Best VPN for Saudi Arabia (KSA) in November 2023

In Saudi Arabia, where online freedom is heavily restricted, finding the best VPN for Saudi Arabia becomes crucial. Notably, Saudi Arabia boasts the highest VPN usage, reaching an adoption rate of 11.02%. The country’s strict control over internet access blocks essential sites and popular communication apps like Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime.

This poses a challenge for accessing preferred content and poses significant risks for bloggers and dissenting voices, facing severe penalties for expressing their views online. Moreover, Freedom House labels Saudi Arabia as ‘not free,’ highlighting the government’s persistent efforts to suppress online expression and limit content accessibility.

Our comprehensive research and testing unveil VPN solutions that rise above these challenges, empowering users to navigate the web securely and communicate without barriers in the restricted Saudi Arabia digital landscape. These VPNs will also get you a Suadia Arabian IP Address, allowing users to access local channels whenever they are abroad.

It’s worth noting that not all VPNs are equipped to handle the unique challenges of Saudi Arabia. This article will shed light on the ones that do. For those seeking a quick overview, here’s our curated list of recommended Saudia Arabia VPNs:

Why Do You Need a VPN for Saudi Arabia?

Here, we explore the specific reasons why a VPN is essential in Saudi Arabia. We’ll discuss the country’s internet censorship, and surveillance practices, and how a VPN can help in bypassing these restrictions while ensuring your online privacy and security.

Here is a brief overview of the situation in KSA and why:

1. Censorship and Internet Freedom: The Internet is tightly regulated by authorities, and any activity, message, or post on social media critical of the Crown Prince is considered a criminal penalty. Even VoIP services like Skype and FaceTime are still strictly monitored in the country. Therefore, tourists have no choice but to resort to using VPNs if they want access to normal web apps and deal with other online restrictions.
2. Accessing Geo-restricted Websites: Many streaming platforms only work within the US or have only censored versions of a limited amount of shows. This is true for services like Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more. You can gain access to these services using one of the VPNs mentioned above.
3. Stay safe over public Wi-Fi: VPN services can protect you from being targeted by a hacker while using public Wi-Fi because it makes your data encrypted and invisible to other users on the same network.
4. Blogging anonymously in KSA: Censorship of free speech remains a significant hurdle for bloggers, activists, journalists, as well as the common man in Saudi Arabia. Similarly, many journalists in the past have been arrested for voicing their opinions if they disagreed with the views of those in power. Using a VPN, you can hide your identity from ISPs and evade government surveillance.

Quick Comparison Table: Best VPN for Saudi Arabia in 2023

This comparison table will give you a snapshot of the best VPNs, highlighting their key features like server availability in the Middle East, streaming capabilities, average speed, and value for money. This quick reference guide is designed to help you make an informed decision.

VPNs
Ranking for Saudi Arabia	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th
Worldwide Servers	3000+ servers, including nearby servers	3200+ servers, including Saudi Arabia	5500+ servers, including nearby servers	35000+ servers, including servers in Saudi Arabia	700+ servers, including servers in Saudi Arabia	servers, including nearby servers
Streaming Platform	Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Hulu Disney+, Viu, and Amazon Prime.	YouTube, Netflix US, Apple TV+, Viu, Sling TV, and Hulu	Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, YouTube TV, Netflix, Crackle	Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, YouTube TV, Netflix, Viu	Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, YouTube TV, Netflix	Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, YouTube TV, Netflix
Device Supported	Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, Kodi, Roku, firestick, PS4&5, Xbox, and more	iOS, Android, Windows, Xbox, Roku, routers, etc	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Firestick, Roku, PS, etc	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Firestick, Roku, Kodi, routers, etc	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Roku, etc
Average Speed (Base: 100 Mbps)	89.42 Mbps	81.32 Mbps	83.82 Mbps	65.78 Mbps	81 Mbps	72.38 Mbps
Popular sites unblocked	95%	90%	89%	69%	78%	70%
Simultaneous Device Connections	5	Unlimited	6	Unlimited	10	Unlimited
Activity logs	Keeps no logs	Keeps no logs	Keeps no logs	Keeps no logs	Keeps no logs	Keeps no logs
Current Deal	$6.67/mo (Black Friday Deal: Grab 3 Free Months + 49% OFF 12-Month Plan)	$1.99/mo (Get 86% + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan)	$3.99/mo (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan)	$2.11/mo	$5.00/mo	$2.00/mo

