KSA is also a highly-censored country. You can’t reliably use VoIP apps (like Skype, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger) there because they’re restricted or banned. Similarly, Saudis abroad might find some local sites inaccessible. Only the best VPNs can protect your sensitive data and online privacy. My team and I tested 70+ services, shortlisting only secure and fast VPNs for Saudi Arabia that work there reliably. The selected VPNs also have global servers, so you can easily access geoblocked content. ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for Saudi Arabia. It offers robust security features, including military-grade encryption, to protect you from online snoops. A vast server network lets you bypass geo-restrictions and stream global content from anywhere. You can even test ExpressVPN for Saudi Arabia risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Get the Best VPN for Saudi Arabia Now Important: You may encounter restrictions on using VPNs in Saudi Arabia. The team at vpnMentor doesn’t condone any illegal activities like using a VPN to access banned sites. Please inform yourself of the latest laws and regulations regarding VPN use in Saudi Arabia, so you don’t accidentally break any rules. Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free Today
The Best VPNs for Saudi Arabia — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)
All my recommended VPNs provide solid online protection and fast global servers for watching your favorite shows buffer-free. They also offer easy-to-install apps, permit multiple simultaneous connections, and have responsive customer support. You can test any of the VPNs without risk since they all have money-back guarantees. If you’re not impressed, you can easily get a refund.
1. ExpressVPN — High-End Protection Against Cyber Threats in and Outside the KSA
ExpressVPN provides excellent online safety using the same military-grade encryption as the NSA to protect your sensitive information. This encryption scrambles your data, making it unreadable to hackers. Perfect Forward Secrecy with SHA-512 HMAC authentication adds a layer of protection by frequently changing encryption keys to secure your browsing sessions. The VPN also has robust security protocols, like a proprietary Lightway (very fast and secure) and OpenVPN (industry standard for safety). Obfuscation tech disguises your VPN traffic from detection by firewalls (when the protocol is set to automatic). The VPN also runs a private DNS service, so websites can’t see your personal DNS requests. My actual location wasn’t revealed when I tested ExpressVPN for IPv6/DNS/WebRTC leaks. Plus, a Network Lock (kill switch) blocks internet access if your VPN connection accidentally drops to prevent IP exposure. I didn’t experience any connection failure during my tests, though. Headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN lies outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances — countries sharing data of internet users. For this reason, the company doesn’t share your information with foreign agencies. TrustedServer tech (RAM-only servers) also deletes data each time the VPN reboots. The VPN follows a strict zero-logs policy too, so your sensitive data isn’t stored — like browser searches and locations. You can even purchase the VPN with Bitcoin for an extra layer of privacy. Extensive server coverage in 94 countries lets you easily bypass geoblocks and access your streaming subscriptions, including HBO Max, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. While in Saudi Arabia, I watched 30 Rock on my Netflix US account and also unblocked my Sky Sports subscription. Using the nearby servers in Algeria or Egypt, you can also watch KSA content (like MBC1) abroad. There are ample nearby servers in many other Middle Eastern countries, Asia Pacific, and Europe too. Thanks to the lightning-fast speeds, I watched 4K content without buffering. The VPN doesn’t cap bandwidth, so you can stream as much as you want. While testing multiple US and UK servers, my average download speed clocked 53.4 Mbps (UHD streaming only requires 25 Mbps). My base speed is around 58 Mbps, so this isn’t a significant drop. The speeds are perfect for other high-bandwidth activities too — like torrenting and gaming. Subscriptions are a bit pricey — the lowest starts at $6.67/month. However, ExpressVPN regularly offers generous discounts and giveaways. I got 49% off and 3 extra months for free when I subscribed to the 12-month plan. A trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee supports this service. You can get a refund without any hassle if you change your mind after subscribing. I contacted support through a live chat (after using the VPN for a few weeks), and my PayPal wallet was reimbursed within a day. Try ExpressVPN Today
2. CyberGhost — Vast Server Network for Unblocking International and Saudi Arabian Content Easily
