to make the switch, give one of these VPNs a try and see how much your Discord experience improves. Happy chatting, and may your voice calls be crystal clear!