6 Best VPNs For Saudi Arabia (2023 In-Depth Analysis)

We provide an in-depth analysis of each recommended VPN, covering their security features, server networks, streaming capabilities, and privacy policies. This detailed review will help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of each VPN, allowing you to understand which VPN works in Saudi Arabia exceptionally well. The following 6 VPNs proved to be the best VPNs for Saudi Arabia, with ExpressVPN being our top recommendation:

1. ExpressVPN – The Best VPN for Saudi Arabia

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Saudi Arabia. Renowned for its robust server network and exceptional streaming speed, ExpressVPN enables seamless access to a plethora of geo-restricted streaming platforms, ensuring an unrestricted internet experience.

ExpressVPN server list includes 3000+ servers in 105 countries, providing users with a wide range of options to bypass geo-restrictions. Although it doesn’t have servers directly in Saudi Arabia, its nearby servers in Egypt and Israel are highly efficient for this purpose. This makes the ExpressVPN Saudi Arabia combo pretty great.

ExpressVPN’s nearby servers in Egypt and Israel are highly efficient.

Security is a paramount concern, and ExpressVPN excels in this area with AES 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. These features ensure that your online activities are shielded from prying eyes, be it government surveillance or potential cyber threats.

It also offers multiple security features like an OpenVPN protocol, split tunneling, and a MediaStreamer feature. We tested this VPN’s DNS leak protection feature for IP leaks by connecting to a US server, and it didn’t leak our IP address. The ExpressVPN Threat Manager feature helps you block trackers and avoid malware from unwanted apps.

ExpressVPN steps to activate the Threat Manager feature on iPhone.

The service is exceptional for a wide range of tasks, from WhatsApp calls in Saudi Arabia to streaming to torrenting. Since many TV shows and movies on Netflix are geo-restricted in Saudi Arabia, you can use ExpressVPN to gain complete access to Netflix’s library of content.

So if you want to know, does ExpressVPN work in Saudi Arabia? Yes, ExpressVPN secures its top spot among Saudi Arabia VPNs and overall services due to its robust security suite, exceptional speeds, and remarkable ability to unlock geo-restricted apps and sites.

In fact, it’s the best VPN for streaming, allowing us to unblock popular platforms like BBC iPlayer, YouTube TV, Hulu, NBC, CraveTV, and more without any issues.

With the help of its strong unblocking ability, we were able to access different libraries of Netflix with ExpressVPN You can also unblock social media platforms within seconds and enjoy VoIP calls with the VPN in Saudi Arabia.

We could unblock hidden US Netflix titles in Saudi Arabia using ExpressVPN.

This VPN for Saudi Arabia offers super-fast speeds on all its worldwide servers. Per our ExpressVPN speed test, we received an average download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

ExpressVPN speed results were outstanding while streaming.

ExpressVPN offers 5 simultaneous connections along with compatible and lightweight apps for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Kodi, Roku, routers, and more.

ExpressVPN’s pricing is competitive, especially considering the range of features it offers. ExpressVPN cost starts at $6.67/mo (Black Friday Deal: Grab 3 Free Months + 49% OFF 12-Month Plan) which is a reasonable investment for the level of privacy and access it provides.

You can use ExpressVPN free trial as an alternative to the best free VPN for Android in Saudi Arabia for 7 days using its Android app, meanwhile, demand a full refund within 30 days of subscription if you are not satisfied with the service.

Discover a comprehensive overview of the services provided by ExpressVPN Review in our guide, exploring its full spectrum of features and capabilities.

2. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN for Saudi Arabia

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN for Saudi Arabia, particularly for its exceptional balance of affordability and performance. This VPN service is known for its robust server network and impressive streaming capabilities, making it a top choice for users seeking both efficiency and value.

Surfshark’s server list consists of 3200+ servers in 100 countries., offering ample options for bypassing geo-restrictions. While it doesn’t host servers in Saudi Arabia, its nearby servers are optimized for speed and reliability, ensuring smooth access to popular streaming platforms.

It offers virtually located servers in Saudi Arabia. You can also utilize overseas servers to evade geo-restrictions and grant access to censored content in Saudi Arabia.

Security is a key aspect of Surfshark’s offering. It provides AES 256-bit encryption, a strict no-logs policy, a kill switch, and private DNS on each server. These features ensure that your online activities remain private and secure from any external threats or surveillance.

On top of this, the service offers great features like CleanWeb, WhiteLister, and MultiHop to enhance your online privacy. We put this VPN’s DNS leak protection feature to the test by connecting to a Thailand server, and it did not disappoint us.

Surfshark offers Camouflage Mode, a feature that conceals your VPN usage to make it extremely difficult for anyone monitoring your online activities to detect it. This privacy-enhancing mode is automatically enabled when you use the OpenVPN protocol.

Camouflage mode automatically runs when you connect to its servers using OpenVPN (UDP or TCP) protocol.

You can instantly access and enjoy streaming services like Hulu, Amazon Prime, CraveTV, NBC, YouTube TV, etc., in Saudi Arabia through using Surfshark. We had no issues streaming Netflix with Surfshark, either. Using a Saudi IP address, you can see how we unblocked Saudi Amazon Prime:

Surfshark was easily able to unblock Amazon Prime for us in Saudi Arabia.

While this VPN doesn’t offer the speeds that ExpressVPN does, it offers speeds that are good enough to enjoy geo-restricted services without any lags. On our Surfshark speed test, we received a download speed of 81.32 Mbps and an upload speed of 76.12 Mbps on our 100 Mbps internet connection.

Surfshark provided excellent speeds for streaming in HD.

The best thing about this VPN for Saudi Arabia is that it offers unlimited simultaneous connections to users. Along with being a compatible Arabian VPN for PC/Windows, it offers apps for Android, iOS, Roku, Kodi, macOS, and more. It is also the best VPN for Chrome Saudi Arabia with an easy-to-use extension.

Surfshark pricing is one of its most attractive features, offering great value for its services. The plans start at $1.99/mo (Get 86% + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan), with a 30-day money-back guarantee making it an affordable option for users in Saudi Arabia without breaking the bank. You can also opt for this VPN with the Saudi Arabia server free using Surfshark’s free trial by installing its app on your iOS and Mac devices.

Learn more about this service in our Surfshark review.

3. NordVPN – Secure VPN for Saudi Arabia

NordVPN is the secure VPN for Saudi Arabia, offering robust security features and a vast server network. it has exceptional unblocking capabilities with security and privacy features that keep you secure while streaming. and its efficient speed makes it the Best VPN for Saudi Arabia.

NordVPN’s server list consists of 5500+ servers distributed in 60 countries, including nearby servers in the UAE and Israel, NordVPN ensures reliable access to a world of content. While it doesn’t host servers in Saudi Arabia, its offshore servers are adept at circumventing geo-restrictions and censorship prevalent in the region.

The provider is headquartered in Panama, and it is thus highly focused on user privacy, taking advantage of the country’s data protection laws. This makes it appealing for bloggers and online activists in Saudi Arabia who want anonymity and to stay protected from government control.

NordVPN also features technologies like DoubleVPN, CyberSec, Onion over VPN, and kill switch, which can significantly boost your anonymity on the web. NordVPN is one of the best secure VPNs in Saudi Arabia which is really useful if you are a journalist/blogger in Saudi Arabia and want to keep your identity under wraps.

You can find this option under NordVPN specialty servers.