CyberGhost unblocks content without hassle, thanks to a server network spanning 90 countries. Streaming-optimized servers also give you a better streaming experience on major platforms, like Netflix US and Disney+. While testing CyberGhost in KSA, I didn’t have problems accessing my ESPN+ account. I also watched The Orville on my Hulu account trouble-free. There are also 14 servers in Riyadh that offer you a Saudi Arabian IP address for watching channels like SBC and Al Arabiya from overseas. I got an average download speed of 45 Mbps while connected to the US and UK servers. This allowed me to stream UHD content smoothly and even play Fortnite online without lag. P2P-optimized servers are also available for reliable torrenting. All the servers have unlimited bandwidth, so you can torrent without limits. The automatic WiFi protection feature launches the VPN on every public hotspot detected. I safely logged in to my Al Rajhi Bank app while connected to an unsecured WiFi network. CyberGhost’s protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard (which is fast and secure) also provide safe traffic tunneling. Plus, AES 256-bit encryption and a kill switch provide robust protection against online threats. You can browse in peace thanks to an ad/tracking/malware blocker, which also warns you about malicious sites (when enabled). CyberGhost is based in Romania — outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances — which isn’t subject to data retention laws. There’s also a strict zero-logs policy, so your data can’t be shared with third parties like marketers. IP/DNS leak protection prevented my actual IP from exposure too. The monthly plan is quite expensive and has only a 14-day money-back guarantee. However, the long-term plans are super-affordable, starting from just $2.11/month. They also provide an extended refund period. I recommend the 3-year plan to get the best value for money. The VPN allows privacy-friendly payment methods like Bitcoin, too. You can try CyberGhost for free thanks to a 45-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is straightforward. I sent a request by email, and the money appeared on my credit card after 3 days. Try CyberGhost Today
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — High-Speed Connections for Bufferless Streaming of Saudi and International Content
Private Internet Access has great speeds for buffer-free, high-quality streaming. It doesn’t limit bandwidth either. UHD videos loaded smoothly when I streamed The Borgias on my Netflix US account. While in Saudi Arabia, I tested a couple of PIA’s US servers and got speeds averaging 41.1 Mbps. The KSA servers I tested also reached 43 Mbps (only a 25% drop). Port forwarding also helps to boost download speeds for torrenting, too. A default 128-bit encryption offers fast speeds and good security, but you can switch to 256-bit encryption if you prioritize safety over everything else. Like CyberGhost, PIA offers an ad/tracker/malware blocker (MACE), so you can browse Saudi Gazette without pop-ups. There are also advanced protocols (including OpenVPN and WireGuard), a kill switch, and DNS leak protection to prevent exposure of your data. Plus, the VPN doesn’t collect or share your information because it follows a strict no-logs policy. New VPN users may find the apps’ advanced options confusing. However, you can use it immediately without tweaking any settings as all apps come pre-configured. They’re even available in Arabic. You can also ask questions and get help via 24/7 live chat if you ever get stuck. I also quickly found a step-by-step guide (on the site’s knowledgebase) explaining how to set up PIA on the Android TV. You can subscribe to PIA for just $2.03/month. Longer subscriptions are the most pocket-friendly — my preferred plan is the 2-year bundle. You can also purchase it using cryptocurrency payments. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee covering the service, too. I easily got a refund when I submitted a support ticket. The money appeared in my bank account 4 days later. Try Private Internet Access Today
4. IPVanish — User-Friendly Apps for Easy Connections in Saudi Arabia and Beyond
IPVanish offers easy-to-use apps for every major operating system, including Windows and Android. After installing the app, you can immediately launch servers in any location from the Quick Connect home screen. The Best Available City feature also selects the fastest server in your chosen location. During my tests, I contacted IPVanish’s 24/7 live chat support and was promptly assisted in configuring my router. Scramble VPN helps to disguise your traffic from detection by firewalls. The VPN privately runs its server network and has a no-logs policy, too, so third parties can’t get hold of your information. Robust security features also include AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and security protocols (like a mobile-friendly IKEv2 and OpenVPN). I wasn’t bothered by geoblocks when I tested the service with my streaming accounts, thanks to the server network across 75 countries. The UK servers quickly unblocked Killing Eve on my BBC iPlayer account, and I also watched shows on my Disney+. The servers in nearby countries (like the UAE and Turkey) can give you access to KSA content such as MBC1 and Al Arabiya too. My average speed of 39 Mbps allowed me to stream without buffering. The VPN also permits P2P file sharing on all its servers with unlimited bandwidth. For an extra fee, you can also use the SugarSync cloud backup service to store your large downloads. The VPN doesn’t support privacy-friendly payment methods like cryptocurrency. However, other popular ways to purchase a subscription (like credit cards and PayPal) are accepted. IPVanish plans start from $2.49/month. The yearly option is highly economical compared to the monthly subscriptions. A 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try IPVanish for free. Getting a refund is easy — I clicked the “I wish to cancel my subscription” button on my account dashboard. 5 days later, the money returned to my PayPal account. Try IPVanish Today
5. PrivateVPN — P2P-Enabled Servers for Reliable Torrenting in KSA and Abroad