So, If you’re curious, Does NordVPN work in Saudi Arabia? The answer is yes. It stands out as an excellent VPN choice for streaming, successfully unblocking platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime, NBC, and more. Additionally, our successful attempt to stream Netflix with NordVPN demonstrates its reliability.

NordVPN’s huge server network unblocked Netflix US for us in Saudi Arabia within a minute.

Speed-wise, NordVPN doesn’t disappoint. Our NordVPN speed tests showed an average download speed of 83.82 Mbps and an upload speed of 44.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection, ensuring a smooth streaming experience.

NordVPN speeds were excellent for streaming.

NordVPN offers compatibility with all popular devices, including iOS, Android, Roku, Windows, Mac, Kodi, and more, along with 6 simultaneous connections for you to enjoy. This makes it a versatile choice for individuals and families alike.

NordVPN costs just $3.99/mo (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan) along with a 30-day money-back guarantee that comes with all packages. You can also opt for NordVPN’s free trial, available for 7 days on smartphones if you download it through the Google Play Store.

Learn more about this service in our NordVPN review.

4. Private Internet Access – Best VPN for Torrenting

Private Internet Access is the best VPN for torrenting in Saudi Arabia.  This VPN boasts a vast network of over 35000 P2P-optimized servers across 84 countries, including virtual servers in Saudi Arabia. Its extensive global reach ensures users can easily bypass geo-restrictions and access a wide range of content.

PIA is headquartered in the USA, a member of the 5 Eyes alliance, yet it maintains a strict zero-logs policy, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure from ISPs and potential hackers. This commitment to privacy is particularly valuable in a region where internet censorship is prevalent.

PIA offers a suite of robust security features, including an internet kill switch, DNS or WebRTC protection, and split tunneling, safeguarding against accidental data leaks. Additionally, its SOCKS5 Proxy feature allows users to obtain a Saudi Arabian IP address proxy, enhancing the VPN’s versatility.

With PIA, You can easily enjoy this VPN’s extensive server network from Saudi Arabia and unblock Netflix with PIA, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu within Saudi Arabia. The VPN’s ability to bypass geo-restrictions extends to local Saudi channels such as Al Arabiya, Al Akhbariya, and ART, making it a comprehensive solution for both local and international content access.

Through Private Internet Access, we were able to stay up-to-date with the current affairs in the country using Al Riyadh newspaper.

In PIA speed test demonstrated respectable performance, offering an average download speed of 65.78 Mbps and an upload speed of 57.16 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection. These speeds are sufficient for most online activities, including streaming and torrenting.

We received decent speeds on PIA’s US servers.

PIA supports a wide range of devices, including Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, FireStick, and Linux. It allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, making it a versatile choice for individual or family use.

You can get this best VPN in Saudi Arabia at a reasonable cost of $2.11/mo and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for users. You can also opt for PIA’s free trial for Android smartphones which lasts for 7 days.

Get to know more about this VPN through our Private Internet Access review.

5. VyprVPN – Best VPN for Defeating Censorship

VyprVPN is well-known as the Best VPN for Defeating Censorship. Renowned for its ability to overcome stringent internet restrictions, VyprVPN is a preferred choice for users in regions with heavy digital censorship.

With over 700 servers in more than 70 locations worldwide, including servers optimized for the Middle East, VyprVPN ensures reliable and fast connections. This extensive network allows users to bypass geo-restrictions and access global content platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, as well as regional Saudi Arabian channels.

VyprVPN employs SHA256 authentication, 2,048-bit RSA keys without perfect forward secrecy, and 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol. Moreover, it has a kill switch for the internet. Its ChameleonTM protocol will be available in a premium version. OpenVPN metadata is scrambled by this feature so that deep packet inspection cannot decode it.

Because of its outstanding encryption standards, VyprVPN is one of the few VPNs that can get over China’s Great Firewall. A Saudi Arabia VPN online that can get beyond government censorship will be helpful for Saudi Arabian citizens and visitors to the nation. To make sure it really hides our IP and DNS address. We connected its Vypr VPN US server in Saudi Arabia and took an IP leak test. It successfully passed our test.

VyprVPN can easily unblock geo-restricted streaming services of other countries, such as BBC iPlayer, Disney+, US Netflix, and Hulu. So, no matter which channels you want to access outside or inside Saudi Arabia, you can easily unblock Netflix with VyprVPN along with its different libraries and other streaming platforms with ease from anywhere.

We had no issues unblocking Netflix US using VyprVPN’s US servers.

While taking a VyprVPN speed test result, we recorded an average downloading speed of 81 Mbps and an uploading speed of 63.25 Mbps on a connection of 100 Mbps. Users can enjoy an uninterrupted streaming experience, accessing their favorite shows and movies on various platforms.

VyprVPN provides reliable speeds for streaming and browsing.

VyprVPN supports a wide array of devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and routers. It allows up to 5 simultaneous connections, catering to individual and family needs.

VyprVPN costs start from US$5.00/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also opt for a VyprVPN free trial in which you can cancel your VyprVPN subscription within 30 days.

In case your VyprVPN is not working, you can contact its live chat support, which is available 24/7. We found their customer service to be really friendly and effective.

If you’re interested to know more about this VPN provider, you can read our detailed VyprVPN review.

6. PrivateVPN – Best Value for Money Saudi Arabia VPN

PrivateVPN is the best value for money Saudi Arabia VPN. It offers a perfect blend of affordability and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for those who want premium VPN services without breaking the bank.

PrivateVPN’s server list offers 200+ servers in 63+ countries, with no servers in Saudi Arabia but nearby servers in UAE. These offshore servers are what you will be using mostly to allow Saudi Arabians to change their virtual location online.

PrivateVPN ensures zero logging of your data to preclude the Saudi government from keeping track of your online activities. Furthermore, with features like a kill switch, military-grade encryption, and DNS leak protection, you can further consolidate your online security/privacy to stay safe from government surveillance in Saudi Arabia.

This benefits users in terms of protecting their identities on the web and enables access to restricted sites, considering the heavy censorship in Saudi Arabia. Using PrivateVPN’s global servers, Saudi Arabians can easily unblock and access Netflix with PrivateVPN, Hulu, Amazon Prime, NBC, and more within the country.

We were able to stream many shows on Netflix in HD.

Since it’s one of the fastest VPNs in Saudi Arabia, it doesn’t fail to offer super-fast speeds. PrivateVPN speed test offered an average download speed of 72.38 Mbps and an upload speed of 67.36 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection. While residing in Saudi Arabia, we tested PrivateVPN’s worldwide servers:

PrivateVPN speeds on its servers.

PrivateVPN offers 10 multi-logins and compatibility with all popular devices like Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Kodi, Roku, and more.

PrivateVPN is competitively priced, offering great value for its features. This VPN comes at the cost of $2.00/mo , along with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also opt for PrivateVPN’s free trial available for Android smartphones, valid for 7 days.

Learn more about this service in our PrivateVPN review.

Testing Methodology: How We Tested the Best VPN for Saudi Arabia in Nov 2023

In this section, we explain our criteria and methodology for selecting and testing these VPNs. We focus on factors such as server availability in Saudi Arabia, security features, speed, ease of use, and the number of simultaneous connections to ensure you get the most reliable and efficient VPN service.

• Global server network (servers in Saudi Arabia)

VPNs should offer thousands of servers so users can connect to any server they choose and access anything they like. All the best VPN Saudi Arabia listed above offer a vast range of servers all over the world. The servers they offer are not just the best in number but also in speed.

• Average speeds:

All the VPNs we’ve tested provide fast-speed internet connectivity even if you reside in Saudi Arabia. You can access websites from across the globe and won’t face any issues while streaming or browsing as long as you use the VPNs we’ve recommended.

• Privacy and Security

These two factors are the major concerns of all VPN users. Protecting themselves over the internet is the primary motive of all VPN users. All the VPNs we listed above offer multiple security features like split tunneling, kill switch, AES 256-bit encryption, and DNS leak protection to keep Saudi Arabian users safe over the internet.