PrivateVPN offers great features for torrenting. All the servers are P2P-friendly and don’t restrict bandwidth. Plus, SOCKS5 proxy and port forwarding boost your download speeds. It took me less than 7 minutes to download a 1.5GB file while testing PrivateVPN. The consistent speeds, reaching 35 Mbps on the UK servers, let me stream HD videos smoothly as well. I used the split tunneling feature to choose which apps use the VPN and which my regular traffic. AES 256-bit encryption (with perfect forward secrecy) protects your torrenting activities alongside secure protocols — like OpenVPN. Your online activities aren’t logged either because of a strict no-logs policy. DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leak protection and an automatic kill switch also help to keep your personal data safe. Plus, PrivateVPN supports Bitcoin payments. The VPN’s server network is relatively small. However, you can still bypass global geoblocks with plenty of global servers. I successfully streamed shows like Doom Patrol on my HBO Max account. Servers in nearby countries (such as the UAE) also give you access to Saudi sites like SBC. Similar to IPVanish, PrivateVPN has a Stealth VPN mode that obfuscates your traffic to easily get around the toughest geoblocks. You can get PrivateVPN for just $2/month. I recommend the 3-year plan, which saves you a lot in the long run. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is straightforward if the service isn’t right for you. I sent a chat message to customer support, and my request was processed within an hour. The refund showed on my credit card after a week. Try PrivateVPN Today
Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Saudi Arabia
My recommended VPNs for Saudi Arabia passed the below testing criteria. However, you can use this checklist as a guide if you want to carry out your own tests:
Strong security and privacy features — Pick a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy to protect your privacy in Saudi Arabia. Global (and local) servers — Worldwide servers (including KSA or nearby countries) let you bypass geo-restrictions and access international and local content from anywhere, like Hulu or SBC. Fast speeds — Choose a VPN that doesn’t slow your connection too much; any speed reduction over 50% isn’t good. Easy-to-use apps — Most apps (including major platforms like Android and iOS) should be user-friendly and come with reliable customer support. Trustworthy money-back guarantee — This policy allows you to try the service and easily get refunded if you change your mind.
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Is it legal to use a VPN for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, VPNs are legal in most parts of the world as long as you use them for legitimate purposes. You can use a premium VPN with strong security features to protect your online privacy while browsing in Saudi Arabia and abroad. However, keep in mind that VPNs are restricted or banned in certain countries (such as China, Russia, and Belarus). Saudi Arabia may occasionally block access to certain services, too. As such, knowing the laws about using VPNs in your location is important to avoid accidentally getting in trouble.
Which VPN is best for unblocking WhatsApp calling in Saudi Arabia?
All the VPNs on the shortlist can help with WhatsApp calls, and other VoIP communications in Saudi Arabia. Make sure you pick a reliable VPN for secure calls on Skype, FaceTime, Telegram, and other VoIP apps. The global servers and super-fast speeds help you access the content you need without any problems. You should bear in mind that there may be restrictions in place on using encrypted communications platforms like Whatsapp, and you should check this beforehand. We at vpnMentor don’t condone using a VPN for any activity that goes against the rules.
Which VPNs for Saudi Arabia should I avoid?
It’s better to avoid some free and untrustworthy services for Saudi Arabia. For a proven alternative, these reliable VPNs are ideal for maintaining your privacy. Here’s a list of some VPNs to avoid:
CrossVPN Hola OKVPN Archie VPN Tuxler VPN BetternetVPN
Why do I need a VPN for Saudi Arabia?
A VPN safeguards you from cyber threats in Saudi Arabia, including theft of personal data. To protect your online activity from hackers and snoops, just connect to a premium VPN with advanced security features. Make sure the service you choose has AES 256-bit encryption and a zero-logs policy. You can also access the content you need with a reliable VPN, for example, your international subscriptions (like Netflix US and BBC iPlayer). If you’re a Saudi abroad, a VPN also helps you unblock local sites like SBC.
Can I use a free VPN for Saudi Arabia?
You can use a free VPN for Saudi Arabia, but it’s risky. Most free VPNs don’t provide advanced safety and have limited features. It’s a much safer alternative to use a premium VPN with a trustworthy money-back guarantee. Most free VPNs deliberately restrict server access and essential features like security and speed to make you upgrade to their paid plans. Some may collect data about your online activities and sell it to third parties for a profit. Certain free VPNs can even install malicious software on your device, including trackers. Try ExpressVPN for Saudi Arabia Now
The Bottom Line
A reliable VPN gives you high-end protection online, whether in Saudi Arabia or abroad. Thanks to the strong security features, you can safely browse websites or use unsecured public WiFis. Unblocking content is also easy if the VPN has servers in many locations. ExpressVPN is my top choice for Saudi Arabia. It offers excellent security against cyber threats with its military-grade encryption. The VPN also keeps your browsing activity private, thanks to a strict no-logs policy. A widespread server network lets you access global and local content hassle-free too. You can test ExpressVPN for KSA without risk as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To summarize, here are the best VPNs for Saudi Arabia
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VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.
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