• Reliable unblocking abilities

The best VPN in Saudi Arabia listed above can easily unblock streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video in Saudi Arabia. Some of these VPNs also offer servers within Saudi Arabia which is a plus for all outsiders wanting to stream local Saudi channels.

• Compatibility with most devices

We further checked whether these VPNs are compatible with all major devices or not. You can use all the VPNs above on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Fire Stick, Smart TVs, Kodi, Roku, PS4, and more.

• Torrenting

We wanted the VPNs we list to be torrent-friendly so users in Saudi Arabia can enjoy this service. The VPNs we listed as the best for Saudi Arabia offer P2P-optimized servers along with port forwarding and Socks5 support for successful torrenting within the country.

• Money-back guarantee

To gain users’ trust, a reliable VPN service offers a money-back guarantee. All the VPNs mentioned in this blog offer a 30-day cash-back policy with all of its features to try first and if not satisfied, get their refund easily.

• Great customer service

The VPNs mentioned here offer live chat customer service to deal with customers’ queries effectively and efficiently.

Can I Use a Free VPN for Saudi Arabia?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for Saudi Arabia to access restricted content, secure your browsing, and protect your online privacy. A reliable free VPN for Saudi Arabia offer basic services like hiding your IP, encrypting data, and accessing geo-blocked sites or streaming platforms, making them suitable for occasional users. Their user-friendly interfaces cater to those new to VPNs.

However, free VPNs have drawbacks worth considering. They often limit server locations and offer slower speeds than paid versions. Data caps and bandwidth restrictions can affect your access to content and browsing quality. Additionally, some may collect user data and have weaker security measures, posing privacy risks. It’s crucial to weigh these limitations against your needs before opting for a free VPN.

VPNs You Should Avoid in Saudi Arabia

This part of the article highlights certain VPNs that are not recommended for use in Saudi Arabia due to issues like poor security, lack of servers in the region, or other limitations. We aim to inform readers about these less effective options to help them avoid potential pitfalls.

1. HolaVPN:

While this VPN attracted users by offering them the best services, it used their data without their consent. Yes, it’s true. This Israel-based VPN collected user bandwidth and used it in illegal activities, like the promotion of pornography and copyrighted content, attacks, and so on. With a reputation like this, we do not recommend this VPN to be used in Saudi Arabia or any other country at all.

Learn more about this VPN in our HolaVPN review.

2. HideMyAss:

This is one of those services that shouldn’t be used if you’re concerned about your privacy and security. This VPN always claimed to offer a no-logs policy to users, but in a piece of evidence handed over to the court, it was clear that HMA keeps meta logs instead that include users’ actual IP addresses. We all know we wouldn’t want that at all and should definitely avoid this VPN in KSA.

You can read more about this VPN through our HideMyAss review.

FAQs – Best VPN for Saudi Arabia

We answer the most frequently asked questions about using VPNs in Saudi Arabia. This section includes queries about the legality of VPNs, streaming services, checking IP addresses, and more, providing comprehensive answers to common user concerns.

Wrapping Up – Best VPN for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s online media is not free at all. Most of the popular social media and VoIP services are completely restricted with strict regulations on the internet activities of the residents within the country.

While bypassing geo-restrictions in countries like such is risky, VPNs have actually made this extremely easy for all of us. Ensuring our privacy, security, and anonymity while accessing geo-restricted sites in Saudi Arabia is only possible with the right VPN. Choose the best VPN for Saudi Arabia covered in this guide to freely access the web in KSA.

Moreover, to bypass regional restrictions, individuals in Saudi Arabia often use a Saudi Arabia IP address proxy to access geo-blocked content or services. However, we advise you to not use any proxy services instead use Saudi Arabia VPN online from the provider’s official site.

ExpressVPN is our top pick to use in Saudi Arabia. This VPN is an all-rounder that works great for streaming, unblocking websites, torrenting, and staying secure over the internet.